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Fort Legap Scenes - Part 1
Fort Legap (VE 12 13) was one of the 12 Police Field Force (PFF) Forts built as part of the government's anti Communist strategy during the Malayan Emergency. The objective being to win over the aborigines (Orang Asli or indigenous man) who were being controlled by the terrorists and thereby cut off the latter's supplies. This strategy was first put into operation by getting some of the local Orang Asli to assist in building the fort in return for payment. Built initially in 1952 Fort Legap was the first to be constructed in Perak.
On 22 May 1954, in order to assist the building of a landing strip for fixed wing aircraft, a tractor was flown in (in pieces) by a helicopter WV192, in seven separate sorties. It was then assembled on site. The result was said to be the tightest and most impressive of all the jungle air strips - according to OC Flying Wing RAF Kuala Lumpur.
These and the following pictures show several scenes at Fort Legap, manned by No 20 Police Field Force (PFF)
From left to right can be seen:
An aerial view of Fort Legap with a flare having been fired to provide guidance for an airdrop aircraft. At the clearing to the right of the smoke signal the Sungai Legap, a tributary, runs into the Sungai Plus.
The second picture shows Fort Legap in the final stage of construction and No 2 Platoon, PFF, is about to raise the flag.
Next, in the centre is Dara Singh who worked with the Department of the Protector of Aborigines in the Emergency, where he became closely associated with No 20 Company Federal Police Jungle Force. Here he is taking a well-deserved break with Platoon Commander, , during the construction of Fort Legap.
The next picture is of Jock Wilson (ex Scots Guards Regiment) who is about to raise the first flag over Fort Legap.
Finally, the picture on the right is of a helicopter on a mission to evacuate a wounded police officer.
Click here for Fort Legap Scenes, Part 2
Click here for Fort Legap Scenes, Part 3
To view details of Colonel A E Young and the strategy of the Jungle Forts, click here.
To read more about the Jungle Fort and Airstrips, click here.
For a short introduction to the Malayan Aborigines, click here.