Mahmood Khan Durrani

Lieutenant Colonel Mahmood Khan Durrani, GC (1 July 1914 – 20 August 1995) was a Pakistani soldier and a recipient of the George Cross, awarded for heroism in circumstances of extreme danger. He was a 26-year-old captain serving in the 1st Bahawalpur Infantry, British Indian Army (now 8th Battalion The Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army) in Malaya during the Second World War, when he was awarded the medal for heroism while a prisoner of war of the Japanese Army.

Mahmood Khan Durrani belonged to the Saddozai Tribe, Old Royal Durrani Family of Afghanistan. He was born on 1 July 1914 in Multan in the Western Punjab. After completing his schooling, he joined the army of Bahawalpur State. When the Second World War broke out, he accompanied his battalion, which was dispatched to North Malaya in March 1941, in anticipation of the looming war with Japan.

Details During the British retreat in Malaya following the Japanese invasion in December 1941, Captain Mahmood Khan Durrani and a small party of soldiers managed to evade capture for three months before their location was betrayed to the Japanese sponsored Indian National Army (INA). He refused to co-operate with the INA and actively worked to thwart their political and military aims, for which he was subjected to severe torture and mistreatment, which left his health permanently affected.

Citation

"The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to:-

Captain MAHMOOD KHAN DURRANI, 1st Bahawalpur Infantry, Indian States Forces.

Account of Deed

Captain Durrani was presented with his George Cross by Field Marshal Lord Wavell in 1946 at a special investiture ceremony held at the Red Fort, Delhi.