WITH THE RMP IN MALAYA

In April 1954 I was posted to 17 Gurkha Infantry Division Provost Company RMP. The Company had about equal numbers of both British and Gurkha personnel.

In 1955 our Commanding Officer (DAPM) had us seconded into 'The Brigade of Gurkhas' and our cap badge was changed. We were probably the smallest unit within the Brigade.

In addition to our normal police duties we went on 'Food Denial' Operations. These were aimed at preventing food or contraband goods being stockpiled and smuggled to the terroists. Together with the civil police;Ministry of Information and Ministry of Food Inspectors, we would seal off a kampong (village). Every house would be searched for phrohibited items, such as arms and ammunition, printing or duplicating equipment, excess rationed food and two-way radios.

We would also check the identities of all inhabitants against the "House Register' and for possible deserters. We had special powers for 'Search, Seizure and Arrest' of civilians under the 'Emergency Regulations'.

In order to boost the numbers of infantry on patrol and give us a better understanding of the conditions that the foot soldiers were having to endure, we were taken off normal police duties and given an infantry role.

We worked for a period of six months (January to June 1956), in conjunction with the Royal Hampshire Regiment. We were based in a disused tin mine at Semenyih, midway between Seremban and Kuala Lumpur. From there we daily patrolled through the rubber or carried out jungle sweeps which could last for a week.

We had a variety of weapons-Bren,Sten,303 Lee Enfield rifles and American carbines. We also had pump-action shot guns. In war time shot guns were forbidden under the Geneva Convention, but were permitted during the 'Emergency' against Terrorists.

I was held back in Malaya for six months because of the Suez crisis. I eventually flew home from Singapore on Christmas Eve 1956.

Note:Gordon was trained in 393 Squad at Inkerman from October 1953 to February 1954.