Final 65th Reunion of the NZSAS Malayan Squadron 1955-57

A brief history of the formation, operational commitment of the unit when deployed against the communist terrorists (CTs) in Malaya 1955-1957.

Early in 1955 the then Prime minister, Sydney Holland, accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Gentry visited the United Kingdom and were invited to make a military contribution to the British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve.

It was agreed that New Zealand would provide a NZ Special Air Service Squadron (NZSAS Sqn) which would operate with the British SAS in Malaya against the Communist Terrorists.

Following a media release, there were 800 applicants for the Squadron. As a result of a paper selection the 800 applicants were reduced to 180. The criteria for the paper selection was interesting:

• applicants had to be under 6ft (1.8mtrs) in height,

• weigh no more than 14 stone (88.90 Kgs),

• have their own teeth,

• not have a criminal record,

• preferably not be married

• and have an intelligence rating of 3+ or above on a one to five scale with 1 being at the top end of the scale. The result was that there were some very bright soldiers in the Squadron.

The 180 less the Regular Force element already there, marched into Waiouru on 7 June 1955. Training in Waiouru was full on, with emphasis on shooting, weapon handling, field craft, minor tactics, immediate action drills and physical fitness. During this training period a further 50 soldiers were culled leaving 132 to go to Malaya. The Unit was well led, well trained with a high esprit de corps.

The Squadron flew to Malaya (as it was then) by RNZAF Hastings aircraft in a series of sorties departing in late October en route to Singapore to complete a parachute course at the British Parachute School in Changi. Following the parachute course, the unit joined the British 22nd SAS Regiment in Kuala Lumpur.

For the next two years the unit completed a series of three month long, deep jungle operations, against hard core, jungle experienced, Communist Terrorists (CTs). Resupply was by air drop every 14 days.

Jungle operations were physically demanding and mentally taxing as individuals came to grips with the strange environment. In addition to the possible ambush by the CTs, soldiers had to contend with leeches, bull ants, scorpions and the possibility of being confronted by a tiger or elephant. Malaria and scrub typhus were other occupational hazards. The SAS Sqn quickly adapted to jungle conditions and were successful in eliminating a number of CTs.

On return to New Zealand in 1957 the unit was disbanded but was reactivated in 1959 and subsequently been deployed to Borneo, Vietnam, Kuwait, Timor and Afghanistan.

Today the New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment has an enviable reputation, maintaining the high standards set by the original SAS Sqn.