Kampong Australia

Kampong AustraliaExplore the compelling narrative of the Australian military presence in Southeast Asia with 'Kampong Australia.' This insightful book delves into the rich history of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Butterworth, which served as Australia's largest overseas military garrison from the 1950s to the late 1980s. Key themes include the dynamic interactions between Australian servicemen, their families, and the local Malaysian communities, showcasing

Explore the compelling narrative of the Australian military presence in Southeast Asia with 'Kampong Australia.' This insightful book delves into the rich history of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Butterworth, which served as Australia's largest overseas military garrison from the 1950s to the late 1980s. Key themes include the dynamic interactions between Australian servicemen, their families, and the local Malaysian communities, showcasing more than 50,000 Australians who contributed to a unique cultural exchange during their two-year tours of duty.

The book meticulously investigates the socio-political backdrop of the RAAF at Butterworth, capturing the essence of life on the base. With personal recollections from those who experienced it, the narrative highlights the blending of cultures amid the vibrant community of Malays, Chinese, and Indians. 'Kampong Australia' offers readers an evocative portrait of a significant chapter in Australia's military history, illustrating how the everyday lives of Australian families in Penang shaped both their legacy and identity.

Perfect for historians, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Australia's role in post-war Southeast Asia, this book is a must-have addition to your collection. Enjoy free shipping on this brand new book, published by NewSouth Publishing in 2017. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery of your order. Note that once an order is placed, it cannot be canceled.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781742235141
Year: 2017
Publisher: NewSouth Publishing


Description:


The Royal Australian Air Force base at Butterworth was Australia's largest and most enduring overseas military garrison in post-war Southeast Asia.

Home to the majority of Australian airpower for over three decades, Butterworth was also home to a vibrant Australian community. From 1955 until 1988, spanning the end of the British Empire and the start of the Cold War through to real engagement with Asia, more than 50,000 Australian servicemen and their families rotated through the Penang region of Malaysia for two-year tours of duty. These men, women and children lived full lives during their deployment, a bastion of Australianness in the midst of Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Kampong Australiaexplores the complex political genesis of the RAAF presence at Butterworth and shows what everyday life on and around the base was like. It charts the official policies and practices that framed the Australian encounter with the people and places of Penang, drawing on the recollections of those who were there.

This evocative and
–at times personal
–book shines a light on the complex, uneven and dynamic history of the Australian military presence in northern Malaysia and shows what it was like to be there.