Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Battle of Imphal I.D.S.M. group of five awarded to Sepoy Gul Amir, 14th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, who, though wounded and unaided, repulsed three enemy attacks in a battle which lasted for nine hours

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (23028 Sep. Gul Amir, 14-13 FF Rif) complete with top suspension brooch; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal; India Service Medal, these last four unnamed as issued, good very fine (5) £1000-1200

I.D.S.M. G.G.O. 197-H/1944; London Gazette 5 October 1944. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action.

At Sausage in the Imphal area on the 24th of June 1944, Sepoy Gul Amir was a No. 1 Bren Gunner on the Northern side of a company defensive position.

Throughout the night of the 24th/25th enemy attacked the position in strength on four separate occasions, most of the main attacks being made on the north side of the perimeter in the area of Sepoy Gul Amir’s bunker.

Each attack was preceded by a heavy enemy gun and 3” mortar barrage which killed and wounded the supporting riflemen on the flanks of his bunker, the bunker itself being greatly weakened by direct hits and near misses.

Throughout two heavy enemy attacks in his area Sepoy Gul Amir by his gun No. 2 and a rifleman in the bunker stopped every enemy attempt to get into the perimeter, each time forcing the enemy back with heavy casualties.

During the third and most determined enemy attack Sepoy Gul Amir’s bunker received a direct hit from an enemy 75mm gun and collapsed. Both his guns No. 2 and the rifleman were seriously injured and he himself sustained a severe head wound.

Sepoy Gul Amir then, though wounded and badly shaken, cleared the debris away from the loophole of his bunker, and got his gun into action and again engaged the enemy.

After thirty minutes fierce fighting the enemy in a desperate charge burst through the wire and overran his position.

Undismayed by this and displaying determination and courage of the highest order, he remained at his post and again smashed every enemy attempt to reinforce those who had already penetrated into the position. Eventually the enemy were thrown back from the position by a counter attack from the inner perimeter and the position was restored.

After one hour the enemy again attacked his bunker and during a fight which lasted twenty minutes he again stopped every attempt to enter his area and enemy were again forced to retire.

Throughout this battle which lasted for nine hours Sepoy Gul Amir, wounded and unaided, fighting from a crushed bunker repulsed three enemy attacks. His fine courage and spirit and devotion to duty have proved to be an example to all ranks.’