ADELAIDE: The Sarawak flag flew proudly at the forefront of the Anzac Day march in Adelaide on Friday, as Australian veterans paid tribute to their fallen comrades and the brave Iban trackers who stood alongside them during the defence of Sarawak six decades ago.
In a ceremony steeped in tradition and solemn remembrance, members of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Australia Inc (NMBVAA), South Australia and Northern Territory Branch, honoured the sacrifices made during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation.
“Leading the veterans’ column was South Australian State President Major Paul Rosenzweig OAM (Rtd), who carried the Sarawak flag in memory of the Australian soldiers and Sarawakians who defended Sarawak’s sovereignty.
“He was accompanied by Anthony Cameron, who bore the Sabah flag, and Vicki Crannaford, carrying the Malaysian national flag in memory of her brother, the late Signalman John Tassell (1944–1966),” NVMBAA said in its statement.
The association added that Anzac Day, Australia’s premier national day of remembrance, marks the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915.
“Today, it symbolises the courage, resilience and mateship of all Australian and New Zealand military personnel.
“Among those marching was Confrontation veteran Don Cameron, Vice-President of the branch, who once served near Kampung Gumbang with 6 Platoon, ‘B’ Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR).
“Cameron recalled the valiant service of Iban trackers Balling Ajong and Unchat Unyong from Kapit, who were attached to his platoon.
“Another notable participant was Oscar Johnsson, a veteran who served extensively in Malaya, Sarawak and South Vietnam. In March 1965, Johnsson and his comrades from ‘C’ Company, 3RAR, were deployed to defend Sarawak’s border at Kampung Serikin,” the association added.
Supported by 24 Iban trackers, including Bala Sigaw and Ajak Badinding, the Australians patrolled strategic infiltration routes along the Jagoi Ridge.
The association stated that Australian War Memorial records show Johnsson patrolling alongside Lulut Aloh, an Iban tracker from the Sarawak Rangers, exemplifying the deep camaraderie forged between Australian soldiers and Sarawakian warriors.
“Major Rosenzweig noted that eight Australians lost their lives during active operations in Sarawak, with incidents near Kampung Stass, Kampung Gumbang, and during river crossings.
“A further three succumbed to injuries sustained during their deployment.”
He emphasised that their sacrifices upheld the sovereignty of Sarawak, stating, “their sacrifice was not in vain. Lest we forget.”
“This year’s Anzac Day was particularly meaningful as preparations are underway for the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Malayan Emergency, which began on May 31 1950,” it stated.
Besides the veterans, family members also participated to honour their loved ones.
Nathan Price carried the Australian national flag in memory of his father Dennis Price, a veteran of counter-terrorist operations on the Thai-Malay border in the early 1960s.
The NMBVAA banner was carried by Matt Kuna and Ben Ortmann, the grandson of Malayan Emergency veteran Ross Ortmann.
Founded in 1995, the NMBVAA continues to honour the legacy of Australian and Allied veterans who served in Malaya, Singapore, Borneo and beyond.
Its South Australia and Northern Territory Branch remains committed to its guiding principles: remembering the fallen, remembering Malaysia, honouring the living, and looking to the future.
