The Early Years
As we know, Sarawak Rangers was first formed by Charles Brooke in 1862 when he came to the conclusion that only Ibans can kill Ibans. From then on every expedition was spearheaded by Sarawak Rangers. It was the pride of the Rajahs. However, in 1932 it was disbanded due to the World Economic Crisis. Prior to the Japanese Invasion of Sarawak in 1941, Sarawak Rangers were re-raised to assist in the defense of Kuching, the oil fields in Lutong and Miri. The might of the Japanese Army was overwhelming and the Ibans retreated to their long houses in the interior.
Recruitment of Iban Trackers
On 16 June 1948, The Malayan Emergency was declared. 7 weeks later the first group of 49 Iban Trackers was recruited and sent to Malaya to help the Commonwealth Forces in fighting the CTs. The early Trackers were dressed as they used to be dressed in their long houses i.e. in shorts, bare bodies, and no shoes. Some with a heavily tattooed torso with long flowing hairs and long earlobes. Their parangs were always tied to their hips. in one of the early operations, the CTs had mistaken the leading Trackers as Orang Asli (Aborigines).
Experimental Platoons
Towards the end on 1952, it was decided that the Trackers be given bigger responsibilities. So they were formed into two Experimental Platoons and attached to British Regiments for the purpose of training. The 1st Manchester had one platoon with Sgt George Theshed as the Pl Sgt.
Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Unit)
They proved to be worthy, so on January 1, 1953, they were officially formed into Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Unit) with Lt Col C J Baird OBE as the first CO.
Sarawak Rangers (Far East Land Forces)
Then on April 1, 1960, Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Unit) was redesignated into Sarawak Rangers (Far East Land Forces) and became a part of the British Army. Command of the Unit changed hands with Lt Col C J Baird OBE handing over the command to Maj D I Bruce-Merrie MC of the Loyal Regiment. The Unit had its Camp built in Ulu Tiram, Johore. It was a typical British Army camp complete with its school, NAAFI shops, and a Cinema. Some of the Iban families had moved into the Camp.
The CTs had ended their armed conflicts in 1960 and the Sarawak Rangers were beginning to settle down into their camp life. However it was short-lived as on 15 September 1963, the Unit was disbanded. On 16 September 1963, following the formation of Malaysia, the 1st and 2nd Malaysian Rangers were formed with about 100 members of Sarawak Rangers who volunteered to form the nucleus of 1st Rangers. The rest went back to their long houses in the interior of Sarawak to spend the rest of their lives tending to their ancestral land. The short life they had in Malaya was just a fleeting dream - some vivid and some very vague. However, during the Confrontation with Indonesia, many joined the Border Scouts, and even during the Communist Insurgency in Sarawak from 1970 until late 1990, many were still active with the Govt machinery.
Casualties
It was amazing that in the twelve years of fighting the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers suffered exceedingly low casualty rate - 21 KIA and 25 WIA.
Awards and Recognition of Service.
The numbers and status of awards bestowed on the Trackers spoke volumes about their courage, commitment to duties, and responsibilities.
George Cross - 1
George Medal - 1
Military Medal - 1
QMC - 1
OBE - 1
BEM - 1
Mention-In-Dispatches - 20
Commander-In-Chief Certificates - 21
The words of the Director of Operation in Malaya, Sir General Gerald Templer, summed up the quality of their service.
" The Ibans are the world's best jungle trackers I have come across. They have served the Country admirably and I have much respect for them,"
Apai Robert
