75 Years on - Remembering the Malayan Emergency

Today, on Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, we commemorate all Australians who served in the Malayan Emergency, Thai-Malay border operations, and the Indonesian Confrontation.

This year is particularly special as we observe the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency.

More than 7,000 Australian personnel saw active service during the Malaya Emergency, followed by about 2,000 on in post-emergency counter-insurgency operations on the Thai-Malay border.

Especially in our thoughts today are the 39 who paid the ultimate price during the Malaya Emergency and the two killed during Thai-Malay border operations.

Becoming experts at jungle warfare, the lessons Australian personnel learnt during this period proved invaluable during Australia’s later contribution to the Vietnam War.

Serving in the finest ANZAC traditions, Australia’s deployments helped secure Malaysian sovereignty, defeat the insurgency, and lay the groundwork for our enduring close relationship with Malaysia.

At the National Commemorative service today, flags will be lowered, the catafalque party will bow their heads, and our nation will remember and commemorate all those that served in our uniform in these conflicts.

Those who served and sacrificed, we will remember them.

Lest we forget.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608