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Rana, Balbahadur

Service number:
7203
Nationality:
British-Indian

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rifleman
Unit:
5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force), Indian Army
Awarded on:
October 5th, 1944
Recommendation:
"‘During a counter attack on “Scraggy” Hill feature, Imphal/ Tamu Road on the 10th June 1944, No.7203 Rifleman Balbahadur Rana was No.2. of a Bren Gun Team. During the ensuing action No.1 of the Gun was wounded and his place was immediately filled by this Rifleman. At a later period, just prior to the withdrawal of the platoon, the platoon commander was severely wounded his foot being blown off. Having heard orders to withdraw, Rifleman Balbahadur Rana, carrying his L.M.G. rushed across to his platoon commander, picked up his Tommy Gun, seized his commander and proceeded to half-carry-half-drag him back to our own position. Carrying as he was both L.M.G. and Tommy Gun he made slow progress and was left far behind the remainder of his platoon. During the whole of this time grenades were being thrown at him by the enemy. Eventually this Rifleman, under intense grenade fire and entirely alone, reached our own position dragging his platoon commander and still carrying both L.M.G. and Tommy Gun. The complete disregard shown for his personal safety by this rifleman and his coolness under fire set an inspiring example to his comrades and merits the highest praise."
Military Medal (MM)
Period:
Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949)

With clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46
General Service Medal 1918-1962

Sources

Photo