Voices from The

The war meant that manyThe young war meantPapua Newthat manyGuinean young men Papua had toNew leave Guinean their villages. men had They to leave were their employed villages. by Theythe were employed by the Contact Australians and AmericansAustralians to work and as carriers, Americans medical to work orderlies, as carriers, police, medical cooks andorderlies, in other police, service cooks jobs. and Sometimes in other this service jobs. Sometimes this Kokoda [email protected] lasted until the war ended.lasted Thousands until the of war young ended. men Thousands were also ofrecruited young men into were the Papuan also recruited Infantry into Battalion the Papuan (PIB), Infantry Battalion (PIB), www.environment.gov.au/heritage/international-projects/papua-new-guineathe New GuineaVOICES Infantrythe Battalions New Guinea VOICESand Infantry other FROM units. Battalions For them, and the other warFROMTHE units. involved For fightingthem, WAR the in war theirTHE involved own districts fighting WAR and in theirin own districts and in many other places aroundmanyPapua Papua other NewNew places GuineanGuinea. around storiesPapua Papua of NewNewthe Kokoda GuineanGuinea. Campaign stories of, Worldthe Kokoda War Two Campaign, World War Two DISCLAIMER: Australian War Memorial The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of photograph reference numbers the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government or the PNG Minister for Environment 4 151021 and Conservation, or the Australian Government or the Australian THE KOKODA THE KOKODA 5 026312 Minister for the Environment. 8 016540 9 (Left) 069274 TRACK 9 (Right) OG2749 © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia, 2015 TRACKGONA GONA 10 016541 SANANANDA SANANANDA 11 013002 BUNA BUNA 12 025970 The war 13meant (Top) that100601 many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages. They were employed by the Voices from the war – Papua New Guinean stories of the Kokoda Australians13 (Bottom) and 100443Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this Campaign, World War Two is licensed by the Commonwealth lasted until14 the war060203 ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited into the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), KOKODA STATION of Australia for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 WAIROPI POPONDETTA KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA the New 15GuineaVOICES Infantry072448 Battalions and otherFROM units. For them, the warTHE involved fighting WAR in their own districts and in Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the many other16 places013641 around PapuaPapua New New Guinea. Guinean , World War Two Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible DENIKI DENIKI 17 151027 stories of the Kokoda Campaign GORARI GORARI for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and OIVI OIVI 18 030258/10 ISURAVA ISURAVA any images depicting people. For licence conditions see: https:// 19 026367 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 EORA EORA 20 014028 MT BELLAMY MT BELLAMY 23 0069215 24 006217 Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights 25 073366 MENARI EFOGI MENARI EFOGI should be addressed to the Department of the Environment, Public 26 (Inset) 015013 Affairs, GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 or email public.affairs@ 26 (Main) 015942 The war meant that many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages.NAURO They wereNAURO employed by the environment.gov.au 28 076122 IORIBAIWA IORIBAIWA 29 016117 IMITA RIDGE CITATION: IMITA RIDGE 30 060901 OWERS CORNER Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies,Kokoda Initiative 2015, Voices from the war – Papua New Guinean police, cooksOWERS CORNER and in other service jobs. Sometimes31 013614 this 32 026014 stories of the Kokoda Campaign, World War Two, a joint publication SOGERI SOGERI 33 013257 of the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia. 34 151018 PORT MORESBY lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited PORTinto MORESBY the Papuan Infantry Battalion35 (PIB),079614 IMAGE CREDITS (FRONT) 37 076605 Carriers and troops crossing the Brown River between Nauro and 38 013156 the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For Menari,them, Kokoda (Australian War Memorial, 1942)the war involved fighting in their own districts and in ISBN 978-1-921733-99-4 many other places around Papua New Guinea. 4 54 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government or the PNG Minister for Environment and Conservation, or the Australian Government or the Australian THE KOKODA Minister for the Environment.

SANANANDA BUNA The war meant that many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages. They were employed by the Voices from the war – Papua New Guinean stories of the Kokoda Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this Campaign, World War Two is licensed by the Commonwealth lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited into the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), of Australia for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA the New GuineaVOICES Infantry Battalions and otherFROM units. For them, the warTHE involved fighting WAR in their own districts and in Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the many other places around PapuaPapua New New Guinea. Guinean , World War Two Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible DENIKI stories of the Kokoda Campaign GORARI for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and OIVI ISURAVA any images depicting people. For licence conditions see: https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 EORA MT BELLAMY

Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights EFOGI should be addressed to the Department of the Environment, Public MENARI Affairs, GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 or email public.affairs@ NAURO environment.gov.au IORIBAIWA IMITA RIDGE CITATION: OWERS CORNER Kokoda Initiative 2015, Voices from the war – Papua New Guinean stories of the Kokoda Campaign, World War Two, a joint publication SOGERI of the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia. PORT MORESBY IMAGE CREDITS (FRONT) Carriers and troops crossing the Brown River between Nauro and Menari, Kokoda (Australian War Memorial, 1942)

ISBN 978-1-921733-99-4

4 Message from the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Seventy-five years ago, soldiers from Papua Today, we live in a modernising country that is joined with soldiers from Australia and other generations away from the death and sacrifice of allied nations in stopping the invasion of our soil World War II. from the North. As a nation, Papua New Guinea expresses its Through austere conditions, terrible sacrifice gratitude to those who gave their all so that our and many demonstrations of true comradery countries could have a future that was free. To all between men and women of different cultures soldiers who took up arms from Papua, Australia and background, our people built the foundations and all contributing countries, to the Papuan porters that are an important part of Papua New Guinea who carried the injured from the battlefield to and Australian relations today. medical care, and to the communities who suffered along the trail, we thank them for their sacrifice and The seventy-fifth anniversary edition of “Voices we celebrate their heroism. Connections and relationships from the War – Papua New Guinea Stories of the between peoples are sadly often Kokoda Campaign” provides great insight into formed through war and conflict. the relationship between soldiers and civilians. It provides us with greater understanding of the pain and the sacrifice that fell upon them in horrible conditions on the Kokoda Trail. Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP The death, the injury and the sickness that Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea occurred along the trail were experiences no man, woman or child should ever experience. But in those days, seventy-five years ago, many communities and villages were immersed in war and this changed their lives forever.

ii VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO iii Message from the Prime Minister of Australia

The fighting was some of the most vicious It is, therefore a great honour to launch a special experienced by our troops in the Second World 75th anniversary edition of Voices from the War. War in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Government. This book preserves Papua New The 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign Guineans’ stories of the Kokoda campaign for future provides an opportunity to reflect on this period generations and makes an important contribution in our country’s past, and remember those who to the history of the war. It is through deeds such as fought and died in the desperate battle in Papua. those described in these stories that we have forged It is also a time to remember the heroic the close and enduring bonds between our two contributions of our Papua New Guinean countries. neighbours. Indeed, Kokoda is a monument to the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice Between July and November that both Australians and Papuans displayed in 1942, Australian, Papuan this time of immense peril. and Japanese soldiers fought The story of Kokoda is often told from an a deadly struggle along Australian perspective, which means that few the Kokoda Trail, which people have heard it from the Papuan side. The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP crosses the precipitous Papuan Infantry Battalion, for example, fought Prime Minister of Australia Owen Stanley Range. gallantly to stem the Japanese advance on Kokoda. And Papuans carried or helped sick and wounded Australians from the front lines to safety. Without them, Australian casualties would have borne greater suffering and fewer would have survived.

ii VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO iii Foreword

Recording stories from the Kokoda campaign 1 Those stories of the many Papua New Guineans This exercise should have been done years ago who were involved in the war along the Track when our heroes and heroines of the war were The Oral History Project 1 have become marginalised, muted, suppressed still alive. We are now witnessing an accelerated World War Two in Papua New Guinea 4 or repressed and are often not brought into phase of history in which the present is rapidly mainstream history or public light. It was as moving into the past and a good part of what we The Kokoda campaign 6 if the war was not theirs and they were know will disappear from memory and history. incidental actors. War comes to Papua New Guinea 9 We are therefore grateful to the Australian In reading the many accounts of the battle, Government in responding to this predicament Life on the bases 12 the Papua New Guinean participation only and supporting this project through funding and ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ – The carriers’ stories 16 seems to become interesting with the episodic professional expertise. We are proud that this The Oral History Project was originally appearances of the God-sent Fuzzy Wuzzy publication, which begins to tell the Papua New A brother’s love 19 conceived as a vital element in the Angels, who have over time come to typify that Guinea story, will be available to school children very special bond between Papua New Guineans and students as well as international audiences. The story of George Whittington 21 management of the Kokoda Track. and Australians during the war. But the war We hope that this initiative will encourage people Papuan Infantry Battalion 24 We recognised the importance of keeping alive was traumatising, cruel, divisive and ultimately, to learn about our history, inspire historical the stories that give the Track its historical transformative for our nation. The technology introspection within our people, and reinforce A policeman’s duty 28 value and significance. However, so far people of war along with the rapid mobilisation of men, the value of telling our stories. supplies and ammunition was radically altering. ‘The home front’ – The stories of the women and children 30 from outside of Papua New Guinea, notably Australians, Americans and Japanese have Papua New Guineans were divided, and fought The end of the war 34 dominated these stories. against and amongst themselves as much as The making of modern Papua New Guinea 38 for and against the military powers that they CONTENTS were serving. The stories about the involvement The roll of honour: people who shared their stories 39 of Papua New Guineans have been misplaced Dr Andrew Moutu over time and this project is the first of its kind Director to recover and preserve what can be captured National Museum and Art Gallery Abbreviations before all is lost to history and to memory.

ANGAU Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit PIB Papuan Infantry Battalion SDA Seventh-day Adventist (Church) iv VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO v Foreword

The Oral History Project The research team included Professor John Waiko as senior historical adviser and ‘The war on the track lasted for 3 years From April to September 2014 a group war historian Mr Maclaren Hiari, as well from 1942 to 1945, when I was a young man of Papua New Guinean and Australian as Mr Didymus Gerald, Mr Hennington at the age of 14 ... All these stories are not researchers visited villages and other places Horewo, Mr Soda Ihania, Pastor Lepsy Koia, forgotten, they are all fresh in my mind’. in Northern and Central Provinces to record Ms Cathy Langu, Mr Javith Lowland Abavu, interviews with men and women about their Mr Barnabas Orere, and Ms Elizabeth Hawala Laula, Kagi experiences during World War Two. Taulehebo. Dr Jonathan Ritchie, a researcher from Deakin University in Australia who was The stories about the Australians, Americans, born and grew up in Papua New Guinea, and Japanese soldiers who fought in Papua coordinated the project. The project was New Guinea during World War Two are well supported by the Australian Government known. However, many people do not know through the Kokoda Initiative. Cathy Langu interviews Seba Orogu at Karakadabu-Depo the stories about the Papua New Guineans (J. Ritchie, 2014) who lived through the war. The purpose of More than seventy interviews were recorded this project has been to record their stories with women and men in Northern and Central so that Papua New Guinea’s children, and Provinces. The research team visited, in order: their children and grandchildren, will know Hanau, Deboin, Kokoda Primary School, about this time. Beama, Popondetta and Kovelo in Northern Province, and Kagi and Karakadabu-Depo in Central Province. Interviews were also held at the National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby.

Lomas Tomu Ani shares his story as others listen at Hanau (J. Ritchie, 2014)

vi VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 1 RECORDING STORIES FROM THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN

Lomas Tomu Ani shares his story as others listen at Hanau (J. Ritchie, 2014)

vi VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 1 Some of the interviews were with senior men and women who were alive during World War DEBOIN Two and could tell their own stories. But this Map war is now seventy years ago. Sadly, there are not many people alive today who have Interview locations in Northern and memories of that time. Most of the interviews Central Provinces GONA were with the children and grandchildren of the old people who are not living any more, SANANANDA but they were very proud to be able to tell their BUNA bubus’ stories. HANAU Staff at the Papua New Guinea National KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA Museum and Art Gallery are carefully Dr John Waiko (left) and Dr Jonathan Ritchie (right) with KOVELO looking after the interview recordings. Family Hawala Laula, a carrier, Kagi (J. Ritchie, 2014) BEAMA DENIKI members, and all Papua New Guineans, will GORARI OIVI be able to listen to them now and in the future. ISURAVA The memories of the men and women who took EORA part in the war as carriers, soldiers, sailors, MT BELLAMY police, and in many other roles are extremely KAGI important. Recording these memories has MENARI EFOGI helped to shine a light on the time when World War Two came to Papua New Guinea. NAURO IORIBAIWA KARAKADABU - DEPO IMITA RIDGE

OWERS CORNER SOGERI

‘My young generation and all the children of this village Sarah Sau Hiari shares her story at Kokoda PORT MORESBY must listen to the story I am going to tell ... You have not (J. Ritchie 2014) heard my story about the Second World War before. So now open your ears and listen’. Claude Gegera Peututu, a carrier, Deboin (J. Ritchie 2014)

2 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 3 Some of the interviews were with senior men and women who were alive during World War DEBOIN Two and could tell their own stories. But this Map war is now seventy years ago. Sadly, there are not many people alive today who have Interview locations in Northern and memories of that time. Most of the interviews Central Provinces GONA were with the children and grandchildren of the old people who are not living any more, SANANANDA but they were very proud to be able to tell their BUNA bubus’ stories. HANAU Staff at the Papua New Guinea National KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA Museum and Art Gallery are carefully Dr John Waiko (left) and Dr Jonathan Ritchie (right) with KOVELO looking after the interview recordings. Family Hawala Laula, a carrier, Kagi (J. Ritchie, 2014) BEAMA DENIKI members, and all Papua New Guineans, will GORARI OIVI be able to listen to them now and in the future. ISURAVA The memories of the men and women who took EORA part in the war as carriers, soldiers, sailors, MT BELLAMY police, and in many other roles are extremely KAGI important. Recording these memories has MENARI EFOGI helped to shine a light on the time when World War Two came to Papua New Guinea. NAURO IORIBAIWA KARAKADABU - DEPO IMITA RIDGE

OWERS CORNER SOGERI

2 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 3 World War Two in Papua New Guinea Looking across the Kokoda area (Australian War Memorial, 1942)

World War Two in the Pacific began on Thousands of young men were also recruited 7 December, 1941 when the Japanese attacked into the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the the American base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. New Guinea Infantry Battalion and other units. Soon after this Papua New Guinea was drawn For them, the war involved fighting in their into the fighting, with Japanese forces landing own districts and in many other places around at Rabaul and Kavieng in January 1942. The Papua New Guinea. first of many bombing raids on Port Moresby took place in early February, and in March the Many women worked at the bases, barracks, Japanese captured Lae and Salamaua. hospitals and other facilities that looked after the Australian and American soldiers at places The Japanese army occupied large parts of like Oro Bay and Sogeri. With the men from the Papua New Guinea from 1942 until the war villages away, the women and children also had ended in August 1945. For the people who lived to take on many of their daily tasks. in the New Guinea islands and Madang, Morobe, Sepik and Sandaun Provinces, the war involved The war had a big impact, especially in those living under occupation by the Japanese. This districts where there were battles between the was very difficult: people’s lives were often in Japanese and the Australians and Americans. danger from air raids against the Japanese The only way for people in these areas to survive occupiers, and as the war went on there was a was to leave their villages and hide in caves shortage of food. and other secret places. Often they returned to find their houses and gardens destroyed by the The war meant that many young Papua New fighting. With many young men away, this made Guinean men had to leave their villages. the lives of the women, children, and old people They were employed by the Australians and very hard. Americans to work as carriers, medical This is what happened in many parts of Local carriers assist wounded Australian soliders waiting orderlies, police, cooks and in other service for evacuation (G. Silk, 1942) jobs. Sometimes this lasted until the Northern and Central Provinces, where the war ended. fighting in the Kokoda campaign and on the plains at Gona, Buna and Sanananda was most fierce. Looking across the Kokoda area (Australian War Memorial, 1942)

4 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 5 World War Two in Papua New Guinea Looking across the Kokoda area (Australian War Memorial, 1942)

4 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 5 The Kokoda campaign

The Kokoda campaign was very important The Kokoda campaign was a terrible 21 July 1942 Japanese forces land in Gona area; Papuan Infantry Battalion involved in the evacuation for the people interviewed in this project. to Sangara and first engagements with the Japanese forces (23 July) introduction to the war for many people from It began with the Japanese landing at Gona Northern and Central Provinces. When this on 21 July 1942, and lasted until the Japanese 29 July–10 August 1942 Battles for Kokoda; Papuan Infantry Battalion involved in defending this area as part of campaign ended, some people thought the war Maroubra force were defeated at Sanananda on 23 January was over as well. But the fighting in Papua New 1943. During those six months there was 26–31 August 1942 Stand at Isurava; Papuan Infantry Battalion units operating behind Japanese lines in Guinea went on until the Japanese surrendered bitter fighting that spread from the northern Ambasi area on 15 August 1945. coastline as far as Ioribaiwa, only forty 31 August – 5 September 1942 Japanese forces advance past Isurava to Templeton’s Crossing; Papuan Infantry Battalion kilometres from Port Moresby. withdrawn to regroup in Sogeri area and assist with evacuation of wounded The people who were interviewed for this project have told stories of what happened as the war 6–9 September 1942 Australian forces pushed back at Efogi (battles of Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill) Here are some of the main actions from the went on in other parts of Papua New Guinea like Kokoda campaign, from start to finish: Morobe, Sepik, New Britain and Bougainville. 14–16 September 1942 Japanese forces reach Ioribaiwa Ridge; furthest point of Japanese advance They have also told stories about what it was like living alongside thousands of Australian and 26 September 1942 Japanese forces start to withdraw American soldiers for all that time.

13–28 October 1942 Action at Eora Creek / Templeton’s Crossing which leads to the defeat of Japanese forces; Some of these stories have been put Papuan Infantry Battalion units operating behind Japanese lines at Opi River and Wairopi together in this book.

2 November 1942 Australian forces re-enter Kokoda

4–11 November 1942 Japanese forces defeated at Oivi-Gorari

November 1942 Many carriers who were brought from New Britain by the Japanese forces desert; most later serve in the Papuan Infantry Battalion with distinction

19 November 1942–22 January 1943 Battle of the Beachheads: attacks on Gona, Buna, and Sanananda by Australian and American forces; Papuan Infantry Battalion units operating to prevent Japanese retreating on inland paths

23 January 1943 Formal end of Japanese occupation in Papua; Papuan Infantry Battalion continues to patrol against Japanese retreating towards Morobe.

6 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 7 The Kokoda campaign

2 November 1942 Australian forces re-enter Kokoda

4–11 November 1942 Japanese forces defeated at Oivi-Gorari

November 1942 Many carriers who were brought from New Britain by the Japanese forces desert; most later serve in the Papuan Infantry Battalion with distinction

23 January 1943 Formal end of Japanese occupation in Papua; Papuan Infantry Battalion continues to patrol against Japanese retreating towards Morobe.

6 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 7 War comes to Papua New Guinea

I [Redmond Manuda] was doing grade three Preparation for the war had begun before the when the Japanese ... began landing its Japanese forces landed at Gona. Recruiting troops at Gona on 4.45pm on July 21 1942. local people to join the war effort was an ... when the people saw the Japanese boats important part of this preparation: approaching the shore close to the nearby reef they ran into the bushes. Before the war, the whiteman by the name of Misikani made the survey from the track Mavis Manuda Tongia, Popondetta1 for the war to start. … He came … to Kagi collecting names of the brave men who will join the war as carriers and labourers. My father was one of the persons who was recruited from the program ….

Jerry Dimuda, Kagi village

Most of our young people … were recruited by Constable Sebastian Goro, on the behalf of the American and Australian forces to Men working for the Royal Australia Air Force hanging out provide labour for those two Allied forces. laundry, Port Moresby (J.T. Harrison, 1944) Our grandfathers were recruited on the behalf of the engineering - American engineering and Australian engineering units to construct roads, and bridges, and also airstrips that serve the aircraft during the World War Two.

United States troops landing at Biamu village during the Carson Hanana, Hanau village advance of Japanese forces occupying the Buna-Gona- Sanananda areas [Australian War Memorial, 1942]

1 This information gives the name of the person interviewed and where they were living at the time of the interview (based on the recorded address for correspondence). Young men being recruited by a village leader for a Papuan brass band, part of the brass a Papuan for by a village leader men being recruited Young (G.H. Short, 1943) Battalion Infantry Papuan

8 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 9 War comes to Papua New Guinea

Jerry Dimuda, Kagi village

United States troops landing at Biamu village during the Carson Hanana, Hanau village advance of Japanese forces occupying the Buna-Gona- Sanananda areas [Australian War Memorial, 1942]

8 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 9 One young man was plucked from a tree when Some young men went against their family’s The local recruits played an important role in [The] ANGAU officers told the Papuan people he was recruited by the American army: wishes so they could join in the war, like many helping to communicate with local people: that they must help Australian soldiers to underage young men around the world: fight and stop the Japanese from taking [When the war started] my dad was with his Because our father had received some basic our land. ... My father and other Papuans parents who fled into … the bushes … We, the My father was the carrier himself with the education, our father was identified by the were angry when they heard the story that Melanesians, were used to chewing betelnut. others … He couldn’t use his proper name Oga Australian army, where he was recruited [as Japanese were fighting to take our Papuan So … when [my dad’s Dad] did not chew Bobogi because fearing his two elder brothers a] translator. His role was basically to assist people’s land. These Papuan carriers told betelnut, he was very sick. So my dad came who were also the carriers. He was only the with translations between Australian armies ANGAU officers that they did not like the and then he asked his dad why he was sick … last born in the family, so they said ‘You won’t and the native people. Japanese to take away their land, because his dad … said ‘Oh, my son. … I did not chew take part in that’ … but being a grown up Recks Ea’ah, Bereadabu village their land supplied all the needs of many betelnut for so long, which is making me very person, he felt that he wants to be because generations of natives of this land. These sick’. So [my father] decided that he would go the war was on and he wants to be in that. Local recruits were motivated by promises that Papuan carriers further told ANGAU officers and find the betelnut for his dad. Jack Oga, Naimunu 2 village their lives would get better after the war if they that they would support white soldiers to So, poor fellow, he took off. … before coming helped the Australians and Americans win the fight, and chase the Japanese away. to the spot where the betelnut was growing Other young boys could not pass the war against the Japanese: recruitment tests: Charles Ofa, Kamondo village ... he hid under the bushes, and he spied that All the recruited young people from Oro there were soldiers all around. So quickly When the recruitment of carriers was taken sat down - on the runway, and they were he … started climbing the betelnut tree. ... in June 1942 by Claude Champion, the ANGAU encouraged by the Australians, saying that When he was right at the top, touching his [Australian New Guinea Administrative after this war, if they win, they’ll be like white Carriers walked long distances carrying heavy loads of supplies and equipment (D.P. Parer, 1942) hand to pull this betelnut down, there was Unit] officer, my dad … he marched up to be men. This was the motivation that they’d an American soldier who was underneath recruited. But in that time when they were given, and they dress like Europeans, eat like the betelnut tree, who shouted and said ‘Hey doing the selection … the officer had to size European and sleep like European. People Joe, come down!’. ‘Hey Joe, come down!’. ... them by getting the hand over the ear. Those would know how to drive, and this was how When he got down, that very moment he was who had their earlobe touching their hand ... they would motivate them, that their work as Children in a local village (G.H. Short, 1943) being recruited. That is when he started his were recruited, and in his case, his hand could [a] carrier was very important for this war. mission. … that was the last time for him to not touch his earlobe, so he was quite young say goodbye to the parents. [He did not see and he was sent off. Lindsay Farari, Ombisusu village them again until after the war]. Stella Harika, Saga village Bernard Oanda, Barisari village

10 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 11 One young man was plucked from a tree when Some young men went against their family’s The local recruits played an important role in [The] ANGAU officers told the Papuan people he was recruited by the American army: wishes so they could join in the war, like many helping to communicate with local people: that they must help Australian soldiers to underage young men around the world: fight and stop the Japanese from taking [When the war started] my dad was with his Because our father had received some basic our land. ... My father and other Papuans parents who fled into … the bushes … We, the My father was the carrier himself with the education, our father was identified by the were angry when they heard the story that Melanesians, were used to chewing betelnut. others … He couldn’t use his proper name Oga Australian army, where he was recruited [as Japanese were fighting to take our Papuan So … when [my dad’s Dad] did not chew Bobogi because fearing his two elder brothers a] translator. His role was basically to assist people’s land. These Papuan carriers told betelnut, he was very sick. So my dad came who were also the carriers. He was only the with translations between Australian armies ANGAU officers that they did not like the and then he asked his dad why he was sick … last born in the family, so they said ‘You won’t and the native people. Japanese to take away their land, because his dad … said ‘Oh, my son. … I did not chew take part in that’ … but being a grown up Recks Ea’ah, Bereadabu village their land supplied all the needs of many betelnut for so long, which is making me very person, he felt that he wants to be because generations of natives of this land. These sick’. So [my father] decided that he would go the war was on and he wants to be in that. Local recruits were motivated by promises that Papuan carriers further told ANGAU officers and find the betelnut for his dad. Jack Oga, Naimunu 2 village their lives would get better after the war if they that they would support white soldiers to So, poor fellow, he took off. … before coming helped the Australians and Americans win the fight, and chase the Japanese away. to the spot where the betelnut was growing Other young boys could not pass the war against the Japanese: recruitment tests: Charles Ofa, Kamondo village ... he hid under the bushes, and he spied that All the recruited young people from Oro there were soldiers all around. So quickly When the recruitment of carriers was taken sat down - on the runway, and they were he … started climbing the betelnut tree. ... in June 1942 by Claude Champion, the ANGAU encouraged by the Australians, saying that When he was right at the top, touching his [Australian New Guinea Administrative after this war, if they win, they’ll be like white Carriers walked long distances carrying heavy loads of supplies and equipment (D.P. Parer, 1942) hand to pull this betelnut down, there was Unit] officer, my dad … he marched up to be men. This was the motivation that they’d an American soldier who was underneath recruited. But in that time when they were given, and they dress like Europeans, eat like the betelnut tree, who shouted and said ‘Hey doing the selection … the officer had to size European and sleep like European. People Joe, come down!’. ‘Hey Joe, come down!’. ... them by getting the hand over the ear. Those would know how to drive, and this was how When he got down, that very moment he was who had their earlobe touching their hand ... they would motivate them, that their work as Children in a local village (G.H. Short, 1943) being recruited. That is when he started his were recruited, and in his case, his hand could [a] carrier was very important for this war. mission. … that was the last time for him to not touch his earlobe, so he was quite young say goodbye to the parents. [He did not see and he was sent off. Lindsay Farari, Ombisusu village them again until after the war]. Stella Harika, Saga village Bernard Oanda, Barisari village

10 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 11 Life on the bases

During the war many bases, barracks, depots Both men and women were recruited to work at The bases were also used for rest and and hospitals were set up to support the troops the bases, and their work supported the troops recreation by both the local people and who were fighting. Large bases were made on the front line: Australian soldiers: on the Sogeri plateau, and around Oro Bay. Sometimes the armed forces demanded the My mother is Ruth Ani. She was recruited and While waiting for their assignment their land from local land owners: taken to No. 3 camp where she did laundry recreation time, [my father] told me that they with other girls. There were 40,000 pieces would, after cutting down and after making air The administration during the war was based washed each week … from seven hospitals in strip and the grass was growing, that’s when in here, from Nine Mile right up to Sirinumu the Dobuduru, Oro Bay, Base B area. She was they’d do recreation weekends, they would Dam, and Owers Corner … [The Australians working at No. 3 camp which is located near normally do relay race, sack bag, three-legged did their] training here, like mission station, at Girua airstrip until the war came to an end. race, they were taught by [the] Australians … Bisiatabu mission station was SDA [Seventh- day Adventist] … that’s our land, we gave it Lomas Tonu Ani, Hanau village Lindsay Farari, Ombisusu village to the SDA mission in 1908 ... And in [1942] [In our village on] 19 June 1942, they were At Donadabu was where the first Australians when Australians come, they chase all the getting the carriers, labourers, employing the … they have the first [State of Origin] rugby Women working in an army hospital laundry, Lae (J.R. Lawrence, 1944) SDA pastors and they took over the Bisiatabu labourers, [my father] came … the people who there [between New South Wales and mission station, they destroy it. were employing him said he was too young Queensland soldiers]. Rugby field there, Geoffry Meia, Bisiatabu to carry heavy load because he was a young Australians. When they finish war they come man so they put him in a lighter job where he here for their resting, they usually go there was a cook for army commander … So he was and play rugby there. helping the cook to do some kitchen work all the way down to Dobuduru during the war. Geoffry Meia, Bisiatabu

Vera Iruwa Pehara, Kanadara village

Local men building a hut for American troops (Australian War Memorial, 1942)

Men working in the kitchen of the Officers Club, Ela Beach (J.R. Lawrence, 1944)

12 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 13 Life on the bases

Vera Iruwa Pehara, Kanadara village

Local men building a hut for American troops (Australian War Memorial, 1942)

Men working in the kitchen of the Officers Club, Ela Beach (J.R. Lawrence, 1944)

12 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 13 Life on the bases could be dangerous:

One day the Japanese war plane flew very very low towards us, at Dobuduru … And there were seven cook boys from Gosiagu and the plane dropped a bomb that killed all these cook boys. Another bomb fell on our side of the camp and destroyed our houses. The third bomb was dropped at the hospital where the sick people were but it did not explode.

Claude Gegera Peututu, Deboin village

The bases also sadly became the final resting place for some people killed during the war:

My father’s distasteful assignment, while working with ANGAU officer Lieutenant F A Franklin … was retrieving corpses of the Australian soldiers, at Efogi, Kagi, Myola, Templeton’s Crossing, Alola, Isurava, Deniki, Kokoda, Oivi, and Gorari, and bringing them and burying them at the temporary camp cemetery at Kokoda between November 1942 to December 1943.

Sarah Sau Hiari, Papaki village

Spraying tomatoes on an Australian Army farm, 12 Mile, Laloki River (C.T. Halmarick, 1943) Labourers working beside Australian graves at the Soputa War Cemetery War at the Soputa graves beside Australian working Labourers Memorial, 1944) War (Australian

14 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 15 Life on the bases could be dangerous:

Claude Gegera Peututu, Deboin village

The bases also sadly became the final resting place for some people killed during the war:

Sarah Sau Hiari, Papaki village

Spraying tomatoes on an Australian Army farm, 12 Mile, Laloki River (C.T. Halmarick, 1943) Labourers working beside Australian graves at the Soputa War Cemetery Cemetery War at the Soputa graves beside Australian working Labourers Memorial, 1944) War (Australian

14 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 15 ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ – The carriers’ stories photo

Men carrying a tree to be used as road foundation, for a road to the front line at Buna I have identified that there were 3,677 The now famous term ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ Others say it had a meaning in local The work of carrying supplies and Carriers saw horrific scenes as they worked (Bottomley, 1943) Papuans been recruited, as carriers, was the affectionate term used to describe the language: ammunition, of the wounded was a very, very close to the front lines: carriers from Alola to Kumusi, and they Papua New Guineans who worked as carriers fatiguing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, My father was a war carrier for the Australians were used around this track, and they for the Allied forces during the war: Fuzzy wuzzy meaning friend. Friend, I’ll four weeks a month, for three and a half and the Americans, he was carrying bombs carried almost 1,600 pounds, or more than take you and I’ll walk you is what my father months, between July and November 1942. My father says the hard work of Papuan carriers and other ammunitions from one camp to the four hundred kilograms, of cargo, and they used to tell me. I remember that. My father and Papuan carriers worked under became the human transport to bring those was recognised by Australian soldier, and he gave great pressures, and in very poor conditions. other… [He also] worked behind each soldier supplies across from Alola to here, I’ll the name, the fuzzy wuzzy angels. The Papuan Inoa Bobogi Ovia, Nainumu 2 village Some of them died of sickness, short rations, as a support carrier… He used to open the describe it as the human transport train. carriers thank him for recognising their work. cold weather, exposed and from falling packages of cartridges, bombs and other Some carriers had their own name for supplies dropped by planes at Myola, Kagi ammunitions and handed them over to the Sarah Sau Hiari, Papaki village the work they did: Maclaren Hiari, historian, Sirorata village and Iogi. My father said the number of deaths frontline soldiers to fight the Japanese. ... They worked as a carrier between Duropa, has not been recorded. So the true number And the bodies were so many, I am unable to Siremi and Doboduru was like a centipede, Carriers look after a wounded Australian solider, is still unknown. and use palm leaves tied with vines to provide some count. At the time my grandfather was telling or wowuji in our local language … because shelter (G. Silk, 1942) Gilbert Mandio, Beama village the story and the vivid description of the dead every day, seven days a week, they were soldiers, I cried when my grandfather told working from point A to point B. My father The carriers worked in very poor conditions Even when the work was difficult, the carriers me the story. I was deeply moved by the way told me that they called themselves as and were often tired. Many men became ill and were committed to their task: my grandfather told stories of his eyewitness wowujis ... Wowuji is local language, it some lost their lives: accounts during the war. means centipede. You know how the The carrying of wounded up and down this centipede bites people, when the centipede [My father] was a carrier … He walked from mountain track was very difficult and very Dixie Woiwa, Hanau village bites you it’s painful, eh, it’s a painful pain. Depo to Buna … even rain [they walk] they dangerous but the carriers tenderly took couldn’t [stop to] sleep. Sometimes they loving care of the patients. When it rained, Philemon Barminas Ogomei, Beama village stand, they close their eyes, and then they Papuan carriers used leaves to keep their got up they walked the track. … [It was] very patients from getting wet. This was not a easy hard during that time. But today, today is good way but they did it lovingly and willingly. because we got everything here with us, like Sarah Sau Hiari, Papaki village torch. We walk the night, we got torch, but that time they don’t have the torch with them. Carriers helping the They just walk. wounded on the Kokoda Track (G. Silk, 1942) Nuana Momoa, Manurinumu village

16 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 17 ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ – The carriers’ stories photo

16 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 17 A brother’s love

Fathers, sons and brothers often worked While everyone at the new campsite some miles together as carriers. The harsh conditions away from the previous campsite were busy, forced one man to carry his own brother: Mr Darisupa had to sneak out and walk back to the place where his sick brother, Mapusa, Mr Darisupa Diambu … with one of his had been left … Darisupa then carried his sick younger brothers, Mr Mapusa Dandusei was brother Mapusa and walked back in the night recruited by ANGAU with position to work as crossing strong rivers and climbing steep labourers and carriers with the American mountains to the new campsite where everyone allied forces. … During their travel from Buna was fast asleep after the whole days work with to Salamaua Mr Darisupa’s younger brother, all the heavy loads of cargo. Mapusa, was very sick … [and] he could not get assistance from anywhere. Mr Darisupa was in the same position shifting his sick brother from camp to camp in the night Mr Darisupa asked the army commander if and it took him a month or so to do … finally they could assist his sick brother in some they reach Salamaua where they took his sick ways if possible but the commander told brother to the hospital … That night Darisupa Mr Darisupa it is a war time and they don’t stayed all night next to his sick brother at the have time for sick people or anybody who hospital, taking care of him until morning. But needs help. … Mr Darisupa was so concerned knew that his sick brother would die so he A medical orderly attending to a sick man about his brother’s life and did not want to dressed [him] with new clothes and traditional (Australian War Memorial, 1942) leave him behind in the jungle … So before armbands which he carried around with him. leaving his sick brother at the previous Darisupa then left to do his normal duties, and campsite he leave him some water, some he came back in the afternoon and he was told food, and even made fire next to his sick that his sick brother has passed away … After brother and told him that he would come back the death of Mapusa, Darisupa continued with for him and carry him to the next campsite. his duties and he was one of those lucky ones to witness the [end of the war].

Lancelot Dauma Junior, Hanau village The carriers were often close to the battlefield, Sanananda (R.L. Beck, 1943) the battlefield, to close often were The carriers

18 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 19 A brother’s love

Lancelot Dauma Junior, Hanau village The carriers were often close to the battlefield, Sanananda (R.L. Beck, 1943) the battlefield, to close often were The carriers

18 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 19 The story of George Whittington

On Christmas Day, 1942 men from Raphael Oembari’s grandson shares his Fabian Jawoambu describes the role his ‘It takes a village Hanau and other nearby villages were grandfather’s story of this day: grandfather, Toja Jawoambu played as a supporting the Australian and American carrier on this day: to raise a man...’ soldiers fighting at Buna. They were carrying We had been performing our task of ammunition and stores to the front line and carrying supplies from Dobuduru to Buna, They move by crawling behind the Allied forces returning with the wounded men. Some of evacuating the wounded for many days, into the fighting zone and remove dead and these men had to be carried on stretchers until on Christmas Day George Washington wounded soldiers out, then carried them on and some of them could walk with assistance. [George Whittington] was wounded with the stretchers to the care centre at Dobuduru One of these men was Private George other Australian and American soldiers. where the Red Cross was for the first aid. … Whittington, who had been wounded in the Our carriers took in turns to guide George On Christmas Day this soldier George head and was being helped to the aid station Washington from the battlefield along the Washington was wounded and his Allied men at Dobuduru by a number of men. This track when Raphael Oembari’s turn came to led him out and handed over to the group of now famous photo of him being helped by take over. They were walking along when the natives called ‘half soldiers’ to take him to the Raphael Oembari was taken by the Australian photograph was taken. care centre at Dobuduru for first aid. Along the way, Raphael Oembari was fortunately Government Official War Photographer, Lomas Tonu Ani, Hanau village George Silk. The following stories honour pictured and he became famous all throughout all those who were there on Christmas Day the country and world as a whole.

1942 with George Whittington and Raphael Fabian Jawoambu, Hanau village Oembari, and the roles they played:

Original caption: ‘Buna, Papua, 25 December 1942. QX23902 Private George C. “Dick” Whittington being helped along a track through the kunai grass towards a field hospital at Dobodura. The Papuan native helping him is Raphael Oimbari. Whittington was with the 2/10th Battalion at the time and had been wounded the previous day in the battle for Buna airstrip. He recovered from his wounds but died of scrub typhus at Port Moresby 12 February 1943.’ (G. Silk, 1942)

20 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 21 The story of George Whittington

1942 with George Whittington and Raphael Fabian Jawoambu, Hanau village Oembari, and the roles they played:

20 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 21 Papuan Infantry Battalion, Port Moresby (R. Pearse, 1941)

Haita Heviki helped by giving George the Tambari Jawopo was part of a group that Many other men also helped George along handkerchief shown in the photo: went to collect George: the way:

Close range fire exchange, Japanese with When [my grandfather] worked on that The wounded soldier George Washington, Australia, our soldier George Washington was Christmas Eve night [1942], they shot given by Mr Fabian Jawoambu, Heita, Sirima, injured. At the field of the battle, Haita Heviki George Washington … So next … morning my Anamo, Oanda, Hibiti, Ware, Jaboko, Kokoro, somehow went into the flaming smoky area, grandfather … went in a group to pick a dead and Gomba, they helped all the dead bodies and and held onto the arms of George Washington. body … his brother-in-law, Stonewigg Haita, the wounded soldier. They help them and they At that minute, a hanky from the pocket of brought back a wounded body. He hand over to put it on the stretcher to pick it up, carry it out the solider was picked up by Haita Heviki and my grandfather … and my grandfather he held to Dobuduru aid station. At that time, my father, tied one of his eyes, and held him out from the him, and then he walked together with him Ware Toja, broke the stick and he came and give battlefield. … [After a while he] hand over to his father- to George Washington to support him to come to in-law, Raphael Oembari. When he left and Dobuduru. … the carriers they carry the body up Stonewigg Haita, Hanau village passed the cameraman came with a plane, until that time when they hand over the wounded Soni Goto walked next to George just and so they got a picture of Raphael Oembari soldier to Mr Oembari. At the same time, the before the photo was taken: and George Washington. filmer took the photograph.

[In] the photo of Raphael Oembari and George Paulus King Taimbari, Hanau village Matthew Ware, Hanau village ‘Dick’ Washington, the wounded soldier, was walking [with a] stick … the stick was given to him by Soni Goto. Soni Goto and Mr Raphael Oembari were in fact walking side by side, with the wounded soldier, George ‘Dick’ Washington. While they were walking, carrying … Soni Goto went into nearest bush for relief, toilet. And that was how Mr Oembari and the wounded soldier were caught by the photograph.

Dennis Itari, Hanau village

22 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 23 Papuan Infantry Battalion, Port Moresby (R. Pearse, 1941)

Haita Heviki helped by giving George the Tambari Jawopo was part of a group that Many other men also helped George along handkerchief shown in the photo: went to collect George: the way:

Dennis Itari, Hanau village

22 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 23 Papuan Infantry Battalion

The Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) began in My dad … he was in the war in 1942. He joined The PIB’s equipment was sometimes difficult 1940. The first recruits came from the ranks of the army … with the Australian army, there to use, especially in the heat of battle: the Royal Papuan Constabulary, and most were was a mixed American army and American from the Buna area. negroes, and they start going up to Kokoda … They came across a camp, and they were to He [first] was working in the mess at 14 Mile, attack. So the Australian officer opened up The PIB was formed on June 1 1940, when the first … They, test them [for the PIB], by shock[ing] with a short, Owen gun … Every time [my sixty recruits were obtained from Papua police them. The others were shocked [not my dad], father’s Bren gun] burst, it would jam or it constabulary. [My grandfather] was one of the forty that’s why they [recruited him] to [the] PIB, would stop, … the officer realised that in the Orokaivan men who walked across Kokoda Trail that’s where he’s in the war. thick of battle [my father] was not firing. He from Kokoda to Port Moresby to join the PIB on said ...’What’s wrong’, [my father] said ‘it’s June 10, 1940. The training lasted for three months. John Auda Arue, Mesime village not working’. The officer in his rush just said ‘Off!’. So … true to his training, my father Robert Michael Banaga, Beama village The PIB soldiers were not equipped like the stripped the whole gun down in the thick of soldiers we see today, but they used their battle. When the officer couldn’t hear what Many men started their services as labourers natural instincts on the battlefield: or carriers for the Allies before joining the was going on, he turned around and saw that PIB as soldiers: I was in the army, I know what dressing the gun was stripped down. My father was [equipment] that was needed to be in the waiting for [his] next order. The officer almost My grandfather’s name is Orogu, and like nowadays battle but [my father] was not dressed that had a heart attack that time. So he was eager the young ones want to roam around and he ended way, he had only a calico with the weapons on to use the Bren gun and on his first action, he up down in Moresby. … and then he was employed and a pack at the back. But he said that was made a mess of it. Luckily they were attacking by the army. … He was employed as a cook … and good because, you know, they moved faster, so things were in their favour a little bit. then the wars was coming down from up at Kokoda, he said they crawled in, they crawled out, and Max Itolo, Kokoda so we know, there was an announcement made that they could smell the Japanese, they knew PIB soldiers learning how to use the Bren gun they were running out of soldiers, they were going where they are, they could even smell their (Australian War Memorial, 1944) to use Papua New Guinea soldiers, people to assist brew, their coffee, or even repellent, their in the war, so my grandfather was one of them who insect repellent or whatever they applied, they took part, he was employed as one of the PIB, so Papuan Infantry Battalion troops, Port Moresby (R. Pearse, 1941) would smell them, and they would warn the he was a gunman. Australians that these guys were close.

Ian I Bali, Wahondada village Rolf Asi, Popondetta

24 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 25 Papuan Infantry Battalion

Ian I Bali, Wahondada village Rolf Asi, Popondetta

24 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 25 A PIB solider who received a Military Medal for Markham valley advance: the Papuan Infantry working behind Japanese lines and obtaining soldiers cross the Umi River (G. Short, 1943) valuable information. He is shown here on the range with an Owen gun, and the target on which he scored 11 hits out of 15 on a 30 yards range (N. Brown, 1943) The PIB soldiers were often sent on dangerous My grandfather and his friends acted as It was not just the Japanese forces that soldiers missions behind enemy lines. By blending in scouts, guides and patrol units for the white had to worry about on the battlefield: with the local people, they were able to gather soldiers who were ignorant of the terrain and valuable information: conditions they were to encounter. Before The fighting went went went until it came to PIB soldiers could begin the move up the the Markham River which was infested with [My stepfather] went to Ambasi and back to coast, the Japanese positions and strength crocodiles. When the Australian and American Oro Bay, he was sort of a coast-watcher with … had to be assessed. … My grandfather and soldiers got to the river they were faced with [my uncle] Victor Endegi. They both worked his friends bravely volunteered to trek one a dilemma: they couldn’t cross the river together … They keep on their eyes to see the of the carrier lines used by the Japanese to because of the crocodiles. Osborne Tonu said enemies around … They met enemies at Gona transport supplies … On the officer’s order, he would volunteer to cross first and then, if beach, they asked but they told the enemies my grandfather and some of his friends took he died, they could decide what to do next. So that they were just the villagers, paddled off their uniforms, let their hair and whiskers he tied a bundle of four dry coconuts; two he from north coast towards Oro Bay. … the grow, carried net bags used by local men and tied to his legs and the other two on his chest Japanese were searching them but lucky that chewed betel nuts. They joined a Japanese area, and he floated on it to get to the other they wrapped their two guns with dry coconut carrier line without difficulties … This patrol side of the Markham River and safely landed. leaves, put them under the canoe. But the few provided a great deal of available intelligence. So his mates said ‘OK, fine, we’ll do the same’, females were on the canoe, but my stepfather and as they were crossing, some made it and advised them not to say anything. Robert Michael Banaga, Beama village some didn’t; the crocodiles ate them up.

So the [Japanese] left them and they paddled Lomas Tonu Ani, Hanau village all the way to Oro Bay, took them another two days to paddle, … [when] they arrived at Oro Bay, they reported [what they saw] to Colonel Smith, [who] was the commander up at Eroro Creek.

Tasman Oiko Orere, Beama village

26 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 27 A PIB solider who received a Military Medal for Markham valley advance: the Papuan Infantry working behind Japanese lines and obtaining soldiers cross the Umi River (G. Short, 1943) valuable information. He is shown here on the range with an Owen gun, and the target on which he scored 11 hits out of 15 on a 30 yards range (N. Brown, 1943) The PIB soldiers were often sent on dangerous My grandfather and his friends acted as It was not just the Japanese forces that soldiers missions behind enemy lines. By blending in scouts, guides and patrol units for the white had to worry about on the battlefield: with the local people, they were able to gather soldiers who were ignorant of the terrain and valuable information: conditions they were to encounter. Before The fighting went went went until it came to PIB soldiers could begin the move up the the Markham River which was infested with [My stepfather] went to Ambasi and back to coast, the Japanese positions and strength crocodiles. When the Australian and American Oro Bay, he was sort of a coast-watcher with … had to be assessed. … My grandfather and soldiers got to the river they were faced with [my uncle] Victor Endegi. They both worked his friends bravely volunteered to trek one a dilemma: they couldn’t cross the river together … They keep on their eyes to see the of the carrier lines used by the Japanese to because of the crocodiles. Osborne Tonu said enemies around … They met enemies at Gona transport supplies … On the officer’s order, he would volunteer to cross first and then, if beach, they asked but they told the enemies my grandfather and some of his friends took he died, they could decide what to do next. So that they were just the villagers, paddled off their uniforms, let their hair and whiskers he tied a bundle of four dry coconuts; two he from north coast towards Oro Bay. … the grow, carried net bags used by local men and tied to his legs and the other two on his chest Japanese were searching them but lucky that chewed betel nuts. They joined a Japanese area, and he floated on it to get to the other they wrapped their two guns with dry coconut carrier line without difficulties … This patrol side of the Markham River and safely landed. leaves, put them under the canoe. But the few provided a great deal of available intelligence. So his mates said ‘OK, fine, we’ll do the same’, females were on the canoe, but my stepfather and as they were crossing, some made it and advised them not to say anything. Robert Michael Banaga, Beama village some didn’t; the crocodiles ate them up.

Tasman Oiko Orere, Beama village

26 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 27 A policeman’s duty

Papuan policemen were valuable recruits for the The police continued to keep law and order and Allies’ war effort because of their training and protect civilians during the war: local knowledge. They became responsible for the recruitment and supervision of other local people In March 1942, Japanese plane bombed at during the war: Lae, Salamaua, Wau and Bulolo. Many native labourers employed by the mining company Since [my father] was already trained as a in Wau and Bulolo were suspended. And there policeman and he knew how to use firearm, there was some looting of the stores and houses. … was no question about him getting involved in My father and other policemen assisted this [the] war. … [Policemen] were [also] mailmen white officer to keep law and order in these [before the war] and by walking along all this two towns, and to look after the suspended track they already knew the track, so when war mining labourers. came [my father] knew exactly which place he would go. David Gill Ipumi, Beama village

… [My father] was actually involved in [the] The policemen were also responsible for arresting and imprisoning Japanese prisoners: supervision of the carriers in transporting the wounded and injured Australians, in supervising [My father] was sent by Captain Hall to do them and taking charge of the war prisoners, search on those [Japanese] bombers that being a policeman. were shot, and he made two arrests … ... He said ‘… the worst thing I ever saw and I Unfortunately it was one against the two, ever experienced was carrying or supervising with the village policemen, they were elderly the carriers to carry the wounded Australians people, and these guys were armed, so he had through explosions and machine gun fire. Very, to shoot one and wound one, and took back very risky, we risked our lives, carrying the the one that was wounded, and he kept him as wounded Australian soldiers among machine gun a prisoner. fire and explosions taking place. Sometimes our Gai Able Bonga, Beama village life or the wounded soldiers we were carrying’.

Sergeant-Major Arwesor, BEM, Royal Papuan Constabulary Daniel Periwa, Fala village from the Rai coast (Australian War Memorial, 1944) Members of the Royal Papuan Constabulary march in march Constabulary Papuan of the Royal Members in full fighting kit (G.H. Short, 1943) formation

28 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 29 A policeman’s duty

… [My father] was actually involved in [the] The policemen were also responsible for supervision of the carriers in transporting the arresting and imprisoning Japanese prisoners: wounded and injured Australians, in supervising [My father] was sent by Captain Hall to do them and taking charge of the war prisoners, search on those [Japanese] bombers that being a policeman. were shot, and he made two arrests … ... He said ‘… the worst thing I ever saw and I Unfortunately it was one against the two, ever experienced was carrying or supervising with the village policemen, they were elderly the carriers to carry the wounded Australians people, and these guys were armed, so he had through explosions and machine gun fire. Very, to shoot one and wound one, and took back very risky, we risked our lives, carrying the the one that was wounded, and he kept him as wounded Australian soldiers among machine gun a prisoner. fire and explosions taking place. Sometimes our Gai Able Bonga, Beama village life or the wounded soldiers we were carrying’.

28 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 29 ‘The home front’ – The stories of the women and children

Village life was greatly disrupted by the war. Some villagers were evacuated to ‘care centres’ With their villages and garden destroyed, The boys who were too young to be recruited Most of the young men were recruited for the before the fighting began: villagers had the dangerous task of collecting for active service still did their part for the war war effort and many women, children and the rations dropped by the Allied forces: effort and their villages: elderly were left to look after themselves. The When the first heavy bomb shells fell Australian Administration knew that the Kokoda everybody ran naked and hid behind the The warplanes were coming down lower to At Kagi village, I met one Australian by the Track would be a strategic area during the war, trunks of trees. They did not have food and the ground and … [we] noticed that this time name of Mr Snow. He commanded and gave so village leaders along the track were told to these heavy fighting there was no time to rest the warplanes were dropping rations on our me an order to be in charge of all the supplies prepare to move their people to safer areas: and eat. … They [went to the] care centre and villages and into the nearby bushes. People that were dropping at Myola. From that time the food was rationed to these places by the started flocking in to collect their rations and as a young man, I started my journey doing Before the war… the whitemans informed ANGAU administration. The supply of rations take them to their hiding sites. I couldn’t do the carrier as a supplier for the people. I them [the village leaders] that the war is included tinned meat, flour, rice, sugar, tea much because I was a little girl so my dad commanded people far and near who came coming … they informed them to shift the and other things. There was no supply of alone collected all our rations and took them asking me for supplies to make good use of village people to the caves, to hide them, vegetables from the garden. to our hiding places. the supplies and preserve some for later use. … that’s where they started to send their families, to hide them in the caves, to Dixie Woiwa, Hanau village Kekeni Misuka, Kagi village Hawala Laula, Kagi village avoid the war. Many people had to flee their villages to avoid So most of our parents they escape in the With the adult males away, the women, children Gideon Warite, 17 Mile the fighting and when they returned they often bushes and they were hiding away and what and elderly were vulnerable: found their villages destroyed: they did was at night they collected the food supplies along the track here, and also, track I used to ask [my father] question about where When the Japanese reached Siga village, they ends, they have a scout man. One person the women were, and my father tells me that slaughtered all the pigs, burnt down all the have to stay at the end, the other person that during that time it was risky for women to be houses and destroyed most of the food crops. people walk by in between, and they collect hanging around. They bring all our mothers Nothing was left. From that they took control the food items and they go hide in the bush. and children into the big bushes and the caves of our things and used it to fight against the and hide them because during that time it Australians … Ivan Nitua, Kovelo village wasn’t safe for women to be hanging around. An Australian officer buys fruit from local people in a village that has just been taken from the Japanese, Children enjoying biscuit rations They might do anything to the women so (G.H. Nicholson, 1943) Kokoda (G. Silk, 1942) Faola Lehui, Kovelo village our fathers they had to hide the women and children.

Inoa Bobogi Ovia, Nainumu 2 village

30 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 31 ‘The home front’ – The stories of the women and children

Inoa Bobogi Ovia, Nainumu 2 village

30 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 31 I was an infant, baby, and [my mother] carried Villagers were angry about the destruction me around during the war, from places to that took place: place … Oro Bay was the base … so during this war there was a lot of bombing, a lot of Some of our people together with my father fighting, so my mother has to carry me to wanted to take revenge for the properties prevent bombing and firing, so she has to which were destroyed; but the whiteman told carry me around even to what’s this place them you can’t do anything. This is a war and named up the mountain, Garawuji, to avoid you must run away from it. being shot, or killed during the war. Kekeni Misuka, Kagi village

Godfrey Daima, Beama village And at [the] battle of Isurava, [my father] told Brave villagers risked their lives doing what me that it was a heavy fight there, and that our they could to support the men fighting: streams, our crops, our food gardens were destroyed, our huts were burned down, by The food supplies had started to drop. Japanese. Also, domestic animals were killed The environment was uneasy for both the by Japanese. And even our people, they were Papuan and Australian soldiers. Many got sick frustrated, they got spears and they missed and died on the way. ... There were two of my those Japanese with spears. Because they Australian Infantry troops on patrol in the Papuan jungle talk brave sisters who walked the track, secretly killed our domestic animals. Pig at that time with local villagers (Australian War Memorial, 1942) providing garden food for our local Kovelo was very important to the society of PNG. young men after the news of starvation had Once you kill a pig, you kill a man. reached their small hiding hamlets up on the mountains of Deniki and Mudulu. These Ivan Nitua, Kovelo village two elderly ladies used to hide secretly and provide local garden food for their brothers at Eora Creek. One time they were caught red handed by the Japanese soldiers … [and were killed].

Michael Esoma, Kovelo village A village in the Kokoda area. The photo was taken just before Australian troops troops Australian before just was taken The photo area. A village in the Kokoda 1942) Parer, (D.P. Japanese forces against launched an attack

32 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 33 I was an infant, baby, and [my mother] carried Villagers were angry about the destruction me around during the war, from places to that took place: place … Oro Bay was the base … so during this war there was a lot of bombing, a lot of Some of our people together with my father fighting, so my mother has to carry me to wanted to take revenge for the properties prevent bombing and firing, so she has to which were destroyed; but the whiteman told carry me around even to what’s this place them you can’t do anything. This is a war and named up the mountain, Garawuji, to avoid you must run away from it. being shot, or killed during the war. Kekeni Misuka, Kagi village

32 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 33 The end of the war

Once the Japanese forces had retreated, the Some of the carriers and PIB received medals At Wairope we were each paid six pounds They didn’t welcome [my father when he people were able to return to their villages: for their work: which was equal to twelve Kina, that’s all. returned because] somebody had told lies to One carrier received twelve pounds which is my grandfather and mother. They said they When the war retreated back to Buna we My father says he saw five Papuan carriers twenty-four Kina. After that we were ordered killed my daddy, the Japanese killed my daddy. received the message from our fathers were given medals for their good work on the to return to our villages. The Australian informing us that the war was over now. So Kokoda Track. commanding officer treated us like empty Clarissa Bobura, Beama village everyone hiding in the caves or wherever had Gilbert Mandio, Beama village tins of bully beef and tin fish being thrown into After the war the Kokoda Track had to be to return home. The same message was also the rubbish bin. received by people living at Manumu village cleared of all the leftover war material, and My father Osbourne Tonu did receive medals. any human remains buried: and they all returned back home to Kagi. One, it was round. It had a picture of a lion on Claude Gegera Peututu, Deboin village Vavaga Marina, Kagi village it. Two, a star. Three had a red stripe, four the For some families that had not heard from After [the war], … [my father] was employed same. The medals were given to RO [Raphael their sons, brothers, husbands and fathers by the patrol officer … he was involved in The war, however, raged for another two and Oembari] and kept by him for some time until during the war, it was a great surprise to census, he would go up as far as Myola a half years in other parts of the Territory of he gave it to my mother … see their relative alive: taking stock of all the ammunitions that Papua. When the war was finally over, PIB were left … The people that were wounded, soldiers and carriers were discharged to return Lomas Tonu Ani, Hanau village During the time, [my father’s] parents, they the locals, the indigenous, the native carriers, to their villages: However the payment for their services was were very worried. … [In] our Melanesian those were wounded … he made sure he modest: culture, they started to leave their house … recorded them. … [The PIB] went to Bougainville where the and then, poor fellows, they let their beard war ended, so they all came … by ship and The war has come to an end. Mr Darisupa with just grow. … They would stay [like this] until Stella Harika, Saga village they all ended up at Oro Bay at Beama, and the other carriers from Oro were put on a bus when the war was finished … they came and We collected bombshells, buried the dead and their friends and relatives came by outrigger from Salamaua back to Oro Bay with nothing Labourers disposing of empty tins, Oro Bay found out that their son was alive. So they put the unexploded bombs together in a secret (Australian War Memorial, 1943) canoe and took them … paddled them to their good but only American-issued blankets after celebrated with a very big feast, to welcome respective villages. place. This workforce took place at the end of years’ hard work. their son home. 1945. We also collected telephone lines, empty The commander of the 7th Division, AIF, Major General Dudley Banaga Nongori, Beama village Lancelot Dauma Junior, Hanau village Bernard Oanda, Barisari village bullet shells and other remains of the war. G.A. Vasey, presents a medal of honour to a carrier, It started from Owers Corner to Kokoda and Kokoda (G. Silk, 1942) then to Buna and Gona.

Hawala Laula, Kagi village

34 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 35 The end of the war

Hawala Laula, Kagi village

34 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 35 Men returned to their villages and tried to The end of the war was marked with rebuild their lives but their war experiences a feast in many villages: stayed with them: After the celebration [in our village], they After the war, [my father] came back home. got another message from Port Moresby He started planting rubber, he started planting about a big feast celebration for all the cocoa, he got married and he had us children, carriers and labourers at Menari village. and he was a very strict father. He thought that So the message went around to all the villages war might come again and we might face what and they moved to Menari with their food he faced, what he experienced, so he would and pigs for the party. make us rise up early in the morning, to go to school, to go to work, to help in the gardens, When they arrived at Menari everyone he would restrict us from eating too much. welcomed them and they started slaughtering Remains from the war are still visible today There was so much that he said and did, that their pigs … When they shared the pigs with (V. Scholz, 2009) we should not slow down, to prepare ourselves the Australians. The Australians only got a few for what might be coming after. bits and gave all the rest back to the people telling them to share it equally amongst After the war and until this day, the Sarah Sau Hiari, Papaki village themselves. The Australians further told landscape around the Kokoda Track still the people at that time that the war is over carries the scars of war: Some young men never returned: and we are very thankful for your supportive Some of our creeks that time, we never drink assistance during the war … Out of the young men who were recruited since until now, because the bones are still from Kagi only one of them was killed and The Australians made a strong commitment remaining there. … the rest all returned back home. Upon arrival with us on that day that they will be together I found with the help of a metal detector, we they shared the stories in informing the and their friendship will be together and find a human wearing a leather boot sleeping relatives of late Euki’s family that he was they will still help us in any way in the future. under the ground. We find it and we give to killed. Because the distance of carrying his The Australians said they will become our the Australian archaeologists … it belong body to Kagi was so far, we all made a decision brothers and sisters forever. to bury him at Buna. His people together with to Japanese, so the bones were returned to us cried very bitterly. Jerry Dimuda, Kagi village Japanese embassy.

Vavaga Marina, Kagi village Ivan Nitua, Kovelo village Men boarding a Douglas C47 aircraft, Madang (Australian War Memorial, 1944) 36 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 37 Men returned to their villages and tried to The end of the war was marked with rebuild their lives but their war experiences a feast in many villages: stayed with them: After the celebration [in our village], they After the war, [my father] came back home. got another message from Port Moresby He started planting rubber, he started planting about a big feast celebration for all the cocoa, he got married and he had us children, carriers and labourers at Menari village. and he was a very strict father. He thought that So the message went around to all the villages war might come again and we might face what and they moved to Menari with their food he faced, what he experienced, so he would and pigs for the party. make us rise up early in the morning, to go to school, to go to work, to help in the gardens, When they arrived at Menari everyone he would restrict us from eating too much. welcomed them and they started slaughtering Remains from the war are still visible today There was so much that he said and did, that their pigs … When they shared the pigs with (V. Scholz, 2009) we should not slow down, to prepare ourselves the Australians. The Australians only got a few for what might be coming after. bits and gave all the rest back to the people telling them to share it equally amongst After the war and until this day, the Sarah Sau Hiari, Papaki village themselves. The Australians further told landscape around the Kokoda Track still the people at that time that the war is over carries the scars of war: Some young men never returned: and we are very thankful for your supportive Some of our creeks that time, we never drink assistance during the war … Out of the young men who were recruited since until now, because the bones are still from Kagi only one of them was killed and The Australians made a strong commitment remaining there. … the rest all returned back home. Upon arrival with us on that day that they will be together I found with the help of a metal detector, we they shared the stories in informing the and their friendship will be together and find a human wearing a leather boot sleeping relatives of late Euki’s family that he was they will still help us in any way in the future. under the ground. We find it and we give to killed. Because the distance of carrying his The Australians said they will become our the Australian archaeologists … it belong body to Kagi was so far, we all made a decision brothers and sisters forever. to bury him at Buna. His people together with to Japanese, so the bones were returned to us cried very bitterly. Jerry Dimuda, Kagi village Japanese embassy.

The war saw the largest mass movement of The men and women who lived and served Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to people around Papua New Guinea. Sometimes during the war helped to protect Papua New Guinea and village interviewee there was friction between men and women for its future generations: Lomas Tonu Ani Hanau Raphael Oembari Hanau Carrier Grandfather from different parts of Papua New Guinea, but Hanau village Ani Kaki Hanau PIB My grandfather was one of them who … help the war also saw the start of the idea of one Osborne Tonu Hanau PIB Father nation with many peoples: the Australian Army and the Americans to protect our land. Especially our land so that we Ruth Ani Hanau Laundry worker Mother Kiwai, Rigo, Orokaivas and many others … we could live safe now … my grandfather was one of Morica Barisari Siremi areas Laundry worker didn’t know [they] came to also support the them who defended our resources from World Sebastian Goro Sanananda Police Constable Recruiter of father campaign. Some of these people … end up War Two so as to be secure, from others who Lancelot Dauma Junior Hanau Alwin Viambu Hanau Carrier Grandfather Hanau village in the hands of the local people where they would come and will destroy the environment Mr Mapusa Dandusei Hanau Carrier Great Uncle fight against each other without knowing or something like that. that they were only serving the whiteman and the Australian soldiers. Our local people Moses Seni, Kahaitana village Stonewigg Haita Hanau Haita Perija Hanau Carrier Father-in-law often killed some and hid them in the caves Today along the Kokoda Track men and women Hanau village Heviki Perija Hanau Carrier Uncle-in-law thinking that they were the enemies. … Due carry on the proud tradition of their grandfathers to language barriers our men thought some and grandmothers, helping the Australians and Noah Javoko Hanau Carrier of these foreign labourers were enemies others who walk the track and protecting their The war meant that many young Papua New and Guineanmistakenly killed them. But we were all menenvironment for future generations:had to leave their villages. They were employed by the brought together to serve one master. Then Carson Hanana Hanau Mr Omota Tarawo Hanau Labourer for American Grandfather the local people suddenly knew that they were During that time, [my father] told us the story and Hanau village Engineering Unit NO PHOTO Australians and Americans to work as carriers,killing their friends … theymedical brought one of the then I was walking orderlies, the trail, I was a porter and police, cooksAVAILABLE and in other service jobs. Sometimes this bodies to the village and formerly buried him I walked the trail … It was very hard you know, where all the people became aware that such I think back and I said, this is what they do during behaviour is bad. the war. I became a porter, I walked. It was good Dennis Itari Hanau Soni Goto Hanau Carrier Grandfather lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men werebut that time, their timesalso it was very hard. …recruited I intoHanau village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), Vavaga Marina, Kagi village want to look out for my family, that’s why I walked the track … Then from porter, I joined KTA, the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. KokodaFor Track Authority, them, I work for Kokoda Track the war involved fighting in their own districts and in Papua New Guinea and Australia forged their friendship in blood during World War Two. Lest We Forget ... (D.P. Parer, 1942) Authority as a ranger… I look after Owers Corner. many other places around Papua New Guinea. Nuana Momoa, Manurinumu village 38 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 39 The making of modern Papua New Guinea The roll of honour: people who shared their stories

The war saw the largest mass movement of The men and women who lived and served Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to people around Papua New Guinea. Sometimes during the war helped to protect Papua New Guinea and village interviewee there was friction between men and women for its future generations: Lomas Tonu Ani Hanau Raphael Oembari Hanau Carrier Grandfather from different parts of Papua New Guinea, but Hanau village Ani Kaki Hanau PIB My grandfather was one of them who … help the war also saw the start of the idea of one Osborne Tonu Hanau PIB Father nation with many peoples: the Australian Army and the Americans to protect our land. Especially our land so that we Ruth Ani Hanau Laundry worker Mother Kiwai, Rigo, Orokaivas and many others … we could live safe now … my grandfather was one of Morica Barisari Siremi areas Laundry worker didn’t know [they] came to also support the them who defended our resources from World Sebastian Goro Sanananda Police Constable Recruiter of father campaign. Some of these people … end up War Two so as to be secure, from others who Lancelot Dauma Junior Hanau Alwin Viambu Hanau Carrier Grandfather Hanau village in the hands of the local people where they would come and will destroy the environment Mr Mapusa Dandusei Hanau Carrier Great Uncle fight against each other without knowing or something like that. that they were only serving the whiteman and the Australian soldiers. Our local people Moses Seni, Kahaitana village Stonewigg Haita Hanau Haita Perija Hanau Carrier Father-in-law often killed some and hid them in the caves Today along the Kokoda Track men and women Hanau village Heviki Perija Hanau Carrier Uncle-in-law thinking that they were the enemies. … Due carry on the proud tradition of their grandfathers to language barriers our men thought some and grandmothers, helping the Australians and Noah Javoko Hanau Carrier of these foreign labourers were enemies others who walk the track and protecting their The war meant that many young Papua New and Guineanmistakenly killed them. But we were all menenvironment for future generations:had to leave their villages. They were employed by the brought together to serve one master. Then Carson Hanana Hanau Mr Omota Tarawo Hanau Labourer for American Grandfather the local people suddenly knew that they were During that time, [my father] told us the story and Hanau village Engineering Unit NO PHOTO Australians and Americans to work as carriers,killing their friends … theymedical brought one of the then I was walking orderlies, the trail, I was a porter and police, cooksAVAILABLE and in other service jobs. Sometimes this bodies to the village and formerly buried him I walked the trail … It was very hard you know, where all the people became aware that such I think back and I said, this is what they do during behaviour is bad. the war. I became a porter, I walked. It was good Dennis Itari Hanau Soni Goto Hanau Carrier Grandfather lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men werebut that time, their timesalso it was very hard. …recruited I intoHanau village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), Vavaga Marina, Kagi village want to look out for my family, that’s why I walked the track … Then from porter, I joined KTA, the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. KokodaFor Track Authority, them, I work for Kokoda Track the war involved fighting in their own districts and in Papua New Guinea and Australia forged their friendship in blood during World War Two. Lest We Forget ... (D.P. Parer, 1942) Authority as a ranger… I look after Owers Corner. many other places around Papua New Guinea. Nuana Momoa, Manurinumu village 38 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 39 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Fabian Jawoambu Hanau Jawoambu Toja Hanau Carrier Father Dixie Woiwa Hanau Hiviki Perija Hanau Carrier Father/Grandfather Hanau village Hanau village

Bernard Oanda Hanau Oanda Pegapa Barisari (Mahihita) Carrier Father Claude Gegera Peututu Deboin His own story Deboin Carrier Himself Barisari village Deboin village Beiawa Kotaure Carrier Friend - younger brother NO PHOTO AVAILABLE of Nathaniel Nathaniel Kotaure Carrier Friend Selwyn Carrier Friend George Nixon Simbari Hanau Simbiri Taimbari Gararo Carrier Father Isaac Carrier Friend Hanau village Bruce Carrier Friend Nakada Bigman/ boss boy of Carriers Bukawa Bovera Carrier Paulus King Taimbari Hanau Taimbari Jovopa Gararo Carrier Grandfather Ananais Carrier Wilfred’s uncle Hanau village Gill Carrier Wilfred’s uncle Willie Carrier Wilfred’s uncle John Marx Leader of the carriers Felix Kindou Carrier Friend The war meant that many young PapuaKeith Tembure NewHanau GuineanDandase Perija Hanau menCarrier and labourer Fatherhad to leave their villages. They were employed by the Hanau village Kipling Jiregari Carrier Friend Raphael Oembari Hanau Carrier Father’s other brother Gideon Yondari Carrier Friend The seven cook boys from Gosiagu Cook boys Killed by Japanese Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Amos Perija medicalHanau Policeman orderlies,Uncle police, cooks and Gosiaguin other servicebombing at Dobudurujobs. Sometimes this Nicodemus Kove Carrier Friend Matthew Ware Hanau Ware Toja (Adam) Hanau Carrier Father Hanau village Gibson Gisi Deboin His own story Deboin Carrier Himself lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited intoDeboin village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and otherJawoambu Toja (Fabian)units. Hanau CarrierFor them,Uncle the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 40 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 41 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Fabian Jawoambu Hanau Jawoambu Toja Hanau Carrier Father Dixie Woiwa Hanau Hiviki Perija Hanau Carrier Father/Grandfather Hanau village Hanau village

Bernard Oanda Hanau Oanda Pegapa Barisari (Mahihita) Carrier Father Claude Gegera Peututu Deboin His own story Deboin Carrier Himself Barisari village Deboin village Beiawa Kotaure Carrier Friend - younger brother NO PHOTO AVAILABLE of Nathaniel Nathaniel Kotaure Carrier Friend Selwyn Carrier Friend George Nixon Simbari Hanau Simbiri Taimbari Gararo Carrier Father Isaac Carrier Friend Hanau village Bruce Carrier Friend Nakada Bigman/ boss boy of Carriers Bukawa Bovera Carrier Paulus King Taimbari Hanau Taimbari Jovopa Gararo Carrier Grandfather Ananais Carrier Wilfred’s uncle Hanau village Gill Carrier Wilfred’s uncle Willie Carrier Wilfred’s uncle John Marx Leader of the carriers Felix Kindou Carrier Friend The war meant that many young PapuaKeith Tembure NewHanau GuineanDandase Perija Hanau menCarrier and labourer Fatherhad to leave their villages. They were employed by the Hanau village Kipling Jiregari Carrier Friend Raphael Oembari Hanau Carrier Father’s other brother Gideon Yondari Carrier Friend The seven cook boys from Gosiagu Cook boys Killed by Japanese Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Amos Perija medicalHanau Policeman orderlies,Uncle police, cooks and Gosiaguin other servicebombing at Dobudurujobs. Sometimes this Nicodemus Kove Carrier Friend Matthew Ware Hanau Ware Toja (Adam) Hanau Carrier Father Hanau village Gibson Gisi Deboin His own story Deboin Carrier Himself lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited intoDeboin village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and otherJawoambu Toja (Fabian)units. Hanau CarrierFor them,Uncle the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 40 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 41 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Rolf Asi Kokoda Primary School Asi Pere PIB Father Lumani Kupuri Kokoda Primary School Kupuri Lelewa Tamata Policeman Father Popondetta Kokoda

Grace Bauba Kokoda Primary School Bauba Avea Waie Father Charles Ofa Kokoda Primary School Vernon Ofa Hiviki Carrier Father Kokoda Kamondo village Hojawo Amanda Carrier Friend of father

Sanopa Papuan Policeman

Lindsay Farari Kokoda Primary School Farari Amopa Carrier Father Alphilius Ombari Kokoda Primary School Ombari Hara Kamondo Telegraph linesman Father Ombisusu village Kamondo village Hara Keno Kamondo Policeman Brother

Stella Harika Kokoda Primary School Clement Harika Took ammunition census Father Vera Iruwa Pehara Kokoda Primary School Iruwa Enjeka Kanadara Cook Father Saga village after war Kanadara village

The war meant that many young PapuaMaclaren Hiari NewKokoda Primary School Guinean Jude Sivoro Pure Hiari Sirorata men Fatherhad to leave theirDaniel Periwa villages.Kokoda Primary School They Periwa Lelewa Papuan were Waria Policeman employedFather by the Sirorata village Fala village Sergeant Katue Kikori PIB Sergeant Vulai Mati PIB won the Distinguished Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medicalConduct Medal orderlies, police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this

Max Itolo Kokoda Primary School Corporal Jinga PIB Father Sarah Sau Hiari Kokoda Primary School Simon Ogomeni Pehara Papaki Carrier Father lasted until the war ended. ThousandsPopondetta of young men were also recruited intoPapaki village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and otherUmbutu units. PIBFor them,Uncle the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 42 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 43 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Rolf Asi Kokoda Primary School Asi Pere PIB Father Lumani Kupuri Kokoda Primary School Kupuri Lelewa Tamata Policeman Father Popondetta Kokoda

Grace Bauba Kokoda Primary School Bauba Avea Waie Father Charles Ofa Kokoda Primary School Vernon Ofa Hiviki Carrier Father Kokoda Kamondo village Hojawo Amanda Carrier Friend of father

Sanopa Papuan Policeman

Stella Harika Kokoda Primary School Clement Harika Took ammunition census Father Vera Iruwa Pehara Kokoda Primary School Iruwa Enjeka Kanadara Cook Father Saga village after war Kanadara village

Max Itolo Kokoda Primary School Corporal Jinga PIB Father Sarah Sau Hiari Kokoda Primary School Simon Ogomeni Pehara Papaki Carrier Father lasted until the war ended. ThousandsPopondetta of young men were also recruited intoPapaki village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and otherUmbutu units. PIBFor them,Uncle the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 42 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 43 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Robert Michael Banaga Beama Augustine Angoro Simbiri Busega PIB Grandfather Gerald Iwuga Beama Eric Iwuga Embogo Carrier and PIB Father Beama village Benjamin Moide PIB Beama village Jari Tongamo PIB

Amakai Gohiro PIB Endoga Gohiro PIB Dengari PIB Gilbert Mandio Beama Dogari Mandio Carrier Father Gai Able Bonga Beama Able Bonga Busega Policeman Father Beama village Beama village Uticus Gorare Eroro Housekeeper to Captain Uncle Hall

Matthew Flenders Beama Eutychus Borari Eroro Carrier Father Dudley Banaga Nongori Beama Depona Doga Koirapusi PIB Father-in-law (Father of Borari & Clarissa Bobura Clarissa Bobura) Beama village NO PHOTO Beama village AVAILABLE Harold Abana Koirapusi PIB Father-in-law’s Cousin

Godfrey Daima Beama Gomba Busega PIB (regimental number is Uncle (father’s youngest Philemon Barminas Beama Paminas Sena Ogomei Kopure Carrier and PIB Father Ogomei Beama village PN 3781) brother) Beama village Sergeant Augustine Busega PIB Angoro Timias Saragtu Busega Policeman The war meant that many young Papua New GuineanGodfrey’s father Busega menLooked after village Fatherhad to leave theirTasman Oiko Orere villages.Beama TheyNaitameri Oiago Orere wereLaundry workeremployedStepmother by the people Beama village Oiko Stanley Orere Carrier & PIB Stepfather

Godfrey’s mother Busega Mother Mother Naia Garu, Gimulae Nurse Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, police, cooks and Violetin Jaupa otherEroro serviceLaundry worker jobs. Sometimes this David Gill Ipumi Beama Ipumi Policeman Father Victor Endegi PIB Uncle Beama village Nicholas Wowora Beama Conrad Woworu Kopure Carrier and labourer Father lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited intoBeama village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 44 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 45 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Mavis Manuda Tongia Popondetta Redmond Lasibari Medical orderly Father Ivan Bohura Kovelo Mealo Iluvi Alola Carrier Father Popondetta Manuda Kovelo village Warrington Yaruso Kesia Alola Carrier Uncle Thompson Iagoba James Surute Medical orderly Tendall Arura Medical orderly Michael Esoma Kovelo His own story Kovelo Carrier Himself Arura Sisire Medical orderly Kovelo village Parmenas Kaembo Medical orderly Paulus Buna Medical orderly Pakau Tinga Medical orderly Paul Serere Medical orderly Benson Gadova Kovelo Mr Lei Gadova Carrier Kovelo village Gadova Sopa Deniki Carrier/ Village Leader Father Sosapa Andeba Medical orderly Rufus Sombo Hohorita Medical orderly Mr Sikulu Koesi Guide Guided father to safety Timeus Gasi Higaturu Medical orderly Mr Sinele Village Police Constable Simeon Tohane Medical orderly Mr Muiri Mabouri Abuare Awarded shotgun at end of war for service Hombega Isoro Sairope Policeman Faola Lehui Kovelo Father Father Onderari Divina Kovari Policeman Kovelo village Edula Village woman who Saul Garandi Ue Policeman escaped the Japanese and Leslie Potari Buna Policeman alerted the village they were coming The war meant that many young Papua New GuineanCyprian Temboro Gona menPoliceman had to leave their villages. They were employed by the Edula’s husband and child Killed by Japanese Villagers Matoro Ipumi Beama Policeman Ivan Nitua Kovelo Father Isurava Carrier Father David Ipumi Beama Policeman Kovelo village Kiko Isurava Carrier Friend of Father Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Sora medicalTogaho Policeman orderlies, police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this Gileni Isurava Carrier Father’s Uncle Engia Ope Policeman Kudi Gumelo Isurava Cartridge carrier Benjamin of Ufa Sairope Policeman Inove Isurava ‘Wireless man’ pulled Sebastian Goro Sanananda Policeman lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited into the Papuan Infantrycables along track Battalion (PIB), Sanopa Urio Policeman Moni Isurava Carrier Sergeant Periwa Waria Policeman Sinisi Isurava Policeman Embogo Agena Hohombota Policeman the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fightingNave Nahoma Bala in theirVillager own districts and in Moiri Isurava Villager - attacked by many other places around Papua New Guinea. Japanese 46 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 47 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Mavis Manuda Tongia Popondetta Redmond Lasibari Medical orderly Father Ivan Bohura Kovelo Mealo Iluvi Alola Carrier Father Popondetta Manuda Kovelo village Warrington Yaruso Kesia Alola Carrier Uncle Thompson Iagoba James Surute Medical orderly Tendall Arura Medical orderly Michael Esoma Kovelo His own story Kovelo Carrier Himself Arura Sisire Medical orderly Kovelo village Parmenas Kaembo Medical orderly Paulus Buna Medical orderly Pakau Tinga Medical orderly Paul Serere Medical orderly Benson Gadova Kovelo Mr Lei Gadova Carrier Kovelo village Gadova Sopa Deniki Carrier/ Village Leader Father Sosapa Andeba Medical orderly Rufus Sombo Hohorita Medical orderly Mr Sikulu Koesi Guide Guided father to safety Timeus Gasi Higaturu Medical orderly Mr Sinele Village Police Constable Simeon Tohane Medical orderly Mr Muiri Mabouri Abuare Awarded shotgun at end of war for service Hombega Isoro Sairope Policeman Faola Lehui Kovelo Father Father Onderari Divina Kovari Policeman Kovelo village Edula Village woman who Saul Garandi Ue Policeman escaped the Japanese and Leslie Potari Buna Policeman alerted the village they were coming The war meant that many young Papua New GuineanCyprian Temboro Gona menPoliceman had to leave their villages. They were employed by the Edula’s husband and child Killed by Japanese Villagers Matoro Ipumi Beama Policeman Ivan Nitua Kovelo Father Isurava Carrier Father David Ipumi Beama Policeman Kovelo village Kiko Isurava Carrier Friend of Father Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Sora medicalTogaho Policeman orderlies, police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this Gileni Isurava Carrier Father’s Uncle Engia Ope Policeman Kudi Gumelo Isurava Cartridge carrier Benjamin of Ufa Sairope Policeman Inove Isurava ‘Wireless man’ pulled Sebastian Goro Sanananda Policeman lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited into the Papuan Infantrycables along track Battalion (PIB), Sanopa Urio Policeman Moni Isurava Carrier Sergeant Periwa Waria Policeman Sinisi Isurava Policeman Embogo Agena Hohombota Policeman the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fightingNave Nahoma Bala in theirVillager own districts and in Moiri Isurava Villager - attacked by many other places around Papua New Guinea. Japanese 46 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 47 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Jerry Dimuda Kagi Dimuda Niligi Kagi Carrier and Scout / Father Vavaga Marina Kagi Marina Kagi Village Leader Father Kagi village Policeman looked after Kagi village Dudu Kagi Villager Mother the Egulu clan Lomola Melai Kagi Relative Kola (Known as John or Kagi Carrier Kove) Ilua Melai Kagi Relative Ilua Melai Kagi Carrier Moi Melai Kagi Relative Lomala Melai Kagi Carrier Dimuda Niligi Kagi Relative Moi Melai Kagi Carrier Selu Kekeve Kagi Relative Matama Kekeve Kagi Carrier Kola Euvu Kagi Relative Euki Emu Kagi Carrier Killed at Buna Sihare Emue Kagi Carrier Brother of Euki Minama Menari Policeman Killed at Buna Dairi Emue Kagi Carrier Brother of Euki Benson Naduri Carrier Killed at Buna Euki Emu Kagi Carrier Killed at Buna Sibona Kagi Carrier Hawala Laula Kagi Mr Selu Kekeve Somali Policeman Policeman who looked Kekeni Misuka Kagi Dimuda Niligi Alola Village Leader Father Kagi village after Samori clan Kagi village Mother Alola Villager Mother Aleki Duna Kagi Carrier Bedoa Alola Killed by the Japanese Sister Budiki Duna Kagi Carrier Sister-in-law Alola Killed by the Japanese Sister-in-law Susuve Orena Kagi Carrier Mr. Misikani Warned villagers war was Sae Maere Kagi Carrier coming Amuli Gomoli Kagi Carrier Aramu Babo Karakadabu-Depo Babo Kakira Donadabu Carrier Father The war meant that many young Papua New GuineanEleva Meleni Kagi menCarrier had to leave their villages. They were employed by the Kakai Sola Naduri Carrier Kora Naduri Carrier Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Hove medical Policeman orderlies,Ordered Naduri and Kagi police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this villagers to hide Kone Daube Karakadabu-Depo Mariori Mokuta Koitaki Labourer Grandfather Sasi Policeman Ordered Naduri and Kagi Botoguni village villagers to hide lasted until the war ended. Thousands of youngIdiki men werePoliceman alsoOrdered Naduri and Kagi recruited into the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them,villagers to hide the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 48 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 49 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Jerry Dimuda Kagi Dimuda Niligi Kagi Carrier and Scout / Father Vavaga Marina Kagi Marina Kagi Village Leader Father Kagi village Policeman looked after Kagi village Dudu Kagi Villager Mother the Egulu clan Lomola Melai Kagi Relative Kola (Known as John or Kagi Carrier Kove) Ilua Melai Kagi Relative Ilua Melai Kagi Carrier Moi Melai Kagi Relative Lomala Melai Kagi Carrier Dimuda Niligi Kagi Relative Moi Melai Kagi Carrier Selu Kekeve Kagi Relative Matama Kekeve Kagi Carrier Kola Euvu Kagi Relative Euki Emu Kagi Carrier Killed at Buna Sihare Emue Kagi Carrier Brother of Euki Minama Menari Policeman Killed at Buna Dairi Emue Kagi Carrier Brother of Euki Benson Naduri Carrier Killed at Buna Euki Emu Kagi Carrier Killed at Buna Sibona Kagi Carrier Hawala Laula Kagi Mr Selu Kekeve Somali Policeman Policeman who looked Kekeni Misuka Kagi Dimuda Niligi Alola Village Leader Father Kagi village after Samori clan Kagi village Mother Alola Villager Mother Aleki Duna Kagi Carrier Bedoa Alola Killed by the Japanese Sister Budiki Duna Kagi Carrier Sister-in-law Alola Killed by the Japanese Sister-in-law Susuve Orena Kagi Carrier Mr. Misikani Warned villagers war was Sae Maere Kagi Carrier coming Amuli Gomoli Kagi Carrier Aramu Babo Karakadabu-Depo Babo Kakira Donadabu Carrier Father The war meant that many young Papua New GuineanEleva Meleni Kagi menCarrier had to leave their villages. They were employed by the Kakai Sola Naduri Carrier Kora Naduri Carrier Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Hove medical Policeman orderlies,Ordered Naduri and Kagi police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this villagers to hide Kone Daube Karakadabu-Depo Mariori Mokuta Koitaki Labourer Grandfather Sasi Policeman Ordered Naduri and Kagi Botoguni village villagers to hide lasted until the war ended. Thousands of youngIdiki men werePoliceman alsoOrdered Naduri and Kagi recruited into the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them,villagers to hide the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 48 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 49 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Recks Ea’ah Karakadabu-Depo Ea’ah Kakira (Kakira Translator, carrier, doctor, Father Nuana Momoa Karakadabu-Depo Momoa Monobe Manurinumu, Sogeri Carrier Father Bereadabu village Waita) fighter Manurinumu village

Waigi Mumu Mother

Tainori Kiroki Karakadabu-Depo Kiroki Kirohi PIB Father Adam Muriumu Karakadabu-Depo Muriumu Maka Akea Carrier Father Mesime village

Kauka Kone Karakadabu-Depo Father Manumu Carrier Father Jack Oga Karakadabu-Depo Oga Bobogi (Jack) Giniginitana now under Carrier and cook Father Manurinumu village Naimunu 2 village Sirinumu Dam

Orie Kori Karakadabu-Depo Korie Inara Fakonama Scout and carrier Father Seba Orogu Karakadabu-Depo Orogu Seba Sirinumu PIB Father Fakonana village Haima village

The war meant that many young PapuaGeoffry Meia NewKarakadabu-Depo Guinean Meia Wai Ilolo menCarrier Fatherhad to leave theirInoa Bobogi Ovia villages.Karakadabu-Depo They Oga Bobogi (Laila Kokoni) Southern were Sogeri Carrier employedFather by the Australians and Americans to workBisiatabu as carriers, medical orderlies, police,Naimunu cooks 2 village and in other service jobs. Sometimes this

Kala Meia Karakadabu-Depo Kariki Ada 17 Mile Carrier Father Dixie Tamati Karakadabu-Depo Tamati Babo Bisianumu Carrier Father lasted until the war ended. ThousandsMagere village of young men were also recruited intoOsabevai village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 50 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 51 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Recks Ea’ah Karakadabu-Depo Ea’ah Kakira (Kakira Translator, carrier, doctor, Father Nuana Momoa Karakadabu-Depo Momoa Monobe Manurinumu, Sogeri Carrier Father Bereadabu village Waita) fighter Manurinumu village

Waigi Mumu Mother

Tainori Kiroki Karakadabu-Depo Kiroki Kirohi PIB Father Adam Muriumu Karakadabu-Depo Muriumu Maka Akea Carrier Father Mesime village

Kauka Kone Karakadabu-Depo Father Manumu Carrier Father Jack Oga Karakadabu-Depo Oga Bobogi (Jack) Giniginitana now under Carrier and cook Father Manurinumu village Naimunu 2 village Sirinumu Dam

Orie Kori Karakadabu-Depo Korie Inara Fakonama Scout and carrier Father Seba Orogu Karakadabu-Depo Orogu Seba Sirinumu PIB Father Fakonana village Haima village

Kala Meia Karakadabu-Depo Kariki Ada 17 Mile Carrier Father Dixie Tamati Karakadabu-Depo Tamati Babo Bisianumu Carrier Father lasted until the war ended. ThousandsMagere village of young men were also recruited intoOsabevai village the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 50 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 51 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Iorio Toina Karakadabu-Depo Toina Womara Depo Carrier Father Billy Ivai PNG National Museum Karakadabu (Depo) and Art Gallery village

Samie Toina Karakadabu-Depo Father 12 Mile Carrier Father Joel Enda Taira Sanata PNG National Museum Taira Saruva Sanata Awala Guide to Japanese Father Ianabewai village ATS and Art Gallery

Kerega Guide to Japanese Father’s cousin

Bore Womara Karakadabu-Depo Womara Wabuta Eveidigi Sorcery man / custom Father Moses Seni PNG National Museum Seru Sapate Koiari area Carrier Grandfather Karakadabu (Depo) doctor Kahaitana village and Art Gallery village

Babara Yori Karakadabu-Depo Yori Mado Koitaki Scout Father Sogeri Gideon Warite PNG National Museum Warite Koare Sogeri Carrier Father 17 Mile and Art Gallery Taitu Ubuni Donadabu Carrier Mother Villager Mother

The war meant that many young PapuaJohn Auda Arue NewPNG National Museum GuineanFather Sogeri valley menPIB Fatherhad to leave their villages. They were employed by the Mesime village and Art Gallery As much as we remember the people in this Roll of Honour, we also remember all those who were not mentioned, who lived and died during the Second World War in PNG Australians and Americans to work as carriers,Uncle medicalSogeri valley orderlies,Uncle police, cooks and in other service jobs. Sometimes this

Ian I Bali PNG National Museum Orogu Gebada, now under Grandfather lasted until the war ended. ThousandsWahondada village of youngand Art Gallery menSirinumu Dam were also recruited into the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 52 VOICES FROM THE WAR PAPUA NEW GUINEAN STORIES OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN, WORLD WAR TWO 53 Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to Interviewee’s name Photo Interview Site In memory of From Role Relationship to and village interviewee and village interviewee Iorio Toina Karakadabu-Depo Toina Womara Depo Carrier Father Billy Ivai PNG National Museum Karakadabu (Depo) and Art Gallery village

Samie Toina Karakadabu-Depo Father 12 Mile Carrier Father Joel Enda Taira Sanata PNG National Museum Taira Saruva Sanata Awala Guide to Japanese Father Ianabewai village ATS and Art Gallery

Kerega Guide to Japanese Father’s cousin

4 151021 THE KOKODA 5 026312 8 016540 9 (Left) 069274 TRACK 9 (Right) OG2749 GONA 10 016541 SANANANDA 11 013002 BUNA 12 025970 13 (Top) 100601 13 (Bottom) 100443 14 060203 KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA 15 072448 16 013641 DENIKI 17 151027 GORARI OIVI 18 030258/10 ISURAVA 19 026367 EORA 20 014028 MT BELLAMY 23 0069215 24 006217 25 073366 MENARI EFOGI 26 (Inset) 015013 26 (Main) 015942 The war meant that many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages.NAURO They were employed by the 28 076122 IORIBAIWA 29 016117 IMITA RIDGE 30 060901 Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, police, cooksOWERS CORNER and in other service jobs. Sometimes31 013614 this 32 026014 SOGERI 33 013257 34 151018 lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited PORTinto MORESBY the Papuan Infantry Battalion35 (PIB),079614 37 076605 the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts38 013156 and in many other places around Papua New Guinea. 54 many othermany Guinea. New places around Papua Guinea Infantry Battalionsthe New and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts and in lasted the war ended. Thousands until of Infantry Battalion young men were also recruited into the Papuan (PIB), Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, cooks and in other police, service jobs. Sometimes this by the They were employed men had to leave their villages. Guinean New The war meant that many young Papua 54 TRACK THE KOKODA PORT MORESBY IORIBAIWA SOGERI OWERS CORNER MENARI MT BELLAMY KOKODA STATION IMITA RIDGE ISURAVA DENIKI NAURO EFOGI EORA

Australian War MemorialOIVI WAIROPI Australian War Memorial photograph reference numbers photograph reference numbers GORARI

4 151021 THE KOKODA 5 026312 4 151021 THE KOKODA 8 016540 5 026312 9 (Left) 069274 8 016540 TRACK 9 (Right) OG2749 9 (Left) 069274 GONA TRACK 10 016541 9 (Right) OG2749 GONA POPONDETTA SANANANDA 11 013002 10Australian War016541 Memorial

BUNA SANANANDA 12 025970 GONA 11photograph reference013002 numbers BUNA 13 (Top) 100601 12 025970 13 (Bottom) 100443 13 (Top) 100601

SANANANDA 4 151021 Australian War Memorial THE KOKODA 14 060203 135 (Bottom) 100443026312 KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA 15 072448 BUNA photograph 14reference8 numbers060203016540 KOKODA STATION WAIROPI POPONDETTA 16 013641 159 (Left) 072448069274 DENIKI TRACK 17 151027 169 (Right) 013641OG2749 GORARI GONA 4 151021 18 030258/10 THE OIVIKOKODA DENIKI 5 1710026312 151027016541 ISURAVA GORARI 19 026367 OIVI SANANANDA 8 1811016540 030258/10013002 20 014028 EORA ISURAVA BUNA 9 (Left) 1912069274 026367025970 MT BELLAMY 23 0069215 TRACK 9 (Right) 2013OG2749 (Top) 014028100601 EORA GONA 24 006217 MT BELLAMY 10 2313016541 (Bottom) 0069215100443 25 073366 MENARI EFOGI SANANANDA 11 2414013002 006217060203 KOKODA STATION WAIROPI 26 (Inset) 015013 POPONDETTABUNA 12 2515025970 073366072448 MENARI EFOGI 26 (Main) 015942 The war meant that many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages.NAURO They were employed by the 13 (Top) 2616 (Inset)100601 015013013641 28 076122 IORIBAIWA DENIKI 13 (Bottom) 2617 (Main)100443 015942151027 The war meant that many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages.NAURO GORARI They were employed29 016117 by the OIVI 14 2818060203 076122030258/10 IMITA RIDGE IORIBAIWAKOKODA STATIONISURAVA 30 060901 WAIROPI POPONDETTA 15 2919072448 016117026367 31 013614 Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, police, cooksOWERS CORNER and in IMITAother RIDGE service jobs. Sometimes 16this20013641 014028 EORA 30 060901 32 026014 MT BELLAMY 17 23151027 0069215 Australians and Americans to work as carriers, medical orderlies, police,SOGERI cooksOWERSDENIKI CORNER and in other service jobs. Sometimes31 013614 this GORARI 33 013257 24 006217 OIVI 18 32 030258/10 026014 SOGERIISURAVA 34 151018 25 073366 19 33 026367 013257 lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited PORTinto MORESBY the PapuanMENARI InfantryEFOGI Battalion35 (PIB),079614 26 (Inset) 015013 EORA 20 34 014028 151018 MT BELLAMY 37 076605 26 (Main) 015942 lasted until the war ended. Thousands of young men were also recruited PORTinto MORESBY the Papuan Infantry Battalion23 35 0069215 (PIB),079614 The war meant that many young Papua New Guinean men had to leave their villages.NAURO They were employed by the 38 013156 24 28006217 076122 IORIBAIWA 37 076605 the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts and25 in29073366 016117 MENARI EFOGI 38 013156 IMITA RIDGE 26 (Inset) 30015013 060901 the AustraliansNew Guinea and Infantry Americans Battalions to work and as carriers, other units. medical For them,orderlies, the warpolice, involved cooksOWERS CORNER andfighting in other in theirservice own jobs. districts 26Sometimes (Main) 31015942 013614 and this in NAURO 32 026014 SOGERI 28 076122 many other places around Papua New Guinea. IORIBAIWA 33 013257 29 016117 54 IMITA RIDGE 30 34060901 151018 manylasted other until places the aroundwar ended. Papua Thousands New Guinea. of young men were also recruited PORTinto MORESBY the Papuan Infantry Battalion35 (PIB),079614 31 013614 54 OWERS CORNER 32 37026014 076605 SOGERI 33 38013257 013156 the New Guinea Infantry Battalions and other units. For them, the war involved fighting in their own districts34 151018 and in PORT MORESBY 35 079614 37 076605 many other places around Papua New Guinea. 38 013156 54 photograph reference numbers Australian War Memorial 4 38 37 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 26 (Main) 26 (Inset) 25 24 23 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 (Bottom) 13 (Top) 12 11 10 9 (Right) 9 (Left) 8 5

54 013156 076605 079614 151018 013257 026014 013614 060901 016117 076122 015942 015013 073366 006217 0069215 014028 026367 030258/10 151027 013641 072448 060203 100443 100601 025970 013002 016541 OG2749 069274 016540 026312 151021