Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 General Service Medal 1918-1962 General Service Medal 1962-  Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 Australian Defence Medal National Service Medal 1951-1972, (150 Nashos served during the Konfontasi, 2 of whom died while serving!) Pingat Jasa Malaysia, a medal issued by the Malaysian Government in recognition of service by Commonwealth Forces during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Konfontasi!


            

SMS
Visitors since 30th December 2009
  
                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lest we forget...

            


Let us remember with pride and gratitude,
all those who fell in the service of their country
and in the cause of freedom for the
peoples of South East Asia.

    Lest we forget...    

Kenanglah dengan penuh kebanggaan dan kesyukuran kepada

mereka yang gugur semasa berkhidmat untuk negara

dalam memperjuangkan kebebasan rakyat di Asia Tenggara.

Andai nya kita terlupa...



"For our tomorrows, they gave their todays".

            


            




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association (NSW) Inc.


    

We are seeking new members. Ordinary membership is open to all ex-service personnel who served in Malaya, Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Brunei, East Timor and areas which surround,
as well as, members of the Defence Forces of Australia, Britain armed forces of allied countries from WW2 through to the present day.
Associate membership will be given to wives and family members of Ordinary and service members. Please contact any of the Office-bearers listed below.

NSW Executives

          


Position Name email Phone Branch Address
President Tony Farina pfa.farina@gmail.com (02)43404160 State 5 McCutchenSt Kariong 2250
V/President Peter Huber peterandelly@internode.on.net (02)49426069 State 34 Burns St Redhead 2290
Secretary Henrik Buba JP renhen@austarnet.com.au (02)49665987 State 3 Christie Rd Tarro 2322
Treasurer Judith Lynch (02)63524174 State PO Box 167 Lithgow 2790
Media/Web Andy Gallagher 2countryfolk@gmail.com (02)49963015 State PO Box 77 Clarence Town 2321
President John Mather (02)43655919 Brisbane Waters 21 Windermere Dr Terrigal 2260
Secretary Joyce Coleman Brisbane Waters 33 Papala Ave Bateau Bay 2261
Treasurer Geoff Turner (02)43413347 Brisbane Waters 61 Hobart Ave Umina Beach 2257
President Peter Huber peterandelly@internode.on.net (02)49426069 Newcastle and Districts 34 Burns St Redhead 2290
V/President Philip Goldsworthy (02)49659169 Newcastle and Districts 2/2 Marquis Close Valentine 2280
Secretary Hendrik Buba renhen@austarnet.com.au (02)49665987 Newcastle and Districts 3 Christie Rd Tarro 2322
Treasurer Vince Broady vince.broady@gmail.com (02)49828565 Newcastle and Districts 30 Bottle Brush Ave Medowie 2318




Newcastle meeting dates

Date Venue Time
Wednesday 30th March 2011 Mayfield Diggers RSL 5.30pm
Monday 25th April 2011 - We will be leading the march! Maitland ANZAC Day March 10.00am
Wednesday 25th May 2011 Mayfield Diggers RSL 5.30pm
Sunday 30th May 2011 Sandakan Memorial Maitland 9.00am
Wednesday 27th July 2011 Mayfield Diggers RSL 5.30pm
Wednesday 28th September 2011 Mayfield Diggers RSL 5.30pm
Wednesday 30th November 2011 - Xmas bash! Mayfield Diggers RSL 5.30pm




        Vale    












Brisbane Waters Memorial Plaque Dedication at Woy Woy NSW May 2010.

Some of the distinguished guests attending the service!



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association (Qld) Inc.

    

We are seeking new members. Ordinary membership is open to all ex-service personnel who served in Malaya, Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Brunei, East Timor and areas which surround,
as well as, members of the Defence Forces of Australia, Britain armed forces of allied countries from WW2 through to the present day.
Associate membership will be given to wives and family members of Ordinary and service members. Please contact any of the Office-bearers listed below.

Queensland Executives

Position Name email Phone Branch Address
President David Kent davkay26@bigpond.com (07)54451987 State and Records PO Box 36 Buderim Qld 4556
Secretary Kaye Kent davkay26@bigpond.com (07)54451987 State and Records PO Box 36 Buderim Qld 4556
Treasurer Kevin Carter kevjud@tadaust.org.au (07)54505653 State and Records 12/179 Ocean Dr Twin Waters Qld 4564
Public Officer John Trott johntrott@bigpond.com (07)54771409 State and Records 5 Barrier Buderim Qld 4556
President Roy Wilcock wilcowilco@live.com.au (07)54777758 Sunshine Coast 50 Amarina Ave Mooloolaba Qld 4557
Secretary Brenda Tranter tranbr@bigpond.com (07)54996327 Sunshine Coast 23 Pacific Haven 9a Browning Bvd Caloundra Qld 4551
Treasurer Ivor Rich ivorij44@aapt.net.au (07)54788712 Sunshine Coast 19 Starkey Rd Palmwoods Qld 4555
President Brian McGee bmcgee@tadaust.org.au (07)54768542 Brisbane Central 19 Nandewar Dr Buderim Qld 4556
V/President Fred Black fmblack@optusnet.com.au (07)33576178 Brisbane Central 76 Bowen Street Windsor Qld 4030
Secretary Mardi McGee bmcgee@tadaust.org.au (07)54768542 Brisbane Central 19 Nandewar Dr Buderim Qld 4556
Treasurer Mardi McGee bmcgee@tadaust.org.au (07)54768542 Brisbane Central 19 Nandewar Dr Buderim Qld 4556




The Sunshine Coast Branch Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month
at Kawana Surf Club, Kawana. Commencing: 10.00hrs.


All are most welcome to our meetings.
Meeting dates for 2012 are:

Date Venue Time
Tuesday 24th April 2012 Kawana Surf Club, Kawana 10.00 am
Tuesday 22 May 2012 Kawana Surf Club, Kawana 10.00am
Tuesday 26th June 2012 Kawana Surf Club, Kawana 10.00am
Tuesday 24th July 2012 Kawana Surf Club, Kawana 10.00am


Sunshine Coast Branch Luncheons are the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1200 hrs.
Venues are decided at the Branch Meeting by popular vote,
Venues vary, and move up and down the coast from Caloundra to Maroochydore
and out as far as Nambour, accommodating members as much as possible.

Attendance at the lunches is frequently very heavy, so let the Pres.
know you are coming, so numbers can be advised to the venue.

Just email Roy or Phone him on (07)54777758

Roy Wilcock President NMBVAA Qld. Inc. Sunshine Coast Branch

Sunshine Coast Branch Luncheon Dates!

Date Venue Time
Tuesday 11th July 2012
Special Lunch - Christmas in July		 Tranquil Park Maleny - (Bus for members to Maleny) 12.00hrs
Tuesday 14th August 2012 Caloundra Power Boat Club 12.00hrs
Tuesday 11th September 2012 Buderim Tavern 12.00hrs


The Brisbane Central Branch meeting dates for 2011

The NEW committee for the upcoming year as elected at our AGM.
1. President  Brian McGee
  2. Vice President Fred Black
3. Secretary Mardi McGee
4. Treasurer Mardi McGee
                 5. Membership/Communications Fred Black
                 6. Merchandise/Memorabilia Dick Bramley
                    7. Committee Bob Watson and Bill Allingham


Lunch meetings for 2011!

We are now having our lunch meetings every TWO months,
so please make a note in your diaries!


<
Date Venue Time
Monday 25th April 2011 ANZAC Day March followed by lunch at Harlequin Jack Sofitel, Grand Central Hotel lower lower level Central Railway Stn. Numbers required for booking as this is a public holiday! Approx 11.15hrs
Wednesday 20th July 2011 Ipoh Laksa Malaysian Kitchen, 738 Main St Kangaroo Piont (Good parking and TIGER beer!) 1130hrs
Wednesday 21st September 2011 AGM 1100hrs (Venue to be advised) This should be Sunnybank.
Friday 11th November 2011 Rememberance Day Service ANZAC Square.Members may retire for a cold beer followed by lunch at Harlequin Jack, Sofitel Grand Central Hotel, lower level Central Railway Station. (Bring your Harlequin Jack card for a great discount! 10.30hrs
December 2011 Xmas break should be at "My Thai Restaurant". Date to be advised


For further information about the lunches,

email Brian or phone (07)54768542.
or email Fred or phone (07)33576178.







  Read the 1st NMBVAA Newsletter dated 1995

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" November 2009

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" February 2010

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" May 2010      

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" August 2010  

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" November 2010  

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" February 2011  

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" May 2011  

  Read Qlds "Berita Newsletter" August 2011  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association (Tas) Inc.

    
Please click flag to go to
Tasmania's own website!

We are seeking new members.Ordinary membership is open to all ex-service personnel who served in Malaya, Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Brunei, East Timor and areas which surround,
as well as, members of the Defence Forces of Australia, Britain armed forces of allied countries from WW2 through to the present day.
Associate membership will be given to wives and family members of Ordinary and service members. Please contact any of the Office-bearers listed below.

Tasmanian Executives

Position Name email Phone Branch Address
President
Secretary
Treasurer
President Ross Hardy alister.hardy@bigpond.com (03)63441432 North and Mid-Lands Sub-Branch 16 Jasmine Court Prospect Tas 7250
Vice President Eric Smith N/A (03)63302318
Secretary
Treasurer Sue Hardy alister.hardy@bigpond.com (03)63441432 North and Mid-Lands Sub-Branch 16 Jasmine Court Prospect Tas 7250
Editor NMBVAATASINC
Newsletter		 Helen Dunford hdunfor1@iinet.net.au (03)62343730 PO Box 4645 Hobart 7000





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Konfrontasi!





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Sandakan Death Marches were a series of forced marches from Sandakan to Ranau which resulted in the
deaths of more than 3,600 Indonesian civilian slave labourers and 2,400 Allied prisoners of war held captive
by the Empire of Japan during the Pacific campaign of World War II at prison camps in North Borneo.

By the end of the war, of all the prisoners who had been incarcerated at Sandakan and Ranau, only 6
Australians survived, all of whom had escaped. It is widely considered to be the single worst atrocity
suffered by Australian servicemen during the Second World War.


It is May 1945. Clad only in ragged loin-cloths, over 500 skeletal creatures, barely recognisable as human,
struggle to their feet at the Sandakan POW Compound, on Sabah's north-east coast. Three long years in
captivity, half of them on starvation rations and with little or no medical attention, have taken their toll.
The grimy, wasted bodies of these once fit and strapping Australian and British servicemen are covered
in sores and scabies, their filthy hair and beards matted and lice-infested.

Many are suffering from tropical ulcers, some so large that shin bones are clearly visible. Others,
bloated from beriberi, lumber along on sausage-like legs. They are bound for Ranau, a small village
on the flanks of Mt Kinabalu, South East Asia's highest peak, situated 250 kilometres away to the west,
in the rugged Borneo jungle interior.

All were members of a 2700-strong Allied contingent transferred to Sandakan by the Japanese in 1942-43,
following Singapore's fall. Their task? To construct a military airfield, using not much more than their
bare hands. For the first twelve months or so, conditions at Sandakan were tolerable. However, in mid
1943 the Japanese discovered that the POWs not only had a radio but were in league with a local
resistance organisation. The kempei-tai, or secret police, swooped. Arrests and transfers followed.
Discipline at Sandakan was tightened considerably and life became much more difficult for the
remaining 2,434 prisoners.

As the war ground on, conditions deteriorated. In late January 1945 the Japanese decided to
move 455 of the fittest prisoners to Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) to act as coolie labourers -
only to halt them at Ranau, owing to Allied air activity on the west coast. At the end of May,
there was a second march from Sandakan and in mid-June a third, comprised of only 75 men.

As both sea and air were under the complete control of the Allies, a track had been cut through
the mountains, linking existing bridle-trails. Unaware that it was to be used by POWs, the local
headmen given the task of creating this track had deliberately routed it away from any habitation,
across the most inhospitable and difficult terrain possible.

There was no medical assistance and little food. Anyone who could not keep up was ‘disposed of'.
Despite this, about half the prisoners completed the march, only to die at Ranau from illness,
malnutrition and ill-treatment by their captors. Two Australians managed to escape in the early
stages of the second march with the help of villagers, and four more successfully escaped from
Ranau into the jungle, where they were cared for by local people.

Back at Sandakan, 200 prisoners unable undertake the second and third marches also died, bringing
the death toll there to about 1400. Of the 1000-odd prisoners who left on the death marches,
about half died in the attempt. The rest died at their destination.

The story of Sandakan and the death marches is one of the most tragic of World War Two.
It is also one of the most heroic. Despite appalling conditions, the prisoners never gave up.
Their heroism, their determination and their indomitable spirit are testimony to the strength
of the human spirit and an inspiration to all. Of the 2434 prisoners incarcerated at Sandakan,
1787 were Australian. The remaining 641 were British. The six Australians who escaped
were the sole survivors.


Acknowledgement is given to Tham Yan Kong for this brief overview of the Sandakan Death marches.
Thanks also to Lynette Silver, author of "Sandakan - A conspiracy of silence".




Newcastle Sub-Branch Sandakan Memorial Service 31st May 2009!



The Newcastle Sub-Branch of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association held its first
Sandakan memorial service on Sunday 31st May 2009, at the Sandakan Memorial located in
Maitland Park adjacent to the Maitland Railway Station.

The service was conducted by our State Chaplain, Eric Bell, with an address by the Maitland Mayor,
Cr Peter Blackmore. Tributes were laid at the Memorial, the 'Last Post' was sounded, and the service
concluded with the Odes of the RSL and NMBVAA being recited, followed with prayers by our Chaplain.

We were joined for the morning by our members from the Central Coast Sub-Branches,
and after the service, we retired to partake of a most wonderful BBQ,
cooked up by Frank and Renata.

We are all looking forward to an even bigger and better service next year.

















Newcastle Sub-Branch Sandakan service 30th May 2010!
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asbestos and Mesothelioma!


This advisory is offered as a service to our members because many of our Navy ships and other military equipment
came from the the United States, and many of our members MAY have served on or used such equipment.


According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 25 million living
individuals who have served in the United States armed forces. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions
of these living Veterans were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials during their military
service. According to a revealing statistic, more than 30 percent of Personel beset with a terrible disease
called Mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos during military service.

What is Mesothelioma? It is a rapacious cancer that attacks the internal lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart.

Widely used in EVERY military branch, asbestos was highly regarded for its heat resistance and fireproofing capabilities.
In fact, asbestos was so valued that the military even mandated widespread usage before eventually phasing out
the material in the 1970's. Most military divisions utilized the caustic substance mainly for insulation purposes,
but more than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military, primarily by the Navy from the 1930's
through to the 1970's. Every ship and shipyard built by the Navy before the mid-70's was fitted with numerous
asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos.com offers information on Mesothelioma and Veterans! as well as a complete list of occupations,
ships, and shipyards that could have put our Veterans at risk for developing a Mesothelioma desease.
Additionally, their Veterans Assistance Department offers extensive experience in filing VA claims and
can help any Veteran coping with Mesothelioma receive benefits from the VA system.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



On Sunday 28th November 2010, the Newcastle Sub-Branch of the
National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association of Australia,
New South Wales Inc.,paid honour to 27271 Sergeant Cecil Charles Anderson
Platoon Sergeant A Company 2Royal Australian Regiment.

Born on 6th May 1924, and educated in a Bundaberg orphanage,
Charlie was an Aboriginal farm worker when he enlisted in the AIF
in Gympie Queensland.

He served in the islands with the 2/2 Independent Company.
On discharge, Charlie worked as a fencer, iron worker, brewery
hand and trawlerman until he volunteered for service in Korea with
the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.

Charlie returned to Australia in May of 1952 and remained in the
Army as an instructor, mostly with National Service intakes.
On 30th October, he embarked on his 3rd war, this time as platoon
Sergeant of 2 Platoon, A Company 2Royal Australian Regiment for
service in Malaya during the Emergency.

By October 1955, when the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
arrived in Penang, the outcome of the Malayan Emergency was no
longer in doubt, although a lengthy mopping up stage followed,
largely undertaken by Australian troops.
2RAR crossed to the mainland in January 1956. Their work
consisted mostly of extensive patrolling and guarding rubber
plantations and villages.

It was during his platoons first contact with Communist terrorists on
4th March 1956, that he was mortally wounded by Thompson sub-machine
gun fire. As a result of his courageous leadership, Charlie was
posthumously Mentioned in Despatches.

In the recommendation for Honours and Awards it states:

On 4th March 1956, Sergeant Cecil Charles Anderson was
commanding a patrol of A Company 2RAR, in anti-communist
terrorist operations in the jungle south of Kulim.

Whilst leading his patrol, Sergeant Anderson was fired on at
close range by a sentry from a hidden terrorist camp and was seriously
wounded. Sergeant Anderson immediately returned fire and then
crawled to cover, from which position he controlled the action of his
patrol until the terrorists withdrew.

Although mortally wounded, Sergeant Anderson, by his calm and
courageous leadership, inspired his patrol in its first contact with
the terrorists and set the highest standard of personal courage.

Charlie passed away at 1600hrs before his platoon could get him
back to base, and he was buried in the Christian Cemetery in
Taiping, Perak, Malayasia. He was 32 years of age.

Not a large number of people are aware of the fact that many of our
Indigenous brothers fought and died for Australia, and so, we hope
by telling this story, soldiers like Charlie Anderson will be
remembered for the role they played in the defence forces of this country.

R.G.E.Betts, Pte
4 section 2 pltn
A Coy 2nd Bn RAR
(From his Biography states)...

"Our first fatal casualty was our Platoon Sergeant, Charlie Anderson."

"We were carrying out a one day patrol on the 4th March 1956 on a search and destroy,
when three C.T's laying in ambush, opened fire with their old Thomson sub machine
guns."

"Charlie received the full barrage of this ferocious gunfire;
he died before we could get him out for help."

"An Infantry Sergeant is one of the toughest jobs in the world,
and I still maintain to this day, that Australia lost a first class soldier
and a fine gentleman on the 4th March 1956."

He was indeed a role model for future generations, and with this small plaque,
we hope that his name will be remembered as a true Indigenous Warrior.

Charlie may lay in foreign soil, but he will be forever in our hearts,
and so he will always be home.

Welcome home Digger.