Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War I.D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Subadar-Major Khan Mir, O.B.I., I.D.S.M., 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs) 12th Frontier Force Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Jemdr. Khan Mir, 3-12 F.F.R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Waziristan 1921-24 (2411 Sep. Khan Mir, 3-12 F.F.R.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-39 (Jemdr. Khan Mir, 3-12 F.F.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Indian Service Medal, mounted as worn, toned, good very fine (8) £1,500-£2,000

O.B.I. 1st Class 1 January 1947.

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 16 April 1942.
The recommendation, dated 9 May 1941, states: ‘Throughout the operations at AMBA ALAGI, from the 1st May 1941, until their successful conclusion, Subadar Khan Mir was 2nd in command of his company. On the 1st May, after the successful capture of COMMANDO HILL, Subadar Khan Mir showed great gallantry and devotion to duty, in helping to organise the defence of Commando Hill, under heavy enemy mortar and shell fire, and thereafter, for the six days that the company was in occupation of Commando Hill, he did invaluable work organising supplies and ammunition; his fine example to the men under very difficult conditions was most inspiring. During the rear-guard action at FALAGA PASS on the morning 4 May 41 his leadership and disregard for his personal safety were of a high order, and contributed materially to the success of the action.
Again, after the capture of TONGUE, on 9 May 41 Subadar Khan Mir went forward with the forward elements for exploitation, and again came under very heavy mortar and pack-gun fire. He held on to his positions throughout encouraging the men, until the enemy withdrew in the afternoon.
This officer has shown a magnificent spirit throughout the operations, and has been an example to all. He also conducted himself with outstanding gallantry and efficiency throughout the actions at CHEREN and AD TECLESAN.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 12 January 1944.

Khan Mir, a Pathan from Mianwali, was born during the early 1900s in modern day Pakistan and on 17 May 1918 enlisted into the 53rd Sikhs Frontier Force, part of the British-Indian Army. He rose steadily through the ranks during the inter-war period in the renamed 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs) 12th Frontier Force Regimen, serving during the 1920s in Waziristan and again between 1936-37 during the widespread tribal disturbances sparked by the Faqir of Ipi. On 3 August 1937 Khan Mir was promoted Jemadar and on 18 March 1941 was made a Subadar. 

Subadar Khan Mir went overseas with the 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs) 12th Frontier Force Regiment, part of 9th Indian Infantry Brigade in 5th Indian Division, following the outbreak of the Second World War. This formation initially serving in East Africa during fierce fighting against the Italian Army. On 9 May Lieutenant-Colonel W. E. Dean successfully recommended him for an Indian Distinguished Service Medal for his distinguished conduct during the advance on the Italian stronghold in the mountains at Amba Alagi.

Following 5th Indian Division’s transfer to North Africa, Subadar Khan Mir served in the Western Desert, escaping capture when his battalion was destroyed at El Adem on 15 June 1942, and was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in the Middle East. Following its reformation the new 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs), Frontier Force Regiment, served in Italy as part of 4th Indian Division.

Subadar Khan Mir was appointed to the Order of British India 1st Class on 1 January 1947.

Sold with original photograph of the recipient, an invitation to an Ex-Serviceman’s Rally in November 1962, and original case and neck cravat for O.B.I. 1st Class.