Battalion
Friday 7th March to Sunday 9th March 2008
Palmerston North, New Zealand
First Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
As 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, the unit was posted at Terendak Military Camp in Malaya from late 1963 as an infantry unit of the 28th Commonwealth Brigade. The unit operated as 1st Battalion New Zealand Regiment within the Brigade which was an element of the 17th Gurkha Division. In early 1964, the Battalion was officially designated First Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, hence the 'Originals'. The abbreviated name form is 1 RNZIR.
The 28th Commonwealth Brigade was part of the Far East Land Forces at that time, performing a function under the terms and conditions of the South East Asia Treaty Organisation [SEATO]. The Brigade consisted of military land forces from New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, and Malaysia. The major military campigns included active service on the Malay/Thailand border, the Malay Peninsula against Indonesian military forces incursion, and Borneo against Indonesian military forces incursions.
The 28th Commonwealth Brigade was part of the Far East Land Forces at that time, performing a function under the terms and conditions of the South East Asia Treaty Organisation [SEATO]. The Brigade consisted of military land forces from New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, and Malaysia. The major military campigns included active service on the Malay/Thailand border, the Malay Peninsula against Indonesian military forces incursion, and Borneo against Indonesian military forces incursions.
2008 Reunion Programme
The 2008 reunion programme in Palmerston North from Friday 7 March to Sunday 9 March can be viewed by clicking this LINK.
'Originals' Definition
The word 'Originals' used in the context of reference to the 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment 1964-65, is defined as the inaugural Battalion members when the title Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment was formally adopted in 1964. The term does not imply 'founding', the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment foundation is described on the Unit History page .Battalion Campaign Awards
The First Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment became unique and legendary during its service in Malaysia. The campaign awards earned by members during that tour of duty during 1964 and late 1965 are the:
- New Zealand Operational Service Medal
- New Zealand General Service Medal [Warlike]
- British General Service Medal 1962, MALAY PENINSULA clasp
- British General Service Medal 1962, BORNEO clasp The members were also awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal [Malaysia Honour Medal] by the King of Malaysia in 2006, the medal was available for issue to eligible recipients from mid-2007.
Subsequent Service in South Vietnam
The uniqueness of the legendary 1 RNZIR 'Originals' Battalion is demonstrated by the number of members who subsequently served in South Vietnam following the Unit's return to New Zealand in late 1965. Given their combat and guerrilla warfare skills, the members performed their duties with distinction.Pingat Jasa Malaysia Award [Malaysia Honour Medal]
The Malaysian Government offer of a medallic award to eligible New Zealand military personnel is in appreciation of their service in Malaysia with the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve from Independence on 31 August 1957 to 31 December 1966. The award is to all members of Civil Servants, Police and the Armed Forces under the Commonwealth, this includes the United Kingdom and Australia.
In all possible circumstances, senior representatives from the Malayasian Government will present medals personally to recipients. This includes posthumous awards to next-of-kin.
Applications for the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal from eligible New Zealand personnel and deceased next-of-kin are being administered by the New Zealand Defence Forces Medals Office as agent for the Malaysian Government. Information on eligibility is detailed at the New Zealand Defence Force website.
Applications for the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal are made in the format as described at Applying for Medals, where application forms can be downloaded for living and deceased persons.
For next-of kin making application for posthumous issue of the award on behalf of a deceased veteran, click here to download an application form.
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Updated 10 February 2008. Webmaster, Victor R Johnson. Contact Webmaster, 