Beschreibung:

Gallantry. A WWII ‘Trigno River’ I.O.M. group of seven to Subadar Sowar Khan, 6-13 Frontier Force Rifles. Indian Order of Merit, 2nd type, 2nd class, Reward of Valour, silver and enamel, reverse engraved ‘2nd Class Order of Merit’, India General Service 1936-39, one clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (9247 Naik Sowar Khan, 6-13 F.F. Rif.), 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence and War Medal with M.I.D. oakleaf, first with enamel damage, but generally very fine or better, mounted for wearing, with copied research. M.I.D. London Gazette 30.6.1942 A/Subador (10592) Sowar Khan (Italian East Africa). I.O.M. London Gazette 20.4.1944 Subadar Sowar Khan (10592 I.O.), 13th Frontier Force Rifles ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy’ "On the 1st Nov 1943, a Company under the command of VCO was ordered to cross the river Trigno and secure part of a bridgehead to cover the crossing of the remainder of the Brigade. Enemy opposition proved to be much greater than had been anticipated - in fact the objective would never have been reached had not this fine Indian Officer led his Company with the greatest skill and personal leadership. Throughout the next 49 hours the Company position was held against three successive counter-attacks. On the 4th Nov he was wounded badly for the third time by crossing very exposed ground under close range enemy fire to restore the situation on a point of his post, knowing full well that in doing so he was risking his life. Throughout the operation this VCO’S personal example of courageous leadership was an inspiration to his men, enabling them to carry out their allotted task." 10592 Subadar Sowar Khan served during WWII in the Italian Theatre of War with 6 Royal Battalion (Scinde), 13 Frontier Force Rifles, awarded the Indian Order of Merit for his service at Trigno River, Italy 1.11.1943 which was a major battle just before Cassino. (7)