AS a young airman in Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1965, I worked as an air dispatcher (ie, winchman) on Westland helicopters in Malaya and Borneo. This was during what was known as the Confrontation with Indonesia when armed incursions occurred (1963-1966). The sorties involved RAF Butterworth in Penang, RAF Kuching and RAF Labuan. We transported Malayan and British troops and, on a number of occasions, rescued Malayan troops from the Borneo jungle. This was an exciting time for a young airman and British/Malay-sian lifetime friendships were formed. Many times we received an emotional “terima kasih” from equally young Malay soldiers. Fast forward to the mid 1970s: I co-founded Westminster Travel in Hong Kong, a travel agency catering to the expat population there. The first holiday destination that we offered was a “Malaysia Fly/Drive” package, as we wanted others to discover the delights of the Malaysia I had fallen in love with. Between 1974 and 2000, some 250,000 … [Read more...] about A small favour to ask of ‘Malaysia, a grateful nation’
Uncle frankys
WATCH: Funeral of Queen’s Consort Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
The funeral of Second World War veteran Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband of over seven decades and Britain’s longest-serving consort, took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday. This article was updated live as the funeral procession and service unfolded. UPDATE: 4:00 — Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, the controversial American wife of the Duke’s grandson Prince Harry, is reported to have left a handwritten note on a wreath specially chosen for the funeral. Unlike sister-in-law Catherine, or Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, she was unable to attend the funeral in person, with doctors having advised her against travel due to her pregnancy. WINDSOR, ENGLAND – APRIL 17: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then … [Read more...] about WATCH: Funeral of Queen’s Consort Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh