Milne Bay memories

By Flying Officer Kath Gibson

Milne Bay veteran Nat Gould gives photos to Milne Bay locals during an Air Force sponsored visit to the region to commemorate the historic World War II battle.

Photo by CPL Cindy Ipsen

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* A group of current Air Combat Group members and Milne Bay veterans travelled to Papua New Guinea to commemorate 63 years since the battle.

THREE Air Force squadrons recently returned to the site of one of their finest hours.

About 20 members from Air Combat Group and six Air Force veterans of Nos. 6, 75 and 76 Squadrons attended a commemoration service at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, on August 9 to honour their fallen comrades.

The service included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Gurney Airfield and a fly-past by an F-111 from No. 6 Squadron.

On August 26, 1942, 2000 Japanese troops landed at Milne Bay to begin an attack on Port Moresby. During the next 12 days, units from the Australian Navy, Army and Air Force, supported by American Army Engineer elements, repelled the Japanese in desperate fighting.

By September 7, the combination of air attacks and counterattacks by Australian troops forced the Japanese to withdraw, having lost about 700 men.

No. 75 Squadron veterans said it was “a near thing”.

Air Force involvement in the crucial battle comprised Hudson aircraft from No. 6 Squadron and Kittyhawk aircraft from Nos. 75 and 76 Squadrons.

Commanding Officer No. 6 Squadron, Wing Commander Ken Quinn, began planning the August return trip to Milne Bay with several of the Air Force veterans of the campaign.

“Given 2005 is the commemoration of 60 years since the end of World War II and 63 years since the Battle of Milne Bay, I thought it was most appropriate that current members of [Nos.] 6, 75 and 76 Squadrons get the chance to commemorate these significant events in Australia’s history,” Wing Commander Quinn said.

“The RAAF Association identified six former members of the squadrons from those very dark days of 1942, and together we spent time reflecting on the serious events, sad moments and, of course, lighter times of 63 years ago.”

Wing Commander Quinn’s plan was approved by Air Combat Group and strongly supported by CAF.

On August 6, the group returned to Papua New Guinea for a week of commemoration and reflection. They were warmly welcomed by the people of Milne Bay with a traditional tribal welcome ceremony complete with drummers, dancing and flower leis.

“The welcome ceremony was incredible, it was a very moving experience,” Leading Aircraftman Phil Crothers, from No. 75 Squadron, said.

“The intensity of the traditional dancers, the friendly smiles of the girls putting the leis around our necks and warm handshakes from the local government authorities made me realise that this wasn’t an ordinary welcome ceremony, but one of a people who will plainly tell you that they are indebted to the Australian Diggers for what they did in PNG. It was certainly unforgettable.”

The week included a tour of the main airfields, battlegrounds and memorials in the Milne Bay Province, a boat tour of Milne Bay Harbour and a traditional PNG welcome back dinner.

Air Combat Group Detachment Commander, Group Captain Bob Ambler, said that accompanying the veterans on this very special and often emotional reunion was a great honour.

“We were most humbled and honoured to be in the presence of these six amazing men,” he said.

“Their stories of camaraderie, courage and determination kept us fascinated and reinforced our already deep respect of and gratitude towards all ADF members who have served in past wars.”

In the words of Chaplain Squadron Leader Robert Paget’s Requiem, read out by Leading Aircraftman Crothers, at the commemoration ceremony:

“During August 1942, Australian ground and air assets fought to defend the newly constructed airfield at Milne Bay, the major obstacle standing in the way of Japan’s hopes to capture Port Moresby. By the end of August, the seemingly unstoppable Japanese force had been stopped. The loss of life numbered over 600 Japanese and just under 200 Australian and US personnel.

“We remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship.”

 

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