Joint commemoration service to honour war heroes

 AUSTRALIA will join PNG in commemorating this month the men who fought in World War I and war action in New Britain 100 years ago.

Services in Kokopo and Rabaul this week will mark the Battle of Bita Paka on September 11, and the loss of the Royal Australian Navy submarine the HMAS AE1 on September 14.

At the outbreak of the World War I, Germany administered several territories in the south and central Pacific and operated a small naval fleet.

In order to prevent harbours in these territories being used by the fleet, Australia and New Zealand were requested by Great Britain to send forces to occupy them.

On September 11, 1914, troops from the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force landed in Rabaul to destroy German radio stations.

A patrol of 25 Australians encountered a composite force of German reservists and New Guinean police at Bita Paka. 

Six Australians, one German and 30 New Guinean police died.

The Australians who died at Bita Paka were the first of more than 60,000 Australians killed in the war.

The Australian navy submarine disappeared on September 14 after last being seen off Duke of York Island in St George’s Channel. There was no trace of it plus the crew of 35.

Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes said the services would honour the sacrifice and bravery of all the men who died in devotion to their duty.