Bita Paka Centenary
On 16th Sep 2014, a memorial service was held at the Museum at Wacol to commemorate the ‘Battle of Bita Paka’ and the ‘Loss of Submarine AE -1’. Guests of honour included the Governor of Qld, His Excellency Paul de Jersey AC., our Patron Maj Gen John Pearn, AO. RFD, and Parliament and Council members.
After speeches from Assn President, Phil Ainsworth and Patron Maj Gen Pearn, AO, RFD, who spoke on the historical significance of the Battle Bita Paka, it being the first time in WW1 that Australian Forces had deployed and suffered casualties. The Governor unveiled the plaque below. A group from the National Service men’s Assn fired volleys from their .303 rifles and John Holland, M u s e u m Curator, then recited the Ode.
In excess of 200 persons attended the day to be entertained by the RAAF Band, the Bougainville Dancers and other activities including face painting, Asian food stall, sausage sizzle, Pacific Book House display, an exhibition of WW1 uniforms, The Inala Historical Society and various displays in your museum which had been painstakingly put together by museum curator John Holland, who organised the event
For the history of this battle, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bita_Paka
After speeches from Assn President, Phil Ainsworth and Patron Maj Gen Pearn, AO, RFD, who spoke on the historical significance of the Battle Bita Paka, it being the first time in WW1 that Australian Forces had deployed and suffered casualties. The Governor unveiled the plaque below. A group from the National Service men’s Assn fired volleys from their .303 rifles and John Holland, M u s e u m Curator, then recited the Ode.
In excess of 200 persons attended the day to be entertained by the RAAF Band, the Bougainville Dancers and other activities including face painting, Asian food stall, sausage sizzle, Pacific Book House display, an exhibition of WW1 uniforms, The Inala Historical Society and various displays in your museum which had been painstakingly put together by museum curator John Holland, who organised the event
For the history of this battle, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bita_Paka
The plaque after it was unveiled
Bernie Rippoll Federal member for Oxley, John Holland, Anastacia Palaszczuk MP State member for Inala and a representative from the Lord Mayor's Office
A group of re-enactment troops firing the Fusillade
Photos courtesy of the local MP.
Douglas NG and John Holland
Association President Phil Ainsworth and Paron Maj Gen John Pearn AO RFD giving the salute after laying an Association Wreath on the memorial.
Phil Ainsworth, John Holland, Governor of Qld, Paul de Jersey AC, Patron Maj Gen John Pearn, Colin Gould in the museum after the ceremony.
Governor of Qld, Pau de Jersey AC. unveiling the memorial.
