An oral history collection recording the memories and stories of Papua New Guineans about World War Two
Background image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial 071537
Milne Bay Province
Morobe Province
Central Province
New Ireland Province
National Capital District
Northern Province
The five Provinces and one District that are included here represent different aspects of the War’s impact.
Some parts of PNG experienced savage fighting, as the front line pushed back and forth. The interviews from Northern and Morobe Provinces give some sense of what this was like for the villagers whose homes and gardens were destroyed, and who themselves faced grave danger from the fighting.
Other parts were occupied by Japanese forces for the whole of the War. The interviews from New Ireland Province talk about what this was like for the ordinary people in villages.
The enormous Allied bases at Oro Bay, Milne Bay, and on the Sogeri plateau profoundly influenced the people living around them. The interviews recorded in Northern, Milne Bay, Central and the National Capital District relate something of this impact on the local people.
Although the interviews inform us about some of the War’s impact on Papua New Guinea, countless other stories remain to be recorded for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.
Background map: H.E.C. Robinson Pty Ltd, Map of the Territory of New Guinea administered by the Commonwealth of Australia under mandate from the League of Nations and Papua, a territory of the Commonwealth of Australia, MAP, National Library of Australia, MAP G8160.
Derivative individual maps are based on this original artwork and may be re-used in accordance with the CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
Mr Moses Seni tells the story of his grandfather Seru Sapate who worked as a carrier for the Australians during the Kokoda Campaign.
Mr Dennis Itari tells the story of his grandfather, Soni Goto who worked as a carrier during the battle of Buna-Sanananda in 1942 when the famous…
Mrs Alberta Doiko recounts what her parents told her about the destruction of food gardens and the threat of rape for women during the war.
Mrs Veronica Levi tells the story of her father Mr Levi Toesina, who was a driver for the Australians during the war. Her grandmother was able to…
This is an interview with Nigebolena Buama, 92 years old at the time of being interviewed. She is assisted by her daughter Aselika Nailina, as she…
Mrs Barbra Dayama tells the story of her grandfather Mr Joash Damaya who was recruited by the Papuan Infantry Battalion as a soldier during the war.
These stories bring to light many forgotten voices, the voices of the people of Papua New Guinea. Listening to them is a moving experience. Some of the people who contributed describe their own experiences during World War Two. In other cases, the voices belong to their children and grandchildren, who relate the stories that have been handed down to them.
Some talk about horrific violence and others are sad. These remind us that war is a terrible thing. All of the stories highlight the strength and resilience of the ordinary village men and women who endured so much when the War came to their country. They demonstrate that Papua New Guineans were capable of great creativity, courage, and leadership in the face of adversity. They inspire us to learn from the examples set by these ordinary people as we face today’s challenges.
Managed by Deakin University in close liaison with Papua New Guinea’s National Museum and Art Gallery. Supported by the Australian Government in partnership with Papua New Guinea.
PROJECT PARTNERS
For questions related to the interview content or World War Two, contact nationalmuseum@museumpng.gov.pg
For technical assistance or questions about the site, contact pngvoices@deakin.edu.au
For questions about the research project, contact jonathan.ritchie@deakin.edu.au