Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Jeffrey Edward AYLES (1940-2022)

by LTCOL Martin Hamilton-Smith

Jeff joined the army from SA as a national serviceman in May 1959 and made the army his life, navigating his way through 16 National Service Training Battalion and 1 RTB and the Infantry Centre to 1st Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) in 1961, where he served as a rifleman and assault pioneer. A year later he was selected for 1 Special Air Service Company then part of the RAR and he stayed with the unit as it evolved into the Special Air Service Regiment in 1964.

When the Sukarno regime in Indonesia threatened the formation of Malaysia in the mid 60s period known as 'Konfrontasi' or Confontation, Britain, Australia and New Zealand answered the call to defend the fledgling State. Jeff deployed with 2 SAS Sqn into the jungles of Borneo- Kalimantan.

The terrain was steep and rugged, patrols were inserted by helicopters or by abseiling through the jungle canopy. Patrols lasted weeks.

Everything had to be carried on the soldiers' back. Efforts were made to win the hearts and minds of natives in remote villages while avoiding the well-armed enemy. Their aim was deep reconnaissance, to avoid contact with the enemy but to learn as much as possible about them.  Mosquitoes, leeches, sand flies and the dangers of the jungle were omnipresent and as much a threat as the armed enemy. Operations were conducted on both sides of the border; Lives were lost in action but there were other dangers. Two of Jeff's SAS comrades drowned on patrol, while  crossing wild rivers, one was fatally gored by an elephant. Death was never far away, always at hand.

Jeff returned to the SASR’s base in Swanbourne WA safely, after his operational tour of duty to the relief of his wife Denise and family. He was posted back to SA as ARA instructional staff to the 10th Battalion RSAR in 1967 until being called to Vietnam in 1970-71 to the staff of HQ Australian Forces Vietnam. Jeff returned to SA and left the ARA in 1972 to continue his service with the Citizens Military Forces. 

Jeff served as a rifleman, assault pioneer, Regimental Duty NCO, Company Sergeant Major, Instructor, and later as a Company second in command and Company Commander.

The SAS Association SA Branch remembers Jeff as a great soldier, a beloved comrade, and a good mate. Always there to help, to assist and to give others a hand Jeff was a humble soul, who put others first. 

Jeff’s children Susan and Karen, grandchildren and extended family can proudly remember a father and grandfather who served them and his nation with courage and honor, in the finest tradition of ANZAC; a champion of the values all Australians hold dear. Jeff, you gave far more than you ever sought. We your comrades on behalf of a grateful nation, salute you and thank you for your service. Rest in peace friend, your duty done.