Royal Hampshire Regiment 2/7 Gurkha Rifles Malaya DSO Group ...

Hammer

£10,500

Royal Hampshire Regiment 2/7 Gurkha Rifles Malaya DSO Group of 7 Medals.

Awarded to Lieutenant Colonel John Hamilton Allford who was awarded the DSO for operations as a Battalion Commander of the 2/7 Gurkha Rifles Malaya 1954.

Comprising: Distinguished Service Order (EIIR), 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, 1st Army Clasp, Defence Medal, War Medal, General Service Medal, Three Clasps PALESTINE 1945-48, MALAYA, CYPRUS, MID OAKLEAF, (LT COL J.H. ALLFORD R. HAMPS), EIIR Coronation Medal. Group mounted as worn have been lacquered.

The Citation for the awarded of the DSO was raised on the 13th November 1953.
Lieutenant Colonel John Hamilton Alford 2/7 GR
Lieutenant Colonel Allford assumed command of his Battalion in January 1953 and between April and October commanded operations against the communist terrorists in the Bentong District of Pahang, Malaya. Throughout this period of six months Lieutenant Colonel Allford inspired his Battalion by outstanding leadership, level headed skill and fine personal example. He maintained a magnificent fighting spirit throughout the Battalion area. These operations culminated in the death in action of two of the terrorists most important leaders a severe blow for the enemy, not only in the Bentong district but throughout Malaya.
Lieutenant Colonel Allford who led a number of operations himself has set a magnificent and outstanding example of determination, skill and leadership. He has by his personal efforts made a notable contribution to the campaign in Malaya.

Mention in Dispatches London Gazette 14/7/59.

Lieutenant Colonel John Hamilton was commissioned into the York & Lancs Regiment October 1940, In 1946 he was appointed a Captain with the Hampshire Regiment and was posted to Palestine. The medal roll shows during this period he held the rank of Major Acting Lt. Col and was serving with the 1st Bn Royal Hampshire Regiment. The Battalion returned to the UK in October 1947. A year later in 1948 he was attached to the 7th Gurkha Rifles. In 1958 he is noted as serving wit the rank of Lt. Col at Polemidhia Camp, GOC Cyprus. It is assumed his MID is for services during his tour in Cyprus.