Junglies retrace their roots in Malaysia
17 members of 845 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) have returned to their base at RNAS Yeovilton after an exhilarating 12 day trip to Malaysia. The aim of the visit was to retrace the footsteps of their former comrades and to honour those heroic individuals who gave their lives in this distant part of the world during the incursion of Communist forces from Indonesiain the early 1960s. Image 845 Wessex at Nanga Ga’at
The team were joined by former naval aviators, Lt Neil Burns-Thomson RN (Rtd) (74) from Bungay, Suffolk and Lt Mike Thompson RN (Rtd) (71) both veteran ‘Junglie’ pilots were survivors of helicopter crashes in the hazardous jungle environment. Neil’s scariest moment was when his Whirlwind helicopter crashed in 1965, “There were six of us onboard at the time and we all survived,” Neil recalled, “and that is why the indigenous Iban people named me ‘Antu Gayo Ulu Mirana’ - Long Lived Spirit of the River and the troops on the ground called us ‘Junglies’.” Mike was also extremely lucky as he was the only survivor of a Wessex helicopter that crashed.
Soon after arriving the team were invited to the home of the local MP Alex Linggi who had grown up in Nanga Ga’at and reminisced about actually witnessing a mid-air collision of an 845 NAS Wessex helicopter. Welcoming the team the MP added, “Your visit is significant because this year Sarawak is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia. Words are not enough to describe how much 845 Naval Air Squadron has done for us in Kapit and Sarawak.” Image - Junglie veteran Lt Neil Burns-Thompson RN Rtd presents an 845 Sqn plaque to Alex Linggis MP while Lt Mike Thompson RN (Rtd (Left) looks on
The third veteran, Cyril Goodhand served with 42 Cdo during the insurgency. For seasoned and less experienced personnel it was marvellous to have the veterans along. Each added a dimension to the visit and revealed personal insights into the squadron’s ‘Junglie’ heritage and the immense contribution also made by the Royal Marines during the conflict. Image - Cyril reminisces with Malaysian veteran
Lt Aaron Cross laid a wreath at the Nanga Ga’at memorial to their Junglie’ forbearers accompanied by the British veterans, a group of Malaysian military veterans and VIPs. It was then announced by Alex Linggi MP that a Government grant of £2000 had been allocated to maintain the memorial.
In 1962 communist insurgents had kidnapped the British Empire Representative and his family. Royal Marines from 42 Cdo were sent to rescue them. The raid was successful with all hostages released unhurt however five Royal Marines lost their lives. Major Mark Johnson RM, Senior Pilot 845 Sqn, laid a wreath on behalf of 845 NAS, the ‘Junglie’ Association, and the FAA Memorial Church at the Memorial in Limbang town which was dedicated to those that died.
Borneo is renowned for the hospitality of its people and after a visit to a local school where the team helped renovate a classroom Image - AET Lee Catelani gives the classroom a lick of paint they received an invitation to visit a local Longhouse. Each house accommodates 50 families and the welcome ceremony required all assembled visitors to meet each family member. To witness many generations living together so harmoniously was an inspirational experience for the visitors and it was very apparent how much the Iban people appreciated the work of the British during the conflict. Image – Families greeting the visitors
The sailors, airmen, and veterans were the honoured guests at a welcome feast; a wild boar was killed in honour of the occasion and was washed down with copious amounts of the local ‘home brew’ or Tuac. Image - Wild Boar being slaughtered Traditional Sarawak songs followed in which the Ibans praised the strength of the veterans on the battlefield and the visit to their country. Major Johnson took part in a ritual involving the cutting down of gifts with a Parang; a traditional tribal blade used as a weapon and tool by the Iban people Image - Major Johnson cutting down the gifts. It was very apparent that both guests and Ibans had become close friends.
The following day the team visited the local hospital where they were greeted by Doctors and nurses. During a tour of the paediatrics ward the visitors were invited to talk with the children and their parents. Image - Lt Nick Charleston talking to a mother and her child On completion Lt Fred Durrant gave a brief on the Squadron’s Team Medics training and how casualties are treated on the battlefield. The group were then hosted to a lunch with local dignitaries and each was presented with a Parang.
Whilst the visit to Malaysia was significant in terms of understanding the Squadron’s history, it was also time to participate in some adventurous training. Part of the group departed to Sibu to undertake scuba diving.
The Sibu marine national park has a number of dive sites offering a host of wildlife from Blue Spotted Ray, to turtles, barracuda, and sting ray. From novices to qualified divers, all benefited from the opportunity to dive in an amazing environment. Image - Preparing to dive
Meanwhile the remainder of the group took 2 days out to climb Mount Kinabalu. Aided by local guides. They quickly realised they had somewhat underestimated the arduous task that lay ahead. After hours of ‘yomping’ they arrived at base camp with aching legs and feet. The following day was an early morning start and the team finally arrived as the sun rose over the peak. Image - Attempting to climb and Image - At the peak
On the final day the group reflected on their experience agreeing their appreciation of the endeavours of the veterans, the wonderful Malaysian friends they had made the benefits of life within the Royal Navy and the sponsorship provided by the Fly Navy Heritage trust.
It was a truly an incredible journey.