Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An exceptional ‘Malaya’ M.M. group of five awarded to Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu, 1st Battalion, 10th (Princess Mary’s Own) Gurkha Rifles, who was awarded an M.M. for gallantry in an action in which he personally accounted for four terrorists, despite suffering from fever and an injured foot

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21140132 A/L/Cpl. Budhiraj Limbu. 10 G.R.); Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, S. E. Asia 1945-46, Malaya (11668 Rfn. Budhiraj Limbu 3/10 G.R.); India Independence 1947 (1140132 Rfn. Budhiraj. Limbu. G.R.) mounted for display, generally nearly very fine or better (5) £2,000-£2,600

M.M. London Gazette 31 May 1955:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1954.’

The original recommendation submitted by Lieutenant Colonel D. D. M. McCready, D.S.O., O.B.E. states:

‘Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu of ‘B’ Company, apart from one period of leave in Nepal has been engaged constantly on Anti-Communist terrorist operations throughout the period covered by this citation. During this time he has consistently maintained an extremely high standard of tenacity, endurance and courage, having taken part in many minor actions against the terrorists. In the later half of 1952 his company was engaged in operations in the Trengganu area of Malaya directed against the terrorist organisation controlled by H.Q. 7th Regiment, Malayan National Liberation Army. By the end of June several small actions had been fought but the main body of the terrorists had not been contacted.

On 29 June Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu, sick with fever and with an injured foot was appointed leader of a party of six sick men, with orders to make his way through the jungle to a clearing held by another platoon of his company, for evacuation by helicopter to base for medical treatment. No fit men could be spared as escort to this party of sick men. Moving slowly and with some difficulty the party had covered half the distance to the clearing when they heard the noise of sticks being cut. Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu realised that they were approaching a terrorist camp. Moving forward with great caution they came in sight of the camp and saw that it was occupied by about 35 armed and uniformed terrorists.

Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu detailed the three weakest soldiers to remain in observation at the point of discovery and worked out his plan. He led the two remaining soldiers in an encircling movement round the camp successfully evading the terrorist sentries. He positioned his two men on the far side of the camp and moved further on where he took up his position alone. The first three soldiers now moved forward into the camp and opened fire on the terrorists. One terrorist was killed immediately, but the others although completely surprised, formed up in an effort to fight back. They were then fired on by Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu’s cut off party and another terrorist was killed. The terrorists now made a determined effort to escape and rushed in a body towards the spot where Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu stood alone.

Although over thirty armed men were moving towards him Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu stood his ground. In a matter of seconds he shot and killed three terrorists. In the thick jungle the terrorists now split up in some confusion and Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu while engaging those he could see to the front, was charged from the rear by one of them. This terrorist discharged both barrels of his shotgun at Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu from behind but unaccountably missed. Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu turned and shot down this man also. By now this spirited action was over; the terrorists intent only on getting away, fled, leaving considerable stocks of rice and clothing.

Although this is the story of a success achieved by six sick but resolute and determined men, there is no doubt that their actions were inspired by the personal leadership and bravery of Rifleman Budhiraj Limbu who come what may, was determined to inflict casualties on his adversaries. A surrendered terrorist later confirmed that the terrorist camp attacked had been occupied by H.Q. 7th Regiment, Malayan National Liberation Army, which had hitherto remained undetected and fully confirmed the successes described above.’

Sold with copy of service papers confirming medal and clasp entitlement.