Rebuilding Hope: The Royal Engineers' Mission in North Borneo

Ref:  Photo provided by Anthony Catherall

• Their mission was to construct and repair infrastructure, including airstrips, bridges, and roads in Malaya and North Borneo.

Do you know I've only just noticed the Rolex, I bought in Borneo June 1960. with six weeks of our pay, and still got it - Anthony

During 1960s we as Royal Engineers were working hard in Malaya (Malaysia) to regenerate their country after being invaded by the Japanese in WW2. Our job was to build and repair the infrastructure of the country. (Malaya) - Anthony. 

11 Independent Field Squadron RE was to build an airstrip bridges and roads up at Malaya and North Borneo! In the 1960s, a group of dedicated Royal Engineers, known as the 11 Independent Field Squadron RE, embarked on a mission to rebuild and rejuvenate Malaya (now Malaysia) after the devastation of World War II. Among them was Anthony, a passionate and hardworking engineer, who, along with his comrades, was determined to restore the country's infrastructure.

The team faced numerous challenges as they worked tirelessly to construct airstrips, bridges, and roads across Malaya and North Borneo. The tropical climate, dense jungles, and rugged terrain tested their skills and resilience. Yet, their unwavering commitment to their mission kept them going.

Anthony often reminisced about the camaraderie and shared sense of purpose that bonded the squadron. They were not just building structures; they were laying the foundation for a brighter future for the people of Malaya. Each completed project was a testament to their dedication and a step towards healing the wounds of war.

As the years passed, the fruits of their labor became evident. The airstrips they built facilitated better connectivity, the bridges spanned rivers and valleys, and the roads linked remote villages to bustling towns. The Royal Engineers had not only rebuilt the physical infrastructure but also helped restore hope and prosperity to a nation rising from the ashes of conflict.

Our Squadron of Royal Engineers built this strip during this period and I have been fortunate to have re-visited CP with the blessing of the Malaysian I have great affinity with these aircraft, as I was fortunate to be able to fly in them and indeed parachute from one at RAF Seletar in Singapore.