Far East Strategic Reserve facts for kids

The British Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve (often called the Far East Strategic Reserve or FESR) was a special military team. It was made up of soldiers, sailors, and air force members from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

This force was created in the 1950s and was based in Malaya (now part of Malaysia). Its main job was to protect the interests of the Commonwealth countries in Southeast Asia. It also acted as a "forward defence" point for Australia and New Zealand. This meant it was positioned far from their homes to stop threats before they got too close. The FESR aimed to protect the region from groups that wanted to take over, both from inside and outside.

The FESR included a large group of soldiers (an infantry brigade), a group of ships led by an aircraft carrier, and many aircraft squadrons.

Why Was the FESR Created?

The idea for the FESR started in June 1953. Harold Alexander, who was Britain's Minister of Defence, wrote to his counterparts in Australia and New Zealand. He suggested creating a joint military force in Southeast Asia.

This force would protect important Commonwealth areas like Sarawak, North Borneo, Malaya, and Singapore. The goal was to stop attacks from groups with different political ideas. Also, the Korean War had just ended, which meant more military resources were available.

Leaders from the three countries discussed this idea. They met in Melbourne, Australia, in October 1953. At this meeting, they decided to create the FESR. It would be a team with army, navy, and air force units from all three nations. The Reserve officially began in 1955.

What Did the FESR Do?

The FESR included a strong infantry force called the 28th British Commonwealth Brigade. It also had a group of warships, including an aircraft carrier. Air force planes, both land-based and ship-based, supported them.

The main job of the Strategic Reserve was to protect Malaya and other Commonwealth areas in Southeast Asia from outside attacks. Its second job was to deal with internal groups that caused trouble.

Australia's Role

Australia's Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, announced in April 1955 that Australia would join the FESR. Australia sent:

• One light infantry battalion.
• Two to four destroyers or frigates.
• Two to three squadrons of aircraft (including bombers and fighters).

An Australian aircraft carrier also visited yearly for training.

Australian forces stayed under Australia's control. However, they followed the directions of the British Commander in Chief for the Far East Fleet.

Here are some of the Australian units that served in the FESR:

Australian Army

• 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1959–61)
• 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (two times)
• 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
• 103rd Battery, Royal Australian Artillery (1961 - 1963)

Royal Australian Air Force

• No. 1 Squadron RAAF (flew Avro Lincolns and English Electric Canberra bombers)
• No. 2 Squadron RAAF (flew Avro Lincolns and English Electric Canberra bombers)
• No. 3 Squadron RAAF (flew CAC Sabre fighters)
• No. 77 Squadron RAAF (flew CAC Sabre fighters)

Royal Australian Navy (based in Singapore Naval Base)

• HMAS Anzac
• HMAS Arunta
• HMAS Derwent (anti-submarine frigate)
• HMAS Melbourne (light aircraft carrier)
• HMAS Parramatta (Type 12 frigate)
• HMAS Quadrant
• HMAS Queenborough
• HMAS Quiberon
• HMAS Quickmatch
• HMAS Stuart
• HMAS Sydney (light aircraft carrier)
• HMAS Tobruk
• HMAS Vampire
• HMAS Vendetta
• HMAS Voyager
• HMAS Warramunga
• HMAS Yarra (anti-submarine frigate)

New Zealand's Role

New Zealand also joined the FESR starting in 1955. Their contribution included:

Royal New Zealand Navy New Zealand sent two frigates, with another ready if needed.

• HMNZS Blackpool (Type 12 frigate)
• HMNZS Royalist (light cruiser)
• HMNZS Taranaki (Type 12M frigate)
• HMNZS Otago (Type 12M frigate)
• HMNZS Hickleton (minesweeper)
• HMNZS Santon (minesweeper)
• HMNZS Waikato (Leander-class frigate)

New Zealand Army

• New Zealand Special Air Service (1955 to 1957)
• New Zealand Infantry Battalions and support units as part of the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group:
  • 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment (1958 to 1959)
  • 2nd Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment (1959 to 1961)
  • 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment (1961 to 1964)
  • 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1964 to 1971)

Royal New Zealand Air Force

• No. 14 Squadron (1955 to 1958)
• No. 75 Squadron (1958 to 1962)
• No. 41 Squadron (1955 to 1971)

United Kingdom's Role

Britain's contribution was based on forces they already had in Southeast Asia. These included the Eastern Fleet (their navy), the Far East Air Force (their air force), and British Far East Command (their overall military leadership).

History of the FESR

From late 1955 until 1960, FESR soldiers fought against the Malayan National Liberation Army during a conflict called the Malayan Emergency. The Strategic Reserve also took part in the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. FESR forces also participated in training exercises with the South East Asia Treaty Organisation.

In 1971, the FESR was replaced by a new force called the ANZUK Force.

See also

• ANZUK
• Military history of Britain
• New Zealand Force South East Asia