The good Second World War Burma Battle of the Admin Box 17th February 1944 Military Medal group awarded to Lance Naik later Naik Sher Ahmed, 2nd Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment, which fought as part of the 123rd Infantry Infantry Brigade in the 5th Indian Division. In the thick of it during the Battle of the Admin Box which lasted from 5th to 23rd February 1944, it was on the 17th February, whilst defending the Admin Box, that some Japanese were observed on a hill. Tasked with dealing with the enemy, Sher Ahmad with one sepoy led a small fighting patrol, which moved in advance of the main patrol under a Subedar which was tasked with dealing with the 19 enemy observed. He got within easy distance of the Jap position and carried out a quick recce to it, before reporting to the patrol commander. He then formed his section up and led a determined charge on the Japs. The enemy did not wait for the charge but bolted from the position down the hill sustaining at least two casualties as they went. On the captured position were found most valuable documents, equipment, ammunition and food, seven mule loads in all, the loss of which must have caused grave embarrassment to the Japs. Sher Ahmed was awarded a Divisional Commendation Card, and then put up for an official award, initially the Indian Distinguished Service Medal, he was ultimately awarded the Military Medal, which was gazetted to him on 22nd June 1944. Sher Ahmed was still in service as a Naik when Pakistan gained its Independence in 1947, and he then transferred across into the Pakistan Army, remaining on service with the 1st Punjab Regiment.
Group of 5: Military Medal, GVI 1st type bust, with officially engraved naming; (14041 L/NK. SHER AHMED. 1 PUNJAB. R.); 1939-1945 Star; Burma Star; War Medal; Pakistan Independence Medal 1947, officially impressed naming; (2336903 NAIK SHER AHMED 1 PUNJAB R.)
Condition: Good Very Fine.
Sher Ahmed, surname spelt Ahmad on recommendation page, came from the village of Hurna Mairs in Rawlakot, Bagh, Poonch, being a Punjabi Musselman. With the Second World War he saw service as a Lance Naik (No.14041) with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment, which fought in Burma as part of the 123rd Infantry Infantry Brigade in the 5th Indian Division as part of 15th Indian Corps.
The 2nd/1st Punjabis spent the war in India and Burma, having joined the 5th Indian Division after its return from East and North Africa in late 1943, when it was thrown into the campaign in Burma, being initially deployed to the Arakan Front.
As such Sher Ahmed found himself in the thick of it during the Battle of the Admin Box which lasted from 5th to 23rd February 1944, and it was during this famous battle, fought in the Mayu Range, the he would be awarded the Military Medal for his actions on 17th February 1944.
The recommendation reads as follows: ‘On 17th February 1944 L/Naik Sher Ahmad with one sepoy was leading a small fighting patrol which had been sent to deal with a party of Japs which had been observed on a hill known as Chilni (?). After a skilful and daring stalk, L/Naik Sher Ahmad led the patrol to within easy distance of the Jap position, which 19 Japs were seen to be holding. The L/Naik then carried out a quick recce of the position and suggested a pian to the Subedar commanding the patrol. This done, this N.C.O. formed his section up and led a determined charge on the Japs. The enemy did not wait for the charge but bolted from the position down the hill sustaining at least two casualties as they went. On the captured position were found most valuable documents, equipment, ammunition and food, seven mule loads in all, the loss of which must have caused grave embarrassment to the Japs. The very high degree of leadership and bravery shown by this young N.C.O. was an example to all ranks and largely as a result of his action much information of great value came into the hands of our army.’
Initially issued a Divisional Commendation Card, Sher Ahmed’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.S. Kalha, recommended him for a decoration whilst the battalion was still engaged in the Battle of the Admin Box on 22nd February, and the Brigadier commanding the 123rd Indian Brigade then seconded this on 27th February, some four days after the battle had come to an end. Sher Ahmed was initially put up for the award of the Indian Distinguished Service Medal, however this was then downgraded to the award of the Military Medal, as published the London Gazette for 22nd June 1944.
Sher Ahmed would have fought through the remainder of the campaign in Burma, including the Battle of Imphal and the Battle of Kohima. Thereafter, the division was almost constantly involved in the advance through central Burma until fighting ended with the Japanese surrender in August 1945. After the end of the war, it was the first unit into Singapore. Pakistan gained its independence in August 1947, at which time Sher Ahmed was still in service and transferred into the Pakistan Army as a Naik (No.2336903) with the 1st Punjab Regiment
