in Papua
p. 33 · Read in the full issue
There Was Little Funking in Papua
Letter to the Editor THE letter, by “One Who Stayed,” in your March issue, is interesting. But the editorial note, that his remarks are a little jaundiced, appears to strike the right chord.
My memory serves me well, and at no time do I remember “elderly gentlemen” continually rushing into print asserting that every young man in Papua of mili tary age should be away at the war. I speak more particularly of the “elderly gentlemen” who have given the best years of their lives to Papua and who. for year after year, have battled against the odds of climatic conditions, depressions, sick ness, rearing of families in remote places, and numerous other difficulties, in order to make Papua what it was prior to the war.
Most of those gentlemen I know very well. They have a lot of sound common sense, and a terrible lot of grit, other wise they would have thrown in the sponge long ago, and gone back to an easier way of living. Papua is not a place for weaklings, nor is it a land of milk and honey, as some people thought—far from it.
As president of the Public Service Association, I can definitely say that some of the younger members of the Papuan Public Service were very anxious to enlist, long before Rabaul fell, but they were not allowed to. The Government pointed out that, as so many officers had enlisted from a small Service, it was im possible to let any more go, because the Government would not be able to carry on. This was perfectly reasonable and true, and was but following Colonial Office practice in similar circumstances.
The first air raid on Moresby—and just prior—did produce physical weaknesses in a few cases, and some did avail them selves of an early opportunity to depart for Australia. But the “elderly gentle men” did not claim exclusive rights to this action. It was noticeable that the elderly “old-timers” grimly hung on to the last, hoping they would be allowed to stay behind and assist what they con sidered to be their country.
Even women who had helped to build up Papua, over many years’ residence, protested vehemently at being evacuated.
Some of these were “elderly,” but they contended they knew the Territory, the natives, and their language, and could assist the Diggers in many ways—e.g., nursing, cooking, and general welfare.
Many tears were shed by such women on their departure. I saw some of them taking a last look at their homes.
NOW, when the “call-up” for military service came, the names of all available men were known. Every man under 45 years of age, who passed as fit was in camp a few hours later.
The Provost Platoon took effective action to round up those who did not report.
It may surprise “One Who Stayed” when I say that officers of the Provost Platoon came to me inquiring the likely whereabouts of men who had not responded to the call-up, in order that they could be collected. This hardly bears out your correspondent’s statement that the “mobilisation that occurred was not a compulsory one.” After the call-up, nobody was allowed to leave Papua unless in possession of a military permit autho rising such departure. A very few young sters did escape; but, on the other hand, many honestly welcomed the call-up—although compulsory.
I meet many “elderly” old-timers here
in Sydney, and they do nothing but grumble about being compulsorily evacu ated. They have contended, right through, they could have helped in some way.
Although nearer to 50 than 45, I can not yet claim to be “elderly” and I thought I could be of some use to the Army on account of my long residence and very varied experience in Papua— particularly that obtained whilst in charge of the Royal Papuan Constabu lary Headquarters. So, with another returned man —the Government boat builder —I stayed behind when the bulk of evacuees left Moresby. I was soon rounded up; and, when I protested about being sent out of the Territory, I was told in a friendly way not to be a fool.
and that I would have to go. So I went, and my cobber followed me. This will help to illustrate that there was no option, one way or the other. Those under 45 and eligible (with the exception of the “escapees”) went into the Army; those over 45 went out of the Territory.
It was compulsory, both ways.
I am, etc.,
A W. Marshall.
Sydney, 27/3 1943.
Miss Margaret Weatherby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Weatherby, of Suva, was married to Lieutenant John Falvey, of the Fiji military forces, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Suva, on March 9.