Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (2) (3239 Hav. Jang Singh, Patiala S.F.; 227 Jemr. Sampuran Singh, 1 Patiala Infy. S.F.) very fine or better and rare (2) £100-120

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the collection of Angela and the late Douglas Bertram.

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Jem. Sampooran Singh, posthumous winner of the Republic Of India's second highest gallantry award, the Mahavir Chakra (MVC), an award made in his case for gallantry at the battle of Zoji La pass at an altitude of over 15,000 feet during the Jammu Kashmir War of 1947-48:

After four hours lull and having reorganized themselves, the Pakistanis launched a fresh attack on the post. Simultaneously, concentrated gunfire was directed on the main Gumri position to knock out Patiala Mortars and also to prevent reinforcements from reaching the post. Against this overwhelming assault the forward outpost appeared to be in imminent danger of being over run. Under Jem. Sampooran Singh's leadership the forward outpost hit back foiling another determined attempt to capture the post. Sepoy Hazira Singh the No 1 on the LMG engaged the enemy with such accuracy that the attack stalled at 200 yards. The enemy then tried an outflanking move on the left. Hazira Singh ran quickly to the other side and continued firing till he was ki