The Coveted Commando Knife

The idea of giving out "Commando Knives Awards" for every kills made by individual soldiers was mooted out by Commander of 3rd Malaysian Infantry Brigade based in Penrissen Camp, Kuching, Sarawak, Brigadier General Dato' Hassan Mohd Salleh in 1973. He saw the need to recognise the efforts of soldiers who had shown exemplary and outstanding courage in battles against the Communist Terrorists and of course, to inject new spirits and enthusiasm into them.. Soldiers who had made the kills were awarded the "Commando Knives". Often these knives were given out at a simple ceremony when he made visits to the Units on the ground.

Left: The Commando knife.

Right: Another Commando Knife given to me by my Battalion Commanding Officer, the late Col. N. F Nesaratnam, for the capture of 2 Communist Terrorists in Kanowit, Sarawak, in 1983.

3rd Malaysian Infantry Brigade had a big "Commando Knife Award" presentation in Semenggo Camp in Kuching towards the end of 1973. Above were the receipients from 3rd Battalion The Malaysian Rangers (my battalion). Yours truly is seated 3rd from the left. The Commanding Officer, Lt Col. Philip Lee Khiu Fui is on my right and the Second-In-Command, Major Tan Siew Soo is next to him.

Picture Above:   I received my first Commando knife from Commander 3rd Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brig Gen Hassan Mohd Salleh in Camp Serian in early 1973.