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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 126

(x) A superb I.D.S.M. awarded to Havildar D. Chand, 1-2nd Punjab Regiment; who latterly joined a Indian Parachute Regiment after Indian Independence and was killed in action during Operations in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (12524 Hav. Durga Chand, 1-2 Punjab. R.), minor official correction to forename, very fine

I.D.S.M. Recommendation confirmed 20 September 1945, the recommendation states:

'During the recent operations in the Sillaro valley Hav Durga Chand has on several occasions distinguished himself.

On 15 Feb 45 in C Di Lucca 008298 he was in command of a party of eight IORs at pt 358 013297 when enemy estimated twenty attacked this post. Hav Durga Chand engaged them at short range and though outnumbered stuck to his post and inflicted at least five casualties on the enemy who then withdrew.

In the third week of February 45, Hav Durga Chand with another sepoy led two recce patrols around pt 342 013299 and obtained very useful and accurate information of enemy mortars and Spandau positions on the reverse slopes of that feature. These enemy posns were subsequently engaged by our mortars and heavy casualties were inflected resulting in the reduction of enemy activity in that area.

Again on 5 March 45 when the enemy attacked pt 358 Hav Durga Chand was in comd of a section there. Working his way behind the leading enemy scouts he captured one of them whilst his section inflicted four casualties on the remainder.

During this period of one month in which his coy was actively engaged Hav Durga Chand on every occasion led his men with great gallantry. His leadership devotion to duty, and perseverance have been of the highest order.'

Note the recipient's recommendation has been located and the book The Indian Distinguished Service Medal lists him as receiving the award, however, no London Gazette entry has been located either by the cataloguer or in the above-mentioned reference work.

Durga Chand was born at Dharmpur Dasuya Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He served through the Second World War with the 1-2 Punjab Regiment and is listed as killed in action with the 1st Parachute Regiment during the Jammu and Kasmir Operations on 1 August 1949; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£1,400 to £1,800

Starting price
£1100