Awang anak Raweng

Awang anak Raweng
Born 1929
Nanga Skrang, Simanggang (now Sri Aman Division), Kingdom of Sarawak
Rank Sergeant
Unit Worchestershire Regiment(British Army)
Battles/wars Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)
George Cross and its ribbon bar

Sergeant Awang anak Raweng GC,(Rt) (born 1929) also known as “Tua Kampung” (headman) an Iban Scout from Sarawak in Borneo, won the George Cross for gallantry as recorded in the London Gazette on 20 November 1951.[1]

He was attached to 10 Platoon, 'D' Company, 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in Malaya when their jungle patrol was attacked by 50 communist terrorists in Johor, Malaya. Two members of the platoon, the leading scout and the section commander, were killed while Awang was wounded in the thigh. Despite his injury he pulled Private G. Hughes to cover. Awang returned fire, repulsing every attempt by the bandits to advance, despite suffering a severe wound to his right arm. As the bandits surrounded the injured pair, Awang clasped a grenade in his left hand and dared the bandits to attack him. He held off the communists for forty minutes, forcing them to withdraw and saved Private Hughes's life.[2]

His citation concluded "So resolute was his demeanour that the bandits, who had maintained their attacks for some forty minutes, and who were now threatened by the other sections, withdrew. The coolness, fortitude and offensive spirit displayed by Awang anak Rawang were of the highest order. Despite being twice severely wounded he showed the utmost courage and resolution to continue the fight and protect the injured soldier."

He is also the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and Pingat Jasa Malaysia. On 27 October 2015, he was honored by National Defence University of Malaysia with the Hononary master's degree in Strategic Studies in conjunction with the University's 6th convocation ceremony.[3] Currently he is a longhouse chief (Tuai Rumah) at his birthplace, Nanga Skrang, and he also receives monthly allowance both from Malaysian and British Governments.

Honours and Awards

References

  1. ↑ Worcestershire Regiment
  2. ↑ Ritchie, James (30 October 2014). "Awang Raweng, the forgotten hero". TheStarOnline. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  3. ↑
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