The Royal British Legion
members at the Cenotaph.
Derek Brook
Each year members of the Royal British Legion Thailand make the
journey to Malaysia to attend a series of Remembrances. This year a
small group went with the chairman, Derek Brook, leading the group.
These are held as a Historical Remembrance for those who gave their
lives in World War One and Two, the Malayan Emergency, Indonesian
Confrontation & Prisoners of WWII & Forced Asian Labour who perished in
the infamous Burma Death Railway 1941-1945. Dato’ R. Thambipillay,
Superintendent of Police (Retired) DPMP, MBE, AM. (Or Pillay) is the
organiser and gave us much support.
Roll of Honour at Gods Little Acre.
The Remembrances are held in or around Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, and
consist of a series of Remembrances. Event no 1 is at the Cenotaph in
front of the Railway Station; Event number 2 is at God’s Little Acre,
Batu Gajah; Event number 3 is Gurkhas Remembrance at Second Royal Ranger
Regiment, Tambun Road, Ipoh, and the 4th is Troops Night for those who
served during the Malayan Emergency and invited guests, of whom we were
invited.
The party arrived in Ipoh direct from Penang on the Wednesday night and
booked into the hotel, and as we do, went out to see the town. We found
some very good places but being good, retired early, next morning. The
next day was all about checking up on the Friday and Saturday, and for
the rest in the group for discovering Ipoh. They also discovered the
Royal Ipoh Club which has a very distinguished history, and also having
many distinguished members. Incidentally the beer is also well priced
and cold here.
Pipers lead in the guests of honour.
The next two days were to prove as expected, very busy. The Friday,
however, is not as busy as the Saturday and included the Remembrance at
the Cenotaph. For those who have been before, the Cenotaph area has been
completely refurbished and is now quite splendid. Steve Ryan laid a
wreath at the Cenotaph for TRBL, during this fine Remembrance, and
afterwards we all went to the Town Hall for a cultural dance show.
Snacks were provided and closing addresses were given.
The Saturday was a very busy day. With our driver unsure of the route,
we asked Dato’ R. Thambipillay DPMP, MBE, AM to be our guide, and as he
is the man who organises the ‘events’, served throughout the Malaysian
Emergency. He is 83; we were most honoured. Especially as we left at
0615 a.m.
Distinguished guests at the Cenotaph.
This day is really what the whole trip is about, and all there know it
is a little special. We start at the Service at the Holy Trinity Church
and then go onto the Wreath Laying at ‘Gods Little Acre’. From all over
the world come thoughts of Remembrance and the chairman, Derek Brook,
was to lay a wreath for the Royal Marines Association that had been sent
from the U.K. The laying of some 40 wreaths from all over the
Commonwealth takes some time and is accompanied by music normal for such
a time. S.K. Phillips laid the RBLT Wreath. Time is taken to ponder the
wonder of those who gave up their lives for our future.
On to the Gurkhas Remembrance as the Gurkhas were also a vital part of
the Malayan Emergency and lost many men. The Gurkhas are much respected
and the Cemetery of Remembrance is a lovely place, in a super
background. Our Ron Smith laid a wreath for the RBLT.
At the end of a long morning it was back to the Royal Ipoh Club where
final words were said and a fine lunch was laid on. The beer was also
cold.
Steve Ryan at the Cenotaph.
The end of the day is Troops Night. This is strictly for those who
served during the Malay Emergency and those specially invited. This is a
‘Fellowship of Veterans’ and we were honoured to be invited. This is an
event that has been going on for many years and this year’s developed
into a very good night. Very good indeed and the quality of whisky
provided by ‘The Sponsors’ allowed the day to be nearly remembered.
The following day was back to Penang, and a few days’ rest. This also
allowed the ladies to come to the fore and do what they really enjoy.
Shop. It also allowed Keith to test out the Bicycle Cyclo Taxis around
Penang. I am told the X-rays show no broken bones!
S.K. Phillips at Gods Little Acre.
Chairman lays the Royal Marine Association
Wreath at Gods Little Acre.
Mr S.K. Phillips receives a ‘Signed Book’
from Dato’ R. Thambipillay DPMP, MBE. AM at Troops Night.
Lunch also included refreshments for Steve
and Keith at the Royal Ipoh Club.
The wreath layers at the Gurkhas
Remembrance. Mr Ron Smith laid the RBLT wreath.
Ron Smith leads way into the Gurkhas
Remembrance.
Guard of Honour at Gods Little Acre.
Troops Night guests.
Malaysian dancers.
