Awards to the Indian Army from the Collection of AM Shaw

A significant Second World War B.E.M. awarded to Rifleman Bhajbir Gurung, 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles, personal orderly and bodyguard to the G.O.C.-in-Chief, 14th Army, General Sir William Slim (later Field Marshal The Right Honorable The Viscount Slim)

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (5943 Bhajbir Gurung, 5th R.G.R.) nearly extremely fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to the Indian Army from the Collection of AM Shaw.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 17 January 1946.

Recommendation reads: ‘Rifleman Bhajbir Gurung has 181/2 years regular service and served with the 2/5 RGR in Burma. He was with this Bn in the 17 Indian Division in 1942 during the withdrawal from Burma and distinguished himself on two occasions. Rifleman Bhajbir Gurung was specially selected as personal orderly and bodyguard to the GOC-in-C Fourteenth Army and has served with him since May 1942. He has sacrificed promotion in his regiment in order to remain. He was chosen for this appointment by virtue of his great personal courage and loyalty. He has proved worthy of the confidence placed in him by the Commandant of the 2/5 RGR and he has shown unswerving loyalty and devotion to duty. Rfn Bhajbir Gurung has accompanied the Army Commander as orderly and bodyguard through the Burma Campaign, often into the most forward positions under enemy fire. Always cheerful and willing, he has carried out his duties most satisfactorily during the period under review and has shown marked devotion to duty. I recommend he be awarded the B.E.M. for meritorious service in the Field.’

With copied recommendation.