Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Burma Operation’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant L. J. Rawlins, Hampshire Regiment, attached Gold Coast Regiment, for his gallantry firstly in saving a wounded comrade under intense enemy fire in February 1944, and secondly for effecting a daring escape from captivity having been taken Prisoner of War by the Japanese in March 1944, bringing back with him much valuable information about the enemy position and strength

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (5496658 Sjt. L. J. Rawlins. Hamps. R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with Army Council enclosure, mounted court-style as worn, nearly extremely fine (5) £2,400-£2,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945.

The original Recommendation, originally for a Military Medal, states: ‘At Chathand on 15 February 1944 Sergeant L. J. Rawlins went to the assistance of an ambushed patrol that had suffered casualties, including the European patrol leader who was lying in the paddy. On reaching the scene of the ambush Sergeant Rawlins and his section came under the same heavy fire and suffered casualties. The seriously wounded patrol commander of the previous patrol was lying in the open paddy and his every movement brought down searching enemy fire.
The surrounding bush had been fired by the Japs and flames were sweeping across the paddy towards the wounded European. Regardless of his personal safety, and thinking only of his wounded comrade, Sergeant Rawlins, together with one African, crossed the open paddy and carried the wounded European to safety.
Again at Palegaing on 2 March 1944, Sergeant Rawlins was taking part in a night patrol to an enemy position. The patrol was ambushed and split, the officer commanding the patrol becoming cut off. Sergeant Rawlins assembled the patrol, then went alone in search of the officer. Clambering over the area, he was overpowered and disarmed by three Japs and escorted to their H.Q.
Taking the Jap commander completely by surprise, despite his escort with raised bayonets, he lashed out, kicked the Jap commander in the stomach, ands made his escape. That night he spent evading capture in the enemy position and returned the following day able to give accurate and valuable information of the enemy position and strength.
Sergeant Rawlins in both actions showed supreme courage, devotion to duty, and above all, self-sacrifice for the safety of his comrades.’

Lawrence John Rawlins, a native of Bitterne Park, Southampton, attested for the Hampshire Regiment and served during the Second World War in Burma attached to the 8th Battalion, The Gold Coast Regiment.

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