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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 89

A rare Malaya B.E.M. group of nine awarded to Warrant Officer Class II M. Maleta, King's African Rifles

British Empire Medal, Military Division, E.II.R. (DN.5882 Sgt. Mbaya Maleta, K.A.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya (DN.5882 Sgt. Mbaya Maleta KAR); Malawi Independence 1964; Malawi, Republic, Republic Medal 1966, mounted court-style for wear by Spink & Son, very fine and better (9)

B.E.M. London Gazette 31 May 1955. The original recommendation, covering the dates 6 July 1953-7 November 1954, states:

'This NCO is one of the most senior askari both by age and by service in the Unit. He has continuously served as a Platoon Sergeant throughout the Unit's operational tour in Malaya 1953-54.

Although it is not possible to quote any specific act of gallantry, Sjt Mbaya has proven himself to be an outstanding operational soldier, possessing the highest qualities of loyalty and devotion to duty at all times. His age has proved no incapacity during this most arduous operations and the efficiency of his Platoon has been largely due to his loyalty to his Platoon Commander and his utmost keenness and unselfishness at all times.

As a shining example to the young askari he has been invaluable and his keen and efficient carrying out of routine duties has been above the normal call of duty.'

Mbeya Maleta is understood to have been born on 19 January 1906 at Mkwamba Village, Fort Johnston, Nyasaland. Enlisting at the King's African Rifles Depot at Zomba on 10 January 1940, he served with the 1/1 K.A.R. in the field from 29 July 1940. Serving in Ethiopia in 1941, Maleta served in Madagascar from 1942-44, before serving in Burma in 1944-45. Having served his tour in Malaya and been presented his richly-deserved B.E.M. at a presentation at Government House, Salisbury on 3 November 1955, he was discharged at Llewellyn Barracks on 17 February 1957. Maleta was still in receipt of a pension at Mangochi in 1975; sold with complete copied service record.

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Sold for
£400

Starting price
£230

Sale 20003 Notices
Does not appear on the Malawi Independence Medal Roll. Estimate stands.