The Japs Were Stopped,

Here Anzac Day in Milne Bay

From a Special Correspondent ON an overgrown airstrip stands a soli tary concrete monument, against a background of crimson shrubs and green, forested, Milne Bay mountains.

This marks the furthest point reached by the Japs in their advance towards Aus tralia.

The monument, raised in memory of members of the 8th and 17th Brigades of the AIF, who lost their lives in Milne Bay, also marks the burial place of 83 Jap marines, the spearhead that was am bushed and wiped out on this spot.

On the morning of Anzac Day this year, this usually deserted scene came to life.

People began to arrive from all directions.

Some walked along jungle tracks, some came by launch and dug-out canoe, some piled on to trucks and jeeps—local tribes men and European residents, planters and patrol officers, missionaries and traders.

For miles along the roads one drove past Papuans carrying wreaths and crosses, the men striding ahead, the women swinging their heavy grass skirts as they walked along behind. These were the folks who fled to the hills in monsoon rains, and listened to the sounds of fight ing while their homes were being des troyed.

A gathering quickly formed round the monument. Members of the Royal Papuan Constabulary in dark blue uni form, marched into position. They were followed by a line of stalwart, ex-Papuan Infantry Brigade natives, wearing their service ribbons. European returned sol diers took their places, white and brown united in two minutes’ silence.

It is hard to believe now, that just seven years have passed since Australia’s fate was decided on the beaches of Papua.