| Citation: New Year Honours. Cyprus. 23 May 1957 to 18 June 1960. MPSC Duties and Chief Clerk.
Citation: Over the past three years 52 MCTC has been called upon to perform tasks extraordinary to MPSC duties. Filling of thousands of water cans for transport to troops in operations in desert countries, providing security patrols during the emergency, erection of tented camps for the reception of troops from UK by air, the safe custody of some 90 Turkish detainees, gravedigging during the strike and curfew periods. All of which have been notified as most urgent and at very short notice. WOII MCKENZIE, in addition to his normal duties has worked long hours, and only his devotion to duty (often a 20 hour day) and his untiring determination to complete the task in hand has enabled the tasks to be completed with military precision.
At the period when only one officer was available to 52 MCTC WOII MCKENZIE most proficiently assumed the duties of administration officer, arranging reception, stores, checking property, medical cover, secure accommodation, and rations and cooking facilities for the detainees. The difficulties of religious prejudices even in things like toilet facilities will be appreciated. The fact that not one complaint was raised against HM Government denotes how well these tasks were completed, and the commanding Officer was able to devote whole time to executive duties solely as a result of WOII MCKENZIE's efforts. These duties he performed in addition to normal discipline duties with soldiers under sentence, unit chief clerk, movements clerk, pay clerk, SUS documentation clerk and confidential clerk, any on of which can be considered a full time employment for one man.
These extra duties have naturally entailed long and arduous hours and from May 1957 until May 1960 WOII MCKENZIE did not have one day leave of absence from duty. In fact I have only known his to request time off duty and the for the purpose of attending BMH as a blood donor.
WOII MCKENZIE has carried out duties far beyond that expected from a Warrant Officer, with zeal and proficiency and without and consideration for personal comfort or reward.
It is strongly recommended that these service, rendered under the most difficult circumstances, be rewarded by official recognition.
Recommended by: Capt. Commandant 52 MCTC, Commander 3 Inf Bde Group, Dhekelia, Maj/Gen, GOC, Nicosia, Lt/Gen, GOC in C, Middle East Land Forces. |
