Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Malaya Emergency M.M. group of three awarded to Lance Corporal Manbahadur Tamang, 7th Gurkha Rifles

MILITARY MEDAL, E.II.R. 1st type (21142647 A/L/Cpl., 7.G.R.); GENERAL SERVICE 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Rfn., 7-G.R.); Nepaul, CORONATION MEDAL 1956, mounted as worn, very fine or better (3)

M.M., London Gazette, 27 August, 1957. ULCpl. ManbahadurTamang, 2/7 G.R., N.C.O. i/c Killing Party, Rengam (Layang Layang), Malaya, 16 May 1957: 'No. 21142647 ULCpl Manbahadur Tamang was with an ambush party which lay in wait for six days. The ambush was in two groups and in rubber which was being tapped daily, right among the concealed soldiers. Cover was sparse and, in consequence, the ambush party had to remain motionless and without food or drink from 0400 hrs. until 1600 hrs. each day or their presence would have become known to the tappers. On the sixth day the enemy came, two important CTs armed with a colt automatic and a rifle. The CTs were Lam Huk, a District Committee Member, and Chan Kiu, a Branch Committee Member, both of Rengam branch Kluang district of the CT organisation. ULCpl Manbahadur Tamang was responsible for opening fire in his group. In order to be sure of a kill he had to expose himself. His first shot wounded Lam Huk who tried to return the fire but his colt misfired. In the meantime Chan Kiu had opened fire with his rifle, missed and been killed by a burst of Bren Gun fire from the other group. Lam Huk ran zig zagging in order to escape the fire for some 50 yds. but ULCpl Manbahadur's fire followed him and killed him outright at a distance of about 70 yds. The skill with which the ambush positions of ULCpl Manbahadur's party were selected, the tenacity and endurance with which they were occupied and the courage displayed in opening fire without regard to his personal safety reflected leadership and courage of a high order in such a junior NCO, while the results of this action have removed the top leaders from the Rengam branch of the CT organisation thus dealing the enemy a very severe blow in the district.'

Sold with copy recommendation, as quoted above, and Record of Service which confirms the Nepal Coronation Medal, granted to the Gurkha Contingent of 100 men, all ranks, that attended the Coronation ceremony.