| Citation: | India. Citation for BEM: on 31.10.43 three prisoners escaped from the cells at MP HQ including one BABU KHAN a Pathan. L/Nk GILLU RAM was one of the patrols detailed to watch all the Railway Stations along the Karachi-Hyderabad line and on the 3rd Nov. 1943 was responsible for the arrest of Babu Khan. He was dressed in Mufti at the time and was able to close on Babu Khan without the latter realising that this was a Military Policeman. When within a yard or two, however he was recognised by Babu Khan and the latter, who is a particulary bad type of Pathan immedately drew out a 'Pathan Knife' and attacked L/Nk Gillu Ram. This NCO was unarmed at the time, but acting with great courage and determination, picked up a woodman's axe which was lying on the platform. He defended himself with this and inflicted a leg injury on Babu Khan. Despite this Babu Khan ran for some 50 yds before he collapsed. The NCO then tied his hands behind his back with a 'safa' and carried him back to the Railway Station. He there experienced further trouble. The local inhabitants not realising that he was a Military Policeman were particularly hostile. Fortunately a train arrived at that moment and the L/Nk. without hesitations bundled Babu Khan into the train and took him down as far as the next station where he telephone to MP HQ for a truck. It is considered that this NCO's handling of this Pathan was most praiseworth, his display of courage and coolness of the highest degree and his withdrawl from what might have been a very awkward situation showed how unaffected he was by the whole incident. This NCO has been detailed for serveral special investigations, during which he has been operating on his own - masquarading in various guises, and has proved himself to be perfectly cool, in all circumstances.H. E. The Commander in Chief in India. National Archive WO 373.157 |
