Diggers from the Malayan campaign in World War II were honoured today at an emotional service to dedicate a new Australian memorial remembering those who fought at Bakri, Muar and Parit Sulong, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Bruce Billson said today.

Mr Billson said the memorial was officially unveiled by the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ms Penny Williams and two veterans of the Malayan campaign –– Jim Kerr and Rowley Richards, in the presence of other veterans and war widows, their families, the Chief of Army and other guests.

“These veterans and their fallen mates have at last been honoured with a battle memorial, recognising their achievements during the Malayan campaign,” Mr Billson said.

“We were fortunate to have at the dedication service a mission party of seven survivors of the Malayan campaign and two widows, who were representing all who served in the battle.

“For more than 65 years the Malayan campaign has been overshadowed by the Fall of Singapore and the plight of the prisoners of war.

“The Malayan campaign was one of the toughest and most costly campaigns of World War II with more than 1,780 Australians killed and 1,300 wounded. This memorial recognises the efforts of those who fought in the Battle of Muar, described as one of the epic battles of the Malayan campaign.”

The memorial, constructed by the Australian Government, is dedicated to those who fought, died and risked their lives at Muar, Bakri and Parit Sulong in the Battle of Muar during World War II.

Located within the community park at Parit Sulong, Johor, Malaysia, the memorial is in view of the site where the massacre of 107 wounded Australians occurred. It is finished in Australian granite and is accompanied by two interpretive panels telling the story of the Battle of Muar and the massacre of those wounded in battle and left to surrender to the Japanese.

The memorial and the commemorative mission to dedicate it have been funded under the Australian Government’s commemorations program, Saluting Their Service. During the Battle of Muar, Australian and British Empire forces, without air support and suffering heavy casualties, delayed the advancing Japanese forces for a week, allowing British Empire forces in the centre of the peninsula to escape encirclement.

The Australians arrived at Parit Sulong to find that the bridge there – their only hope of escape – had been captured by the Japanese.

The force’s attempts to take the bridge failed, and relief never materialised. On 22 January 1942, facing annihilation, they were ordered by their leader, Australian Lieutenant Colonel Charles Anderson, to break out as best they could and attempt to reach allied lines. Unfortunately, most of the wounded had to be left behind.

At Parit Sulong, the Japanese herded the wounded, 110 Australians and 40 soldiers from other British Empire units, into buildings not far from the bridge. They were denied medical attention and mistreated. Later that day, they were taken outside and machine-gunned. Afterwards their bodies were doused with petrol and burnt.

The Malayan campaign, which ended with the Fall of Singapore in February 1942, lasted just 68 days from when the Japanese invaded Malaya on 8 December 1941. The campaign was costly with more than 1,780 Australians killed, 1,300 wounded and 15,000 taken prisoner.

By the time the Japanese encountered Australian forces in mid-January 1942 most of the Malayan peninsula was in their hands. On 13-14 January, Australians mounted a successful delaying action on the Japanese west of Gemas. Shortly after that, to the south, Australian units came up against the advancing Japanese in the Muar River area. The ensuing Battle of Muar was the last action to significantly halt the Japanese advance before they reached Singapore.

“Today we honour the strength and bravery of Australian forces during the Battle of Muar in 1942. Our nation is indebted to their courageous service and great personal sacrifices,” Mr Billson said.