Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War ‘Re-occupation of Malaya’ O.B.E., Great War M.C. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Wallich, Royal Horse Artillery, who served on the Legislative and Executive Councils of the Federation of Malaya from 1947-49

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. A. W. Wallich.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (8) £800-£1,200

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946:
‘For service in connection with the re-occupation of Malaya.’

M.C. London Gazette 22 June 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While the battery was under a gas bombardment he was mainly instrumental in digging out a man who had been buried by a bursting shell. Throughout the operations he was very quick at engaging the enemy infantry at close range over open sights, and his resource, initiative, and daring were worthy of the highest praise.’

Aubrey Woodford Wallich was born in Taiping, Malaya, on 21 August 1897 and was educated at Malvern College. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery (Special Reserve of Officers) on 19 January 1916, and served with the Royal Horse Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 31 May 1916, being promoted Lieutenant on 4 May 1918, and was awarded the Military Cross. He transferred to the Retired List on 5 June 1920, and then to the Emergency Reserve on 9 April 1921.

Wallich emigrated to Singapore in November 1922, and subsequently joined the rubber company Boustead & Company, becoming a Director of the Eastern Board in 1941, and of the London company in 1950. During the inter-War years he was constantly travelling between London and Malaya, as a grower in the Straits Settlement, and an administrator in London.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War Wallich was recalled to active service, and served with the Royal Artillery in North Africa, being advanced Major on 25 April 1944, and Lieutenant-Colonel on 18 November 1945. For his services in connection with the re-occupation of Malaya following the cessation of hostilities he was appointed to the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire, and subsequently served on the Legislative and Executive Councils of the Federation of Malaya from 1947-49. He retired from Boustead & Company in 1957, and died in St. John’s Wood, London, on 6 September 1960. His wife Isabella was a noted concert pianist and recording artist.

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