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Auction: 11011 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 10

A Superb Second War 1945 ´Immediate´ Italian Theatre M.C. Group of Six to Jemadar Amir Shah, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army, For His ´Magnificent Leadership and Contempt For Danger in the Decisive Defeat of a Bold and Well Organised Enemy Raid´ a) Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ´1945´ b) India General Service 1908-35, G.V.R., one clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (9742 Sep. Amir Shah, 1-12 F.F.R.) c) 1939-1945 Star d) Italy Star e) Defence and War Medals, generally very fine or better (6) Estimate £ 1,500-2,000 M.C. London Gazette 5.7.1945 Jemadar Amir Shah (47732 IO), 12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army ´In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.´ The recommendation, dated 31.3.1945, states: ´On 24 March 1945, Jemadar Amir Shah´s platoon was holding a position on the east floodbank of the river Senio near Bagnacavallo, with section posts on the bank and in houses just behind. The enemy held positions on the west floodbank, and also had further positions on the same floodbank which enabled him to cover the platoon from both flanks. The platoon was harassed continually by mortars, grenades, and snipers. At 09:00 hours, supported by mortars, medium guns, and rockets on neighbouring localities, and by Spandaus from the flanks, the enemy launched a sudden raid. Rushing to the top of the bank, preceded by a shower of high explosives and smoke grenades, and firing Bazookas, the enemy demolished two posts, killing two men and wounding a third. Jemadar Amir Shah, disregarding the hail of bullets and grenades, ran forward to the threatened section and with a Thompson sub-machine gun and grenades killed two enemy and forced the remainder to withdraw. He then ran from post to post encouraging his men and hurling grenades until the attack had been completely smashed. Seven enemy were killed on the bank and other casualties were certainly inflicted but covering fire from the far bank prevented a detailed count. The magnificent leadership and contempt for danger of this V.C.O. were the major factors in the decisive defeat of this bold and well organised enemy raid.´ Jemadar Amir Shah, M.C., enlisted in the 12th Frontier Force Regiment, 27.10.1929; Commissioned Jemadar, 26.2.1944.

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£1,700