WW2 Police Honour Roll
Police and Carrier Memorial Bomana (click to enlarge)
The plaque reads:-
"THIS MONUMENT HONOURS THOSE PAPUAN AND NEW GUINEAN SERVICEMEN, POLICE AND CARRIERS WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE CAMPAIGNS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1942-45"
The 58 names recorded within this section are taken predominately from the records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
During WW2 police officers from both forces acted not only in their role as police but also as guides and escorts for the military. Many transferred into Australian Military Units such as ANGAU, M Special Unit and as Infantry and in many cases gave their lives in the fight against the invading Japanese. Unfortunately it is highly unlikely that a truly accurate record will ever be able to be made of the sacrifice of the two police force's during this period owing to a lack of records. In most cases an exact date of death is not known.
Any further information on these or any others is most welcome.
Honour Roll (confirmed from other sources)
Names and information in this list are from the Royal Papua & New Guinea Constabulary Honour Roll list supplied by A/Inspector 2/C I. C. McPherson of the Public Relations Branch to the Commissioner of Police on 5th December 1968 and have been confirmed by more than one source and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication.
Names prefixed by a + are recorded on the War Memorials at Bomana, Lae and Bitipaka.
Adisa L/Cpl. 2820. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Apimor Village, Bogia, Madang. NCO in charge of RPC of Lumi Patrol – Aitape number 8 between 24/6/1944 and 12/9/1944.
+ Arisa Constable 20. AKA Arissa. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Bola Village, Talasea, West New Britain. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Baguwai Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial. (2533 Binjimbungwi from WG Roll??)
+ Balaita Constable/Bandsman. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Barigi Constable 556. AKA Bigri. New Guinea Police Force. Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial, Bitipaka.
+ Bauken Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Bun Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ DAO A Constable. AKA Dao A. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Dousawa-Togirio Lance Corporal. AKA Dobsawa. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died following a long period of sickness and starvation while on operations with T/Capt. N.B.M. Blood (Mosstroopers) at Ord between 20th September 1943 and 23rd September 1943.
+ Ebes Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Egaro Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Ekobob Constable. AKA Ekobet. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Ere Constable. AKA Emi. New Guinea Police Force. Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial.
Gio Constable 945. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Killed with Lt. R. G. Mader by locals at Motorina Island, Calvados Chain on 31st December 1942.
+ Guta Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Jining Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Kageni Constable 2888. AKA Kagen, Royal Papuan Constabulary. Number 2888 on medal roll. Murdered by tribesmen of Kukukukub near Dead Chinamans Camp, while operating under Lt. Montgomery ANGAU, 20th August 1943.
+ Kagos Constable 2372. AKA Kangos. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Drowned while swimming the Maramuni River while on operations with T/Capt. N.B.M. Blood (Mosstroopers) on 6/9/1943. His patrol officer said in his report that he, “Proved himself a most reliable and likeable lad. He had been to the fore in any work which had to be done". Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kaiya Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kakatu Corporal. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kaki Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kalamsei BEM Constable 3140. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Wankun Village, Markham, Morobe. Died 27/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial.
+ Kananiu Sergeant. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kigo Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kigua Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Koivi-Ipai Constable 1122. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Koriki, Purari District. On board the M.V. Mamutu which left Port Moresby on 6th August 1942 bound for Daru. Killed off Bramble Cay 7th August 1942 when the M.V. Mamutu was sunk by a Japanese submarine.
+ Kolo Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Kundi, Constable 2261. AKA Kondi and Kninghangu. New Guinea Police Force. Killed in action at Musembelim 19/8/1944. Described by the District Officer as being “a fearless scout and guerrilla fighter, though inclined to foolhardiness” – (ANGAU War Diary). Commemorated Lae Memorial.
Mainau, Constable 3164. AKA Maino. Of Abau, Samurai. Killed off Bramble Cay 7th August 1942 when the M.V. Mamutu was sunk by a Japanese submarine.
+ Manyia Constable. AKA Manjia. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Mas Sergeant. New Guinea Police Force. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Lae Memorial.
Matarogo Constable 1076. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Unknown date or cause of death confirmed from correspondence in RPNGC Folio 271 4/7/4.
Mevai Constable 1203. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Unknown date or cause of death confirmed from correspondence in RPNGC Folio 271 4/7/4.
+ Mita Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Mou Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Nangoi Constable 2784. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Samsa Village, Aitape (Dreikikir), West Sepik.
Narameri Constable 2494. AKA Nabameri. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Nauragai Village, Wewak (Marawi), East Sepik. Wife, Tafliniakkui Kondekumban of Naurangi Village, she later married another member of the Constabulary 1333 Constable Siporio of Maprik Police Station. Medals presented 1969.
+ Obi Lance Corporal. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 01/07/1942 and 31/07/1942. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Odin-Begere Constable 2008. AKA Odin. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Kikori.
Ora, Constable. Of Kerema, Ln board the M.V. Mamutu which left Port Moresby on 6th August 1942 bound for Daru. Kekamu. Killed off Bramble Cay 7th August 1942 when the M.V. Mamutu was sunk by a Japanese submarine. Possibly identical to Oraniapi below??
+ Oraniapi Constable. AKA Oramapi. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Paieki-Mainu Sergeant 915. AKA Bikikamanu and Paieki-Maimo. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Mekeo (Kairuku). On board the M.V. Mamutu which left Port Moresby on 6th August 1942 bound for Daru. Killed off Bramble Cay 7th August 1942 when the M.V. Mamutu was sunk by a Japanese submarine.
+ Peri Corporal. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Puka Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Puri Constable. New Guinea Police Force. Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial.
+ Sambun Constable. AKA Samban. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Sangap Constable 3249. Royal Papuan Constabulary.
+ Sapila Sergeant. New Guinea Police Force. Died between 01/01/1944 and 31/12/1944. Commemorated Lae Memorial.
Sekerade Lance Corporal 483. AKA Segeradi. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Killed with Lt. R. G. Mader by locals at Motorina Island, Calvados Chain on 31st December 1942.
+ Siai Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Sikomain Constable 2864. Royal Papuan Constabulary.
+ Tagau Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
+ Tagon Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Tata Constable 4048. AKA Tat. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Ragitsumang, Markham, Morobe. Died of illness date unknown.
Tima Constable 3838. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Giri Village, Bogia, Madang.
Tolegerat Constable 3071. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died cause unknown 19/2/1944.
+ Tutuk Lance Corporal. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Died between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
Waibutip Constable 3793. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Bobdubi Village, Markham, Morobe. Killed in action 4/1/1945.
+ Waiyongu Constable 978. AKA Waiyong Jiom/Waiyong-Kaia/Waiyong. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Manga Village, (Buang), Mumeng. Killed by Japanese at Salamaua in 1944. NOK Phillip-Kaia of Naga Village. Medals presented to his older brother Philip-Kaia of Manga Village on 25th February 1969. See JUIAM on CWGC list? No trace this number on Medal roll.
Wamuk Constable 3669. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Pare Village, Ramu, Lae, Morobe. Died of illness 30/10/1944.
Wanai Constable 3468. AKA Wamai. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Part of Lumi Parol – Aitape number 8 between 24/6/1944 and 12/9/1944. He and Constable Koimas were at Kapoam as part of a standing patrol for some weeks during which they were attacked and forced to retreat by a large force of Japanese – (ANGAU War Diary). Unknown date of death but confirmed on RPNGC Folio.
Wandagara 3256. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Unknown date of death confirmed on RPNGC Folio.
Wongi Constable 3562. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Murdered Sepik? (check patrol reports) 11/10/1944.
Wunt Constable 3666. AKA Wunt-Gali. Royal Papuan Constabulary. Of Mambump Village, (Buang). Accidentally killed by a bomb explosion on 4/7/1945 at Namatanai Road, New Ireland. NOK Siang-Suruk (ex-Police) of Mambumb Village. His medals were presented to his brother Biagani-Gali of mambump Village on 13th March 1969.
Yipnaugwinya Constable 2255. AKA Yipnaugwin. Of Yegenbonya Village, Wewak, West Sepik. Killed in action 24/6/1945.
Honour Roll (Unconfirmed)
Names and information in this list are from the Royal Papua & New Guinea Constabulary Honour Roll list supplied by A/Inspector 2/C I. C. McPherson of the Public Relations Branch to the Commissioner of Police on 5th December 1968 but have not been confirmed from any other source at this time and cannot be identified against any other know information such as the CWGC List or Medal Rolls.
Aitu
Auwusegi
Bapauie
Bapongau
Bauasnian
Beiap (Belap 3633 WG List Not on medal roll??)
Beterus
Bibi-Sekewa
Bunganzan
Dunat
Esefa
Gabeni Kegeni?
Gobagi-Medau
Igopot, Constable 2511.
Igori
Igwa
Kaskas, Constable Z75
Katon
Kilen, Constable 2558 AKA Kilon
Kiviro-Tete
Konigata-Dorodori
Korokoro, 1243. Of Kerema. Not on medal roll, WG list.
Kusip
Larkuba Larumba
Lena (Z64 Lanabi??)
Mapongau, 3780. Not on medal roll, WG list.
Moi-Koivi
Motoko
Obera-Hoia (1234 Cst. Hoia?)
Oborugo (Oroongo? WD), (Possibly Constable 676 Ororogo??)
Okora-Aumuba,
Sawaia-Gugawa , Constable 1394. AKA Sawai and Sawai-I
Sigovia,
Tarai-Aeva
Tebure
Toida-Erico
Wahora
Wai-N, Constable 1814
Waiwa
Yauwika (Error Sgt Yauwika DCM???)
Yusong
From CWGC but not yet confirmed from other sources
This list consists of names recorded on the PNG memorials operated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission but which cannot be identified against those on the Hour Roll List or other sources.
BAILI Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial
BALITA Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
DAROK Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/10/1942 and 31/10/1942. Commemorated Lae Memorial
JUIAM Constable WAIYONG-JIOM? New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Believed to be WAIYONG-JIOM Constable 0978 of Manga Village. Commemorated Lae Memorial.
KABIS Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial. Bitipaka
KEU Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial
KIRIAT Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial.
KOIGAE Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial.
LOLI Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1942 and 31/12/1942. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial
LOPI Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial
LUS Sergeant New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial
MO Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial
OSOVI-NAGASU Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary 25/07/1942. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
PALIAU Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial
PALITA Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
PEMBU Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
POPOLI Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
SAUMAN Constable 2824 New Guinea Police Force Died 27/12/1943. Commemorated Lae Memorial. 27/12/1943
TAGAU Constable. Royal Papuan Constabulary between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947. Commemorated Port Moresby Memorial.
YOTUWTT Constable New Guinea Police Force Died between 01/01/1943 and 31/12/1943. Commemorated Rabaul Memorial
Casualties from other sources but neither on the CWGC or Honour Roll list
This list of names and information have been obtained from various sources including the Patrol Reports located in the ANGAU War Diaries and RPNGC correspondence but cannot be positively identified against the Honour Roll List or CWGC records.
BINJIMBUNG 2533 Royal Papuan Constabulary Manimgwuma Village, Yangoru, East Sepik
KAMBUN 2589 Royal Papuan Constabulary Of AOUA Village, Angoram, East Sepik
MURIGUMAI 2627 Royal Papuan Constabulary Kuman Village, Wewak, East Sepik
Oroongo Lance Corporal Oborugo? Royal Papuan Constabulary Murdered by natives of Kukukukub near Dead Chinamans Camp. While operating under Lt. Montgomery ANGAU, 20th August 1943. 20/08/1943
Partop Constable 2513 Royal Papuan Constabulary Reported missing on 10th June 1943 having been dispatched from ANGAU HQ Hote area to Labidu (A hamlet of Hote), to try and persuade some local natives to come to work. Nothing further was heard of them despite searches by police of the village and bush. Report later confirmed by the District Officer Wau, through Logui Natives that they were either captured by the Japanese or by Busama Natives who then handed them over to the Japanese who then beheaded them at Busama near Wau. Killed 10/6/1943. 10/06/1943
SEGERADI Corporal Sekerade Royal Papuan Constabulary Killed with Lt. R. G. Mader by locals at Motorina Island, Calvados Chain on 31st December 1942. 31/12/1942
SIPIL-WAGEN 2766 Royal Papuan Constabulary
Yandumai Constable Royal Papuan Constabulary Murdered at Partep about April 1943. Reported ANGAU by District Officer North Markham, Lae, Major Niall on 3/10/1943. 3/10/1943
List of Source material.
RP&NGC Honour Roll List of 5/12/1968 (RPNGC Record)
CWGC records
ANGAU War Diaries (including patrol reports and sinking of the MV Mamutu)
Medal Roll or the Royal Papuan Constabulary for WW2
PNG National Archives files relating of WW2 Medal issues for WW2
Panel 8 Bomana (Port Moresby) Memorial