AUSTRALIAN FORESTERS in PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1922-1975
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PNGAF MAGAZINE ISSUE #
11- B-1 of 23rd Dec 2024.
FOREST MANAGEMENT.
Dick McCarthy. Community Activities – Rotary and Forestry.
Addendum -Book Launch of the Ben Moide Story 2012 to 2014.
Editor Dick McCarthy
Dick McCarthy Sergeant PIR Igam Barracks 1968/69.
Photo credit RBMcC.
Combined Rotary Project PNG/Australia Book Launch. The Nameless Warriors 2012. The Ben Moide Story. Author Lahui Ako. Publisher UPNG Press Manager John Evans.
Presentation Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne 2014. Photo credit RBMcC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWOOD PAGE 3
AUTHOR LAHUI AKO PAGE 7
PREAMBLE BOOK AMBASSADOR PETER ILAU DMS, CBE PAGE 9
PAPUA NEW GUINEA VOLUNTEER RIFLES – PNGVR PAGE 13
ANZAC DAY 2003 BRISBANE PAGE 14
GOLD COAST KOKODA WALK VISIT ANZAC DAY 2012 PAGE 22
OBITUARY FOR CAPTAIN A.E. HOOPER (PIB, ANGAU) PAGE 31
VALE WILLIAM (BILL) BELLAIRS PAGE 34
ROTARY INVOLVEMENT BOOK LAUNCH 19/6/2012 PAGE 35
REMEMBRANCE DAY PNG PAGE 35
VICE CHANCELLOR’S BOOK LAUNCH UPNG 20/7/2012 PAGE 38
BOOK PRESENTATION SHRINE MELBOURNE 2014 PAGE 43
OBITUARY BEN MOIDE 2014 PAGE 45
PNG STATE FUNERAL SGT. BEN MOIDE C.B.E., D.M.S. PAGE 48 MC SPEECH PAGE 54
EULOGY PAGE 59
ACRONYMS PAGE 67
FORWOOD
This magazine relates to the Rotary Clubs of Port Moresby, Moreland, and Gungahlin (ACT) involvement, co-ordinated by Rotarian Dick McCarthy to launch the book – Nameless Warriors - the Ben Modie by author Lahui Ako.
Without the assistance of Michael Pearson (PNG Chief Scout) as adjutant, it would not have been a success.
Phil Ainsworth1 as head of the retired PNGVR Association has endorsed the use of photographs and relevant publications involved with visits to Australian Anzac Day Celebrations involving the late Ben Modie.
The culmination of the project was presentation of the book to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne two years later.
The background to the Ben Modie story is described by Lahui Ako as:
Sergeant Ben Moide (Retired) story is of his accounts during WW2 as a member of the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB). These are accounts of his own experiences during the war which have been recorded as he saw them, for the first time. What is written he saw with his own eyes as well as stories told to him by his mates in the PIB, of whom, most no longer walk this earth. These accounts are corroborated with official war history ensuring his story is true for generations to come.
This book is essentially Ben’s life story, which includes his young teenage years in the 1940s in Port Moresby; then, Ben the Soldier throughout his time in the Papuan Infantry Battalion, including the period of the Second World War; and of course Ben Moide, as a true Papuan with a snippet of his love life in the community after the war.
The fact that official WW2 history does not mention his or much of the exploits of his brothers from the PIB does not necessarily mean that they were mere bystanders watching the Australian digger strut it out with the Japanese warrior. Without the tireless efforts and assistance of the PIB, the Japanese would have set up camp on the foothills of Australia, and the official war history, as is written, would have been written in Japanese. In the darkness of the storm, the PIB acted as the eyes and ears of the Australian digger, leading him into the unknown; mostly into places where he himself, in peacetime, would not have dared to tread, because of tribal animosities and the traditional beliefs of the dark arts.
1 Phil Ainsworth President PNGVR Endorsement for use of PNGVR/NGVR archives. Personal communication 17th October 2024.
Above: Ben Moide (Far right) as the Bren-gun instructor, Bisiatabu 1943
Bisiatabu – Recruits of the 1st PIB Training Coy drilling with Corporal-in-Charge, Cpl Daera Ganiga, at the rear of the squad in a white rami.
Bisiatabu 1943: Private Haria, holding an Austin Mach1 Submachine gun.
Bisiatabu 1943; Private Madaio from Daru. Like Ben Moide, Madaio joined the PIB at the age of 15.
Bisiatabu 1943: PIB training at storming an “enemy” hut. The soldier on the left has just fired a flaming arrow into the hut to smoke the enemy out.
Above: The enemy has been smoked out and the PIB rush in.
AUTHOR LAHUI AKO
Lahui Ako, Ben Moide and one of Ben’s great granddaughters.
Photo credit Dick McCarthy 2012.
Lahui is the son of Major (Ret) Chaplain Ray Ako. As a senior diplomat, Lahui developed his skills of writing and storytelling. His ability as an indigenous writer brings forward his skill as a storyteller and talent in capturing the native soldier’s version of the great Kokoda campaign. His initial workon“Upstream, throughendlesssands ofblessings (2007)wherehewrites about “the true story of Hanubada, the big Motuan Village,” showed his growing ability to capture the original story from Motu and Tok-Pisin (Pidgin). Just as he captured well the thoughts of Motuans then, he once again proves this growing skill level with his third book, ‘Nameless Warriors.’
His ability as an Indigenous writer brings forward his skill as a storyteller and talent in capturing the native soldier’s version of the great Kokoda campaign. The Ben Moide story is a real war hero’s story of a real life untold National hero, which required a highly credible Foreword by an authority of the military business to grace the profile of the book.
This story is essentially Ben’s life story, which includes his young teenage years in the 1940s in Port Moresby; then, Ben the Soldier throughout his time in the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB), including the period of the Second World War; and of course, Ben Moide, as a true Papuan with a snippet of his love life in the community after the war.
There are numerous versions of the Kokoda campaign stories which have been re-told many times over by appropriate authorities and scholars, but this book provides the reader with Ben Moide’s own experience of the Kokoda, Buna, Gona, and Salamaua, Lae and Finschafen
Taking on this arduous task gave me many sleepless nights as I pondered how I was going to ensure that Sergeant Ben Moide’s story, which would also reflect the story of the PIB in action during WW2 would be told as accurately as possible, especially when most of the history written of that era usually starred the taubada and only made mention in passing of the “native scout” or the “Papuan soldier,” etc. However, it was a task that had to be done for the memories of all those young nameless Papua New Guinean heroes who served in this foreign war. So, I truly must apologize in anticipation of the bitter pill some experts on the subject might be inclined to swallow because it is not my intention that you do so. But only that you try to understand why sometimes truth is truly a bitter pill to swallow, even if it is not recorded formally in annuls which one might consider official.
Ben Moide’s accounts are based on the conversations I had with him between August and November 2009 and the facts as corroborated with the actual events that occurred and are recorded in the taubada’s war books. It is a story that has to be written and told so that the world can know about the other side of the coin. After all, our own traditional history has always been handed down by word of mouth, from one generation to the next.
One day in October 2010 I came in touch with former PIB Lieutenant, Alan Hooper. Mr Hooper, 92-years old and residing on the Sunshine Coast, was in the process of completing the sequel to his first book, Love, War and Letters (1989). This was a God send. Mr Hooper’s encouragements to write “turagu Ben’s story” (referring to Sergeant Ben Moide as his friend during one of our email exchanges) therefore urged me on.
PREAMBLE - BY HIS EXCELLENCY, AMBASSADOR PETER ILAU,
DMS, CBE COMMANDER PNGDF (RETIRED)
For Retired Commander PNGDF, Commodore Peter Ilau, DMS, CBE (at the time of the publishing of this book was Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia) to concur to write the Foreword greatly adds honor to the countless PIB soldiers who had done wonders during the war but warranted no mention in the official war annuls.
Ambassador Ilau became the first Naval Officer to command the PNG Defence Force and was the longest serving Commander (October 2001 to January 2010), a testament of the Government’s belief in his leadership quality and management skills. He is also a scholar and holds a master’s degree in quality management from the University of Wollongong, and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Southern Cross University.
Indeed, as a former Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, and a half Motuan (Pari) like Ben Moide, I had the honour and privilege to name the soldiers club at Murray Barracks, as the ‘Ben Moide Club (BMC as it is popularly referred to), and of course with the added honour to write this Foreword. The naming of the club may not be the equal reward for one who risked himself to many life-threatening circumstances, but at least he will be remembered in a dignified way for many years to come.
When I first heard of the name Lahui Ako, my memory quickly reflected on a very quiet seven- or eight-year-old boy, the son of a neighbour of mine during my military posting at the PNGDF Military Academy at Igam Barracks, Lae, Morobe Province. Lahui is the son of Major (Ret) Chaplain Ray Ako, a well-respected and loved chaplain in his time. In fact, Chaplain Ako was a strong spiritual leader during the Kumul Forces deployment in 1980 in the Vanuatu campaign. For Lahui, it was many years later through the love for Rugby that enabled our career paths to cross.
Before I delve into the story of Sergeant Ben Moide (Retired) and his accounts of WW2 as a member of the PIB, I must stress that these are accounts of his own experiences during this war which are recorded as he saw them, for the first time. What is written here is what he saw with his own eyes as well as those as told to him by his mates in the PIB, of whom, nearly no longer walk this earth. These accounts have been corroborated with official war history to ensure that his story remains true for generations to come.
The fact that official WW2 history does not mention his or much of the exploits of his brothers from the PIB does not necessarily mean that they were mere bystanders watching the Australian digger strut it out with the Japanese warrior. Without the tireless efforts and assistance of the PIB, the Japanese would have set up camp on the foothills of Australia, and the official war history, as is written, would have been written in Japanese. In the darkness of the storm, the PIB acted as the eyes and ears of the Australian digger, leading him into the unknown; mostly into places where he himself, in peacetime, would not have dared to tread, because of tribal animosities and the traditional beliefs of the dark arts.
I am therefore compelled to make this point clear from the onset so that we Papua New Guineans, from now onwards, remember the quality, sacrifice, suffering and courage our countrymen displayed during WW2 – because nearly all these accounts are unwritten in any official war history. As such, we can only do justice to their experiences by retelling them from their own viewpoint
For most Papuans, the events which unfolded between 1942 and 1945 marked a turning point in the history of their interactions with the colonial “master”2. For some, the war represented opportunities for pay-back killing, while for others it provided opportunities for improved status and new ideas and skills which could be used to challenge the authority of the master. In many areas, where warrior status had been laid to rest by the missionaries, taking up weapons again to fight, albeit in the taubada’swar, greatly enhanced one’s status and permanently changed one’s view of the outside world.
For the Papuans, there was no concept of “nation” as understood by the taubadas. The Papuans were tribally oriented, and horizons merely extended to the top of the nearest mountain. Loyalty was to a bloodline (extended family), and even within this extended family structure, there were deadly enemies.3 The arrival of the war gave traditional enemies the opportunity to get at each other’s throats again, but this time, with the full blessing of the warmongers.
Papuans went to work for the taubadas for goods that would allow them, for example, to choose independently for a wife, rather than obey the tribal elders who possessed the wealth of the tribe in the form of shells, and similar items. Work was not seen as a career but as a way to acquire things from the taubada’s shops in town or in payment for services rendered. These western items completely destroyed the old system of wealth. The steel implements, lanterns, torches, mirrors and so on immediately elevated the status of the young man who returned to the tribe with them. And being part of the taubada’s army was seen by many young men as an opportunity to acquire wealth and gain status.
Even within the PIB, tribal politics was rife. During my conversation with the old man, it was hard to comprehend how one so young, entrusted with the responsibilities of leadership due to education and capability could still withstand the tribal politics of the day. I tried to imagine for once, what it would have been like - as an eighteen-year old Sergeant of mixed Motuan and Kiwai parentage, not initiated yet in tribal lore, born and bred away from the birthplace of my father where the warrior culture was still brimming with life due to being passed over by the missionaries - to be given the responsibility of leading grown men; men who had faced tribal enemies and killed and smeared their enemy’s blood all over their faces to justify the kill; men of another tribe. My life would have been full of terrifying challenges, especially if I were the only one of my kind among a host of NCOs who came mostly from the Gulf region.
Most of the NCOs who had made the transition from the Police into the PIB were men of substance; meaning, they were tried and proven men in the art of jungle lore and traditional loyalties. Most, besides those from the Northern district were also from the Kikori delta, Kerema as well as the huge river tributary which flows into the Gulf of Papua. They knew to whom they owed first their allegiance; and it was not to the PIB or the taubadas. This feeling and attitude would be dispelled over the course of the war, as the notion of the common enemy became widespread throughout the PIB.
Ben Moide, being a teenage NCO and the only Kiwai NCO at that, until the PIB C Coy was raised made up predominantly of men from the Kiwai areas would have surely raised and caused uneasiness and great jealousy among the older Gulf NCOs as to why a kid of mixed
2The word “master” was enforced to denote the colonial authority. Today, it is pidgin street slang for Europeans in general and can be derogatory and demeaning if used among Papua New Guineans.
3McAulay, L., (1991), “Blood and Iron,” Hutchinson, Australia, pp9
Kiwai and Motuan parentage - who could speak the taubada’s language well, brought up not in his father’s tribe, but in his mother’s tribe, and one so young at that who had not even been initiated into the world of the man - was now deemed initiated by the taubadas to lead men to war. To the older NCOs, this was an outrage and cause for disrespect to their tradition and the memories of their forefathers. Even within C Coy, he was regarded with suspicion because of his heritage. As such, his life was constantly in danger from all angles throughout the war.
Further, it is said that during some patrols, PIB soldiers, usually from other tribes, who were seen as not matching up to the standards of the NCOs were quickly dispatched the traditional way. Teenagers like Ben, who had the support and trust of the taubadas, had to closely watch their backs from their own kind, as well as the front, from the Japanese. Stories have also been told of knifing in the back during the dark of the night within the PIB to settle old tribal scores. Was this how its first official casualties - recorded in the taubada’s history books as killed by friendly fires – died? Alan Hooper writes that the PIB’s first officially listed casualty, Private Pokino, met his demise this way for failing to answer a PIB sentry’s challenge in the night.4
Papua New Guinea in the 21st century continues to be a tradition-oriented and tribal country which still believes in the legends of its forefathers. As such, it should not surprise anyone to understand and realize how these WW2 warriors operated in the face of the enemy, either from within or without. campaigns. As one of that original jungle warrior himself, he tells the story as he saw it and remembered.
The book itself is action packed with many close quarter combat encounters, including real life biases of society, racial discrimination as it was during the colonial era, and the best of Papuan humour cleverly picked by Lahui from the cunning mind of Uncle Ben Moide, the man, as we have all come to know and love.
The Ben Moide story starts with the birth of the PIB; it gives a rare insight into the spirit of unity that became the key to a united Papua New Guinea much later in the birth of a new nation, but that is another story. As Lahui cleverly captures Ben’s observation, “The cacophony of noise as Motuans, Kiwais, Keremas, Orokolos, Orokaivans, Koiaris, Rigo, Mailu and Samarai . . .” was all too familiar in the soldiers gathering in those days. This noise has now been enriched with the inclusion of their Highlands, Momase, and New Guinea Island brothers in the modern army - The Papua New Guinea Defence Force - as we all like to know it these days.
Having read the manuscript from cover to cover, I took the time to reflect on my own experience during the Vanuatu Campaign, and later the hard-fought Bougainville insurgency, although many generations apart, with stark differences in education, training, and technology, still reaffirmed the true character of the PNG warrior, which continues to remain the same.
As revealed in this book, Ben Moide’s own abilities gave him the edge to be who he was; which included his passion to join the army despite been under-aged, his ability to speak English, his ability as a quick learner, always worrying about his mates, and other comrades, and most of all, his uncanny ability to balance his modern training with his traditional ancient
4 Hooper, A., (1994), “Love, War and Letters,” Robert Brown and Associates, Melbourne, pp: 118
spiritual teachings which shaped him into a formidable warrior in his own right. These characters and traits remain unchanged in the modern PNG Warrior.
Indeed, the Ben Moide story also brings about a trait of the Japanese soldier rarely told over the many years of reporting and writing. Ben recalls a more human side of the Japanese soldier, whilst under captivity; especially the hardened senior soldier was often heard by the native warriors on how they disagreed with their rulers, and how they wish to end the war quickly and to be able to see their families and loved ones again. This is an unbiased book that should be appreciated and respected by all.
The sense of humour in this book should enlighten many young Papua New Guineans on the power of humour by leadership. Even in the darkest and most dangerous of circumstances, a little bit of humour set at the right time and at the right place will have a profound effect on the morale and confidence of subordinates and superiors alike. Another notable aspect is that this book provides the recollection by Ben Moide on how younger and older Australian soldiers were rescued, assisted, protected, and nurtured through their injuries and wounds, sickness and death throughout the war. I am confident that Ben’s story will offer families, friends, and interested readers a different observation from the eyes of a native soldier. The loyalty and love demonstrated by the Native soldier to his ‘taubada’ is deemed unique only to the Papua New Guinean soldier and the Australian Soldier. That is probably the glue that keeps the two nations and their people together.
Finally, I would recommend this book to all Papua New Guineans in the contemporary society who have never experienced war, who take freedom for granted, and search for a hero in their life, to look up to for guidance. This is a worthwhile read which offers younger readers the experience of a young man growing up and who was forced to make important decisions so early in his life. I encourage young Papua New Guineans to embrace the Ben Moide Story, which reveals many moments of a great man who dared the high risks of war to contribute to the safety and security of his people, even when the loyalty of his society as he knew it was more aligned and loyal to tribal norms and values as opposed to a nation. This book is a beautiful work that should touch the heart of every reader.
ANZAC DAY 2003 BRISBANE
Phil Ainsworth President PNGVR.
Photo credit PNGVR.
Ninety-two members made parade in Brisbane in 2003., which saw one of the largest Anzac Day parades in the Sunshine State with 184 units marching down Adelaide where State Governor Maj-General Peter Arnison, AO. took the salute.
Light rain started to fall approx. 15 minutes before stepping off. Committee member Barry Wright was prepared with one of those light and compact see-through plastic ponchosthe type you buy in a tiny plastic bag. After outfitting himself in his wet weather gear, the rain suddenly stopped just as the march was ready to step off. Thanks Barry. Barry now needs some help. If anyone knows how to get those poncho's back into their tiny little bag, please ring Barry.
As in past years, the cheering crowd and numerous children was heartwarming. The parade just seems to get bigger and bigger each year.
We were honoured to have Mr Ben Moide CBE join us from PNG. Ben was a "fuzzy wuzzy angel" on the Kokoda Trail prior to joining the Papuan Infantry Battalion in 1942. He enlisted in PNGVR after Indigenous PNG persons were able to enlist, although he would have been over-age by that time.
The Unit was again honoured with the presence of some NGVR members including Tom Keenan, Henry McCauley, and Tom Lega. Long distant visitors included John Mudge from Port Moresby, Bob & Dawn Harvey-Hall (Vic), Patrick Scarle (V\IA), Tony Milan (Vic) and Percy Neville (Vic).
Marching with the unit for the first time we welcomed John Mudge's son, Malcolm.
Also marching for the first time and wearing his Grand Father's (S/Sgt Stan Gould) medals was Col Gould's son, Shane. Our thanks to Army Cadet and Lee Eastwood’s daughter, Kimberly was our wreath bearer.
Following the march, members attended an NGVR memorial service in the Shrine of Memories before heading for the `Exchange Hotel' for the reception.
Ben Moide CBE and Joe Fisk
Bob Harvey-Hall greets Ben Moide CBE. Norm Mundy and Colin Gould in background.
The March. Norm Mundy in Juniper Greens.
Kimberly Eastwood and Ben Moide CBE lay our wreath at the Hall of Memories, Anzac Square.
Ban Moide CBE responds to a toast. L-R. Harry Green MBE, Ben Moide CBE, Percy Neville, Joe Fisk, Jack Hobbins (partly obscured), Colin Gould.
Above and below. Phil Ainsworth speaking to Ben Moide CBE.
Formal Dining Night, United Services Club, Brisbane, 2003.
On 26th April fifty members and guests attend the Regimental Mixed Dinner Reunion at the United Services Club. Looking splendid in Mess Dress, ANZAC Day Dress and evening dress, Members enjoyed some social drinks before being summonsed into the 'anti-room' by Dining Vice President, S/Sgt Barry Wright.
Traditional sherry followed before Flags & the official party were piped into the U shape dining table. The official party consisted of Dining President Colonel! Harry Green, MBE.ED., guest Mrs Lucy Harbeck, John Mudge, MBE, Ben Moide, CBE and Bob and Dawn Harvey-Hall.
Following a splendid dinner and great comradeship, Dining Vice S/Sgt Barry Wright aided by W01 Joe Fisk and W01 Norm Mundy held 'court’ requiring those who committed or were simply rumoured to have committed some indiscretion, for example being the only one in step during the march, to be punished and brought to account before his peers.
Mess tradition allows guests and Officers of the rank of Major and above to leave the dining table and take their coffee outside thus escaping the wrath of the Dining Vice and his assistants'. As they say, 'rank has its privileges’.
Special guest and guest speaker was PNG Kokoda Track veteran and well-know PNG identity, Mr Ben Moide, CBE. whose trip to ANZAC Day was sponsored by the Port Moresby RSL. Our thanks to Joe and Val Fisk for picking up Ben at the airport and showing him around before ANZAC Day.
A number of members took advantage of a discount rate offered to members by the Astor Hotel during the weekend. The rooms are comfortable and its right next door to the Dining venue nice and close for those of us who preferred a very short trip to bed late that night or was it the morning???
The successful evening ended with some indescribable renditions of a variety of old war and popular songs of that era.
The annual ANZAC Day Regimental Mixed Dinner Reunion is an important part of the Association’s calendar. Every effort is made not only to find an excellent venue that will enhance the 'military tradition' aspect of our function, but to obtain the most economical cost per head possible for members that will include pre-dinner sherry, dinner, table wine. Port, tea and coffee.
The Association has a policy of hosting the Regimental Dinner at a break-even point. In order to continue these enjoyable functions, we need in the order of 60 guests (minimum) for 2004.
The annual Dinner is held as close as possible to ANZAC Day to enable out of town / state members the opportunity to combine ANZAC Day march with a great dinner with their old comrades.
Sitting Norm Mundy, Ben Moide CBE, John Mudge MBE, Harry Green MBE.
Harry Green MBE, Ben Moide CBE, John Mudge MBE
Ben Moide CBE
5BEN MOIDE’S VISIT TO ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS QUEENSLAND APRIL 2012. ROTARY KOKODA MEMORIAL WALL
The Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall Open image in slideshow
The Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall commenced with concept plans drawn up by Council under the guidance of George Friend in 2003. Through the Rotary Club of Broadwater Southport, a local industrial artist, David Yardley, was commissioned to develop the concept into a complete set of plans. The memorial tells the Kokoda story through sculptured images on the face of a slightly curved wall, in the shape of the topography of the Kokoda Track.The images are based on famous photos taken by wartime photographers and correspondents, Damien Parer and George Silk, and are imposed onto 7 panels. The top lip design of these panels follows the line of the track over the Owen Stanley Ranges.
The panels tell the story of the WWII Kokoda Campaign from the arrival of the 39th Battalion at Port Moresby and the commencement of the Australian troops' journey to its completion at the village of Kokoda.The rear of the wall is inscribed in bronze with a dedication to all who fought and supported the campaign. It includes details of the significant points, villages and battles along the Track.
The forecourt of the wall is a rising sun emanating from the base, splaying outwar The forecourt of the wall is a rising sun emanating from the base, splaying outwards approximately 20 metres. This is designed to portray the Australian Army hat badge – a rising sun – proudly worn then, and today, by soldiers of the Australian Army.
The dramatic images created by David in his West Burleigh studio are 3-dimensional, initially carved out of plasticine, then moulded and poured in reinforced concrete. They provide a permanent national memorial and tribute to all those who served on the Kokoda Track in 1942.
The memorial complements the 65-year association between Kokoda Barracks, established in November 1942, located in the hinterland of the Gold Coast.
Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall – dedicated 25 July 2008. This memorial was unveiled on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the first shots fired by the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion and the Papuan Infantry Battalion, against the leading elements of the 144th Regiment, South Seas Force (Nankai Shitai) of the Imperial Japanese Army in their advance towards Port Moresby. This event signalled the commencement of the famous WWII Kokoda Track Campaign, fought between July and November 1942.Download the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall information booklet(PDF, 3MB)▸ Listen
5 Courtesy George Friend Rising Films Southport Rotary ClubAir Niugini.,
6, Phil Ainsworth advised that he knew Ben Moide personally in Port Moresby He first met him the first week of his arrival in July 1960 when he played second row with him in Magani’s through to mid- 1961 when he gave rugby league away after a series of injuries, Phil was too small for the forwards and not fast enough for a back. He does recall Hegarty. After integration came in mid- 1964, Ben joined PNGVR for a short period in Port Moresby – he was the driver for Assistant Administrator Dr Gunther at the time.
NGVR/PNGVR Association invited and paid for Ben’s weeks trip to Brisbane in 2010 to march with us on ANZAC Day. We were unaware of Ben’s 2012 trip to Brisbane until we read about it in the Courier Mail. I understand the 39 Battalion Association with the Sherwood/ Indooroopilly RSL sponsored Ben’s 2012 visit.
Ben was initially a carrier at age 16, then recruited into the Papua Infantry Battalion in 1941/2 where I believe he patrolled in the Mambari/ Kumusi area with PIB before being on the Kokoda Trail. Ben had lots of stories. There are photos of him in the PIB and PNGVR.
Alan Hopper was in the 39 Battalion and was one of the last surviving members, passing on about 2 years ago. He would attend the Sherwood RSL’s annual August Kokoda commemorative service every year.
7Phil Ainsworth is a founding partner and long-serving Managing Director of King and Co, a leading Queensland commercial and industrial property company. He also has other business interests in Queensland.
Phil was in PNG for 21 years from 1960, serving cartographic position in the Department of Forests assisting in the mapping of PNG forest areas. In this role, he was involved in the production of the first true topographical maps of PNG. He also began a cartographic course for Papua New Guineans at the Forestry School in Bulolo.
After graduating in Economics from Queensland University, Phil was involved in PNG forestry project negotiations before moving to the Central Planning Office in 1972. He stayed with this organization until 1981, serving under its head, Charles Lepani, present PNG High Commissioner to Australia.
Phil has been the President of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles Ex-Members Association Inc, which has a strong track record in working with Papua New Guinea to ensure that the contribution of this group is recognised and remembered.
He recalls as when the PNGVR was disbanded in 1973, just prior to self-government, over 80 percent of members were Papua New Guineans, and the first commissioned officers had been appointed.
6 Personal communication PhilAinsworth 2012.
7 PNGAttitude 1/2/2009.
CAPTAIN A.E. HOOPER (PAPUAN INFANTRY BATTALION, ANGAU)
Casket of Alan Hooper
“Moving silently in the jungle, inflicting casualties on us – and then gone, like green shadows.” (from the diary of a Japanese Officer.)
The Australian Army established the Papuan Infantry Battalion in 1940 to defend PNG once World War 2 had begun. The Japanese Army invaders called the PIB soldiers Ryokin (green shadows) and Yabanjin Tai (savage unit) and Yabanjin Hei (savage soldiers). Alan Hooper became a field officer and a leader of these Savage Soldiers.
The early PIB recruits were trained Policemen experienced with discipline and handling weapons; and some were already leaders like the famous Sgt. Katue MM. Others, like Ben Moide, who died recently, came straight from villages with varying amounts of schooling behind them. (Ben was a quick learner from a good Mission school.) These young and older soldiers were trained by Officers such as Alan and Sergeants such as Frank Wust (present here today) to use their local knowledge and experience in tribal warfare against a foreign
8 Greg Ivy for PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association.
enemy invading their villages. The recruits came from many Districts and clans across Papua to live at Murray Barracks and later at Bisiatabu.
The Papuan Infantry Battalion soldiers were trained to operate as:
* reconnaissance units;
* fighting units; and
* guerilla units.
In these roles, the PIB provided outstanding service, particularly in operations behind enemy lines. There they were proficient in infiltrating Japanese camps to gather intelligence; in rescuing downed airmen and soldiers cut off behind enemy lines; and in harassing the enemy and disrupting his lines of communication.
There were other roles they were ordered to play by Australian and American commanders –some roles were appropriate and some not. Brigadier Potts diverted some PIB soldiers for six weeks to carry the wounded back along the Kokoda Track. In this they again excelled by providing the ‘backbone’ for Bert Kienzle’s carrier teams. Alan was exemplary in using his soldiers for appropriate tasks. Naturally, as experienced tribal warriors before entering the Battalion, PIB soldiers were successful in combat and some, but not nearly enough – not even Ben Moide – were awarded Medals for bravery. (In Alan’s opinion, racism was at play during the War and, Alan believed, it remained within some Battalion Associations.)
Alan had volunteered to serve overseas in June 1940 and joined a ‘mob of chocos’ or Militia at Enoggera Barracks as Recruit Q52 in 49th Battalion. He sailed with the Battalion on the Orungal on 1st July 1940 for the one-week voyage to Port Moresby. There, Alan supervised working parties building communication networks and roads. In mid-March 1941, Alan and seven others transferred as NCOs to the PIB and Alan was commissioned as a Lieutenant in early August 1941. Alan resisted offers to join the AIF and move further away from Australia because his instincts told him to stay in PNG. After Pearl Harbour, his instincts were proved correct. From Murray Barracks, Alan accompanied work gangs to their wharf duties and to the 9-Mile Quarry to crush rock needed to reinforce the 7-Mile Aerodrome (which was later called Jackson Airport). About this time, Alan’s fiancée Nancy in Brisbane joined the WAAFS.
In June 1942, Alan was tasked to lead ‘B’ Coy of the PIB to Kokoda and beyond; then patrol across the Northern District in case of enemy invasion. The remainder of the PIB followed ‘B’Coy ten days later, guiding the 39th Battalion to Kokoda. PIB platoons fanned out from their Kokoda HQ across the District with instructions from their CO, Major Watson, to “seek out and destroy” any Japanese invaders. On a date that Alan never forgot, and taught others, a fellow Qld Officer, Lt. John Chalk, and his PIB patrol set up the first-organised resistance to the Japanese Army on the PNG mainland. This historic date, 23 July 1942, marked the baptism of fire for the PIB. It was an ambush of enormous significance to Alan and all members of the PIB, NGIB and PIR ever since. The details of this event were imprinted in Alan’s memory and publicly verified in the Official History of World War 2. The 23rd of July was later chosen by the Prime Minister of PNG to be the PNG National Remembrance Day.
The PIB performed with high praise until the end of the Kokoda and Northern Beaches Campaign in February 1943. In March, after continuous war service, Alan was evacuated by
plane to hospital in Port Moresby with multiple tropical illnesses. Later, he travelled by plane and train to Brisbane where he married Nancy and took leave until mid-June.
When Alan returned to PNG from his overdue leave, he started his posting with ANGAU. His qualities as a leader, his knowledge of the local languages and cultures, and his negotiating skills were probably the keys to his success in ANGAU. Alan was first attached to the United States 41st Division at Nassau Bay near Salamaua. He was the commander of all Papuan labour supporting the American campaigns. Next, Alan was posted to Finschhafen. Here he supervised New Guinea carriers supporting Australian forces pursuing the Japanese Army retreating westward along the New Guinea coast.
After several months leave with his wife Nancy in Australia, Alan was posted to a large American base at Oro Bay where his labour line built storage sheds and transported supplies from the wharf. Alan achieved great respect here, and some respite, from late 1944 until the end of the War.
Alan had a lasting impact on our Association and members like me. He was seen as professional and accurate in his war-time writings and publications. He was professional in his dealings with other Servicemen and forever patient with our lack of knowledge about key events in World War 2. Alan was a role model for others in showing how to constructively handle the psychological impact of war service. He was a father-figure for the next generation of servicemen interested in PNG, particularly the Kokoda history. He had marched every ANZAC Day he could from the age of 13; and conscientiously attended each World War 2 Commemoration Service in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and PNG. Alan knew instinctively, during the War and afterwards, what needed to be done. He had a big perspective, a big vision and a big smile. Alan was accorded respect during the War by his soldiers and his commanders; and has been paid genuine respect by servicemen ever since.
Ba mahuta (sleep well) Alan.
Ben Moide and Bill Bellairs 2012.
9William (Bill) BELLAIRS (21 October 2013, aged 96)
One of the last Gold Coast Kokoda veterans has died. Local icon and decorated World War II soldier Bill Bellairs passed away surrounded by family on 21 October 2013 after a short illness.
Mr Bellairs, originally from Victoria, lived on the Gold Coast for more than 35 years and was well known as the patron of the annual Kokoda Challenge and a driving force behind the funding and creation of the Kokoda memorial at Broadbeach's Cascade Gardens, which was opened in 2008.
His son Gary flew from Victoria to be with his father in his last days and said he would be missed by his family and the wider community. "My dad lived a long and full life, and, for him, family meant a heck of a lot," he said. "There was an endless stream of people coming to see him while he was in hospital at Alamanda, and it made us realise the impact he had on other people in the community. "To us he was simply Dad, and we never saw that other side of him but in the last week it really hit home with us how many people he knew and whose lives he'd touched."
Mr Bellairs was born in August 1917 and enlisted in the Australian Army in 1941 when he was assigned to the 39th Battalion. He was just 24 years old when the battalion arrived in PNG in 1942 and within months was fighting Japan's forces on the treacherous Kokoda Trail. In his last interview just two months ago, Mr Bellairs said his memories of the conflict were strong. "People must remember all the dangers which have faced our beautiful land," he said.
After the war he married the love of his life, Joy, and had two sons, Gary, and David.
He worked as a bookmaker until his retirement in 1977 before moving to the Gold Coast in 1978. In the past decade he worked tirelessly to give veterans greater recognition as well as lobbying the federal government to build a permanent memorial to the Kokoda Trail on the Gold Coast.
He was a well-loved member of the Broadwater Southport Rotary Club and attended his last meeting just one week before his death. Mr Bellairs was farewelled at a service at The Southport School chapel on 23 October 2013. Source: Andrew Potts, Gold Coast Bulletin
9 Source PNGAAVale March 2014.
ROTARY INVOLVEMENT BOOK LAUNCH 19th JUNE 2012
Remembrance Day in Papua New Guinea is observed every July 23rd to commemorate the services of the members of the nation's armed forces who participated during World War One, World War Two, and in general peace keeping and law and order engagements within the country and abroad.
Rotary provided assistance for the publication which has been written by author Lahui Ako in time for Remembrance Day 2012. Its significance is the first publication of a Papuan fighting during World War 2 describing the social conditions as well as the war activities. It is a truly Papuan story and a real PNG History book.
INVITATION TO TWO FUNCTIONS
• BOOKPRESALES FUNCTION AIRWAYS POOLSIDE 19 JUNE 2012 1800 – 2000
HRS
• OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH UPNG 20 JULY 2012 1000 HRS
“Nameless
Warriors”
PN-67: Ben Moide Papuan Infantry Battalion (Far right) as the Bren-gun instructor, Bisiatabu 1943.
Foreword by His Excellency, Ambassador Peter Ilau, DMS, CBE, Commodore (Retired),Commander PNGDF October 2001 – January 2010
“The Ben Moide story is a real war hero’s story of a real life untold National hero.”
Author Lahui Ako. Publisher UPNG Press.
RSVP: Michael Pearson Teaching Service Commission Chairman (ret) mrmamavi@online.net.pg
SPONSORS: “COMMEMORATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOKODA TRACK CAMPAIGN”
AIRWAYS HOTEL, PNG TREKKING, THE ROTARY CLUB OF PORT MORESBY, THE ROTARY CLUB OF MORELAND (Vic, Australia), THE ROTARY CLUB OF GUNGAHLIN (ACT) Aust.
The book presales function on the 19th of June 2012 sold 5000 hard copies in addition to the family receiving 1000 copies at cost, with High School libraries/defence force training manuals/city libraries/PNG remembrance sales receiving 2000 and public sales 2000 copies.
Sponsors included the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda track campaign, Airways Hotel, PNG Trekking/Tufi Resort, the Rotary Club of Port Moresby, the Rotary Club of Moreland, the Rotary Club of Gungahlin (ACT).
Over 160 business and professional people attended the pre-sales book launch at the Airways Hotel Poolside on 19 June 2012. Over K30,000 taken on the evening. Of the Rotary slogan “Buy one book and sponsor one for a High School library” over K9000 has been raised for books for schools to date. (Of this amount, the Port Moresby Rotary Club has donated K5000 towards school copies).
Attendees included:
• diplomatic missions includingAustrade,Australian war graves commission, Australian high commission,AUSAID personnel, NZ high Commission,
• PNG Government Departments as Dept of Works, NCDHS, Post PNG, NRI, Teaching Commission, PNGIPA, PNGTPA, National Museum, NCDC,
• business houses as Biran Bell, Carpenters, Central Drillers, Central Sands, Coffey International, CPL, Credit Bureau, Curtain Bros, DHL, Fincorp, Goodman Fielder, Hebou, Hilift, KramerAusenco, KG Contractors, Oil Search, PNGFIA, PNGFP, SGS, SBS electrical, SmithsAccounting, SP Brewery, Steamships, Exxon Mobil, Plumbers and Builders, Tiare, Vision Centre, Lohberger Engineering, Monier, BSP,
• armed forces senior personal, PNGDF,Australia, NZDF
• community organisations as Rotary, POMCCI, Jubilee Catholic College, IEA, Port Moresby RSLPNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UPNG
• media RadioAustralia,ABC, Post Courier, National, Rocky Roe Photo graphics,
Michael Pearson as Chief Scout of the PNG Scout Association and the PNG Mob ensured Ben Moide made the launch in 2012.
Michael Pearson and Chris Borough Taiof Island 2022. Photo credit Borough family.
SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE MELBOURNE
The Shrine of Remembrance (commonly referred to as The Shrine) is a war memorial in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, located in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road. It was built to honour the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I, but now functions as a memorial to all Australians who have served in any war. It is a site of annual observances for Anzac Day (25 April) and Remembrance Day (11 November), and is one of the largest war memorials in Australia.
Designed by architects Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop, both World War I veterans, the Shrine is in classical style, based on the Tomb of Mausolus at Halicarnassus and the Parthenon in Athens, Greece [2] The crowning element at the top of the ziggurat roof references the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Built from Tynong granite,[3] the Shrine originally consisted only of the central sanctuary surrounded by the ambulatory. The sanctuary contains the marble Stone of Remembrance, upon which is engraved the words "Greater love hath no man" (John 15:13); once per year, on 11 November at 11 a.m. (Remembrance Day), a ray of sunlight shines through an aperture in the roof to light up the word "Love" in the inscription.[4][5] Beneath the sanctuary lies the crypt, which contains a bronze statue of a soldier father and son, and panels listing every unit of the Australian Imperial Force
The Shrine went through a prolonged process of development, which began in 1918 with an initial proposal to build a Victorian memorial. The foundation stone was laid on 11 November 1927, and the Shrine was officially dedicated on 11 November 1934.[7]
Rotarian Dick McCarthy presenting the Ben Moide book to the Shrine of Remembrance staff officer on behalf or Rotary and the Ben Moide family.
Photo credit Dick McCarthy 2014.
DEATH
LEGENDARY
Obituary 11It is with great sadness that Greg Ivy PIN NGIB advised of the death of Sergeant Ben Moide CBE, a famous warrior of World War II. Ben, aged 88, was living with family at Waigani in Port Moresby.
Ben's father came from the village of Saguane on Kiwai Island near Daru in the Western District while his mother came from the Motuan village of Pari, 5km to the east of Port Moresby. Steven Benjamin Moide was born on 21 June 1924, the third of nine children. Ben's mixed cultural background was a marked feature of his Army and civilian life.
Ben left the Catholic School at Badili to sign up for the Papuan Infantry Battalion at age 16 without telling his parents but telling the Australian Enlistment Officer that he was 19. Ben's Recruit Training Sergeant was the equally famous (former Police) Sergeant Katue MM from Kikori.
Lahui Ako's biography of Ben (Nameless Warriors) published in 2012 by the University of Papua New Guinea (www.pngbuai.com/buybooks) demonstrates that he learnt quickly and was promoted by his Australian taubadas into leadership roles.
Post-war society was difficult for Ben and other soldiers unless they re-enlisted in the Pacific Islands Regiment (from 1951). Ben persevered through the development problems of Port Moresby and found employment with the Australian Administrator, the UPNG Vice Chancellor and finally South Pacific Brewery. After the war also, Ben was very active as a leader in the RSL and in the developing PNG rugby league organisation. PNG Attitude January 20.
Ben was honoured with an MBE then a CBE and he was chosen to represent all exservicemen at PNG Remembrance Day Services (23 July) in recent decades. In that capacity, Ben was an advocate and an icon for the PIB and NGIB in Papua New Guinea.
Ben was a frequent and welcome guest at Anzac Day and Kokoda Day services in Queensland where his presence reminded everyone of the critical role played by the PIB and NGIB in all the PNG campaigns (except Milne Bay) during World War II. Ben maintained a close relationship with Captain Alan Hooper (PIB, ANGAU) as they reminisced in Motu about their war experiences.
It is too soon to assess Ben's broad legacy but his cross-cultural work and his published perspective as a Papuan warrior would both rate highly among historians. Our Association has lost one of its heroes. May he rest well satisfied with his contribution to his country.
11 GREG IVEY | membership officer PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association posted obituaries section and in PNG Attitude January 2014.
Sgt. Ben Moide C.B.E at the Kokoda Monument
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill pays respect to late war veteran. He has joined the nation in expressing sadness at the passing of the war veteran Ben Moide.
Mr O’Neill in a statement yesterday described the war veteran as a grand age and one of PNG’s most distinguished citizens.
“I doubt if there has been a better known, and more widely liked, Papua New Guinean than Ben Moide,” Mr O’Neill said.
“His passing will be felt in many communities nation-wide, because he became the living and enduring symbol of the courageous World War Two service and sacrifice by Papuans and New Guineans, in a very dangerous and troubling period.”
“His passing will also be deeply felt in ex-service groups and among World War Two exservicemen and women in Australia, with whom he kept in close contact ever since the end of the war.
“They held him in the highest esteem for his courage, and his humanity.
“His passing marks the end of another of the ever-diminishing human connections with World War Two, and especially the war on our land and seas.’’
Moide joined the Papuan Infantry Battalion of the Australian Army in 1940 at the age of 16. He served in the battle for Kokoda and other campaigns rising to the rank of Sergeant and towards the end of the war serving as an instructor.
“Late Moide is a champion for the rights of our ex-service personnel, including those who served in the Australian Army, and war carriers, to the very end. I have no doubt the high regard in which he was held in the RSL and other service organisations in Australia helped gain some benefits for our veterans.
“Ben Moide was awarded the CBE for his service to the nation,” PM O’Neill said.
He was a prominent participant in our Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, and they will just not be the same without him.
“It is wonderful that Ben Moide lived for almost 70 years after the end of his war service. He raised a large and proud family, and he was a good citizen to the very end.
“I hope they gain comfort from the certain knowledge that Ben Moide was a wonderful citizen, a distinguished ex-serviceman, and one of the true heroes of our nation.”
12PNG STATE FUNERAL FOR SGT. BEN MOIDE C.B.E., D.M.S., PAPUAN INFANTRY BATTALION AT PORT MORESBY ON 17 JANUARY 2014
The PNG Government appointed Colonel Vagi Oala, Chief of Plans PNGDF, to organize a State Funeral after the death of retired Sergeant Benjamin Steven Moide in Port Moresby on 30 December 2013. According to his family, Ben had suffered from respiratory problems, and he was rushed from his Waigani home to St John’s Clinic at Gerehu early on the morning of the 30th. Despite the efforts of the hospital staff, Ben passed away later that morning. This news reached Qld later that day and was announced the following day. After phone calls and Email discussions amongst the Committee, I was instructed to represent the PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association at the State Funeral.
While waiting to hear the date of the Funeral, funding avenues were explored to no avail. Our Association approached the Australian High Commissioner, Ms D. Stokes, who readily agreed to provide ‘on the ground’ assistance in Port Moresby. The ADF Liaison Officer was designated to act as my liaison officer.
On a fine and humid day, participants assembled at the Rev. Sione Kami Memorial Church on 5-Mile Road at Gordons. Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Lahui Lovai LM, showed the veterans to their places on the right side of the altar. These included PNG World War 2
12 Source PIB NCIB HQ PIR Association web site.
Australian High Commission
Capt. Jake Osborne (Liaison Officer) and Murray Barracks Officers Rooms
veterans and representatives of the Australian RSL (Terry Meehan) Port Moresby SubBranch (Mick Rice) PNG Veterans Group (John Adie) 39th Battalion Assn (George Friend) and myself. As well as the Australian Military Attaché, Colonel Dick Parker, there were a large number of PNGDF Officers present, particularly those from Papuan areas.
Casket borne by Sergeants arrives for Church Service
PNGDF Officers included the outgoing Commander, Brigadier Agwi, and the incoming Commander, Brigadier Designate, G. Toroppo. The PNG Government was represented by the Honourable Michael Malabag, Minister for Health, and the Australian Government was represented by the High Commissioner, Her Excellency Ms Deborah Stokes. After the arrival of the Casket with escort, the Funeral commenced at 1030. The Service was conducted by the M.C. and the full sequence of the Service is included with his Address in the first Attachment below. The Eulogy was delivered by Ben’s relative and biographer, Mr. Lahui Ako, and his Speech is in the second Attachment below.
M.C. addresses congregation from Altar featuring a Banner of Ben
The Service included hymns, Bible readings, Tributes and the Laying of Wreaths. Tributes were paid by the High Commissioner, PNGDF Commanders, family representatives and a PNG Veteran. The incoming Commander paid tribute to “this great man; our hero; the icon of the PNGDF.” He said that Ben had lived “well beyond the average PNG life expectancy and, perhaps, was motivated to enjoy his great-grandchildren.” He concluded, “We salute you!”
The outgoing Commander referred to Ben’s World War 2 service in the Papuan Infantry Battalion and commented that “War is a terrible thing that should not be repeated (in PNG).” He praised Ben’s role in annually reciting the Ode at Remembrance Day Services (at Ela Beach) in Port Moresby.
Association Wreath of fresh flowers donated by AHC
Next, a tribute was paid by a PNG Veterans representative, Lt. Commander John Adie (ADF, PNGDF). John spoke persuasively and in detail about the unjust treatment of PNG veterans, such as Ben Moide, by Australian and PNG governments. His speech echoed the earlier sentiments of the M.C. about the unfair treatment of PNG veterans by the government of a nation now rich in natural resources. (These speeches resulted in the Government Minister privately agreeing, at the Funeral, to meet with PNG veterans in his office.)
Our High Commissioner then spoke to the “ties and shared history between our two nations.” She praised Ben’s “promotion of the World War 2 history in Papua New Guinea and Australia” and Ben’s leadership role in the Papuan Infantry Battalion. She concluded, “The people of Australia say Thank You for his sacrifice and his service.” The M.C. later read a message from the Australian Minister for Defence praising Ben as “a fine man, a brave soldier and an outstanding servant of Papua New Guinea.”
Ben’s grandson, Boisen Ila, referred emotionally to Ben as the family’s “hero, legend and icon.” Another relative, Peter Moide, expressed the family’s appreciation to all official representatives. He thanked the PNGDF for their role in the Funeral. (The day after the Funeral, one of Ben’s daughters-in-law told me that the family was “shocked and surprised” at the number of officials attending the funeral, yet they were “proud and happy” at the acknowledgement Ben was finally receiving.) At 1345, after a Motuan Farewell Song, the Casket Bearers marched to the Church entrance led by two Pipers from 1 RPIR.
Casket departs at end of Service
The Funeral cortege drove to the Taurama Barracks Military Cemetery for the Burial with full military honours. We drove through a soldier’s guard of honour at the entrance to Taurama Barracks and parked with Ben’s relatives and veterans near the Cemetery. Here, with no time to ask permission, George Friend and I erected the PIB & NGIB Banner and followed behind the Casket. We positioned the Unit Banner a respectful distance from the burial plot and adjacent to the Firing Party. (The Banner was the subject of much interest and admiration at the Cemetery.)
The Burial Service was conducted by retired PNGDF Chaplain, Rev. Rei Lahui Ako and current Chaplain, Major Garibo. The Casket Bearers comprised four Sergeants from PNGDF and two Police Sergeants. The Service included prayers, Last Post, Reveille, three (SLR) Rifle Salutes, presentation of the National Flag and official Wreath to Ben’s oldest son, careful positioning of the Casket, and laying of soil into the burial plot by PNGDF, Representatives, Firing Party and then family.
PNGDF Party fire a Rifle Salute
Veterans with Unit Banner held by Terry Meehan (left) and George Friend
Funeral Organiser presents National Flag and Wreath to oldest son
After the Service, our Banner was approached by PNG veterans, Ben’s adult children and onlookers with cameras. I spoke only briefly to ABC journalist, Liam Cochrane, about our Association before we had to leave for Murray Barracks refreshments. Pausing briefly to acknowledge the retired Sergeants living at Taurama Barracks Sergeants Mess, we drove to the ORs Club, called the Ben Moide Club, within Murray Barracks. This open-sided building is located next to the ORs accommodation blocks and includes pool tables, chairs and tables. Here, the Government had provided Afternoon Tea and soft drinks for the official party, representatives and the Moide family.
This provided an opportune time for me to meet serving PNGDF Officers and Soldiers, explain the role of our Association, exchange email addresses and arrange a meeting next day with PNG Veterans representatives. The Australian representatives then withdrew to allow the Moide family and PNGDF to enjoy the refreshments.
After the Funeral, having visited Taurama and Murray Barracks, I was interested in visiting the other local barracks where Nasho and Regular servicemen were posted in the 1960s and 1970s – Goldie River Training Depot. Being a Saturday, things were quiet except for an Aussie W.O. slashing the oval used for joint exercises and the local contractors using a rideon mower around the Sergeants Mess. But the Depot looks impressive and was worth visiting. The ADF maintains a connection to this Depot as well as to the other PNG barracks. That night, I met with retired Lt. Commander John Adie and Major Frank Moripi to explain the role of our Association and to learn about the work of the Papua New Guinea Veterans and Services League as they seek their just entitlements from Australian and PNG Governments.
Casket Bearers and all Officers salute
Overall, it was an honour and a learning experience to represent the diverse membership of our Association at the State Funeral. My brief impressions included:
* respect for staff and operation of the Australian High Commission
* respect for the distinguished Papuan leaders I met
* respect for the work of the Services League and Australian business men
* difficulties facing current and former PNGDF Servicemen
* surprise that English is so dominant in government and social circles
* the phrase ‘colonial times’ is widely used and matter-of-factly
* the roads, and flying, are still hazardous
* the betel nut ban in Moresby is being enforced and supported
* some traditions remain; the rich-poor gap is increasing; and, in some suburbs, the skyscrapers and air-conditioned venues are multiplying.
Thanks again to all who helped me in Port Moresby,
Greg Ivey (for PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association)
PNGDF Officers welcome visitors to Ben Moide Club
Part of Ben’s family enjoy refreshments
MC SPEECH – LATE SGT. BEN MOIDE
ON THE 23rd of JULY 2013, THE LATE Sgt. BEN MOIDE PERFORMED HIS LAST OFFICIAL DUTY AS PRESIDENT OF THE PNG VETERANS AND EX SERVICEMENS LEAGUE AND AS A VETERAN PIB SOLDIER AFTER RECITING THE ODE AT THE 34th REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE AND COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE AT ELA BEACH.
IT WAS ONE TASK HE UNDERTOOK WITH A GREAT SENSE OF PRIDE AND PERFORMED THE RITUAL WITHOUT FAIL SINCE THE 23RD of JULY WAS DECLARED AS PNG’S NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE.
JUST BEFORE HE RECITED THE ODE, I HAD THE HONOUR OF INTRODUCING HIM AS ONE OF OUR LIVING LEGENDS, THE ONLY SURVIVING MEMBER OF CHARLIE COMPANY OF THE NOTORIOUSLY FAMOUS PAPUAN INFANTRY BATTALION AND A GENIUNE ‘GREEN SHADOW’.
WHEN HE WAS CALLED TO HIS ETERNAL REST ON THAT FATEFUL MORNING, 30th DECEMBER 2013 I BELIEVE HIS GREAT WARRIOR SPIRIT GLADLY ANSWERED THE CALL AND STEPPED FORWARD TO JOIN THE RANKS OF ALL HIS FALLEN COMRADES AND ALL OTHER NAMELESS WARRIORS WHO HAD GONE BEFORE HIM IN THIS LIFETIME.
WE CAN BE REST ASSURED THAT HE HAS NOW TAKEN HIS RIGHTFUL PLACE AMONGST GOD’S GREAT WARRIORS FROM THE AGES, STEPPING OUT FROM THE GREEN SHADOWS TO WALK UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY FOR TIMELESS ETERNITY.
THE PASSING OF OUR LATE FATHER HAS BROUIGHT ABOUT THE END OF AN EXTRA ORDINARY ERA IN OUR NATIONS HISTORY……AN ERA THAT GAVE RISE TO AN EXTRA ORDINARY GENERATION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEANS, MEN OF GREAT CHARACTER AND VALOUR, WHOSE VALIANT DEEDS AND GREAT PERSONAL
SACRIFICE SECURED FOR US AND OUR NEIGHBOURING FRIENDS THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY TODAY AND GAVE US ENDURING PEACE FOR MANY GENERATIONS TO COME.
THEY KINDLED WITHIN OUR PEOPLES HEARTS A NEW BURNING SENSE OF NATIONALISM AND UNITY LAYING THE FOUNDATION BLOCKS FOR AN EMMERGING SOVEREIGN UNITED NATION WELL BEFORE THE CONSTITTUTION OF OUR NATION WAS EVER CONCIEVED IN THE LEARNED MINDS OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS.
HIS LEGEND BEGAN ON THE 23rd of JULY 1942 WHEN 35 PAPUAN INFANTRY BATTALION SOLDIERS WERE ORDERED TO MAKE A STAND AT AWALA AGAINST AN APROACHING ENEMY CONTINGENT OF 3000 HEAVILY ARMED SOLDIERS, HEADING THEIR WAY ON A FAST MARCH TO CAPTURE A SMALL AIRSTRIP AT THE KOKODA PATROL POST IN THE NORTHERN PROVINCE.
AMONGST THE 35 PIB SOLDIERS WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOTS AND ENGAGED THE ENEMY IN BATTLE THAT DAY WAS A YOUNG 18-YEAR-OLD PAPUAN LAD BY THE NAME OF Sgt. BENJAMIN STEVEN MOIDE.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT WAS DURING THIS TIME THAT, BRAVE YOUNG PNG WARRIORS STEPPED UP TO THE CHALLENGE AND MADE HISTORY AND SHOWED THE WORLD, WHAT KIND OF MEN ARE BORN IN THIS LAND, THEIR STRENGTH OF CHARACTER, THEIR FEARLESS FIGHTING SPIRIT AND A SELFLESS PASSION TO GIVE WITHOUT RESERVATION AND SHOWING GREAT COMPASSION AND CARE TO RESCUE THE WOUNDED AND THE FALLEN, EVEN UNDER HEAVY ENEMY FIRE.
MANY RESCUED ALONG THE WAR PATH WERE SO IMPRESSED BY THE ACTIONS OF THESE FUZZY WUZZY HAIRED NATIVES AND IMMORTALISED THEIR DEEDS IN A POETS DIARY AS ‘THE FUZZY WUZZY ANGELS’ SENT BY THE ALMIGHTY TO RESCUE THEM FROM GATES OF HELL AND BACK TO SAFETY.
OUR FORE FATHERS DEMONSTRATED TO A WORLD AT WAR WHAT PAPUA NEW GUINEANS WERE CAPABLE OF DOING AS A PEOPLE AND THEY DID THAT BY SETTING ASIDE THEIR TRIBAL AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND WALKED THE WAR PATH STEP BY STEP AS BROTHERS,
THEY SHARED THE SAME FIRE PLACE, WATCHED OVER EACH OTHERS’ SHOULDERS AND SIDE BY SIDE THEY FOUGHT, PURSUED AND DESTROYED THE ENEMY.
AN ENEMY THAT WAS INVINCIBLE IN ITS CONQUEST THROUGHOUT THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION AND SEEMED UNSTOPPABLE UNTIL THEY LANDED ON OUR SHORES………….
OUR PIB AND NGIB SOLDIERS EARNED THEIR FAME AS ‘THE GREEN SHADOWS’
THEIR ABILITY TO LAUNCH SUPRISE ATTACKS WITH DEADLY FORCE AGAINST ENEMY STRONG HOLDS AND MELT AWAY INTO THE THICK GREEN JUNGLES WITHOUT A TRACE STRUCK FEAR IN THE HEARTS OF ENEMY SOLDIERS WHO COULD ONLY DESCRIBE THEM AS THE GREEN SHADOWS.
I WISH TO PUT ON RECORD TODAY THAT THIS STATE FUNERAL IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND AND MOST PROBABLY THE LAST STATE FUNERAL AND BURIAL SERVICE THAT WILL EVER BE ACCORDED TO ANY PAPUA NEW GUINEAN VETERAN SOLDIER FROM THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
SADLY, MANY OF OUR GREAT WARRIORS, WHO FOUGHT BRAVELY ALONGSIDE THE ALLIED TROOPS, HAVE FADED AWAY INTO THE PASSING MISTS OF TIME.
MANY HAVE PASSED AWAY WITHOUT ANY PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF THEIR HEROIC EXPLOITS IN BATTLE.
FROM THE FOREBODING JUNGLES OF KOKODA TO THE BLOODY SHORES OF BUNA, GONA, SANANANDA, SALAMAUA, FINCHAFEN AND THE DARK RAINY JUNGLES OF MAINLAND NEW GUINEA TO THE HINTERLANDS OF OUTLYING NEW GUINEA ISLANDS.
MANY OF THESE GREAT MEN WAITED FOR SOME FORM OF REWARD TO COMPLIMENT THEIR WAR EFFORTS, BUT MANY WAITED IN VAIN, FOR THAT DAY NEVER CAME.
SUCH IS THE REALITY AND CONTRAST OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN TODAY; OUR NATION HAS ACCUMULATED SO MUCH WEALTH IN RECENT YEARS AND HAS PROSPERED WAY BEYOND THE DREAMS OF OUR FOREFATHERS. AND YET OUR WAR HEROES ARE BEGGING STILL TO BE REWARDED FOR THEIR SERVICES RENDERED IN THE LAST WORLD WAR.
ONE QUESTION THAT BEGS TO BE ANSWERED IN THIS DAY AND AGE BY A NATION THAT HAS BEEN SO BLESSED BY GOD, IS ‘HAVE WE TRULLY DONE JUSTICE AND ACCORDED OUR GREAT WARRIORS THE PROPER RESPECT AND HONOR THEY DESERVED? (PAUSE) GOD WILL BE OUR JUDGE
LET ME IN REFLECTION QUOTE THE WORDS OF THE LATE RTD SGT. SERGEANT BEN MOIDE FROM AN INTERVIEW RECORDED ON THE 23RD of JULY 2009.
AND I QUOTE, ‘THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY MUST CONSIDER PROVIDING WAR PENSIONS TO SUPPORT OUR WAR VETERANS SUCH AS SOLDIERS AND WAR CARRIERS LIKE GOVERNMENTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES ARE DOING IN HONORING THE EFFORTS OF THEIR WAR HEROES’, END OF QUOTE’ TAKEN FROM THE 30th REMEMBRANCE DAY ANNIVERSARY MAGAZINE 2009.
IT WAS OUR LATE FATHERS DREAM THAT LEADERS OF THIS GENERATION WILL TAKE TIME TO REFLECT ON THE SELFLESS SACRIFICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OUR FOREFATHERS MADE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR….
AND APPRECIATE WHAT THEY HAVE CCOMPLISHED AS SOLDIERS AND WAR CARRIERS IN OUR LIFETIME.
THE BEN MOIDE STORY: NAMELESS WARRIORS WRITTEN BY LAHUI AKO IS ONE BOOK THAT DOCUMENTS THE LIFE STORY OF OUR LATE FATHER.
THROUGHOUT ITS PAGES HIS VOICE SPEAKS TO US, LOUD AND CLEAR, REMINDING US OF THE TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A BAND OF WARRIORS WERE COMPELLED TO SERVE AND FIGHT UNDER A FOREIGN FLAG AGAINST A FOREIGN ENEMY….
AND HOW THEY DREW INSPIRATION FROM ONE ANOTHER TO BECOME A FORMIDABLE FIGHTING FORCE THAT CHANGED THE TIDE OF WAR IN OUR PART OF THE WORLD.
WITH THESE REMARKS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN LET ME WELCOME YOU TO THIS VERY SOLEMN OCCASION TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF OUR FATHER, RETIRED SERGEANT BENJAMIN STEVEN MOIDE, DMS, CBE, MBE AND HIS MOTUAN TITLE, TUARI TAUNA.
MC: I SHALL NOW ASK THE POREPORENA CHOIR TO SING A HYMN THAT HAS INSPIRED MANY A GENERATION OF BRAVE WARRIORS MARCHING INTO BATTLE.
SONG: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
MC: THE RETIRED REI LAHUI AKO WILL LEAD US IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING.
BIBLE READING: HEBREWS 9: 27
SERMON
PRAYER
MC: THE POREPORENA CHOIR TO SING A MOTUAN HYMN – HYMN 68 ‘SIBOGU NA GINITORE’
SONG: SIBOGU NA GINITORE
MC: I SHALL NOW INVITE LAHUI AKO TO PRESENT US THE EULOGY OF THE LATE RETIRED SGT. BEN MOIDE.
EULOGY: LAHUI AKO
MC: TO BEGIN OUR TRIBUTES THIS MORNING WE WILL CALL UPON THE COMMANDER OF PNGDF, BRIGADIER GENERAL TOROPO TO HONOUR OUR LATE FATHER.
TRIBUTE: PNGDF COMMANDER
TRIBUTE: Retired Lt. Colonel JOHN AIDE
TRIBUTE: The Australian High Commissioner – Her Excellency, DEBORAH STOKES
TRIBUTE: FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE – BOISEN ILA (grandson)
TRIBUTE: THE HEAD OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE PERSONAL IN PNG TRIBUTE: READING OF EMAILS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
TRIBUTE: MC READING OF POEM
MC: THAT CONCLUDES OUR TRIBUTE AND WE THANK YOU ALL FOR THE WONDERFUL TRIBUTES.
WE SHALL NOW PROCEED WITH THE LAYING OF WREATHS AS THE POREPORENA CHOIR WILL FAVOUR US WITH A NUMBER ITEMS IN MOTU AND ENGLISH HYMNS.
OUR WREATH LAYING CEREMONY WILL BE LED BY THE PNGDF COMMANDER, MOIDE FAMILY ELDERS,FOLLOWED BY THE PNG VETERANS AFFAIRS, THE AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, MINISTERS OF THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEADERS, HEADS OF OTHER DISCIPLINED FORCES, DEPARTMENTAL HEADS, MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORP, FRIENDS AND THE PUBLIC…..
VIEWING OF OUR LATE FATHER WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE WREATH LAYING CEREMONY.
SONGS: MOTU AND ENGLISH – POREPORENA CHOIR
MC: THE VIEWING OF OUR LATE FATHER WILL PROCEED IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER. THE COMMANDER OF THE PNGDF, MINSITERS OF THE STATE, NATIONAL LEADERS, PNG VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, THE AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, THE AUSTRALIAN HEAD OF DEFENCE PERSONAL IN
PNG, MEMBERS OF DISCIPLINED FORCES, DEPARTMENTAL HEADS, MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORP, FRIENDS AND RELATIVES WHO HAVE NOT VIEWED OUR LATE FATHER AT THE WAIGANI HAUS KRAI OR GARA RUMANA.
FOR THE FINAL VIEWING I SHALL CALL UPON THE ELDERS OF THE MOIDE FAMILY AND THEY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OUR LATE FATHERS SEVEN CHILDREN, BOGE BEN MOIDE, MARGARET BEN MOIDE, JOHN BEN MOIDE, DAROA BEN MOIDE, ARUA BEN MOIDE, GWEN BEN MOIDE AND LOHIA BEN MOIDE.
SONGS: PORE PORENA CHOIR SINGALONG
MC: A FAMILY ELDER WILL COME FORWARD WITH A WORD APPRECIATION. FAMILY ELDER PETER ALBERT MOIDE.
PETER MOIDE: WORDS OF APPRECIATION
MC: I SHALL NOW CALL UPON THE PNGDF CHAPLIN, MAJOR GARIBO TO PRONOUNCE THE FINAL BLESSING ON THE CASKET. REV. GARIBO: PRONOUNCE BLESSING
MC: FOR OUR FAREWELL SONG I SHALL INVITE THE POREPORENA CHOIR TO SING THE WORDS OF A SONG THAT CONCLUDES MANY FUNERALS IN THE POREPORENA HANUABADA COMMUNITIES THAT WERE DESTROYED BY WAR BOMBS SO MANY YEARS AGO.
ALLOW ME TO TRANSLATE THE FIRST STANGA FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR NON MOTUAN FRIENDS
1. MY DEAREST FRIEND WHERE YOU ARE GOING, SHALL I ACCOMPANY YOU ALONG THE WAY, BUT YOU HAVE TO GO NOW, YOU MUST MAKE THIS JOURNEY TO YOUR HOME IN GODS KINGDOM WHERE YOU SHALL REJOICE FOR ALL ETERNITY……
SONG: VADA BAOLA – POREPORENA CHOIR
THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES OUR DEAREST BELOVED AND GOD’S FAITHFUL
WARRIOR……………..FAREWELL, BAMAHUTA BONA YAWORAI
SGT. BENJAMIN STEVEN MOIDE DMS, CBE, MBE, TUARI TAUNA……………
FAREWELL SONG ENDS
CATAFALQUE PARTY DISMOUNTS
PALL BEARERS AND CASKET BEARERS MARCH OFF OFFICIATING PARTY FOLLOW OUT.
MC: ANNOUNCEMENTS
* BURIAL SERVICE AT TAURAMA CEMETARY
* REFRESHMENTS – AT BEN MOIDE CLUB
* FRIENDS AND RELATIVES
* SGTS. MESS – OFFICERS AND VIP’S
THE END
Late (Retired) Sergeant Steven Benjamin Moide, C Coy, Papuan Infantry Battalion
(Born: 1925; died: 30 December 2013)
Good afternoon, Excellencies, family, friends, and colleagues.
My name is Lahui Ako. I am one of the grandsons of the late warrior, of the Papuan Infantry Battalion, who lies before us today.
I stand here humbly before you all, at the beckon of the Ben Moide family and our whole extended family, to celebrate the life of this great Papua New Guinean. So, I thank you all for this honour and privilege, to share this with you all.
(In Motu, seek permission from the family to use Bubu Ben’s first name during this eulogy for the benefit of everyone).
Each day, the ranks of this greatest generation of World War Two heroes, continue to suffer losses, not from the bullets and bombs of the enemy: but from illness and old age.
We are gathered here today because at around 11am on Monday, 30 December 2013, one of the last of the Papuan Infantry Battalion’s remaining Non-Commissioned Officers –Benjamin Moide (or Ben Moide, as he was popularly known) – passed on to join that column of comrades marching to their final reward. Today, we pause to honour his memory and to celebrate a life well lived.
But who was Ben Moide? Yes, we all know that he was a WW2 veteran who fought in War 2. But who was he that upon his passing, we all gather here today to celebrate his life and remember him? Why have we travelled from as far as Australia to be here, might I ask?
In 2008, when Uncle Boge Lahui Ben-Moide, or Ralph, as he is popularly known, approached me one evening and said, “I think the time has come for you to write Bubu’s story, don’t you think?” I didn’t hesitate but said, “Why not!”
So, over the course of the next three (3) years, I travelled back in time to the 1940s and started roaming the jungles and hinterlands of Papua with the warriors of the Papuan Infantry Battalion – from their training camps in Port Moresby and Bisiatabu to the foot of the Owen Stanley Ranges and on to Awala, Kokoda, and Deniki, right across to the plains to the great Waria and Ope Rivers and then into Finschafen to make that historic landing; I slept with them in the bushes, ate hardman biscuits and bully beef with them; braved the rain, the sun, the flies, insects, disease; and death, and the strange sounds of the jungle in the deep of the night, and began to understand why the enemy was the enemy and why he was acting as such.
Most times, I would ask myself, would I have really fought with the PIB or evacuated with the rest of the Hanuabadans to the safety of Manumanu if I had been around then? This is the very question that this generation must take stock of as we continue to take our freedom for grant.
As I revelled in the presence of these heroes of the Papuan Infantry Battalion, I continuously hoped and prayed, while I wrote, for God almighty to grant this old man long life just so that he could personally launch his own book.
God, in his mysterious ways, answered my prayers. In July 2012, on the eve of the Remembrance Day celebrations, and with the generous support of countless friends from Australia and PNG such as George Friend, Greg Ivey, the Constantinou Group, Brian Bell, Michael Pearson, those esteemed gentlemen from the Rotary Club, and the UPNG Bookshop who helped published the book; “ NAMELESS WARRIORS: the Ben Moide Story” was launched at the residence of the Vice-Chancellor of the UPNG. The inclusion of the Foreword by former PNGDF Commander, His Excellency Ambassador Peter Ilau added the icing on the cake.
One of the notable condolence messages I received this week is from H.E Mr Peter Eafeare, the PNG High Commissioner to Fiji, who last year took possession of a couple of copies and on his return to Fiji, presented a copy to H.E Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the President of Fiji. Ratu Epeli is a military man himself; a former Commander of the Fiji Military forces. Anyway, when High Commissioner Eafeare gave him the tragic news of Ben’s passing, the President expressed his most sincere condolences to the family and wished them strength in this time of bereavement. High Commissioner Eafeare summed this condolence up nicely when he said, “From a Nameless Warrior, Ben has become a Timeless Warrior, as he rests in God’s eternal peace!”
During the writing of his biography, he always said that the war was a formative time in his life that forced him to grow up faster.
With that in mind, I would like to now invite you all to join me in reliving Ben’s life again on his final day on God’s earth.
From the very moment the war veteran walked into my grandfather Lahui Ako’s house at the invitation of his wife Henao Mou a couple of years after the end of War 2, it cemented what would be everlasting relations between our two families – relations that has continued ever since – even after he left the Lahui Ako residence to raise his own family.
In saying so, I would like to say that our family is very grateful for the outpouring of support from all sectors of the community received since the passing of our father, grandfather, greatgreat grandfather, uncle, and friend on Monday, 30 December 2013. The culmination of his funeral arrangements today is tribute to this.
Today, as I look around the Church, I see a lot of faces, most of family, and of friends of family, but generally of friends. Yet to me, the faces I see gathered around here, are all faces of people who have known Ben; people who have loved and respected Ben; and people who were inspired by Ben.
Ben was friends to everyone he came across. Even when he launched his book in such humble surroundings, still friends came from afar: George Friend made the trip from the Gold Coast to surprise him at the launching of NAMELESS WARRIORS; while Ambassador Peter Ilau, who contributed the Foreword to the book, also made the long trip from Indonesia to attend the launching.
As such, your gathering here on his final day on God’s earth is no coincidence. In fact, it was predicted by Confucius more than a thousand years ago, when he said, “to have friends coming to one from distant parts, is not this a great pleasure?”
Retired Sergeant Steven Benjamin Moide died peacefully on Monday, 30 December 2013, 88 years after his beloved Mother Nevea Gebai of the Motuan village of Pari brought him into the world. Upon his passing, he too, became a member of the cohort who have proudly served this great land of ours, and have passed on into the mist of time
Like those veterans who have gone before him, Ben’s life involved so much more than this concise obituary. The members of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the New Guinea Infantry Battalion who returned home after the war were, in fact, the first Papua New Guineans to have established and commenced dialogue with our Australian friends for a future partnership.
What they learnt from the Australians during the war, they put to use after the war. You see, Ben and his band of mostly nameless warriors were the forerunners, or shall I say, pathfinders, responsible for the shaping and rebuilding of the social, structural and moral foundations of their respective communities across this great land of ours which we continue to enjoy today.
73 years ago, a 16-year-old boy ran away from home, falsified his age, and stepped forward among grown men, to defend his territory.
When Ben kissed his mother goodbye that fateful Friday morning in 1940 with only one thing on his mind, he didn’t realise that he would only see her one more time before she passed on. You see, when Ben’s parents went to visit him at Bisiatabu early in 1942 (the PIB had relocated to their new training camp at Bisiatabu to prepare for war and were allowing families to visit their sons, fathers, and husbands there), it was also to tell him that they were evacuating from Pari to Gaire village, due to the continuous Japanese bombing of Port Moresby. As they were leaving, his mother made him promise her that he would not kill!
Ben’s mother was a fervent Catholic, a follower of the new faith and a great believer in the Ten Commandments. But then, even as he vowed to keep his words to his mother, maybe out of guilt for “deserting her” when he ran away to join the army, his mind was full of questions he wanted to ask the enemy: What has my family done to deserve this? We don’t even know you or how you look like. My father and elder brother have never raided your village, steal from your garden, hunting or fishing grounds, or raped your women, yet your bombing has disturbed and destroyed my family’s comfort zone . . . and for this, you must pay!
When the Papuan Infantry Battalion met the enemy at Awala for the first time on the afternoon of 23 July 1942, and when the teenager had firmly gripped his Bren and with such confidence squeezed down on the trigger in long bursts, the first word’s he uttered in this chaos in Motu was, “Sinagu, sori bada herea…!” O Mother, sorry… as he sorrowfully apologized to his mother for breaking the promise he had made to her amidst the chaos around him.
But this was Ben’s nature. Apart from this apology, he had to make a statement to the enemy for destroying his family’s livelihood. When the Papuan Infantry Battalion officially
encountered the enemy, Ben was only 18; and after these actions, one would have thought that he would be accepted as a true warrior by his brother NCOs. Sadly, this wasn’t the case.
You see, the core of the PIB were ex-policemen; grown men; most had killed other men during raids up and down the coast, or had fought against the marauding inland tribes, but most importantly, they had been initiated into the traditional society. Ben was born in his mother’s village; and had not gone through the initiation ceremony to deem one a man.
However, Ben, despite this disadvantage, had an edge over his comrades. Ben, at 16 years of age, was educated according to the standards of that time. He was an English speaker; and English speakers were in high demand to make up the NCO Corp of the newly formed Papuan Infantry Battalion. It was to these English speakers, as well as former Police NCOs who could understand orders in English, that the commanders of the PIB looked to, to build a fighting force; one that would bear the first full brunt of the enemy while they waited for the allies to regroup.
Talking about the commanders of the Papuan Infantry Battalion, I was just informed a while ago by my good friend George Friend that Alan Hooper, Lieutenant, of “C” Coy, PIB passed away yesterday. Alan was Ben’s Platoon commander.
Ben had his work cut out for him and had to look out for his own safety, both from the enemy and from within. The PIB was formed by men from all the tribes of Papua; men who brought to the army their tribal animosities; men who were hellbent on taking revenge for past wrongs. There were sometimes knifings in the back in the dark of the night, as old scores were settled. Being an un-initiated NCO, he had a lot to prove, and he did so with his wartime deeds; and during a break from the fighting, he made the long journey to his father’s village of Saguane to be initiated into manhood before returning to make the beach landings in Finschafen – as made man.
Today, as he lays here before us, the last of Papua New Guinea’s WW2 NCOs, I guess he has proven all his critics wrong. Because the way I see it, all his brother NCOs, men who fought the enemy simply because the enemy had intruded onto their tribal land and therefore had to be repulsed – men such as the princely Sama, a former Police NCO who became the PIB’s first official recruit; the most-feared Katue from whose deeds the enemy conjured up the now famous PIB nickname of “Green shadows”, the majestic Ehava boys who led forays into the enemy heartlands, and the legendary William Matpi, who, among his heroics and mostly unorthodox ways of waging war, was called in by the ANGAU commander at war’s end to dispel a possible riot by the PIR due to some racial tension, among a host of other heroes –have now formed a Guard of Honour at Ben’s final resting place, and anxiously await this service to end so that they can welcome their teenage warrior into their fold but this time as one of them, a tried, proven, and initiated PIB NCO.
It was to men like Ben and his comrades that the colonial administration unknowingly looked to assist rebuild the ravaged war-torn land. Being educated and a good English speaker meant good opportunities for work in town then. So, Ben was able to secure gainful employment as one of the two drivers of the post-war Administrator of the Territory, Colonel J. K. Murray; and being one of his drivers meant, driving the administrator throughout this whole locality, so that he could disburse his duties in rebuilding Port Moresby from the ravages of war. His opinion would have been sought and considered at great length too.
Ben also drove Dr Gunther around when he went out into the vicinity of the Waigani swamps to spy out land for a learning institute; and being the talkative person he was, I am sure he had something to do with the exact location of the University of PNG.
But it was during his employment at the Administrator’s office that Ben fell in love for the first time to the love of his life.
Right after the colonial administration rebuilt the village of Hanuabada, its people were encouraged to organize social events to while away their time amidst the ravages which the war had left. One of these activities was traditional dancing.
These dances were organized by the elders along clan lines and the young men and women were all encouraged to participate in these dances. These dances were usually done in the evenings and brought forth young and old alike to participate and or spectate.
So, most evenings after work, Ben would spend his time at the dances, spectating. In fact, Ben would stay out late most nights, much to the anger of my grandmother, Henao Mou, who would most times, send her daughters, (my aunties) to collect him. Every time he returned home from these dances, my grandmother would lecture him about the dark, the spirits, and all the legends and fables of that time; Ben would always smile at her, eat his dinner and go to bed.
One evening, he went down to the village square to enjoy what had become his afterwork past-time. That evening, the dances were organized by the Vahoi clan, and that particular evening, Ben fell in love forever!
It so happened that as he continued to watch the women swaying in their grass skirts, his eyes fell upon a beautiful young lass dancing in the midst of her seniors. As Ben watched this girl perform, a strange feeling of ownership overtook him; he wanted to make this girl his own. Suddenly feeling that everyone was watching him, he quickly got up from where he had been sitting and left, hoping that no one had noticed him, especially his intent stare at one particular dancer in the crowd. For the first time that night, Henao Mou looked up with utter surprise on her face when Ben arrived much earlier than usual and went straight to bed.
The following evening, Ben returned to watch the dances; this time, determined to learn the girl’s name. Again, he got himself completely lost in the ecstatic feeling of watching her dance. But this time he got caught!
Ben had not realized that he had been followed to the dances by one of Henao’s daughters until my late Aunty, Ranu Lahui surprised him by poking him on the side and said, “Her name is Maba; Maba Daroa. She is very beautiful, isn’t she, Uncle Ben?” Aunty Ranu winked at him.
“What are you talking and winking about?” Ben stumped back.
“Aww come on, Uncle Ben. It is very obvious and written all over your face that you are truly smitten by her. Come on, give me some money and I will go and buy her a gift of betelnuts and tell her that they are from you.”
Without thinking, Ben quickly dug into his pockets and gave the girl some money.
Aunty Ranu came back a few moments later and as Ben looked on expectantly at her, she answered, “She said to thank you for the gift of betelnuts!”
Aunty Ranu and my other aunties became the daily conduit for messages between the two young lovers; whose love grew and blossomed every day. If you must know, my late aunty Ranu is the mother of Major Edward Ga’a.
Their love for one another was such that despite the disagreement of the girl’s family on this relationship, which even included a court summons after Ben had eloped with his girl to Pari, a situation which Henao Mou quickly moved to smooth things out with Maba’s family; who were obviously on the warpath as such practices were unheard of in those times, and traditional law demanded compensations and reparations; it was obvious for all to see – the two young lovers were going to spend the rest of their lives together.
So it came to pass that under Henao Mou’s organization and coordination of the whole extended family network – hers and her husband’s – Ben’s bride price was prepared at the Gunina-Laurina clan and paid to the Vahoi family and his status as a made-man in the Motuan society was confirmed. It was an “awesome” day (as the younger generation of today will say), as relatives from all over Port Moresby, including those from Pari and Ben’s own siblings, came to Hanuabada to celebrate Ben’s bride price payment, and marriage to the love of his life, Maba Daroa.
As far as all the Motuans up and down the coast were concern, Ben had concluded the traditional Motuan obligations of marriage. His father Moide Enagi had done it nearly 30 years earlier. Now his son, Ben had again broken the very conservative ideals of the traditional Motuan distrust of all things non-Motuan. But most importantly, in doing so, Ben had united two families.
That night, Ben brought his wife into his elder sister, Henao Mou’s house to commence another chapter in his life, but this time with his wife at his side.
A year later in 1953, Ben and Maba were blessed with the arrival of a son, whom they named Boge Lahui Ben-Moide (Lahui after Henao’s husband, Lahui Ako). Two years later, their first daughter arrived, and they promptly named her, Margaret Henao Ben-Moide (Henao after Henao Mou). Then followed John Ben-Moide, Daroa Ben-Moide, Arua Ben-Moide, Hetahu Gwen Moide, and Lohia Ben-Moide, bringing up the rear of this esteemed family.
Ben’s contribution to society did not end with his marriage. No! Ben also tried his hands at the game of cricket and lawn bowls too. Better still, he was also a prolific Rugby League player. He was a member of the powerful Magani outfit in 1961 to 1962 and was instrumental in the formation of the inaugural Poreporena Rugby league competition in the late 1950s, which paved the way for the formation of the famous Hanuabada Hawks Rugby League Club; a club which all rugby league-minded Hanuabada boys aspire to play in.
The father laid the foundations, and the sons extended this legacy. Ben’s legacy to the formation of rugby league in Port Moresby and for that matter in PNG, was greatly emulated and if not, enhanced by his sons, John, Daroa, Arua and Lohia. All four of them have represented PNG during the course of their rugby league careers and have contributed to the
development of the code in their own ways. Daroa, in particular, played with the Petone Club in the Wellington competition in New Zealand in the late 1980s where he also became the first Papua New Guinean to represent the Wellington Representive side. Arua, is currently one of the trainers of the PNG Hunters team getting ready to compete in the Queensland Cup competition for the first time.
Ben was President of the PNG Returned Servicemen’s League from 1982 to 1983; and during this time was a salesman for the then San Miguel Beer Company and later with SP Brewery when merger occurred between these two beer companies. He was SP’s Senior Sales Representative when he retired in 1991.
1991 was a very significant year for Ben. While he was getting ready to enjoy his retirement with the love of his life, tragedy struck! His love affair with his beloved wife Maba Daroa sadly ended on the morning of Thursday, 24 January 1991 when she was called to rest by the Almighty God leaving him a widower.
Today, with his passing, Ben’s legacy will live on in his family. Ben leaves behind his children, 45 grandchildren; and 46 Great-grandchildren.
Finally, I only came to truly know this great man when I started writing his biography; and from 2008 to 2011, the both of us spent countless hours together – one quarter of the time on his “official biography” while the remaining three-quarters was spent on the parts of his wartime experiences which he forbade me to write about; saying, “some things are better left unsaid, in respect of the dead, as well as to ensure that there is harmony in our future lives.” I can truthfully say that if he had allowed me to write EVERYTHING he said, Nameless Warriors would have been in a Trilogy.
It was obvious from our talks, that there was a lot of love from this father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He adored his children. For me, it’s not so much as the activities he enjoyed with his family; Yes, they were special moments. But rather the example of a life well lived that I admire the most. Ben was an example for so many, and yet he was unassuming. He loved his red wine.
I cannot help but have admiration for a man who runs away at 16 to join a cause which he didn’t understand much at all; yet he enlisted, on his own accord, into the Papuan Infantry Battalion, and became a veteran of World War II. Ben loved life.
I don’t know about you today, but when those final hours of life are left for me on God’s planet, I don’t want to talk about paying bills, or sporting events, or those materials possessions that come and go. I want to be with the ones I love and remember the love that I gave to others. But then as human beings, these are mere whims; After all, God almighty has already predetermined our lives on His earth.
In Ben’s final days and hours, this is how it was, he was with those he loved and what a blessing that was for him and for his immediate family.
As Christians, we believe that there is eternal life for those called to rest by God Almighty, Maker of everything. On earth, I think there is also eternal life as long as we are remembered by others.
When I look at Uncle Boge, John, Daroa, and Lohia, and Aunties Margaret and Gwen, and Ben’s grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all of you here today who knew Ben, I see and hear him alive in each one of you. This is Ben’s final gift to us all; to look back at his life’s achievements and, wholeheartedly to build on them for a greater and prosperous Papua New Guinea from here on. After all, he helped build this great nation of ours after the war.
We can all come to conclude that Ben’s life was a song that always rang true, with a strong steady beat and gentle melody that warmed the hearts of all who heard it.
An American Indian proverb says: “When you are born you cry and those around you rejoice. Live your life to the fullest so that when you die, you will rejoice and those around you will cry.”
Ben has truly lived his life to the fullest.
When the last post and reveille sounds this evening after he has been laid to rest, I know that everyone around these parts, who know its meaning, will quickly hush the chattering children around them, to say, “hush little one, be quiet now, one of our warriors is finally going to bed…” and everyone will stand to, to rock the warrior to eternal sleep.
May God’s love surround us today.
AMEN!
ACRONYMS
AIF
Australian Infantry Forces
AMF Australian Military Forces
ANBG Australian National Botanical Gardens
ANGAU Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit
BCOF British Commonwealth Occupational Force 1945-52
CBE Commander of the order of the British Empire
DEPT Department
DMS Distinguished Military Service Medal
MBE Member of the Order of the British Empire
MM Military Medal
NAA National Archives Australia
NB New Britain
NG New Guinea
NGIB New Guinea Infantry Battalion
NGVR New Guinea Volunteer Rifles
NZ New Zealand
PIB Papuan Infantry Battalion
PIR Pacific Islands Regiment
PNG Papua New Guinea
PNGAA Papua New Guinea Australia Association
PNGDF PNG Defence Force
PNGVR Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles
POM Port Moresby
RPC Royal Papuan Constabulary
UPNG University of Papua New Guinea Port Moresby
TPNG Territory of Papua and New Guinea
WW2 WORLD WAR 2
