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Auction: 9022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 308

x British North Borneo Company´s Medal 1897-1916, bronze issue, one clasp, Punitive Expedition (Raidullah Khan 247 Lance Corporal), engraved in upright serif capitals, good very fine, rare Estimate £ 1,200-1,600 Jemadar Raidullah Khan, a Pathan from the North West Frontier, appears many times in the State of North Borneo Official Gazette. There are several variations of spelling of his name, but following the course of his career and the longevity of his service at Jesselton it is undoubtedly the same man. He was to become Chief Police Officer of Jesselton, 13.7.1924, and he is mentioned throughout his career, ´´Official Gazette, 1.4.1905, The Civil Police are under the Wing Officer, and I have no District Police, the work that would fall to them being done partly by Military Police, but mainly by Cpl. Redelahkhan of the Civil Police. I am glad of this opportunity to note the excellent work done by this Corporal, who has been of very great assistance to me. He knows the district [Jesselton], the natives, and their language: he has a head and can use it: a combination of qualities sufficiently rare to be remarkable when met with, and valuable; Official Gazette 1.5.1906, I was very glad to hear that Corporal Redolah Khan has been made a Sergeant, as he fully deserved the promotion, and it would be difficult to find a more useful man; Official Gazette 1.10.1906 - Civil Police, Jesselton Division, This division is under the supervision of W.O., Mr. Bond who has brought it to a fairly efficient state, very much handicapped by the material at his disposal. The back bone of this division is Corporal (promoted during the year to Sergeant) Raidolah Khan who has much energy and zeal and knows the District thoroughly. The District Officer has invariably reported well of this man; Official Gazette 1.7.1907, Jesselton - Sergeant Raidolah Khan of the Jesselton Civil Police was granted a reward for a most plucky act in effecting the arrest single handed at night of two desperate Chinese, and being severely wounded himself brought them in two miles single handed to Jesselton. This is not Sergeant Raidolah Khan´´s first act of conspicuous pluck; Official Gazette 13.6.1910, Sergeant Major Raidolah Khan received his Warrant ran during the year and has been of the most inestimable value to the West Coast Residency, knowing the geography of the Coast so well from many years of experience. The arrests of a great many absconding coolies from the different Estates were due to his efforts; Official Gazette, 1.5.1913, Detective Sergeant Major Raidullah Khan as a special mark of favour was promoted to be Jemadar on probation by H.E. Mr. Ellis in 18th June 1912´´ ; He is further mentioned in correspondence between the Governor of North Borneo and the Chairman of the North Borneo Company, dated 19.7.1917, thus ´´I am asked to bring to your notice the case of Jemadar Raidullah Khan, who was the only native officer present during the abortive rising at Pindasan. The thanks of the Court were by your instructions communicated to the European Officers, while the rank and file received good conduct badges. Thus no recognition was made of the services of this native officer, a man whose name has more than once been brought to notice for the fearless execution of his duty in connection with the arrests of dangerous criminals. The Commandant suggests that the case would be met by presenting him with a certificate.´´ The Certificate appears to have been presented, as it was authorised, for services rendered during an armed rising of natives at Pindasan, April 1915. No medal was awarded for this action. Raidullah Khan was also presented with a gold watch in appreciation of 27 years service, 1922; he retired 1.10.1926.

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£1,600