Recently I read an article on UXB in PNG within the ARMY fortnightly newspaper which prompted me to write this article. Locating and disposing of UXB from WW11 is an ongoing exercise for the ADF and supporting allies in the Pacific area. Forces are deployed to PNG on a regular basis and have done so for many years.
Here is an account of my experiences with mosquito control which overlap with the finding of UXB in the jungle on Moem Point, home of the now 2 RPIR. As everyone knows, these items can have devastating effects if not handled correctly. Moem Point was criss-crossed by a network of tracks purposely constructed many years ago to allow access for a 4WD vehicle to drop off the dieseline fuel drums to the various strategically located dumps. These were established as part of the program in an attempt to control the mosquito larvae. These breed in the scores of shell holes dating back to WW11 when Wewak was heavily bombed. Dieseline was tipped into the water filled shell holes to control the mosquito larvae. Over the years my predecessors had made a good effort to progressively fill the shell holes with coconut palm fronds and other debris which over time would hopefully overcome the need for dieseline application.
My position at the then 2PIR was designated as “Hygiene Inspector” with the rank of Sgt in charge of the Hygiene Section within the Medical Platoon in Admin Company. Within this platoon was the Section of approximately ten soldiers whose duty was the day to day running of the mosquito control programme and other related allocated duties. To supplement this Section were approximately one dozen civilian “labour line“ men who were employed by Defence to continuously maintain the tracks. We all know how quickly the jungle can take over without consistent efforts to control the luxurious growth.
The Section was allocated a LWB Landrover which towed a trailer mounted TIFA machine which generates an insecticidal fog / mist depending on the prevailing weather conditions. The insecticide was mixed with dieseline as per Army procedures and applied around the total barracks area including all married quarters generally around dusk in preferably no wind, or light wind conditions.
One of the risks in maintaining the tracks was the constant discovery of UXB in the form of random artillery and mortar shells, also the small arms ammunition found stockpiled or scattered in the former wartime foxholes.
Amongst the paperwork left by my predecessors, no trace could be found for information relating to the procedures in dealing with such matters. Having arrived at 2PIR after only four and a half months in the Army, my skills were truly tested. With some common sense and having at least some basic knowledge drawn from two years in my high school cadet unit, thankfully there were no incidents. What with all the Army safety procedures and the wise words of very experienced training Warrant Officers some of that information was remembered.
When UXB were located both the soldiers and the civilian labour line men had been instructed by me not to touch the UXB. They were to mark the location with crossed dead palm fronds so they could be found easily at a later date. I would then report the find to the RAE Warrant Officer who had the knowledge and experience to deal with such items. (I assume disposal procedures were in accordance with the then current Army protocols.)
All the supplies for the Hygiene Section were held in an old armoury which had been designed and built accordingly, with the dividing concrete walls running full height to the underside of the roof sheeting. This was located approximately 750 metres from the Sgt`s Mess and one compartment doubled as an office of sorts. The majority of supplies were conveyed to Wewak by merchant shipping, though in an emergency, requests could be made through the chain of command to have items delivered by RAAF Hercules aircraft via Port Moresby.
Graeme Johnson
Ex Sgt. RAAMC