Borneo: The Secret War

Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Peter Duffell tells the story of Britain’s war in Borneo, drawing on his experiences as a rifle company commander during the conflict.

The Indonesian Confrontation (1963-66) was one of Britain’s most secretive post-war operations. Fought deep within the jungles of Borneo, it relied heavily upon the skill and endurance of British, Gurkha and Commonwealth troops using the difficult terrain to their advantage.

In this talk, Sir Peter will reflect on his front-line experiences, including clandestine operations conducted inside enemy territory, and examine the political and military challenges faced during the conflict.

Sixty years on from the end of the Confrontation, he will reveal how this little-known war became one of Britain’s most successful campaigns.

About the speaker

Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Peter Duffell was commissioned into the 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles in 1960. As a young company commander in Borneo, he led his soldiers in several secret and hazardous operations inside Indonesian territory.