Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1943 ‘Persia-Iraq operations’ O.B.E. group of three awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel B. P. Baliga, Indian Medical Service

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S. Persia (Capt. B. P. Baliga.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Malabar 1921-22 (Capt. B. P. Baliga, I.M.S.) both officially renamed, good very fine (3) £200-£300

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 August 1943:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Persia-Iraq.’

Bantwal Panduranga Baliga (also listed as ‘Baligha’) was born in March 1891, and commissioned Temporary Lieutenant in the Indian Medical Service in August 1918 (M.B. B.S. Madras 1918). He advanced to Temporary Captain in August 1919, and resigned his commission in August 1927. Baliga travelled to the UK (F.R.F.P.S. Glasgow 1929), prior to rejoining the I.M.S. as a Captain in July 1929. He advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1940.