British, George VI, India General Service Medal 1936–39, North West Frontier 1936–37 Clasp, Named to 40444 Spr. Mahbub Alam, Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners
*Indian, George VI, India General Service Medal 1936–39, North West Frontier 1936–37 Clasp, Named to 40444 Spr. Mahbub Alam, Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners*
A genuine India General Service Medal (1936–1939) awarded for service on the North West Frontier, fitted with the “North West Frontier 1936–37” clasp and retaining its original period ribbon. The medal is struck in silver with the crowned head of King George VI facing left, the obverse legend reading GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP. The reverse features the advancing tiger above rocky ground with the word INDIA above. The medal is officially impressed to: 40444 SPR. MAHBUB ALAM R.B.S.& M. The abbreviation denotes the Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners, part of the Corps of Indian Engineers. The rank of Sapper (Spr.) indicates service as an enlisted combat engineer.
Historical Note The India General Service Medal 1936–39 was instituted to recognise active service on the turbulent North West Frontier of British India during the late inter-war period. The North West Frontier 1936–37 clasp relates to operations against tribal insurgents during a period of sustained unrest, including the Waziristan campaign. These frontier operations required constant military presence in difficult mountainous terrain, with forces engaged in patrol warfare, convoy protection, and the construction and defence of remote posts.
The Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners formed one of the principal engineer groups of the British Indian Army. Their role on frontier service included the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and defensive works, often under operational conditions in support of infantry columns. During the Second World War, units of the Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners went on to serve widely with British and Indian forces across theatres including North Africa, the Middle East, Italy, and Burma, providing essential field engineering support such as mine clearance, bridging, and maintenance of supply routes.
*Condition* Very good overall example with attractive, even toning to the silver and clear definition remaining to both the obverse portrait and reverse tiger. The clasp is correctly fitted and secure. Official naming is crisp and fully legible around the rim. Light surface marks and contact wear consistent with service issue. The original ribbon is present, showing minor age-related wear and some fraying to the reverse folds.Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Named India General Service Medal with North West Frontier 1936–37 clasp to a Royal Bombay Sappers & Miners Sapper.
