An act of individual bravery in the barren lands between the sultanates of Oman and Yemen, had its conclusion at a special ceremony in the Wanganui Collegiate chapel this week.
Major Donald Nairn, an old boy of Selwyn house at the school, was killed when leading a fire-fight against rebels in Dhofar when serving with the Coldstream Guards.
On May 9, 1979, Major Nairn, 27, made enemy contact in Dhofar and three of the enemy were killed in the initial fire-fight. But a fourth rebel, trapped in a cave, kept up heavy and accurate fire at the surrounding troops.
Believing there was a chance the rebel may escape under the cover of darkness, Major Nairn decided to smoke him out. It was while he was working his way forward to the mouth of the cave that Major Nairn was shot and killed.
The Coldstream Guards said throughout the action Major Nairn displayed "consummate bravery", personally leading the assault when he could have delegated that task.
"His death was in the best traditions of an officer of the Royal Green Jackets and His Majesty the Sultan's Armed Forces and was worthy of special recognition for his gallantry," the Guards said.
Major Nairn was posthumously awarded the Sultan's Medal for Bravery. His family decided to present this and his other medals to the Collegiate museum, and were on hand for Monday afternoon's assembly.
Major General (Rtd) Peter Williams, who served in Oman with Major Nairn, was also there for the presentation. That evening Major General Williams was the guest speaker at the inaugural Big School Dinner Club.