Veterans recall Confrontation days

KUCHING: Australian veteran Don Cameron recalls his time serving in Sarawak during the Indonesian Confrontation with Malaysia, which was filled with snake-infested jungles, leeches, and scorpions. From his base at Kampung Gumbang in Bau near the border, Cameron participated in counter-insurgency patrols during his five-month tour in 1965. He describes the experience as hot, sweaty, and plagued with six-inch-long leeches. As he did not smoke, he had to use salt to remove the leeches. Cameron also mentions encountering snakes and scorpions, with the latter sometimes appearing under him when he woke up on the ground in the morning. One memorable incident involved Cameron being a part of an ambush on a river along the border, resulting in the death of 20 Indonesians. Despite the challenges, Cameron is proud to have played a role in keeping the Indonesians on their side.

Don Cameron, who is currently the vice-president of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Australia’s South Australia and Northern Territory Branch (SA Branch NMBVAA), is currently in Sarawak for a reunion visit with Australian and New Zealand veterans to commemorate the Malayan Emergency and Confrontation. On Monday, they will hold a service at the Sarawak Heroes Memorial Park to pay tribute to fallen comrades and mark the 57th anniversary of the end of Confrontation. Fellow veteran Jeff Hiscock, who served at Serikin in 1965, reminisces about the supplies being dropped by aircraft to the base. He mentions specifically trying to take photographs of the parachute at the point it opened. Hiscock also appreciates the interactions he had with locals who assisted in constructing the compound. He recalls receiving a tobacco pouch made out of bamboo from them when they left, a momento he still possesses. Hiscock is excited to revisit Serikin and witness the changes since his departure 58 years ago, as there were no roads to Serikin then, making helicopter travel and air supply necessary for provisions.

This year’s reunion visit holds special significance as it includes the presence of 58 Australian and New Zealand veterans and their families. SA Branch NMBVAA president Paul Rosenzweig emphasizes the plans for a major commemoration in 2026 to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of Confrontation. As part of their current trip, the veterans and their families will also visit the Batu Lintang Memorial to commemorate the liberation of the Batu Lintang prisoner of war camp in 1945. Additionally, they will travel to the Bau district to provide financial donations and books to SK Serabak, SK Suba Buan, and SK Stass. These three schools were adopted by the SA Branch NMBVAA in areas where Australian troops served during Confrontation.