his company took over a forward position on Hill 355 at a time when the enemy was patrolling aggressively in the area, attacking friendly patrols in the vicinity of friendly defended localities. Through the skilful planning and organisation of his patrols, within a few days Major Kayler-Thomson cleared the enemy forces from the area with such effect that they did not return during the company's tour of that sector. During this time he also directed the successful and skilful attack on suspected enemy positions on the southern slopes of Point 277. Throughout this time, Major Kayler-Thomson displayed outstanding qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and endurance under fire. These qualities, coupled with his aggressive spirit, were largely responsible for the high degree of operational efficiency achieved by his company.

KEYS, Alexander George William, Captain (2/40035),
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1950

Throughout his twelve-month service with 3 RAR, Captain Keys displayed outstanding ability and courage thus establishing his reputation as one of this battalion's most competent company commanders. An example of his outstanding conduct occurred during the advance of 27 British Commonwealth Brigade towards Chongchon in March 1951. A Company was ordered to capture a vital feature known as Hill 410 but was held up by a superior enemy force that had dug in on the objective. Captain Keys, officer commanding D Company, was ordered to attack and capture the feature from a ridge parallel to that occupied by A Company, thus alleviating the pressure on that company. Captain Keys moved D Company forward under enemy mortar and sniper fire and, through this aggressive action, cleaned out several enemy pockets just short of his objective. At this stage D Company came under enemy fire from the left flank and from the feature immediately above the company. Despite this fire, Captain Keys fought his company forward and, as the result of his bold and aggressive action, secured the feature and enabled A Company to advance and secure its objective. The success of this action was entirely due to the clear, calm and aggressive action of Captain Keys who, despite heavy enemy fire, was to be found with the forward elements of his company directing all phases of the attack. In subsequent periods of heavy fighting from September to November 1951, Captain Keys, now adjutant of the battalion, maintained the same high standard. This officer continually displayed the highest standards of leadership and through his example, maintained the finest traditions of the service.

LLOYD, Russel David Ferrers, Lieutenant ( 5/7015 ),
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Lieutenant Lloyd served as a rifle platoon commander and then as a machine-gun platoon commander during his tour of Korea. Lieutenant Lloyd's skill and coolness under fire as a patrol commander was demonstrated by his actions on the night of 6/7 January 1953 when he was ordered to lead a fighting patrol to an area through which the enemy was known to move. On arrival at the ambush site, he placed one group,