Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Eight: Corporal Narbahadur Gurung, 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles, who served as Bugler at the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (21132151 Cpl. Narbahadur Gurung. 2 G.R.); Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Indian Independence Medal 1947 (21132151 Rfn. Narbahadur. Gurung. G.R.) mounted as worn, contact marks, nearly very fine (8) £180-£220

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Gurkhas.

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Narabahadur Gurung is recorded as serving with the Gurkha Coronation Contingent at the 1953 Coronation, one of 16 marching men and Buglers of the 1/2nd Rifles led by Captain D. R. Wood and Group Captain Sharati Gurung, M.C. Arriving at Southampton from the Far East per troopship Empire Orwell on 9 April 1953, the Gurkha Coronation Contingent encompassed 155 men, including a 62-strong pipe band, all fitted out with No. 1 dress. Sent to Pirbright for ceremonial training, they proved a popular addition to the 2,600-man Commonwealth and Colonial Parade: the Scotsman of 4 June 1953 was particularly keen to note the delight of Prince (now King) Charles and Princess Anne at the scene of colourful pageantry, most noticeably the green ‘pillbox’ hats with red pom-poms worn by the Gurkha pipers.

Sold with copied paperwork confirming entitlement to the Coronation 1953 Medal.