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The Sepik River as seen from a dug-out on the way to Green River.
We stumbled on an albino child (girl) of around 8 years in a village well away from civilization. Even with a wide variety of languages in the platoon, we had difficulty comprehending what the villagers were saying. As best possible; the girl and her family were treated as royalty. The villagers had constructed a new house, and a short distance from the main village. (In Western eyes the situation would have been loosely called isolation and done to prevent transfer of illness.) No idea of the underlying reasoning employed here.
“Sammy”. Holding some monster plantains more probably than bananas. The pirate patch was due to a bamboo leaf lacerating close to his eye when fashioning a night “hootchie” out of the plentiful bamboo.
Y.T. on arrival back at Moem. R.S.M. suggested I had 30 minutes to S.S.S.S or else!
Green River, patrol base for the Kiap.
New Sergeant’s Mess at Moem, prepared for Christmas 1968.
One of the new barrack blocks at Moem. It was interesting to see P.I.’s launch off the balcony when a “lik-lik guria” set the buildings vibrating. Never saw an injury.
The base church in the fashion of a local spirit house.
The base church in the fashion of a local spirit house.
somewhat idyllic view from the site of the old Sergeants Mess on the beach at Moem.
Rather changed over time: the old Sergeant’s Mess of native materials. Gecko Heaven.
“European Married Quarters” in development.
A haus tambaran not far from the Moem barracks. Small in size, and can see the small entry.
A haus tambaran not far from the Moem barracks. Small in size, and can see the small entry.
Moem “university” wherein students occasionally attended. As a working battalion, it was a battle to maintain continuity of lessons as students were frequently whisked off for duties. A common theme.
“Hells Angels”. The line-up of hand-me-down bikes which afforded us escape from the base whenever possible, and preserved boots from the Mess to work.
The married quarters for P.I. soldiers.
The salubrious Peugeot known by some as “Bertha”. A means of transporting several persons (at their own risk).
Vanimo: the tranquil out-post of 2 PIR at which was home for platoons on rotation for 3 months at a time. The view is from the front of the Sergeant’s Mess. Tough working environment!
The “house wind” where afternoon tea was served.
Part of the golf course within the camp. Complete with hazards: coconuts, palm fronds palm trees, and sand-crab burrows.
The house wind was used for many activities. Movies were shown of an evening and locals were informed. Along with Bishop Sweeny and the staff out at the mission near the border, Eastwards along the coast.
We chartered a DC3 and travelled to the Goroka Show. Civilian in r/h corner is Sergeant Jenkins, R.T.
Tree kangaroos were fairly tame around the accommodation at Goroka. Kevin Smith is the handler.
The Sergeant’s Mess at Vanimo
The Sergeant’s Mess at Vanimo
H.M.A.S. Vernon Sturdee. Would bring supplies for the out post as would the reliable R.A.A.F. caribou.
Relaxing at the beach. A lovely spot to the East of the Moem base. Russell Jenkins and Bruce & Helen Richter.
group photo of the team of 1968 outside the university.
Moem Point as seen from a local aircraft which did the run up to Vanimo and back.
Russell Jenkins and John Todd in a relaxed position. Weekend in the European Married Quarters. Quite likely at the home of Bruce and Helen Richter.
Just gotta have a barby. O’Reilly, Todd and Jenkins.
Sergeant O’Reilly. Not of the M.A.S.H. variety. Strolling the streets of Wewak.
Anzac Day at Vanimo was an occasion of remembrance when everyone took some part. The Bishop took the salute. Soldiers, police, Navy (A visit from a patrol boat coincided with the day. Commander was someone I had not seen since 4th grade! (With large cans ie. 720ml at 20 cents each, we did a lot of talking.) Many locals who had served alongside troops in WW2 also marched.
