Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A very fine Second War 1945 ‘Burma operations’ Immediate M.C. group of six awarded to Subadar Lall Badshah, 5th Battalion, K.G.V’s Own (Jacobs Rifles) 10th Baluch Regiment

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’; India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Mohmand 1933, North West Frontier 1935 (12360 L-Nk. Lal Bad Shah, 5-10 Baluch R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal, these four unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, very fine (6) £1,400-£1,800

M.C. London Gazette 12 July 1945.

The original recommendation for an Immediate M.C. states:

‘At Ngwedaung on the 27th Feb 1945 Subedar Lall Badshah was commanding the leading platoon.
A quarter of a mile short fine the village the platoon came under heavy small arms fire from three snipers and automatics covering open ground, also Mortar and grenade discharge fire.
An attach supported by light Tanks was developed. While crossing the open ground two light Tanks were hit and set on fire by Anti-Tank Guns. Subedar Lall Bashah’s platoon was ordered to cover the evacuation of the casualties and crews of the light Tanks.
The enemy, expecting attempts by us to evacuate our Tank crews made dispositions accordingly and maintained intense small-arms, mortar and artillery fire - all with direct observation at close range.
With great skill and daring, Subedar Lall Badshah led his platoon forward to a position from which they were able to extricate our Tank crews successfully.
Throughout this period, Subedar Lall Badshah moved from section to section encouraging his men, and with complete disregard for his personal safety.
Finally, when the evacuation of our wounded men was nearly completed, this VCO himself went forward and carried one of our casualties back to cover.
The coolness, courage and leadership of this officer was an inspiration to all his men and was instrumental in the successful extrication of casualties from a very exposed position, and was in the very highest traditions of the Service.’

Lall Badshah (a.k.a. Lal B Shah and Lal Badshah) was a Pathan (Khattack) from the village of Ziarat Sheikh Allah Dad Sahib, in the Tehsil and District of Kohat, North West Frontier Province. He enrolled on 6 January 1930, and was appointed Jemadar on 11 February 1942. At the time of winning his M.C. he was War Substantive Jemadar and Paid Acting Subadar.

The 5-10th Baluch Regiment formed part of 64th Indian Infantry Brigade in 19th Indian Division, 33rd Corps. The battalion served in India and Burma.

Sold with original Sanad granting a cash reward of Rs. 1,250 to ‘O. Jemadar (A/Subedar) Lal Badshah, M.C., The Blauch Regiment, of Village Ziarat Sheikh Allah Dad Sahib, for gallantry, in the World War, 1939-45.’