Return to Limbang is the story of a hostage rescue in the small river town of Limbang in North Borneo (now Sarawak) in December 1962. It is a story that until now has been largely forgotten.

The producers and myself set out to tell the story and interviewed many of those who played leading roles in this tense drama who are alive today. Filmed on location in England and North Borneo the documentary combines breath taking views of Borneo and interviews with the rebel leader who took the hostages; some of the hostages, and members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

I accompanied three Royal Marine veterans as they return to Limbang. Forty years ago they had traveled up a dark river, to land just after dawn and free the hostages who were to be hanged that morning. Emotions run high as they recount the events of that day. Men on both sides were killed in the fierce fire fight. Now they are remembered by some of the survivors, who met in an act of reconciliation in Limbang, over 40 years later.

This is a outstanding story of a forgotten part of Britain’s post war military history, set in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, where people now live together in peace, harmony, and prosperity.

Julian Thompson
March 2005