Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
FESR Memorial
16 November 2009
The Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR) Navy Association, the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association of Australia (NMBVAA) and the Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA) are working towards a national memorial to commemorate the service given by Australian Service personnel in defence of Malaya and Malaysia with the FESR Force between 1948-1971.
Early efforts have focussed on two preliminary projects - the installation of streamers on the Naval Memorial in Canberra recognising FESR service plus the recording of FESR service on the honour boards of current ships which bear the same name as the ships which were part of the FESR force.
Following on from these achievements, the memorial set-up committee met with the National Capital Authority (NCA) in Canberra and presented plans and how the committee could manage the project. Since then the NCA has reserved a site on Anzac Parade for the memorial.
At the 2009 national AGM of the FESR Navy Association, the formal appointment of Joe Linaker and Les Bailey as the Association's representatives on the National Memorial Foundation was adopted.
Administrative arrangements, including Incorporation in the Australian Capital Territory, have been initiated. The Chief of Navy has agreed to be become the first patron of the FESR War Memorial Foundation.
As soon as incorporation is complete, the committee plans to approach suitable high-ranking Service officers to join us in support of our quest as patrons or other roles.
This project is a Tri-Service arrangement; the 3 associations that have come together to get it off the ground are just the beginning. When incorporation is bedded down, the organisation plans to write to a wide range of ESOs to invite them to come onboard.
Individuals will not have to belong to any association but they will have to have served and be in receipt of the Australian Service Medal with clasp FESR or the New Zealand equivalent.
Return to:
News and Information Index