ADELAIDE, Australia: Australian war veterans gathered here recently to pay tribute to their comrades who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Malayan Wars, with a special emphasis on those who fought in the defence of Sarawak.
The commemorative service, held on Friday, August 29, honoured not only Australian military personnel but also Commonwealth military, police, and civilian forces, including the Iban trackers, who were essential to the region’s defence.
This annual service takes place on the Friday closest to Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day, observed on August 31.
It remains the most significant commemorative event for the South Australia & Northern Territory Branch of the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association Australia (NMBVAA).
During the service,Vice-President of the NMBVAA, Don Cameron, placed a tribute in memory of the Iban trackers he served alongside nearly 60 years ago.
These trackers were invaluable during the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation, working alongside Australian forces under difficult conditions.
Cameron paid special tribute to Balling Ajong from Rumah Mangah longhouse on the Marirai Ballih River, and Unchat Unyong from Rumah Unyong on the Bena Sot River, two Iban trackers who were part of the loyal team he worked with.
A member of the NMBVAA, Paul Bayliss, who served with the British Army in Kuching during the Confrontation, placed a wreath to honour the fallen members of the Federation of Malaya Police, North Borneo Armed Constabulary, and the Sarawak Constabulary.
South Australian State President of the NMBVAA, Major (Rtd) Paul Rosenzweig OAM, paid tribute to the 11 Australians who gave their lives in the defence of Sarawak.
“Eight of these men died on operational service, while three passed away after being evacuated from Sarawak,” Major Rosenzweig said.
“Their sacrifice was not in vain, upholding the sovereignty of Sarawak. We will remember them. Lest we forget.”
This year, Major Rosenzweig and Cameron will return to Sarawak for the sixth time, joining a series of commemorative activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Japanese surrender in Kuching and the liberation of Batu Lintang Camp.
Their visit will include wreath-laying ceremonies at Pending Point Jetty and Batu Lintang, and the unveiling of a commemorative memorial at the Batu Lintang WWII Memorial Square.
