The Benefits of Recognition
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The Indonesian Confrontation is referred to by many of those who were involved as The Unknown War.
Korea is known as the Forgotten War but at least people know about it. Learn more about why these conflicts were kept so quiet. In creating a national memorial, this will provide opportunity for education and recognition for this largely unknown part of Australian military history. For Our VeteransThe Memorial will acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who served in the (FESR), providing a much-needed rallying point for family members and veterans who wish to pay their respects to those killed in action.
It will provide veterans an opportunity to show their families, friends, and the community that Australia now openly values their contribution. |
Laying wreaths at the Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day Ceremony August 2014
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Testimonial
Words from ex-officio committee member Vicki Tiegs, daughter of Bombardier Barry Algar, (Killed in Action 23/9/1964)
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“As a child growing up, nothing was known about these two campaigns and I was often bullied and called a liar when I said my father had died on a tour of duty in Malaya. In fact most thought I was lying to cover up that he died in Vietnam… or in fact that my father never existed and hence I was called a ‘fatherless child’.
“The inclusion of Dad on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour in 2014 has provided credibility to his service and given our family recognition of his loss. “The small exhibit that details the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation at the AWM has provided me with information about Dad’s service as Mum chose not to talk about it. “A Memorial within the precinct of the AWM will provide further education to all Australians of the service of those during the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation. It can be a secret war no more and needs to be acknowledged as part of Australia’s military history, not just through a Memorial but on ANZAC Day and with a heightened awareness around Malay Borneo Day on August 31.” |
Mrs Jan Algar (left), the widow of Bombardier Barry Algar who died on active service during Confrontation, with their daughter Vicki (right) at the Australian War Memorial
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