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

An ‘Immediate’ Second War Burma operations M.M. group of six awarded to Lance Havildar Dilbahadur Rana, 3/1st King George V’s Own Gurkha Rifles, for leading his section in a ‘kukrie and a bayonet charge in which he himself killed three Japs...his section swept through the enemy leaving no fewer than 22 of their number dead’, at Sinbugon, 6 March 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (10284 L Hvldr Dilbahadur Rana 1 GR) officially impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (10284 L/Hav Dilbahadur Rana MM 1 GR.) mounted for wear, campaign awards all official later issues, good very fine (6) £600-800

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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M.M. London Gazette 2 August 1945:

‘Action at Sinbugon on 6th March 1945, for very gallant services in action. Lance Havildar Dilbahadur Rana and the section he was leading in the attack came under fire from close range from a large number of enemy, he immediately formed his section up and lead a kukrie and bayonet charge in which he himself killed three Japs. Lance Havildar Dilbahadur Rana reformed his section and stormed a second enemy position.

His personal example of determination to close with and cut down all opposition offered him, was such that his section swept through the enemy leaving no fewer than 22 of their number dead on the field. He was at all times throughout the action an inspiration to the men under his command.’

Dilbahadur Rana was a Hindu Gurkha from the village of Kamerapani, in the Gaerhung District of Nepal.

Sold with Second War Campaign Medals enclosure slip, and official correspondence from the Army Medal Office and the Gurkha Museum relating to the late issue of the recipient’s campaign medals, dated between November 1987 and 28 March 1988.