This Sunday is Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day
On 31 August, we commemorate all Australians who served in the Malayan Emergency (1948 - 1960), in Thai-Malay border operations (1960 - 1966), and the Indonesian Confrontation (1962 - 1966).
Rising violence from the Malayan Communist Party in June 1948 led to the Federation of Malaya declaring the Malayan Emergency. The Malayan National Liberation Army, formed by the communist party, launched an armed insurgency with the goal of destabilising Malaya and emerging an independent and communist country.
After answering the call for assistance in June 1950, Australia initially committed to a military training team, a RAAF transport squadron, and a RAAF bomber squadron. This grew to the include Navy, Army and further Air Force units in 1955 with the formation of the Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR).
Comprised of naval, army and air force personnel from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the FESR forces took part in counter-insurgency operations and in the defence of Malaya (and later Malaysia) and Singapore.
The Australian soldiers deployed to Malaya were some of the first to engage in jungle warfare since the Second World War. The experience they gained in counter-insurgency operations in Malaya’s jungles would prove invaluable. Their mastery of jungle warfare would be passed on to future generations of soldiers in the Indonesian Confrontation, and later, the Vietnam War.
Malaya was granted independence in 1957, with the Malayan Emergency declared over on 31 July 1960. However, Australians continued serving on anti-insurgent operations in isolated areas of the Thai-Malay border, until 1966.
More than 7,000 Australians served in the Malayan Emergency, with approximately 2,000 more on the Thai-Malay border. Sadly, 39 Australians lost their lives during the Malayan Emergency, with a further 2 Australians losing their lives in Thai-Malay border operations.
The Malayan Emergency was one of our nation’s earliest post-Second World War conflicts, and one of the most important regional conflicts of the Cold War.
With history’s chapter on the Malayan Emergency barely closed, Indonesia voiced its opposition to the newly federated state of Malaysia, launching an undeclared war between the two countries that became known as the Indonesian Confrontation.
Between 1962 and 1966, Australians from all branches of the military served in Borneo, Singapore and the Malay Peninsula to aid in the defence of Malaysia, with a treaty between Indonesia and Malaysia signed in Bangkok in August 1966.
Tragically, a further 22 Australians died and another eight were wounded during the Indonesian Confrontation.
Australia further demonstrated its commitment to the defence of Malaysia and Singapore outside of the armed conflicts, contributing to the FESR (1955 – 1971) and its tri-nation replacement, ANZUK (1971 – 1974), as well as the multinational Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). At least 12 other Australian service members died during this service.
An enduring friendship and defence relationship formed between Australia and both Malaysia and Singapore in the wake of these events. That relationship continues to be maintained through the series of bilateral defence relationships between Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom known as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FDPA).
We honour the service and sacrifice of all Australians who served in these conflicts, their resilience, and commitment to helping keep peace in the region.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
On Sunday morning, a National Commemorative service will be held in Canberra by DVA to honour the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency.
More information about the service can be found by visiting 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Australian personnel of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), at Arawak, Borneo, boarding an RAF Belvedere helicopter for transport to a jungle clearing so they can patrol for Indonesian infiltrators, Borneo, 1965.
Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.