Jungle war hero receives honour

By David Vallis

FORMER Newton Tony postmaster Tony Lyons was among 49 ex-servicemen and women honoured by the Malaysian government in London last week for their heroism in the jungle wars of the 1950s.

The group attended a special ceremony at the Malaysian High Commission to receive a newly-struck medal recognising members of the British, Australian, New Zealand and Fijian armed forces who fought Communist guerrillas in Malaya and Borneo.

The London event for UK veterans marked the inaugural presentation of the award, which is known as the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, and Mr Lyons and his fellow veterans received their medals from the Malaysian deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who is also his country's Minister for Defence.

As he handed out the medals at the emotional event, Mr Razak said: "We honour you today and forever by this presentation.

"Because of your help and sacrifice, Malaysia is safe and free.

"British and Malaysian blood was shed to ensure peace was achieved."

Mr Lyons (71) served in the British Army for 32 years, initially with the Royal Engineers and later with the Royal Corps of Transport, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He served on loan to the Malaysian army in the 1950s, returning there in the 1960s with 17 Gurkha Division.

After retiring from the Army, Mr Lyons undertook a spell with the Sultan of Oman's army, before settling in Newton Tony, where he was village subpostmaster for 19 years.

He still lives in the village with his wife Thelma, and they have two grown-up daughters.

Mr Lyons said: "Last week's ceremony was a splendid affair and I was very honoured to receive the medal. The award has been made just a year before Malaysia celebrates its 50 years of independence.

"Unfortunately, while Australian and New Zealand recipients will be allowed to wear their new medals, the Ministry of Defence will not allow us Brits to wear ours.

"It's apparently something to do with Army rules on the wearing of medals."