India (Dominion): Independence Medal 1947 (2549 Spr. Jarnail Singh, Faridkot S.F.)

The recipient was an Indian soldier of the Sikh faith, holding the rank of Sapper, while serving with the Faridkot Sappers and Miners of the Faridkot State Forces

Awarded to 'All-Ranks' of the Indian Armed Forces, including Indian Princely State Forces, together with some 'qualifying' British service personnel (i.e. those who served on attachment post, 15 August 1947, and or had elected to remain serving in the Indian Army after that date). Gurkha 'All Ranks' (this did not include British Officers of Gurkha Rifles Regiments) who had opted to join the British Army on 1 January 1948 were also eligible for the medal and were all awarded it

Faridkot State was a self-governing princely state of Punjab ruled by Brar Jats outside British India during the British Raj period in the Indian sub-continent until Indian independence. The state was located in the south of the erstwhile Ferozepore district during the British period. The former state had an area of around 1,649.82 square kilometres (637 sq mi). Its population in 1941 was around 199,000. On 15 August 1947, Faridkot State ceded to the Dominion of India

On 1 January 1940 the strength of the Faridkot State Forces was:

- Headquarters: x 6
- Body-Guard: x 31
- Sappers & Miners: x 201
- Band: x 45

During the Second World War, Faridkot mobilized and raised other units. In 1941 a further 'Sappers & Miners' Field Squadron was raised, that was destined to serve with the Indian Army, as 94th (Faridkot) Field Company, Indian Engineers - this latter unit was later re-turned to the Faridkot State Forces in 1945, when it was re-styled as 2nd Field Service Company Sappers & Miners, Faridkot S.F. Both 1st and 2nd Field Service Companies deployed on active service in the Assam/Burma campaign theatre, the 1st throughout as a State Forces unit, while the  2nd served in Assam/ Burma theatre under it's Indian Army style '94th (Faridkot) Field Company, Indian Engineers 

A very scarce seen named India Independence medal to a Sapper of the Faridkot Sappers and Miners

Condition: About EF

Code: 26148