It’s time Malayan servicemen were recognised (From This is Hampshire)

Malayan veteran Sid joins the campaign for recognition

2:24pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in News By Clare Kennedy, Health Reporter

AS a young serviceman Hampshire veteran Sid Hunt made sure all his fellow soldiers had enough supplies as they defeated Communist terrorists in the jungles of Malaya.

He is the latest veteran from the Royal Hampshire Regiment to support the Daily Echo backed petition calling for Government recognition for all those who served in the conflict, known as the Malayan Emergency.

Together 1,500 Hampshire troops – fondly known as The Tigers – battled from 1953 until 1956 to defeat Communists who wanted to seize control of the then British colony.

Click here to download, print and sign petition form.

Surviving Now surviving veterans want the Government to award each of them a small rosette that they can attach to their General Service Medal, in recognition of their efforts.

Meanwhile British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought after Malaya gained independence in 1957 have each been given a Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal.

Mr Hunt, of Honeysuckle Road, Southampton said: “It is not fair that those who served in Malaya after it got its independence have been awarded medals but we have not.

“We want recognition to differentiate ourselves from the people who did not fight for the country’s independence.”

The 72-year-old former Pirelli worker was on National Service when he was sent to Malaya in March 1955 where he served as a Quartermasters clerk until August 1956.

“I was an office boy and in charge of the general day to day running of the quarter masters department. I was also in charge of issues of the cigarettes that came to the different companies,” recalled Mr Hunt.

“I had to be on telephone duty all day or all night in case any air drops of food or clothing were needed in the jungle. I had to make sure that all the soldiers were kept well supplied.

Mr Hunt, a widower added: “As an 18 year old Malaya was a long way away. I didn’t know what to expect and just remember my father saying ‘keep your nose clean, do your two years and enjoy it.”

More than 200 Daily Echo readers have already backed the veterans’ campaign by sending in coupons with their names and addresses that will be presented to the Government next month. Other regiments are also collecting signatures.