Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce post-War ‘Malaya operations’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major P. A. Haigh, Somerset Light Infantry, late Highland Light Infantry and Scottish Rifles, who served during the Second World War with the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940; with the 12th African Division in Somaliland and Abyssinia; and in Burma during both the First and Second Chindit operations.

Subsequently commanding a company of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry in the Malaya jungle for 15 months, Haigh was awarded the M.C. for his great gallantry, devotion to duty and determination in the routing of a terrorist HQ just 40km from Kuala Lumpur in January 1955, being directly responsible for the killing of three and the wounding and capturing of another, in part due to ‘the exceptional jungle lore of this officer, whose knowledge of terrorists’ tactics and habits could scarcely be improved’

Military Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated 1955; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (Major P. Haigh. Som. L.I.) mounted as worn, good very fine (7) £6,000-£8,000

M.C. London Gazette 25 October 1955:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1 January to 30 June 1955.’

The original Recommendation, dated 19 May 1955, states: ‘On 20 January 1955 Major Haigh was ordered to take out a reconnaissance patrol to reconnoitre an area of Jungle South of Semantan Estate near Mentakab, Pahang. This area had been thought to be a likely terrorist contact area and might contain camps or food dumps. In order to cover as wide an area as possible patrols were kept purposely small and included a greater proportion of Sarawak Rangers than was normal. It was not anticipated that any large groups of terrorists would be contacted.

The first three days’ activities of the patrol proved fruitless and on the fourth day, 23 January, Major Haigh decided to make one last attempt before returning to base. At about 1000 hrs on 23 January he arrived at a small hill in thick jungle and in accordance with previous practice he sent out three two-man recce patrols of Sarawak Rangers, whose task it was to see if there were any signs of terrorist tracks along the streams running away from the position.

Five minutes after they had set out Major Haigh, whose party now consisted of himself, a corporal and one soldier, heard firing coming from the direction of one of the recce patrols, followed by a fusillade of fire and much shouting. The three of them rushed to the sound of the firing and found the Sarawak Rangers engaged in a battle with a number of terrorists. They joined the Rangers and under Major Haigh’s orders advanced in line towards the firing, which was coming from the perimeter of a terrorist camp, afterwards discovered to hold from 25 to 30 terrorists and perhaps more. By this time the firing was heavy and so far as could be ascertained included one light machine gun and some other automatics besides rifles.

Major Haigh ordered the Bren Gunner and one Iban to continue to fire and advance towards the southern half of the camp, while he and the other Iban did the same. In this action three terrorists were killed and one wounded and captured without casualty to our own side. Subsequent searching of the camp area revealed properly prepared defence positions with slit trenches and air raid shelters, sited in all round defence capable of holding up to 30 terrorists. Among the documents found was a sentry roster, which indicated the presence of 21 terrorists earmarked for duty.

Throughout this operation Major Haigh showed great gallantry, devotion to duty and determination, for though considerably outnumbered he led his small party straight for the enemy with complete disregard for his own safety. By his resolute offensive action and good use of ground and cover in face of heavy fire he caused the routing of a considerable number of terrorists and was directly responsible for the killing of three and wounding and capturing another. His follow up action was prompt and well planned, for within a few hours of contact he had deployed the rest of his company with considerable skill. His whole manner and example are worthy of the highest commendation.

Major Haigh has now commanded a company in the jungle for 15 months. During this time they have killed and captured many bandits. These successes can be attributed in the main to the planning and exceptional jungle lore of this officer whose knowledge of terrorists’ tactics and habits could scarcely be improved.’

Peter Andrew Haigh was born on 4 April 1920, the son of Brigadier Cecil Haigh, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and was educated at Ampleforth and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry in October 1939, he served with the 5th Battalion, as part of the 157th Infantry Brigade, British Expeditionary Force, in France from 7 June 1940, and was evacuated from Cherbourg later that same month. Subsequently posted to the 12th African Division, King’s African Rifles, he served with them in Kenya from January 1941, and took part in the capture of Somaliland and the march to Addis Ababa.

Transferring to India for the Burma campaign in September 1942, Haigh was posted to the 1st Battalion, Scottish Rifles, and took part in both the first and second Chindit operations, and upon the conclusion of the Second Chindit operation was hospitalised with malaria. Evacuated back to England in January 1945, he served post-War with the Intelligence Directorate in Vienna, as part of the Allied Occupation Force in Austria, before joining the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, with the rank of Major in 1954. He served with this unit in Malaya for the next 18 months, commanding a company in the jungle for most of this time, and for his gallantry in action against a terrorist camp in the jungle just 40km from Kuala Lumpur on 23 January 1955 he was awarded the Military Cross.

Returning to the U.K., Haigh was invested with his M.C. at Buckingham Palace in October 1955, and retired from the Army in 1958. He subsequently pursued a successful career in finance, and retired in 1984. He died in 2003.

Sold with two original group photographs, one on parade, and the other in the jungle; a copy of Clan Haig of Bemersyde - a Family History, which has a chapter on the recipient, including various photographic images; and a large quantity of copied research.

For the recipient’s father’s medals, see Lot 210.