1914 Star. No clasp (Cook, Kapur Singh, 15/Sikhs.)

The recipient was an Indian attested public 'Follower' of the Sikh faith performing the trade of 'Cook', while serving with the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs, an all 'Sikh' single class infantry regiment of the British Indian Army

15th Sikhs: The 15th Ludhiana Sikhs disembarked Marseilles, France, in late September 1914. As part of the Indian Corps the 15th Sikhs initially served with the 8th 'Jullunder' Infantry Brigade of the 3rd 'Lahore' Division. The 15th Sikhs remained in France from September 1914, until the withdrawal of the Indian Corps in, August 1915. During their time in France, the 15th Sikhs some of the major actions he regiment fought in, included La Basse in 1914, and later at Neuve Chappelle, Aubers, Yypres, St Julian & Festhubert. After August 1915, the 1th Sikhs served in Egypt and later deployed to Mesopotamai A Victoria Cross was awarded to served in France and Flanders November 1914 to August 1915

A British Officer of the regiment, Lieutenant John G. Smyth, was awarded a Victoria Cross for exceptional gallantry at Festhubert;

Quote,

'For most conspicuous bravery near Richebourg L'Avoue on 18th May 1915. With a bombing party of 10 men, who voluntarily undertook this duty, he conveyed a supply of 96 bombs to within 20 yards of the enemy's position over exceptionally dangerous ground, after the attempts of two other parties had failed. Lieutenant Smyth succeeded in taking the bombs to the desired position with the aid of two of his men (the other eight having been killed or wounded), and to effect his purpose he had to swim a stream, being exposed the whole time to howitzer, shrapnel, machine-gun and rifle fire'

Unquote.

Every one of the 10 x Indian 'Other Ranks' referred to in the Victoria Cross citation, were subsequently awarded the Indian Distinguished Service Medal for their participation in the same bombing party, that had been under the command of Lieutenant Smyth

Condition: About GVF

Code: 24518