Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary
Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary
The Coronation Contingent
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch of the United Kingdom,Canada,Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon, and Pakistan took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth, then aged 25, ascended the thrones of these countries upon the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation was delayed for more than a year because of the tradition that such a festival was inappropriate during the period of mourning that followed the death of the preceding sovereign. In the ceremony itself, Elizabeth swore an oath to uphold the laws of her nations and to govern the Church of England. Celebrations took place and a commemorative medal was issued throughout the Commonwealth realms.
A circular, silver medal, 1.25 inches in diameter.The obverse features a crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, in a high-collared ermine cloak and wearing the collar of the Garter and Badge of the Bath, and facing right. There is no raised rim and no legend.The reverse shows the Royal Cypher EIIR surmounted by a large crown. The legend around the edge reads: QUEEN ELIZABETH II CROWNED 2nd JUNE 1953.A ring attached to a double-toe claw on the upper edge of the medal.The dark red ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, with two narrow dark blue stripes (0.09375 inches {3/32"} wide) in the centre (0.0625" apart) and narrow white stripes (0.0625") at each edge. Ladies awarded the medal can wear it on their left shoulder with the ribbon tied in the form of a bow. The medals were presented following the coronation on 02 June 1953.
The Governor General of New South Wales, Sir John Northcott Inspecting Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary with Inspector Sinclair and Inspector Burns.
Coronation Contingent. Members of the Constabulary during an inspection by the Governor of Western Australia Sir Charles Gardner who is attended by Inspector W. Burns. and Colonel E G Clements, commanding officer of the 17th National Services Training Battalion.
On 2 August 1952, the Commissioner of the Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary John S. Grimshaw sent a letter to Donald Cleland suggesting that a contingent of the constabulary be sent to England for the Queen Elizabeth Coronation to represent the territories. From the Administer Donald Cleland, on 16 August, the idea was relayed to Canberra’s Minister of Territories Paul Hasluck, who then passed the idea onto Prime Minister Robert Menzies. On 30 September the Prime Minister sent his reply back to the Minister Paul Hasluck.
The members of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary Coronarion Contingent being inspected before depatrure to England by the Administrator Sir Donald Cleland at Ela Beach, Port Moresby, 1953.
Members of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary in Sydney. Sergeant Major Christian Arek lays a wreath at the cenotaph at Martin Place prior to their departure to the United Kingdom for the Coronation. Inspectors Sinclair and Burns in attendance.
Arrival in Perth of the Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary Coronation Contingent. Marching in St George's Terrace, principal thoroughfare of Perth. They are lead by SENIOR INSPECTOR ALEXANDER SINCLAIR; and INSPECTOR
The men of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary arrive in England and disembark from the New Australia, the arranged transport. The RAN could not see fit to transport the small contingent on the HMAS Sydney.Which was bound for England, for the Coronation In the Coronation procession the unit, which consists of three European officers and 25 native other ranks,will march between the R.A.A.F. and Australian Army units. The men wear skirts which are held up by a 6-foot-long red sash.
Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary, coronation contingent 1953 Christian Arek wearing medals and belt, with rifle { Image Left}>
Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary, coronation contingent 1953 Christian Arek wearing medals and belt, with rifle { Image Left}>
GOOD MATES on sentry duty are Private "DOG" and Sergeant Major Sairere,who like all his countrymen,loves animals.
Sergeant-Major Saura of the Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary's Coronation contingent. Sergeant-Major Saura was awarded the Loyal Service Medallion for outstanding loyalty with the Australian forces against the Japanese during World War II.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1953.NATIVE POLICE MEMBERS OFTHE ROYAL PAPUA AND NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARYCORONATION CONTINGENT LINE UP IN BIRDCAGEWALK AWAITING THE START OF THE CORONATION PARADE.THEY ARE LED BY, FROM LEFT: SENIOR INSPECTOR ALEXANDERSINCLAIR; SUB-INSPECTOR P. BROMAN; INSPECTOR W. BURNS.
Prince Phillip with Inspector Sinclair inspects at Pirbright Camp England 2nd June 1953 Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary in Englandfor the coronation Queen Elizabeth II
The Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary with Inspector Burns and Sub Inspector Broman in England as HRH Prince Phillip with Inspector Sinclair inspects at Pirbright Camp England on 26 May 1953 the for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Royal Papua and New Guinea Contingent at the ready for the march past at the Coronation, with Inspector Bill Burns, Inspector Sandy Sinclair, Sub Inspector Peter Broman, and Sergeant Major John Guise
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1953. NATIVE POLICE MEMBERS OFTHE ROYAL PAPUA AND NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARYCORONATION CONTINGENT LINE UP IN BIRDCAGE WALK AWAITING THE START OF THE CORONATION PARADE.THEY ARE LED BY, FROM LEFT: INSPECTOR W. BURNS.SENIOR INSPECTOR ALEXANDER SINCLAIR; SUB-INSPECTOR P. BROMAN;
The men of the Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary will march between the R.A.A.F. and Australian Army units.
The men of the Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary will march between the R.A.A.F. and Australian Army units.
SOUVENIRS of the Coronation which the chaps are taking back home include glasses, mugs, and mirrors with portraits of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Here,Sergeant-Majors Ligo Pala, William George, and Sairere compare their treasures
Left is Sergeant Major Merrie (BEM), Constable, Archbishop Ward, unknown, Sergeant Major John Guise, Lambeth Palace 1953.
Papua and New Guinea war veterans who formed the Coronation contingent will be pleased to get home to their sunshine, but returned with glowing tales of English hospitality.
Members the Royal Papua and New Guinea Coronation Contingent with Archbishop Ward at Lambeth Palace 1953.
Members of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary in the aircraft which brought them back to Australia after attending Coronation functions in England.
Members of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary contingent which took part in the Coronation celebrations at Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney.
The Return Home
