Friends from the battlefield

By ALEXANDER NARA
Best friends are connected souls, so to speak.
We do come across them one way or the other in our own space.
Some say our best friends are our worst enemies but a Chinese Confucius philosopher name Mencius (372 BC-289 BC) once said: “Best friends are our own siblings that God did not give us.”
These type of friends are rare and blessed with true companionship.
Here is a story of two best friends who met under the shady rain trees that surrounded Force Support Battalion (FSB) inside Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.
It was one warm Tuesday afternoon.
The sun was still crawling slowly towards where its last glows usually disappear behind nearby Brigadier Hill.
Heat lurked about under the shades and everywhere.
The barracks itself was at that time marred by strict Covid-19 protocols but quiet, disturbed only by the sounds of traffic along 2-Mile way.
At around 2.45pm the two friends arrived.
None of them spoke much yet both seemed to revere each other’s silence and probably reticence for they have been friends for many years.
History says their forefathers spilled blood together across our land of high mountains, swaying palms and coral seas.

Even the winds sweeping through the rugged interior of Owen Stanley Ranges, still sing their songs of love and friendship.
Songs about strange “black angels with frizzy hair” that appeared from nowhere amid the thick jungles of Kokoda.
Sapper Bert Beros of 7th division, Royal Australian army Eengineers (1939-45), depicted them one 4am while on guard along the track.
“…Slow and careful in the bad places
…on the awful mountain track
The look upon their faces
…would make you think Christ was black…”
Maybe it is a myth for wars create mythological heroes, but this was the warmness that had bonded them for decades as best friends, genuine partners and family.
A friendship forge in a battlefield and etched with the spilt gore of their own fallen forefathers.
Though they were to meet for only an hour, both ignored as they stayed a little bit longer.
The many challenges and successes over the years glistened in their smiles and against the streaks of sunlight that streamed through the tree tops.
Old overgrown branches swayed calmly as cold afternoon winds whispered in from Taurama valley where that history lay camouflaged behind green shadows of time.
Australia, PNG and its two defence forces embraces this history and friendship founded upon truth and shared experiences.
Many current PNGDF units trace their origins to Papuan and New Guinea units formed as part of the Australian army and Royal Australian Navy during and after World War 2.
Head of mission Australia Jon Philp said this relationship between the two nations have grown significantly in recent years. Philp said ADF and PNGDF are bonded and working in
partnership under the defence cooperation programme (DCP) in an enriched relationship woven with true comradeship.
Defence cooperation arrangement (DCA) was signed between Australia and PNG in May of 2013 which expresses both nation’s desire to deepen its practical cooperation and initiatives in an enhanced the DCP.
Chief of PNG Defence Force Major-General Gilbert Toropo also shared the same sentiments saying the two forces had also been working together towards achieving an increasingly professional, capable and sustainable PNGDF.
It was getting late and winds had gone a bit gusty when they finally gathered close together to end the day.
Three hoorays burst from within their midst and echoed through the precinct of the barracks as they officially opened two newly reformed state-of-the-art facilities, smeared with latest technologies and accessories.
From the floors to the roof and from the rooms to the backyard, the buildings layout and style cut its own thin line across the world of architectural design.
All doors open up into a masterly planned and crafted interiors with a sound touch of home.
The buildings were God’s own house – the St Paul’s Chapel in the heart of PNGDF headquarters and a 100-man living facility at FSB.
They were built hand in hand by themselves.
It is understood that all support throughout the construction phases of the two buildings emerged from the fortress of their own friendship.
What is a gift and what is a best friend from the battlefield if one may searchingly ask?
Is it only about cutting ribbons?
When putting together this story, I came across few words by former New Zealand governor-general Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright.
“There is no glory in war, yet from the blackness of its history, there emerge vivid colours of human character and courage.
“Those who gave their lives to save others.”
The two friends left the barracks just before 5pm, leaving behind silence and the pungent metallic scent of the new buildings, like the smell of spilt gore that seemed to linger amid the passing breeze.