India General Service Medal 1908-35. GV first type silver issue with 3 x clasps 'Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919', 'Waziristan 1919-21' & 'Waziristan N.W.F. 1921-24' (235 Rfm. Jeet Sing Rawat, 4-39 R. Garh. Rif)

Second clap attached by rivets and top clasp attached by a silver rod

The recipient was an Indian soldier of Garhwali ethnicity and the Hindu faith, who held the rank of 'Rifleman' while serving with the 4th Battalion 39th Royal Garhwal Rifles, an infantry unit of the British Indian Army

4/39 Garhwal Rifles was a war raised battalion of the Indian Army that was raised at Dehra Dun Cantonment in October 1918. Unlike the majority of war raised battalions in the British Indian Army, 4/39 were not disbanded - largely due to their well earned hard fighting reputation earned in Waziristan 1919-1921, and in 1922, the battalion was restyled, 10th (Training) Battalion 18th Royal Garhwal Rifles

Victoria Cross battalion: The only British Officer to be decorated with a Victoria Cross for the Waziristan Campaign 1919-1921, was Lieutenant William David Kenny 4th Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles. His award was published in the London Gazette issue of 9 August 1920, the highly inspirational citation is quoted below:

Quote,

Lieutenant William David Kenny, Officer Commanding ‘D’ Company, 4/39th Garhwal Rifles. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Kot Kai (Waziristan) on the 2nd January, 1920, when in command of a company holding an advanced covering position, which was repeatedly attacked by the Mahsuds in greatly superior numbers. For over four hours this officer maintained his position, repulsing three determined attacks, being foremost in the hand-to-hand fighting which took place, and repeatedly engaging the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His gallant leadership undoubtedly saved the situation and kept intact the right flank, on which depended the success of the operation and the safety of the troops in rear. In the subsequent withdrawal recognising that a diversion was necessary to enable the withdrawal of the company, which was impeded by their wounded, with a handful of his men he turned back and counter-attacked the pursuing enemy, and, with the rest of his party, was killed fighting to the last. This very gallant act of self-sacrifice not only enabled the wounded to be withdrawn, but also averted a situation which must have resulted in considerable loss of life

Unquote.

As a measure of the severity of the fighting in Waziristan 1920, the below following Indian gallantry awards and mentions in despatches were awarded to Garhwali All-Ranks:

- Indian Order of Merit: x 3 (all 2nd Class)
- Indian Distinguished Service Medal: x 10
- Mention-in-Despatches: x 15

Reference 'Historical Record of the 39th Royal Garhwal Rifles 1887-1922' (Gale 7 Polden, 1922) the regimental history records that there was a total of 127 x battle casualties incurred by 4th Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles during the Third Afghan War 1919 and Waziristan 1919-21, as under:

- British Officers: 4 Killed & 3 x Wounded
- Garhwali Officers: 3 x Wounded
- Garhwali Other Ranks: 63 x Killed & 121 Wounded

The vast majority of the above casualties were for the fighting in 'Waziristan during 1920'

A superb example on extremely desirable multi-clasp campaign medal for 'hard-fighting' that was awarded to to a Garhwali soldier

Condition: GVF

Code: 23946