Far East Strategic Reserve

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The British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR) was a military force created from units of the British, Australian, and New Zealand armed forces.[1] Created in 1952 and based in Malaya, the FESR was conceived as a forward defence point for Australia and New Zealand,[1] providing stability against communist regimes growing in the Southeast Asian region.

The FESR was created following the end of the Korean War in 1953, based on a proposal by Sir John Harding and after consultation between defence chiefs in the three nations.[1] The force consisted of Army, Navy, and Air Force units from the three nations' armed forces.[1]

Contents

[edit] Overview

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The 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.

[edit] Australian involvement

The decision to participate in the FESR was announced by Australian prime minister Robert Menzies in April 1955.[2] Australian military units committed to the force included one light infantry battalion, between two and four destroyers or frigates, and three aircraft squadrons.[2][3] An Australian aircraft carrier was to make an annual three-month visit, to participate in training exercises.[2]

Australian units deployed to the FESR included:

Australian Army
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (two tours of duty),[2]
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment,[2]
Royal Australian Air Force
No. 2 Squadron RAAF (flying Canberra bombers),[2]
No. 3 Squadron RAAF (flying Sabre jets),[2]
No. 77 Squadron RAAF (flying Sabre jets),[2]
Royal Australian Navy
HMAS Anzac,[3]
HMAS Arunta,[3]
HMAS Melbourne,[3]
HMAS Quadrant,[3]
HMAS Queenborough,[3]
HMAS Quiberon,[3]
HMAS Quickmatch,[3]
HMAS Sydney,[3]
HMAS Tobruk,[3]
HMAS Vampire,[3]
HMAS Vendetta,[3]
HMAS Voyager,[3]
HMAS Warramunga.[3]

[edit] British involvement

[edit] New Zealand involvement

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d MacDougall, Anthony K. [1991] (2002). Australians at war: a pictoral history, 2nd (revised and expanded), Noble Park, Vic: The Five Mile Press, pg 325. ISBN 1-86503-865-2. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h MacDougall, Anthony K. (2002). Australians at war, pg 326
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n The RAN, the Strategic Reserve and the Malayan Emergency. Royal Australian Navy. Retrieved on 2008-02-24.

[edit] External links