ÜBiquitous "Pb"
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
Good War Record
mo the New Guinea native, the police X boy was ever an object of awe, envy and admiration. It often appeared to Territorians that the PB received much more respect than the Kiap. ARM, RM. or whatever he happened to be called: understandable enough, perhaps, when the native in question could never hope to be one of those exclusively Euro pean beings, but could appreciate the subtle distinction of the khaki or blue uniform and peaked cap in which the brown person of his compatriot was encased.
It will interest Territorians, therefore, to know that the police boys of both New Guinea Territories are still on the job. and rendering as fine service now as they did in the davs of peace.
When the Jans overran the Mandated Territory, and Port Moresby became the focal point, the police forces of the two Territories were merged under the title of the Roval Papuan Constabulary. It is said that, at the time the merger was being effected, it was suggested that the name become Royal New Guinea Con stabulary. But it was noin ted out that there was the sticky little matter of Royal Letters Patent attached to the nre fix “Roval”—and. as Papua already had one. it ‘ had to be “Royal Papuan” or nothing.
Work of reorganising the new set-up was carried out by Maior Chris. Nor movle. well known in the Kokopo dis trict. TNG. and now commanding officer of the new composite outfit. “Sandv”
Sinclair and Dan Crawlev. respectively instructor of recruits and bandmaster in Rabaul before the war. are back on the same job in Panua; and W. Dix. R. Hicks.
R. Moncur L. Dean and others from the Mandated Territory are on the job.
It would appear, therefore, that in suite of its name, this force has a strong TNG flavour about it.
As far as native personnel is concerned, in the past the Papuan product probably had mor publicity, but we have it on good authority that there is little to choose between the natives of the two Territories in this respect. The follow ing extract from the remarks of a US infantry commander, in anpreciation to the commanding officer of the Panuan Infantry Battalion Ccomnosed mainly of police boys) tells its own tale: — “During the recent campaign in the 'Nassau Bay, Tambu Bay, Salamaua area it was the good fortune of this regiment to have attached to us a company of PIB. The work of the members of this company during the operations v;as out standing; and, without their valuable assistance, our troops would have had extreme difficulty in accomplishing their missions.
“The troops of our regiment, in daily contact with the members of this com pany, have developed an unusual respect and admiration for their prowess and soldierly qualities. I feel that in every operation of white troops in jungle coun try. the assistance of the members of the PIB would be an invaluable asset.
“Operating in twos or threes with our patrols and leading our small units along tracks. I feel that the PIB saved us many casualties and enabled us to move and obtain information in places which would otherwise have been Inaccessible to white troops. They have saved us many lives and it is our sincere that in any future operations in jungle country we may have the privilege of operating again with this excellent company.”