RBLF History - Page 2

Since their return, many Bruneians have flocked into this career and the organization of the Brunei Malay Regiment has continued to expand. The establishment of the Boat Section (Seksyen Perahu) with 18 members and Air Service using two Sikorsky (S55) helicopters in 1965 has increased the capability of the Brunei Malay Regiment. The Air Service was used to transport the army personnel and air medical service to local hinterlands. On 25th June 1966, a helicopter platoon was formed and equipped with two Westland Whirlwind helicopters. In accordance with this development, A, B and C Companies including the headquarters, the Boat Section (Seksyen Perahu) and Helicopter Platoon were combined as one Task Force unit.

In conjunction with the 4th Anniversary of the Brunei Malay Regiment on 31st May 1965, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien granted the 'Royal' title to the Brunei Malay Regiment and since then, the Brunei Malay Regiment changed its name to the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. At the end of 1972, the organization of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was drafted again. The Task Force unit was divided into different small units, namely the First Battalion, a small navy at the time called the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment Flotilla and an Air Wing consisting of all rotor aircrafts, which exists until today. The First Battalion Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was the pioneer to the formation of the Royal Brunei Land Forces. The First Battalion at the time comprised of the Headquarters Company, A, B, C, D, E Companies and the Supporting Company under the command of Lieutenant Colonel J.F. Davis. Royal Brunei Malay Regiment flourished with the establishment of the Second Battalion on 2nd January 1975, at a temporary base in Bolkiah Camp. It was founded by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Indera Lieutenant Colonel Pengiran Dato Setia Ibnu bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong. The basic formation of the Second Battalion was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A. E. Hibbert. The Second Battalion moved to Tutong Camp on 10th May 1976.