SEE OUR OTHER AUCTIONS AND EBAY STORE FOR MORE ITEMS OF INTERESTBritish War medal group with Military Medal awarded to Rifleman Pade Thapa, 3rd Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army. The group consists of: British Military Medal (M.M., Silver, King George VI, type 1, officially impressed: 3665 Rfn. Pade Thapa, 3 G.R.) (serial number corrected); British 1939-45 Star (unnamed); British Italy Star (unnamed); British Defence Medal (unnamed); British War Medal 1939-45 (unnamed). Thapa was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, March 8, 1945) "In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy." The awards are swing mounted for wear with official ribbon and are in Very Fine condition. The British Military Medal was instituted on March 25, 1916, and could be awarded to noncommissioned officers and men of the Army for bravery in combat. Only 15,000 Military Medals were awarded to British Commonwealth Forces during World War II. It is considered to be the equivalent of a Silver Star in the American award system. . The British 1939-45 Star was awarded to any military personnel serving for six months in an operational command between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945. Operational service brought to an end through death, disability, or wound, also qualified for the award of the 1939-45 Star, irrespective of length of service. The British Italy Star was awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy between June 11, 1943, and May 8, 1945. The British Defence Medal was awarded to any military personnel and some civilians related to civil defense serving in nonoperational areas threatened by the enemy between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945 (qualification time varied depending on type of service). The British 1939-45 War Medal was awarded to all full time personnel of the Armed Forces serving for 28 days or more, between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945. A total of 182 Victoria Crosses were awarded during World War II. RZ0041
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