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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 490

A 1965 B.E.M. awarded to Pipe Major (Warrant Officer Class 2) B. Limbu, Gurkha Signals

British Empire Medal, Military Division, E.II.R. (21146271 W/O.II. (L) Bombahadur Limbu, Gurkha Sigs.), officially impressed naming on a pre-prepared ground, test mark to obverse, very fine

B.E.M. London Gazete 4 June 1965. The original recommendation - for the period 16 July 1954-31 December 1964 - states:

'Bombahadur Limbu was originally a Piper in an Infantry Battalion. He transferred to Gurkha Signals in 1954 and is now Pipe Major with the local rank of Warrant Officer Class Two. On transfer he was promoted to Lance-Corporal and given twelve men to be trained as Pipers. He patiently and good humouredly taught the beginners the rudiments of piping and then took them for an attachment to an established band. Only six months after their first lesson the Pipers paraded from their first public appearance, this remarkable progress was due entirely [to] Bombahadur Limbu's untiring devotion and never failing encouragement.

During the years following the formation of the Gurkha Signals Pipe Band Bombahadur Limbu was faced with the responsibility normally associated with higher rank than his own but his advice to the Commanding Officer and Pipe President was always proved to be well considered and invaluable.

Bombahadur Limbu's example, inspiration and leadership have undoubtedly been responsible for the high state of morale of the whole band. Morale has never dropped despite long working hours, much tedious travelling and engagements which have been mentally and physically exhausting. During the Malayan Emergency he led his Pipers on regular 'flag showing' tours involved thoughout the country, culminating in the Victory Parade in 1958. In 1956 he was sent to Katmandu for the King of Nepal's Coronation Parade, there he received from the Lord Chancellor of the United Kingdom, a Pipe Banner presented by HRH The Princess Royal to Gurkha Signals.

During the period covered by this citation Bombahadur Limbu has won general acclaim for his pipers performances at a wide variety of engagements which have included the High Commissioner's Queen's Birthday reception and a number of parades for Malaysian military and civilian organisations.

The fact that in 1964, Gurkha Signals 10th Anniversary Year, the Pipe Band of the Gurkha Signals shares equal prestige with the long established bands of the Brigade of Gurkhas is a complete reflection of Bombahadur Limbu's unselfish devotion, fine example and an ability. He is leaving the Army on retirement in October 1965.'

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Sold for
£500

Starting price
£130