I.D.S.M., G.VI.R. (Jemdr. Kapur Singh, 4-11 Sikh R.) two small edge bruises, otherwise good very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Indian Distinguished Service Medals.

View
Collection

I.D.S.M., London Gazette, 24 February, 1942. An award for the attack on Derna Airfield, North Africa. 'The Coy to which this V.C.O. belongs was ordered to attack the enemy landing ground at DERNA, on the evening of 18 December 1941. When the advance was temporarily held up by heavy M.G. fire from the enemy position covering the L.G. Jemadar Kapur Singh immediately went forward to lead his platoon against the enemy position. He lead the platoon straight onto the objective and forced the enemy to retreat, capturing some 50 prisoners and a large quantity of material. It was chiefly the inspiring leadership and complete disregard of personal danger that lead to the rout of the enemy and the subsequent capture of the landing ground.'

In the capture of Derna Aerodrome one German and fourteen Italian Officers fell to the Battalion with some 2,000 rank and file, and three heavy lorry-mounted dual purpose guns. A total of some 183 aircraft were captured or destroyed in the whole operation.