Before a bomber could land or take off an air strip had to be built.

In 1955, Corporal Kevin Le Fevre was a member of No 2 Airfield Construction Squadron sent to Butterworth to build an additional airstrip at the existing airfield which had been established by the RAAF during World War II. This was Australia's biggest overseas construction project.

Kevin Le Fevre recalls the halcyon days he and his mates spent in the area during the airfield construction.

"We moved immediately to Butterworth where we began constructing the airstrip. It was very hot work.

"Our first impressions of our accommodation were not favourable. However, we soon found they were perfect for the climate and proved surprisingly comfortable.

"At the time there was much activity in Malaya as the country prepared for the big step of gaining independence from British rule. Great changes were taking place and all this proved fascinating stuff for we Aussies who had little experience of how a foreign country functioned.

"The native people were at all times friendly and hard working. Local labour was used quite extensively at the strip construction site and on the base. They worked as kitchen hands and cooks, labourers and as domestic staff who cleaned our bashas, one boy being responsible for two huts. The houseboy we had was called Sabtu and he quickly became our friend as well as a worker."

CORPORAL KEVIN LE FEVRE

"In Singapore the Christian Churches had set up a leave centre called 'The Sandy Soldiers Home'.

"When we went on leave this was a convenient place to stay. It was cheap, very clean, and homely.

However, there was a 23.00 hours curfew at 'Sandy' and if you were not in your bed when the curfew came you'd be locked out. We were always served an early morning cuppa and this was when a headcount was carried out. Woe betide you if you were an absentee, you had to give a good explanation. This was not an RAAF regulation just a condition of residence at 'Sandy'. Still it was a good place to stay and was never short of fellas looking for a bed.

"Tourism had not yet come to Singapore so we were able to observe the native population unspoilt as yet by commercialism. Religious festivals were frequent and a great chance to see how the various religions paid homage to their own gods. Muslims were the predominant ones, yet Tamil ceremonies were the most colourful.

"All RAAF personnel were given a one-off cash allowance for purchase of extra clothing appropriate to the climate. Since we were not permitted to wear our uniform at any time when off duty, this allowance was much appreciated. Malayan floral shirts were cheap and comfortable and very cool to wear."