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St George's Church Penang

Started by Dr.gwynn, August 06, 2008, 09:13:31 AM

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Dr.gwynn

I am currently researching the building history of St George's Church Penang which was badly damaged by Japanese bombs and subsequent looters during the Pacific War December 1941. The interior was rebuilt and according to Google - The bishop's chair and table were donated by  the Manchester regiment.
I am curious to understand the link between St George's and the Regiment ( were they stationed at Minden), and wonder if there are any photographs taken during the presentation ceremony?
http://www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/mom/memorials/ww2
Two brass plaques presented in 2002 are also mentioned, although I have yet to find them in the Church. If anyone knows anything about these gifts, please fill me in so that their history can be recorded as the church gets restored.
Many thanks
I look forward to hearing from you.

Robert Bonner

#1
Extract from 'Jungle Bashers' (Fleur de Lys Publishers 2002):

S Company had the honour of representing the battalion at a final memorial service at St George's Church, Penang held on Sunday 11 April. (1954)  The Resident Commissioner, Mr R P Bingham, unveiled a Bishop's chair and desk which had been made by the Battalion Pioneers under Sergeant Widdowson and presented in memory of the officer and men who had died during the campaign.

The link between the church and regiment was due to the fact that throughout the period 1951/54 whilst the majority of the battalion was based in Kedah, Perlis and Perak engaged in fighting the communist terrorists, Battalion Headquarters was in Minden Barracks, Penang.

Members of the Regiment's Malayan Veterans Association return regularly to Penang and north Malaya.  About ten years ago they produced two brass plaques commemorating the casualties of the campaign and these were presented to the church.  Sadly these were never erected.  Finally, when asked why not, the incumbent at the time stated that he did not believe in this sort of commemoration.  Accordingly the Malayan Veterans removed the plaques and brought them back to Manchester.

Earlier this year (2008) permission was granted by the Ashton-under-Lyne Parish Church of St Michaels and All Angels for the plaques to be erected within the church, close to others commemorating men of the Regiment. This was carried out in an appropriate ceremony.

The brass memorials are duplicates of the plaques on the wall of the Ladysmith Gallery in the Regimental Museum.  It is also proposed to erect engraved plaques to commemorate Manchesters in the Malayan Emergency and the King's Regiment losses in Korea within the Regimental Chapel in Manchester Cathedral.

It is unfortunate that the Malayan casualties are not remembered as intended in St George's Church.  However their graves elsewhere in Malaya are well tended and visited quite frequently by their surviving comrades and families.


Robert

Dr.gwynn

Robert - I hope you see this post. Since you filled me in with the story of the plaques being returned to the UK, St George's Church has undergone restoration work and now has a new vicar - well archdeacon. I told him the story of the plaques and  he is keen to find out more. As Rev Charles Samuel has his hands full with the rededication and visiting Bishop next week, a few of us suggested we begin the ground work in making contact  - either myself or Leslie James will be in touch once we find out how and with whom we should make contact can you help us here please -  I am hoping a sad story might have a happier ending.
All the best
Gwynn

Robert Bonner

Gwynn.
Because of their frustrations in dealing with the clergy in Penang, a representative of the Manchester Regiment Malayan Veterans Association brought the brass plaque back to the UK.  It has now a permanent home in St Michael and All Angels, the parish church of Ashton-under-Lyne, home of the depot of the Regiment.

Robert

Robert

Dr.gwynn

Thanks Robert,
We will contact the Malayan Veterans Association and see what can be done.
all the best
Gwynn

george.theshed197


As one of the members of the regiment who served in Malaya this news is some of the best I have heard in a long time.
Surely the simple remedy for this problem is to have duplicate plaques made and sent out to St George's, why make a mountain of a molehill???
Watching this space :o ;D
George.

Dr.gwynn

Dear George,
its early days yet, but that is exactly what some of the parisheners want to do. The archdeacon is also keen, though he has a huge task ahead, trying to sooth a lot of injured souls. I am glad you are keen on the idea, will report back and see how and what we can do. I hear the 11th November, will be celebrated in the church this year - slowly slowly catch a monkey..... you made my day too.

Gwynn ;D

george.theshed197

Hi Gwynn,
Thank you for that, look forward with interest to future happenings.
Take care.
George.

rafboy

#8
Good news Gwynn
I was there with my father, lived and went to school first in Minden Barracks (Now the University) then to boarding school in the Cameron Highlands (Now a Malaysian Commando Camp).
Search on Slim School Malaya for their web site, there is a school in Germany using the same name now.
Cliff
Cliff P Son of 3525679 Sgt Arthur Phillips 1st Bn Manchester Regiment and RAPC

Dr.gwynn

Robert,
things are moving re St George's church and  the possible installation of a Manchester Regiment Plaque.
Unfortunately Leslie has gone back to Canada for his annual break and the Veterans are taking one day at a time and haven't really begun to think of November 11th.  :), but the feedback is very positive.

It would be great if we can get a duplicate in its rightful place in St George's Church, Penang. If you are keen on this, can you contact my email address so that I can progress this with the Church.

Fingers crossed you will see this message. looking forward to seeing this through.
regards
Gwynn

Robert Bonner

Gwynn.
Things certainly seem to be moving - well done.  I shall pass your update on to the the President and the Chairman of the MVA and get them to contact you directly.

Best wishes.
Robert
Robert