An I.G.S. ‘North-West Frontier 1936-36’ and WW2 ‘P.O.W.’ Group of 5 awarded to Battery Havildar Major Nazir Ullah, Indian Artillery, late 6-13th Battalion, Frontier Force Rifles, who was taken as a prisoner of war in North Africa, comprising: India General Service, 1936-39, single clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (12499 Sepoy Nazir Ullah, 6-13 F.F.Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal, 1939-45; India Service Medal, 1939-45; And: India General Service, 1908-35, single clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (Jem. Painda Khan, 2-13 F. F. Rif.); Group swing mounted on card for display, with regimental cap badge, the first group generally very fine, the second about very fine with test cut at rime (7) Battery Havildar Major Nazir Ullah served initially as a Sepoy with the 6-13th Battalion, Frontier Force Rifles during the ‘North West Frontier 1936-37’ Campaign, and continued to serve in WW2. Having risen to the rank of Battery Havildar Major in the Indian Artillery, he then saw service in North Africa. The ‘Prisoners of War – Armies and Other Land Forces of the British Empire 1939-1945’ roll confirms the above recipient as 12499 Nazir, Ullah – a Battery Havildar Major serving with the Indian Artillery, and who was taken as a prisoner of war and held at Stalag 7-A at Moosburg (Isar). Given this information, it would appear likely that he was serving with 2 Medium Regiment (Self-Propelled), part of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade, who fought against Rommel’s legendary Afrika Korps in the Battle of Bir-Hakeim and at ‘Point 171’.At ‘Point 171’, on 27 May 1942, Rommel’s Panzer Divisions attacked swiftly and in overwhelming numbers, overrunning the defending positions within under two hours, but not before the Indian gunners of 2 Medium Regiment had exacted a heavy toll – destroying an estimated 52-64 enemy tanks and showing their ‘indomitable spirit’. Despite heavy losses to the brigade, of 211 men killed, and 1,030 men captured (including, it would seem, Nazir Ullah) the regiment earned the battle honour ‘Point 171’ and multiple awards for gallantry.Honorary Captain Painda Khan served in the Great War with the 87th Punjabis, but alter rejoined the army and received a commission on probation with the 2-13th F.F.R. He transferred to the 5th/2nd Punjab Regiment, retiring at the rank of Subadar in the late 1930s, but upon the outbreak of WW2 he rejoined once more as a Subadar-Major. Serving in Malaya, he was taken prisoner at the Capture of Singapore, and made an Honorary Lieutenant. Upon his release, he was appointed Honorary Captain and awarded the Order of British India and M.B.E. for his services in captivity.

Estimate: GBP 200 - 250