Military Model Scene

Title: Borneo Stand-Off, Vol 1
Author: Adam Davis
Publisher: Helion & Co
ISBN: 978-1-804510-19-3

Volume 1: Seeds of the Confrontation and the Brunei Revolt of 1962, number 44 in the Asia @ War series from Helion & Co. A 54-page soft-cover book in the usual style for this series, with interesting text, plenty of archive images and a section of colour artwork in the middle of the book, featuring aircraft, ground vehicles, uniforms and a map of the region.
This one starts with the situation in Malaya immediately after WW2. Faced with plenty of challenges around the world, Britain was planning to allow Malaysia to establish its' independence. It explains the challenges it faced, from internal rebellion from nationalists and communist groups, and how the guerrilla warfare was countered. The rebels were pushed back into the jungle and how the battle for 'hearts and minds' succeeded. That wasn't the end of things though, as there was still the matter of securing access to the important naval base of Singapore. On the island of Borneo there were sultanates which were also being encouraged to join the wider grouping of the new Malaysia. Opposition in the small state of Brunei rebelled, but once again that was put down by the British Army. The volume is left with the start of a new conflict with their neighbours, Indonesia. This was to be known as the Konfrontasi (Confrontation), between the new Malaysia and the Indonesia of Sukarno, a very different style of ruler.
The success of the British army in Malaysia, their success in winning the 'hearts and minds of the population is neatly explained, along with the many challenges they faced in establishing the new country. Many modellers and Cold War enthusiasts will enjoy the equipment seen throughout the photos and artwork in this one, with helicopters such as the Whirlwind, Wessex and Belvedere, aircraft such as the Beverley, Javelin and Hunter, along with armoured vehicles such as Saladin, FH70, Ferret and Saracen. I found it a very interesting read and look forward to seeing volume 2 to discover what happened next.
Thanks to Helion & Co for the review copy.

Robin