General Service Medal 1918-1962. GVI first issue with clasp 'S. E. Asia 1945-46' (3502 Hav. Major Singh. 1 Patiala Infy, S.F.)

The recipient, whose name was Major Singh, was an Indian soldier of the Sikh faith holding the rank of Havildar (Sergeant) while serving with the 1st Patiala Infantry - a Princely States regiment

Both 1st Infantry (Rajindra Sikhs) and 2nd Yadavindra Infantry of the Patiala States Forces served in the Netherlands East Indies, South East Asia circa 1945-46

The recipients regimental number in the range used for 1st Infantry (Rajindra Sikhs). Post war the 1st Patiala's were heavily engaged in the Jammu-Kashmir War of 1947-48, to the extent that they earned more honours and awards for their services in the Zojila and other earlier operations, than any other unit of the Indian Army. Their total of awards being:

- Maha Vir Chakra: x 7
- Maha Vir Chakra: x 17
- Mentions-in-Despatches: x 39

The Sikh Princely State of Patiala, located in the Punjab region of India, was the foremost amongst the Sikh, and for that matter all of the Punjab princely states, in terms of maintaining an extensive military force, and providing troops for 'Imperial Service' to fight overseas during the Second World War, and immediate post-war operations in the Netherlands East Indies

Condition: About GVF

Code: 24239