Port Moresby Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia

10/06/2026

🇦🇺WWII uncovered: 2/5th Australian Infantry Battalion in Papua New Guinea: Pacific Theater

"Pictured below are members of the 2/5th Australian Infantry who helped drive the Japanese from Mount Tambu and cleared the way for the advance on Salamaua, Papua New Guinea" -The Australian War Memorial

Left to Right (Back) Corporal Don Mather of South Yarra, Victoria, Private Frank Mcgreevy of Redbank, Queensland, Private Frank Townsend, of Box Hill, Victoria, Private Eddie Watkins of Grafton, NSW, Private Jim Mcgovern of Richmond, SA

Left to Right (Front) Private Ron Miller of Merino, Victoria, Private Walter Dudley, of Woy Woy, NSW and, Private Arthur Wallin of Seymour, Victoria.






Original description and photo sourced by The Australian War Memorial Collection/015639

08/06/2026

The Bougainville campaign is remembered as being questionable in its objectives. In late 1944, the Australians took over the area from the Americans and began to engage in fighting with the Japanese. The Americans had had been playing a non-aggressive role there previously and were simply holding them at bay. There were 516 Australians killed and 1572 wounded during the Bougainville campaign. Victoria Crosses were awarded to Private Frank John Partridge, 8th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF, and Corporal Reginald Roy Ratty, 25th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF, for their actions on Bougainville. (Source: Australian War Memorial).

07/06/2026

06/06/2026

On this day in 1916, the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was established by veterans determined to support those who had served, and their families.

For 110 years, the RSL has stood for mateship, compassion, and service, advocating for the wellbeing of current and former Australian Defence Force members and preserving the spirit of service in our nation.

Today, we honour the legacy and ongoing mission of the RSL, and all those who have served Australia with dedication and courage.

RSL Australia

02/06/2026

Credit AWM
Lest we forget
Australian troops cross one of the many streams on the way to Wairopi which they captured on 11 November 1942. Photographer:
George Silk, 013705

01/06/2026

Between March and November 1942, there were no women apart from local New Guineans in Port Moresby.
They had all been evacuated as the threat of Japanese invasion increased.
This photo shows the arrival of Australian nurses back into New Guinea.
A newspaper article at the time reports Australian and American soldiers cheering as the nurses disembarked from their ship ! 😊

28/05/2026

27/05/2026