'Pictured ( from L to R ) Round Town News Reporter, and ceremony Co-ordinator, David Mills; Vice Consul, of the British Consulate in Alicante, Elizabeth Bell; Colonel Tajri Alwi, the Defence Attaché to the Malaysian High Commission in London;  and supporting co-ordinator, Peter Padley'

From 31st August 1957 to 12th August 1966, 12,000 members of the British Armed Forces were committed to a major conflict in Malaysia, where they were supported by 18 battalions of Commonwealth ground forces, including servicemen from Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. However, it is only recently, thanks to the awarding of the prestigious 'Pingat Jasa Malaysia' medal, that those troops who fought in the war have been given any recognition for their fundamental involvement.

On Wednesday 18th July, almost fifty years after the declaration of the independence of Malaysia, 155 of the 205 veterans now living in Spain, and eligible to receive the medal, attended a formal ceremony, when they were presented with their rightful accolades. The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM),or 'Malaysian Service Medal' was created in 2005, by the King and Government of Malaysia, to those ex- servicemen, who served in Malaysia during the aforementioned period. The consequential ceremony took place at the 'Sol Melia' Hotel, in Alicante, when Colonel Tajri Alwi, the Defence Attaché to the Malaysian High Commission in London, alongside his Aide de Camp Capl.

Abd. Ghani Hashim, were the guests of honour. The gathering also welcomed Vice Consul, of the British Consulate in Alicante, Elizabeth Bell. It was strategically co-ordinated by ex-serviceman Peter Padley, and now Round Town News Reporter, David Mills, who were both serving in Borneo during the confrontation. The ceremony has received over-whelming support from the Round Town News, and our readers, raising a great deal of interest over recent months. In the region of 430 guests attended, combining family, friends and other concerned parties, who were all eager to bear witness to the auspicious occasion.

The ceremony was opened by Peter Padley, who welcomed guests, with particular reference given to Second World War veteran, Frank Moores. Flt. Lt (ret'd), with the Royal Air Force, Frank was awarded the 'Distinguished Flying Cross' (DFC), for his bravery, when his aircraft experienced engine troubles, on its first airborne mission. Frank successfully landed the Lancaster Bomber in a field, complete with bombs onboard, causing minimal damage or injury to crew and civilians. As recipients stepped forward, to accept their medals, which were awarded by Colonel Tajri Alwi, a great feeling of pride and respect, was felt throughout the congregation. Bound by protocol, no medals were worn, and the honorary salute of military personnel was forbidden.

However, this did not detract from the fact that those brave men and women present, had fought to protect the freedom of a vulnerable nation, under threat of attack. The prevailing sentiment was that the moment was long overdue. This re-enforced by the fact that four medals were issued posthumously to the wives and families of those who, sadly, did not live to witness their allotment. The distinctive medals feature the crest of Malaysia, with the inscription 'Jasa Malaysia' on one side, and a map of Malaysia, accompanied by the initials PJM on the reverse. They were presented complete with a neat PJM miniature, ribbon signifying the colours of the Malaysian flag and citation of gratitude from the Malaysian Government, which was presented by Roddy Cunningham, of the Round Town News.

The momentous occasion was marked by the sound of bagpipes, and the humming of 'Amazing Grace.' The minute's silence that followed, allowed the congregation to stray into their own thoughts, and personalised memories, whilst also paying homage to absent comrades. The formalities were  traditionally rounded off, with the bugle call 'Reveille,' played by Baz Starbuck. Although some fifty years have lapsed since the confrontation period, the solidarity and loyalty displayed between ex-servicemen and the Malaysian Officials was evident throughout the ceremony. And with no restricting boundaries to distinguish one veteran's conquests from the next, a mutual respect was clearly visible.

As proceedings came to a close, so too did the latest stage in a journey, which has taken Malaysia through the Japanese invasion in 1941, continuing on into the 1950's, with the Malay emergency and then the bitter confrontation of the 1960's. However, the awarding of the PJM is merely a mark of the heroic missions of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, which has granted freedom to the peoples of Malaysia, for long into the future. Many thanks are given to the Secretary of the Torrevieja Branch of the 'Royal Naval Association', Rod Millington, and member, Ronnie Hughes, who greeted and escorted Colonel Tajri Alwi, and his Aide, on arrival at the Hotel. Thanks are also given to members of 'Torrevieja United Football Club', who did a marvellous job, acting as Ushers throughout the event.