Boleh’s longstanding link with the Royal Engineers (the ‘Sappers’) took another step forward recently when 93 year old former Sapper officer, Colin Brown, was finally reunited with Boleh. Colin served with the Army in Malaya from 1948 to 1951 and, as a keen sailor, became very interested when he heard about the Boleh adventure. On return to the UK he named his first house after the saying “Boleh” (‘can do’ in Malay) and then saw the vessel in Salcombe and bought the ‘Boleh’ book in the early 1960’s. Two year’s ago Colin’s son contacted us, as his father was trying to reconnect with Boleh.
Despite Covid delays, and with the help of the Boleh team, this has finally been achieved – picture shows Colin alongside Boleh, flanked by son Ian with wife Felicity and daughter Claire. Ian told us his father was “most impressed with the fittings and quality of the finishes, and to see the Royal Engineers badge in the saloon. He reread the book before his visit and has talked of nothing else since, spending last week hunting through old photographs to find a picture of Boleh he took in Salcombe.” Ian added “My father did reprimand me following the visit saying everyone was pronouncing “Boleh” incorrectly. It should be pronounced “BULEH” (meaning not just ‘Can Do’ but a more positive – yes I ‘Can Do’).” Thank you Colin, we will take that onboard!
