War Record

Territorions' Proud War Record

“11TE are all justly proud of the war T? record of our natives. But I feel that there might, in justice, be some recognition of the part played by Europeans of the Territories during the war. It was a very creditable part.

“In December, 1941, the white women and children were evacuated, and, about two months later, men over 45 were eva cuated under National Security powers.

Men under 45 were called to the colours, and they have served with credit, some with high distinction.

“In the 2 h years before the evacuation the number of enlistments in the three fighting services of the Commonwealth was so great that it caused serious diffi culty in Papua. The Administration was compelled to refuse permission to any more to enlist. Those who remained not only did double work, but they organised themselves, to a man and to a woman, in every possible way, to further the war effort and to defend the Territory.

“A number of our men have fallen in different operations, a number have been prisoners of war, others have returned, or are returning, with decorations.

“When the facts are fully known it will be abundantly apparent that the white men and women deserved well of the Territory and of the Commonwealth.” — Hon. Leonard Murray, Civil Administra tor of Papua, at the Paddington meeting of Territorlans on August 22.