Australia and Malaysia’s deepening relationship has reached a new milestone with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB). Since November 1970, the Australian Army has honed its jungle warfare skills in the mountains of Malaysia.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said over the past 50 years, the Malaysian and Australian Armies have learnt a great deal about each other’s culture and capabilities. “Malaysia is one of Australia’s closest partners; a partnership forged during Australia’s military commitment to the Malayan peninsula during the Second World War,” Reynolds said. “Since then, Australia and Malaysia have stood side by side during the difficult times each of our countries has faced. Throughout these times, an Australian Army Rifle Company presence at Butterworth has been an enduring feature of Australia’s defence relationship with Malaysia, and of our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.”
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr said over 25,000 Australian Army soldiers have served as part of Rifle Company Butterworth. “Our people have benefited from the rigorous and unique training offered by Rifle Company Butterworth, which has strengthened the Australian Army’s partnership with the Malaysian Army,” Burr said. “I was fortunate to serve with Rifle Company Butterworth from December 1986 to March 1987. It was a unique opportunity for my platoon to undertake training in jungle warfare and work closely with the Malaysian forces. I learned very early in my career the strength of this partnership between our armies.”
Rifle Company Butterworth is also an important part of Australia’s contribution to exercises and activities under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which contributes to regional security and stability. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Australia and Malaysia will mark the anniversary in 2021.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Director of Sales Graham Joss at graham.joss@venturamedia.net
A great milestone in what is one of our most enduring Defence relationships. I am sure all veterans of the RCB and their families would really appreciate you also sharing the message of thanks from GENERAL TAN SRI DATO’ SRI HJ AFFENDI BIN BUANG RMAF, CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE on this occasion.
https://www.facebook.com/pagemkatm/photos/a.652158628188836/4703891776348814/
This is clearly misleading and dishonest.The Malaysians have recognized this for what it really is. Butterworth Air Base service from 1970-89 was under quite different conditions and reasons than it is today. When will the Minister correct this gross disservice to our veterans by correctly recognizing the period as have the Malaysians. The Company rotation was originated through fear of an attack on the base and the training guise was there to disguise its real purpose.
Great..however the Rifle Company who served at Butterworth Airbase just won’t get the recognition they deserve from a Government who continue to deny why we were there..Huge thank you the Malay Govt for recognising what we really did and what we were there for..even to the extent of giving us a medal but the Australian Govt wouldn’t let us have..how disgraceful…you all ought to be ashamed of yourselves..
Great..however the Rifle Company who served at Butterworth Airbase just won’t get the recognition they deserve from a Government who continue to deny why we were there..Huge thank you the Malay Govt for recognising what we really did and what we were there for..even to the extent of giving us a medal but the Australian Govt wouldn’t let us have..how disgraceful…you all ought to be ashamed of yourselves..
I can only reiterate the comments above. But typical, they ask us to do a job then want nothing to with recognising the fact that we did it. Thankyou the Australian government…….
5 tours to Butterworth Air Base between 1970 and 1989 all were warned out for Active Service. Linda Reynolds is a disgrace as our Defense Minister I hope she never returns. Both Labour and Liberal governments stay in denial on purpose. Come election time don’t vote either and get your families on side i.e. I can get 10 people to vote the way i want. Its the only thing these people understand. A big thank you to the Malaysian government for recognizing why we were really there, to protect the Airbase and the dependents from the CT’s during the 2nd emergency.