Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

An outstanding Second War 1944 ‘Burma operations’ M.M. group of five awarded to Naik Manbahadur Limbu, 1/7th Gurkha Rifles, for his gallantry when in command of a road block on the Tiddim Road as part of the Battle of Imphal. The latter coming under a heavy night-time attack, 17/18 May 1944, during which he led the counter-attack and personally accounted for 12 of the enemy by a combination of grenades; and a Bren gun firing from the hip Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2962 Nk Manbahadur Limbu G R); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal, campaign awards officially impressed ‘2962 Nk. Manbahadur Limbu, 7 G.R.’, mounted for wear, M.M. on incorrect riband, nearly very fine (5) £800-£1,000 --- M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945. The original recommendation states: ‘Period 16 May to 15 August 1944. Naik Manbahadur Limbu was in command of a section at the road block at Mile 33 on the Tiddim Road. On the night of 17/18 May ‘44 the enemy attacked in strength, Naik Manbahadur Limbu thereupon left his bunker and counter attacked the enemy with grenades, killing 7. Himself wounded in the shoulder, he then went to one of the bunkers, took a Bren gun and firing from the hip killed a further 5 enemy, the remainder fleeing. Throughout this action and in the fighting during the next ten days this NCO set a magnificent example of leadership, initiative and offensive spirit in his determination to close with and destroy the enemy.’ Manbahadur Limbu was a Hindu from Phaben village, in the district of Dhankhuta. He served with the 1/7th Gurkha Rifles as part of the 17th Indian Light Division in Burma during the Second World War.