Malayan Emergency 1955-60

At the peak of the Emergency, several years before the BCFESR commitment, there were some 8,000 CT and an estimated 50,000 sympathisers within the Malayan population. The CT movement was primarily Chinese-based. The Security Forces (SF) at the same period included 23 infantry battalions, over 60,000 police and 250,000 home guards.

2RAR, with its supporting artillery battery, deployed to Malaya in October 1955. It was relieved by 3RAR and its battery in October 1957, which in turn was relieved by 1RAR and battery in October 1959. 

Lee Enfield jungle carbines and kit as used by the Australians in Malaya

 Australian Army losses in the Emergency, from approximately 7,000 who served in theatre, were 13 killed in action (KIA) and 24 wounded (WIA), with 21 non-operational deaths and 111 cases of non-operational other casualties. The Emergency was declared officially ended on 31 July 1960.

Australian Involvement and Casualties

Lincoln Bombers from No 1 Squadron RAAF delivered 85% of all bombs dropped during the campaign. >> Dakotas from No 38 Transport Squadron RAAF supplied troops with food, ammunition and equipment, dropped propaganda leaflets, flew paratroops in, evacuated injured, and provided aid to people.

Between 1955 and 1962 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) rotated through Malaya.

There were also artillery, engineer and signals specialist troops as part of Australia's commitment.

Royal Australian Navy ships involved were 

• HMAS. . .
  • Anzac, 
  • Arunta, 
  • Melbourne, 
  • Quadrant, 
  • Queenborough, 
  • Quiberon, 
  • Quickmatch, 
  • Sydney, 
  • Tobruk, 
  • Vampire, 
  • Vendetta, 
  • Voyager, 
  • Warramunga.