image

Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 447

The campaign group of three awarded to Havildar P. Singh, 2nd Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Rifles, killed in action and likely alongside his gallant CO - Lieutenant-Colonel Cumming - during the famous action near Kuantan on 4 January 1942

India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (11866 Sep. Phina Singh, 2-12 F.F.R.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (4)

Phina Singh, a native of Rakri, Hoshiarpur, was killed in action whilst a Havildar on 4 January 1942.

The unit were sent to Malaya in April 1941 where it became part of the 22nd Indian Infantry Brigade. They fought a successful, but doomed, defence of the eastern coast of Malaya, during the Battle of Malaya, before was forced to surrender with the rest of the Allied forces in Singapore on 15 February 1942. Their gallant CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Edward Cumming, received the Victoria Cross for the action that cost Singh his life. Having been penetrated by a strong force of Japanese, Cumming, with a small party of men, immediately led a counter-attack. Although all his men became casualties and Cumming had two bayonet wounds in the stomach he managed to restore the situation sufficiently for the major portion of the battalion and its vehicles to be withdrawn. The VC awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Cumming is held by the National Army Museum.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£180

Starting price
£140