Gary Belford

I originally went to the RAAF School Penang in 1963 when I was in (I think) Class 1H. I went to (again, I think) 2T in 1964. I spent time in 3rd class during 1965, before returning to Australia mid-year. As a kid, my memories of growing up in Penang were terrific. A younger brother (Mark) and sister (Julie) also attended the school. Our family lived at 6 Jesselton Avenue, Pulau Tikus (near the race course).

After finishing school I joined the RAAF (it was in the blood!). Of course, where else would I try for a posting, but back to Malaysia. I ended up in Malaysia and living on Penang between 1981 and 1984. Again, I had a ball. During that time I held a secondary appointment as the RAAF School Liaison Officer, so I had a fair bit to do with the school. I lived at 7 Jalan Ahmad Bin Kasa, Tanjong Bungah - about 10 minutes walk from the school.

I was fortunate to return to Malaysia for another tour between 1992 and 1994. By that time the school had closed, and was occupied by the TUDM. I moved into a house on Penang at 6 Jalan Scott, Pulau Tikus. By this time I had children of my own who attended school in Penang. All RAAF kids attended the International School at Pulau Tikus. My children speak with the same fondness I have, for living in Malaysia, and the wonderful experience it provided (my youngest daughter came back from Malaysia with an accent which was a cross between Japanese, Dutch, Chinese and a little Welsh thrown in for good measure).