A good ‘Malaya operations’ M.M. awarded to Rifleman Jasbahadur Rai, 1st Battalion, 10th (Princess Mary’s Own) Gurkha Rifles, for his gallantry during a jungle ambush in the Palau Manis area of Kuantan, 31 May 1950, when he pursued one of the ‘bandits’ who had ambushed him - through thick jungle and swamp terrain, he finally accounted for his man, despite being ambushed again by a further ten bandits

Military Medal, G.VI.R, 2nd issue (Rfmn Jasbahadur Rai. 1/10 Gurkha Rifles.) good very fine £1400-1800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals relating to the Malaya and Korea Campaigns from the Philip Burman Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 25 August 1950:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya.’

The recommendation states:

‘On 31 May 50 Rfn Jasbahadur Rai (Sten Gun) was second scout of a section patrol operating in the Palau Manis area of Kuantan. The section had been following traces of bandits for several hours through thick jungle and swamps when the leading scouts came under heavy fire from a well concealed sentry post, at about ten yards range. Jasbahadur immediately charged the past whilst the remainder of the Section split right and left in an outflanking movement.

Jasbahadur’s charge caused the sentry to turn and run, but due to the thick jungle and swamp Jasbahadur had become separated from the remainder of his section. Alone he followed up the fleeing sentry of whom he only caught fleeting glimpses. The chase continued for one mile, when Jasbahadur suddenly came under intense fire from about ten bandits who had prepared positions around their camp, towards which the sentry had been making. Undeterred Jasbahadur continued to follow up the sentry who suddenly stopped, took up a position behind a tree and fired at Jasabahadur. Jasabahadur closed in and shot him dead.

He than took up a position and engaged the main bandit position, which was some 50 yards to his flank. By this time part of the section were closing in on the bandits, who split and fled into the thick undergrowth.

Jasbahadur’s courageous action undoubtedly saved the remainder of the section casualties and allowed them to deploy and close in on the main bandits position, and his subsequent chase and killing of the bandit while under heavy fire is a fine example of courage and tenacity.’