Warrant Officer Class One
Osi Ivaraoa, BEM

 Warrant Officer Class One Osi Ivaraoa, BEM, was the first Papua New Guinean Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the PIR. 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 World War 11.

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 Majors. 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.  

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. He was a fine man and a great soldier.

Parade at Taurama Barracks, March 1971  

‘Trooping the Colour” 1PIR 1971 – RSM Osi at Rear

Col Lange had a great working relationship and enduring friendship with RSM Osi.

Osi was a ‘larger than life’ individual, respected by all and awed by some.  His appearance at the Sergeants Mess was always welcomed as was his greeting ‘Apinun olgeta’ after being announced.  He joined in all activities as can be seen below at a themed ‘Hobo Night’ at Taurama in 1971.

(left) RAAEC Sgt Porteous and RSM Osi. (right) Sgt ‘Joe’ from the Dental Section
1PIR Sergeants’ Mess 1971 (photos supplied by Sgt K Horton)
The second PI RSM WO1 Paulus – a quiet, dedicated soldier of quality.

Acknowledements: This document, compiled by Kev Horton, is based on the historical article penned by Major General ‘Hori’ Howard AO MC ESM and information and photos supplied by Col Ron Lange AM MID.