WWII hero farewelled

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 04th April, 2013

By ELIZABETH VUVU
ONE of the last coast watchers during World War II in Rabaul passed away on Tuesday at the Gold Coast hospital in Australia.
Matt Foley died as a result of complications caused by a massive stroke on March 24.
Sgt Mathew Bernard Foley of the 2nd/22nd Battalion was a coast watcher signaler in a small party positioned in the Baining mountains overlooking the Japanese base at Rabaul.
He was able to thwart bombing raids on American bases by notifying the Allies of all flights north-west.
Foley survived the war and was repatriated to Brisbane.
He returned to PNG and set up a thriving business and started a family.
Foley lived in Rabaul until 2003 when at the age of 84 returned to Australia where he lived with his sister Molly on the Gold Coast.
Last year Foley visited Rabaul for the 70th double anniversary of the war and sinking of the Montevideo Maru.
Although frail he was adamant that he be in Rabaul for the memorial services and to catch up friends and see Rabaul once again.
He was highly regarded by expatriates and locals alike and loyal to all things Rabaul and seen as a legend.
Foley is survived by son Phillip and daughter Linda.
Words of kindness have been flooding in for Foley after the news of his death.
Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat said the war veteran unselfishly risked his life serving as a coast watcher so that others would live.
“Indeed he was a fine man marvelling at the changes in most things in Rabaul including the ‘youthfulness’ of leadership therein,” Marat said.
“For such an unselfish person and one who had Rabaul encapsulated in his heart, I on behalf of the people of Rabaul district convey deep and sincere condolences to Foley’s family.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced this week.
Foley will be remembered on Anzac Day, April 25, at the Rabaul RSL.