A good Second War ‘Burma operations’ M.C. group of five awarded to...

A good Second War ‘Burma operations’ M.C. group of five awarded to Jemadar Sultan Ali, 4th (Sikh) Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army, for his gallantry in leading an attack on a heavily occupied village on 25 March 1945

Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (PJO 16092 Jem Sultan Ali 12 F.F.R.); Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1946; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted court-style as worn in this order, very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

Footnote
M.C. London Gazette 2 August 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’

The original Recommendation, for an Immediate award, states: ‘On 25 March 1945 Subedar Sultan Ali was the commander of No. 7 Platoon, C Company, ordered to attack and clear the village of Kyigon (Map Meiktila sheet 1:25000, Square 3134). The company went in with No 7 Platoon as a spear head, as the degree of enemy resistance was at this time was not known, and had to be ascertained. A troop of tanks was in support, but took no part in the first phase of the attack, and remained behind, outside the village.
On entering the village Subedar Sultan Ali’s platoon soon came under fire from Japs in the trenches and fox-holes in the vicinity of the Pagodas to their front. By skilful manoeuvring of his sections Subedar Sultan Ali soon overcame this opposition, about one section strong, and destroyed the enemy. He then continued his advance into the village, and came under automatic fire from strong bunker to his front, and heavy sniping from both flanks. The platoon was pinned down, and almost at once the enemy begun to shell the position from close range, with great accuracy, and casualties to the platoon begun to mount. A lesser man might have withdrawn his platoon from such a predicament, and gone in again with tank support, but Subedar Sultan Ali at once decided that the solution lay in a swift and determined attack to destroy the enemy and occupy his trenches. This he did, and under his inspiring leadership his platoon went in and at the point of bayonet, destroyed the enemy, and occupied his position.
Subedar Sultan Ali was badly wounded by a shell splinter in the stomach before reaching the enemy position, but continued to direct his platoon and shout encouragement, until the enemy were destroyed and the men under cover. Not till then did he allow himself to be dragged away and evacuated. The platoon suffered 2 killed and 9 wounded in the action, but secured a firm base in the centre of the enemy resistance, and it was from here that the further operations of the Company were launched, with the tank support, and the village completely cleared, in spite of constant shelling. Kyigon was not again occupied after our men were withdrawn in the evening.
This Subedar has shown determination and skilled leadership of the highest order, and his courage has inspired his men to give of their utmost throughout the recent operations.’

Sultan Ali was born in the district of Rawalpindi and attested for the 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army, on 21 June 1930. He served with them during the Second World War in Burma from 9 December 1941 to 20 May 1942; in Assam from May to August 1942; and again in Burma from 5 February 1945. He was pensioned on 21 June 1958, after 28 years’ service.

Sold with copied service records and a photographic image of the recipient.