Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Subedar Major (Major)

Unit:

Jemadar Badragga to the Commander Royal Engineers, Waziristan District, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

June 28th, 1940

Citation:
"On February 3rd, 1940, a party consisting of Officers of the Royal Engineers and of the Military Engineering Service, while motoring up the Tochi Road, some three miles from Bannu, was ambushed by thirty hostiles. After the first volley, Colonel Hasted, Major Cator and Pir Khan managed to obtain cover behind a low irrigation culvert wall on the side of the road. Pir Khan took up a firing position round the edge of the wall and immediately opened fire on the hostiles who were round the mill buildings, less than forty yards away, thereby forcing most of them to take cover in the buildings. He continued to fire and frustrate any attempt to outflank the Officers along the road in spite of a hail of bullets being poured in his direction.

When the hostiles finally started to withdraw, Pir Khan had only three rounds of his original 50 left. During the hostile withdrawal he helped to give assistance under fire to the wounded and dying. His loyal, gallant and cool conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of both Colonel Hasted and Major Cator. It also prevented the hostiles from looting the cars and mutilating the bodies of the dead and wounded which were lying in the road."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)