The Malayan Emergency lasted from 1948 to 1960. In June 1948, The British government declared a state of emergency when the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA) began targeting mines, police, rubber plantations, workers houses and trains with violence and destruction.
In a quick response, the British sent over reinforcements (many National Servicemen) to help with the six Gurkha, three British and two Malay battalions already stationed there.
The MNLA used guerrilla tactics which, although were slowed by the British forces, were never truly stopped.
So, in a non-military manoeuvre, the British built new villages for Chinese squatters (Chinese citizens who lived outside of urban Malayan life). Education, medical care, and good housing were provided in an attempt to remove this influence support base from the MNLA.
The height of the conflict has often been seen as 1951 when the British High Commissioner, Sir Henry Gurney, was killed by the communists. Gurney was replaced by General Sir Gerald Templer. Templer was a keen advocate of a ‘hearts and minds’ policy, continuing the policy of building new settlements for the local population and promising Malay independence following the defeat of the communists. Chinese citizens were granted Malay citizenship. This won Templer a lot of support from nationalists.
In 1960, the state of emergency was declared to be over. 1800 people had been killed during the conflict with the communists losing over 6000 men.
Gurkha's in the Malayan Jungle.
George attended Oakham School between 1925 and 1931. He was a member of School House.
Spring 1930 Rugby Review: “The fastest man in the side but lacking in determination and dash. Very uncertain hands; improved in defence late in the season.”
Spring 1931 Rugby Review: “Has speed and runs with determination, while he has developed a fair hand off. His hands are still uncertain; but his tackling has improved.”
George studied at Worcester College, Oxford and earned an LLB in Law. He went on to become a barrister.
He was a Lieutenant Colonel, later Colonel, in the 1st Battalion The Northern Rhodesia Regiment.
The Northern Rhodesia Regiment badge.
George was awarded an MBE, OBE, CBE, DSO, and mentioned in despatches twice.
His portrait can be found in the National Portrait Gallery via this link: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp133813/george-henry-wallace-goode.
Conroy attended Oakham School between 1926 and 1932. He was a member of Junior House, and then of Wharflands.
Conroy was a banker with National Westminster and after his military service, he was the personal assistant to the Bishop of Coventry.
He served in the Second World War as Major in the Royal Welch Fusiliers in Burma. He would continue this role in the Malayan Emergency.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers cap badge.
Bruce attended Oakham School between 1932 and 1938. He was a member of School House.
Bruce went onto study at RMC Sandhurst. He became a Major in the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment.
The Lincolnshire's Cap Badge.
Alan attended Oakham School between 1941 and 1945. He was a member of Junior House and then School House.
Alan studied at the London School of Architecture before moving onto RMC Sandhurst and RSME. He was commissioned into the Royal Engineers serving in the Malayan Emergency. He was later made a Brigadier.
The Royal Engineers cap badge.
Alan was mentioned in despatches.
David attended Oakham School between 1935 and 1939. He was a member of Wharflands. His achievements are listed below:
David worked at the North Thames Gas Board as well as serving in the Indian Army.
The Indian Army Badge.
David was a Major in the Royal Army Service Corps during the Malayan Emergency.
The Royal Army Medical Corps badge.
He was mentioned in despatches.