Friday the 23 of July is a public holiday in PNG celebrating Remembrance Day, Many countries in the Commonwealth celebrate remembrance day at some point of the year to commemorate the sacrifices of the armed forces and civilians in times of war. PNG celebrates it on the 23rd of July, as on that day in 1942 marks the first engagement between the PNG and Australian forces against the invading Japanese in WW2.
1. Great Grandad Preece
There is some Preece family history in regards to defending PNG in war time. My Great Grandfather, William Edward Preece, came to PNG in 1914 as part of the Australian military expedition force to take PNG from the occupying German force. He then went on to France in 1916 with the 5th Field Ambulance to be at almost every major battle there as a stretcher bearer up to 1918 and returned to Australia in 1919.
2. Grandad before leaving Sydney at 19
My Grandfather, Alfred George Preece [preferred to be called George], joind the AIF 2/3 Infrantry Battalion during WW2 in 1941. He left Sydney when he was 19 for the Middle East, Palestine. Followed by Syria and Lebanon, then when the Japanese threat became evident. Returned to Australia in 1942 for the 2/3rd’s first PNG campaign as part of the advancement on the Kokoda Trial. Following the Kokokda campaign they returned to Northern Queensland for training [Atherton tablelands, close to Mareeba] before returning to PNG for their second PNG campaign, clearing the Japanese forces in the Aitape and Wewak region. Grandad returned to Australia in 1946.
3. Grandad’s map - 1945 Japanese positions in Wewak
My Grandfather when promoted to a Corporal became an Intelligence Officer for Battalion Intelligence. There is quite a few documentation of his service during WW2 from his war diary, photos, maps he drew and his military record. Back in April a lost Battlefield was rediscovered at Eora Creek on the Kokoda Trial where the 2/3rd had a major engagement with the Japanese. My Grandfather’s Company leader led the flanking attack which saw Australian forces advance along the Kokoda trial. The first time in WW2 that Japanese forces had been pushed back in battle (I will include more info on the battle in a future post). During recent research by my Dad on that battle, as there was little known about what involvement my Grandfather had in that engagement, he came across a military report which gives explanations of name places during the campaign. One of the items refers to a Spur named after my Grandfather in the Tortecelli Mountains behind Aitap - Wewak.
4. Preece Spur - you can view the full report here
My Dad’s uncle, Edward (Ted) John Preece, served in Milne Bay during WW2 with the 9th Australian Light Anti-Aircraft Battery defending an airfield. He also returned to PNG post WW2 to be involved in building projects, including the building of Mt Hagen General Hospital.
5. Edward John Preece at Milne Bay [with the binoculars]
Despite yesterday being a public holiday, I elected to work due to the workload at the Hangar. I have had an interest in history for sometime now. Especially about war since I was older enough to understand it. It fascinates me, despite how horrible, pointless and endless it is. I have known a little about my family heritage in war and PNG but after yesterday and quickly looking through records, I am even more interested than before in learning more. But time has always limited me investing into it. I thank God that both my Great Grandfather and Grandfather survived both World Wars. That there could be four generations.
6. Great Grandad & Grandad 1946 Anzac Day
I am hoping to get down to Wom beach at Wewak on the 13th September, where my Grandfather was for the Japanese surrender in 1945, 65 years ago. I visited it for the first time last May. Hopefully hike Kokoda next year as this year has not worked out with my extended stay in Australia. I am amazed the opportunities God has given my family to serve in PNG. Most of all I am grateful for the freedom PNG enjoys today.
Learn more about the 2/3rd Battalion here
The Lost Battlefield website here
Story on the Lost Battlefield here
July 31st, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Hey Matt,
Thought I’d let you know that someone is reading, and enjoying, this.
Was a great experience visiting the war memorial at Wom Beach. Cool hearing some ‘first-hand’ stories about your family
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