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A summary. Until 1966, it was the policy of the Australian government that servicemen who died overseas should be buried as close as was practical to where they fell. Australia had a significant troop presence as part of Commonwealth forces in Malaysia at the time so soldiers who fell in Vietnam were buried in the cemetery at the Commonwealth military base of Terendak. From early 1966, policy changed so Australian dead would be repatriated to Australia but prior to that date, a number of Australian servicemen were buried at Terendak.

The reason for the current repatriation is primarily that Terendak is no longer a Commonwealth military base and hasn't been for some time - while Malaysia remains a member of the Commonwealth, Terendak is now solely a Malaysian base. Security considerations have made it difficult for Australians to visit the graves for some time - the Malaysians have done their best to be accommodating, but they have understandable and reasonable concerns about the security of allowing foreigners access to a base and that has made the process complicated. The relatively small number of remains involved, and the fact that many still have close family members still living, meant a decision was taken to repatriate these people to Australia if family members wanted it. A few chose to leave their loved ones in Terendak, but most accepted the offer.

There are some interesting photographs and more information at the linked article.

A thankful heart and Salute to my Australian brothers.

I remember when you posted about this effort first getting started.

Great news that they are finally home at last.

Saw his last night...on the BBC News IIRC.The Australian Government charged families 500 Pounds (or Dollars) to bring their dead home???

Good God Almighty...what absolutely breathtaking *stupidity*! And *cruelty* for that matter!