January 23

Fifth Anniversary of Fall of Rabaul

Commemorated in Australia and

New Guinea

A REPRESENTATIVE gathering of New Guinea residents still in Sydney met in Martin Place at 8.15 a.m. on January 23, and placed wreaths on the Cenotaph.

This simple ceremony marked the fifth anniversary of the fall of Rabaul to the overwhelming Japanese forces and the sacrifice of members of the NGVR and the AIF who resisted the enemy landings; but also it was occasion for remembrance of those who died subsequently, either at the hands of the Japanese, or in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru.

Wreaths and floral tributes were placed on the Cenotaph by representatives of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles: the New Guinea Branch of the RSSAILA New Guinea Women’s Club of Sydney; Pacific Territories Association: W. R. Carpenter & Co. Ltd.; Nelson and Robertson Pty., Ltd.; 17th Anti-Tank Battery & Bth Divi sion Signals; Ist Australian Independent Coy.; the “Pacific Islands Monthly”; and by many Territorians who had lost rela tives and friends in New Britain.

Rabaul Services

IN Rabaul there were two services. A dawn service was held at the Obelisk which has been erected on the fore shores near Vulcan Island about four miles out of Rabaul to mark the place where the first Japanese landing was made in the dawn of January 23, 1942 This spot was gallantly defended by the NGVR in conjunction with a small party of the 22nd Infantry Battalion, AIF.

Members of the party were either killed or taken prisoner the prisoners later went down with the Montevideo Maru

A similar service was held at 9 a.m. at the wharf from which the Montevideo Maru sailed in June 1942. carrying ser vice and civilian prisoners of war to their deaths. An Obelisk also marks this spot.

Both services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Young of the Methodist Mission who spoke impressively. A Guard of Honour was formed by a Company of the New Guinea Native Infantry Battalion.

The services were attended by the entire European population of Rabaul and district; a number of prominent Chinese residents were also present.

Wreaths were placed on the Obelisk by Mr. H. T. Allan, president of the local branch of the RSSAILA: Brigadier-Gen eral Irving, Commanding-officer of the Bth Military District; Mrs. C. H. R. Mac lean; Mrs. C. I. Maclean; Mr. C. Norm oyle; a representative of the Common wealth Bank; District Officer C. Bates; and by many other European residents and members of the Chinese community.

Melbourne Service

mHERE was no memorial service held X in Melbourne on January 23, but on Sunday, January 19, a service was organised by the 2/22 Battalian Associa tion at the Shrine and in this service the New Guinea Women’s Association, and the Rabaul Fortress Relatives As sociation co-operated.

Colonel Appel spoke of the purpose of the service which was in remembrance of those who did not return, including members of the 22nd Battalion, the NGVR. Rabaul Fortress Coy, Anti Tank Coy, Ist Independent Coy and civilians.

Special mention was made of the late Mrs. Gladys Baker, who did much for the boys of the 2/22nd who had escaped from Rabaul, and who recently died on her plantation, at Witu, TNG. A special wreath was placed on the Rock in her memory.

A laurel wreath was placed there by

the president of the New Guinea Women’s Association in memory of those who gave their lives, and many relatives brought personal floral tributes.