Far East Strategic Reserve

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The Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR) began in response to communist aggression in South East Asia following World War II. The socio-political climate of the period was one of fear and uncertainty as totalitarianism evolved from fascism to communism. In particular, the democratic defence of countries such as Australia, Malaya and New Zealand became paramount. Malaya was considered to be of strategic importance in that its geographical position afforded some protection to Australia and New Zealand. It was also the key to air and sea communications in the region with the Kra Peninsula the last defensible position in South East Asia. Thus on April 1, 1955, as a result of high-level talks between Britain, Australia and New Zealand, the Far East Strategic Reserve came into being.

Involving air, sea and land defence the role of the Strategic Reserve was to provide a deterrent to communist aggression; and to assist in the maintenance of the security of Malaya by participating in operations against the Communist terrorists. In addressing the State's readiness for conflict, the following directive was issued by the ANZAM (Australia, New Zealand and Malaya) Defence Committee:

"The Strategic Reserve is to be equipped and trained to a level at least sufficient to enable it to participate in operations at short notice against the forces of a first class Asian Power."

This meant direct intervention and participation in the Malayan Emergency.

1 Navy
2 Air Force
3 Army
4 External links

[edit] Navy

In the 1950s the units of the Far East Strategic Reserve, along with the (Far East) British Defence Coordinating Committee, trained as a deterrent to Communist aggression in South East Asia. Much of the time was spent exercising at sea. Both the men and associated equipment were put through their paces in preparation should they be called upon in the event of war. Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan being part of a larger naval organisation, provided valuable experience for ships from the smaller regional navies. This afforded them greater opportunities to conduct warfare exercises with and against their British counterparts.

The directive for the Strategic Reserve issued in January 1956, resulted in dual roles. The primary role was to provide a deterrent against further Communist aggression in South East Asia. The British Defence Coordinating Committee (Far East), which included allied navies, was able to deploy units in defensive operations in the event of an attack on Malaya, Singapore or the surrounding sea lines of communication. The secondary role was to assist in the maintenance of the security of the Federation of Malaya by participating in operations against the Communist Terrorists.

The Royal Australian Naval contribution amounted to some 1500 personnel annually, although the former figure included 1000 men allotted to the regular deployment of the carrier and embarked squadrons. Between 1955 and 1960 a total of 13 RAN ships served with the Strategic Reserve. HMA Ships Warramunga and Arunta on 3 July 1955, became the first RAN vessels to join the force. They were later joined by destroyers, frigates, an aircraft carrier on its annual visit and additional ships if an emergency arose. Australian ships that served in Malayan waters during the Emergency include HMAS Anzac, HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Quadrant, HMAS Queenborough, HMAS Quiberon, HMAS Quickmatch, HMAS Sydney, HMAS Tobruk, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta and the HMAS Voyager. Some of these attachments were for short periods involving participation in exercises conducted under the auspices of the South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). More generally however, an attachment lasted between six and nine months.

After the finish of the Malayan Emergency, units of the Far East Strategic Reserve continued until 1971. During that peior, Australians were also involved in The Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, an intermittent war over the future of the island of Borneo, between British-backed Malaysia and Indonesia (1962-1966).

[edit] Air Force

In 1950 RAAF aircraft and personnel arrived in Singapore. Dakotas from 38 Squadron were deployed on cargo runs, troop movements and paratroop and leaflet drops within Malaysia. Meanwhile, six Lincoln bombers of 1 Squadron provided the backbone of aerial operations.

[edit] Army

In October 1955, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) disembarked in Penang. In January 1956 they crossed the mainland and began anti-communist operations.