Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An exceptional 1943 posthumous King’s Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to Head Constable Mohammad Hussain, Punjab Police, for his gallantry during the apprehension of two armed military deserters, despite suffering three wounds himself during the action - the last being fatal

King’s Police Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, for Gallantry (Mohd. Hussain, Head Constable No. 458, Punjab); War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal, mounted for display, nearly extremely fine (3) £500-£600

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, November 1996 (when K.P.M. sold as single).

K.P.M. Gazette of India 11 September 1943:

‘On 27th May, 1943, Mounted Head Constable Mohammad Hussain was one of a small party of Mounted Police who went out from Police Station Nathana to search for two armed military deserters, who had been reported in the neighbourhood. In the course of the search, the Head Constable and his Sub-Inspector were riding along the main road, when they suddenly saw the two deserters, who were armed with 3 rifles and a quantity of ammunition, appear from behind a bullock cart. The deserters immediately loaded their rifles, but the two police officers closed with them and a hand-to-hand struggle took place. Neither of the police officers had time to draw their weapons, but Mohammad Hussain attempted to wrest a rifle from one of the deserters. In the course of the tussle he was shot twice by one of the deserters and, realising that the only thing to do was to take cover and use his own rifle, he broke away. As he was galloping towards some trees, he was fired at and wounded for the third time in the back, the bullet emerging from his abdomen. In spite of this he dismounted and continued to play a most active part in the battle which ensued between the deserters and the remainder of the police party, who had by now come up. When his wounds, which were bleeding profusely, had been roughly bandaged, he so encouraged his men and directed their fire that, after a fierce exchange of shots lasting nearly one and a half hours, both the deserters were shot dead. Unfortunately, his wounds proved fatal and he died in hospital a day later. Mohammad Hussain’s personal courage, devotion to duty, indifference to his wounds, and disregard of danger, were an inspiring example to his men and he most gallantly upheld the best traditions of the Punjab Police.’