Tibet Medal 1903-04. Silver issue with clasp 'Gyantse' (2534 Naick Goria Gurung 8th Gurkha Rifles)

The recipient was a Nepalese soldier of Gurkha ethnicity and Hindu faith, from Western Nepal holding the rank of Naick (Corporal) while serving with 1st Battalion 8th Gurkha Rifles, of the British Indian Army

For their services in Tibet, the below following gallantry decorations were awarded to Gurkha VCO's and Gurkha 'Other-Ranks' of the 8th Gurkha Rifles:

- Indian Order of Merit: x 6 (this included 2 x 2nd Class (promotions) & 4 x 3rd Class awards)
- Indian Distinguished Service Medal: x 3

Uniquely as an award for the Tibet Campaign, Captain John Duncan Grant, 8th Gurkha Rifles, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Grant's outstanding recommendation for the Victoria Cross was published in the London Gazette issue of, 24 November 1905, and is here quoted:

Quote,

On the occasion of the storming of the Gyantse Jong on 6th July, 1904, the storming Company, headed by Lieutenant Grant, on emerging from the cover of the village, had to advance up a bare, almost precipitous, rock-face, with little or no cover available, and under a heavy fire from the curtain, flanking towers on both sides of the curtain, and other buildings higher up the Jong. Showers of rocks and stones were at the time being hurled down the hillside by the enemy from above. One man could only go up at a time, crawling on hands and knees, to the breach in the curtain.

Lieutenant Grant, followed by Havildar Karbir Pun, 8th Gurkha Rifles, at once attempted to scale it, but on reaching near the top he was wounded, and hurled back, as was also the Havildar, who fell down the rock some 30 feet.

Regardless of their injuries they again attempted to scale the breach, and, covered by the fire of the men below, were successful in their object, the Havildar shooting one of the enemy on gaining the top. The successful issue of the assault was very greatly due to the splendid example shown by Lieutenant Grant and Havildar Karbir Pun.

The latter has been recommended for the Indian Order of Merit.

Unquote.

Havildar Parbir Pun, mentioned in Grant's V.C. recommendation, was rewarded with the Indian Order of Merit (3rd Class) and promoted appointed to Jemadar, this latter a Gurkha Officer (Viceroy's Commissioned Officer) rank

John Duncan Grant's, Victoria Cross and other medals, achieved GBP 408,000, when they sold at auction in London on 2 July 2014. The medals were purchased by an agent for Lord Ashcroft and are now on permanent display in the Ashcroft Trust gallery at the Imperial War Museum.

A highly desirable medal to the 8th Gurkha Rifles which regiment together with the 32nd Sikh Pioneers were the two hardest fought, and most distinguished regiments in the Younghusband Expedition to Tibet.

Condition: About EF

Code: 25452