Today, 31 August, marks Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Day, when we remember and pay tribute to our personnel who served in the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), and the Indonesian Confrontation (1962–1966).

The Malayan Emergency was declared three years after the end of the Second World War, when the Malayan Communist Party launched an insurgency against British colonial rule.

Australia’s commitment began in 1950 with the Royal Australian Air Force. They were joined by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army in 1955.

On 31 July this year, we marked 60 years since the end of the Malayan Emergency and while the Malayan government declared the Emergency over on 31 July 1960, some Australian units remained in Malaya until 1963.

Altogether, our service personnel served over 13 years, in what was one of Australia’s longest military commitments.

The Indonesian Confrontation, or Konfrontasi, was a small undeclared war, which began in 1962 after Indonesian forces launched attacks on the newly federated state of Malaysia.

Australia’s commitment began in 1964, and in 1965 our troops assisted in small-scale operations in the thickly forested terrain of Borneo. Our troops remained in Borneo until 1966.

It should be recognised that our Australian Defence Force personnel played an important role in bringing these conflicts to an end.

39 Australians lost their lives serving in the Malayan Emergency, with 15 killed in action, and more than 20 Australians died while serving in the Indonesian Confrontation.

On Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day we should all pause and remember their service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.

The Australian War Memorial will hold a Last Post Ceremony at 4:55pm AEST today to commemorate Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, and the service of Private Larry Richard Downes who died serving during the Indonesian Confrontation.

To learn more about the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation, you can visit the Anzac Portal.