The Honours list of the fighting men of the Nigeria Regiment- World War 2
The men of the Nigeria Regiment saw active service in World War
2, especially in Burma, fighting alongside their Indian, ANZAC and
Gurkha counterparts as part of Orde Wingate's Chindits. The battles in
this theatre were some of the toughest of World War 2, for the simple
reasons of the hostile Jungle terrain, disease, extreme weather
conditions and an extremely determined and formidable opponent in the
Japanese.
The men of the 81st and 82nd West African Divisions (of which the Nigeria Regiment was part) distinguished themselves in battle, proving the match of the Japanese in adaptability, physical ability and sheer fighting spirit.
It is said that only 2 out of every 10 soldiers who fought for the British in Burma were British or ANZAC- a statistic which to me would not be relevant, if not for the fact on Victory in Japan day (i.e when the Japanese surrendered), Lt General (later Field Marshall) Slim, the Commander of the Burma Corps, paid tribute to the Indian and Gurkha soldiers, but failed to pay tribute to the West African soldiers and especially failed to recognise the men of the Nigeria regiment.
In the course of my on-going research I was fortunate to access the War Office’s archived records of Honours and Awards to men of the Nigeria Regiment (which is my immediate focus). What my research (still on-going) showed, was that from available records at the British War Office- a total of 44 Nigerian soldiers of the Nigeria Regiment were recommended for a number of awards and honours namely-
a. The Distinguished Conduct Medal – which was regarded as the next level of award for bravery and gallantry after the Victoria Cross- for the other ranks (Non-commissioned officers);
b. The Military Medal- which was the equivalent to other ranks of the Military Cross (MC) - awarded to officers – both of which ranked below the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal in precedence;
c. The British Empire Medal- which is awarded for meritorious Military service and has some equivalence to the award of the Order of the British Empire, however awardees are not formally recognised as such, being of a lower degree;
d. Mention in despatches- An officer if recognised in correspondence from his superior officer, noting an act of gallantry/bravery, would be said to be mentioned in despatches- regarded as an Honour in itself. Whilst this did not come with a Medal, recipients received a Bronze Oak Leaf, as a signification of the honour, which could be attached to a Medal.
I have published below, a list of recommendations for award of honours to the Nigerian members of the Nigeria Regiment. I have not included their British counterparts; I shall publish this in a separate document. I wish to make clear that these are recommendations, which effect being that the award for whatever reason may not have been effected. However, unless in exceptional circumstances, this was almost always done.There were several medals awarded for general service in the War, however these medals were specially awarded for gallantry and bravery beyond the call of duty.
I am aware that respected publication History of the Nigerian Army- actually refers to there having been several more honours in these categories awarded, however I can only refer to the available records which can be obtained from the war office and for each of the names listed here, there is a medal card and i have identified the individuals not just by name but by number and rank, for the avoidance of doubt.
My singular purpose as said several times before is not to engage in a debate about the ethos of these men participating in this war as a part of a Colonial Army, but simply to provide factual content of their service, to highlight their sacrifice and to focus attention on the need to honour this sacrifice as said.
The story of these men has not been properly told, however it is necessary to make reference to some documentary works, which tell this story from the perspective of the men and as well the injustice in their sacrifices not being recognised more fully, a few of these being:“Oju mi ri ni India”- By J.O.Ariyo, a soldiers tale of his experiences in Burma; “ Burma Boy” - By Biyi Bandele – whose father was actually a Burma veteran“Africa’s forgotten wartime heroes”- by Robin Forestier-Walker and Oliver Owen- BBC documentary.
I also need to mention the memorial in Burma erected in honour of the men of the 82nd West Africa Division (comprising the Nigeria Regiment). The image of this memorial was published in the publication “The Nigerian Army” published by the Nigeria Army Museum - (of which then Brigadier-General Rabiu Aliyu- was Chairman of the Museum Commitee and in effect the Publisher) and copyright to this image is retained by the Nigerian Army.
The Burma Corp as a whole consisted at its peak of 750,000 men of which 50,000+ of these were Nigerians. The Burma War was largely ignored by Supreme Commanders in Europe and indeed the Burma Corps was called the “forgotten army”, hence the fact of the men of the West African Divisions being "the forgotten army of the forgotten army" is particularly poignant. I hope this account is another step towards just recognition.
Recommendations for Honours
Distinguished Conduct Medal
1. Name: Samari Osuman 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA29955
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
2. Name: Momadu Krawa 1945-1946
Rank: Company Serjeant Major
Service No: NA/25164
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
3. Name: Ibrahim Wadai 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/32204
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
4. Name: Geiri Alhassan 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/26389
Regiment: 7 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
5. Name: Yaya Chikena 1945
Rank: Staff Serjeant
Service No: NA/29660
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Military Medal
6. Name: Audu Yola 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA 27346
Regiment: 9 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
7. Name: Manga Dogo 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA 29295
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
8. Name: Amadu Dosso 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA 29233
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
9. Name: Katsina Amadu 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA 27144
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
10. Name: Ibrahim Hadeija 1946
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: NA70451
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
11. Name: Aba Dikwa 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA 29157
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
12. Name: Fort Lamy Moma 1945
Rank: Staff Serjeant
Service No: NA/28086
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
13. Name: Abdullai Banana 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/41288
Regiment: 12 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
14. Name: Numan Umoru 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA /28642
Regiment: 7 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
15. Name: Zuru Yaro 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/28387
Regiment: 10 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
16. Name: Lamurde Bagudu 1945
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 50620
Regiment: 10 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
17. Name: Bauchi Adamu 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/39005
Regiment: 7 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
18. Name: Abdullai Banana 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/41288
Regiment: 12 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
19. Name: Audu Tuberi 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/43172
Regiment: 12 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
20. Name: Hassan Biliri 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 32036
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
21. Name: Hama Kim 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 38732
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
22. Name: Ibrahim Mansu 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/31758
Regiment: 7 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
23. Name: Umoru Malanawa 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/33880
Regiment: 6 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
24. Name: Sokoto, Geraba 1945-1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/29285
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
25. Name: Adamu Gala 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/30776
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
26. Name: Musa Dokin Argungu 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: GA/31491
Regiment: 9 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
27. Name: Osumai Doba 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/29376
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
28. Name: Osuman Banana 1945-1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA33106
Regiment: 1 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
29. Name: Musa Banana 1945
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: NA 28114
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
30. Name: Saidli Sokoto 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/95577
Regiment: Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
31. Name: Allieji Gassol 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA30161
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
32. Name: Sherifi Fort Lamy 1945
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: NA/95273
Regiment: 10 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
33. Name: Adamu Gafasa 1944
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 38865
Regiment: 7 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
34. Name: Agara Mbayai 1944
Rank: Private
Service No: NA 33204
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
35. Name: Mailafia Shangev 1944
Rank: Private
Service No: 36936
Regiment: 7 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
36. Name: Chari Maigumeri 1941-1943
Rank: Battery Serjeant Major
Service No: 10473
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
37. Name: Mursal Doba 1941-1943
Rank: Company Serjeant Major
Service No: 24682
Regiment: D' Company 3 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
38. Name: Abdul Kadil Bagarimi 1940-1941
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 27011
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
British Empire Medal
39. Name: Okon, Bassey 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA100187
Regiment: The Nigeria Regiment
Award: British Empire Medal
40. Name: Yola, Musa 1946
Rank: Battery Serjeant Major
Service No: NA28354
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: British Empire Medal
41. Name: Sule Yola 1946
Rank: Regimental Serjeant Major
Service No: NA 40206
Regiment: 9 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: British Empire Medal
Mention in Despatches
42. Name: Isufi Janingo 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/28805
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Mention in Despatches
43. Name: Sambo Langpan 1946
Rank: Acting Company Serjeant Major
Service No: NA/40258, A/CSM
Regiment: 9 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Mention in Despatches
44. Name: Jidda Manga 1942-1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/34047
Regiment:5 Battalion the Nigeria Regiment
Award: Mention in Despatches
© Copyright- Edward Emeka Keazor 2012
No unauthorised reproduction.
Medal Citation of Sergeant Osuman Samari for award of Distinguished Conduct Medal
The men of the 81st and 82nd West African Divisions (of which the Nigeria Regiment was part) distinguished themselves in battle, proving the match of the Japanese in adaptability, physical ability and sheer fighting spirit.
It is said that only 2 out of every 10 soldiers who fought for the British in Burma were British or ANZAC- a statistic which to me would not be relevant, if not for the fact on Victory in Japan day (i.e when the Japanese surrendered), Lt General (later Field Marshall) Slim, the Commander of the Burma Corps, paid tribute to the Indian and Gurkha soldiers, but failed to pay tribute to the West African soldiers and especially failed to recognise the men of the Nigeria regiment.
In the course of my on-going research I was fortunate to access the War Office’s archived records of Honours and Awards to men of the Nigeria Regiment (which is my immediate focus). What my research (still on-going) showed, was that from available records at the British War Office- a total of 44 Nigerian soldiers of the Nigeria Regiment were recommended for a number of awards and honours namely-
a. The Distinguished Conduct Medal – which was regarded as the next level of award for bravery and gallantry after the Victoria Cross- for the other ranks (Non-commissioned officers);
b. The Military Medal- which was the equivalent to other ranks of the Military Cross (MC) - awarded to officers – both of which ranked below the Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal in precedence;
c. The British Empire Medal- which is awarded for meritorious Military service and has some equivalence to the award of the Order of the British Empire, however awardees are not formally recognised as such, being of a lower degree;
d. Mention in despatches- An officer if recognised in correspondence from his superior officer, noting an act of gallantry/bravery, would be said to be mentioned in despatches- regarded as an Honour in itself. Whilst this did not come with a Medal, recipients received a Bronze Oak Leaf, as a signification of the honour, which could be attached to a Medal.
I have published below, a list of recommendations for award of honours to the Nigerian members of the Nigeria Regiment. I have not included their British counterparts; I shall publish this in a separate document. I wish to make clear that these are recommendations, which effect being that the award for whatever reason may not have been effected. However, unless in exceptional circumstances, this was almost always done.There were several medals awarded for general service in the War, however these medals were specially awarded for gallantry and bravery beyond the call of duty.
I am aware that respected publication History of the Nigerian Army- actually refers to there having been several more honours in these categories awarded, however I can only refer to the available records which can be obtained from the war office and for each of the names listed here, there is a medal card and i have identified the individuals not just by name but by number and rank, for the avoidance of doubt.
My singular purpose as said several times before is not to engage in a debate about the ethos of these men participating in this war as a part of a Colonial Army, but simply to provide factual content of their service, to highlight their sacrifice and to focus attention on the need to honour this sacrifice as said.
The story of these men has not been properly told, however it is necessary to make reference to some documentary works, which tell this story from the perspective of the men and as well the injustice in their sacrifices not being recognised more fully, a few of these being:“Oju mi ri ni India”- By J.O.Ariyo, a soldiers tale of his experiences in Burma; “ Burma Boy” - By Biyi Bandele – whose father was actually a Burma veteran“Africa’s forgotten wartime heroes”- by Robin Forestier-Walker and Oliver Owen- BBC documentary.
I also need to mention the memorial in Burma erected in honour of the men of the 82nd West Africa Division (comprising the Nigeria Regiment). The image of this memorial was published in the publication “The Nigerian Army” published by the Nigeria Army Museum - (of which then Brigadier-General Rabiu Aliyu- was Chairman of the Museum Commitee and in effect the Publisher) and copyright to this image is retained by the Nigerian Army.
The Burma Corp as a whole consisted at its peak of 750,000 men of which 50,000+ of these were Nigerians. The Burma War was largely ignored by Supreme Commanders in Europe and indeed the Burma Corps was called the “forgotten army”, hence the fact of the men of the West African Divisions being "the forgotten army of the forgotten army" is particularly poignant. I hope this account is another step towards just recognition.
Recommendations for Honours
Distinguished Conduct Medal
1. Name: Samari Osuman 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA29955
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
2. Name: Momadu Krawa 1945-1946
Rank: Company Serjeant Major
Service No: NA/25164
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
3. Name: Ibrahim Wadai 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/32204
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
4. Name: Geiri Alhassan 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/26389
Regiment: 7 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
5. Name: Yaya Chikena 1945
Rank: Staff Serjeant
Service No: NA/29660
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Military Medal
6. Name: Audu Yola 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA 27346
Regiment: 9 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
7. Name: Manga Dogo 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA 29295
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
8. Name: Amadu Dosso 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA 29233
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
9. Name: Katsina Amadu 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA 27144
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
10. Name: Ibrahim Hadeija 1946
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: NA70451
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
11. Name: Aba Dikwa 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA 29157
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
12. Name: Fort Lamy Moma 1945
Rank: Staff Serjeant
Service No: NA/28086
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
13. Name: Abdullai Banana 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/41288
Regiment: 12 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
14. Name: Numan Umoru 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA /28642
Regiment: 7 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
15. Name: Zuru Yaro 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/28387
Regiment: 10 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
16. Name: Lamurde Bagudu 1945
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 50620
Regiment: 10 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
17. Name: Bauchi Adamu 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/39005
Regiment: 7 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
18. Name: Abdullai Banana 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/41288
Regiment: 12 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
19. Name: Audu Tuberi 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/43172
Regiment: 12 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
20. Name: Hassan Biliri 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 32036
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
21. Name: Hama Kim 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 38732
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
22. Name: Ibrahim Mansu 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/31758
Regiment: 7 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
23. Name: Umoru Malanawa 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/33880
Regiment: 6 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
24. Name: Sokoto, Geraba 1945-1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA/29285
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
25. Name: Adamu Gala 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/30776
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
26. Name: Musa Dokin Argungu 1945
Rank: Corporal
Service No: GA/31491
Regiment: 9 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
27. Name: Osumai Doba 1945
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/29376
Regiment: 2 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
28. Name: Osuman Banana 1945-1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA33106
Regiment: 1 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
29. Name: Musa Banana 1945
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: NA 28114
Regiment: 3 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
30. Name: Saidli Sokoto 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/95577
Regiment: Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
31. Name: Allieji Gassol 1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA30161
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
32. Name: Sherifi Fort Lamy 1945
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: NA/95273
Regiment: 10 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
33. Name: Adamu Gafasa 1944
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 38865
Regiment: 7 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
34. Name: Agara Mbayai 1944
Rank: Private
Service No: NA 33204
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
35. Name: Mailafia Shangev 1944
Rank: Private
Service No: 36936
Regiment: 7 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
36. Name: Chari Maigumeri 1941-1943
Rank: Battery Serjeant Major
Service No: 10473
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
37. Name: Mursal Doba 1941-1943
Rank: Company Serjeant Major
Service No: 24682
Regiment: D' Company 3 Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
38. Name: Abdul Kadil Bagarimi 1940-1941
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 27011
Regiment: 1 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Military Medal
British Empire Medal
39. Name: Okon, Bassey 1946
Rank: Corporal
Service No: NA100187
Regiment: The Nigeria Regiment
Award: British Empire Medal
40. Name: Yola, Musa 1946
Rank: Battery Serjeant Major
Service No: NA28354
Regiment: 4 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: British Empire Medal
41. Name: Sule Yola 1946
Rank: Regimental Serjeant Major
Service No: NA 40206
Regiment: 9 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: British Empire Medal
Mention in Despatches
42. Name: Isufi Janingo 1946
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: NA/28805
Regiment: 3 Battalion Nigeria Regiment
Award: Mention in Despatches
43. Name: Sambo Langpan 1946
Rank: Acting Company Serjeant Major
Service No: NA/40258, A/CSM
Regiment: 9 Battalion The Nigeria Regiment
Award: Mention in Despatches
44. Name: Jidda Manga 1942-1945
Rank: Private
Service No: NA/34047
Regiment:5 Battalion the Nigeria Regiment
Award: Mention in Despatches
© Copyright- Edward Emeka Keazor 2012
No unauthorised reproduction.
 |
| Memorial to the men of 82 West Africa Division (inc Nigeria Regiment) in Burma. |
 | |||||||
| The legendary Regimental Sergeant Major Hama Kim who received the Military Medal for two actions in Burma including one in which he accounted for 6 Japanese casualties- whilst injured. |
 |
| RSM Chari Maigumeri Military Medal; British Empire Medal (For action in Ethiopia WW2) and Iron Cross -German Army ( For action in the Cameroons-WW1) |
Medal Citation of Sergeant Osuman Samari for award of Distinguished Conduct Medal
 | |||
| Medal Citation of Sergeant Osuman Samari for award of Distinguished Conduct Medal Pt 2 |
posted by Seal67 at 12:07 pm
3 Comments:
Thanks for the post! Im doing research on Capt. Lambert of the 7btn Nigeria regiment whom served in the chindits. any info if u have available would be great!
thanks,
VK Kunwor
Hello! I am trying to find out the list of Cameroonian service men who were active in Burma. West Cameroon at the time was governed by the British stationed in Nigeria, but I have had a hard time locating some service records.
Please I have my father's service medals his NAME EMIOLA TIJANI He served in Burma. I need more information on him
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