A Fine Collection of Indian Distinguished Service Medals

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Lot 258

Date of Auction: 20th October 1993

Sold for £160

Estimate: £200 - £250

A Fine Collection of Indian Distinguished Service Medals

I.D.S.M., G.VI.R. (14716 Nk. (A-Hay.) Sewa Singh, 4-7 Rajput R.) good very fine

Footnote

I.D.S.M., London Gazette, 18 May, 1944. 'On 23 Feb 44 this N.C.O. was with 'A' Coy which had succeeded in establishing itself across the main NGAKYEDAUK Pass Road at the OSTRICH feature behind the enemy occupied point 1070 feature in the ARAKAN. The dominant portion of the OSTRICH feature however still remained in enemy hands and prevented the sappers clearing the road. The Company made two attempts with a Platoon to outflank the enemy position, both of which failed owing to the precipitous nature of the feature and the dense jungle, and the shower of grenades which greeted each assault. At about 1730 hrs as a result of further recces a narrow path was discovered along a crest leading towards the enemy position. This path was so narrow, running along a knife edge, that if used the attack would have to be put in in single file. It was also getting near to darkness and there was no rime to organise any form of fire support programme. The Company Comd, therefore, called for volunteers to make up a strong section who were to make a last attempt without an elaborate covering fire programme using bayonets and grenades only. Havildar Sewa Singh immediately volunteered to command this venture and a section was made up of six men. He personally led this attack and when half way along the knife edge an L.M.G. opened on him and grenades were thrown. He immediately threw a grenade and yelling a war cry which was taken up by the rest of the section dashed forward with the bayonet. The enemy, surprised and demoralised by this determined assault, fled in disorder leaving his arms including the L.M.G. behind. Havildar Sewa Singa, leaving a Lance Nk to occupy the position taken, himself attempted to pursue the enemy down the precipitous slope throwing grenades and certainly killing one of the enemy. Had not Havildar Sewa Singh acted in this gallant manner, the start of clearing that part of the Pass might have been considerably delayed owing to the necessity for further operations to clear the feature which, in turn, might well have been reinforced by the enemy during the night.'