Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A fine and regimentally scarce ‘Malaya’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major O. J. Mirylees, Royal Leicestershire Regiment, attached 3rd Battalion, The Malay Regiment. A successful ambush tactician, he regularly proved his ability over 12 months in the jungles of Malaya - accounting for 6 terrorists killed, and 1 captured. He was severely wounded leading his men in a night ambush in October 1955, having already been mentioned in despatches for his work in the jungles of Burma during the Second World War Military Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated ‘1957’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Major O. J. Mirylees. R. Leicesters.) mounted as originally worn, very fine (7) £3,000-£4,000 --- M.C. London Gazette 28 May 1957: ‘For vigourous leadership and gallantry in the Malayan jungle whilst in command of a Company of the 3rd Battalion, The Malay Regiment. Although severely wounded and in great pain he continued to conduct the operation for over an hour until action was completed.’ The original recommendation states: ‘Major O. J. Mirylees had just taken over Command of ‘B’ Company, 3rd Bn The Malay Regiment when the Battalion began operations in the Batu Gajah area in March 1955. Since then his enthusiasm, his vigorous leadership and gallant example in several engagements have inspired all under his command and turned his Company into an outstanding jungle fighting team. In October 1955, when in command of a small night ambush near Tronoh Town Major Mirylees was severely wounded in the thigh in one of the first exchanges of fire. Given first aid by a Sergeant he then refused to be evacuated and maintained his position, regardless of great pain, for over an hour until satisfied there was no further C.T. movement. Next morning a wounded C.T. was captured. In December 1955, before he had really recovered Major Mirylees personally went out and sited a nine man ambush, which on the following day killed all the three C.T.’s who appeared. In two further contacts in October 1956 ‘B’ Company patrols killed three more C.T.’s. These six kills and one capture, in the last twelve months in an acknowledged difficult area are directly attributed to the zeal, drive and dogged determination which Major Mirylees has displayed throughout to a degree far beyond the normal call of duty. It were most fitting were this officer’s outstanding services to be recognised.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 19 September 1946 (Burma). Oswald James Mirylees was born in November 1920, and commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Leicestershire Regiment in December 1939. He advanced to Temporary Captain in January 1941, to Captain in July 1946, and to Major December 1952. Mirylees was Specially Employed with the Federation of Malaya Military Forces, and was attached for service with the 3rd Battalion, The Malay Regiment, October 1954 - February 1958. He rejoined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Leicestershire Regiment at the end of February 1958, and was appointed to the command of ‘C’ Company. Mirylees retired in April 1960, and in later life resided in Bognor Regis. Major Mirylees died in March 2007. 1 of 2 M.C.’s to the Regiment for service in Malaya, the other for service whilst on attachment with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. Mirylees is mentioned in Marching With The Tigers by M. Goldschmidt, included in which there is a photographic image of him.