India General Service Medal 1936-39. Calcutta Mint issue with clasp 'North West Frontier 1937-39 (7169 Rfn. Purbasing Rana, 2-1 G.R.)

The recipient was Nepalese soldier of Gurkha ethnicity & Hindu faith from Western Nepal, who was a native of the village of Bojari, in the Palpa District, who was serving as a Rifleman with the 1st Battalion 1st Gurkha Rifles, an infantry unit of the British Indian Army, at the time of qualifying for his IGS 1936 medal

His unique regimental number indicates a soldier who was enlisted into the 1st Gurkha Rifles in the late 1930's

During the Second World War, a 4th Battalion of the 1st Gurkha Rifles was raised on 115 May 1941 at Dharamsala, with drafts and N.C.O's - including Purbasing Rana - being transferred from 2/1 GR to form the nucleus of a trained cadre in the new battalion

Military Medal: The recipient is confirmed having been decorated with an 'Immediate' award of the Military Medal 'For Bravery in the Field', in, Arakan, Burma, while his battalion was serving with 33rd Indian Infantry Brigade under higher formation 7th Indian Division. The award was published in the London Gazette issue of, 18 May 1944

The official recommendation for the Military Medal (reference WO 373/32) is quoted below:

Quote,

Date:- 25 Jan 44

Place: Arakan

On 25 Jan 44, L-Hav PURBASING RANA led his section in an attack on an enemy strong point - with the exception of himself all his sec were either killed or wounded. While still under fire he brought in a wounded man, and immediately went out again and brought in a second wounded man. He went out a third time, again alone, and brought in a dead comrade whom he thought was only wounded.

A little later when adequate covering fire was brought down on the enemy, L/Hav PURBASING RANA took out three men and recovered an LMG and five rifles.

Throughout the action, this NCO acted with great courage and determination in bringing in the wounded when further casualties would have been suffered had more then one man gone out the first three times

Unquote.

Only an estimated 50 x Military Medals awarded to 1st Gurkha Rifles for the Second World War & immediate post-war operations

Note the riband of the MM shon in the illustrations is not included in the sale, and has only here been shown as a prop / illustration

A most desirable campaign medal to a most inspirational Gurkha soldier whose self-less live-saving gallantry in rescuing and bringing back wounded comrades, all the while under fire, was rewarded with the award of an immediate Military Medal

Condition: VF

Code: 24900