Malaya Borneo

The Malayan Emergency lasted 13 years.  39 Australian servicemen were killed in Malaya, although only 15 of these deaths occurred as a result of operations, and 27 were wounded, most of whom were in the army.

Australian ground forces in Malaya formed part of Australia’s contribution to the Far East Strategic Reserve, which was set up in April 1955 primarily to deter external communist aggression against countries in south-east Asia, especially Malaya and Singapore.

Indonesian Confrontation, 1963 – 1966

Australian units which fought during Confrontation did so as part of a larger British and Commonwealth force under overall British command. Australia’s commitment to operations against Indonesia in Borneo and West Malaysia fell within the context of its membership in the Far East Strategic Reserve.

Continuing negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia ended the conflict, and the two sides signed a peace treaty in Bangkok in August 1966.  23 Australians were killed during Confrontation, 7 of them on operations, and 8 were wounded.

Because of the sensitivity of the cross-border operations, which remained secret at the time, Confrontation received very little coverage in the Australian press.

Thanks to National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association Australia Inc for info on this video description and web page.

Most of the photos on the video and web page background were taken by William James Cunneen.