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malaya 1953 - 1954

Started by Dick, September 18, 2009, 08:33:28 PM

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Dick

Hello, I was stationed in Butterworth, Collim and Penagm with D company between the above years.  I am new to this site and just wondering if anyone else was there at this time.

george.theshed197

I most certainly was with the Battalion at that time, with D Company for a while ,but not at Butterworth, with Lt Carey and Roy Pellowe 'Q' (SEP's) Platoon along with Charlie Pickles and co. Did you know an Arthur HARVEY, Company Storeman? When were D Company in Kulim? that used to be SP Coy originally then C Company territory in my days with them. Was Tansey Leigh still CSM? in Butterworth. I was with B coy 51/52, D Coy 52 ( 3 months), then C Coy 53 until return home to Formby.
George.
By the way welcome to the site.

themonsstar

Hi Dick

And welcome to the site, I hope you enjoy it

Cheers Roy

george.theshed197

In today's issue (24/9/09) of the Gosport & Fareham Journal down here in sunny Hampshire is an article relating to the Royal Hampshire Regiment (The Tigers) Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association which I consider should be highly supported by all veterans of the Malayan Emergency 1948 - 1960. It would appear that they have been organising a petition for some months now for further recognition of their service in that Campaign in view of the fact that like ourselves they are not entitled to the Pengat Jasa Malaysia Medal and are stating :-
"We want the Ministry of Defence to acknowledge that this was a war we fought in, that people died and that we made a  big contribution.   There were more casualties before the Independence of Malaya than after it, so we deserve it....."
Their petition basically calls for - The Government to give each of the veterans who took part in the conflict a Rosette to be attached to their General Service Medal.
May I ask you Bob to draw the attention of the current Chairman of the Manchester Regiment Malayan Veterans Association to this petition and ask him to organise a similar one for our lads also adding support to the 'Tigers' who came to Malaya after us in December 1953.
George.


chrisjwc87

Hi,

I have been speaking to my grandad (Ronald Crookes 22700806-19525/4) and he remembers Arthur Harvey very well as he lived about 200 yards from his home. When he went to the stores it was a pleasant suprise to see Arthur giving out all the goodies which brings back memories of going into the stores at night time to have a fair portion of Rum followed by opening up the ration boxes and cooking tins of meat and veg, plus hard tak biscuits with a good portion of curry powder. This apparently was cooked and great nights/early morning were had by all.
For a period of time my grandad Ron Crookes was in charge of the Batallions wireless stations, and each and every day his first call was 7.15 am then each hour till 7.15 pm to all the platoons which were out on patrol. Obviously my grandad spoke to many signallers of which names he cannot remember, it would be nice if there is anyone out there who remembers him, so i can let him know.
He also tells me that he goes to the annual dinner of the Malayan Veterans at the Ashton Under Lyne town hall, where he comments that it is a pleasure to see so many veterans but unfortunately numbers are reducing yearly. There must be other Veterans who do not attend for various reasons, however, if they would like to attend they should contanct the Malayan Veterans Secratery for further details.
Many Thanks

Chris Crookes

george.theshed197

Without wishing to spoil the 'memories of grandad' in any way whatsoever it must be pointed out to those who did not serve in Malaya that Rum & Rations ( presumably referring to the 10 X Man Compo packs or the 24 hour 1 X Man pack A to H) were drawn from the H.Q. Quartermaster on a weekly issue based on Company Numerical strength and were strictly controlled by the Company Quartermaster Sgt. and not at the free disposition of the storeman.
I do not dispute the possibility of 'unexpired portions of rations originally issued to operational personnel' being brought  back for consumption in base but certainly challenge the idea of a 'Dormitory tuck-shop spread/midnight feast' type event with the storeman issuing out grub and drinkie poos willy nilly. Especially remembering the C.Q.M.S. in question, he was 'tight' and I mean watertight'.
Sorry chum,
George.