A FORMER Royal Marines Commando has recently returned from a memorable trip to Kuala Lumpur.
Terence Warner (pictured) from Saundersfoot travelled to Malaysia's capital for a poignant ceremony as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the state of Malaysia.
Terence served with the 3rd Commando brigade in Singapore and Sarawak (formerly British North Borneo) during the confrontation with communist insurgents in 1962.
Said Terence: "Our work was to patrol the dense jungle around the capital Kuching as part of the 'Ring of Steel'. If Kuching had fallen to the Clandestine Communist Organisation, the confrontation would have been lost. All communications for the entire country were centered there. The confrontation ended in August 1966 when the then president of Borneo capitulated.
"Other Royal Marines units serving there were 40 Commando, 41 Commando and 45 Commando. "Royal Marines, however, were not the only servicemen there; we must not forget the Army and the Royal Air Force who supplied us from the air and the Royal Navy who patrolled the coast to prevent supplies for the CCO getting through."
Secretary of the National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association, Terence was one of 58 ex- servicemen to travel to Kuala Lumpur for the anniversary celebrations, during which they were each presented with Pingat Jasa Malaysia medals. The medals are awarded to the peacekeeping groups amongst the communist countries for distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty in upholding peninsular of Malaya or Malaysia sovereignty during the period of emergency and confrontation.
The medals were presented by the Right Honorable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
During their week-long visit, the veterans association were among 25,000 people to take part in the golden jubilee of the state's independence. They also visited the national war memorial and laid a wreath at Chevas Road Christian Cemetery. "It was tremendous experience and I learned a lot," added Terence.
Anyone who served in the armed forces or Malaysian police in Malaysia or Borneo between 1958 and August 1966 is entitled to a PJM medal and anyone who would like to receive one is asked to contact Terence on 814148.