These New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) troopers in Malaya, in 1957, are shown with a poster of wanted 'communist terrorists.' Trooper G. Nash (left) points to the picture of a communist who has just been shot by a patrol led by Lance-Corporal R. P. Withers (right). The Malayan 'Emergency' was a conflict that took place from 1948 through to 1960. Communist insurgents fought against the British and other Commonwealth forces, including Malayan government troops, after Malaya gained independence in 1957. Commonwealth forces referred to the insurgents as 'communist terrorists'. The SAS was formed in 1955, specifically to serve in Malaya. From 1956 through to 1958 the SAS successfully carried out anti-guerrilla operations. They were then replaced by soldiers of the New Zealand Regiment. The Malayan Emergency was declared over in 1960.