NATIONAL MALAYA & BORNEO VETERANS ASSOCIATION, MANCHESTER BRANCH
On a beautiful June day, members of the Branch together with many veterans of the Malayan, Brunei and Borneo emergencies gathered together with guests and the next of kin, of those now deceased, to be awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (Malaysian Medal) by a representative of the Malaysian Government. The event was superbly hosted by the Territorial Army, 42 Div, Royal Signals at the Norman Road TA Centre , Rushholme. Young soldiers ensured the veterans and guests were well supplied with water, in view of the heat of the day, during the intervals refreshments had been arranged for all.
Looking around the Veterans and guests gave a great deal of food for thought. They came from all three branches of the armed services of the Crown, many corps, regiments, ship squadron and units could be recognised from the blazer badges, lapel pins and ties worn with great pride. All ranks were represented, as it should be, there was no distinction. Thee were comrades-in-arms who, 40 or 50 years before, had shared a common danger and had, as part of a tem (the finest team in the world), defeated the enemy and helped a fledgling nation secure its freedom from the forces of would be oppressors. All are conscious that the victory and the freedom which it brought was at a price. Most of those there on that beautiful June day had lost good friends and comrades. Some still carry the marks and scars both mental and physical of those days long ago, they also have happy memories which spring quickly to the forefront of the mind once back among old comrades. Thee were smiles a-plenty and a few quiet tears, the war stories were told and old friendships re-newed. There was joy and laughter, cheers for the lads Of the Cadet Corps of drums who so superbly entertained. At the end of slow dispersal, exchange of addresses and promises to meet again soon.
We looked at the fresh faces of the young TA soldiers who were so willingly helped out on the day and saw in them ourselves and our comrades all those years ago. A sobering thought came upon us that some of those splendid young people will themselves be off to play their part in yet another fight against evil, playing their role in the seemingly never ending battle for freedom. We can only wish them God speed, a safe return and the very best of good fortune.
It was hard work to arrange but with our President, John Simcock, at the helm we got there and we'll keep getting there for as long as it takes to complete the task, now it is our time to give just a little bit more.
The committee of the NMBVA, Manchester Branch