His Majesty the King was graciously pleased to approve awards to the following members of the 35th Battalion:

Following are the citations to the above awards.

Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Seaward, DSO, MC.

This officer commanded the 35th Battalion. In the initial stages of the operation (Vella Lavella) he showed great resourcefulness in getting his battalion within striking distance of the enemy. At first contact at Timbala on 28 September 1943, he went through to the forward platoons and, regardless of his own safety, personally directed the action at a most critical period. It was due mainly to his splendid example and good leadership that the enemy was pinned down in the final position. He has commanded the battalion since January 1942. The high state of efficiency displayed by all ranks in their page 117first engagement was a direct result of the unflagging energy and personality which Lieutenant-Colonel Seaward displayed during his period of command.

WO II R. A. Buckland, MBE

67194, WO II Robert Alfred Buckland, 35th Battalion, held the appointment of RQMS of this battalion from the time of its going to Fiji, and served in that capacity for a period of over two years covering the campaigns in Vella Lavella and Nissan Island. During the whole length of his service he has never spared himself and has shown great diligence and devotion to duty, thus contributing very materially towards the successful organisation of his unit. He has also done yoeman service in the organisation of the sporting activities of his unit, thereby assisting in a large measure with the maintenance of morale during long and difficult periods under tropical conditions. The high esteem in which he is held by all ranks is a reflection of the excellence of his service to the battalion.

Captain G. D. Falloon, MC.

254619, Reverend George David Falloon, CF (IV Class), attached to 35th Battalion, showed an outstanding devotion to duty during the Vella Lavella campaign and a complete disregard of his own safety in order to succour the sick, wounded and fighting soldier. In spite of the presence of the enemy, he carried heavy loads of comforts, unescorted, to the forward troops under the worst possible jungle conditions, and his part in holding the morale of the men cannot be assessed too highly. He personally assisted and supervised the bringing in of all killed in action, overcoming almost insurmountable difficulties. One example stands out of his work in this respect, and that was the recovery of the bodies of a group who had been killed in an evacuation. Regardless of the enemy he went out some 400 yards across the reef and brought in ail the bodies, a hazardous and strenuous task. His fearlessness and presence in the front line was an inspiration to all, and no man is held in higher regard for the part he played during the campaign.

Sergeant T. J. Walsh, DCM.

This NCO performed outstanding work as a patrol leader right through the operations carried out by the 35th Battalion in the northern part of Vella Lavella during the period 28 September to 2 Octob-page 118er 1943. Repeatedly, and at great personal risk, he pushed forward and gained information of the utmost value. His uncanny bush sense, combined with his absolute disregard for his own safety, enabled him to pin-point enemy machine gun positions on at least three occasions. The result was that the artillery were able to concentrate on these positions, and thereby enable the infantry to get forward without heavy casualties. This NCO set a standard of leadership of the highest order.

Private R. Armour, MM.

From 28 September to 2 October 1943, this man acted as runner to his company during the operations at Timbala Bay in Vella Lavella. By his determination and courage under fire he was successful in bringing back information of the greatest importance. On one occasion, when unable to break through the enemy lines, he swam out to sea and round the enemy's flank, again under fire from enemy positions ashore, and although practically exhausted, succeeded in delivering his report. His courage and determination were an example to his fellow soldiers.

The following awards were made in recognition of long service.