Fiji’s Battalion Returns Home From Fighting Malaya Terrorist
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
Fiji’s 1st Infantry Battalion returned to Fiji on July 18 after three years’ service against terrorists in Malaya. The follow ing week was given up to welcome-home "festivities in Suva, then the men dispersed rto their districts where more enthusiastic welcomes were given.
During the Suva festivities, new colours were presented to the Regiment by the Defence Club, in Suva. Our photographs deft to right, top to bottom) show: (1) A groun of 1st Battalion officers and their new Colours, taken with the Gover tnor of Fiji, Sir Ronald Garvey. Front
row: Major J. R. George; Major O. G. R.
Edwards, ED; Mr. W. Barton, president Defence Club; Lieut.-Colonel P. K.
Ganilau, Commanding Officer; Sir Ronald Garvey, KCMG, KCVO, MBE; Brigadier C. L. Pleasants, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, Colonel of the Fiji Infantry Regiment; Mr. W. E. Goodsir, ex-president Defence Club; Major G. S. Mate, MC, MM; Major H. M. McDonald. (2) March past of the battalion during the parade for the presentation of colours. (3) A member of the battalion tells an admiring circle of relatives just how it was done in Malaya.
(4) During the ceremonies at Albert Pan a presentation of yaqona root is made the Governor. The men in white are e[?] members of the Battalion who returns previously to Fiji. (5) With a large tedd bear in his arms, a Fijian soldier take time out for a bowl of kava, which w[?] available on the wharf as the men di[?] embarked. (6)Sir Ronald Garvey presen ing the new colours to the Ist Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment. Bearer of th Queen’s Colour (left) is Lieut. N. T. Lal balavu; bearer of Regimental Colou Lieut. P. F. Manueli. —Photos by Fiji Public Relations Offic