British Groups

Lot 4032    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $1,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,300

GROUP OF FIVE TO LANCE NAIK MAKHMAD NABI, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, Indian Army Indian Distinguished Service Medal (GVIR) (22207 L-NK Makhmad Nabi, 14-13 F F RIF); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45. Indian Distinguished Service Medal only named, impressed, others unnamed. Very fine.

IDSM: London Gazette 22 March 1945. 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma. At Thawia, Imphal area on 8th June 1944, Lance Naik Makhmad Nabi was in charge of the signal section attached to a Company Headquarters attacking a Japanese bunker position situated on top of a large jungle clad feature. The company gained the first objective on the top of the feature, and immediately came under very heavy 3 inch Mortar and machine gun fire. During a battle which lasted two and a half hours the signal section was blasted out of it's position three times and knocked back down the hill. Each time Lance Naik Makhmad Nabi with great determination and spirit and although severely shaken by the bomb bursts, reformed his section, led them back to their original positions and re-established communications with Battalion Headquarters. There is no doubt that the continual and untiring efforts of this N.C.O. to maintain signal communications under most difficult conditions played a large part in the success of the operation. Throughout the battle and subsequent withdrawal, Lance Naik Makhmad Nabi set a magnificent example of cool and skilled leadership with a complete disregard for his own safety.'

Together with extract from 'The Reconquest of Burma' which describes the action; and relevant London Gazette entry.