Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Burma M.M. group of five awarded to Havildar Jitbahadur Thapa, 8th Gurkha Rifles

MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. (9206 Hav., G.R.); INDIA GENERAL SERVICE 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (9206 Rfn., 2-8 G.R.); 1939-45 STAR; BURMA STAR; WAR MEDAL, contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (5)

M.M., London Gazette, 8 February, 1945. This N.C.O. has continually set a fine example to his men, showing great coolness, cheerfulness and disregard for personal danger under heavy enemy fire throughout the Arakan campaign. On the night of 30 Sept / 1 Oct 43, his Coy was attacked on the Mayu Range at pt 1619. Hav. Jitbahadur Thapa was in charge of an isolated Section when a large party of enemy charged his position under heavy machine gun covering fire. This N.C.O. held the fire of his Section until the enemy were within three yards of his position, when he gave the order to fire. The enemy were repulsed with tommy gun and the bayonet, and two bodies were subsequently found in front of the position. Many more of the enemy were undoubtedly wounded and probably killed. On the same date during a counter-attack by the enemy, this N.C.O. displayed excellent leadership, and, by moving from position to position under enemy fire, was an inspiration to his men. This, he repeated on 17 Feb 44 when his Coy was again heavily attacked. On the night of 17/18 Apr 44, this N.C.O. volunteered to lead a reconnaissance patrol through the enemy's positions on Longridge, to bring back much-needed information, in particular the depth of the enemy's position. He led a patrol of two men through the enemy, and proved their position by throwing stones and shouting to draw their fire. He succeeded in penetrating for a distance of no less than three miles, and the following morning brought back the required information.