Lae War Cemetery: A Rich History of Sacrifice and Remembrance
The Lae War Cemetery is a site of historical and cultural significance in Papua New Guinea. It is the final resting place for over 2,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives during the Second World War, and it stands as a reminder to all of the brave sacrifices made by those who served in the conflict.
History of Lae War Cemetery
The Lae War Cemetery was established in 1945 to commemorate the fallen servicemen and women of the Second World War. It is located in the city of Lae, in what was then the Territory of New Guinea, and is now part of Papua New Guinea. The cemetery was built by the Australian War Graves Commission (AWGC) and was dedicated in April 1947.
The cemetery is home to 2,205 graves, of which 1,734 are Australian servicemen and women. The majority of the graves are of Australian servicemen and women who fought in the Battle of Lae in September 1943, and many of them were killed in action. Other graves include those of Allied servicemen and women from the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, as well as graves of civilians who died during the war.
The cemetery is also home to a memorial wall, which lists the names of the 1,616 servicemen and women who died in the Battle of Lae who have no known grave. The wall was built in 1945 and is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives during the conflict.
Visiting Lae War Cemetery
The Lae War Cemetery is open to the public and is free to visit. It is located in the city of Lae, about two hours south of the capital, Port Moresby. The cemetery is open from 8am to 4pm, and visitors are encouraged to bring flowers or other tokens of remembrance to lay on the graves of those who died in the conflict.
The cemetery is well-maintained and includes a visitor centre, which is open from 8am to 4pm. The visitor centre has a range of information and displays about the Battle of Lae and the cemetery itself, as well as a café and a souvenir shop.
The cemetery is a tranquil and peaceful place, and visitors are encouraged to take their time and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives during the conflict. It is also an important site of remembrance for those who served in the war, and many people visit to pay their respects to the fallen.
Conclusion
The Lae War Cemetery is a site of historical and cultural significance in Papua New Guinea, and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Second World War. It is a tranquil and peaceful place, and a must-see for anyone visiting the country. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and reflect on the courage and bravery of those who gave their lives during the conflict.