Oman (Sultanate): General Service Medal with clasp 'Dhofar'. 1st type strike with obverse cyphers of 'Sultan Said bin Taimur' (reigned 1932-1970)

Reference Defence Council Instruction (Army) No 110 of 1968, the medal was awarded to United Kingdom Army personnel seconded to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman's Forces, who served 14 days in the Dhofar operations from 23rd May, 1965 to a date to be decided later

The medal was, in the event, was awarded for services between 23rd May 1965 to 30 June 1976, the same medal with 2 x different obverse Sultanic cyphers being issued. Firstly during the reign of Sultan Said bin Taimur, and secondly during the longer reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The British Army, and in particular the Special Air Service Regiment, or SAS, have a long association with active service in Dhofar. While not eligible for the award while deployed on the strength of British units that qualified for the General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'Dhofar', nevertheless many British service personnel, including SAS, were subsequently awarded the medal in their capacity, where eligible, as seconded or contract personnel.

Sultan Said bin Taimur (13 August 1910 ? 19 October 1972) was the sultan of Muscat and Oman (the country later renamed to Oman) from 10 February 1932 until his overthrow on 23 July 1970. He was succeeded by his son, Sultan Qaboos bin Said who continues to rule in 2017.

The medal fitted with the original riband and mounting bar, with hinged pina and clasp fittings. The mounting bar indented with makers marks 'Spink' on reverse of mounting bar

A rare seen first issue - and of superior strike - of this medal to find on the market. All Omani medals and decorations from the reign of Sultan Said bin Taimur are rare seen

Condition: EF

Code: 23393