The Australian Engineers

The image to the right shows an 'Aussie' water diviner searching for and ultimately finding a water source for Operation Crown. His name is L/Cpl John Armitage of 2 Fld Trp 11 Ind Field Sqn, the images below show the result of his endevours. The Commanding Officer 'Mad Mac' to all his subordinates, celebrates the official opening of the water utility in time honoured fashion!

Fortunately for the webmaster, the Aussie 'sappers' themselves have written their own story and saved him a lot of work. In fact, besides recording their own history, the 'Diggers' give an accurate account generally of the early days of Op Crown. 2 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers was a sub-unit of 11 Independant Field Squadron. From 1963 to 1965 the troop served on the Malay Peninsula, Thailand and Sarawak. The thumbnail image (below left) of the book cover will take you to chapter seven 'Views From The Top' written by Malcolm van Gelder – Officer Commanding 2 Field Troop RAE, 1963-64 (Adobe Acrobat Reader needed, if you don't have it click on the Adobe thumbnail below middle) Alternatively, clicking on 'Chapter 3' will take you directly to the link which covers Thailand and Operation Crown.

HERE