C/Sgt. Charles James Macnish MM, RM, award in 1952

[Photo courtesy of Anna and Derek Smith daughter and son in law].

Awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952. Corporal (Acting Sergeant) at the time.
Recommendation
IPOH, PERAK, and SELANGOR, MALAYA
Since January 1951 Sergeant MacNish has been on continuous operations in Malaya commanding a sub section in 'S' Troop, 42 Commando, Royal Marines, with outstanding skill, enthusiasm, and determination. Through his own inspiring leadership under very trying and difficult conditions, he has maintained his sub section in a high state of alertness, offensive spirit, and battle efficiency. During this period his sub section has killed six and captured two bandits.
On 16th December 1951 on the Sungai Pari, near Ipoh, Perak, Sergeant MacNish's sub section encountered three armed bandits in a patch of thick undergrowth. With exemplery leadership he rapidly organised his command, surrounded the area, and accompanied by two marines, he entered the thicket. The three bandits were quickly killed.
This and all the other successes of his sub section would not have been possible without his inspiring leadership, aggressive spirit and professional skill, which he has maintained throughout his service on anti-bandit operations

A newspaper reported on the award as follows “He joined the Marines at 17 and a half and at 25 he wins the Military Medal for Gallantry in Malaya. He is Acting Sergeant Charles James Macnish, of Penwhapple near Girvan, Ayrshire. His Commando sub-section killed six bandits and captured two.”

CH/X 4270 Colour Sergeant Charles James Macnish MM passed away peacefully on 22nd November 2018. His funeral was held in St Mary's Church Bickleigh on 14th December 2018 followed by a wake in the Sgt's Mess 42 Commando RM.