Hello Robert,
I'm honoured to note that this topic of my research is worthy of dear Apai Tuai George's attention and of your "jumping" in as you put it :-)
It is really nice to know that it also serves a purpose beyond my own selfish benefit. Regrettably I sometimes do get a pang of guilt in that I am dragging dear Apai Tuai George and some of the readers through this entire drama once more after "Borneo Headhunters". I do read and reread "Borneo Headhunters" and rake as much up as I can to minimise repeating queries.
Interesting part of both our countries' history indeed it is! You see nothing makes a better read than a bit of controversy, mmm hmm :-). And that it lacks not in this particular subject matter. The Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers were pivotal in the claiming back of Malaya from the Chin Peng guerrillas. But they do not even get a mention in our history books in general. Take me for instance. i stumbled across Iban Tracker Awang ak Raweng GC on a bored afternoon's browse through Facebook. A year on here I am. Lest we forget...
On quite a different note, I pick up on your comment that "there are still,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Iban Trackers with great affection". So far I've only known of dear Apai Tuai George, and as you know he is imparting invaluable knowledge and information. The fact that he received the 1st Platoon of Sarawak Rangers just blows my mind away. How could I be as lucky as me!? Having said this I am still dying to hear from different individuals regarding their experiences. Record them and include them in this book. I am guessing that you are one of them these individuals apart from Apai Tuai George since you used "us ancient ............." There must be someone out there who were with these Trackers or Sarawak Rangers in combat. Seen them in action. Witnessed their acts of valour.
But how would I go about tapping into the memory banks of other "ancient veterans"? I don't know who they are. I'm relying on them coming forward to share otherwise i have absolutely no idea who they might be. Please do you have any suggestions for me with regards to finding out who these other veterans might be?
Thank you.
indu Sarawak Magdelene