Aussie veterans recall Brunei liberation

MORE than 100 Australian soldiers, who gave their lives fighting to end the Japanese occupation in Brunei and North Borneo during the World War II, were honoured with a memorial dedicated to them, which was unveiled here, yesterday.

After 63 years since the treacherous battle took place six veterans returned, to one of the landing sites of the largest amphibious assault carried out by the Australians, to pay tribute to their fallen comrades-in-arms.

Located in Muara Beach, or "Green Beach" as it was known during operation OBOE 6, the Brunei-Australia memorial commemorates the 114 killed and 221 wounded Australian troops who took part in the 1945 war effort.

The Australian veterans participated in a military-style ceremony to unveil the memorial yesterday held in the presence of Australian Minister for Veterans' Affairs Alan Griffin, Brunei's Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar, heads of missions to Brunei Darussalam, officers of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Australian Armed Forces as well as representatives from the Brunei government.

The sound of the bugle and snare marked the start of the procession with the Catafalque Party mounting into position around the memorial.

Royal Australian Air Force Chief Marshal, Mark Binskin began with a prologue where he stated that three battalions of the 20th Australian Infantry Brigade of the Ninth Division landed at two locations in Brunei in June 1945.

An address by the Australian minister was also delivered, where he said that the soldiers who landed at Muara Beach traversed through the jungle and progressively advanced towards the then-Brunei Town to drive the Japanese out.

Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin also delivered his remarks and spoke of the significance of the Australian contribution in liberating Brunei.

He said that the idea of inaugurating the memorial was brought up by the former Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, more than 11 years ago when he visited Brunei in July 1997.

Following the speeches, the memorial was unveiled by the Australian minister and two of the visiting war veterans, William Corey and Stephen Gooch. The bugle was played once more and a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen.

As the Catafalque Party dismounted after the final prayers were read and the national anthems of both countries rang throughout the open beachside, the memorial was open for the public to give their floral tributes.

"It's a pleasure to come back here," War Veteran Rex Kawelmacher told The Brunei Times. "It brings tears to the eyes."

Speaking to local media after the ceremony, Minister Griffin said that the memorial provides an excellent focus for those who wish to come here for a moment of quiet reflection to recall what took place here 63 years ago; the courage and sacrifice of those who came to liberate Brunei and the support given from the people of Brunei to achieve that objective.

Situated nearby the memorial is an interpretative panel depicting the Australian actions in Brunei. Surrounded by the words "Brunei-Australia Memorial" in English, Malay and Jawi, etched on the black Australian granite plaque was the everlasting inscription, "1945 in memory".

Prior to the memorial's unveiling, a dinner was held last evening at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club restaurant. At the dinner, Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin said that Bruneians were indebted for the sacrifices made by the Australians.

"The only way we can repay that debt is by never forgetting what they did for us