Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce ‘Malaya’ M.M. pair awarded to Corporal Lengu, Rhodesian African Rifles, awarded for gallantry when he single-handedly charged four armed communist terrorists, killing two of them - One of just three M.M.’s awarded to the regiment for the Malayan Campaign

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (2805 Cpl. Lengu. Rh. A. R.); General Service 1918-621 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (2805 Cpl. Lengu. Rh. A. R.) mounted loose style as worn, some edge bruising and contact wear overall as a result of abrasive cleaning, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £3000-4000

M.M. London Gazette 20 December 1957. One of three M.M’s awarded to the Rhodesian African rifles for the Malayan Campaign.

The original recommendation states:

‘On the 16th May 1957 in the Seganat District of Johore, Corporal Lengu was in charge of a patrol. His leading scout stopped, indicating that he had heard voices ahead. Corporal Lengu ordered the patrol to halt whilst he went forward to reconnoitre. He crept forward silently until he came to a small clearing where he saw four armed communist terrorists. These terrorists were suspicious and on the alert with their weapons at the ready. Realising that there was no time to call up the rest of the patrol and make an organised assault, Corporal Lengu decided to attack them himself. To make his attack he would have to cross the clearing in full view of the terrorists at a range of about ten yards. With complete disregard for his own personal safety Corporal Lengu charged straight at the communist terrorists. The suddenness and speed of his assault so disrupted the terrorists that they were unable to return his fire and he killed two in the clearing. The two remaining terrorists, seeing the death of their comrades, turned and ran, pursued by Lengu. He followed them for some distance but lost their tracks and was forced to return to the clearing where he collected the rest of his patrol.

This single-handed action by Corporal Lengu against four armed communist terrorists is an example of personal bravery which has inspired the rest of the battalion.’