my grandfather was in papua new guinea about 1917 and was a patrolman trying to find out more details on what?

Question

he knew pigeon english and I think he watch for ships etc for the australian government, but not really sure

Answer 1

sure you mean 1917?

if it was WW2, then he was a "Coastwatcher"; incredibly brave civilians who operated WAY behind the Japanese lines, radioing details of troop deployments, aircraft flights, and ship movements; living in the jungle with the Natives, always on the move and the whole Japanese army after them 24/7/365.

Google "Coast Watchers" and marvel at the bravery of these guys. It is a mission that today would be given to Marine Recon or the SAS; the Coast Watchers were mostly middle aged planters and businessmen caught behind the Japanese advance who provided priceless information to the Allied commands in Brisbane and Noumea..

Answer 2

So was my Great Grandfather and my Grandfather who was in WW2 against Japan in New Guinea. The locals where called "fuzzy Wuzzy Angels" by the Australian 2nd AIF for the assistance they provided as stretcher bearers for our wounded. My Grandfather can tell some amazing stories about Japans invasion, up and down the East Coast of Australia there are WW2 bunkers, reminders of the threat of the time. We still need to keep a close eye on South East Asia and regularly intercept Indonesian terror chat between active and sleeper cells there ! Australia should just strike Jakarta hard and fast and not allow them to sleep !

Answer 3

Do have any more details....?