Lyndon Vaughan, who served with the Royal Engineers in Malaya between 1957 and 1960, has been awarded a medal from the Supreme Head of the Federation of Malaysia. The medal was awarded in appreciation of the meritorious acts and supreme sacrifices to Malaysia made by the security forces and civilian staff from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Nepal, Malaya's independence on August 31st came amidst a formidable threat to its sovereignty, mounted by the Malayan Communist Party. British troops and soldiers from the Commonwealth countries were called upon to help safeguard its sovereignty, later providing further assistance during the armed confrontation with Indonesia, which ended on August 12th, 1966. Mr Vaughan, who has recently moved from Monmouth to The Willows in Raglan, is one of the first to be awarded a medal, which he received by post just before Christmas. "There are a lot of local boys who would qualify for the award and probably don't realise it," said Mr Vaughan, who is a member of the National Malayan and Borneo Veterans Association. They can find out if they qualify by visiting the website http://www.nmbra.co.uk">www.nmbra.co.uk or phoning Mr Fred Burton on 01245 495238. Monmouthshire solicitor Robert Davies has been awarded the MBE for services to the legal profession and community in south east Wales. Mr Davies, senior partner at The Robert Davies Partnership, Langstone, Newport, has practised in the region for over three decades. Born in Llangibby, near Usk, Mr Davies is the son of the late Canon E T Davies, the renowned ecclesiastical historian who was rector in the village from 1949 to 1972. After leaving Llandovery College, Mr Davies was articled to a Cardiff firm of solicitors. He acquired his first legal practice in Newport in 1975. "I am privileged to have worked in south east Wales where I grew up, among so many people who have become personal friends as well as clients," said Mr Davies. "This award is a great honour, and a tribute to all my colleagues in the practice." Mr Davies, 57, and his wife, Vicki, live in Llantrisant, near Usk. His elder son, James, is also a partner at The Robert Davies Partnership, while his younger son, Edward, has established his own business in the area.