Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma operations I.D.S.M. group of five awarded to Havildar Nur Illahi, 3-2 Punjab Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (8677 Hav. Nur Illahi, 3-2 Punjab R.), officially impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal 1939-45, edge bruise to the first, otherwise very fine or better (5) £600-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 21 June 1944. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘In Arakan on the morning of 23 February 1944, when the enemy was assembling to attack his platoon position on the crest of the Maku Hange, and had driven in the outpost, this gallant N.C.O., who was returning from Company H.Q. at the time, immediately took forward a patrol to locate the enemy assembly position. One of his Sepoys was soon killed. Under heavy fire at close range, this N.C.O. was unable to retrieve him other than his rifle, and bring it into the position, reporting the situation to his Platoon Commander. Havildar Illahi again took out a party which with grenades and C.M.Ts cleared the immediate vicinity and retrieved the Sepoy’s body. By this time the enemy had commenced his assault on the positions by artillery and mortars. Havildar Illahi, displaying high courage and devotion to duty, moved round the perimeter directing fire. When a shell seriously injured three men, he immediately rescued them from their collapsed post and removed them to comparative safety. Throughout the action the inspiring conduct of this N.C.O. merits the highest praise and it was undoubtedly due to him in great measure that the attack was repulsed with considerable casualties to the enemy.’

Nur Illahi was from Khairpur, Jhelum, in the Punjab.