The I.G.S. and M.S.M. pair to the Great War Victoria Cross winner Havildar Lala, 41st Dogras

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (501 Hav. Lala, 41-Dogras); Indian Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (501 Havr. Lala, 3-17 Dogra R.) very fine (2) £3000-3500

Victoria Cross London Gazette 13 May 1916: ‘His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on No. 501 Lance-Naik Lala, 41st Dogras, Indian Army, for most conspicuous bravery. Finding a British officer of another regiment lying close to the enemy, he dragged him into a temporary shelter, which he himself had made, and in which he had already bandaged four wounded men. After bandaging his wounds he heard calls from the Adjutant of his own regiment, who was lying in the open severely wounded. The enemy were not more than one hundred yards distant, and it seemed certain death to go out in that direction, but Lance-Naik Lala insisted on going out to his Adjutant, and offered to crawl back with him on his back at once. When this was not permitted, he stripped off his own clothing to keep the wounded officer warmer, and stayed with him till just before dark, when he returned to the shelter. After dark he carried the first wounded officer back to the main trenches, and then, returning with a stretcher, carried back his Adjutant. He set a magnificent example of courage and devotion to his officers.’

Lance-Naik Lala won the Victoria Cross at El Orah, Mesopotamia, on 21 January 1916. He was born at Parol, Hamipur District, Kangra, Ounjab, on 20 February 1882. He joined the Indian Army on 21 February 1901. He served during the Great War in France from 1914, returning home in 1915. After guarding the Suez Canal for three months, he went to Mesopotamia, where he won the V.C., and returned to India with the regiment in 1917. He later became a Jemadar in his regiment, which was subsequently re-numbered 3-17th Dogras.