True Blue Conversations - Michael Kelly - Malaya Emergancy

True Blue Conversations Podcast

In this week’s Episode Adam is having a conversation with AWM Historian Michael Kelly about Australia’s involvement in a largely overlooked conflict - the ‘Malayan Emergency’.

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The ‘Emergency’ began in mid-1948, but Australia’s involvement didn’t begin until 1950, the year the Korean War started. Australia’s initial commitment was from the RAAF with supply drops and other aerial operations. This extended to bombing runs against the Communist forces in 1954. By 1955, Aussie troops were committed and undertook extensive patrolling and other operations against the guerrillas. The RAN also patrolled Malayan waters during the latter part of the decade.

Although the Emergency was declared over by the end of July 1960, Australian forces remained in Malaya undertaking anti-communist operations until August 1963.

By the end of the Malayan Emergency, Australia had lost 39 serviceman killed (15 on operations), with a further 27 wounded.

Presenter: Adam Bl

Guest: Michael Kelly

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway