Wings over Malayan Jungle

Australian service personnel played a significant role in four Cold War conflicts throughout the 20th century, yet the Malayan Emergency remains one of the least recognised. This pivotal chapter in history tells the story of the Royal Australian Air Force’s No. 1 (B) Squadron during its deployment from 1951 to 1958—an arduous, often frustrating deployment that deserves high praise.

The Emergency stands as a remarkable success in the broader fight against Cold War Communist expansion, and Australia’s contribution, particularly through its air operations, was instrumental in securing victory.

As a contemporary RAAF review put it, this was a ‘different war,’ one where Lincoln bombers flew ‘through mist-swathed valleys and below rugged mountains,’ engaging the battle both above the dense jungles and within them. Wing Over Malayan Jungle seeks to document and preserve this crucial chapter of Air Force history, ensuring the valour and strategic impact of Australia’s role in the conflict are not forgotten.

About the Author

David Mitchelhill-Green began his career working abroad as a medical scientist in London. A love of history and photography led to globetrotting investigations for the UK magazine After the Battle. Several years living in Japan sparked an interest in the country’s feudal history and the co-authoring of Castles of the Samurai and Samurai Castles. Returning home to Australia, David resumed studies in military history.

His books include Tobruk: Fiercely Stand or Fighting Fall, Air War Over North Africa, Fighting in Ukraine and Hitler’s War in Africa. David won first prize for literature in the 2021 RAAF Heritage Awards. Living in Melbourne, he enjoys escaping into the Victorian High Country to write.