Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Major

Army Number : 112888

Unit : 1st Bn

Biography :

Served during World War Two. Commissioned as 2nd Lieut. 31.12.1939. Promoted Lieutenant 1.7.1941. Promoted Captain 1.7.1946. Mentioned in Dispatches whilst serving in Burma, (see London Gazette, 19.9.1946). Promoted Major, 12.1952.

Was the recipient of the Military Cross for his actions in Malaya in 1957, whilst in Command of "B" Company, 3rd Bn, The Malay Regiment, "For vigorous leadership and gallantry in the Malayan jungle whilst in command of a Company of the 3rd Battalion, The Malay Regiment. Although severely wounded and in great pain he continued to conduct the operation for over an hour until action was completed." (see London Gazette, 28.5.1957).

The original recommendation states: ‘Major O. J. Mirylees had just taken over Command of ‘B’ Company, 3rd Bn The Malay Regiment when the Battalion began operations in the Batu Gajah area in March 1955. Since then his enthusiasm, his vigorous leadership and gallant example in several engagements have inspired all under his command and turned his Company into an outstanding jungle fighting team. In October 1955, when in command of a small night ambush near Tronoh Town Major Mirylees was severely wounded in the thigh in one of the first exchanges of fire. Given first aid by a Sergeant he then refused to be evacuated and maintained his position, regardless of great pain, for over an hour until satisfied there was no further C.T. movement. Next morning a wounded C.T. was captured. In December 1955, before he had really recovered Major Mirylees personally went out and sited a nine man ambush, which on the following day killed all the three C.T.’s who appeared. In two further contacts in October 1956 ‘B’ Company patrols killed three more C.T.’s. These six kills and one capture, in the last twelve months in an acknowledged difficult area are directly attributed to the zeal, drive and dogged determination which Major Mirylees has displayed throughout to a degree far beyond the normal call of duty. It were most fitting were this officer’s outstanding services to be recognised.’

He rejoined the 1st Bn, The Royal Leicestershire Regiment at the end of February 1958 and was appointed to the command of "C" Company. He relinquished his Commission 8.4.1960 (see London Gazette, 5.4.1960).

Date of Birth : 6.11.1920

Place of Birth : Edinburgh, Midlothian

Date of Death : 26.3.2007

Place of Death : Bognor Regis, Sussex

Period of Service : 1930s

Conflicts : WW2