The Upfill-Brown Collection

An extremely rare Rhodesian gallantry pair awarded to Colour Sergeant ', Support Commando, 1st Battalion The Rhodesian Light Infantry, lateSergeant, Royal Marine Commando

SILVER CROSS OF RHODESIA, reverse officially impressed; CAMPAIGN SERVICE 1962, 3 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Northern Ireland (RM 22353, Mne., R.M.) good very fine (2)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The AA Upfill-Brown Collection.

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The lot is sold with an original Royal Marines certificate of service, letters of congratulation from President Wrathall and Lieut-General J. S. V. Hickman, two official group photographs, several other associated photographs and documents, and a commemorative wall shield for 'Operation Thrasher.'

John McKelvie was born in Glasgow, 15 July 1946 and joined the Royal Marines in July 1963. His civilian trade at the time was appropriately that of trainee butcher. During his twelve years with the Marines he served with 40, 41 and 42 Commando R.M. Having been promoted Sergeant in January 1974 he took premature voluntary release in June the following year. 'Jock' McKelvie joined the Rhodesian Army with much experience of commando and anti-terrorist operations under his belt. He served with great distinction against the terrorists in Rhodesia and was awarded the Silver Cross of Rhodesia on 1 July 1976. The official citation, signed personally by Lieut-General J.S.V. Hickman, Commander of the Army, reads:'Sergeant McKelvie was involved in fourteen contacts during the period May, 1976 to February, 1977. In all these contacts he displayed considerable initiative, leadership and gallantry and, together with his men, accounted for over sixty terrorists. The following contacts are particularly noteworthy: On 9 November, 1976 Sergeant McKelvie and seven men were dropped by helicopter into an area in which a large group of terrorists were based. The helicopter was subsequently grounded. Despite the lack of air support, Sergeant MeKelvie and his men killed eighteen terrorists in the space of three hours. Sergeant McKelvie's conduct during this contact was exemplary. The success of this contact, which was enhanced by the killing of a further five terrorists and the capture of one, was due principally to Sergeant McKelvies personal example, gallantry and coolness in the face of determined opposition. On the 24 November, 1976 Sergeant McKelvie and seven men, were dropped by helicopter into an area containing a group of terrorists. Once again, through determination, aggression and first class leadership, Sergeant McKelvie and his men, who were later joined by additional men, killed thirteen and captured two wounded terrorists. Throughout these and other contacts Sergeant McKelvie has inspired confidence and aggressive spirit in his men. His gallantry, example and disregard for his personal safety have been of the highest order and his professional dedication and determination have been an inspiration to all who serve with him.' Whilst on a contact in December 1976, 'Jock' McKelvie was severely wounded in the thigh and leg causing him to be hospitalised for two months. The Silver Cross of Rhodesia was awarded on only twenty six occasions.