VERY SPECIAL OFFER - THE INDIAN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL – LAST 3 COPIES
by Sqn Ldr Rana Chhina MBE IAF Retd. Hardback, 359pp, 12pp Illustrations.
Published in India in 2001, and available in limited numbers in the UK at £29.95 plus p&p, the author has generously offered the small number of remaining copies to the Society and we are delighted to be able to offer copies at £10 per copy including p&p to customers in the UK. Unfortunately, the book weighs more than 1kg and so postage costs will increase the price to overseas customers. Nevertheless, the book will still be excellent value at £10 plus an additional postage charge of £10 to Europe, £20 to Zone 1, £24 to Zone 2 (Australasia & Singapore) and £27 to USA.
To order a copy, please go to the Shop > Special Numbers (top menu) or email IDSM@mhsorg.uk
“The Indian Distinguished Service Medal” by Rana Chhina remains the only comprehensive record of one of the two uniquely Indian gallantry awards of the British Indian Armed Forces. Indian troops were not eligible for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and so the IDSM was introduced in 1907 to recognise an equivalent level of gallantry. The IDSM was awarded sparingly, with just over 5,600 awards made between 1907 and 1947, of which around 3,100 were made for service during the First World War. By comparison, the DCM was awarded on around 25,000 occasions during the First World War alone.
Rana Chhina’s book includes a comprehensive account of the origin, development and description of the IDSM, and the institution of first and second award bars. It goes on to provide a complete roll of all recipients, by regiment or corps, listed in chronological order based upon the date of the General Government Order (GGO) authorising the award. Each entry includes number, rank, full name, the date and theatre of award and, where known, details of other awards and whether replacement medals were issued. The roll is split into two parts: 1907 to 1922 and 1922 to 1947 in order to reflect the reorganisation of the Indian Army in 1922 which led to changes in many unit titles. The final Section of the book comprises seven Appendices giving tables of units, summaries of award by unit, a summary of awards by year and obverse, representative award citations and an index to London Gazette entries between 1923 and 1947. There is also a comprehensive bibliography and index.
Rana Chhina, will need no introduction to anyone with an interest in the military history of India. ‘The Indian Distinguished Service Medal’ is an essential reference for everybody with an interest in the twentieth century Indian Army before 1947 and at £10 it represents outstanding value for money.