RSM Osi Ivaraoa, BEM

Warrant Officer Class 1 Osi Ivaraoa BEM was the first Papua New Guinean Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Pacific Islands Regiment. Known universally as Mr Osi, he was born in the Kerema District of Papua New Guinea in 1918. He served with distinction in the Papuan Infantry Battalion during the Second World War.

He was one of the first Papua New Guineans to be appointed as a “Top Sergeant” which was as an understudy to the then Australian Company Sergeant Major. He was fiercely loyal to the PIR and despite a lack of formal education, managed to educate himself as he progressed through the ranks and performed most creditably. He was helped by an excellent sense of humour and he was very popular with all ranks.

He always took a keen interest in the welfare and well-being of the Papua New Guinean families who occupied the 1 PIR married quarters at Taurama Barracks, Port Moresby. He inspected them regularly, including his own house, and knew everyone. He was regarded as a benign dictator and universally respected.

Mr Osi was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One in 1968 and appointed as the understudy to Warrant Officer Class 1 J.D. McKay the last Australian RSM. Later that same year he was appointed as the RSM of 1 PIR. He retired from the Army in 1973 and became the manager of the Bomana War Cemetery near Port Moresby until 1982.

He was the guest of honour at the 35th Birthday Trooping of the Colour by 1 PIR. His comment after the parade typified his attitude to soldiering, when he said “The parade was good, but their commander should work hard to keep the men Number One”

Mr Osi eventually lost his legs through diabetes and died in 1987 at 69, a ripe old age in Papua New Guinea. Fittingly, he was buried at the Taurama Military Cemetery. He was a fine man and a great soldier.

Major General Brian Howard.

Mr Osi’s grave at Taurama Military Cemetery

Mr Osi’s headstone