South Queensferry RAF veteran receives medal to commemorate dedication during the Malaysian Emergency

RAF veteran Morag Goulden shaking hands with Group Captain David Keighley, Station Commander RAF Boulmer. Credit: UK MoD Crown Copyright.

Senior Aircraftswoman Morag Goulden (76) served in the RAF as an air traffic assistant in the 1960s and was based at Changi during the crisis between May 1965 and December 1966.

The prestigious medal is awarded for ‘distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty in contributing to the freedom of independence of Malaysia’, and was presented by Group Captain David Keighley, Station Commander RAF Boulmer, at the RAF Boulmer Honours and Awards ceremony.

Serving at RAF Changi, Morag assisted with the control of aircraft including Shackletons, Hastings, Beverley and Argos, conducting operational maritime recce and air resupply missions, along with receiving fighters and bombers as they disembarked from aircraft carriers from nearby RAF Tengah.

She said: “I am so proud to have received the Pingat Jasa Malaysian Medal for my time at RAF Changi during the period of emergency. All in all, my time in the RAF was different on a daily basis and I enjoyed all that I could take part in. I would definitely do it all again!”

Gavin Davey, area director at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “It has taken considerable determination over many years by Morag and the Fund to have this medal awarded but it has been worth the significant effort. It is a great pleasure to present Morag with the medal that she so richly deserves.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund has supported Morag for years, not only with scooping this respected award but by providing financial assistance on numerous occasions.

Morag added: “The Fund have been there for me during difficult moments in my life, including when I was ill with cancer a few years back and required financial support.

"And they still are today – my cancer has since returned and although I am being well looked after and do not need treatment, the RAF Benevolent Fund have generously allocated me with a sum of money to help with fuel costs as Autumn nears, which is a big relief.”