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

A rare S.E. Asia 1945-46 operations M.M. group of six awarded to Naik Pinnu Khan, Royal Indian Army Service Corps: he personally stalked and shot an Indonesian terrorist

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (917334 Nk. Pinnu Khan), no unit given; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46, unnamed, contact wear, otherwise generally very fine or better (6) £600-800

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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M.M. London Gazette 4 April 1946. The original recommendation states:

‘On the road convoy to Bandeong (ex Batavia) on 9 January 1945, when the convoy was heavily engaged by Indonesians between Buitenzorg and Seokabami, Naik Pinnu Khan was in charge of a block of vehicles. One of his drivers was killed and the vehicle was blocking the road. Under heavy rifle fire and grenades from the Indonesians’ positions overlooking the road, he left his vehicle, entered the halted one and got it started again. When the convoy was later halted to deal with an Indonesian blockade he organized his drivers for local defence of the vehicles against Indonesians who were holding positions right on the road. He personally stalked and shot an Indonesian who was causing much damage with grenades - he still had 20 on him when shot. He encouraged his men by work and example and controlled their fire so efficiently that the Indonesian fire soon slackened. Throughout he showed a complete disregard of danger.’

Pinnu Khan was serving in No. 121 Independent Company, R.I.A.S.C., at the time of the above incident.