Details
GVIR issue:
10080 L-NK. CHANDRE THAPA, GR.
LG: 17/6/1946. The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma:
No.10080 Lance-Naik. Chandre Thapa, 1st King George V's Own Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army.
Recommendation: 13th May 1945 - Field: - 10080 Paid Lance Naik Chandre Thapa 3/1st Gurkha Rifles
During the period under review, Rifleman (Paid L/Nk.) Chandre Thapa has shown gallantry of a high order. At 0500 hours on 16th March 1945, 'C' and 'D' Companies, having completed a night march, occupied a village on the enemy line of withdrawal. At 0700 hours a bullock cart containing a 75mm gun driven by a Jap and escorted by four of the enemy passed down a track to the north of the village. This party was immediately engaged and the escort were all promptly killed. The bullock cart, being driven at full speed, managed to escape. However No.10080 Rfn. (Paid Lance Naik) Chandre Thapa, however, gave chase. As he closed on the cart the Jap driver turned around and fired at him with a pistol and also threw a hand grenade. Rfn. (Paid Lance Naik) Chandre Thapa was not hit and in return threw a grenade, which killed the driver. He then drove the bullock cart back into our position. By his prompt action, this young Rifleman not only captured a Jap gun but also prevented the enemy from escaping and giving information to our dispositions.
On 17th March 1945, Rfn. (Paid Lance Naik) Chandre Thapa saw two Japs moving down a track some considerable distance from his position. He chased them and engaged them in running fight, which resulted in one Jap being killed.
At 2100 hours on 17th March 1945, Rfn. (Paid Lance Naik) Chandre Thapa's section was attacked by a considerably larger enemy force. The attack was repulsed and at dawn the next morning 14 Jap bodies were lying outside the section position. Rifleman Chandre Thapa had himself killed five, including one with a shovel when the Jap grabbed the barrel of his Bren Gun.
By his eagerness to at all times close with and destroy the enemy, Rifleman (Paid Lance Naik) Chandre Thapa has been a fine example to the men fighting alongside him.
Recommended for the Military Medal – Periodical
F.E. Nangle Lt- Col. Commanding Field Detachment 3/1st Gurkha Rifles
Approved D D Gracey Major General commanding 20th Indian Infantry Division
A superb citation for the 'closing in' process instigated by 80th Indian Infantry Brigade in March 1945. Rifleman Chandre Thapa's own unit, the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Gurkha Rifles, playing a prominent role in blocking the enemy's retreat north of Kyaukse, near Letpan. In 48 hours the 1st Gurkhas 'collected forty one bodies' and the Battle Honour, 'Kyauske 1945.'
47 M.M.’s awarded to the 1st Gurkha Rifles for W.W.2.
Sold together with a watercolour depicting the recipient fighting off the enemy with his shovel.
The first three digits of his regimental number are officially reimpressed
(VF+)
