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Rana, Hire

Service number:
No. 5891
Nationality:
Indian (1858-1947, British Colony)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Havildar (Sergeant)
Unit:
2nd Battalion 1st King George V's Own Gurkha Rifles
Awarded on:
December 1939
Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and bold leadership on two occasions.
On the 25th October 1939, he was in cormmand of the forward platoon of No.14 route piquet (two platoons), ea.st of ANZTALAI, located on a thick wooded spur, where a party of at least 20 enemy attempted to get to close quarters throughout the morning under olose supporting fire from another enemy covering party.
Havildar Hire Rana exposed himself freely to dispose his sections and deal with each threat in turn. When the enemy attempted to rush one flank he led a section across and succeeded in shooting down 2 enemy within 10 yards of him.
When ordered to withdraw he boldly extricated his platoon end, when half way back to the covering platoon, led another counter-attack against a closely following enemy party, shooting down 2 at 20 yards, and 3 more endeavouring to get away.
Again on the 28th October 1939, he was in command of the rearmost platoon of the rear guard crossing an open field exposed to continual enemy fire. When a man in his rear section was wounded, he personally went bacl} and removed the casualty's rifle and equipment and remained exposed to persistent. and accurate fire till the whole section reached cover.
Throughout the SHAHWALI Column Havildar Hire Rana showed marked initiative, a disregard for his own safety, and ·was an inspiring example to all ranks."
Second Class to the Indian Order of Merit
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Havildar (Sergeant)
Unit:
2nd Battalion 1st King George V's Own Gurkha Rifles
Awarded on:
October 25th, 1940
Mentioned in Dispatches
Citation (general):
"In recognition of distinguished services in the field."

Sources

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