Friday 18 September 2015

KOSB Malaya Veterans

The First Battalion The Kings Own Scottish Borderers (1 KOSB) served in Malaya from 1955 to 1958, a tour of duty that spanned independence (Merdeka) day on 31st August 1957.

On Thursday 17th September 2015 the KOSB Malaya Veterans' Annual All Ranks Reunion Dinner was held in Peebles in the Scottish Borders, with a special focus on the 60th Anniversary of the Regiments' arrival in Malaya in September 1955.  Over 130 people attended and it was a truly memorable occasion.



In addition to the speeches and live entertainment, there was a slideshow highlighting images from the tour.  The images, which had been supplied by several of the veterans, really helped to stimulate the memories of those who served there and, for those of us who did not, provided fascinating glimpses of what took place.


1 KOSB operated over a wide area in North Johor.   First they came under command of 63rd Gurkha Infantry Brigade in the 17th Gurkha Division, then for a period in 1957 they were part of the 1st Federation Infantry Brigade and they finished their tour under the command of 26th Gurkha Infantry Brigade.  

Their main Battalion Headquarters was located at Batu Pahat, along with Support Company; the battalion's tactical Headquarters (TAC HQ) was at Yong Peng, along with C Company; A Company was at Ayer Hitam, B Company at Niyor and D Company at Paloh.

Sadly 1 KOSB is now no more.  In March 2006, the Regiment became The King’s Own Scottish Borderers’ Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. On 1st August of that year, the Royal Scots and KOSB Battalions merged to form The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.  But the fine spirit of the Regiment lives on through its Veterans - and it shone brightly at the Malaya Veterans Reunion Dinner.

For more information on 1 KOSB visit http://www.kosb.co.uk 



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