Marking the 75th Anniversary of the PIB
by Greg Ivey
by Greg Ivey
On 20 June 2015, the 75th anniversary of the official formation of the Papuan Infantry Battalion was marked by the PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association of Australia. Records show that the PIB paraded for the first time on 19 June 1940 at Murray Barracks, Port Moresby. Although many of these first recruits were experienced policemen from the Royal PNG Constabulary, some lacked experience like the 16 year old Ben Moide who volunteered from Hanuabada village.
The PIB were soon at work in Port Moresby but a fortuitous patrol to Kokoda led by Lt. Harold Jesser (PIB) in January 1942 provided valuable information to Major General B. Morris, GOC New Guinea Force. (Several days later, General Morris issued instructions for Lt. Jesser and a PIB platoon to return across the Kokoda Track to northern Papua and this patrol began on 19 February 1942.) While some indigenous PIB soldiers were understandably overwhelmed by Japanese aerial bombing or mountain artillery, many became exceptional jungle fighters who participated in every PNG campaign except Milne Bay. (At the time of the Battle of Milne Bay, the PIB were occupied at Kokoda.)
The 2015 Anniversary events began with a Commemoration Service at the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall in Broadbeach, Qld, where the guest speaker was Major General, the Honourable Michael Jeffery. Major General Jeffery is a former Governor General, a former CO of 2 PIR at Wewak and a former Company Commander at 1 PIR at Port Moresby. Wreaths were laid during the Service and a Wreath was laid by World War Two veteran, WO Jock Wilkinson, 94 years young, to honour PIB and NGIB servicemen who died between 1940 and 1947 (when the NGIB was disbanded).
The Commemoration Service was attended by 80 people, mainly PNG Ex-Servicemen and their wives. Surfers Paradise RSL Club was the venue afterwards for Lunch when Major General Jeffery proposed the Toast to the Papuan Infantry Battalion. During the Lunch, appreciation was paid to current Patron, Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC and to Secretary of the Surfers Paradise RSL Sub Branch, Alan Whelan. Following the Lunch, the PIB NGIB HQ PIR Assn. conducted its AGM and GM to take advantage of the presence of many members at the event. Later that evening, an informal Dinner was attended by 30 Association members and partners. Casual get-togethers of members and partners were also held on Sunday.
To commemorate the 75th Anniversary in the long term, the Association launched its new website dedicated to World War Two and post-War servicemen, www.soldierspng.com
For further reading click on the following: