Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War Italy operations M.M. awarded to Naik Beli Ram, 1st Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, who ‘always volunteered for any job, and whether under shell fire or not, did it with a smile’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (12901 Nk. Beli Ram, F.F.R.), officially impressed naming, good very fine £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bahadur Collection of Medals to Sikh Regiments.

View
Collection

M.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. has been Motor Transport Naik of H.Q., 17 Indian Infantry Brigade since May 1943 and has taken part in all the operations of the past year in Italy, frequently mcoming under heavy shell and mortar fire. He is cool, energetic, resourceful and imperturbable under fire and has on many occasions set a fine example to other drivers under difficult circumstances.

In particular on the night of 12-13 May 1944, during the crossing of the River Gari, when 17 Indian Infantry Brigade car park area came under heavy shell fire, the drivers took cover, but this N.C.O., regardless of the shells which were falling all around him, drove away three vehicles which were in imminent danger of being hit. His example inspired the other drivers and as a result, only one vehicle was lost.

The excellent condition of the vehicles during 17 Indian Infantry Brigade’s advance of some 300 miles over poor tracks and roads, is largely due to the fine work of Naik Beli Ram, who, during the very brief periods of rest between operations, has invariably concentrated on the instruction of the motor transport drivers under him. During this long advance time and time again this N.C.O. was out 24 hours and longer, bringing in vehicles, assisting in traffic control and improvising means of getting across streams when bridges were blown.

No matter how tired, he always volunteered for any job and whether under shell fire or not, did it with a smile, providing a fine example to all. Naik Beli Ram’s cheerfulness, energy and complete disregard of his personal safety have been an inspiration to his drivers and have made him an invaluable member of H.Q. 17 Indian Infantry Brigade.’