BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Australian High Commission donated a collection of historical photographs from the 1945 Operation Oboe Allied military campaign to the Brunei Darussalam National Archives during a ceremony on Tuesday (Nov 11) at the Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja.
High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam Michael Hoy handed over the collection to the National Archives through Acting Director of Museums Pengiran Rosli Halus. The handover was witnessed by guest of honour, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Siti Norkhalbi Wahsalfelah.
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in Australia-Brunei relations, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Operation Oboe, the Allied campaign that played a pivotal role in the liberation of Borneo and laid the foundation for enduring ties between the two nations.
High Commissioner Hoy highlighted the importance of the gift, saying, “This collection captures a key moment in Australia and Brunei Darussalam’s shared history. The eyewitness photos provide a vivid impression of the profound impact of the war and Operation Oboe on both the local population and Australian soldiers. Through this gift, Australia is honoured to contribute to Brunei’s preservation and understanding of its history.”
Operation Oboe, Australia’s largest ever amphibious landing, involved over 75,000 Australian soldiers transported on 250 US and Australian navy ships, supported by aircraft and Special Forces from Australia and the United Kingdom.
On June 10, 1945, more than 30,000 Australian troops landed in Muara and Labuan, advancing towards Brunei Town, Kuala Belait, and Limbang. Within a week, Australian forces had secured the former British Residency, received Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, and ended three years of warfare for Bruneians.
The high commissioner acknowledged the campaign’s human cost, noting that 127 Australian and 42 US servicemen lost their lives during the liberation of Brunei and Labuan.
“This collection provides a direct window into the challenges and sacrifices of that period,” he added.
Quoting Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Hoy said, “It was the arrival of Australian forces that signalled the end of World War II for us. This has inevitably created a very special bond of affection and respect between us.”
He added that the bond continues today through ongoing cooperation with His Majesty’s Government for a peaceful and prosperous region.
The photographs were previously featured in the exhibition Saksi Sejarah – 80 Years On: Remembering Operation Oboe in Brunei’s History, organised by the Australian High Commission in June 2025.
The donation forms part of ongoing efforts to preserve Brunei Darussalam’s historical narrative, enriching the National Archives’ holdings and supporting research, education, and public awareness for future generations.
The 80th anniversary of Operation Oboe coincides with Remembrance Day, underscoring the shared history and enduring friendship between Australia and Brunei Darussalam. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
