Australian Involvement and Casualties

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Malaya

Map courtesy of Department of Public Information - Army

Lincoln Bombers from No 1 Squadron RAAF delivered 85% of all bombs dropped during the campaign.

Dakotas from No 38 Transport Squadron RAAF supplied troops with food, ammunition and equipment, dropped propaganda leaflets, flew paratroops in, evacuated injured, and provided aid to people.

Between 1955 and 1962 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) rotated through Malaya.

There were also artillery, engineer and signals specialist troops as part of Australia's commitment.

Royal Australian Navy ships involved were HMAS ANZAC, Arunta, Melbourne, Quadrant, Queenborough, Quiberon, Quickmatch, Sydney, Tobruk, Vampire, Vendetta, Voyager, Warramunga.

Casualties

Category RAN Army RAAF Total
Operational
Fatal - 13 2 15
non-fatal - 24 3 27
Non-operational
Fatal 4 21 11 36
non-fatal 43 111 18 172
Total 47 169 34 250

Approximately 7,000 troops served. The main causes of death included : killed in action (6); illness (7); accidental gun shots (4); vehicle accidents (8); ground accidents on air bases (6).