The National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association

Published Date: 22 July 2009

A Dervock war veteran has recieved a prestigious honour to mark his contribution to a conflict half a century ago in the Far East.

Sandy McLernon was attached to the Second Parachute Regiment and his medal from the Malaysia and Borneo Veterans’ Association acknowledges the part he played in helping defeat those opposed to the Malaysian Government at the time.
Sandy received the medal bearing the title ‘Pingat Jasa Malaysia.’
In its inscription it states: “This medal is awarded to the peacekeeping groups amongst the Communion countries for distinguished chivlary, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty in upholding Peninsular of Malaysia or Malaysia Sovereignty during the period of emergency and confrontation.”
Recipients of the medal have to be nominated and Sandy’s name was put forward by Scott Brown who contacted the secretary of the Northern Ireland Branch, who, in turn, contacted the national association headquarters where the matter was sanctioned.
Last Thursday, Sandy and his family were present in Dervock when the Mayor of Ballymoney, Councillor Frank Campbell, made the official presentation.
The gathering also included many of the veterans of the conflict who were keen to add to the many back slaps and handshakes Sandy received.
The President of the Association, Mr. Alan Nicholl, also presented a NMBVA plate to Sandy’s daughter, Yvonne.

Sandy, a popular figure in Dervock and beyond, was delighted with the award as was his family and the Mayor, Cllr. Campbell, offered his congratulations to all.

Images to follow

NMBVA Veterans Mr Nigel CoulterISM and Mr Phil Price MBE pictured along with Mr Robert White a fellow RAF Association Member at the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Service and the closing down ceremony of Royal Air Force Aldergrove.

Nigel Coulter ISM and Phil Price MBEwere quoted in The Newsletter on Monday 21^st September 2009 as saying; “It was the wrong decision to end the RAF’s long relationship with Aldergrove”.
Nigel Coulter ISM who was stationed in Ballykelly said “We have always used  Aldergrove as a meeting place for the association and they have always been very good to us.  At war time you had 46 RAF stations here and this was the last one. It is very sad to see it go and the ensign being dropped. The Army will be in charge now.”

Picture left to right:
Mr Robert White (RAFA Veteran)
Mr Nigel Coulter ( RAFA & NMBVA Mid Ulster Branch Secretary)
Mr Phil Price (NMBVA Veteran)

On 2^nd June 2009, I sent some petition forms returned to me by an elderly neighbour. I did realise that due to the good work of Joanna Lumley and all the petition forms previously returned to her and presented to government that the Gurkha’s case was already won and they would now be given the respect that they should have been given all along.

However I felt that I must pass on the above petitions which where all signed in good faith in the hope that their signatures would make some difference.

Leslie Smallman

Ex- REME-Army Air Corp
Malaya & Borneo Veteran

FAO: Joanna Lumley
The Gurkha Justice Appeal
The Puffins,Peene,
Folkestone   CT18 8BG

Tuesday 2^nd June 2009

Please find enclosed some petition forms returned to me today by an elderly neighbour. I do realise that due to the good work of your good self and all the petition forms previously returned to you and presented to government that the Gurkha’s case was won and they are now to be given the respect that they should have been given all along.

I feel that I must pass on the enclosed petitions which where all signed in good faith in the hope that their signatures would make some difference.

Yours sincerely

Leslie Smallman
Ex- Army Air Corp
& Malaya& Borneo Veteran

I was very pleased to receive the following personal letter from Joanna Lumley:
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