General Service Medal 1918-62. GV first issue with clasp 'Iraq' (Cook Shankar 12-Pioneers.)

The recipient was an Indian of the Hindu faith serving as an attested Non-Combatant 'Follower' performing the trade of 'Cook' while serving with the 12th Pioneers, an infantry regiment of the British Indian ArmyMedal & Clasp Verification: The award of the medal and clasp to Cook Shankar, is confirmed per the respective campaign medal roll of 2nd Battalion 2nd Bombay Pioneers (late 12 Pioneers) reference WO 100/G44/454 that was compiled and signed at Meerut Cantonment, India, on, 3 November 1923. The medal roll entry annotated with remark 'Discharged' by the time the medal roll was compiledThe 12th Pioneers (The Kelat-i-Ghilzie Regiment) were an infantry regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1838, when they were raised as the 3rd Battalion, Shah Shuja's Force. In 1842 the battalion distinguished itself at the battle of fort Kelat-i-Ghilzie for which it was allowed to retain the name as an honour title. Designated the 12th Pioneers in 1903, it was merged with the 2nd Bombay Pioneers in 1922, finally being disbanded in 1929Condition: Cleaned VF