Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War M.C. attributed to Jamadar Kartar Singh, 11th Mountain Battery, 24th Mountain Regiment, Royal Indian Artillery, who was decorated for initiative and bravery in defence of his gun position in Burma

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1944 and additionally crudely engraved ‘M.C. Jem. Kartar Singh. 9.5-44’ in Royal Mint fitted case of issue, good very fine £500-£700

M.C. London Gazette 22 June 1944.
The original recommendation, downgraded from an immediate I.O.M., states: ‘On 7-10 February 1944, between Kreingyaung and the east foot of the Ngakye-Dauk pass, during repeated enemy attacks on their gun position, Jemadar Kartar Singh showed great initiative and complete disregard for his own safety. His cheerfulness and calmness under fire served as an inspiring example to all ranks under him. He continually moved about from post to post, directing and encouraging the defence, exposing himself thereby to L.M.G. fire and grenades at short range.’

Kartar Singh was likely invested with the M.C. at a bestowal parade held in the field; the acceleration of field awards ahead of publication in the London Gazette or Gazette of India was not uncommon at the time and was typically made when the men would benefit from a boost to morale. Interestingly, a photograph filed in the Indian Army WW2 archives is captioned: ‘Admiral Mountbatten shakes hands with Jemdr Kartar Singh, M.C., 24th Mtn. Regt. and Jemdr. Abdul Huq, MiD, during an inspection of 5 Indian Division, near Imphal, July 1944.’