Nearly 200 Norfolk veterans of an oft-forgotten war have at last been recognised — almost half a century after the brutal conflict ended.
Troops who served with the British Army in Malaysia between 1957 and 1966 are being honoured today at a ceremony at Norwich City Football Club in Carrow Road.
Thousands of troops from the UK and the Commonwealth served in the war-torn far eastern country fighting rebel forces in the bloody battle for independence, and more than 2000 lives were lost.
In 2005 the Malaysian government approached the Foreign and Commonwealth Office seeking approval for its plans to present the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal to all who took part in the dangerous operation.
A year later permission was granted and more than 36,000 medals are being presented across the length and breadth of the country and to Commonwealth counties, with 185 veterans - mainly from Norfolk - picking up their medals today.
The medals are being presented to the veterans by Brigadier General Othman Jamal, defence attach� with the Malaysian Embassy.
See tomorrow's Evening News and EDP for a full report and pictures.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here