| Citation: Malaya 1 January 1949 - 1 June 1949. Citation for BEM: As a result of allegations made in the local press that relations between the Chinese population of KUANTAN and the Coy of 2 Malay Regt, KUANTAN were in a very bad state due to the bad behaviour of the latter, a small Detachment of RMP were sent by air to KUANTAN on 16 Dec 48. Included in this party was 22212008 SGT WALFORD D. S. (then a L/Cpl). This NCO had received instructions from me that he was to assume the role of a civilian and to circulate the town with a view to obtaining first hand opinions of a cross-section of the Community. Under arrangements made with the local police, SGT WALFORD assumed the indentity of a visiting free-lance journalist, and was accommondated at the local Rest House. KUANTAN is a notorious bandit area, and to carry out his task this N.C.O. had to visit many places which were both isolated and dangerous. In the duty this N.C.O. had to carry out dressed as a civilian, it was deemed unsuitable that he should carry arms. He was therefore at all times completely unarmed. SGT WALFORD has a very wide knowledge of the inhabitants of this area and as a result he submitted a report of a very high order which cast much light on the cause of this trouble. This was having serious repercussions on the relationship between the Army and Civilian population. The report was full and detailed and contained many constructive criticisms and suggestions which were of extreme value not only from the point of view of the Disciplinary aspect of the case, but had a direct bearing on the successful continuation of operations in the area. At the conclusion of his investigation I received high praise on his behalf, from the District Commissioner and also the Officer Commanding the Police District. His report was submitted to the G.O.C. Malaya Dist who considered it to be extremelty valuable. The G.O.C. commended WALFORD personally for his work. This N.C.O. during the whole of his tour of duty shewed great initiative and drive, working without any outside assistance under conditions of considerable danger and difficulty. As a result he produced a report which resulted in greatly improved morale in the KUANTAN area. During the whole period of the emergency this N.C.O. has shewn great initiative and keenness and has consistently proved to be outstanding both as a policeman and a N.C.O. I recommend that his name is submitted for the B.E.M.
Maj G.S.B. Palmer M.C. APM Malaya District. Maj Gen C.H. Boucher GOC Malaya District. National Archive WO 373/128. |
