The aftermath of war: Charles Betteridge
About 8 pm on 10 September 1945, three Japanese soldiers and an orderly arrived at the area of the 2/7th Battalion at Kairiru near Maprik. They carried a message from General Adachi. They were...
Author: president
Anzac Day 2012 in Rabaul: Bob Cleland
My recent visit to PNG falls naturally into three parts: the cruise from Alotau to Rabaul, Anzac Day in Rabaul, and my return to Goroka after 36 years. I will cover only Anzac Day...
Glimmer of hope: Bob Piper
An RAAF Douglas C-47 transport aircraft with nineteen on board, which disappeared minutes after takeoff from Milne Bay in New Guinea in September 1945, may have been re-located. An Australian tour boat operator, as...
Sailing canoe: Peter Worsley
This description of a large sailing canoe was requested by Dr Michael McCarthy during his research prior to writing his book Ships’ Fastenings: From Sewn Boat to Steamship. Texas A&M University Press, 2005. In...
First civilians arrive back in Rabaul: Gladys Baker
This December 2011 marks the 70th anniversary since evacuations prior to WWII. It was to be five years before those evacuated were able to return to rebuild new homes and new lives. Gladys Baker...
Rudy Buckley and the Montevideo Maru: Maxwell R Hayes
Rudy Buckley in NGVR/PNGVR Ex-Members Association parade dress. Photo by T. Dowling One of the most incredible discoveries to come to light confirming the departure of the Montevideo Maru1 from Rabaul with captive service...
A happy wartime memory of Kabakaul: Frazer Harry
There is something attractive about the idea of enjoying a cold beer at the end of a hot tropical day, particularly if it’s with a group of great mates, with a view of palm...
Wartime relic—USAF P47 Thunderbolt: Peter Worsley
In early 1963, I was a Patrol Officer based in Lae and carried out patrols both along the coast and also into the Wain and Naba areas in the mountains to the north of...
Final Japanese surrender in PNG: Don Hook
The final Japanese surrender in PNG came one month after VP Day on 15 August 1945. It marked the end of the war against Japan in the Pacific and the end of World War...
Our Pacific skies—A retired aviator’s diary: Mike Feeney
When I was a mere lad back in the 60s, the Aussie/TPNG Dept of Civil Aviation approved me to carry out the training, checking and supervision of new chums on various aircraft types, but...
70th anniversary, Cape Wom: Charles Betteridge
This year, 2015, is the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II. It was a war that stunned the world in its ferocity and swiftness, and there was not a living soul...
William Manning Edwards, CMG, MBE, MID: Phil Ainsworth
Edwards, William Manning CMG MBE MID, Colonel, NGX455: the story of an Australian Private soldier who stormed Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and became the CO of NGVR, 1 NGIB & PIR during WW2...
Some old New Guinea photos, Part 2: Graham Syphers
Hello there, Here is the final part of a personal reminiscence and quick look by one Australian expat living in New Guinea, pre Independence. I had a total of sixteen years flying in PNG....
My expatriate life, Part 1: Diane Bayne
When visiting Bangkok I’ve wondered what it would be like to live there. The sensations of colour, smell, movement and noise are so overpowering, as is the humidity and heat. It’s contrasted by the...
