Hello New member looking for information on the Malaysia Campaign

[itsjs1]

Hi,

I have recently rejoined and looking for information on my uncle.

My uncle, Ronald Smith, pte 22280591, 1st Manchester Regiment serviced in Malaysia.  We have a poignant letter dated 24 June 1952 where he describes going out on a patrol where they were ambushed and only four men survived. I would appreciate and help where I could find further information on the campaign.  I have also been told that family members were told by British Legion representatives who came to his funeral, that he was mentioned in dispatches.  Again any idea where I could find more information on this?

Kind Regards

Julie

[artyhughes]

A Pte Smith was KIA in The Cameron Highlands infamous ambush

[itsjs1]

Thanks for your response.  My uncle survived the ambush , which was in the state of Perak.

Kind Regards

Julie

Can I ask why the ambush was infamous?

Thanks

Julie

[charlie]

Hi Julie
His name doesn‘t appear in the list of those recommended for awards on Ancestry. His service record which should be available from the MoD will provide clarification.

Charlie

[rafboy]

Welcome Julie, it's an easy mistake for Roy to make, there is a different Pte Smith who was killed in an ambush on 19th June 1952 in Perak.
22307454 Pte R H Smith is buried in Kamunting Road Christian Cemetery Taiping Perak.
If you can get hold of a copy of Jungle Bashers it covers the Battalions time in Malaya during the Malayan Emergency.
Jungle Bashers by Robert Bonner ISBN 1873907125 (Bar Code 9 781873 907122).
You may be able to order a copy for loan from your local library.
There are several photos from that period in the photo section of the Forum.
Cliff

[itsjs1]

Thanks both.  I have managed to order the book secondhand so look forward to  reading it and will look to order the military record.

I think Pte R H Smith, was killed in the ambush my uncle described in his letter five days later (24 June) where he says « another one of my mates went, he was the Bren Gunner his name was Smith ».  He also mentions another friend, Harrison who was killed, and according to FindMyPast died in the same incident, and is also buried at Taiping.

Can I ask why the incident was infamous?

Thanks Again.

Julie

[artyhughes]

Julie
On the home page of the forum use the search  enter Cameron Highlands Ambush and you will directed to the link I think it is post No3 there is a full account of the ambush Best Wishes

Here is the link to it: http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php?topic=5803.msg37502#msg37502

Almost identical to what is in Jungle Bashers.

Cliff