A fine Second World War ‘Burma’ M.C. group of nine awarded to Jemadar Lal Khan, 15th Punjab Regiment

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal; India Service Medal; Pakistan General Service Medal, bar, Kashmir 1948; Pakistan Insdependence Medal 1947 (PJO-22076 Jem Lal Khan 15 PR MC); Pakistan Republic Medal 1956; Medal of Service (Tamgha-I-Khidmat) 1st class neck badge, gilt and enamel, the first eight mounted as worn with the Pakistan medals taking precedence, very fine and a scarce group (9) £350-400

M.C. London Gazette 24 May 1945. Originally recommended for an Indian Order of Merit (Immediate) and awarded the Military Cross (Immediate): ‘This V.C.O. was commanding a platoon of B Coy which, supported by tanks, attacked a most strongly defended Jap position, held by 75mm guns and MMGs, in the Ywadan area north of Meiktila on 5 March 1945. During the first assault on the position Jemadar Lal Khan was wounded in the left arm by a Jap MMG and his platoon sustained one killed and eight wounded, including two section commanders. This assault was held up, but Jemadar Lal Khan, disregarding the heavy and very close range enemy fire directed at his platoon, personally got the wounded back and reorganised his sections.

At the head of his platoon he then led a second assault and after much bitter fighting secured firstly the outer line of bunkers and finally the objective itself. Throughout the action, which lasted for four hours, this V.C.O. showed outstanding leadership and total disregard Fenian Raior danger. Although bleeding profusely during this period he refused medical attention. His gallant conduct was an inspiration to his platoon, and was mainly responsible for the capture of a very strong enemy position at a time when the success of the operation appeared most doubtful.’