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The Kathigasu Family Receive Their Awards, The George Medal, An MBE & A Commendation
After World War II, three of the Kathigasu family received awards relating to their activities against the Japanese during the occupation of Malaya. From left to right: The greatest honour was bestowed on Sybil Kathigasu when King George VI pinned The George Medal (GM) on her at an investiture in Buckingham Palace on 7th November 1947. The George Medal is Britain's highest award for acts of gallantry by civilians. Sybil was the first Eurasian ever to receive this honour.
The next two photographs show Dawn Kathigasu in 1947 when she was 11 years old. She received the Governor's Card of Commendation for the bravery she displayed against the Japanese when they hung her from a tree, and eventually placed red hot coals beneath her, to try persuade her mother to confess. Neither mother nor daughter gave in to their torturers. The award was signed by Sir Edward Gent, Governor of Malaya and presented by the British Adviser for Perak, Mr Arthur Vincent Aston, on behalf of the British Government. The press named her 'Malaya's Youngest Soldier'.
The third picture shows Dr Kathigasu standing behind Dawn at her presentation.
Finally, the fourth picture shows Dr A C Kathigasu receiving a separate award, the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for 'Services in the Allied Cause'. It was planned to be presented by Sir Edward Gent, Governor of Malaya, but by the time the arrangements had been made Sir Edward had died in an air crash and therefore his replacement Sir Henry Gurney (later ambushed and killed by Communist terrorists, CTs) actually pinned the medal on the doctor's chest.
To read more about Dr A C Kathigasu, click here.
To read more about Sybil Kathigasu, click here.
To read more about Dawn Kathigasu, click here.
To read more about Artur Vincent Aston, click here.