Passing Parade

  HTT 148,
    
                                         
These above photographs are the old and new Memorial Boards for Association members who have died. They are both housed in our Museum.

If you are aware of any Association member who has passed on, please use the Contact Us form on this web site, or, contact the Secretary, Colin Gould, so  we can respond accordingly. If the person has just died, give the funeral arrangements, background to the person, if you know it, as soon as you are aware of the death so other members are advised and may attend.

If the death occurred previously, we still want the information for the Memorial Board and a eulogy for the Harim Tok Tok to enable us to appropriately respond to our members death.

The Association is able to mount a funeral segment similar to the RSL practice, if notified in time and requested to do so. Paul Brown, our Welfare Secretary or Colin Gould are the people to be notified. 

Names of those deceased in the previous 24 months will have their names highlighted in red.


Vale

AHMAT, Michael, CPL,  870095.   Died 3.2.2016.   When PNGVR was altered from a European only unit to allow for Indigenous, Chinese and Mixed Race personnel, Michael was one of the first two to be enlisted into A Coy Lae.  He was promoted to SGT and by the time PNGVR was disbanded in 1973 had completed his examinations for Warrant Officer.  HTT 98.

ANDREW, Brian H. CPL,  860099.   Died 21.1.2017.     Brian went to Madang in 1960 and joined 7 Pl C Coy Madang. Brian was an adventurous person and when he left Madang travelled slowly to Europe, suffering severely electric shock in Gibraltar British Naval Workshops, recovering in England. He later lived in Victoria’s Western Districts before getting itchy feet again and living in South America for many years. HTT 103.

BARTER. Sir Peter GCL. OBE.  Aged 82 Died August 2022.  One of Madang's prominent icons, a former Regional MP for the province and a prominent businessman.  He was Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs in the PNG Government and played a major hand in the peace process on the island of Bougainville.He was never a member of the PNGVR but in the early days of teh Association provided support and information for the Association Medal applications and was a member of the Association.   He was knighted in the 2001 New Years Honours on the recommendation of the PNG Government. HTT Vol 135.

BELL, Allen.   SGT, 859859.   1/1/1929  - 25/7/2022. Allen was born in Bathurst and his family moved to Sydney.  He joined the 30th Bn NSW Scottish Regt on 2/5/1950 - 25/11/1952 when he joined the ARA - Royal Australian Engineers until 25/22/1958.  In 1959 he moved to Port Moresby PNG and ion 5/7/1960 joined the PNGVR until 26/5/1966. He left with the rank of SGT.  He worked for PWD in Port Moresby, Goroka. Kavieng and Kieta.  He returned to Brisbane after 12 years and when his wife died he moved from Yamba to Norfolk Island.  He returned to Australia for a visit and succumbed to Covid-19 while there.  HTT 136.

BICKERTON, William (Bill) L.  LT. NS7278 860284.  22/9/1938 - 29/8/2023.  Bill carried out his National Service obligation in the RAN - 6 months full time then 5 tears in the Reserve. In 1963 he joined PNGVR Port Moresby as part of his NS obligation. He served in D Coy and Support Coy and when commissioned was Pl Comd of the Assault Pioneer Pl.  They carried out a number of Civil Aid Projects.  In 1972 Bill returned to Perth and transferred to 13 Fd Sqn, RAE until discharged in 1973.  Whilst living on the Gold Coast from 1986 - 2001 Bill served on the Association Committee as Welfare Officer.  After the death of his wife he worked in ;  many countries with Volunteer Aid Agencies.  For a portion of this work he was awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (East Timor clasp).  Hen then lived in Thailand for some years then spent his latter years at Manjimup, W.A.  HTT 142.

BISHOP. Malcolm (Mal) A. MM. Colonel. 18006   QX21559  During WW2 Mal trained at the Commando Course on Wilsons Promontory in Victoria and went to New Guinea with 2/5th Independent Coy as Engineer Sgt. He was wounded during the NGVR/2/5th Ind Coy attack on Salamaua and had to be stretchered back to Wau.  On recovery he too place in the unsuccessful 2/5th/NGVR  raid on Mubo.   He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions in New Guinea. As Engineer Sgt he executed the order to destroy Bulolo by blowing up fixtures and burning houses.  In Dec 1943 he was Commissioned to Lt and saw service with the 2/6th Commando Squadron in Borneo.  Post war service saw him in a number of postings in Australia, Adjutant 51 Far North Qld Regiment, and Brigade Major 7 Brigade, Brisbane, and on HQ 1 Division.  He served in Malaya as 2i/c 1 RAR during the Malayan Emergency before he returned to PNG as DAQMG at Murray Barracks, then C.O. PNGVR, and finally as Area Commander Lae Area, at Igam Barracks.  He was the first Aust Army Officer to attend the US Marine Corps Staff College at Quantico, USA. He retired to the Gold Coast and died on 18 Nov, 2007.

BOOIJ, Jan.  PTE,  860342. Died 3.8.2014. Jan served in the Dutch Army and served in Sumatra from 1946 to 1949.  He came to Australia in 1950 and went to PNG in 1959.  He swerved with 2 Pl A Coy Kainantu.  When he died he was still involved in various businesses in both Australia and PNG.

BUCKLEY, Rudolf Joseph (Rudy)  SGT 860478.  2/81930 - 1/8/2018. Rudy was born in Rabaul and was 11 when the Japanese invaded. He was employed by the Japanese to look after the cooking fires along Coal Warf Road. He was near the wharves when he saw soldiers being loaded onto the Montevideo Maru. A particular soldier saw Rudy and his friend, smiled, and threw them a handkerchief which Rudy picked up and kept. The handkerchief contains the names and regimental number of FX195523, CPL Barry Richard David O'Neil of the 2/22 Bn. In 2004 he presented the handkerchief to the Assn Museum. 1,053 Aust military and civilian personnel, including 3 members of the NGVR lost their lives when the unmarked prison ship Montevideo Maru was torpedoed by a US submarine. Rudy also saw executions of Australian, New Zealand and US airmen by the Japanese and after the war, showed the Imperial War Graves Commission 32 graves of the executed airmen who had been beheaded, bayoneted or shot. He moved to Australia in 1975.  HTT 112.

BIRRELL, James A. MC, LT,  NG2201/NGX355.   Jim went to Wau, New Guinea, in 1941 with the Bank of NSW and joined the NGVR.  He was in Salamaua when the Japanese landed and the NGVR torched the fuel dump.  He took part in the NGVR/2/5th Independent Coy attack on Salamaua and manned his Vickers Machine Gun in the first Japanese attack on Mubo.  He joined ANGAU and served in the Markham Valley, Shaggy Ridge, Cape Gloucester, Aitape and Wewak.  He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the Australian advance between Suan and Wewak when he often went behind Japanese lines with 6 Police bois to obtain information.  After the war he returned to PNG as he could not settle in Australia and ran a number of businesses in and around Lae.  He eventually settled on the Gold Coast and died on his sister Jean’s 100th birthday.   HTT 96.  His full story is told in HTT 100,101.

BURTON, Stanley L.   SGT,  NG2116, NGX 652.   18.5.1916 – 21.10.2015,  Stan was an excellent bush mechanic and went to Misima Island, Papua, in 1937.  He moved to Bulolo and joined the NGVR and trained as a wireless operator.  He carried out coastwatching activities on Sugarloaf Hill overlooking Lae and Nobonob hill overlooking Madang.  He then moved overland to Mingende in the Highlands, still regularly reporting Japanese movements.  Without his knowledge he had ben transferred to New Guinea Air Warning Wireless.  He then moved to Bena Bena before coming home on leave in late 1943.  Whilst on leave he was transferred to Allied Intelligence Bureau and worked on GEN MacArthur’s HQ.  After the war he started a transport business in Nth Qld.  His full story is told in HTT 74, 75.

CAIRD, Ian McK. PTE, 145025/ 159343. Died Feb 2014. Ian joined HQ Coy Port Moresby in July 1951, discharging Jan 1952 and rejoined B Coy Rabaul in March 1956, discharging Nov 1967. He was in his 80’s when he died.  HTT 85.

BARLOW, Peter D.  LT, 145927.   13.6.1939 – 25.12.2016.    Peter worked with Customs in PNG and joined PNGVR in the 1960’s.  He was Commissioned in 1971 and served as a Pl Comd with A Coy Lae.  He returned to Australia in 1973 and transferred to the Reserve of Officers.  He was an early member of the Association and over the years attended Anzac Day parades and functions.   HTT 102.

CHEATHAN, Kevin J. SGT, 860332 Died Aug 2010. RAEME Corps then PNGVR at Kainantu with A Coy.  HTT 64.

COCKRAM, George E.  SGT,  NG2246. NGX426.  17.9.1915 – 6.9.2015.  George went to New Guinea in 1940 working on No. 4 Dredge as a deckhand, oiler.  He joined NGVR and when the Japanese invaded was a runner carrying messages to NGVR outposts then moved permanently into the Markham Valley.  He was ordered out in Sept 1942 and walked over the Bulldog Track.  After hospitalisation in Australia he worked with BIPOD (Bulk Issue Petrol and Oil) before joining ANGAU and returning to New Guinea.  After the war George worked on dredges in New Guinea, Columbia and Bolivia.  He died in Melbourne just 42 days before his 100th birthday.  His full story is told in HTT 67, 68, 69.

COLE, Peter G. COL,  235052.  Died 29.5.2016.  Peter graduated from Duntroon Military College in 1953.  He served as a Pl Comd with 3RAR and 1RAR in Korea and on the staff of HQ British Commonwealth Force Korea in Japan.  He has a number of postings including a number with PIR before attending Staff College in the USA.  He served with 5 RAR and 1ATF in Vietnam.  Peter was the last Commanding Officer of PNGVR.  In 1974 he presented the PNGVR Queen and Regimental Colours to the Australian War Memorial.  HTT 99

COLE Robert (Bob) Rothsay.   MC.  Colonel   3.11.1913 – 24.11.2008  Bob’s involvement in PNG commenced prior to WW2 and when the Japanese invaded in 1942 he was ADO (Assistant District Officer) at Maprik, in the Sepik area.  He became a member of FELO (Far East Liaison Office), an intelligence gathering and psychological unit and later joined ANGAU.   He led a successful patrol through rugged, partly unknown and unfriendly country south of the border near Hollandia which resulted in the award of hi Military Cross.  He served with distinction in the Aitape area where he established a 600 strong New Guinea Force for gathering local intelligence.  His own unit of about 60 police was accredited with the killing of some 350 of the enemy.  After the war he served as DC in the Southern Highlands from 1954-57 and DC Sepik 1958-64.  He was PNG Police Commissioner from 1964-69.  He was also Honorary Colonel of the PNGVR from 1966 -68.  He retired from PNG in 1969.

COLEMAN. Frank  PTE, 159712    30.8.1937 – 10.2.2004   Frank joined B Coy PNGVR Rabaul in 1956.  He was a Customs Officer there before transferring to Madang and later to Wewak where he was Collector of Customs.  He later took over from Jack Goad (NGVR) as Collector of Customs, Lae.  He stayed in PNGVR until his marriage in 1962.  He was an Honorary Member of the Vietnam Veterans Association (Sydney Northern Division) in recognition of the assistance he gave them while working with the Vietnam Vet’s Welfare Officer. 

COLLINS, Maurice (Jock).  PTE 134664.  1/9/1941 - 2/7/2018.  Jock went to Port Moresby in 1962, he worked initially in the Lands Dept then in the Forests Dept. He served in PNGVR for only a short time between 1962/63. His name was Maurice Collins but in Melbourne he was known as John Collins, while in Moresby he was known as Jock.  HTT 112.

COOPER, Stan, T30071.  In 1941 Stan was an officer in the Light Heavy Battery attached to Lark Force and based on  Praed Point, Rabaul, with six inch AA guns. When the Japanese bombed and destroyed them, about 6 men were buried alive and are believed to be still there. Stan was fortunate in that his steel helmet covered his face and gave him sufficient air to breathe before he was pulled out about 30 minutes after being buried. He was a POW in Zentsuji, and possibly the last of those POW’s to die. He died in Hobart on 12th May at the age of 97.   

COSGROVE. Bernice (Berry)   17.3.1937-24.10.2022   After graduating as a nurse Berry left for Canada by ship and stopped in Lae where she met Hank and they were married for over 60 years.  They had two children.  In 1971 the family left New Guinea and Berry returned to her nursing career.  Hank and Berry were strong supporters of the Association and attended many of our social functions.  In her will Berry left $5,000 for continuing work at the Association Museum. HTT 138.

COSGROVE. Harold (Hank) Desmond.  20.2.1932 - 18.5.2019.  His ashes are scattered in a quiet grove on the grounds of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach. Hank was the driving force for the Drover's Reunion, conducted under the Hall's auspices for 28 years.  When at school in Miles, Qld, he was often taken out of school to go droving with his father.  He worked on Manus Island doing salvage work and supervising Japanese Prisoners.  Then worked in Kenya and back to PNG for 19 years. with Dept of Works.  Although not a member of the PNGVR Hank was always a strong supporter of the Unit and then the Association and was a regular attendee with wife Berry at the Association Bush Dinners.  HTT 127,

CRANE Brian William  PTE, 159516.  Died 16 May 2007 aged 76.  After 5 years with the Victoria Police Brian joined the RPNGC (Royal Papuan New Guinea Constabulary) on 14.3.1955 as a Sub-Inspector in Lae. The onset of severe malaria caused him to resign on 19 April1956 following which he joined the Australian Army separating as a Warrant Officer.  He then went into business before branching out and becoming a specialist in militaria, coins and medals. Brian joined A Coy PNGVR on 12 November 1955 whilst in Lae. Brian in later years found an incomplete set of PNGVR Routine Orders from March 1951 to April 1965 and donated them to the Association.  This was a valuable resource to the Association and was a vital asset to Maj Bob Harvey-Hall when he compiled the History of PNGVR.

CRAWFORD, Bruce M. OAM, CPL, 859846,  6.1.1941 – 1.9.2016.  Bruce went to PNG as a Cadet Patrol Officer and served in PNGVR in Port Moresby.  On his return to Brisbane he became a solicitor.  He was awarded his OAM in 2001 for outstanding voluntary community services in legal work.  Bruce served on the Association Committee for a number of years and was the Association’s Honorary Solicitor.  HTT 100.
 
CREEVEY. Stephen J.  T/SGT, 159803.  Served with Admin Coy Port Moresby, from about 1957 – 1962. His death was in the Qld RSL News in Oct 2018.   HTT 113.

DALTON, Raymond E. SGT, N281388 / NX109475 / 159540. 29.10.1922 – 12.9.2011. Ray served in WW2 as part of Torres Straight Force and then Morotai and Borneo. He was a mechanic and served with A Coy Lae PNGVR.  HTT 71.

DAVIES. Robert Gregory.  PTE,  860410  20 March 1940 – 5 October 2008 Bob went to Rabaul in 1961 as a trainee school teacher.  On graduation he was posted to various schools in the Rabaul area.  He joined PNGVR in 1964 and attended the two camps at Mt Ambra as well as the ‘wet’ camp in 1966 on the Buitbum River outside Lae.  He was promoted LCPL and discharged in 1968 on his transfer to Wewak.  He served at Manus before coming to Australia in 1979 but went back to PNG in 1982 to Angoram (Sepik) , then to Henganofi (Eastern Highlands), Madang, Kandrian (West New Britain) and Hoskins before moving back to Brisbane in 2000.  Bob was a keen tennis player and took out the PNG Singles Championships and represented PNG at tennis in the South Pacific Games in Port Moresby and later in Guam.  In 1984 he was the PNG male and female tennis coach.  He died in Brisbane of kidney cancer. His full story is told in HTT Vol 105/106.

DENNIS, Mike, LTCOL MBE.  Mike Dennis joined the Regular Army in 1967 after 2 years in the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles. After serving as a Section Commander in 9 RAR he was selected to attend OCS Portsea, graduating to Infantry Corps in 1969. He served as a Platoon Commander in 1PIR, PNG and Pioneer Platoon Commander in 2RAR. In 1982 he was promoted Major and Operations Officer 1PIR PNG and was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) primarily for the planning and conduct of border operations on the PNG/Indonesian border.  Following involvement in the 1987 Fiji Coup and Operation Morrisdance he was promoted LTCOL and posted as a Defence Advisor PNG and Solomon Islands in 1988. This position was primarily an intelligence collection role and he served on Bougainville in 1989 to 1990 in the early stages of the Bougainville dispute in a plain clothes role. He was awarded a Chief of Army Commendation and Australia Day Award for actions on Bougainville. HTT Vol 87.

DOWLING, Thomas D. (Snappy Tom)  SGT,  860194.   8.2.1932 – 6.7.2014.   Tom served in B Coy, Rabaul and Support Coy, Port Moresby.  He was a school teacher in PNG and on return to Australia in 1976 carried out supply teaching, eventually become a Special Education T teacher at Goodna Special School.  Tom joined the Association at its formation and became the Association photographer.   Over the years he took thousands of photos of Association activities with no cost to the Association. Those photos are now held at the museum. HTT 88.

DUNWOODIE, Alan K. SGT, NG2336 / NGX423. 15.12.1921 – 1.1.2012. Alan went to Wau with the Bank of NSW in 1941 and joined the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles. He was in the Wau Vickers Machine Gun Pl and manned it on the withdrawal route after the attack on Salamaua until all the raiding parties were clear of the area.  He was then posted to Line of Communications Signal Unit in Port Moresby and Lae. His full story is told in HTT 63, 64, 65.

DUTTON, James.  CPL,  159340.   8.2.1927 – 3.5.2017.   Jim went to PNG with the Police Force in Dec 1948 and served at Port Moresby, Wau, Samarai, Mt Hagen, Bougainville.  He assisted in the recovery after the Mt Lamington disaster in 1951. He joined PNGVR shortly after it was raised in 1951 and served for 2 years in Port Moresby.  HTT 103.

DUTTON William (Bill)  CPL,  160006/860006  1924 – 15 February 2004.  Bill joined his brother George in the 5th Light Horse, later 5th Motorised Regiment, on his 17th birthday (he had advanced his age to the required 18 years).  He went to New Guinea with the 19th Brigade where he saw action along the North Coast.  He discharged in Brisbane in 1946.  After carrying out some contract building in Western Qld he went to New Guinea with CDW, Commonwealth Dept of Works.  He remained with CDW until 1955 when he became a building Inspector with Dept of Civil Aviation and was then transferred to Madang. He joined PNGVR in Madang in 1956 and whilst there he was responsible for the construction of the PNGVR Drill Hall next to the Madang Police Station. During a visit by GOC Northern Command the General asked Bill how he had managed to construct the building with the slender resources available from Defence Dept to which Bill reportedly replied “Well Sir, I don’t think we should go into that” – the resources of DCA probably contributed more than a little to the project. Bill moved to Port Moresby until 1966 when he moved to Perth.  He retired in 1984.    

EGAN.  Terence John.  DCM.  WO2, 13 May 1936. – 29 August 2008.  ARA Instructor with PNGVR. Was a member of School Cadets, then served with 12/16 Hunter River Lancers, a CMF unit. H joined the ARA and served in Vietnam with AATTV (Australian Army Training Team) in 1967 where he was awarded his DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) as well as being twice awarded the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and the Vietnamese Star of Courage.  He also served at Canungra, Townsville, Sydney and with the Aust Army Aviation Regt at Oakey.  In retirement he became the Chaplain of the AATTV Association, the Toowoomba RSL and National Servicemen’s Association.  Whilst at Oakey he was instrumental, together with Maj Peter Rogers DFC, who also served in PNGVR, in assisting in the formation of our Association by hosting several dinners at the Army Aviation Regt Mess for the fledgling Association. The Memorabilia Room at the Museum of Australian Army Flying has been named the Terry Egan Room in his honour.

FRASER. Bruce  SGT  NGVR  NG2421  NGX 419.  19 September 1914 – 5 July 2004.  Bruce went to New Guinea in 1935 to work for New Guinea Goldfields at Edie Creek near Wau.  He joined NGVR on 31.1.1942 and served with B Coy who patrolled the Wau/Mubo/Komiatum area down to Salamaua.  He carried out constant patrolling and suffered a number of Malaria attacks.  In Nov 1942 he was carried 8 miles to Hospital in Wau and evacuated to Australia in late 1943.  He spent months in and out of hospital in Australia but eventually, even though classified B Health (not fit for service in the Tropics) he arrived in Wewak in June 1945. He was discharge on 10.1.1946.   His full story is told in “Keepers of the Gate”.
 
FREWEN, John J. LT, 3775721 / 859174. John completed his National Service in Victoria and stayed on in a CMF Unit.  He went to Port Moresby about 1960 and transferred to PNGVR.  He later transferred to 7 Pl C Coy Madang.  HTT 108.

FISHER (Dr.) Norman Henry   NGVR   CPL.    30.9.1909 – 23.9.2007.  Norm moved to NG as Government Geologist at Wau in 1034.  After the 1937 volcano eruptions in Rabaul he moved to Rabaul to establish the Volcano observatory there.  He joined the NGVR in Sept 1939 whilst in Wau and remained in NGVR in Rabaul.  He was promoted to CPL in Oct 1941 and was in charge of NGVR’s only 3 inch mortar when the Japanese landed in Rabaul in Jan 1942.  He was able to escape from New Britain by small boar arriving at a Government station off Samarai on 26 Feb 1942, thence by plane to Port Moresby and on the MV ‘Machdui’ to Townsville.  He was discharged from the Army to take up a position in Canberra.  He became Chief Geologist in 1969 and retired in 1974.  Norm’s full story is told in “Keepers of the Gate”.

FISK Joseph (Joe) Henry.  WO1.   2720206  14 November 1933 – 4 May 2005  After completing his National Service Joe joined the 45th Battalion (The St George Regt). During his service with them he rose to the rank of SGT.  He went to New Guinea with an Oil Exploration Coy but then joined as a bridge builder and carpenter. Joe joined the PNGVR when he arrived in PNG and served in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Mt Hagen and Wewak.  The only Company in PNGVR Joe did not serve in was Support Company.  He was a great CSM as his attitude to the Military was the same as he had to everything else – keep it simple and uncomplicated.  Joe married Val in Mt Hagen before they moved to Wewak.  He returned to Brisbane in 1973 and continued his Military service with Training Group, Wacol. He retired from Training Group in 1985 and was awarded the honorary rank of WO1.  His community activities included National Servicemen’s Association, State Emergency Services, Scouting Movement and the RSL. Joe and Norm Mundy actually lived in the same street in Daisy Hill, Brisbane and when they met, they were instrumental in the formation of out NGVR/PNGVR Association. If it were not for he and Norm we would not have an Association. Further details in HTT 40.

GABRIEL, Peter.  PTE,  870256.   3 April 1950 – 30 October 2015.   Peter was born in Port Moresby and joined PNGVR in 1950.  He transferred to RAE in Australia in 1971 and reached the rank of SGT.    HTT 96.

GIDDINGS, Richard (Rick) James. MBE. OAM.  LT 392667. 6 Aug 1937 - 6 Oct 2021.  Rick was born in Maffra, Victoria.  He served in  38 Bn. Northern Victoria Regiment in 1955/56. In 1956 he went to PNG as a Cadet Patrol Officer and served for 3 years on Bougainville.  He then went to ASOPA, Sydney, where he married Lynn.  On his return to PNG he served in Henganofi, Kainantu, Goroka and Kundiawa. He set up a Town Authority for Goroka while he was the Senior Provincial Magistrate for the Simbe and Eastern Highlands Provinces.  He joined PNGVR in 1966, was commissioned in 1968, and served with PNGVR until its disbandment in 1973 when he transferred to the Reserve of Officers.  He was awarded the MBE for his services to PNG as a Magistrate in 1993 and in 2013 was awarded an OAM for his services to his Tasmanian Community of Brighton.  He spent 36 years in PNG.  Rick and Lynn's daughter Lara was Premier of Tasmania from 2011 to 2014. HTT 131.

GRACE, Geoffrey B.  LT,  860462.   23 November 1928 – 18 November 2016. He joined the CMF and served in 12 Inf Bn, the Launceston Regt., and 40th Inf Bn.  Later they merged to become the 12/40th Bn, Royal Tasmanian Regt.  In 1953 he joined the British Colonial Service and served in Uganda, East Africa.  During his time there he undertook operations with the 4th Bn Kings African Rifles in which the subsequent President of Uganda, Idi Amin, was a WO2. On his return to Australia he joined ASIO and served in Rabaul and Port Moresby from 1963-75. He served with PNGVR for 3 years, 1963-67 in Rabaul. Between 1978-82 Geoff operated in South America, based in Santiago, Chile, and then Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He retired to NSW in 1983,  HTT 101.

GREEN. Harold (Harry) Neville.  MBE. ED.  LTCOL,   2111339   Harry enlisted in 17 Inf Bn, North Sydney at age 15. At 18 years he enlisted in the AIF and served with 2/1 and 2/4 Light AA. He served in Syria, Egypt and Palestine. After training in Nth Qld he served in New Guinea at Lae & Finschhafen. He enlisted in the CMF in 1950 and was promoted SGT in 1951, then WO2, and then Commissioned. In 1954 he moved to Rabaul as a CAPT, unattached to PNGVR.  In 1958 he became OC B Coy PNGVR.  In 1959 he set up Green & Co in Rabaul, exporting cocoa beans, crocodile skins etc. He also became involved in the ownership of Plantations. Active in the community he was Boy Scout Commissioner for 15 years, Chairman NG Islands, Winston Churchill Trust for 6 years, Executive Member PNG Planters Assn for 16 years, President, PNG Native Ex-servicemen’s Assn for 16 years, Chairman, Anglican Plantation Trust New Ireland and New Britain for 6 years, Trustee New Guinea Islands RSL for 10 years, Executive Director Bougainville Trading and Shipping for 8 years and Director BRW Plantations Ltd for 16 years. After PNG Independence in 1975 Harry moved to Honiara and Port Vila where he ran an Insurance Office.  In 1963 Harry became 2IC PNGVR with the rank of Lt Col and in 1970 became Honorary Col of PNGVR.  He served with PNGVR for 16 years and, when the NGVR / PNGVR Association was formed in Australia became its inaugural President, remaining so for 16 years until his death on 9 April 2005.

HARRIS, David Ernest, 122053, WO1. Dave joined the CMF in Brisbane and went to PNG in 1962 where he worked at Burns Philp in Madang, and transferred with the CMF to the Papua New Guinea Volun­teer Rifles. He loved both Papua New Guinea and his service life. In Feb, 1966, he went Full Time Duty with PNGVR as ARA Cadre in Wewak and in May, 1968, he joined the Australian Regular Army. He served in Vietnam as a CSM with 3 RAR and, amongst other postings, was on the staff at Royal Military College, Duntroon, where he was highly respected. He retired in Sept 1993. Dave died on 10 Mar 14.  

HARVEY-HALL, William Robert (Bob).  RFD. ED.  MAJ. 125054.  2 December 1929 - 5 March 2021.   Born in Charters Towers he joined 25 Infantry Battalion, Darling Downs Regiment in 1949.  In 1952 he visited his parents in Lae, PNG, and took up a job with QANTAS as an aircraft Engineer in Lae.  When he transferred to PNGVR he became CSM of A Coy, and the first CMF WO2 in the Regiment.  He married Dawn Kerley in 1956 and their three children, Anthony, Robert and Susan were born in Lae. He commanded A Coy PNGVR as a LT and CAPT, and served 21 years with PNGVR.   During his military career he saw service with FARELF in Singapore/Malaya, active service with 5RAR in Vietnam.  He also served with 9 Battalion, the Moreton Regiment, 1 Royal Victorian Regiment and Melbourne University Regiment.  He was Battalion Second-in-Command during the last four years of PNGVR. He was a long serving member of Legacy, the RSL and Brisbane United Service Club.  Although living in Melbourne he maintained a deep interest in the Association and attended many Brisbane Anzac Day marches and other events.  He compiled and authored the book "PNGVR.  A History,, 1950-1973."  The compilation of the history was a herculean task as most of the original material and written drafts about the Regiment vanished when the initial compiler died before completion of the book.  HTT 128.

HARVEY-HALL, Roderick G.  CPL, 159470.  Died 7.10.2015. He served with A Coy PNGVR with brothers Bob and John. He played cricket, baseball and rugby league in PNG.  HTT 95.

HARVEY-HALL, John M. PTE, 159451.  Died 27 October 2015,  Served with A Coy PNGVR in the 1950’s with brothers Rod and Bob.  He was with PNGVR when they fired the 3.5 Rocket Launcher at Salamaua over an Easter Weekend.  HTT 95.

HART, Richard (Dick),  CPL,  2237771. 19.7.1946 – 6.10.2014. Dick transferred from the CMF in Newcastle and transferred to PNGVR when he went with the Bank of NSW to Goroka where he served with 7 Pl C Coy. On his return to Aust he transferred to 3 Coy RAASC at Randwick, then to HQ Coy, Communication Zone. HTT 89.

HAMILTON, Graham R. CPL 159622, Died 1 July 2010. Worked in Commonwealth Bank and then became a Kiap and served in a large number of Districts in PNG. HTT 66.

HARBECK.  Peter Noel  ED.  MAJ, 159334   13.5.26 – 7.12.2004  In his early days in PNG Peter served in the Royal PNG Constabulary.  He was a Sub Inspector at Samarai in 1951 when the Mount Lamington (near Poppondetta) volcano eruption occurred and was officially commended by the PNG Administration for his conspicuous humane aid and other work after the eruption. He resigned from the Police Force and moved to Banz, near Mt Hagen in the Western Highlands where he became a coffee planter and ran the Shell and Gibbes Sepik Airways Agencies. Peter joined PNGVR in Samarai in April 1951 as a recruit when PNGVR first commenced. Whilst in the Highlands he commanded C Coy, PNGVR as CAPT and then Major. As a Maj he visited Vietnam on a 2 week orientation visit. Overall he served 22 years with PNGVR. On his return to Australia, he was an active member of the Coast Guard at Noosa, Qld. At his funeral his youngest son Sapper Tommi Harbeck, Incident Response Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers, conducted the Poppy Parade and gave his father the Soldiers Farewell.

HARRINGTON. William (Bill) Abraham.  MBE   LTCOL, 337686   1927 – 31.10.2005.   Bill studied accountancy but enlisted in the AIF in 1945 and was posted to New Guinea as a SGT with 3 NGIB (3rd New Guinea Infantry Battalion).  He served on New Britain and was discharged in Feb 1947.  In Jan 1950 he was appointed LT in the 5th Infantry Battalion and in Oct 1951 appointed Lieutenant in the Aust Staff Corps and then posted to 2 RAR.  In July 1952 he joined 3 RAR in Korea as Pl Comd 8 Pl C Coy.  He was recommended for a Military Cross for his outstanding service with 3 RAR.  It was not awarded, however he received the MBE in 1953. He had a number of appointments with the Army including an Exchange with the School of Infantry, United Kingdom, and in April 1969 was appointed CO PNGVR. He retired from the Army in 1975.

HENDRY Albert (Bert) R. S/SGT  2142311. Bert’s background not known but he was a SGT in HQ Coy PNGVR at Murray Barracks in 1957. That year, as a S/SGT he was transferred to 2 Pl A Coy, Madang and late in 1958 transferred back to HQ Coy, Port Moresby and was President of the SGTs Mess there. He was in attendance at the PNGVR Camp at Taurama Barracks in 1962. Due to some administrative bungle a Routine Order in 1962 stated that he had been re-engaged for 10 years from 25.11.1952 to 25.11.1962 – apparently he had been serving unofficially for the past 10 years. In 1953 Bert was President of the SGTs Mess in Lae and was involved in the construction of a Training Area in the Altzera Ranges outside Lae where a CT (Communist Terrorist) village was set up. He was an escort to the Colours at the Presentation of the Colours in 1969. He received his EM (Efficiency Medal) in 1970.

HOBBINS John (Jack) Joseph. CPL. 859993. 25 Nov 1934 - 7 Feb 2022. Jack was born in Hurstville, Sydney, and worked in Tasmania then on the Tinaroo Dam in Nth Qld.  He moved to PNG working for New Guinea Company in Madang in 1959. He then moved to Goroka to manage their store there, and married Judity McBurney in Goroka.  Over the next few years he had a number of jobs in Madang and eventually joined Brian Heagney at Kagamuga, Western Highlands. He joined PNGVR in Madang in 1960 and was promoted to CPL when in Goroka.  On their return to Australia, they had several small corner shops businesses until he eventually retired to Aldavilla, then Kingsclife. In 2011 Jack was nominated by the Kingscliff RSL Sub Branch for the Tweed Shire Council Australia Day Awards for his services to the RSL, particularly in the raising of funds and sales of badges for ANZAC and Remembrance Days. HTT 133.

HOETER Frank G.  MAJ,  MBE, ED, JP.   252136.  Died 1 August 2011. Frank was born in American Samoa and served in the AIF in WW2 in 57 Special Wireless Group and 8 Line of Communication Provost Coy.  After discharge from the AIF he joined the 3rd Infantry Bn, CMF in Canberra. He joined PNGVR in 1951 at Lae. He was commissioned in 1953 and promoted Major in 1962 and was appointed PNGVR Battalion 2i/c. In 1963 he served as a United Nations Observer in Kashmir.  During his service in PNGVR he served as OC B Coy, Rabaul, C Coy Eastern and Western Highlands and D Coy Wewak.  He retired from PNGVR in 1972.  He received his MBE primarily for his service to PNGVR.   HTT 70.

HOLLAND.  John.  CPL. 859739.  8 March 1939 – 10 April 2018.  John was born in New Guinea and evacuated with his mother and baby sister from Rabaul in December, 1941, just prior to the arrival of the Japanese. His father stayed in New Ireland to assist with the evacuation of survivors of the Rabaul occupation. The family moved back to New Britain after the war and John went to boarding school in Queensland. John commenced work as a plant operator in Rabaul, moved to Queensland where he purchased an orchard, and later became a travelling salesman for a Plumbing and Hardware company.  He was an early member of the Association and when the building for the museum was acquired he threw himself wholeheartedly into making it a success. It is largely due to his enthusiasm and hard work over many years that the museum became such an outstanding success.  HTT 110, 111, 112.

HONISETT.  William Charles (Bill).  SGT.  860064,  Died 24 March 2018 aged 90.  Bill was born in W.A. and joined the RAAF towards the end of WW2 and trained as an air gunner.  After discharge he served in the W.A. Police Force for 7 years before going to PNG as a Sub Inspector in the PNG Police force.  He served in Bougainville, Kainantu, Kavieng, Madang, Port Moresby and Rabaul and was retrenched from the Police Force in 1974 with the rank of Superintendent. He then returned to W.A. and commenced several small businesses. He joined PNGVR in Madang and was discharged in Lae with the rank of SGT.  HTT 110.

HOOK, Donald (Don) James  CPL.  267750.   16.7.1936 - 9.12.2022     Dons mother dies when he was 2 and he was raised by his grandmother.  In 1951 he started his journalistic career with the Cairns Post.  He carried out his National Service in 1954 at RAAF Fairburn, Canberra.  He joined the CMF in 1961 and served with Byron Scottish Regiment.  He pas posted to the ABC Port Moresby in 1962 and transferred to PNGVR. Although PNGVR he was PR Officer for the PNGDF HQ and accompanied at least one border patrol with the Pacific Islands Regiment. He remained with PNGVR until appointed ABC South East Asia correspondent in 1967.  He visited Vietnam in 1968 during the Tet Offensive.  He retired to Canberra but covered a number of special events from there.  He was a strong supporter of the Montevideo Maru group and was of great assistance in the raising of $500,000 for the Montevideo Maru Memorial at the AWM Canberra.   HTT 138.

HUTSON, Lewis Grant (Chick). CAPT QX53937 / 159494.  31 Jul 1926 - 15 Dec 2021.Born in Scotland Chick moved to Australia in 1931 and attended school in the Atherton Tablelands.  He served in WW11 and on discharge from the Army he became a qualified carpenter for some years before moving to Madang with Government Stores.  He joined PNGVR in 1954 when 2 Pl A Coy was formed in Madang, was promoted through the ranks and commissioned, and in 1959 became OC PNGVR Madang. He then moved to Samarai and Port Moresby and was promoted to CAPT.  He served until PNGVR was disbanded in 1973. He spent 25 years in PNG and returned to Australia in 1976, became a professional fisherman then ships Master.  On retirement he sent many years cruising up and down the Queensland Coast.  He spent many years writing his novel - "A Certain Desire".   HTT 132

INCH.  Bruce Henry. WO2,  159543   Died 28.7.2009.  A well known identity in PNGVR, Bruce, a Police Sub-Inspector, joined A Coy Lae on 24.11.1958. He rose to WO2 over the years and was a regular attender at Annual Camps and courses. Late in 1965 Bruce was temporarily detached to 9 Pl C Coy PNGVR Mt Hagen and in 1966 transferred to B Coy Rabaul when he was promoted to Inspector. He returned to Lae in 1968.  Bruce was Escort to the Colours at the presentation of PNGVR Colours in 1969. When Bruce left PNG he moved to Coolamon, near Wagga Wagga in NSW.  HTT 60.

JOHNSON, Bruce William ED. RFD. MAJ.  12.1935 - 20.8.2023.  1713996  859851.  In 1955 Bruce carried out his NS obligation at Wacol, Brisbane and then joined 51 Inf Bn. In 1957 he joined Steamships, Port Moresby, and transferred to HQ Coy, PNGVR as a Temp SGT.  He was commissioned in 1960 and appointed Pl Comd in the newly formed D Coy.  In 1963 Bruce transferred from PNGVR to CSTU, Tasmania and later served with 40 RTR.  He retired in 1983 with the rank of MAJ.  He was involved in organising military transport across the Derwent after the Derwent River Bridge disaster in 1975.  Bruce moved to SE Qld in the 1980's and joined the Association and afterwards attended as many functions as he could.  He developed Parkinsons and eventually had to move into care.  HTT142.

JONES, Brian Edward John ED. CAPT.  2/42645, 860437.  23.1.1936 - 24.5.2021.  At age 16 Brian enlisted in the ARA as an apprentice plumber.  On his graduation from Apprentice School he served in a number of Engineer units both in Australian and PNG.  He discharged from the ARA in 1963 and joined PNGVR in 1964 serving until its disbandment in 1973 in Admin Coy, 8 Pl C Coy, 9 Pl C Coy and A Coy.  In i979 he rejoined the CMF and served in HQ 1 Div (Army Agent North T.I.), 49 RQR (Bushmen's rifles). 31 IRC (The Kennedys) and 31 RQR (The Kennedy Regiment) until his transfer to the Reserve of Officers in 1986. 

JONES, Graham J. PTE,  960248.  16 August 1939 – 21 August 2015   Graham went to Banz in 1962 as a school teacher and joined PNGVR.  The taught in Banz, Lae, Madang and Daru.  In 2012 he was responsible for forwarding a 20ft container containing 63 bales of donated clothing to Simbu Women’s Association.  HTT 95. 103.

KAM On Leo, C.A.A.D. 107, 4.7.1920 – 5.9.2013. Kam joined the Chinese Auxiliary Ambulance Detachment in Rabaul in 1939. At the time Chinese were not eligible to join the NGVR, however the CAAD was formed with some 30+ Chinese members who were instructed by Medical staff of the NGVR.  When the Japanese invaded Rabaul in 1942 Kam reported for duty to the 2/22nd Bn Regimental Aid Post and continued service with them during the evacuation of Rabaul until he was ordered by the RMO of the 2/22nd Bn to burn his uniform and join the Chinese population at a sawmill at Adler Bay. Whilst there he assisted in coast watching activities. It took until 1993 for Kam to have his WW2 service recognised and to receive his medals.  HTT 58. 59.

KELLY. William  (Bill)   MBE ED  MAJ, 159269   Died 13.2.2005.  Bill joined PNGVR in 1951 when it was first formed. He was always in Port Moresby and very active in activities and was a regular member of Examination Boards.  In 1969 Bill came to Australia for 12 months as Adjutant of the Qld University Regiment then returned to Port Moresby.  He was awarded the MBE in part for his work with PNGVR and with the community.  He served with 9 RAR in Vietnam on his orientation visit.  At the presentation of PNGVR Colours at Igam Barracks in 1969 Bill was the Commander of No 4 Guard.  His last posting with PNGVR was Support Coy Commander.

KEMISH, Albert L.S. CAPT, 860497  11 March 1931 – 28 August 2010 Commissioned as a National Service Officer in the British Army. Served with A Coy, Lae and University Pl., Port Moresby.    HTT 68,

LANGMAN​​. Peter Albert.   T/Cpl.  258700/216462.  Died 15.6.2021 aged 86.    Peter served in the RAN, then joined NSW Police Service and was awarded the Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane society NSW Bronze Medal 1968 for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning flat.  He served in NSW Police from 28.10.57 - 31.1.1960 then joined RPNGC.  He served in Port Moresby.  Peter enlisted in PNGVR on 21.2.1961 and served in D Coy, Port Moresby.   The then transferred to RNSWR on 19.7.1961.  He later joined the Army Provost Corps and, as a Captain with the AFV Provost Corps was awarded a MID on 17.12.1970.

KENNEY, Geoffrey A.  CPL,  860151.  27.10.1941 – 24.1.2016. Geoff worked with the Australian Customs Dept in Canberra before moving to Port Moresby in 1961 with Dept Public Health. He served with PNGVR from 1962-64 and was an early supporter of the Association when it commenced.  HTT 97.

LANGE  Ronald George.  AM. MID.  COL.  520765   11/12/1929 - 10/7/2022,  Ron was born in Perth and on completion of an electrical apprenticeship joined his parent in Rabaul, PNG.  He joined the 16/28 Bn , The Cameron Highlanders of WA at age 19 and transferred to PNGVR when he went to Rabaul in 1951.  In 1952 he joined the ARA and was selected to attend Officer Cadet School in Portsea.  He was commissioned into Royal Aust Inf. His first posting was to PNG, the first of 5 postings to PNG.  He served in Qld, Tas, and with the 28th Commonwealth Inf Brigade in Malaya/Singapore.  He was awarded an MID for service in Vietnam as Operations Officer 1ALSG and was later awarded his Order of Australia, Military Division.   From 1970-1973 he was CO 1PIR.   HTT 136.

LAWIE, Donald Charles.  PTE.  172341,  Died 18/7/2924, Don married Pauline in Port Moresby in 1967 and they had two daughters.  He served in the PNGVR whilst in New Guinea and at the Mt Ambra Camps in 1964/65 he played the bagpipes for morning Reveille and Last Post at the lowering of the flag.  After he returned to Australia he kept hi involvement in Military affairs as Secretary of the local RSL and mounted a display every ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. He played his bagpipes for the Babinda ANZAC Day ceremony.  HTT148.

LEGA Thomas (Tom) William James MM.  LT,  NG2244 & NGX385.  Died 14 Dec 2007.  Tom went to New Guinea to work on the dredges in the Goldfields of Wau/Bulolo.  He joined the NGVR in 1940 and was a CPL when the Japanese attacked the Goldfields from the air.  He was active in patrols in the Mubo/Salamaua areas and took part in the attack on Salamaua and the Japanese attack on Mubo in response.  Later he was posted to Kirklands crossing on the Markham River and patrolled the Markham Valley extensively.  He also took part in the Battle for Wau when the Japanese attack was defeated.  Later posted to ANGAU he was active in the Lae, Finschhafen, Saidor/Kulau, Madang, Aitape/Tadji, Lumi, and Wewak areas.  He was awarded his MM for his actions in overcoming a Japanese outpost in the Madang area with only himself and 6 police bois when he was a SGT.   He was promoted to LT and was in Wewak when the war ended.  After the War he returned to Bulolo, holding various positions with Bulolo Gold Dredging and left PNG in 1988 to retire in Brisbane.  For many years he was Vice President of our Association.  HTT Vols 17-20.

LEWIS Jack (John) Israel.  SGT   N218724.   NX140616.  2/122024.   John died on 3 Nov 2019 aged 95.  He served in the Militia 16 Oct 1941 to 18 Dec 1942 then, at age 18, he joined the AIF until 31 Jan 1946.  He served in 13 Coy RAASC, 1 Aust Div, 28 Inf Bde Tpt Co, then 18 Aust Bde Tpt Coy.  In Buna, New Guinea, he served with AAMC until transfer to 2/1 AMCU (Anti Malaria Unit) and was sent to Bougainville.  He returned to PNG in 1953 working for Kriewaldts, then in District Commissioner’s Office, then RPNGC. He joined HQ oy, PNGVR and was Hygiene SGT on a number of camps.  He retired to Hervey Bay in early 1970’s and was active with the RSL, TPI and Probus.  His awards are 1939/45 Pacific Star, War Medal, ASM 39/45, ASM 1945/75 (PNG Clasp), Aust Defence Medal and Police Overseas Service Medal (PNG Clasp).

MARTIN. Alistair John,  CPL. NZ376805. 860731. Died 23.10.2018 aged 73. Following his Vietnam service as an infantryman with W1 Company, 2RAR/NZ (ANZAC) and 4RAR/NZ (ANZAC) in 1968-69, he went with Whiskey Company to 1 RNZIR in Singapore. He moved to the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, and joined the PNGVR on 1 Nov 1973. He was discharged on the disbandment of the unit. He was present in uniform at the laying up of the Queens Colour and Regimental Standard of the Regiment in Canberra. He later spent many happy years in the Solomon Islands, and was accepted by all as a friend and comrade. Alastair was very active. especially in the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies. He was the driving force behind the fund raising, building and dedication of the Anzac Memorial in Poona, which is used for all remembrance services in the town. He was responsible for bringing the PNGVR shield which had been at the Mt Hagen Drill Hall to Australia and donated it to the Assn  (See HTT Vol 102.)      HTT 114.

McFARLAND, Rev Allan, Association Chaplain. 7.5.1919 – 15.5.2001. Allan was a radio operator with Z Special Forces in WW2 and was also their Association Chaplain until his death.   HTT69.

McGRATH William Adrian (Bill)   LT,  513773.   8/10/1932 – 30/7/2019.  Bill joined the Administration of PNG as a Cadet Patrol Officer in April 1953 and served at HQ in Konedobu.  He became OIC at Erave Patrol Post in the Sthn Highlands in 1955.  He then transferred to RPNGC as a Police Officer for a short period before transferring to Lands Dept.  Bill transferred into PNGVR, was promoted CPL in 1958.  Whilst in HQ Coy he produced “The Volunteer” newsletter.  By 1962 he Was 2Lt and Bn Intelligence Officer.  He served on the Committee to investigate the provision of colours for PNGVR.  He then left PNG and was Director of Lands and Surveys at Saipan for 6 years, then was Land Dept Manager in C Brewer & Co in Hawaii.  In 1975 he was appointed General Manager of the Native Land Development Corporation for Fiji.  In 1980 he consulted to the New Hebrides Condominium Govt and carried on the role when Vanuatu became independent in 1980.  In 1984 he commenced ‘Pacific Books” and returned to PNG from 1990 -1997 with Chevron Petroleum Development. Bill was sponsor and publisher for Ian Down’s “NGVR History” which has done much to tell the story of this little known Unit.  HTT Vol 118.

McKINLEY, James E. SGT, 860295. Died 16.1.2013. Employed by the Dept of Civil Aviation in Port Moresby. He retired to Canberra and died in a house fire.  HTT 79.

McMAHON, Terry.  PTE,  860416.   20 August 1945 – 27 December 2016.  Terry served with the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney and the Snowy Mountains before transferring to Wewak in 1964 where he joined D Coy PNGVR.  At the 1964 Annual Camp at Mt Ambra Terry was the liaison officer with the local Catholic Mission.  His stay in PNG was cut short by a severe dose of sunburn and came back to Australia.  He spent only 7 months in PNGVR.  HTT 102.

MacGOWAN, Kenneth H. PTE, 159835. Died 11 April 2011. Ken was born in Rabaul and evacuated as a child on the ship ‘Machdui’ on 20.12.1941.  He returned to PNG and joined PNGVR in Port Moresby and served with Admin Coy and D Coy.  He stayed on in PNG for many years and accumulated a lot of WW2 materiel much of which has been donated to the museum. He also lived in Vanuatu before finally residing in Australia.  HTT 74.

MITCHELL. Graham Edward, PTE, 1712665. His military service commenced in Aug 1955 with the 11 National Service Training Battalion, Brisbane, then in Nov 1955 with 30 Medium Regiment as part of his National Service obligation. In July 1956 he transferred into HQ Coy, PNGVR, Port Moresby. In 1957 he transferred out of PNGVR to 30 Medium Regt. He was a life member of the Sherwood Services Club being treasurer for many years and had long service with the Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch.     HTT 114.

MILAN.  Tony Arthur.  RFD. ED. MAJ.  421760,  22 February 1935—14 November 2018. He completed National Service training in 1953 then went to Portsea Officers Training School where he graduated as a 2nd Lt and remained in the Regular Army until 1956 when he attended ASOPA and moved to Port Moresby as a Health Administrator. In 1964 the family moved to Rabaul where Tony worked as the Regional Health Administrator for the New Britain Region. He returned to Australia in 1967 and worked in Hospital Administration at the Alfred and Royal Women’s Hospitals in Melbourne until he moved to Shepparton to take up the position as Chief Executive Officer at the Goulburn Valley Base Hospital. 0n his 55th birthday he commenced work as a Health Consultant working with a number of Hospital Rehabilitation Projects in Fiji, Vanuatu and returned to an Independent. Papua New Guinea, to work on the team of a Hospital improvement project for I0 Years returning to Shepparton in 2003 when he retired.  During his time in PNG he was active in the PNGVR. He transferred into HQ Coy as a Lieutenant from 10 Inf Bn. In 1960, still with HQ Coy, he was promoted CAPT In 1961 Tony was transferred to the Reserve of Officers until returning to HQ Coy for the 1962 Annual Camp at Goldie River. During his time in Rabaul he became OC B Coy. In 1967 Tony completed a 2 week ‘familiarisation visit’ to South Vietnam. He walked the Kokoda Trail on 3 occasions.     HTT 114.
 
MOSES, Peter F. MAJ,  2149704.  Died 15 June 2016.   Peter transferred as a SGT National Serviceman to PNGVR Lae in 1964.  He was promoted to WO2 and became A Coy CSM.  As a teacher he taught at Gabari (Lae), Bena Bena and Kavieng.  He was Commissioned in 1968 and became OC 7 Pl C Coy, Goroka.  After leaving PNG he worked in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales and Singapore.  He served in various units in Queensland and Tasmania and in the New Zealand Territorials.  HTT 99.

MUIR, Richard LT.  258822.  Died late 2023 in Townsville. Richard served in Admin Coy, PNGVR, Port Moresby having transferred in from 30 Bn in Sydney in 1957.  By 1968 he had been commissioned and had completed Captains examinations.  He later served in 4RNSWR in Sydney.  He lived in Mackay for many years and moved to Townsville to obtain better medical treatment for his wife who predeceased him in Sep 2023.  At time of his death, he was as assistant Webmaster for the Association Web site.

NELSON, Kieran. CPL. Kieran's father was with the Army Medical Corps in New Guinea during WWII and then worked for PHD in PNG from 1945 to 1972.  From 1963 - 68 Kieran went to school at Woodlawn College on the outskirts of Lismore NSW, and in 1969 commenced working for the Commonwealth Bank.  He worked in Moorvale, Goroka, Kundiawa, Surfers Paradise, Teweantin, Wewak, Burleigh Heads, Lae, Brisbane, Darwin Mt Gravatt, Mansfield and Manly (Q).  He was in PNG on Independence Day and left Lae in 1979, Kieran was in the School Cadets and joined D Coy, PNGVR in Wewak and was serving when PNGVR was disbanded in Dec 1973.  His contribution to community was extensive.  He was a founding member of the Gold Coast PNG Club, Treasurer of the PNG Federation of Qld, Treasurer of our Assn and was Facebook Administrator for our Association and 12 other PNG affiliated organisations. He was also a regular voluntary worker at fund raising events of our Association - the Museum and Bunnings Sausage sizzles being some examples. He was a fluent Pidgin speaker and some of his translations and renditions were excellent.  

NOBBS, Kenneth John.  PTE, 160046.  Ken served with 7 PL C COY Madang in 1959. He was Postmaster in Madang and Mt Hagen. Ken was born on Norfolk Island and his forebears were original settlers on Norfolk from Pitcairn Island.  HTT 111.

NORTH.  Arthur George. 159361. Served in Port Moresby 1951-2. Over the Christmas period 1951 CO, PNGVR, led a party of PNGVR and civilians (including a woman) over the Kokoda Track. Prior to this no white man, except Patrol Officers, had walked the history Track since WW2.  It was physically hard with the Track condition bad and the party had to use machetes in many places. They took six and a quarter days to complete the walk. Arthur North was a member of that party.  HTT  113.

NUNAN Thomas (Tom) J.  LCPL, 159682   Died December 2008.  Went to Rabaul with the Commonwealth Bank and joined PNGVR in 1954.  He had been in Cadets at Mr Carmel Christian College in Charters Towers and was familiar with drill, weapon handling etc.  He recalled his early training in Rabaul when a ‘haus boi’ of a local WW2 veteran, who reportedly had 80 Japanese kills to his credit during the war and had been awarded the Military Medal, used to play enemy when they were on bivouac and stated “It was an eerie feeling being on sentry duty and having one of these black wraiths creeping up on you”.  He was a member of the Honour Guard when the Governor General, Field Marshall Sir William Slim, visited Rabaul and thought he was a ‘great character’ after he had inspected their rifles.  Tom also worked for the London Metro Police, New Zealand Police 1961-1995 and Auckland CIB.

O’LOGHLEN, Sir Colman Michael. CAPT, NG2212/NGX303. 6 April 1916 – 6 March 2014. Col went to New Guinea as a Solicitor in Wau and joined the NGVR. He was commissioned as he had been a SGT in the Melbourne University Regt.  He was a Group Leader in the combined NGVR/2.5th Ind. Coy. Attack on Salamaua in which 116 Japanese were killed for 3 walking wounded on the attacker’s side. He later served with ANGAU at Kaipit, Markham and Ramu Valleys, Lae, Finschhafen prior to spending time in the Aitape/Wewak area with both the US and Australian forces. He returned to New Guinea post war, leaving for Australia in 1976 for retirement.  HTT 71, 72.

O’CALLAGHAM, Michael J. LCPL, 1719114. Nothing known other than he served with HQ Coy, Port Moresby and transferred to 51 RQR in 1958. HTT 69.

PARRY, Colwyn A.  PTE, 159613.  1.10.1928 – 15.9.2014.  He was in the Police force in PNG, returning to Australia in 1975.  HTT 89.

PETRIDES, Peter Z. PTE, 159842. 5.4.1931 – 2011. Peter was born in Cyprus, arrived in Australia in 1952 and moved to PNG with the Postal Services. He served in Port Moresby with PNGVR.  HTT 72,

RAASCH, Michael.  CPL.  860073.  11.3.1942 - 29.2.2023.  Michael was born in Berlin with his father in Stalingrad, Russian with the German Army.  His father returned from the Eastern front but his mother and father divorced soon after.  His mother fled to the countryside with the family but were forced back to Berlin by the advancing Russian army.  In 1956 his uncle Paul Raasch was approached by Bobby Gibbes from Goroka to get two old German Luftwaffe JU52's back together and fly them to New Guinea.  In 1957 the Raasch family came to Goroka with Paul and the aircraft flew for several years with Gibbes Sepik Airways. Michael joined PNGVR whilst under age and in 1959 Michael and brother Juergen were selected for the ANZAC Day Honour Guard at the Goroka War Memorial.  He left PNG in 1961 to study Engineering but did not complete degree.  He was married in 1965 he was married and returned to Goroka.  In 1974 moved to Brisbane.  he contracted lymphoma in 2017 and was unwell until he died of Covid infection.  HTT 140.

ROBERTSON Robert.  LVO, OBE, QPM. T/CPL 860262 Died 19 November 2020 aged 94.  Born in Edinburgh he joined the Scots Guards from 1944 - 1962 leaving with rank SGT.  He emigrated to Australia and joined RPNGC. Served widely in PNG at Wewak, Kavieng, Goroka, Rabaul, Kokopo, Kial Depot, Lae, PHQ Port Konedobu and Bomana Police College.  He enlisted in PNGVR on 5 February 1963 for a brief period and served in HQ Coy. He stayed on after independence and retired in 1978 as Deputy Commissioner. In 1983 he relocated to Canberra.  HTT 126.

ROBB.  Francis Philip Vernon (Phil).   SGT   860204.  24 February 1917 – 29 May 1984.  Phil joined the PNG Administration  as a Cadet Patrol Officer in Feb 1947 and is mentioned in a number of Patrol reports from the Kikori District between 1947-48.  After a number of postings around PNG he became Assistant District Officer in Mt Hagen in the 1960’s.  He was in PNGVR and in 1963 took part in a PNGVR patrol from Banz to Madang in order to collect the Edwards Shield, awarded to the best Platoon in PNGVR. Whilst ADO Mt Hagen he was primarily responsible for the construction of Mt Ambra Training Camp, some 2,000 acres of land on which was built - 9 long huts, 2 OR’s Messes, SGT’s Mess, OFFR’s Mess, Hospital (4 beds), shower and toilet facilities (all built with native materials), rifle, grenade and rocket launcher ranges.  Barrats (large open drains) ran through the camp. It could accommodate some 400 troops. The final cost was 600 pounds paid to the local owners in shillings in 1964. Phil also constructed a native materials Drill Hall in Mt Hagen for PNGVR.  Phil left PNG for Sydney in 1965 and worked for Sydney City Council. 

ROONEY, Edwin Neal (Neal).  PTE. 125231  17.11.1929 - 15.1.2024.  Neal was a sharefarmer when a flood wiped out his holdings.  He hen became a storeman with Dept of Works in Port Moresby and then Purchasing Officer in Rabaul where he joined B Coy PNGVR. In 1956 he was part of the Guard of Honour for Prince Phillip and Field Marshall Sir William Slim, then Governor General of Australia.  He married whilst on leave in 1960 and he returned to Aust in 1961.  He became a storeman in a Hardware Coy in Mt Gravatt, Brisbane and eventually became a shareholder and Company Director.  He joined the Assn in the 1990's and was a regular attender at Assn functions.  

SAMIN Denis Charles MBE.  WO2.  31177087  Died 4 August 2019.    Denis served in Vic. Police Force 1 November 1965 - 31 December 1968 before joining RPNGC on 28 January 1969. He served at Bomana, Port Moresby, Boroko, CIB and mobile squads in Bougainville during the emergency. Before moving to PNG he was in the CMF Medical Corps from 1957-61 and with 126 Signal Squadron (Commando) 1966-69.  He served in PNGVR from 1969 until disbandment in 1973 and later with Cadets until 1990 in Cairns.  He rejoined RPNGC in 1990 as Community relations Officer and was appointed Director of Reserve Constabulary in 1993 -95 when he was promoted Asst Commissioner at Police HQ.  He left PNG in 1998 for Nth Qld and retired to Vic.  In the late 1990’s he donated his RPNG sword to the Association and it is now held in the Museum.  HTT Vol 118.

SCALES, Alfred W. (Alf).  LTCOL, 159330,  14.7.1930 – 4.12.2015.  Alf went to Port Moresby with the Commonwealth Bank in 1951 and joined PNGVR.  After he left PNG he served with 42 Bn, Maryborough, Qld., 47 Inf Bn, 2 RQR, CSTU (Command and Staff Training Unit), 51 RQR, Joint Services Staff College and HQ Communication Zone.  He went to the Reserve of Officers in 1980. On his death he had 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.  HTT 98.

SCHUSTER, Charles F.R.  SGT,  435817.  26.3.1943 – Jun 2017.   Charles Joined Adelaide University Regiment before going to Goroka as a teacher and was Pl SGT 7 Pl C Coy, Goroka. On leaving Goroka he studied in Queensland. Charles lived in Adelaide, Goroka, Beenleigh, Qld., Adelaide and Canberra.  HTT 105.

SEARS Robert (Bob) G.  SGT. 859948.  Bob ran his own business in Goroka, trade stores and coffee buying. He joined PNGVR in 1958, promoted CPL 1961 and SGT in 1965. In 1968 he qualified for promotion to Warrant Officer but contracted cancer and died shortly thereafter.

SHEATH,  Abel Richmond. SGT, NG2380,  6.7.1916 – 26.7.2014. Abe was extremely competent working with machinery and had no trouble getting work in BGD workshops in Wau.  He was in the Militia, 33rd Fortress Company, in Sydney and joined the NGVR in Wau. He took part in the first battle of Mubo and is in the famous photo of the Japanese flag captured there.  He walked out over the Bulldog Track and returned to a posting to 3 Aust Watercraft Workshops in Brisbane till war’s end.  Enlisted - 21 Jan 1942; Discharged - 20 Feb 1946. Died July 26th, 2014. His full story is told in  HTT 89.

TODD. Bryan E.  AM. RFD. ED.  COL, 159814   3.9.1932 – 2.11.2005  Bryan graduated in medicine at University of Qld.  Dr Bryan Todd MB, BS, FAFPHM, RACP, FAMA, had a successful career as a General Practitioner in Lae where he delivered over 300 babies and provided a medical serv ice for TAA and Ansett Airlines.  He spend 11 years in Lae, was President of Apex, a member of Rotary and Deputy Mayor. In 1958 he was appointed Captain RAAMC (Royal Australian Army Medical Corps) and allotted as RMO (Regimental Medical Officer) PNGVR.  He was also involved with the PNG Cadet Corp.  As a CMF Major, Bryan served on full-time duty in Vietnam as RMO, 2 RAR and RMO, AATTV.

TRONSON, Allan David.   PTE, 151752  159808    24.3.1926 - 26.8.2019. Allan Joined the RAAF in 1944 at age 18. He served as a radar operator on Manus Island. He moved back to PNG in 1955 working for PNG Local Government.  He served in HQ Coy PNGVR from 1955 to 1959.  He also worked in Goroka where he met his future wife, Hiroko.  After Independence Allan moved to Ipswich and worked in Brisbane. He was 93 years old on his death.

TROY, Clive.  PTE 160062/860052.  30.5.1937 - 15/4/2024.  Clive was appointed as a District Financial Controller and Auditor in the PNG Treasury Dept in 1955 and served for 11 years in Port Moresby, Rabaul, Lae and Madang. He then travelled overseas and settled in the Philippines until his return to Australia in 1988.  In Jan 1960 he enlisted in A Coy, PNGVR, Lae and also served in C Coy Madang, and D Coy Port Moresby.  He was a long time member of the PNGAA and a founding member of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society.  He was the organiser behind the Montevideo Maru Memorial Plaque for the Hellships Memorial at Subic Bay, Philippines. His body was donated to Medical Science.

TURRILL, Russell, PTE, 159815. Russell was a member of D Coy Port Moresby in 1961.  His body was donated to medical research.  HTT 84

VAN LEEUWEN, Henry,  CPL,  860338.  7.11.1925 – 16.11.2014.  Born in Holland. Henry, when the Germans invaded during WW2, was forced to “volunteer” for the German Army. He served in the Panzer Corps on the Eastern Front, ending up a Tiger Tank crew commander before being captured by the Canadians. After the war he joined the Dutch East Indies Army and eventually came to Australia before moving to PNG in 1963 as a Malaria Control Officer at Kainantu. He served with 2 Pl A Coy, Kainantu. HTT 90.

WADSWORTH, Alan F, CAPT, 860418. Alan joined PNGVR in Wewak just after his marriage in July, 1961. He was a Kiap and later moved to Goroka. Alan worked his way up through the ranks to Captain when PNGVR was disbanded.  HTT 85.

WEARE, Kenneth C.  CPL,  860069.  14.5.1932 – 18.4.1916.  Ken went to PNG as a mechanic with McGrath Transport, later Goroka Transport, Goroka.  He joined 7 Pl C Coy PNGVR in 1958.  He discharged in 1965.  Ken returned to Australia in 1966 and worked for International Harvester at Rocklea, Brisbane.   HTT 98.

WHAM. Evan,  PTE. 860127.  21.1.1942 - 17.2.2022.   Evan was born in Rockhampton Qld.  The family rolocated to Cairns until 1954 then Longreach where he finished school.  in 1958 Evan joined the Commonwealth Bank.  He was transferred to Madang PNG in 1961 where he joined the PNGVR.  In subsequent years he returned to PNG with the Bank and served in a number of areas.  He took up running after his last posting in PNG and was able to complete a Marathon in under 3 hours.  He participated in International Marathons in the Antarctic, The Great Wall of China, the Ultra Marathon, 92km, in Cape Town, the Mt Kilimanjaro Marathon and Mt Everest Base camp Marathon, and the Kokoda Ultra Marathon, 92km, with an overall elevation rise of 6,500 metres but up and down hills along the Trail. He retired to Mooloolaba Qld and developed Crohn's Disease with his health deteriorating rapidly. HTT 133

WILLIAMS, Kelvin D.  PTE, 159590.  21.7.1930 – 20.1.2017.  Kel served with PNGVR in Port Moresby in the early 1950’s when working with APC on oil exploration rigs in the Papuan Gulf so was unable to regularly attend PNGVR parades.  On his return to Australia, he served with the Queensland Fire Emergency Services.   HTT 103.

WONG, Shui Hong, RFN,  NG2448.   3.6.1918 – 8.4.2016.  Shui was born in Madang, N.G., went to Rabaul and Bulolo. He was a cook in the Bulolo Gold Dredging Mess in Bulolo and together with 2 other Chinese became one of only 3 Chinese to join NGVR.  He served all his time with NGVR as a cook at Bulolo, Buang, Lae, Camp Diddy and Wampit where he came down with Blackwater Fever. He lay on a stretcher for 14 days having nothing to eat but tomato soup and tomato juice.  He was evacuated to Port Moresby and Brisbane, and on recovery, cooked for 101 Convalescent Depot, Coorparoo and Burleigh Heads and then 12 Aust Gen Hospital at Greenslopes.  After the war he volunteered to go back to Rabaul as he had heard nothing of his family and served as a cook at 118 Gen Hospital at Nonga, Rabaul.  He discharged in 1946. He moved to Australia in 1977.  He was the last of the NGVR to die. His full story is told in HTT 73.

WOO.  James Henry OBE.  PTE,  860406.   26.12.1939 – 11.11.2018.   James was born in the Baining Mountains, East New Britain.  He went to Assumption College, Kilmore, Vic. and on return to PNG worked for Shell, before purchasing a cocoa plantation near Rabaul.  He joined PNGVR in 1964 but owing to work pressures took his discharge when his 2 years enlistment finished.  He was a member of many Rabaul organisations and a strong supporter of women’s groups.  In 1982 he was made a Duk Duk by the Tolai people.  In 1984 he received the OBE for his service and contribution to the community.  HTT 114

WUST, Francis (Frank) George, SGT, QX52785 , 9 BN (Milne Bay), PIB. He passed away 23 Sep 14.

ZIMMERMAN.  Malcolm John.  WO2.  860707.  6/9/1945 - 20/7/2024.   Mal was born in Loxton SA and went with his Lutheran missionary parents to Lae when 3 months old.  He went to school in Madang, Lae, Wau and St Peters, Indooroopilly, Qld.  He commenced work as an apprentice carpenter.  He married Marie in 1970 and their two children were born in Lae and Madang.  He joined PNGVR in 1964 and rose to the rank of WO2.  Mal was noted for keeping detailed notes on his soldiers and was a popular NCO.  Mal and Marie came to Australia in 1985 and he worked as a carpenter for several employers.  Mal was a lay reader with the Lutheran Church for most of his life.  He was on the Committee of our Association for many years and was involved in the transformation of the basic Army hut to a Museum and also in fund raising efforts for the museum such as Bunnings BBQs.  Those who attended Association functions will always recall Mal saying Grace in Pidgin English.  HTT 148.

ZIMMERMAN, Michael James.   L/CPL 860831 3/11/1953 - 20/8/2022.  Mike was born in Lae and went to Bi-Lae primary school and Lae High School.  He obtained an apprenticeship with Ela Motors in Lae.  He joined PNGVR when he was 18 and was still serving when PNGVR was disbanded.  His favourite interests were fishing and hunting.  He was a keen rifle shooter and when he was in Australia he regularly attended the annual .303 rifle shoot at Boonah, Qld representing the PNGVR.  He was a strong supporter of the Association and attended all events he could.   HTT 136.

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