Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘Burma campaign - Letsegan’ immediate M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal Kuma Mukinga, 5th Battalion, King’s African Rifles, who was twice wounded during an attack on an enemy hill feature in October 1944, and originally recommended for the award of an immediate D.C.M.

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (N.1485 Cpl. Kuma Mukinga K.A. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, minor edge nicks overall, generally very fine (5) £800-£1,000

M.M. London Gazette 22 March 1945.

The original recommendation - for an immediate D.C.M. - states:

‘In the action at Hill 3069, near Tetsegan [Sic], Burma, on 22 October 1944, Corporal Kuma, through the wounding of his Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant, took command of the platoon. Twice wounded himself, he remained in action, leading his platoon with the utmost gallantry. His steadfast leadership and gallant bearing in very trying circumstances, was an inspiration to his men and to all who saw him.’

Kuma Mukinga served during the Second World War with the 5th (Kenya) Battalion, King’s African Rifles, as part of 11th (East African) Division in Burma. The Battalion were mainly employed in a reconnaissance unit role, but distinguished themselves during the capture of Hill 3069, Letsegan, Burma, 22 October 1944. Their attack on the Japanese position was supported by the mortars of 101st (E.A.) Mortar Battery and 6 Hurri-bombers. The action was commemorated and illustrated in Victor magazine, 27 October 1973, under the title of “Pangas Out!”