Seven World War II veterans and two war widows will depart Melbourne International Airport tomorrow bound for Singapore as part of a commemorative mission to honour Australia’s involvement in the Malayan campaign Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Bruce Billson said.

Mr Billson said the mission party would represent all veterans of the Malayan campaign at the unveiling of a new Australian memorial dedicated to those who fought, died and risked their lives at Muar, Bakri and Parit Sulong in World War II. “The Malayan campaign was short but costly for Australia, but has long been in the shadow of the Fall of Singapore and the plight of the prisoners of war that followed,” Mr Billson said.

“This memorial honours their deeds as soldiers, rather than their suffering as prisoners.”

“These nine Australians have been selected to represent those who served our nation in Malaya, their families affected by their experiences and of course, those who never made it home,” he said.

Mr Billson said the veteran party would visit the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne tomorrow morning prior to their departure from Melbourne airport.

“Malaya was one of Australia’s most costly campaigns in World War II. As the Japanese advanced towards Singapore, the Australians fought heroic delaying actions at Gemas and at Muar. The Battle of Muar ended in the massacre of wounded prisoners at Parit Sulong,” he said.

“I am pleased that the Australian Government has been able to support the development and construction of the Parit Sulong Memorial and this important mission, recognising the contribution of Australian servicemen in defence of our nation during the Malayan campaign.

“We are forever grateful for the dedication of our past and present servicemen and women, and through this mission, we ensure that the courageous men who fought at Muar and Parit Sulong, and throughout the Malayan campaign, will not be forgotten,” he said.