Beschreibung:

Medals relating to the Malaya and Korea Campaigns from the Philip Burman Collection A ‘Malaya operations’ M.M. pair awarded to Rifleman Thambahadur Gurung, 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Rifles, who was recognised for his repeated acts of gallantry carried out over a period of ten years’ service against ‘bandits’ in Malaya, including in Gelang Pateh, 14 April 1955, ‘Partap killed one and I opened fire. The daku returned fire and wounded Partap who slumped down. They scattered and tried to escape. I killed some and then chased a couple of them as they ran away, firing as I did. Once in the jungle I killed one of them. The other daku had an LMG and he turned and fired at me but his bullets went high. He then went into dead ground up a ravine. I swore at him, “Run away would you?’ and chased him. I went ahead, saw him, selected a lying position and fired at him. I killed him also’ Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21131356 Rfn. Thambahadur. Gurung. 2nd Gurkha Rifles.) rank officially corrected; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (21131356 Rfn. Thambahadur Gurung GR) last additionally impressed ‘Duplicate’, good very fine (2) £1600-2000 Footnote M.M. London Gazette 8 May 1956: ‘In recognition of distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1955.’ The recommendation states: ‘Since the start of the Emergency in Malaya in 1948, 21131356 Rifleman Thambahadur Gurung has taken an active part in operations against the Communist Terrorists. Throughout this period he has consistently shown resources, initiative and courage of very high degree. On 23rd September 1954 in the Kulai area of Johore, while searching with his platoon for a Terrorist track that had temporarily been lost, he located a camp occupied by some 10 Terrorists. Although he was immediately seen by the Terrorists he dashed forward, ahead of his Platoon, into the camp firing his Bren Gun. In face of his assault the Terrorists fled, leaving behind a rifle and several blood trails. The body of a dead terrorist was later recovered close to this camp. On 14th April 1955 in the Gelang Pateh District of Johore Rifleman Thambahadur Gurung was in ambush when three Terrorists approached his position. On the order of his Section Commander he opened fire. The Terrorists, one of whom was wounded, fled. Rifleman Thambahadur Gurung immediately gave chase, again ahead of his companions. When the Terrorists paused to return fire at him, he stood fearlessly in the open to engage them with fire from his Bren Gun. All three terrorists were subsequently killed. The complete success of this operation was almost entirely due to the personal courage, determination and inspiration displayed by this rifleman. As a fearless, skilled and enthusiastic soldier, Rifleman Thambahadaur Gurung is an outstanding example of the highest fighting qualities of the Gurkha Soldier. By his personal endeavours above the course of normal duty he has inspired the men of his platoon and of his Company to emulate his own unremitting purpose to close with the enemy on every possible occasion.’ Thambahadur Gurung was born in 1929, and enlisted in the 2nd Gurkha Rifles in January 1948. He served with the Regiment in Malaya March 1948 - April 1950, December 1950 - August 1953, April 1954 - May 1957 and November 1957 - November 1958. Thambahadur Gurung advanced to Lance-Corporal and was discharged, 7 March 1959, having served 11 years and 124 days with the Colours. Thambahadur Gurung was one of a number of Gurkhas interviewed for the book Gurkhas At War. In their Own Words: The Gurkha Experience 1939 to the Present, by J. P. Cross and Buddhiman Gurung. His experiences in Malaya are thus recorded: ‘I enlisted on 4 November 1947 [sic] and went to Malaya soon afterwards. We had been told we’d be in brick buildings but we were all in tents, including the British officers’ families, at Ulu Pandan in Singapore. Apart from the many fatigues we were used on to establish the camp, we had v