Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Korean War

HI all,

I am really, really into the Korean Front now.
What do I like about Korean War ? Comradeship, and of course love at its best.
Need I say more ?

Here is another up and coming blockbuster. Road Number One.

Watch it in U-tube for now before its release.

Allen Lai


Friday, August 20, 2010

RELIC HUNTERS- THE SEARCH FOR KEM KAJANG

LAYOUT DISCUSSIONS
A couple of weeks ago an idea was mooted to visit the exact location of Kem Kajang. This is the place, if we recall where it all began in 1957 for the Malaysian Artillery. That day was a Saturday morning and the RV was along Jalan Bukit at the last known camp location. The team was headed by Dato'Jaafar himself with Dato' Hadi, Maj.Ganeson and yours truly. Two reliable guides were roped in to provide accurate historical perspectives - QM Hamid & QM Zahir.
Like true gunners, all were at the RV at the appointed time. Yes, we discovered that there is no trace whatsoever, of the camp. Straddling the road was a hardware yard on one side and on Lot 5 Seksyen 10 stood the New Era College.
So much for progress eradicating all traces of history. The least we could do was to record something. Then Dato' Hadi put pen to paper and the 'pioneers'started rattling away about the layout of the camp. After much discussion and corrections, based on sheer memory,a fairly accurate layout sketch revealed itself. "If only we had an old bird's eye view photo", I thought to myself.
Next on the agenda was to visit the Kampong Paya area, where it was recalled that some of the gunners rented homes to stay. A kind gentleman watching us loitering, invited us over to his nursery and treated us with snacks and drinks, whilst trading old stories. QM Zahir, being the typical host that he is, insisted that all arrangements has been made for a coffee break at his house, and no excuses shall be accepted. With little choice left, we convoyed to his home. A fantastic spread awaited us and more old stories came out from both QMs. My most memorable phrase was when Zahir recalled his Sergeant Major telling him as a gunner - "You Zahir, are like a lighted bulb, painted black on the outside- you will remain in the gunner rank with no future". We laughed out loud at the analogy and the misprediction as Zahir made it to Major(QM) rank when he retired. According to Zahir, it all started with good hand writing - that's another story which shall be told on our next outing. Any suggestions, anyone?
CAMP LOCATION NOW - GUNPARK SIDE
CAMP LOCATION- GUARD ROOM SIDE

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Legends of the patriots

Legends of the patriots


Hi all,

I am back, fighting fit. However I am grossly involved in viewing Legends of the Patriots on channel 303 on ASTRO. I believe most would have overlooked this beautiful Korean War movie, about the Korean war in the 1950s. I personally recommend everybody to view this 20 odd episodes of the movie. Scheduled for screening on prime time Saturdays and Sundays at 2020 hours and repeats on Fridays 1130 hours.

Watch it as it is highly recommended for those who do not know what fighting in a war all about. It is just not the fighting but also realities of life, heroism, love and most of all comradeship.

Enjoy the movie. Tell me if you don't like it.

Allen Lai

Thursday, August 5, 2010

HARI ULANG TAHUN KE 53 REJIMEN ARTILERI DIRAJA



It was a fine sunny Monday morning, and the gun salute roared in Gemas to announce the Gunners' Birthday Celebrations. This year the celebration was moved forward to 2nd August to accommodate the coming month of Ramadan. There was a festive mood filled with pomp and ceremony. The occasion is usually spread over a few days with other activities, but always culminates with the parade. The turnout of retirees was not that many as in previous years.Upon asking around I realised that it was a working Monday, hence many could not make it as they were also employed post retirement. Some regulars were sighted and also there were some I met who came for the first time. The serving officers and other ranks of the corps were gracious hosts, and made us very comfortable with their welcome. After the parade, we adjourned for a "jamuan ringan", where the cake cutting ceremony was held. After the formalities, there was the usual mingling and some time was spent on catching up between serving and retired members. The ladies too were out there in full force, dressed resplendently for the occassion. Someone suggested that a groupie should be done, and so it was. All in all it was a heart warming moment to be among your own. Looking forward to the next one , I guess. Meanwhile, turn up your speakers and enjoy the video clip of random shots.