Labuan 1964 20 Squadron

[Nobby]

I was posted to Labuan in May 1964,then detached to R.A.F Tengah serving with 20 Squadron.the Squadron was sent back and forth to Labuan several times owing to the threat from Indonesia.I spent about six weeks in Changi Hospital with ulcers,one time,the hospital was completly evacuated owing to the threat of invasion also,if I remember,at that time there were riots in Singapore.I had to go back by ambulance with one other passenger,a young Lady who was heavily pregnant.Someone handed me a 303 rifle and extra ammo.and told, we were to stop for no one on the way back to Tengah.When I look back now,it seems like a whithall farce,me with ulcers,a pregnant Lady and an ambulance driver,going hell for leather from Changi to Tengah.

[butch]

hi Nobby this is from an old 230 sqn guy Labuan1965 1966,
after some 44 years i am returning this year ,big changes i know
but somthing i have always wanted to do.

[kimosabe]

i would like to hangout with u guys if u ever come here again.. i would love to know more about the old Labuan and maybe see some old photos of this lovely island (if u have it).

[jeffw]

kimosabe Wrote:i would like to hangout with u guys if u ever come here again.. i would love to know more about the old Labuan and maybe see some old photos of this lovely island (if u have it).

Gday, I lived on Labuan from 1956 to 1959. I have just posted some pictures my dad took at the airfield of the mostly war planes that were constantly flying in and out of the base at that time. I would love it if some old air force guys can identify some of the planes for me.

Jeff W

[kimosabe]

maybe u can upload those pics here?

[hanj]

Nobby,

Can you share more about Labuan then?

[butch]

good pics a bit before my time 1965 1966.
but ican tell you that the aircraft landing was a Sabre and aircraft
on ground is a Twin Pioneer

[jeffw]

butch Wrote:good pics a bit before my time 1965 1966.
but ican tell you that the aircraft landing was a Sabre and aircraft
on ground is a Twin Pioneer

Thanks. Just to fill you in on why I was in Labuan back then. My dad was a surveyor and ex RAAF vet from WW11 who was contractewd to the British Govt to resurvey Labuan after the Japanese bombings destroyed all the titles information. We were there from 1956 to August 1959. Dad was an intrepid amateur photographer and also had a huge interest in aircraft, hence all the photos. We lived about 5 minute from the airfield and as Dad was one of the senior Ex Pat officials on the Island (District Officer at one time) he and mum entertained all the officers from Britain, the USA and Australia both Airforce and Navy that came to the Island during that time and I can assure you there were a lot!

[kimosabe]

i would like to see pictures of old Labuan & the original clock tower.

[jeffw]

kimosabe Wrote:i would like to see pictures of old Labuan & the original clock tower.

J have posted some old Labuan photos here previously. Just go to the gallery and search under Jeffw.

[tar]

hello jeffw,

I'm local labuan. But I'm the new generation. Born year 1984. I really interesting on the history of this island. Thanks for the photo. I would like to save it. Are they any other photos? Its like the history of Labuan are loss in time. Were you here during the memorial day las 2 weeks?

[jeffw]

Hi Tar
No unfortunately I didn't make it for remembrance day. I am coming up thewre next year in May so maybe I can catch up with a few of you then if you like. My dad started the remembrance day ceremonies in 1957. Originally it was in April for the Australian/New Zealand Anzac day but I believe they have now been changed to the remembrabce days in November. I sent some historical infornmation about the first Anzac ceremony at ther War Graves to Mr Willie Tao last year. Hopefully they have been put inthe museum at the War Cemetery.

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Hi Tar
No unfortunately I didn't make it for remembrance day. I am coming up thewre next year in May so maybe I can catch up with a few of you then if you like. My dad started the remembrance day ceremonies in 1957. Originally it was in April for the Australian/New Zealand Anzac day but I believe they have now been changed to the remembrabce days in November. I sent some historical infornmation about the first Anzac ceremony at ther War Graves to Mr Willie Tao last year. Hopefully they have been put inthe museum at the War Cemetery.