National Service - Malaya

National service for British males started on the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 and call-up officially ended on 31st December, 1960.   Most of the remaining National Servicemen were demobbed in 1962, with the last one finishing on 16th May 1963.

For a significant number of young national servicemen called up after the end of the Second World War, the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) became their war - and many spent the bulk of their service time there.

Summer promotion: For 5 days only 'Merdeka' free on Kindle

Following the success of the Easter promotion, there will now be a Summer one.

If you want to download 'Merdeka' for FREE from the Kindle Store [from 12:00 AM (PST) on Friday 5th July 2013 until 11:59 PM (PST) on Tuesday 9th July 2013], click on one of the links below:

UK Readers,
Canadian Readers,
German Readers,
French Readers,
Spanish Readers,
Brazilian Readers,
Italian Readers,
Japanese Readers,
US Readers (and rest of world),

Please share this information with anyone you think may have an interest in reading 'Merdeka'.

The Situation In Malaya - Secret Cabinet Briefing Paper

Two weeks after the murders of the first three European's in Malaya a secret briefing paper was produced by the Colonial Office of the British Government for the British Cabinet.  Dated 1st July 1948, the paper covers the following:

• Background to Recent Events
• Present Situation
• Measures to Meet the Situation
• Plan of Future Operations

It is now in the public domain on the National Archives website of the UK Government. To read it click here.