A Collection of Awards for Burma Operations during the Second World War

A rare Second War Burma Gallantry Medal group of five awarded to Subadar Sare Hpung, Northen Kachin Levies, who lead his Company in ambushing Japanese columns on eight separate occasions, killing at least 32 enemy soldiers, and capturing 24 prisoners, between May - August 1944

Burma Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (70400 Subadar Sare Hpung. N. Kachin Levies) test mark to edge before naming; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, edge bruise to first, generally very fine (5) £3400-3800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards for Burma Operations during the Second World War.

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Only 207 Burma Gallantry Medals, and three Bars, were awarded during the period of its existence, from 1940-47.

B.G.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945:

‘During the period 16 May to 15 August 1944 this Officer has been responsible for organising or personally commanding platoons of his Company who have ambushed Jap columns on eight separate occasions.

On the 10th, 12th, and 16th July 44 respectively his men killed a total of 30 Japs. On 20th July 44 his command took 2 Jap prisoners. On the 9th August he again ambushed a party of Japs, killing 2 and wounding others. On the 11th August he was responsible for the capture of 2 Japs and 20 Jap women all attempting to make their way south from Myitkyina.

This Officer has off and on commanded his Company and has always set a very high standard by personal example of courage and devotion to duty.’

Sare Hpung was a Kachin from the village of Kaunghta, in the district of Myitkyina. He originally served during the Second War with the Burma Rifles in Myitkyina, before transferring to the Northern Kachin Levies in the Fort Hertz Area for service with the 14th Army. He died in Myitkyina in 1967.

Sold with photographic image of the recipient, and a typed letter from his daughter, signed, and dated 27 November 2006.