A WW2 ‘IMPHAL’ MAY 1944 BATTLE FOR ‘SHENAM SADDLE’ M.M. GROUP WITH A FINE FIGHTING CITATION AWARDED TO RIFLEMAN, 5/6TH RAJPUTANA RIFLES FOR HIS GALLANTRY UNDER HEAVY SMALL ARMS AND MORTAR FIRE DURING WHICH HE INFLICTED MANY CASUALTIES ON THE ENEMY

MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. ‘27852 RFN. MOHAMMED. SHARIF. 6 RAJ. RIF.’ OFFICIALLY ENGRAVED NAMING; 1939-45 STAR; BURMA STAR; WAR MEDAL 1939-45; INDIA SERVICE MEDAL.

M.M. London Gazette 31 August 1944. The original Recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On the night of 23/24 May 1944 the Jap made a very strong attack upon a position in Palel-Tamu Road, which was held by “A” and “B” Companies of 5/6 Rajputana Rifles. No 10 Platoon’s position, which was between “A” Company and the remaining 2 platoons of “B” Company was over run and occupied by about 200 Japs, and “A” Company H.Q was left open and unprotected. Under heavy fire from mortars and light machine guns, No 27852 Rifleman Mohammed Sharif and No 17206 Rifleman Zaman Ali took up a position between Company H.Q and the enemy. Their position was in the open and there was no kind of shelter anywhere near them. Throughout the night under continuous heavy mortar and small arms fire they maintained their position inflicting many casualties on the enemy. By his courage and determination, Rifleman Mohammed Sharif successfully held off the enemy, inflicted many casualties and gave him the impression that Company H.Q was heavily defended.’

Rifleman Mohammed Sharif served with 5th (Napier’s) Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles during the Second War. The battalion formed part of the 49th Indian Infantry Brigade from November 1941 until the end of the War.

Condition; contact wear and EK’s. NVF or better. Medals mounted with original ribbons, the group clearly having been worn by the recipient.

A really very fine fighting citation for this award.