The New Sacred Heart Church at Jesselton: Impressive Opening Ceremony

The information regarding the 1938 official opening of the Sacred Heart Church in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) comes from a detailed report published in the British North Borneo Herald on September 16, 1938.

This image shows the Sacred Heart Church in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) shortly after its completion in 1938.

This image was generated using AI, based on original reference material from Fr. Cosmas Lee’s collection, as part of an effort to preserve visual heritage and honour the history he documented.

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16th September, 1938. An event of historic importance at Jesselton was the formal opening of the $14,000 building of the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday the 14th August. Though the finishing touches were yet to be completed, the spacious edifice measuring 140 ft by 42 ft, with seating for over 500 people, presented an attractive appearance when a great concourse of the cosmopolitan population arrived - Published on: Saturday, August 07, 2021 by the Daily Express News Paper. (British North Borneo Herald)

The snippet below specifically mentions Ernest’s wife, which confirms Ernest’s senior status, as only prominent officials and their spouses were listed in the Social and Personal section of the Herald:

“Prominent among those present were Mr. Tay Bee Chuan and family, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. H. Speedy, Mr. James Beatty, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Round Turner, Mrs. E. R. Baker, Mr. A. E. Tremenheere and representatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other associations.”

The turnout at the church was impressive → Many people came | Photo credits: Daily Express

Why this is significant for Ernest Reginald Baker

As a Government Engineer, Ernest's presence at the opening of a $14,000 building was both socially and professionally significant.

• The Building Design: The report mentions that Brother Gregory designed the building but was injured during construction. In such cases, the Government Engineer would have been involved in site inspection or safety oversight.
• The “Mrs. E. R. Baker” mention: In colonial gazettes, listing a wife among prominent attendees indicates her husband held a senior gazetted post.

Connection to the 1938 Herald Report

The September 16, 1938 Herald report aligns with the peak of infrastructure development in the West Coast Residency. At that time, Ernest Reginald Baker served as Executive Engineer.

Historical records indicate that Ernest Reginald Baker arrived in North Borneo in 1914 and served as a senior civil engineer, overseeing major public works before returning to the United Kingdom.

Summary of the 1938 Report

The article documents the formal opening of the $14,000 Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, August 14, 1938. The presence of Mrs. E. R. Baker confirms Ernest’s high-ranking position within the colonial service.

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References and Archival Access

To access the original document of the British North Borneo Herald dated 16 September 1938, official digital and institutional repositories preserving the records of the British North Borneo Chartered Company may be consulted.

1. Digital Access via NewspaperSG (National Library Board, Singapore)

The most direct way to view the original newspaper online is through the National Library Board of Singapore (NLB). As North Borneo (now Sabah) and Singapore were part of the British administrative network, the NLB maintains a comprehensive microfilm archive of the Herald.

• Source Name: The British North Borneo Herald and Fortnightly Record
• Volume: LVI (1938)
• Access Portal: NewspaperSG (National Library Board)

Steps to locate the report:

1. Open the NewspaperSG portal.
2. Select the year 1938.
3. Choose the edition dated 16 September 1938.
4. Browse the pages as originally printed in Sandakan.

2. Physical and Institutional Repositories

For certified copies or higher-resolution archival scans, the following primary repositories may be consulted:

• The British Library (London): Holds official government copies submitted by the British North Borneo Chartered Company. The issue may be located using shelfmark SM 128.
• Sabah State Archives (Kota Kinabalu): Custodian of local physical and microfilm copies of the British North Borneo Herald, including the 16 September 1938 issue.

Key Details to Locate in the Original Document

• Article Title: “The New Sacred Heart Church at Jesselton: Impressive Opening Ceremony.”
• Event Date: Sunday, 14 August 1938.
• Notable Mention: The name “Mrs. E. R. Baker” appears in the section listing European and local elite attendees.
• Public Works Context: The same issue may contain Official Notices or Tender announcements related to the Public Works Department, which Ernest Reginald Baker likely oversaw or contributed to as a senior engineer.

Ernest Reginal Baker - Staff Register CO 874/203

A young Reg relaxing after work in his (as it says on the back) "costume de la nuit… an early attempt" – night costume.

Summary of Final Facts

• 1914 – 1939: Baker worked in Borneo (recorded in CO 874/203).
• 1953/1954: He sold his house, “Sandakan”, in the United Kingdom.
• March 1975: Baker passed away in Chichester (confirmed by heirs and official UK death records).

Ernest Reginald Baker – Key Infrastructure Projects in North Borneo

1. Tamparuli Low-Level Bridge

• Years: Around 1930–1934
• Significance: This is Baker’s most famous work.
• Unique Fact: Designed as a “floodable bridge” to withstand the strong currents of the Tuaran River. Records show Baker personally supervised both the design and construction.

2. “25-Mile Range” Lighthouse (Sandakan)

• Location: Sandakan, then the capital of North Borneo
• Role: Baker oversaw the construction of a major lighthouse with a beam range of 25 miles, ensuring the safety of ships entering Sandakan Harbour.

3. Sandakan Drainage & Sewerage System

• Period: Circa 1914–1916
• Position: Assistant Engineer in Sandakan, under Mr. Budden
• Infrastructure: Directly involved in building main roads, large drainage channels, and sewer systems in Sandakan.
• Note: These works were documented in his application to join the Institution of Civil Engineers.

4. Harbour Bases & Jetties

• Expertise: Harbour works and foundational design.
• Background: Trained in Newcastle, UK, under J. Watt Sandeman.
• Contribution: Brought to Borneo to assist in designing and constructing harbour bases and jetties at major ports across North Borneo.

In short, Baker was not only the engineer behind the iconic Tamparuli Bridge, but also a pivotal figure in shaping Sabah’s early infrastructure—from maritime safety in Sandakan to urban drainage systems and harbor facilities. His career reflects the blend of British engineering training with the practical challenges of colonial-era Borneo.

Key Details from CO 874/203 (Staff Register)

Details	Information in CO 874/203
Name	Baker, Ernest Reginald
Final Position	Executive Engineer, PWD (Public Works Department)
Date of Appointment	1914
Starting Salary	£300 per year
Service Notes	Served in Sandakan, Kudat, and the West Coast (Pantai Barat)

FYI: Archive System in London (Tree Structure)

Code	Description
CO (Colonial Office)	This is the “Department” – the Colonial Office.
874 (Series)	This is the “Shelf” specifically for records of the British North Borneo Chartered Company (BNBCC). There are thousands of files under this 874 series.
203 (File Number)	This is the very specific “Book/Box.” For example, CO 874/203 refers to the Staff Register where names like Ernest Reginald Baker are recorded.

Echoes of the Past: The Last Stand of Tamparuli's Head Hunters

Ref:  My late grandfather, Guduh Gurindow & My Brother Mr Harry George 

• Not everyone knows about the existence of Head Hunters

My Tiktok link: History of Tamparuli Sabah

About 100 years ago, Tamparuli was known as the land of the Head Hunters. The locals inherited the tradition of headhunting from their ancestors. As a native of Tamparuli, we called this activity "Pangait" or "Songorib," which were terms related to headhunting. My grandfather used to share many stories about these activities from years ago. He was one of the founding members and a village leader in Kg Kionsom Baru Tamparuli, which is about 5km from Tamparuli town. Back then, there were no established roads like we have today, just small paths made by humans, known locally as "denai."

Travelers from Kiulu, Tuaran, and Ranau used these denai to reach Tamparuli for essential goods like salt. These journeys took about a week, and travelers usually moved in groups of five to ten people. My grandfather and his father originally came from Kiulu (Kg Payaoon) and possibly from Tambunan or Ranau. My great-grandfather was a follower of the legendary Mat Salleh, who revolted against the North Borneo Company in the late 1900s. Standing at 7 feet tall, my great-grandfather, Petrus Gurindau, received the British Medal and the Bintang Seri Kinabalu. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 120. Some say he might have also joined Albert Kwok's horde in fighting the Japanese during World War II and was awarded a medal by the British Government. His story will be published later once I gather more evidence and proof. For now, my story is based on my grandfather's accounts of the Pangait activities.

My grandfather told me that the Pangait would wait along the denai like predators, armed with long homemade sabits. A sabit is an iron, C-shaped sharp weapon used to decapitate human heads. This headhunting activity was common around the Island of Borneo about 200 years ago. While the Dayak people are often associated with this practice, in Sabah, it was also common among locals living in Tambunan, Pengsiangan, Tuaran, Ranau, Tenom, and Penampang. The main reasons for headhunting were ritualistic and to show off. The Pangait believed that the spirits of the heads they collected would protect them if kept inside their houses. They would build houses to display these heads as trophies of their bravery. Examples include the Monsopiad House of Skulls in Penampang and the Sinsuran House of Skulls in Tambunan. In Tamparuli, there were no such houses, but locals kept the heads in their homes as lifetime collections.

During those years, having heads meant being respected as a brave person. Today, such actions would lead to arrest and imprisonment. What a barbaric habit! After World War II, this activity was gradually stopped, and no one practices it anymore. My grandfather also mentioned that if a bridge were to be built, the Pangait would reappear. I believe his story, but we lack enough evidence to support it unless we see it with our own eyes. Thanks to the British Government for banning this activity 100 years ago; otherwise, many people would be losing their heads nowadays.

There are many stories my grandfather told me, but this one stands out. One fine evening around 5 o'clock, my grandfather was traveling alone from Kg Kionsom Baru Atas, called Pinolobu, to Tamparuli to visit his paddy field. He passed through Kg Kionsom Baru center and took a little rest there. Suddenly, a big man appeared with a sabit and tried to attack my grandfather. In a panic, my grandfather shot the Pangait in the head with his Stephen shotgun. This incident happened in the late 1950s, and my grandfather was one of the few people who owned a shotgun. His shotgun was registered and had a valid license from the British government, and he used it to protect himself. My grandfather buried the body somewhere beside the old cemetery in Kg Kionsom Baru. What a story from my grandfather! He lives in Kg Kionsom Baru Sook Keningau, Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away in 2011.  He took the Pangait's weapon and continued his journey, never making a police report because he believed the Pangait had already signed a "Dead Sign" by engaging in this activity. This is just one of the 100 stories I've heard from the old folks in Tamparuli.

Brief history of the SASS / SMAT Tamparuli Sabah

A Brief summary of the article from the Encyclopedia of Seventh-Day Adventists (ESDA) dated January 31, 2021, written by Konis Gabu and Abednigo Yau Shung Chow:

The article discusses the history and development of the Sabah Adventist Secondary School (Sekolah Menengah Advent Sabah), a private Seventh-day Adventist school in Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia. Established in 1939, the school offers education from Grade 1 through high school, focusing on physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth.

The article covers the early missionary work in British North Borneo (now Sabah) starting in 1913, the events leading to the establishment of the school, and its development over the years. It also highlights the challenges faced during World War II, the societal impact of the school, and its contributions to the Adventist Church in Sabah.

Read more about this article from this link ESDA

1. The search for a site began in 1933, either in Tamparuli or Keningau.

2. In 1935, a new proposal was made by BNBCC to establish a training school.
3. In 1936, the new director, Pastor Gustavus Benson, directed the search for a new location for the training school around the Tamparuli Bridge.
4. In 1939, the training school began operations.
5. In 1966, the training school was given a new name, Sabah Adventist Secondary School (SASS)

6. The first batch of SPM students was in 1980.

Walk down memory lane.

That's me on the right during the Form 6 farewell ceremony... haha. 

Sekolah Menengah Advent Tamparuli (SMAT), formerly known as Sabah Adventist Secondary School (SASS), changed its name to better represent its expanded educational goals and its connection with the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission in Sabah.                      

Note: The picture below was taken before the farewell ceremony for Form 6 when I was studying at SASS Tamparuli during the 91-92 session. The principal at that time was Pastor Konis S. Gabu. 

Hopefully, there will be an opportunity to meet again in the future.

SDA's Tamparuli School Magazine in 1974. Credit to Jonee Hiew

Robinson and Solungkoi

Who is the person in the picture below? Is it Robinson, who is often talked about by the elders in the old stories about his romance with Solungkoi? Oh no!

Baker and his beautiful wife Bella

The left portrait is of a person in formal attire, specifically a suit with a tie, and the text "E. R Baker 1914" is written at the bottom. The right portrait is of a person wearing a sleeveless dress and a necklace, holding a bouquet of flowers, with the text "Bella" written at the bottom.

According to my mother, his wife, Belle, was very attractive -please see the attached photo which must have been taken on their wedding day, in Newcastle. I think I met her when I was small, but I found out she died in 1965. Richard Rose via email, dated 2020-12-02 04:22

Ernest Reginal Baker and his wife Bella once visited North Borneo. Starting as an assistant engineer in Sandakan under Mr. Budden and eventually becoming an Executive Engineer under the Public Works Department (PWD), he was assigned to lead the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge in the 1930s.

Starting with the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge during that era, the local residents and their ancestors have shared many stories about the romance between the British officer and a beautiful Dusun woman. This love story eventually led to a sacrifice that made the bridge more durable and sturdy, as we see it today. Most of the locals are familiar with this tragic story, as it has been passed down from generation to generation by the elders. 

Mr. Baker led the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge in the 1930s and was responsible for finding contractors until the bridge was fully completed. Interestingly, the name Robinson was not mentioned during the construction of the bridge. If Robinson was indeed the foreman at that time, we will try to uncover the truth behind this tragic story.

Indeed, stories and legends passed down through generations often require tangible evidence, whether physical or digital, to verify their authenticity. It's possible that some aspects of these tales have been hidden from public knowledge, making them either true or otherwise.

FYI, "BORNEO HERALD" dated 16th December 1933. It invites tenders for the construction of a Low Level Concrete Bridge across the Tuaran River at Tamparuli, mile 22½ Tuaran-Tenghilan Road. The notice specifies that tenders must be made on a printed form available at the offices of the Executive Engineer in Jesselton or Sandakan, with further particulars obtainable from 20th December 1933. Sealed tenders are to be received by the Executive Engineer in Jesselton by 12 noon on 3rd January 1934. The notice also states that the government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. The notice is signed by E. R. Baker, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, and dated Jesselton, 13th December 1933.

Completion of Tamparuli Low Level Bridge

The low level bridge across the Tuaran River at Kampong Tamparuli was completed during the month. The structure appears to be a most massive one, and reflects credit on Mr. E. R. Baker, Executive Engineer Public Works Department, who was in charge of the construction. There is already the nucleus of a small township springing up at the bridgehead, and we wonder if the prophets who foretell of the eclipse of Tuaran town by Tamparuli are wise in their generation. Land speculators beware.

Jesselton British Colonial

Sources: Information Department. British Colony Report 1958

The image uploaded is a historical photograph titled "View of Jesselton — 1910." It shows an aerial view of Jesselton (now known as Kota Kinabalu), a town in Malaysia, as it appeared in 1910. The photograph captures a coastal settlement with several buildings, roads, and vegetation. The buildings appear to be a mix of residential and possibly administrative structures, with some larger buildings and smaller houses. The coastline and the sea are visible in the background, indicating the town's proximity to the water. The image is interesting and relevant as it provides a historical perspective of Jesselton, showing its early 20th-century development and layout.

Text in the image: "View of Jesselton — 1910 (From the collection of the late Mr. G. C. Woolley.)"

The image uploaded is a black-and-white photograph showing an aerial view of Jesselton in 1937. The photograph captures a town with numerous buildings, including large structures with pitched roofs and smaller houses. There are trees scattered throughout the area, and some open spaces are visible. The town appears to be well-organized with streets and pathways. The image is credited to "Mei Hua Studio—Jesselton." Text in the image: "View of Jesselton — 1937 (Mei Hua Studio—Jesselton)"

The image uploaded is a historical photograph titled "View of Jesselton — 1945" taken by Mei Hua Studio in Jesselton. It shows an aerial view of Jesselton (now known as Kota Kinabalu) in 1945. The photograph captures a landscape with buildings, roads, and vegetation. There are several structures in various stages of construction or repair, indicating post-war rebuilding efforts. The image provides a glimpse into the historical state of Jesselton during that period, making it interesting and relevant for historical and cultural studies.

The image you uploaded shows an aerial view of a coastal town or city with numerous buildings, streets, and some greenery. The buildings vary in size and architectural style, with some appearing to be residential while others look like commercial or industrial structures. The coastline and water are visible in the background, indicating that the town is situated near a body of water, possibly a sea or a large river. The image appears to be historical, possibly from the mid-20th century, given the architectural styles and the quality of the photograph.

Students from SMK Tamparuli create a flood warning device.

SMK Tamparuli Students Innovate Life-Saving Flood Warning System. 20 students of SMK Tamparuli here in developing a flood early warning system and its installation on the Old Tamparuli Bridge affects positively 12,000 locals. This project consists of the establishment of a warning system on the bridge and this bridge is considered to be risky and can lead to disasters such as accidents which may lead to the loss of lives if safety measures are not well taken especially in a flood situation.

It's truly amazing what the students from SMK Tamparuli have accomplished with their innovative flood warning system. Winning RM50,000 in the Petronas All About Youth 2015 competition and an additional RM20,000 in the National Innovation Competition is a testament to their hard work and creativity. This system, installed on the Old Tamparuli Bridge, not only improves safety during floods but also highlights the incredible ingenuity and dedication of these young minds.

This image was taken in 2020, and the flood warning system has been repaired since then

New photo - Flood warning system. Photo: Farid Aziz

Baker's journey to Singapore in 1914 - Part 1

 

1. Name of Ship: BULOW

2. Steamship Line: North German Lloyd (Norddeutscher Lloyd or NDL)

2. Bound: Via China & Japan

3. Port at which passengers have contracted to land: Singapore

4. Future permanent residence: British North Borneo

5. Year: July 25 1914

Sources: Norddeutscher Lloyd - Wikipedia

Based on the information (passengers list) provided by Richard via email, the name Baker appears on the passenger lists for the ships Bulow and Hitachi Maru in 1914, for two journeys in July and August. The short duration between these long voyages suggests that something might have happened during that time, possibly the first journey being canceled or some other event. We are aware that 1914 marked the beginning of World War I.

1. Name of Ship: Hitachi Maru

2. Steamship Line: The Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line)

2. Bound: Via London & Japan

3. Port at which passengers have contracted to land: Singapore

4. Future permanent residence: British North Borneo

5. Year:  August 29 1914

Unexpected incident - Possibility

The German liner Bulow, operated by the North German Lloyd (NDL), was involved in a notable incident on June 25, 1914. The ship was on a voyage from Yokohama to Southampton, carrying around 400 passengers and a crew largely composed of Japanese. Due to thick fog, the Bulow ran aground near Blacknor Point, west of Portland Bill. Despite efforts to refloat the ship, it remained stuck, and the passengers were transferred to other vessels for conveyance to Weymouth and then by rail to Southampton. It was that on Thursday morning.

The German liner Bulow did not have a notable incident on July 25, 1914. The significant incident involving the Bulow occurred on June 25, 1914, when the ship ran aground near Blacknor Point, west of Portland Bill, due to thick fog. Despite efforts to refloat the ship, it remained stuck, and the passengers were transferred to other vessels for conveyance to Weymouth and then by rail to Southampton

It is very likely that all journeys in all directions were canceled at that time, and it is also very likely that travel bookings for July 1914 had already been made before the incident occurred.

Ref: DCC: 25/06/1914; Transcribed by K. V. Saunders by Deeperdorset UK

BULOW

I am certain that in 1914, Baker was already in North Borneo after boarding the ship 'Hitachi Maru' on August 29, 1914. I also sent an email to Richard in 2021, including a photo of Baker dated 1914. 

The photo was obtained from the Flickr National Archives UK. The photo was labeled SABAH (Malaysia). Therefore, it can be confirmed that the photo is of one of the British officers who were already in North Borneo at that time.

The photo can be found at this link. Ernest Reginal Baker

List of Tuaran District Officer

The table below lists the names of district officers from the British colonial era to the present. Visitors may be able to help update the names of the current district officers, especially for the year 2024. The data was received two years ago, and I only recently had the opportunity to include it in the blog content.

Ref: Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Sabrina Hj Mansur, PPP/Team Webmaster of the Tuaran District Office, for the information provided

Officer's Name	Years of Service
J.P. Rutherford	1949
H. George	1949 - 1949
J.P.C. Burbroke	1949 - 1951
E.A. Pascoe	1951 - 1952
I.C. Peck	1952 - 1953
G.F Douglas	1953 - 1954
H. George	1955 - 1955
M. Pike	1955 - 1956
Leong Ah Koon	1956 - 1958
D.W. Eisenhauer	1958 - 1959
John D. Dusing	1959 - 1960
J.A.G. Roberts	1960 - 1962
Peter L. Regis	1962 - 1964
Goh Bee Leng	1964
Peter L. Regis	1964
Paul Lai Kui Seong	1964 - 1967
Dzulkifli Abdul Hamid	1967
Dato Bistari Dato Jinurain	1967 - 1968
A.O. Pangiran Rauf	1968 - 1970
Mohd. Yusuf Yahya	1970 - 1973
Hj. Pauzi Kou	1973 - 1974
Hj. Abdullah Hj. Mohd. Arshad	1974
Hj. Shamsudin Liew Syn Su	1974 - 1975
S. Mohd. Abdillah	1975 - 1976
Mohd. Zulfikar Musaffar	1976 - 1978
Patrick Micheal	1978 - 1980
Masidi Manjun	1980 - 1982
Yahya Ahmad Shah	1982 - 1985
Abdul Rahman LO	1985
Jahid Jahim	1985 - 1988
Ariffin Gadait	1989 - 1992
Udin Dullah	1992 - 1996
Hj. Uda Hj. Sulai	1996 - 1997
Awang Shamsi Hj. Jamih	1997 - 31 ogos 2010
Madiyem Layapan	1/09/2010 - 6/01/2014
A.M Ibnu Hj. A.K. Baba	Jan 2014 - 7/10/2017
Mohd Sofian Alfian Nair	Okt 2017 - 12/01/2021
Sadan Hj Hussain	12/01/2021
Hadzlan Jablee	2024 - present

Yapton Sandakan in UK

Ref:  Photo provided by Richard and Allen - Yapton Local History UK

• Not everyone knows about the existence of SANDAKAN in the UK.

In 1949, they made their way to Yapton and purchased 'The Lodge,' which they renamed Sandakan to commemorate their time in Borneo. They operated it as a Guest House. Visitors could experience 'a small but exclusive Guest House, offering quiet comfort and good food.' The local climate was deemed healthy, and each bedroom was equipped with hot and cold water, as well as an electric fire. The cost of a double room ranged from £11 0s 0d to £13 13s 0d per week. Guests were invited to relax in the attractive gardens and use the hard tennis court. Reg and Belle managed the Guest House until 1954, when it was sold again and renamed 'The Limes.' The house eventually fell into disrepair and was demolished around 1960, with a small housing estate named 'The Limes' built on the site.

Some years ago, in 2020, after successfully contacting Richard, he provided me with some additional information about SANDAKAN obtained from Mr. Allen from Local History. The information included pictures of the house used as a guest house, location maps, house plans, facilities, and much more.

The Birth of the Place Name SANDAKAN in the UK

Chronology:

1. The Lodge residence was owned by John and Sarah Sparks Engineering from 1885 to 1960.

2. In 1881, The Lodge was used as a girls' school for 10 students aged 11-18 under the supervision of Miss Annie Scott.

3. Sarah Sparks moved back to The Lodge for a short period in 1891 before it was rented by Captain Gerald M. Brooks of the Royal Navy in 1899 and Major Cecil Dudly in 1920.

4. In 1931, The Lodge was sold again, and after a few years, in 1938, it was once again used as a school under the supervision of Miss E.B. Davis after WW2.

5. Richard Rose's uncle, E.R. Baker, and his wife Belle, who worked under PDW (JKR) Sandakan, returned from North Borneo before WW2 and bought the residence as a 'Guest House' in 1949, naming the place SANDAKAN.

6. In 1954, Sandakan changed ownership and was renamed 'The Limes.' It was then renovated, and several buildings in the area were constructed in 1960.

Note: The Lodge is a fairly large residential area with several houses around it, including underground.

I have conducted some research and searched for the location of Yapton Sandakan in the UK based on the information provided by Allen and Richard. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate the house on Google Earth because it was demolished some years ago. In its place, a small housing estate called 'The Limes' was built. The location was on Church Road, which connects to Church Lane at the Church. On the map, it is labeled as Yapton Lodge and marked as number 1 in pink.

With a little effort in searching, the location and position of Yapton Sandakan on Google Maps.

This is SANDAKAN in UK...

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. 

Baker and his motorbike in 1922

 Ref:  Photo provided by Richard Rose.

• His great Uncle Ernest Reginal Baker in North Borneo. Mr Baker, Executive Engineer Public Work Department who was in-charge of the construction Tamparuli Bridge circa 1930. 

This post is about Mr. Baker and his motorcycle. To me, it looks very classic when viewed today and for future generations. Not all vehicles from the past can still be seen today. However, such vehicles are usually well-preserved and maintained in museums.

Do you know the type of this motor vehicle? I am sure it is a Lea-Francis, Registration No XH should be London 1921 - 63, unused after 1964. I am not certain about the engine capacity or model used. It could be the 3 ½ HP 496 cc M.A.G. IOE V-twin with frame # A 1640 and engine # 2 C10 No. 43208. If you know the type of engine, please write it in the comments.

In 1895, Richard Henry Lea and Graham Inglesby Francis started making high-quality bicycles in Coventry. By 1910, they decided to manufacture motorcycles. A prototype was built in 1911, and by 1912, it was ready for public introduction. Key features included an enclosed all-chain transmission, a Bosch magneto, a two-speed gear, and a detachable rear wheel. Their workmanship was of high quality, comparable to Sunbeam machines.

In 1914, they introduced a model with a 496 cc J.A.P. engine and a three-speed gearbox. After World War I, customers could choose between a J.A.P. or M.A.G. engine of 496 cc. From 1921, a 5 HP (592 cc) engine was also available. By mid-1924, they stopped making motorcycles and focused on light cars. A unique feature was the flexible metal downpipes of the exhaust system.

This 1920 model has a foot clutch, enclosed rear chain, Lucas acetylene lighting, and roomy footboards. It's an older restoration and a rare survivor, with only about two dozen remaining today. 

Let's take a look using the zoom tool.

The image marked A is the Lea-Francis brand.

Lea-Francis 3½hp Engine no. 2C10 43040

Here is what you need. Photo Credit: Bonhams Car

From Allen Misselbrook to Richard Rose

MISSING CHAPTER – History of Tamparuli Bridge (Low level floodable bridge)

"We can't undo or change the past, it can only be accepted. People may change, but the sunshine will shine forever."

While information about the bridge can be easily found on Wikipedia, I wanted to compile a more personal and comprehensive account in my blog. This isn't about re-quoting or rewriting history, but about sharing it, especially for today's young children and future generations. The truth is important.

After years of searching for information about the history of the Tamparuli Bridge (low-level floodable bridge in North Borneo), I was fortunate to find valuable details through the Yapton local history in the UK. The stories were fascinating. I read about the person who I believe built and designed the bridge many years ago. The most significant find was a photo of the Tamparuli low-level bridge in North Borneo, dated 1938. Many people might not be aware of this, and most of these photos have never been seen by the world or even Google. Local people often say the bridge was built by the British in the 1930s, which seems like a good estimate.

I reached out to Yapton local history and asked if someone could help me contact Richard Rose, who I believe is the great-grandchild of Ernest Reg Baker, the person who built and designed the Tamparuli bridge.

I have contacted Yapton local history and requested information about Richard Rose to facilitate my communication with him regarding the history of the construction of the Tamparuli Bridge - Date 2020-11-28 18:05

 

A few days after I received an email from the person in charge the Chairman of the Yapton & Ford Local History Group, they forwarded it to Richard Rose.

Ref:  The Chairman of the Yapton & Ford Local History Group

• This original text was received from Richard Rose via Allen email on Dec 01 2020, at 05:12.