Far East Strategic Reserve

The FESR originated from a June 1953 letter from Harold Alexander, the British Minister of Defence, to Philip McBride and Tom Macdonald, his equivalents in Australia and New Zealand ministries, respectively. The letter suggested the creation of a joint military force based in South-East Asia and tasked with protecting strategically important Commonwealth interests in the region (namely Sarawak, North Borneo, Malaya and Singapore), from the threat of attack by communist forces. Correspondence between the defence ministers of the three nations and their subordinates led to a meeting in Melbourne, Australia during October 1953. It was not until 1955 that the Reserve was established. ==Commitments==

The FESR consisted of a brigade-strength infantry force known as 28th British Commonwealth Brigade and a carrier battle group, supported by land- and ship-based fighter and bomber squadrons. Australian military units committed to the force included one light infantry battalion, between two and four destroyers or frigates, and two to three squadrons of aircraft (at least one each of bombers and fighters). An Australian aircraft carrier was to make an annual visit to participate in training exercises. (1955 to 1957) New Zealand Infantry Battalion and support units as part of 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group. • 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment (1958 to 1959) • 2nd Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment (1959 to 1961) • 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment (1961 to 1964) • 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1964 to 1971) Royal New Zealand Air Force • No. 14 Squadron (1955 to 1958) • No. 75 Squadron (1958 to 1962) • No. 41 Squadron (1955 to 1971) United Kingdom The British commitment was based around forces already in South-East Asia, including the Eastern Fleet, the Far East Air Force, and British Far East Command. ==History==

From late 1955 until 1960, FESR infantry forces operated against the Malayan National Liberation Army during the Malayan Emergency. Today, the Shrine of Remembrance memorial in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia conducts regular wreath laying commemorations in honor of FESR soldiers. ==See also==