WW-II gallantry medals showcased at MEG Museum

Bangalore, Nov 20 (UNI) In a magnanimous gesture, the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) medals, awarded to two gallant Madras Sappers for their service during World War II, were presented by their next of kin to the Madras Sappers Museum and Archives at the MEG and Centre here.

The medals were handed over to Madras Engineer Group and Centre Commandant Brigadier A S Chand at an impressive ceremony held in connection with the 226th Raising Day of the Corps of Engineers here on November 18. The medals would be displayed at the Madras Sappers Museum, according to an official release here today.

The Commandant in turn presented mementos to Mr Panner Sellan, son of Late Subedar Loganathan, and Mr N Kumar, son of late Jemadar Krishnan, the release added.

Late Subedar Loganathan and late Jemadar Krishnan alias Natarajan were awarded the IOM for gallantry while serving with 12 Field Company in North Africa during World War II. Late Subedar Loganathan was honoured for leading his platoon in making a crossing under heavy fire through the dried up, mine infested Wadi Zig Zao river.

Late Jemadar Krishnan was the sole survivor of a combined infantry and engineer reconnaissance patrol sent out to find out a route for taking his side's anti guns during the war. While others of his patrol perished, he had come back and given the crucial information.

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