1. Report from the Association’s AGM
Formal Minutes and the Treasurer’s report from the June 1 AGM have been distributed to the
Association’s 65 members.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Papuan Infantry Battalion, several initiatives were endorsed. Vice President, Major Don Graham will lead a pilgrimage of ex-Servicemen and family members in Port Moresby during June 2015. President Frank encourages all members to attend the Dedication Service for the new plaques honouring the PIB, NGIB, and PIR at the Gold Coast on 8th August 2014. Commemorative and social events are planned for this date to create a reunion of ex- servicemen from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Details of these events are included in part 3 of this newsletter.
2. History of the Pacific Islands Regiment
Second instalment. (The first instalment was published in the June 2014 Newsletter)
Presented on the next pages are some extracts from an illustrated history of the Pacific Islands Regiment as chosen and authorised by our Patron and author, LTCOL Maurie Pears MC. The original booklet was compiled and edited by MAJ N. Granter (1PIR) for publication in 1970, the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Papuan Infantry Battalion.
Sections from this history booklet have been reproduced in this newsletter as we are approaching the important 75th anniversary of the PIB founding, in June 2015. We thank SGT Graeme Johnson for the colour images of the book cover. Graeme collected and retained his copy of the original booklet following his National Service with 2PIR at Moem Barracks.
3. Plaques Dedication & Reunion, August
You are invited to participate in a number of PNG commemorative activities over several days from 7th to 10th August in South-East Qld.
Thursday 7 August
* Pre-Dedication Dinner/Reunion for Assn members and other visitors at Surfers Paradise RSL Club at 7pm. Ask for “PIB/PIR” Table.
Friday 8 August
* Plaques Dedication and Kokoda Commemoration Service, Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall, in
Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach at 10.30am. Conducted by Surfers Paradise RSL. (Limited covered seating. ANZAC Day dress and medals may be worn if desired.) One Plaque will be dedicated to PIR; one to PIB/NGIB & Disciplined Forces; one to
ANGAU/NGVR.
* Post-Dedication Dinner/Reunion for Assn members and other visitors at Surfers RSL Club at
7pm. Ask for “PIB/PIR” Table.
Saturday 9 August
* Charity Kokoda walk or run from Southport to Broadbeach (various starting times & places)
and finishing at Cascade Gardens Kokoda Memorial with a brief service at 1000 hours.
Sunday 10 August
* Annual Kokoda Commemoration service at Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL, Corinda (Brisbane)
at 1100 hours.
(Limited covered seating. ANZAC Day dress and medals may be worn if desired.)
You are welcome to contact Greg Ivey or the organisers with any questions.
If you wish to join the Evening Dinner/Reunions at Surfers RSL Club on 7 or 8 August, Greg would appreciate your RSVP in the near future, or by 31 July at the latest, so we can reserve sufficient seating.
Cheers, Greg Ivey
(Membership, PIB NGIB HQ PIR Association)
4. If you have any items for publication in future editions of this newsletter, I’d be pleased to hear
from you at rrljb@optusnet.com.au
Richard Boddington
Newsletter Editor