Bidspirit auction | MAJOR GEN. CALEB VANCE HAYNES

MAJOR GEN. CALEB VANCE HAYNES PRESENTATION GHURKA KNIFE - Presentation ghurka knife (”kukuri”) presented to Gen. CALEB VANCE HAYNES by the commander of the Mahindra Dal Regiment (Nepalese Contingent). This formidable weapon bears a 12 in. curved blade with carved antler grip, apparently silver mounted. Two smaller daggers are fitted in the interior pocket. A tie-on strap is also present, attached to the silver-tipped black leather scabbard. The knife is accompanied by a period note of provenance presenting the knife to Haynes: ”�With kindest regards and best wishes From The Officer Commanding The Mahindra Dal Regiment (Nepalese Contingent) 13-9-[19]43”. Consigned directly by a linear descendant, with our letter of provenance. Very good. In 1944 the Mahindra Dal Regiment, under British command, would prove essential in the fight against the Japanese at Kohima, ”the Stalingrad of the East”. CALEB VANCE HAYNES (1895-1966) was a U.S. Air Force major general and one of the most important and talented military aviators and commanders of World War II. Haynes organized the Assam-Burma-China Ferry Command and evacuated Burma with the Chinese and RAF. He then went to China to organize and command the Bomber Command of the China Air Task Force under Gen. Claire Chennault. He later returned to India to organize the India Air Task Force of the 10th Air Force.