Ever wondered what stories lie beneath these meticulously kept lawns? This is Port Moresby War Cemetery. It is a place of profound reflection near Port Moresby. Here, rest the fallen from World War II.
The Port Moresby War Cemetery holds a solemn beauty. It serves as a final resting place for thousands of Commonwealth soldiers. They died fighting in Papua and Bougainville Island. This serene location is more than just a cemetery. It is a powerful reminder of sacrifice.
Let’s step back to early 1942. An Australian medical unit established a war cemetery here. As battles raged, the Australian Army Graves Service worked tirelessly. They consolidated battlefield graves from across Papua New Guinea. War dead from the Kokoda Trail, Buna, Gona and Sanananda were brought here. This ensured a permanent and respectful burial.
Today, Port Moresby War Cemetery contains 3823 Commonwealth graves. Imagine the scale of loss. Seven hundred of these graves are unidentified. Yet, each marker represents a life given in service. 3126 graves bear names. Each tells a silent story of courage and duty. Interestingly, there is also one non-war burial. A Dutch foreign national found his final rest here among these heroes.
The cemetery is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or CWGC. It is open to the public without charge. The CWGC ensures the grounds are impeccably maintained. This provides a peaceful environment for remembrance. Other Commonwealth War Cemeteries in Papua New Guinea include Lae War Cemetery, Bitapaka War Cemetery, and Samarai Island.
A particularly moving feature is the Port Moresby Memorial. This memorial lists the names of those missing in action in Papua. Think of the families who never received closure. This memorial stands as a testament to their enduring hope.
Also within Bomana War Cemetery lie the graves of 436 unidentified British Army Artillerymen. They surrendered at Singapore and became prisoners of war. These men were transported to Rabaul. Then they were moved to Ballale Island. They labored on an airfield until death. Their graves are marked “Known Unto God”. A memorial plaque at the rear of the cemetery honors them.
As you walk through Port Moresby War Cemetery notice the Stone of Remembrance. It is crafted from pink freestone. Beyond it, white marble headstones stretch across gently rising ground. A Cross of Sacrifice rises above all. It mirrors the stone’s pink hue.
Two grassed avenues of rain trees extend from the front to the back. Tropical shrubs and trees fill the spaces between the rows.
For trekkers returning from the Kokoda Trail, a visit to the Port Moresby War Cemetery offers a poignant experience. They arrive back in Port Moresby. Pilgrims Way leads to simple wrought iron gates. These open onto a grass forecourt.
Consider some notable individuals buried here. Artie Carnell was an Australian rugby league footballer. John Alexander French and Bruce Steel Kingsbury both received the Victoria Cross. Rex Julius served as an official war artist.
Before you leave Port Moresby War Cemetery remember the words Lest We Forget. Take a moment to reflect on their service.