30 April 2025
The Malayan Emergency of 1948 and the decade of guerrilla warfare that ensued gave rise to the establishment of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB), a legacy that Sergeant Joshua Taylor is proud to uphold and is personally connected to.
Born in Werribee, Victoria, but considering Canberra his true home, Sergeant Taylor has dedicated years to Army and serves as Platoon Sergeant, 8 Platoon Charlie Company, the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
The connection to Malaysia runs deeper than his current deployment on RCB, with his grandfather serving as part of the advance party for the Malayan Emergency in 1950 and later posting to Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth in 1958 for three years.
His grandfather enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force, carrying out a role in transport and supply, working with the Douglas C47 Dakota and de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou.
“It’s been a personal journey for me. I’ve had family members born in this location, and being here as a platoon sergeant feels likes a continuation of my family’s service,” Sergeant Taylor said.
RCB's 147th rotation has conducted live-fire training in challenging jungle conditions, testing the soldiers physically and mentally.
“The humidity is intense and the rain can be heavy,” Sergeant Taylor said. “However, our soldiers have flourished in honing their skills and it has been rewarding seeing them grow.
“The main thing I'm hoping we all take from this is to enjoy ourselves and, being in this region, it is a fantastic region that has a large culture and history to it.
“It is a privilege to be a part of the 55-year legacy of Rifle Company Butterworth and my own family’s legacy as well, it’s a massive achievement.
“Each day we contribute something greater than ourselves.”
