MALAYAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION (Inc)

HISTORY

 Originally formed as the Malayan Servicemen's Association around 1967 in Palmerston North for the purposes of Reunions and get togethers. The first Reunion was held in 1968 and the second in 1971 both in Palmerston North.

These Reunions were generally patronised by members of the 1st and 2nd battalions NZ Regiment. At this time it was decided to have Reunions every two years in the odd number and move around the Country for everybody's benefit.

 The intention was to include all Service personal from the three Armed Services hence the choice of logo that represents the Association to this day. A triangle split evenly three ways into smaller triangles, the colours of these are; Red - Army, Light Blue - Air Force, Royal Blue - Navy, each triangle superimposed and linked by a silver 'M' denoting the common phrase 'M Force'. About this time a change of name to "Malayan Services Association" came about allowing for the fairer sex to join the membership.

REUNIONS

Reunions continued as at their timed date, 1973 - Rotorua, 1975 - Auckland, 1977 - Whangarei, 1979 - Wanganui, 1981 - was to be Christchurch, which was postponed so a mini Reunion was held in Tauranga who again held the next Reunion in 1983. 1985 - Rotorua, 1987 - Auckland, 1989 - Tauranga, 1991 - Wanganui, 1993 - Kaitaia with 1995 the much awaited Reunion in Christchurch. 1997 - Napier, at this Reunion another Name change, "Malayan Veterans Association" more in keeping with other Veterans Organisations. 1999 - Whangarei, with the 2001 Reunion in Hamilton and 2003 again for Christchurch, 2005 has a bid from Tauranga, with Taupo in 2007.

 Projected – Trentham Camp 2009, Waikato 2011, Wanganui 2013

QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

A point to remember about the qualification for Membership is that if you live in New Zealand or overseas and have served in the following countries designated borders, waters or airspace you have the right of membership with proof of that service.

The Countries are; Malaya or Malaysia, as it is now known. Borneo, 1st and 2nd Division, Sabah and Brunei, Singapore as part of Malaya or in this Country's Independent state.

Malayan/Thailand border including "Freedom Road Construction" in Thailand.

 Time is not a barrier either, if you served in any of these areas in the Second World War, during the Emergency or Confrontation eras or based in Singapore at GHQ Tanglin or in the 70s and 80s as Garrison Troops. You may have been working in ANZAM, ANZUK, 28 Commonwealth Brigade, 17th Gurka Division & 99th Gurkha Brigade Group or other like affiliations, camps, bases, ships or stations or another Nations Armed Services, you are welcome to join this Association.

BRANCHES

 There have been Branches set up throughout New Zealand some being active and others in abeyance but contact with the following may rekindle interest for those and renew vigour for others.

  Please feel free to contact any of the above or

National Headquarters -  Address - PO Box 88-028 Clendon. Manurewa. Manukau City. or

 National Secretary (direct) 195 Weymouth Road. Manurewa. Phone 09-268 4536.

 E Mail -  Sid Maguire

Photos

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