A fine Second World War Immediate I.O.M. group of seven awarded to Subadar Milkhi Ram, 4-13th Frontier Force Rifles, for exceptional gallantry in Italy

Indian Order of Merit, Military Divison, 3rd type, 2nd Class, Reward of Gallantry, silver and enamel, the reverse impressed on two lines ‘2nd Class Order of Merit’, lacking ribbon buckle; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (9493 Sepoy Milkhi Ram, 4-13 F.F. Rif.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (9493 Nk. Milkhi Ram, 4-13 F.F. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal, enamel chipped on centre of first, otherwise generally very fine (7) £1200-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Richard Magor Collection of Medals Relating to India and Africa, and other Fine Awards.

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I.O.M. Gazette of India 18 August 1945, with published citation but the following official recommendation gives better detail:

‘Jemadar Milkhi Ram commanded No. 6 Platoon with great gallantry during the attack launched by No. 5 and No. 6 Platoons on the Ca. Poggiolo feature, at about 2200 hours on 13 April 1945 and also during the next 48 hours, when this feature was counter-attacked six times by the enemy and also shelled and mortared almost continuously.

It was known that the enemy’s outpost position in the houses was covered by both wire and mines. No. 6 Pl was detailed to attack frontally and Jemadar Milkhi Ram personally cut the wire and led his Pl straight up to the centre houses, dealing with a spandau post on the way. This exchange of fire brought down the enemy mortar D.F. on the wire. Some recent reinforcements went to ground but Jemadar Milkhi Ram urged them on without delay, thus avoiding casualties. Whilst consolidating in the area of the Ca. Poggiolo houses our own Arty. D.F., put down in front of the position to catch enemy forming up for a counter-attack, unfortunately fell short, six shells landing in the midst of No. 6 Pl, including one on Pl HQ, killing five and wounding eleven. In spite of this misfortune, Jemadar Milkhi Ram remained unperturbed and cheerful and so far succeeded in rallying what was left of his Pl that they were able, assisted by No. 5 Pl, to repulse five counter-attacks during that night and one at dawn on 14 April 1945. Thus an important feature was captured and the left flank of 12 South African Motor Brigade’s attack on M. Caprara next night secured.

Jemadar Milkhi Ram throughout this action displayed cool courage and complete disregard for his personal safety.’

Approximately 330 Indian Orders of Merit awarded during the Second World War, compared with more than 4800 D.S.Os and over 1800 D.C.Ms, making it a rare and undervalued award. Sold with further research and a group photograph from the regimental journal which includes Subadar Milkhi Ram on return from Italy in November 1945.