Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 271

An outstanding 1957 Malaya operations M.C. pair awarded to Lieutenant J. D. B. Hodges, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment), who led a patrol with 4th Battalion, The Malay Regiment, which resulted in the effective extinguishing of the notorious enemy leader Hon Nun - who had been exacting terror on the residents around the Nam Fatt Yen Estate

Military Cross, E.II.R.; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Malaya (2/Lt. J. D. Hodges. Buffs.), good very fine, mounted as worn (2)

Ex-Philip Burman Collection.

137 awards of the M.C. for Malaya 1949-59. Other undated awards have been observed, often on account of the swift need for Insignia at Investitures and the lack of availability for suitable engraving services at the Royal Mint.

M.C. London Gazette 13 August 1957. The original recommendation states:

'On 27 April 1957 information was received that there were three Communist Terrorists resting in Nam Fatt Yen Estate, Tapah. Lieut Hodges led a patrol of 14 men with the object of finding the Terrorists and killing them.

Hodges had led 3 patrols on similar information in the same area during the previous months. Three patrols were unsuccessful in that no Communist Terrorists were contacted. However, Hodges carried out a detailed, and intelligent reconnaissance of the area, which was clean rubber, so that both he and his men became familiar with the country, and were able to recognise every landmark.

Thus, on receiving information that the Communist Terrorists were in a certain area, Lieut Hodges was able to lead his men to the exact area without delay. On approaching the area where the communists Terrorists were reported to be resting, the patrol dog pointed in a certain direction, on following the point, Lieut. Hodges saw 5 men moving some 600 yards away.

Thinking that these were Terrorists Lieut Hodges and his patrol gave chase at the double. After running for about 200 yards the patrol expectantly ran into an occupied Communist Camp. Lieut Hodges saw 3 Communist Terrorists in the Camp and gave the order to fire. The patrol fired and killed one Terrorist after exchanging several shots with her.

Meanwhile Lieut Hodges was carrying out personal fight with the leader, Hon Nun, who fired from behind cover as he retreated through the rubber trees. Lieut Hodges followed Hon Num with complete disregard for his personal safety and finally killed him at 15 yds range.

Lieut Hodges then saw that the third Terrorist was running away. He immediately gave chase, followed by the rest of the patrol. He chased the Terrorist for over 100 yds, and then stopped and fired. He hit the Terrorist in the back. The Terrorist fell, but immediately got up and continued to run. Lieut Hodges ran after him for another 50 yds, and then tripped in a hole and fell, winding himself. The Terrorist fell at the same time and the remainder of the patrol who were following behind killed him.

The success of this section was due to the fine display of leadership, tenacity and courage shown by Lieut Hodges. Hon Nun was a notorious Terrorist leader and murderer who had terrorised the district for years. His death was acclaimed by the district who now feel free of oppression. They are now coming forward to offer information regarding the Communist Terrorists.

The kills marked the culmination of many vigorous and intelligent patrols which Lieut Hodges has led during the past 18 months. He has always displayed qualities of leadership and has been an inspiration to his men.'

John Douglas Brydon Hodges was born in March 1935, his mother living at Market Square, Horsham, Sussex and his father having died in Calcutta. Young Hodges was educated at Dover College and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into The Buffs in November 1953, being advanced Lieutenant in May 1955 and was with the Queens Own Buffs by December 1961. Living in Knightsbridge at the time of his M.C., he died in December 2005.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
£3,000 to £5,000

Starting price
£2400