tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post9088498540224773172..comments2024-01-11T20:02:03.237+11:00Comments on Reflections of a Former Sprog: Service at Butterworth Air Base 1970 – 1989 in ContextKen Marsh (Swampy)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-43032793157547261342018-02-14T17:29:58.783+11:002018-02-14T17:29:58.783+11:00I was a digger at the time attached to B Coy 1 RAR...I was a digger at the time attached to B Coy 1 RAR from 103 Sig Sqn. Our intro was the same, "Whilst on War Service". Hopefully one of the 1 RAR RAINF guys from our tour will spot this as this isnt first hand having missed the range practice on the day. Platoons from our Coy went up to the Alor Star Range. A number of insurgents were in the bush watching us and they were carrying machine guns. 3 M60's were put up on tripods and a large number of rounds fired down range across the 3 guns. Some of which went into a rubber plantation upsets the locals and causing a small confrontation. The blokes in the bush had decided to leave.<br />The other important point here is the group before our tour which was Nov 77 to Mar 78 were in country for 4 months. They had been held back because of an increase in the threat level. Our group were warned of this increased threat and told to be prepared for the same.<br />From this, a commissioned officer from one of these deployed groups should be able to tell us what organisation from Canberra conducted the security briefing. Then, an FOI request on that organisation for Jun 1977 to 1 Dec 1977 to see what comes up. Also, the Army History unit is the group that provides search authority to serving members up to at least Secret. The Defence Archives in Queanbeyan contains a lot of this more sensitive stuff. Good hunting..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-34836866722374961582015-12-08T14:50:30.543+11:002015-12-08T14:50:30.543+11:00Berhenti atau saya akan menembak, translation. Sto...Berhenti atau saya akan menembak, translation. Stop or I will shoot. This was on the card I patrolled with during my stay with Alpha Coy 3 RAR, in 87.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-25437966460972156322015-01-31T17:47:14.193+11:002015-01-31T17:47:14.193+11:00riddle me this...whilst on patrol/exercise,it was ...riddle me this...whilst on patrol/exercise,it was always in the back of our minds that we 'could' stumble across(rebel fighters),if that was the case & what if we did,were we to engage or 'bug-out'...imagine that.....your on patrol/exercise in borneo & you stumble across (rebel fighters)...oh yeah ok...we will just turn the other way & go home now as we have to wait for approval from the Australian government but Not before the Malay govt ask for assistance...ahhhh.....somehow i just dont think it happens like that...mind you 3 weeks prior to our arrival (borneo)an ambush was set exposing 2x rebels caught by claymore..(yep..face towards enemy type).not a pretty sight...but then ...what would i know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-1555035269101693072014-10-24T16:16:28.224+11:002014-10-24T16:16:28.224+11:00Paul, thanks for your comment.
Charge sheets were...Paul, thanks for your comment.<br /><br />Charge sheets were marked WWOS. However, Defence have turned up some page from some Army law book from the time that shows that all soldiers charged overseas, whether on war service or not, were charged under the war service provisions. It does not therefore prove war service.<br /><br />Since writing this article - and a subsequent on this same blog - we have been able to find a substantive amount of evidence that demonstrates the legitimacy of the case. The problem is Defence who seem to have the relevant ministers eating out of their hand and accepting everything they say as the gospel truth.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-47025411548814344672014-10-24T16:14:54.229+11:002014-10-24T16:14:54.229+11:00This comment has been removed by the author.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-5369290895996671112014-08-26T23:03:30.884+10:002014-08-26T23:03:30.884+10:00Hi Ken, Not sure if I have told you this before. ...Hi Ken, Not sure if I have told you this before. During my two tours in 78 and 81 RCB soldiers who were charged with an offence whilst at Butterworth where charged on WOWS - I am almost 100% sure that the Military Charged Sheets were typed as the following. - Whilst on War Service Private ........ did fail to .......... - This wording has staying with me all these years as I first heard it when working in RCB headquarters and seeing the charge sheets being typed up. - It would be worth finding out if my memory serves me correct. I guess you would have to ask who of the RCB members got charged while at Butterworth - There would be a few - maybe 5--6 per tour? Cheers Paul TylerPaul & Judy Tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14466507753746302852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-80991382721589930832014-07-15T15:44:05.437+10:002014-07-15T15:44:05.437+10:00My apologies for not saying thanks earlier. We con...My apologies for not saying thanks earlier. We continue to fight on this one.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-21899558477366469442014-07-15T15:42:26.132+10:002014-07-15T15:42:26.132+10:00Thanks for your comments. The fight for proper rec...Thanks for your comments. The fight for proper recognition continues.<br /><br />KenKen Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-20731088416542865472014-07-15T14:57:17.336+10:002014-07-15T14:57:17.336+10:00Ken,
I was posted to Butterworth with A Company 1 ...Ken,<br />I was posted to Butterworth with A Company 1 RAR in 1975. The CT threats during that time were very real. On a few occassions the base was locked down (for several days at a time) due to CT activity. This included large holes being cut in the perimeter fence. We were also issued with live amunition and conducted night long standing patrols along the fenceline whilst RAAF and MAF jets took off so they could not be saboutaged. This continued for weeks. <br />On one occassion we were issued with live amunition and were told we would be going into Vietnam to rescue some refugees, but after hours of waiting we were told the Americans got them out and we were stood down. Those “refugees” later came through Butterworth under very tight security and secrecy. I have photos of some of these refugees.<br />I was always under the belief that Butterworth Air Base was (at that time) a War Zone and should be recognized as such. <br />Keep up to fight.<br />Regards,<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-17619095088741419142014-05-05T11:29:56.545+10:002014-05-05T11:29:56.545+10:00Apreciated. From what I have seen records post 198...Apreciated. From what I have seen records post 1980 still appear closed. But further digging around might uncover some.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-67376496073227174272014-05-04T14:34:52.677+10:002014-05-04T14:34:52.677+10:00Regarding prior comments Big Boat One, the deploym...Regarding prior comments Big Boat One, the deployment dates were 8 Sep 81 to 9 Dec 81, B coy 6 RAR.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-79946947120632530312014-05-04T06:35:06.020+10:002014-05-04T06:35:06.020+10:00Hello Ken, I was posted to Butterworth in 1980 &am...Hello Ken, I was posted to Butterworth in 1980 & again in 1985, both times with 6RAR. If this helps; 1980 a RAAF fighter crashed into the water and we were tasked with securing the area over the crash site by stationing a three man armed patrol on call sign Big Boat One. The orders (very loose) were to deter possible Pirates or Terrorists by what ever means necessary from recovering any wreckage etc. I know for a fact that the patrol the night before ours did so by firing both SLR and M16 rounds. The night we were on Big Boat One we to encountered an unknown intrusion but because of an admin stuff up our Weapons had been left behind on the beach (on reflection possibly deliberately), but never the less being young and full of bravado at the time we improvised and engaged what we perceived to be a pirate vessel by firing at the vessel with the only weapon available to us, the flare gun. I would think there would have to be some records of this event and the ROEs we were given. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-78668204813053269862014-05-01T15:18:58.766+10:002014-05-01T15:18:58.766+10:00Ray, I haven't seen this one. 'Quite likel...Ray, I haven't seen this one. 'Quite likely' definitely raises the ante IMO. I am sure the more we troll around in archives the more evidence there will be to show Defense for what it is.<br /><br />You made a comment above about photography. I have not got an answer to that. I know that I did some browsing on the NAA site a little while back and found there are Squadrond Commanders Diaries. While the 75 Sqn diary for the 75-80 period (approx) is available the 3 Sqn one is not. Makes me suspicious, but that is all I have.<br /><br />I may try and contact you through Robert - I have seen a couple of emails with you on the list. I would like to do some archive searching myself but need to work out how to do it. Rang the Sydney office last yesteray for some clues and got a 'look at the fact sheets'. Most helpful ... not.<br /><br />KenKen Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-30362813628839068882014-05-01T14:39:17.638+10:002014-05-01T14:39:17.638+10:00Hi Ken
Have you seen the JIO report "The secu...Hi Ken<br />Have you seen the JIO report "The security of Air Base Butterworth" dated Oct. 1975 which lists 111 CTO "incidents in the area surrounding Air Base Butterworth" july 74-August 75? Among many other relevant issues it says of possible rocket or mortar attack that "this form of attack is quite likely". I know you have other JIO reports in your paper and they are very similar to this but it seems a different version and a bit more blunt - "quite likely".<br /><br />RayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-10319663946590716002014-04-29T20:08:03.208+10:002014-04-29T20:08:03.208+10:00Appreciated Fred. I arrived in Sept 71. A mate of ...Appreciated Fred. I arrived in Sept 71. A mate of mine - electrician - did armed guarding before I arrived after the CT bombed a bridge up the road. At that time the Army was not at Bu all year round. After the army was pulled out of Singapore in 73 the RCB was permantly at Bu.<br /><br />I remember the heavies driving through Penang. Police outriders on Honda 350s and anyone who didn't get out of the way quick enough was literally kicked out of the way.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-23334253093433211162014-04-29T19:20:22.598+10:002014-04-29T19:20:22.598+10:00I was a SGT ADG at BSBUT from Nov 70 to May 73. Fr...I was a SGT ADG at BSBUT from Nov 70 to May 73. From memory the Rifle Companies attached to BAB during that time came from 6RAR, 1RHF, and 1RNZIR. The ANZUK artillery Regt also sent batteries to BAB. This started in 1972 I reckon. On arrival at BAB all personnel were required to undertake "Arrivals Course" where they received training for 4-5 days on subjects including The Threat, Evac Plans for Families, Intel Briefs, WT etc. The Intel Briefs were conducted by Major Jim Mannion and SGT Tom Pitham both Australian Army GL Section. The threat wasvery real.All members were required to do annual updates. When I say "all" members I mean "ALL". The threat was very real and there were incidents on several occasions around the base. The RAAF Police Auxiliary people carried arms and ammo at all times particularly at night. Many a RAAFie was bailed up sneaking back to the base proper from the boatie by one of these guards. It happened to me a couple of times. All you would hear was a growl from the dog and the cocking of the Stirling SMG you stopped and sobered up a hurry. After they were disbanded Malaysian MP's took over and they were trigger happy. All the government big knobs, the Sultans/ Rajas travelled in Armoured Limos with huge police escorts.FredHoltmannnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-64189018598475537402014-04-29T17:15:37.846+10:002014-04-29T17:15:37.846+10:00Thanks again Ray. Secong para first - there have b...Thanks again Ray. Secong para first - there have been admissions of truth from Defense, but they are rare. If I have not seen the specific statement I have seen similar.<br /><br />Re. the photography, I don't know anything about it, but I will ask.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-69682288176281541182014-04-29T08:08:33.764+10:002014-04-29T08:08:33.764+10:00Hi Ken
I am getting some more of those OC RAAF But...Hi Ken<br />I am getting some more of those OC RAAF Butterworth monthly reports soon, for 1979-1985 and will let you know if I find anything more. On those reports, there is a regular report on photography and "ground photography" including developing film for the MAF at least once. Just how much footage for each. Any idea what that is about?<br /><br />Also, you may have seen this, and its not much but in 2007 the Dept of Defence told the Parliament that "An Australian Army Rifle Company has been stationed at RMAF Butterworth on<br />a rotational basis since the early 1970s. While it’s initial focus was protection of the base, its emphasis has shifted to training and bilateral exercises in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand." This was in a document ROYAL MALAYSIAN AIR FORCE BASE BUTTERWORTH, MALAYSIA AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE<br />FACILITIES RATIONALISATION. STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE TO THE PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Ray<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-62899342442917192822014-04-15T21:26:02.887+10:002014-04-15T21:26:02.887+10:00Thanks Ray. Those Base Squadron records had not be...Thanks Ray. Those Base Squadron records had not been seen by the RCB guys to my knowledge. Valuable find IMO.<br /><br />KwnKen Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-30849126558813866992014-04-15T14:11:10.443+10:002014-04-15T14:11:10.443+10:00Hi Ken
How's this:
Commanding Officer’s repor...Hi Ken<br />How's this:<br /><br />Commanding Officer’s reports – Monthly reports unit history sheets (A50) – Base Squadron, Butterworth<br />Series No. A9435, item 12155562<br />Not sure what Defence means by GDOC was never “activated” because I have found evidence that the GDOC was “manned” [read “activated”] on a number of occasions in response to perceived “ground threats” to Butterworth viz:<br />“GDOC was manned by Defence Section and 6RARCOYGP personnel during the period 21JAN76 to 31JAN76 (reason – possible ground threat to F111 aircraft).”<br /><br />“GDOC was manned by Defence Section and 6RARCOYGP personnel until 4FEB76 (reason – possible ground threat to F111 aircraft).”<br /><br />“GDOC was manned by Defence Section and 6RARCOYGP personnel (reason – possible ground threat to Air Base Butterworth) [dates not given but in March 76 report]<br /><br />“GDOC was manned by Defence Section and 6RARCOYGP personnel (reason – possible ground threat to Air Base Butterworth) [dates not given but in April 76 report]<br /><br />“GDOC was manned by Defence Section and 6RARCOYGP personnel (reason – possible ground threat to Air Base Butterworth) [dates not given but in May 76 report]<br /><br />The above suggests that the GDOC was “activated” almost continuously Feb-May 1976 in response to threat of ground attack on Butterworth.<br /><br />“Defence section and BCOY 8/9RARCOYGP manned GDOC as a co-ordination centre on 7-8 July 1976 and 30-31 July 1976 (possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth); and<br /><br />shared defence briefings were given to Lieutenant-General A.L. MacDonald CB, OBE, Chief of the General Staff, on 8 July 1976, His Excellency The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr G. B. Feakes BA on 23 July 1976 and RAAF commanding officers on 30 July 1976”<br /><br />“Defence section and BCOY 8/9RARCOYGP manned GDOC as a co-ordination centre on 1 August 1976 (possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth)”<br /><br />“Defence section and ‘D’ COY 7/8RARCOYGP manned GDOC on 31 January 1977 (possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth)”<br /><br />“Defence section and DCOY 7/8RAR manned GDOC on 1 and 2 February 1977 (possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth)”<br /><br />“Defence section and C COY 3 RARCOYGP manned GDOC 20 July 1977 (possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth)”<br /><br />“Defence section and C COY 3 RARCOYGP manned GDOC 1 – 2 August 1977 (Possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth)”<br /><br />“Defence section and A COY 3 RARCOYGP manned GDOC 26 September 1977 (Possible ground threat Air Base Butterworth)”<br /><br />“Defence section was on standby on the following two occasions:<br />(1) on 29 October 1977 a Hijacked Vietnam Air DC3 passed through Malaysian Air space and eventually landed in Singapore; and<br />(2) increased security on a lower level than normal on 30 October 1977 to cover a possible threat to Air Base Butterworth.”<br /><br />“Defence Section and ‘A’ Coy 3RAR carried out increased security on 25 November 1977 to cover a possible threat to Air Base Butterworth.”<br /><br />The reports also show increased levels of security for communist/insurgent anniversaries:<br /><br />“Defence Section and ‘B’ Coy 1RAR carried out increased security on the 1 and 2 Feb [1978] during the anniversary of Army Day of MNLA”<br /><br />“B’ Coy 1RAR carried out increased security on a reduced scale on 15 and 16 Feb [1978] during the anniversary of the split of the CPMRF from the CPM”<br /><br />“GDOC co-ordinated increased security measures from 1500 hours 10 Mar 1978 to 1500 hours 19 Mar 1978 during the visit of the F111 flight from RAAF Amberley.”<br /><br />“Increased security measures were adopted at Air Base Butterworth on22-23APR78 for the anniversary of the MNLF April Movement, then again on the 30APR78 for the CPM Inauguration Day”.<br /><br />“Standby manning of the GDOC was maintained during the period of the Communist Party of Malaysia Anniversary on 9 Sep 78”<br /><br />“Increased security measures were implemented at Air Base Butterworth 18-21 Sep 78 as a part of base activities associated with Major Adex 4/78. GDOC was fully manned on 20-21 Sep 78 and on standby manning after hours during a warm-up phase on 18-19 Sep 78. Manning included a liaison officer from AUSTRFLCOY and HQ RMAF 20-21 Sep 78”<br /><br />Cheers<br />RayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-1596212616285570692014-04-14T06:32:34.734+10:002014-04-14T06:32:34.734+10:00Thanks Paul
Your comments are appreciated and onl...Thanks Paul<br /><br />Your comments are appreciated and only help demonstrate the real nature of the service. If you could locate your coupy of the RCB welcome and get it to me or the RCB group (Robert Cross) it could add weight to the claim. If you respond to this reply I may not responde for a couple of weeks.<br /><br />Cheers, KenKen Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-87151788782818110552014-04-13T22:42:00.213+10:002014-04-13T22:42:00.213+10:00Hi Ken, I have only just come across the informati...Hi Ken, I have only just come across the information today - I do remember many years ago there was a submission whihc got knocked on the head.<br /><br />Just for the record - I did two tours of RCB both with B Coy 6 RAR 1978 and 1981. We certainly did go thinking we had to be on our toes and that this was a serious security protection force. My memories are many. But these may help. I recall when typing up Charge sheets for soldiers that they included the words PTE Smith or whoever Whilst on War Service..... etc.<br />Perhaps. I remember our commanders telling us that being charged WOWS was a big deal.<br />I also recall one particular M60 range shoot just south of Alor Star near the Thai border when using M60's on tripods over 2km to target that we accidentally started a bush fire - I recall that we were not allowed to go and put the fire out as the area was a known place for CT's to place traps.<br />We had armed guard duty (24 hrs a day) in the Armscote (Armory) - I recall doing 1 or two 24 hrs shifts armed with a loaded 9mm.<br />On QRF duty we were all carrying live ammo, and we did get called out at times to respond to possible perimeter breaches. <br />I even have somewhere the original RCB Welcome info handout that we all got a copy of. Im sure it outlines security risk etc.<br />Cheers<br />Paul Tyler<br /> Paul & Judy Tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14466507753746302852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-26141970379126166142014-04-10T11:51:24.950+10:002014-04-10T11:51:24.950+10:00Ray - that is brilliant. Please keep me in the loo...Ray - that is brilliant. Please keep me in the loop. I will be more than interested to see what else you can dig out.Ken Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-29731649508627057482014-04-10T11:45:00.520+10:002014-04-10T11:45:00.520+10:00Hi Ken
Found some stuff about those revetments at ...Hi Ken<br />Found some stuff about those revetments at Butterworth.<br />File no 696/6/4/5, archives barcode 1875396.<br />This from a SECRET AUSTEO minute dated 22 October 1976 (DEF 270/1/4) (includes other pertinent stuff than the revetments):<br />Same threat assessment as you have already uncovered – low.<br />“The CPM...may conduct further attacks against military installations. Air Base Butterworth could be such a target. It is the most proximate to established terrorist localities and thus the most accessible to attack. The MAF already uses it as a base for counter terrorist operations.”<br />Goes on to assess likelihood of attack endangering RAAF deployment in immediate future is low and would most likely be by indirect fire, but:<br />“If such an attack did occur, however, its implications would be serious...in either case Australian personnel – including dependents – and equipment would be endangered. Action has recently been taken to construct revetments to give some protection to the Australian aircraft at Butterworth against attack. The need for improved security on and off the base has also been recognised.”<br />As I work about a 5 min walk from the National Archives in Canberra I have requested a heap of (possibley) relevant “Closed” and “Not yet examined” files. The first (RAAF Butterworth – fixed fire protection for hangers) became available yesterday, unfortunately it is in Perth.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Ray<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932236371358313049.post-45344114476141525452014-04-07T12:35:32.134+10:002014-04-07T12:35:32.134+10:00Thanks RayThanks RayKen Marsh (Swampy)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16618831964712788062noreply@blogger.com