Kiaps Honour Roll

Compiled by Paul Oates

Died in the service of Australia

1897 January 14 - Government Agent John Green,  Tamata, Northern Division, British New Guinea, together with Corporal Sedu and Constables Dumai, Gaiwa, Mirio and Taurauki, Armed Native Constabulary

1916 April - Robert Dorrien Kirby, Patrol Officer, Kikori River, Territory of Papua

1933 June 10 - Ian Mack, Assistant District Officer, died Lae from wounds received in attack at Aiamontina Village, Agarabi Census Division, Kainantu, Central Highlands

1935 February 28 - Edward Colin McDonald, Assistant District Officer, murdered Ambunti, Sepik District

1936  December 19 - Thomas Alfred Hough, Patrol Officer, died from arrow wounds received in attack on 7 December, Upper Leron River, Morobe District

1939 July 1 - Neil Campbell Elliott, Patrol Officer, murdered at Wanali village, Aitape, Sepik District Mandated Territory of New Guinea, together with Constable Aipoum, New Guinea Police Force

1942 - Roy Gustaf Mader, Assistant District Officer, killed on Paniata Island near Misima while investigating cult activities

1942 c January - A F Kyle, Assistant District Officer, executed by the Japanese on Nago Island near Kavieng

1942 c January - Greg Benham, Patrol Officer, executed by the Japanese on Nago Island near Kavieng

1942 c January - Murray Edwards, Patrol Officer, killed by the Japanese at Kavieng

1942  July 1 – J E Daymond, Assistant District Officer, died as a prisoner in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru

1942  July 1 – H A Gregory, District Officer, died as a prisoner in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru

1942  July 1 – F W Mantle, District Officer, died as a prisoner in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru

1942  July 1 – E H Mitchell, Patrol Officer, died as a prisoner in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru

1944 January 17 - Capt Lloyd Pursehouse, Patrol officer, killed by a lone Japanese sniper at Sio while operating in support of the 2/17 Battalion at the end of the Huon Peninsula campaign

1944 March - Lt Leigh Vial, Patrol Officer, killed in plane crash in the highlands

1946  June 18 - Patrol Officer George Charton Tuckey, Kundiawa, Central Highlands, after being gored by a bull

1946-47 – John William Sims, Patrol Officer, died from gunshot wound, Vanimo, Sepik District

1950 September - Cadet Patrol Officer Peter Evans missing Port Moresby, Central District

1951 January 21 – District Commissioner Cecil Cowley killed Mt Lamington eruption.

1951 January 21– Cadet Patrol Officer James Ian James killed Mt Lamington eruption

1951 January 21 –Cadet Patrol Patrol Officer Athol James Earl killed Mt Lamington eruption [photo]

1951 January 21 - Cadet Patrol Officer Kevin Victor Bradford killed Mt Lamington eruption

1951 December - Assistant District Officer Ken Earle killed aircraft crash near Wapenamanda, Western Highlands District while conducting aerial inspection of airstrip under construction

1953 November - Patrol Officer Gerald Szarka and  Cadet Patrol Geoffrey Harris together with  Constables Purari and Buritori, Royal Papua & New Guinea Constabulary, murdered in the Eliptamin valley on patrol, from Telefomin in the Sepik District

1955 October - Patrol Officer John Short died of illness contracted whilst on patrol, Tauri River, Kerema, Gulf District

1962 - Patrol Office Fergus Anderson drowned, on patrol, Tauri River

  1964 September 8 - Cadet Patrol Officer Alan Lewis Cleeve died aged 20 following a motor boat accident on the Aramia River, Balimo Sub District, Western District. Body recovered pinned to outboard propeller. He is buried in Old European Cemetery, Port Moresby. A memorial plate in front of the Balimo Sub District Office reads: "In memory of Cadet patrol Officer Alan Lewis Cleeve, aged 20 years, who died whilst on duty on the Aramia River at Bamu, 8th September 1964" [photo]

1970 - Harry Balfour-Ogilvy with his wife, Esther and infant daughters, Deborah and Sandra, and Assistant District Officer Esa'ala Dave Robertson, killed in Aztec crash near Gurney, Milne Bay District

1971 August 11 - District Commissioner E J ‘Jack’ Emanuel murdered Kaibara Bay, Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain District

1972 September 27 - Assistant Distict Officer Marcus 'Taffy' Watkins, 29, drowned on patrol, Om River, Oksapmin, Telefomin, Sepik District. The plaque reads: "In memory of Assistant District officer Marcus Leyshon Watkins, born 24-12-1942, died 27-9-1972, on patrol" [photo]

1972 - Patrol Officer Alan Shipway, son Steven aged 13, and his domestic servant, died in Skyvan crash between Minj, Western Highlands District,  and Mendi, Southern Highlands District

1973 - Assistant District Commissioner Des Murphy murdered, Kerema, Gulf District

1974 - District Officer John Absolom died on patrol from Esa'Ala, Milne Bay District. Parts of his government dinghy and a lifejacket were washed up but his body never found

c 1977-78 – Assistant District Commissioner, Minj, Don Simmins, killed on duty travelling between Mt Hagen and Minj, Western Highlands District

Injured in aircraft accidents

1953 - Auster crash on take off, Vanimo Harbour. Pilot, District Medical Officer Dr John McInerny, killed, probably by drowning. Passengers District Commissioner Ian Skinner and Assistant District Officer George Wearne rescued from submerged aircraft

1955 - Dragon crashed into Madang Harbour on take-off. Patrol Officer Barry Griffin escaped from sunken wreckage

1964 - Dornier crashed on take-off at Tauta (Ramu). Pilot killed, District Commissioner F P C  ‘Fred’ Kaad severely injured (paraplegic) and Assistant District Officer Vince Smith suffered minor injuries

1969 - January 15 – District Commissioner Bill Johnston injured in crash of Cessna 310J while  member of Land Settlement Selection Board, Bali Island, Bali-Witu group off north-west coast of New Britain. Team leader killed and pilot injured

c 1970-71 - Patrol Officer Rick Niland doing airdrop at Fane Mission, Goilala, when engine failed and aircraft crashed on airstrip which was under construction. No deaths

Attacked while on patrol

In uncontrolled territory, when kiaps left the station, they were liable to be attacked at any time. There were dangers even in 'controlled' territory.

1933 April - J K McCarthy's patrol was attacked by Kukukuku. He got an arrow in his stomach and another in the leg as described on pages 108-9 of his book 'Patrol into Yesterday'. Lance Corporal Anis was killed and several others injured. McCarthy later complained that his injury 'spoiled the
symmetry of my navel'.

1936 September 24 - Assistant District Officer Albert Nurton, seriously wounded during conflict with tribesmen, Rai Coast hinterland, Madang District. Nurton was so severely wounded a leg had to be amputated

1946 November - Patrol by Assistant District Officer Ian Downs attacked Banir River, Menyamya

1951 November - Patrol by Assistant District Officer Lloyd Hurrell attacked Akwanji, Menyamya

1951-53 – Dreikikir Patrol Officer Des Martin patrolled an area towards the Sepik River known as MaiMai. Police later described the attack as "spia bilong bunarra oli pundaun olsem ren" [the arrows fell like rain]

1952 December - Patrol by District Commissioner J McLeod attacked near Mendi, Southern Highlands District

1953 May - Patrol by Patrol Officers J Frew and L Ford attacked Lai Valley, Mendi, Southern Highlands District

1953 May 18 - Patrol by Assistant District Officer WJ (Bill) Johnston to the Samberigi Valley attacked

1953 June - Patrol by Assistant District Officer W Murdoch and Patrol Officer Ron Neville attacked Iumunu, Tari, Southern Highlands District

1953 September/October - while on patrol of Kominimung area of Guam River, Middle Ramu, Bogia Sub-District Jack Worcester and Robert Blaikie were attacked by a large group of village people many of whom had not had contact with Europeans before. Patrol Officer Graham Taylor had similar incident in same area the previous year

1953 November - Patrols by Patrol Officer G Szarka and Cadet Patrol Officer G Harris simultaneously attacked Eliptamin Valley, Telefomin, Sepik District. Both officers and two police killed

1954 February - Patrol by WT Brown attacked Obutasa, Lamari Valley, Kainantu, Eastern Highlands District

1954 May - Patrol by Patrol Officer B Burge attacked Obura, Lamari Valley, Kainantu, Eastern Highlands District

1954 May - Patrol by Patrol Officer F Esdaile attacked on three occasions ten kilometres from Mendi, Southern Highlands District

1955 June - Patrol by Assistant District Officer W Allen and Patrol Officers J Hayes and J Martyn attacked Bainings, New Britain District

1955 October - Patrol by Patrol Officer R Claridge attacked Moranda, Southern Highlands District

1955 August - Patrol by Assistant District Officer W Crellin attacked Hamburi, Southern Highlands District

1956 May - Patrol by R MacIlwain attacked at Jimi River

1956 August 29 - Bob Cleland's patrol attacked briefly at Numbaira, Taiora, Kainantu Sub-District, Eastern Highlands District. "These people were well south of Kainantu, a bit scary with arrows falling vertically from bowmen hidden in tall kunai close by. They attacked a previous previous patrol (Bill Brown?) and attacked another patrol in 1957"

1957 October - Patrol by Assistant District Officer Ron Neville and Patrol Officers Booth and P Conroy attacked Mianmin, Telefomin, Sepik District

c 1960s - Patrol Officer Trevor Bergin stabbed with a bayonet by indigenous policeman, piercing his lung, Tufi, Northern District

1961 January -Patrol by Patrol Officer Otto Alder attacked Tainabora, Wonenara, Eastern Highlands District

1961 May - Patrol by Patrol Officer Otto Alder attacked Sebanumu, Wonenara, Eastern Highlands District

1964 - Patrol Officers Robb Stott and Chris Viner-Smith attacked with bows and arrows and bush knives in restricted area near Udarobi village out of Nomad Patrol Post, Biami area, Western District

____________________________

Thanks to the many people who have contributed to this Honour Roll. Please note that it is compiled from received information, which it reports in good faith.

If there are any details that need to be added or corrected, could you please let me know.

Paul Oates, 9 July 2011

Comments

[Paul Oates]

Hi Dominic, Here are a couple of responses to your request from former kiaps. I'll send your request to PNGAA to see if they may be able to contact the family.

"The eulogy for the late CW Kimmorley (known as Kim) who passed away in Sept 1995 can be found in the PNGAA Vale index. It gives a full account of his career."

"Mrs Kimmorley used to live in the Blue Mountains but now lives with a son in the far north coast of NSW. Her address is in the address list put out by PNGAA."

[Martin Hadlow]

Philip - A file of newspaper and magazine cuttings on John Keith Emerton is available in the National Library of Australia in Canberra (call no: 343641.BIOG)

The collection is listed as "Biographical cuttings on John Keith Emerton, barrister and war veteran".

Perhaps this file might also shed some light on his pre-war career? Good luck with your research.

[Paul Oates]

Hi Dominic - I've posted your request on the ex kiap site so keep your fingers crossed.

[Dominic Sahoto]

Hi Paul - I was born on Sohano island in Bougainville in 1962 when Sohano was the head town in the district of Bougainville.

During that time I grew up with the District Commissioner's family. I believe the DC's name was C W Kimmorley.

I would like more info as to whether he is still alive or if his family can contact me, especially Danny and her sister.

[Philip Selth]

John Keith Emerton served as ADO on Misima Island during WW 2. (He is mentioned in Clarrie James' 'ANGAU: One man's war' )

On Emerton's death various reports stated that he had been a patrol officer in New Guinea (? Papua) in the late 1920s.

I have been unable to find any evidence to support this claim.

I would appreciate any assistance to prove /disprove this claim that Forum members may be able to give me.

I would also appreciate any information members may have about Emerton's wartime service.

Might you be able to assist?

The pre war patrol officers and their colleagues - and family - were a special mob. But I have found a few who deserved their prison terms.

I get upset when I find a few who lied about their alleged service. I am curious to learn more about Emerton. He left money that paid for recent renovations to the Bar Library!
__________

Philip is executive director of the NSW Bar Association. You can contact him at pselth@nswbar.asn.au - KJ

[Harry Topham]

Mark Jerram - I too am a veteran survivor of the Bali Witu saga. I came after Lee Dickson circa 1971.

Why don't you put your name down on the Ex Kiap site.

Dick Doyle is still going strong on Witu. Appreciates a note now and then. Can give you his address if wanted.

[Mike Milne]

Good job keeping an Honour Roll. Unavoidably there are missing personalities. One could be Leo Flint, Assistant Resident Magistrate, Abau Island, Papua, died there due to illness in 1933.

[Clive Wai]

I take my hat off to the pioneering spirit of these courageous POs and Kiaps.

These men were Australia's finest. Men dedicated to the cause of brining development to a primitive and savage people.

These men were men of a very high calibre. Their sacrifice has given life to a nation who is proud to call these men her "masters".

These men endured malaria and the sweltering heat not to mention the hostility of the native tribes. In the true spirit of pioneers they preserved to bring health and education to PNG.

Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice and have laid down their life in the service of a people too ignorant to appreciate them.

I think these fallen heroes and those who still survive today need some form of recognition from the PNG government.

It would be a crime to let their sacrifice go unnoticed.

[John Wellborne]

Paul - Thanks for replying. Yes, Havaland died, poor Tom D died. I kept in contact with Maria for many years. I believe she still lives at Penrith, married again now.

Last time I saw Roger B he was rip roaring around in a red sports car in Brisbane's riverside Newstead area, but that was 20 years ago.

I am currently involved in an interesting project, concerning my years in PNG, but too involved for this forum.

I need to make phone contact with you? Is this possible ?

And just a thought. What about an Honours List of
"Those who have since passed on"?

[Paul Oates]

Hi Tony - I've posted your request about John Murphy on the 'ex kiap' site so good luck.

[Tony Deklin]

Dear Keith - There was a kiap by the name of John Murphy who served at Vanimo, Sepik District, either in the late 1950s or early 1960s. What has happened to him? Is he still alive?

I would be interested to know as is a close relative of mine. Any assistance you or any of your readers can give would be greatly appreciated.

My email address is, tonydeklin@yahoo.com.au

[Mark Jerram]

Hi Paul - My name is Mark Jerram. I went to New Guinea as a Cadet Patrol Officer in 1964 in the first intake of contract officers.

I was the PO stationed on Bali (Unea) Island in January 1969 when the Cessna 310 (I thought it was a 610) crashed on take off from the Bali airstrip in heavy rain.

I helped surviving passengers from the plane and retrieved the body of Mr Von Scholes who was still seat belted upside down beside the Canadian pilot who had been thrown forward under the dash.

I asked all the passengers to stay and not take off but they were all keen to return to Rabaul. I then advised the pilot not to take off in the heavy rain (which had continued to fall after the Lands Titles meeting which had been conducted in the prison hut beside the airstrip).

I told him I had a pilot's licence and would not consider taking off myself. The pilot advised me that he had landed on carriers when flying in the Canadian Navy and that I should stand at a conical marker he selected.

If he was not off the ground by the marker he would abort the take off. The rain was so heavy I couldn't see the plane but I could hear it as it approached.

The pilot did not abort the take off at the agreed marker and tried to gain altitude to pass over a low hill and coconut trees at the end of the runway. The starboard wing then hit the ground and the plane slid over the end of the coronous runway into a perimeter trench slicing its wings off and ending upside down in the trench.

After pulling the deceased from the plane, I led the survivors up the mountain side to my patrol hut, contacted DCA on the radio to summon assistance and then gave each of the survivors a drink and a cigar.

The army sent a helicopter to pick up the body which had been collected from the airstrip by the manager of the Bali plantation (Garth Porath). The survivors were also pleased to move accommodation to the plantation.

I left New Guinea at the end of 1969 and about a year later (whilst living in Melbourne) received a letter from Port Moresby asking that I attend the inquest into the crash.

I wrote back saying I would be only too happy to do if the air fares were supplied. I didn't hear another word.

I was initially stationed at Cape Hoskins WNB where I shared a donga with PO II Dick Allmark.

[Pip Earl, Townsville]

I am just wondering if you know of any relatives of the other CPO's killed on 21 January 1951.

My uncle Athol James Earl , aged 26, from NZ, was killed that tragic day. I would like to make contact with them.

The names I have are: CPO James Ian James and CPO Kevin Victor Bradford.

I am going to the kiap reunion on 13 November with my dad (Athol's brother) and would really like to see if I could get dad to meet family members who have experienced the same loss as him.

I have been in contact with Pamela Cowley and knew she is going to the reunion as well.

I know it is a long shot but any help from you would be greatly appreciated.

pipearl@westnet.com.au

[Anne Griffin]

Captain Lloyd Pursehouse was killed on 17 January 1944 by a lone sniper at Sio while operating in support of the 2/17th Battalion at the end of the Huon Peninsula campaign.

Fom Alan Powell's 'The Third Force: ANGAU's New Guinea War, 1942-46)'

[George Oakes]

Keith, I have been comparing the Honour Roll for kiaps with the list on the ex kiaps website and note that two kiaps who died in World War 2 are not shown who I feel should be included.

Lloyd Pursehouse was killed by a Japanese sniper near Sio but I am not certain when.

Also Leigh Vial was killed in March 1944 when a plane he was in crashed over the highlands.

Both had been kiaps for many years before the war and died because of the knowledge they had of New Guinea.
_____________

We'll add them to the list, George - KJ

[Paul Oates]

Yes, John. That's me. I was hoping to get in contact with Tom D, but he like many others we knew has gone on his last patrol. I had a phone call from his son however.

[John Wellborne]

Paul Oates? Not the Paul Oates who took his then pregnant wife and went finish from Finschhafen in 1975?

I lived in the house next door, between you and the Bonners. Didn't you have yappy bloody dog called Argus?

Well, let me know....

[Mathias Kin]

I am seeking information on a kiap who served in the then Central Highlands but particularly in the Chimbu area after the war and into the 1950s. His name is J Costelloe.

He later got married to a Dinga (Simbu) women and had children. I would really appreciate this information.

My email is kinmoyamathias@gmail.com

[Paul Oates]

Hi Joy - I've posted your enquiry on the exkiap site so good luck. It might help if you included some information as to why you want to find this person.

[Joy Papa]

Hi, I do not know if this is the right area. I am searching for a kiap that was in the eastern highlands,Goroka, in the mid late 1960's,his name is Charlie Davey/ie.

If anyone knows of his whereabouts or has more information. Thanking you.

[Paul Oates]

Thanks Jaive,

I'll put a post on the ex kiap site and hope Alan Cleeve's family see it.

Regards,

Paul

[Jaive Smare]

I took a picture of the Alan Lewis Cleeve plaque at Balimo, you can see it in the photos (a bit past halfway in the gallery) at the end of the attached post.

The caption is: "Alan Lewis Cleeve was a young patrol officer, just 20 yrs old who died in a boating accident here. I hope his family sees this."

http://www.myamazingparadise.com/balimo-is-beautiful-her-people-her-culture-her-nature/

[James Aruru Wakapu]

Hi everyone - I thank you all, namely, Paul Oates, Phil Fitzpatrick and John Fowke for your feedback on my inquiry into Ross Allen.

Its very sad to hear about his missing in the sea and there was no trace of his body.

Jim Fenton's story fits well into my inquiry and makes sense. During Ross Allen's days in Tambul District as the ADC, his was the most feared man in the area.

I can recall, he once belted me using his belt because I was naughty stoning his car when he was driving down a cliff (I was 4 or 5 years old).

One of my village chiefs, who was a Tultul/Luluai named his son after Ross Allen and this man is currently 37 years old married with three kids.

When asked how he got his name, his father tells us the story of Ross Allen who was the ADC in Tambul.

I am not certain how I could contact Noeline. The reason why I would like to contact Noeline is to check if she still keeps any old pictures of people/faces in Tambul.

I am quiet optimistic there could be some pictures taken of my family members.

[Paul Oates]

James - Here is another post on the ex-kiap site about Ross Allen:

"Ross Allen was in Hagen at the time. Ross and I were on the ASOPA long course in 1960 and shared accommodation together with Allan Wadsworth during that year.

"Following the course, Ross was posted to Mt Hagen and I was OIC Kandep. Ross was best man at my wedding when I was married in Mt Hagen by the District Commissioner, Tom Ellis.

"Some time after leaving PNG Ross bought a yacht and he and his wife Noeline set off on a round the world voyage. Noeline became ill in South America and flew home for tratment while Ross set off accross the Pacific heading for home.

"A couple of days after leaving Galapagos Island he disappeared. He came up on the radio sched during the morning talking to a another vessel ahead of him saying the weather was fine and he was sailing well. That was the last heard of him.

"Six months later his yacht, named "Ariaka", after a Kandep village, was found by a container ship floating derelict some 600 miles north of his last position.

"The captain of the ship boarded the drifting yacht which had been stripped of all equipment. It was left floating at sea as it was too far out for the American coastguard to retrieve. Ross was a fine officer and a great friend.

"His wife Noeline lives in Brisbane and is a close friend of myself and my wife. We are in constant contact with he and see her often" - Jim Fenton

[John Fowke]

The late Ross Allen was one of those people who were both idealistic and active in their work in PNG.

Always physically fit, he and his wife Noelene walked a number of arduous rough-country patrol routes for the fun of it, in their own time, and because they loved the place and the people.

Ross was to the fore in supporting the early business efforts of local pioneers such as Kagl Koroka, and did a lot of valuable road-building in the Enga Province.

After Independence, and in partnership with a coffee man in the Wahgi Valley, Ross founded the first of the plantation management companies which provided backup to the landowner groups who bought back most of the coffee plantations in the Wahgi/Mt Hagen area post 1975.

Ross was a perennially cheerful, positive and active man and his death was a great loss to many aside from his own family.

Vale Ross, a good friend of past years.

[Paul Oates]

Thanks Phil. Ross Wilkinson has also responded on the exkiap site:

'There is a Ross Allen referred to in the kiap address list as being deceased. A search of the postings shows an R R Allen at Hagen'.

Phil's suggestion is a good one, James. Access the PNGAA site and email the PNGAA editor.

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

Tambul was in the Western Highlands District Paul.

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

Ross Allen was the ADC Hagen around 1969-70. Ross went missing sailing a boat back from South America quite a while ago. I don't think the boat was ever found. His wife Noeline is still about but I'm not sure where she lives.

Best bet is to contact the Papua New Guinea Association at admin@pngaa.net and ask them to put a note in their newsletter.

Ross was really a pussycat.

[Paul Oates]

Hi James - I've checked the staff postings lists and didn't see that name in the former Southern Highlands District.

I'll raise your query on the Ex-kiap website and see if we get a bite.

[James Aruru Wakapu]

Hi Paul - Thank you for this. I am a son of a translator (tanim tok in Pidgin) and my father was one of the few guys from the village to join the Australian patrol officers or assistant district commissioners (kiaps).

He first started in the Ialibu district in Southern Highlands Provice between 1960 and 1970 and later was transferred to the Tambul district between 1970 and resigned just after independence.

Unfortunately, I was born in Tambul district station around 1971 and don't know about his time in Ialibu.

What I am most interested in is to know under which kiaps he served in each district during the times mentioned.

In Tambul during the late 1960's and early 1970's there was a tough kiap by the name of Ross Allan (I believe). Please confirm if this name is correct and if possible could you connect me with his family. Thanks.

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

Just to add. The government was forced into the Simbu by the murder of two SVD missionaries in 1934 and threats to prospectors. Roberts set up his patrol post at Kundiawa in 1935.

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

Quoting from Jim Sinclair's book "Kiap", page 23:

"Alan Roberts, District Officer of the Morobe District, was a man of vast experience of New Guinea.

"He had joined the service in 1925 and in the 'thirties performed notable patrol work in the then mostly unexplored Sepik District, and in the newly opened Central Highlands, where he established the outpost at Kundiawa.

"He won the Military Cross during the war. He was a hard working man of plain style with a range of contacts - the 'old boy network - that enabled him to more than hold his own in resources in-fighting.

"In 1949 he was called to Port Moresby to take up the position of Assistant Director, and in 1953 he became the Director of District Services and Native Affairs, after the retirement of J H Jones."

He left New Guinea in May, 1960 on sick leave prior to retirement in Australia.

[Wamugl]

I'm interested to know any information related to the very first kiap (apart from Taylor) who was stationed in Kundiawa and when the post started operating

[Paul Oates]

Thanks Jim,

I'll wait a few days to see if anyone else might like to confirm the date before we amend the entry.

[Jim Steven]

Paul - I am pretty sure Don was killed sometime in October, 1978, as I was in Wabag at the time and remember this incident well. However, I stand to be corrected.

[Paul Oates]

Thanks, Bob. I'll amend the Roll accordingly.

[Bob Cleland]

Good job, Paul. One that's missed is our ex-Director, J K McCarthy. His patrol was attacked by Kukukuku in April 1933.

He got an arrow in his stomach and another in the leg. He describes it vividly on pages 108-9 of his book 'Patrol into Yesterday'. Lance Corporal Anis was killed and several others injured. He later complained that his injury 'spoiled the symmetry of my navel'.

I don't think Des Murphy (murdered 1973) was a District Commissioner. At best he was probably an Assistant District Commissioner.

[Ambai Waigl]

Hi - I am looking for a 'Master Brown' as used to be known and called by the people of Kerowagi. He was the Kiap for Kerowagi District in Chimbu in 50's and early 60's.

I remember many stories from my father about this Kiap (he was so tough, mate, the people used to be so scared of him). I'd love to meet with his family and share experiences together.
_________________

You're probably referring to Brian 'Braun' Heagney, kiap and later tradestore maestro. Masta Braun died in Perth a few years back Perhaps one of our readers can put you in touch with a family member - KJ

[May Dhu]

Our family had 25 years, wonderful years in PNG, ten of them in the Wau-Bulolo area.

We knew the Hurrells; also Bruce Burge, who told me I could not putt properly on the golf course. After I sank a long one he shut up.

[George Oakes]

Paul - An excellent job well done. I was at Mendi in 1954 and 1955 when some of the happenings which you list took place, or shortly before I arrived there.

I think there may have been one or two other cases which were kept quiet.

In discussion of Kiaps most of the stories are post war. It would be very interesting to prepare a list of all Kiaps in New Guinea from 1921 on and the 'kiaps' of Papua from 1884 to 1940 who lost their lives or were injured on duty. The list would be quite long.

[Diane Bohlen]

Well done, Paul. The Kiaps Honour Roll provides a wealth of information and is an eye opener. I had no idea so many Kiaps died on duty.