Colonel Johnny Lawes, Gurkha who won an MC for his bravery during the Malayan Emergency

Colonel Johnny Lawes, who has died aged 97, was awarded an MC while serving with the Gurkhas during the Malayan Emergency and saw further active service on operations in Borneo. In May 1956, Lawes was in command of Support Company, 2nd Battalion 2nd King Edward’s Own Gurkha Rifles and serving in Negeri Sembilan, Malaya. One died the next day and, over the next five months, Support Company eliminated BAWF, accounting for eight killed, four captured and seven surrendered. The following year he resigned from the Army, but rejoined and served with the Royal Hampshire Regiment on a short service commission.