Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely rare Silver Cross of Rhodesia group of three awarded to Colour-Sergeant J. “Jock” McKelvie, Support Commando, 1st Rhodesian Light Infantry, late Royal Marine Commandos

Silver Cross of Rhodesia (727700 Sgt. J. McKelvie); General Service 1962, 3 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Northern Ireland (RM. 22353 J. McKelvie, Mne., R.M.); Rhodesia General Service (727700 Sgt. McKelvie, J.), this last an official replacement stamped ‘(R..)’, generally good very fine (3) £3000-4000

The Silver Cross of Rhodesia was awarded on just 30 occasions, four of the recipients being members of the Rhodesian Light Infantry.

The official citation for McKelvie’s award, signed by Lieutenant-General J.S.V. Hickman, Commander of the Army, in July 1976, states:

‘Sergeant McKelvie was involved in 14 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 60 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 18 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 McKelvie’s 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 13 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. While in a contact in December 1976, he was severely wounded in the thigh and leg causing him to be hospitalised for two months.’

John “Jock” McKelvie was born in Glasgow in July 1946 and joined the Royal Marines in July 1963. During his 12 years with the Marines he served with 40, 41 and 42 Commando R.M., and was present in operations in Borneo, the Malay Peninsula and Northern Ireland - his official certificate of service confirms. Having been promoted Sergeant in January 1974, he took premature voluntary release in June of the following year, and, with much experience of Commando and anti-terrorist operations under his belt, was a natural candidate for the Rhodesian Army, in which he served with distinction, winning the Silver Cross of Rhodesia.

Accompanying research suggests that McKelvie left Rhodesia at short notice, as a result of which he never received his Rhodesia General Service Medal. However, as confirmed by an accompanying letter, and with Lieutenant-General John Hickman’s blessing, a replacement was obtained ‘through the official manufacturer’ and mounted for display with his original Silver Cross and General Service 1962 awards in 2001.

Sold with the recipient’s original Royal Marines certificate of service, together with congratulatory letters from President Wrathall, Lieutenant-General J. S. V. Hickman, and officers of the 1st Rhodesian Light Infantry, for the award of his Silver Cross; an eye-witness account of the action fought on 9 November 1976, written by one of the helicopter pilots; three official group photographs, and several other associated photographs, letters and confirmation of provenance.