Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 125
General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S. E. Asia 1945-46 (10160 L/Nk. Tejbahadur Gurung, 3-8 G.R.), very fine
Prior to the end of hostilities with Japan, the Battalion was warned for service in French Indo-China. The following is an extract of its service In French Indo-China taken from the Regimental History:
'…Embarked on H.M.T.S.Morton Bay, the Battalion finally left the Rangoon river on 30th September. Its service in Burma had ended.
…On 8th October, 1945, the Battalion arrived at Saigon, disembarked the following morning, and marched to an airfield about nine miles distant, where it was engaged on defensive duties and on the difficult tasks of preserving law and order until French troops were able to take over. The lawless condition of the country was due to the activities of the Annamite Independence Party, and many encounters with members of this movement took place. In these, the Annamites found the Gurkha a particularly unpleasant person on whom to wage war. Large numbers were killed and captured with small losses to the Battalion.
As happened in other places in the east, Japanese help in quelling disturbances was occasionally given.
On 14th December, 1,000 Japanese officers and other ranks arrived at Battalion Headquarters. A formal parade under Subadar-Major Darabjit Gurung, M.C., was held. Japanese officers surrendered their swords to officers of the Battalion.
On 19th December, 1945, the Battalion was relieved by French troops, and sailed in M.V. Highland Brigade on 26th December for North Borneo…
This move was made in order to relieve Australian troops.
…Guard duties on establishments, and on Japanese prisoners-of-war camps, and normal training was the Battalion's routine until 29th April, 1946… when the 32nd Indian Brigade began to disband.'
During the 3rd Battalion's 3 month tour in French Indo-China its casualties were 4 killed and 7 wounded in action.
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Sold for
£65
Starting price
£40
Sale 22001 Notices
Incorrect photograph on website. Please refer to description.