I’ve written briefly in a previous post about the Australian soldier Colonel George Warfe, M.C., D.S.O., who fought in a number of theatres in World War Two. Neither I, nor, I suspect would he, had he not passed away in 1975, make any claims that he was the bravest, most experienced, or most tactically superior of our many thousands to have served in that conflict. He was, however, a dedicated soldier and became a great leader, both during and after the war. I am, of course, tremendously biased as I am writing his biography.
So that’s the background, now here is the news: I have very recently received correspondence from a friend living in Kamiatum, Papua New Guinea, where Warfe served in 1943, who tells me that long-mooted new local elementary school is to be officially named in Colonel Warfe’s honour, and if arrangements can be made in time, the George Warfe Memorial Elementary School will be dedicated in an official ceremony on Anzac Day next year, 2015.
The draft plan thus far is for invited guests to walk from Salamaua the short distance inland to Kamiatum where the ceremony will take place, and then back to Salamaua and most likely Lae, all in the one day. Last year, two Australian Members of Federal Parliament, the Honourables Scott Morrison and Jason Clare trekked what is now known as the Black Cat Track from Wau through Kamiatum to Salamaua, and it is hoped that this recognition will encourage a number of local and Australian dignitaries to accept their invitations to attend.
