28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group
Active	16 September 1955– 31 October 1971
Country	United Kingdom  Australia  New Zealand
Branch	British Army  Australian Army New Zealand Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Infantry Brigade Group for the Strategic Reserve
Size	Brigade
Part of	Far East Strategic Reserve
Garrison/HQ	Terandak, Malaysia

The 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group was a special military group. It was made up of soldiers from the Commonwealth countries. These countries included the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This group was based in Malaysia from 1955 to 1971. It was part of the Far East Strategic Reserve, which was a force kept ready in Southeast Asia. Parts of this group helped in conflicts like the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesia Confrontation, and the Vietnam War.

A Look Back: The Brigade's Story

The 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group started in Malaya on September 16, 1955. It brought together soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The main parts of the Brigade were three infantry battalions. An infantry battalion is a large group of foot soldiers. There was one battalion from Australia, one from the United Kingdom, and one from New Zealand.

Ready for Action: The Brigade's Purpose

The Brigade also had a British artillery regiment with an Australian battery. Artillery units use large guns. The main job of the Brigade was to be an "Immediate Reaction Force." This meant they were ready to act quickly for the South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). SEATO was a group of countries working together for defense in Southeast Asia.

Finding a Home: Moving to Terendak

At first, the Brigade was spread out in different places in Northern Malaya. These places included Penang, Ipoh, and Taiping. This made it hard to manage supplies and people. After Malaysia became independent in 1957, a new home was chosen. This new home was Bukit Terendak, near Malacca.

Terendak was designed to hold the entire Brigade. It had places for infantry battalions and support units. There was also a military hospital, an airstrip, and homes for families. It even had a shopping area. Terendak was very large, covering several square miles. Its southwestern edge was along the Straits of Malacca.

All Together: The Brigade at Terendak

Building and moving into Terendak was finished by August 1962. This meant all the units of the Brigade were finally together in one place. During the 1960s, parts of the Brigade sometimes went to other commands. They would go for short periods to help with operations. These operations took place in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, or South Vietnam.

The End of an Era: Winding Down

From 1970, governments in London and Canberra started to change their plans. Because of these changes, the Brigade began to close down. Some units were disbanded, meaning they were stopped. Other units moved to new locations. On October 31, 1971, the Brigade officially ended. It moved to Singapore and was renamed the 28 ANZUK Infantry Brigade on November 1, 1971. Terendak Camp was then given to the Malaysian Army. It is still used by them today.

Who Led the Brigade: Commanders

Leaders of the Brigade came from all three countries involved. Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom all took turns commanding the group.