Corporal (Acting Sergeant) Charles Macnish, 'S' Troop, was 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 [1][2]. By 1959 he was serving in 40 Commando RM. Final rank Colour Sergeant [3].

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 [2].