During the research for this book I looked into the Malayan Jungle Forts. To the best of my knowledge there were 12 permanent Forts, as well as a number of temporary ones. One of them, Fort Iskander, is mentioned in 'Merdeka' as a re-fuelling point for the helicopters. The Forts were established as patrol bases for the Police Field Force and also to win over the local Malayan orang asli peoples, thereby closing off a supply channel for the Communist Terrorists.
To research the Forts I mainly used the Ipohworld archive, which is an excellent resource. Ipohworld is an education-based, not-for-profit organization established in 2004 to promote awareness and appreciation of Perak, the Silver State of Malaysia and its unique, diverse and rich heritage, with particular focus on Ipoh and the Kinta Valley. Some of the related links are:
The Malayan Emergency - Jungle Forts and Airstrips
Fort Brooke - An Aerial View of the Fort Buildings
The Jungle Beat
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