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| At the initiative of our Association Patron, LTCOL M. B. Pears MC, three new bronze Plaques were installed and dedicated at the Broadbeach memorial recently. This fulfilled a long-held aim of our Patron and several objectives of our Assn. The contributions of the PIB, NGIB, HQ and PIR to the defence and development of PNG have been etched in bronze on a public memorial of national significance.
Thanks to the cooperation of the Memorial Trustees, these plaques were dedicated as part of the annual Kokoda Commemoration Service. Our Assn sent invitations far and wide to complement those issued by the Commemoration Service organisers from Surfers Paradise RSL Sub-Branch. As a result, close to 200 people witnessed the Service and the Dedication of the Plaques. It was a red-letter day for our Association. On the same day, a Commemoration Service was held at Kokoda in PNG to honour the servicemen from all Battalions involved in the Kokoda Campaign. Later that day, George Friend who conceived the concept for the Broadbeach memorial laid a Poppy on the grave of the late PIB warrior, L/Sgt Ben Moide at Taurama. Also below, you will see an extract from the war-time Diary of Ben’s platoon commander, the late Captain Alan Hooper. This particular page shows the names of PIB warriors whose images appear on the Broadbeach memorial. |
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 PIB/NGIB Plaque on Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall, Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach |
 PIR Plaque on Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall, Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach |
 Capt. Hooper’s diary showing Papuan soldiers on patrol – about June-July 1942 |
 Maj. George Friend (Ret.) laying a Poppy on the grave of the late L Sgt Ben Moide (PIB) at Taurama Barracks Cemetery on 8 August 2014 |
 Part of the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall, Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach |
 Catafalque Party with PIB & NGIB Banner (left) and 39th Battalion Banner (right) |
 Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC speaking at the dedication of the three plaques |
 Maj. Donald Graham and Col. Ron Lange beside the PIB/PIR plaque |
 Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall after the Dedication Ceremony |
 PIB relief as part of the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall depicting Sgt Kari, Sgt Katue, Cpl Tapioli, L Sgt Moide and an unidentified soldier representing all other PIB troops |
 Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC with Maj. Donald Graham in front of the PIB/NGIB banner and President Sgt. Frank Wust at right |
 Maj. Donald Graham presenting Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC (centre) with Honorary Life Membership. |
 Sgt. Frank Wust with Sgt. Greg Ivey in front of the PIB/NGIB relief as part of the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall |
 Sgt. Frank Wust and Jim Stillman (39th Battalion) talking with students from TSS (The Southport School) after the dedication ceremony |
 Members of the Association at the Commemorative Service – Irene Heath, Sgt. Garry Screen, Sgt. Greg Ivey, Maj. Donald Graham, Maj. Sam O’Shea, Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC, Jay Hooper, WO2. Peter Jesser, Sgt. Kevin Horton, Sgt. Frank Cordingley, Col. Ron Lange with Sgt. Frank Wust in front |
 Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC, Maj. Donald Graham, Sgt. Kev Horton and Sgt. Frank Wust |
 Sgt. Greg Ivey, Maj. Donald Graham, Lt. Col. Maurie Pears MC, Sgt. Kev Horton and Sgt. Frank Wust at PIB/PIR plaque |
 Irene Heath, daughter of Lt. Jack McIntosh(PIB) with Sgt. Frank Wust |