Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma campaign I.D.S.M. awarded to Havildar Arjun Singh, 1-16th Punjab Regiment, for gallantry at Khudei Khunou, near Imphal

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (9414 Hav. Arjun Singh, 1-16th Punjab R.) lacking top suspension brooch, extremely fine £800-£1,000

Provenance: Richard B. Magor Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, July 2003.

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 16 November 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘On 12 May 1944 at Khudei Khunou Havildar Arjun Singh commanded a Platoon. His Company was in support of a Company attacking a strongly held Japanese position. When the leading Company approached within 100 yards the Japanese opened fire with light machine-guns. The leading Company was held up. Under heavy enemy fire Havildar Arjun Singh cooly formed his men up and then led them forward to assault the Japanese position. Under this Havildar’s inspiring leadership his Platoon, undismayed by the check given to the leading Company and by their own losses, charged home driving the Japs out of their positions and helping to secure the key of the Japanese position. The Havildar showed great courage and exceptional powers of leadership.’