Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers

An outstanding Second World War North African campaign Immediate I.O.M. group of seven awarded to Havildar (later Subadar Major) Bhimbahadur Sen, 1/9th Gurkha Rifles, who led a charge on an enemy trench ‘personally killing all its occupants with his Khukri’, hardened troops of 155 Panzer Grenadier Regiment; he was afterwards wounded and mentioned in despatches for the famous ‘Hangman’s Hill’ action at Monte Cassino in March 1944, gained a second mention and was again twice wounded in the Arno river operations of August 1944

Indian Order of Merit, Military Divison, 3rd type (1939-45), 2nd Class, Reward of Gallantry, silver and enamel, the reverse with screw nut fitting and impressed in two lines ‘2nd Class Order of Merit’, lacking riband buckle; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (1649 L-Naik Bhimbahadur Sen, 1-9 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal, with M.I.D. oak leaf, generally very fine (7) £3,000-£3,600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter Duckers.

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I.O.M. 2nd Class London Gazette 19 August 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘During an attack on pt.166 (area Medjez El Bab) on 6th May ‘43, this NCO displayed conspicuous and most gallant leadership, determination, and devotion to duty.

On reaching the foremost part of the objective under heavy mortar and machine gun fire, Hav Bhimbahadur Sen, who was in command of a forward platoon, found that the heaviest enemy resistance was coming from an uppermost system of trenches some distance on. Collecting his platoon he drew his Khukri and, placing himself at its head, led them straight at the trenches under close and intense fire.

Reaching the first enemy post, he rushed it, personally killing all its occupants with his Khukri. He then led his men on to the remaining trenches which were quickly overcome by the fierceness and determination of the attack. With cool judgement and continued disregard for his personal safety, he then proceeded under heavy enemy defensive fire to re-organise securely the captured objective against expected counter-attack.

His determination, leadership and personal gallantry were an inspiring example to his men; and were the main factors in enabling the objective to be so quickly and completely secured.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 19 July 1945 and 29 November 1945.

The complete success of the Medjez El Bab operations led to the capture of Tunis on 12th May, the surrender of the Axis Commander-in-Chief, his Headquarters and that of 5 Panzer Army, together with upwards of a quarter-million prisoners.

Bhimbahadur Sen enrolled on 21 January 1927. He was commissioned Jemadar (War Substantive Subadar) with effect from 3 April 1943. He received his first wound, and subsequent mention in despatches, during the action on ‘Hangman’s Hill’ at Monte Cassino on 17 March 1944. By the end of that day Hangman’s Hill was held by 1/9th Gurkhas, just 250 yards from the monastery. With their lines of supply severely compromised by German positions close by and orders to hold the hill at all cost, the battalion endured the most ferocious bombardment and intense fighting, often hand to hand and at night, for a whole week with little support. ‘Hangman’s Hill’ was subsequently granted as a well-earned battle honour.

Subadar Bimbahadur Sen was wounded on the 6th and 7th August 1944, during operation ‘Vandal’ on the Arno-Tiber front, and ended his army career in the rank of Subadar Major.