Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine ‘Malaya’ M.M. pair awarded to Marine R. G. Hodgkiss, 45 Commando, Royal Marines

Military Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (R.M.8740 Marine R. G. Hodgkiss, R.M.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Mne., R.M.) contact marks, otherwise very fine and scarce (2) £2800-3200

M.M. London Gazette 20 July 1951. ‘For outstanding courage and leadership in operations in Malaya.’

The following details are taken from the official recommendation: ‘On 13 February 1951, Marine R. G. Hodgkiss was the leading scout of a small patrol operating in the BIKAM FOREST, south of TAPAH.

The patrol was following a fresh track, when they sighted a camp occupied by some bandits. Signalling to the remainder of the patrol to remain hidden where they were, Hodgkiss stalked the sentry and shot him dead.

With the opening of fire the patrol rushed into the camp where they immediately came under heavy automatic fire. The Iban tracker was wounded and the patrol was pinned in the open. Marine Hodgkiss’s immediate reactions were to throw a couple of smoke grenades and under cover of these rush towards an enemy bren, firing as he went. His spirited action took the bandits by surprise and they took to their heels leaving two dead behind them. Marine Hodgkiss pressed on in pursuit until the enemy were lost in the thick undergrowth.

Marine Hodgkiss showed a determination to come to grips with the enemy with no thought for himself, and it was by his determined aggressive example that what might have proved to be an inconclusive encounter was in fact a resounding success.’

A total of 267 Military Medals were awarded for Malaya, including 82 to British units, of which 11 were won by the Royal Marines.