PNGVR ANNUAL CAMPS
1970-1973
1970 - Igam Barracks
The camp was held at Igam Barracks in August.
A battalion parade was held at which the presentation of a sword to PNGVR by an ex-NGVR member, Terry Powell was made. The Infantry sword was in memory of Maj Lea Ashton who had also been a member of the NGVR and had died the previous year. The same day the NGVR Roll of Honour, which until then had been maintained at Bulolo, was unveiled at Igam Barracks Chapel.
The PNGVR University Platoon did not attend the camp at Igam Barracks due to the clash of University lecture dates. Instead they held an exercise on the Kokoda Track, flying into Kokoda and being met at Owens Corner outside Port Moresby at the end of the exercise. Attendance at this exercise was 25.
The camp was held at Igam Barracks in August.
A battalion parade was held at which the presentation of a sword to PNGVR by an ex-NGVR member, Terry Powell was made. The Infantry sword was in memory of Maj Lea Ashton who had also been a member of the NGVR and had died the previous year. The same day the NGVR Roll of Honour, which until then had been maintained at Bulolo, was unveiled at Igam Barracks Chapel.
The PNGVR University Platoon did not attend the camp at Igam Barracks due to the clash of University lecture dates. Instead they held an exercise on the Kokoda Track, flying into Kokoda and being met at Owens Corner outside Port Moresby at the end of the exercise. Attendance at this exercise was 25.
Some of the University Platoon on the Kokoda Track.
1971 - Igam Barracks
324 PNGVR soldiers attended annual camp, again at Igam Barracks in August. The camp was held during a time of high tension in PNG, particularly in New Britain, as the District Commissioner, Jack Emanuel, had been bayoneted to death at Kariba Bay, near Rabaul while endeavouring to settle a land dispute.
B Coy members in particular were concerned about their families in New Britain, but tensions eased a little during the camp and all stayed on. One subject of much debate among everyone at camp was the question of ‘PNGVR aid it the civil power” if necessary. This matter had arisen at least once before as told by Lt. Col Harry Green:-
“The (Rabaul) District Commissioner felt there was a need for us (B Company), so that he could call upon us to help him and the police in whatever situation may arise. In fact it did once, a riot between the Sepik natives and the local Tolai natives outside Rabaul. They assaulted the Police Chief, burnt his car and there was quite a lot of killing going on. The DC, Jack Emanuel, asked me if I could block off a particular entrance to Rabaul. I took out a platoon of B Company and we held that particular area. Holland (Lieutenant Frank Holland MBE, the first OC of B Company) was there and he assisted me. “
On 22 August, during the annual camp, the Honorary Colonel of the PNGVR, Lt Colonel H N Green MBE ED, presented service awards to five recipients during a Battalion Parade with a `Trooping of the Regimental Colour”.
The SLR, GPMG M60 and F1 were fired by all troops in camp and the usual problems with recruits who had never fired a rifle were apparent. Many of the range practices were held during pouring rain.
Much discussion was held during the 1971 and 1972 camps about the ongoing future of PNGVR—did PNG require a Citizen Military Force after independence?
324 PNGVR soldiers attended annual camp, again at Igam Barracks in August. The camp was held during a time of high tension in PNG, particularly in New Britain, as the District Commissioner, Jack Emanuel, had been bayoneted to death at Kariba Bay, near Rabaul while endeavouring to settle a land dispute.
B Coy members in particular were concerned about their families in New Britain, but tensions eased a little during the camp and all stayed on. One subject of much debate among everyone at camp was the question of ‘PNGVR aid it the civil power” if necessary. This matter had arisen at least once before as told by Lt. Col Harry Green:-
“The (Rabaul) District Commissioner felt there was a need for us (B Company), so that he could call upon us to help him and the police in whatever situation may arise. In fact it did once, a riot between the Sepik natives and the local Tolai natives outside Rabaul. They assaulted the Police Chief, burnt his car and there was quite a lot of killing going on. The DC, Jack Emanuel, asked me if I could block off a particular entrance to Rabaul. I took out a platoon of B Company and we held that particular area. Holland (Lieutenant Frank Holland MBE, the first OC of B Company) was there and he assisted me. “
On 22 August, during the annual camp, the Honorary Colonel of the PNGVR, Lt Colonel H N Green MBE ED, presented service awards to five recipients during a Battalion Parade with a `Trooping of the Regimental Colour”.
The SLR, GPMG M60 and F1 were fired by all troops in camp and the usual problems with recruits who had never fired a rifle were apparent. Many of the range practices were held during pouring rain.
Much discussion was held during the 1971 and 1972 camps about the ongoing future of PNGVR—did PNG require a Citizen Military Force after independence?
The CO of PNGVR Lt Col Bill Harrington MBE escorts the Hon Col Lt Col Harry Green MBE ED during an inspection of the Bn after trooping the Colour during the 1971 camp at Igam Bks At the left of the picture is th CMF Adj Cpt Bill Molony.
1972 - Igam Barracks
357 all ranks attended camp once again at Igam Barracks although the battalion exercise was in the foothills of the Finisterre Ranges. It was during this exercise that C Coy became known as “Circle Company” when it arrived back at its start line prior to the completion of the exercise held in heavy rain forest.
357 all ranks attended camp once again at Igam Barracks although the battalion exercise was in the foothills of the Finisterre Ranges. It was during this exercise that C Coy became known as “Circle Company” when it arrived back at its start line prior to the completion of the exercise held in heavy rain forest.
Admin Coy PNGVR. Annual Camp circa 1972.
WO2 Graeme Blanch, Capt Bill Molony, Maj Bill Kelly.
Patrol boxes indicate ready for a field exercise.
WO2 Graeme Blanch, Capt Bill Molony, Maj Bill Kelly.
Patrol boxes indicate ready for a field exercise.
1973 - Finschhafen
This camp was held at Finschhafen from 4—19 Aug with attendance of 350. It was during one of the exercises that C Coy came upon a Quonset hut next to a disused airfield. Inside the hut was the motor of a DC-3 stripped down for a major overhaul. Obviously at the end of the war this airfield was left as it stood.
A Training Cell which had been established visited each of the Rifle Companies in the field and reported daily on their situation and performance. Some of the reports read:-
7 August 73.
C. Coy. Capt Kenna and Lt Molan
Training as per the Bn Trg syllabus has began, will settle into new area all afternoon.
Training carried out was Fd Sigs and Sect Attack.
Instructor was 2PIR, standard was fair, used demo squad well, some minor errors pointed out to him
Coy moving into new loc in afternoon. New loc very good although long walk to trg course.
7 August 73.
A Coy Capt MCDermott and Capt Heydon
Coy not yet commenced trg due to late move in.
All points OK, however soldiers could have got off the ground sooner.
OC is going to concentrate on Section defence and leave ambushing to later date.
PIR could have been used to demonstrate field comfort.
Morale seems high.
9 August 73.
B Coy.
Capt Heydon
Trg carried out was Sect attacks.
Standard of instruction was good.
One hoochie in 5 Pl had filthy dixies under the stretcher.
Employment of PIR demo is very good.
Duties of sentries postponed, to be carried out tomorrow.
All coy now sleeping dry; morale seems high.
It was at the end of this camp when units were preparing to be flown home that the news of the disbandment of PNGVR was announced to the troops.
THIS WAS THE LAST ANNUAL CAMP HELD BY PNGVR.
Ed note: Upon disbandment of PNGVR in 1975, there was no option to be placed on the inactive list so that upon return to Australia, one could continue on in the Army. You were just discharged... sori tumas... em tasol! Pinis!
This camp was held at Finschhafen from 4—19 Aug with attendance of 350. It was during one of the exercises that C Coy came upon a Quonset hut next to a disused airfield. Inside the hut was the motor of a DC-3 stripped down for a major overhaul. Obviously at the end of the war this airfield was left as it stood.
A Training Cell which had been established visited each of the Rifle Companies in the field and reported daily on their situation and performance. Some of the reports read:-
7 August 73.
C. Coy. Capt Kenna and Lt Molan
Training as per the Bn Trg syllabus has began, will settle into new area all afternoon.
Training carried out was Fd Sigs and Sect Attack.
Instructor was 2PIR, standard was fair, used demo squad well, some minor errors pointed out to him
Coy moving into new loc in afternoon. New loc very good although long walk to trg course.
7 August 73.
A Coy Capt MCDermott and Capt Heydon
Coy not yet commenced trg due to late move in.
All points OK, however soldiers could have got off the ground sooner.
OC is going to concentrate on Section defence and leave ambushing to later date.
PIR could have been used to demonstrate field comfort.
Morale seems high.
9 August 73.
B Coy.
Capt Heydon
Trg carried out was Sect attacks.
Standard of instruction was good.
One hoochie in 5 Pl had filthy dixies under the stretcher.
Employment of PIR demo is very good.
Duties of sentries postponed, to be carried out tomorrow.
All coy now sleeping dry; morale seems high.
It was at the end of this camp when units were preparing to be flown home that the news of the disbandment of PNGVR was announced to the troops.
THIS WAS THE LAST ANNUAL CAMP HELD BY PNGVR.
Ed note: Upon disbandment of PNGVR in 1975, there was no option to be placed on the inactive list so that upon return to Australia, one could continue on in the Army. You were just discharged... sori tumas... em tasol! Pinis!
Capt Alan Wadsworth
Maj Ken Newton. OC D Coy.
Capt Noel Kenna
Extraction from Finschhafen at the end of camp. The weather was very threatening with a low cloud base.
The C130 landed anyway. Fantastic pilots!
Photo by Trevor Connell
The C130 landed anyway. Fantastic pilots!
Photo by Trevor Connell
12 Platoon, D Company loading at Madang to go to the Annual Camp in Lae, 1973
SGT Trevor Connell. 12 Platoon D Company Madang.
