Hallam, Kelvin Walter

Collection relating to TX16283 Sergeant (Sgt) Kelvin Walter Hallam, who served with Z Special Unit in Borneo during the Second World War. Comprises two original letters handwritten by Sgt Hallam to Mr Alan Wood, and one black and white photocopy of a citation recommending Sgt Hallam to be considered for Mentioned in Despatches (MID). Written in June and July 1984, the letters provide a personal summary of SEMUT I and II operations in the Bario region of the Kelabit highlands, British North Borneo, including a description of unit activities and names of numerous servicemen, Dayak activities against the Japanese, and comments on senior officers. Details include the friendly joking between Australian Z Special Unit soldiers and the local Kenyah and Kelabit Dayak peoples, who are described by Sgt Hallam as being 'wonderful people with fantastic senses of humour'. Letters also include information about two Japanese who were taken following the capture of Long Lama station and their treatment as prisoners of war. The citation was written by Major R.K Wilson, of the British Army, but Sgt Hallam states it was never acknowledged by the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD), Australia.