Irish war veterans receive Malaysian medal

Ireland

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Army war veterans from both north and south of the border were today recognised by the Malaysian Government for their services in south-east Asia.

More than 130 members of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association (NMBVA) and the Royal Ulster Rifles Association received the prestigious Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal for distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty while serving in Malaysia from 1957 and 1966.

A cadet guard of honour and bugler greeted the Malaysian guests, service veterans, and their proud families at the first-ever all-Ireland presentations at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.

Major Bob Hayden, NMBVA Ireland Branch chairman, said it was an honour for his members.

"We are very pleased that after all these years there is recognition for us," said Maj Hayden.

"In Malaya we were fighting the communist terrorist, so we spent a lot of time in the jungle. Everybody that is involved is very appreciative of it."

Maj Hayden served with the Malayan Scots from 1950 to 1958 during the Malayan emergency and when the country won its independence.

A Londoner, he served in the British Army for his entire working life, from the age of 17 to 61 years, moving to Lisburn in 1970.

Established last March with just nine members, the NMBVA Ireland branch now boasts more then 100 former servicemen from the north and south of Ireland.

Today, 78 of its members were recognised for their tour of duty.

The Royal Ulster Rifles Association had 56 former members, who served in Borneo in 1964 and 1965, receiving the medal.

"Civilians don't realise the great ethos of medals," said Major Roy Walker, regimental secretary.

"It means so much to an ex-service man or woman to see their efforts rewarded. A medal doesn't cost very much, but the honour and the glory that goes with it means an awful lot to the individual."

"We are delighted to be part of the first all Ireland medal ceremony to be held in Ireland."

A number of representatives from the Malaysian High Commission attended the ceremony, which was officiated by Deputy Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Cllr James Tinsley, Lord Lieutenant O'Neill and the Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, Cllr Jonathan Craig.

Cllr Craig said the event was a fitting for those servicemen to know how highly they are esteemed by Lisburn City Council.

"The Council is delighted to host this auspicious occasion and I am very pleased to be a part of it," added Cllr Tinsley.

"The people at today's events served the Commonwealth many years ago in what must have been a hard and enduring wartime for them, and for their families waiting for them at home."

"Many hundreds of service members lost their lives, and it is fitting for the veterans who came back home from Malaysia to receive the recognition they so richly deserve."