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Post by fireball on Apr 9, 2012 17:56:31 GMT 8
As I am now based in PNG (Port Moresby - the capital) I will, when the hugely expensive internet access allows, post a few pictures or reports here. Despite not yet having a car I have managed a short visit to Paga Hill which was once home to one of the Coastal Batteries but is now a settlement with all the bunkers and structures used for housing. It is without doubt the most beautiful site in the City (and a search on the internet will show how some very odd land dealings have led to public land now apparently being in private hands). Overlooking a beautiful harbour, cool winds and a clean sea at your doorsteps what could be better (Oh, and an established community it is an oasis of peace in a somewhat violent city). Attachments:
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Post by fots2 on Apr 9, 2012 19:26:45 GMT 8
Hi fireball,
Have a good time while you are there. I am sure you will make the most of it. Play safe.
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Post by okla on Apr 9, 2012 20:36:07 GMT 8
Hey Fireball.....A few years ago, I read (maybe in the National Geographic or some such travel magazine) that the Hotel which served as the Headquarters of General Kenney's (sp ??)5th Air Force is still in use. The article said that there were still indications within the establishment that it had been, at one time, a military installation. Maybe in your prowling you might check this out. If memory serves, I recall the article saying the the 5th's Insignia was emblazoned on the floor of the lobby. Cheers. Postscript....Kokoda Pass surely beckons.
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Post by fireball on Apr 10, 2012 14:47:39 GMT 8
Not sure on that, but the Papuan Hotel was probably the place. It burnt down subsequent to WW2 and on the site rose the ‘Pink Pussycat’ a bar and nightclub only for the brave.
Of military interest, my first encounter with the Australian Defence Force (1980s) was transporting a naked Naval Officer (on the roof of my car) from outside the nearby Yacht Club to the Pink Pussycat. With hindsight there is something slightly worrying as to why I stopped for a naked man ….
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Post by dmether on Apr 10, 2012 20:19:00 GMT 8
If you get a chance, check out the Papua New Guinea National Museum, a six pack of beer will probably get you into the back room storage area which has a great collection of artifacts. Attachments:
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Post by okla on Apr 14, 2012 9:10:09 GMT 8
Hey Fireball...My question, in regard to the naked Aussie Officer, is this. Was he returning to the Bar to retrieve his uniform/clothing or had he left them at the Yacht Club??? Of course, this is of no import, but I gotta admit, it's most unusual. And yes, why in Hell would you stop in the first place??? A great story, though. Cheers. Postscript....Wonder what the good Genl Kenney would think if he knew the site of his former HQ was now a Bar with the colorful name of PinkPussycat ;D
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Post by fireball on Apr 26, 2012 17:38:47 GMT 8
Hi Okla, Sorry for late reply but as to where his clothes were I had no idea all I know is that as the only officer on shore leave he had been ditched by the rest of the crew that evening. To those who know the Australian Navy the fact he was naked is of no matter since it is a peculiar habit of that navy to strip at the first opportunity. As to why I stopped, yes that fact is troubling. My only defence is that if 'he' had been a 'she' then she would have been traveling inside my car and the destination would not necessarily have been the Pink Pussycat. And for the General, well like all military men I would imagine the combination of beer and women might have been something quite appealing. Since arriving in PNG I have managed to visit some of the Japanese tunnels and relics in Rabaul as well as a couple of old display aircraft (Port Moresby and Goroka). The only trouble is that exploring while wearing business dress is somewhat limiting: Attachments:
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Post by okla on Apr 26, 2012 20:18:26 GMT 8
Hey Fireball.....I would imagine you appearing up at Kokoda Pass in business attire would turn some heads, even more so than the naked Aussie Naval person. Cheers.
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Post by fireball on Apr 27, 2012 17:05:04 GMT 8
and a plane on a stick outside the JK McCarthy museum in Goroka: Attachments:
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Post by okla on Apr 27, 2012 20:29:00 GMT 8
Hey Fireball....As I live and breathe, a P-39 Aircobra??? Hadn't thought about this Aircraft and their unique (for their day)"nose cannon" in eons. If memory serves, a few of these obsolete (as far as dueling with Zeros) were used quite effectively in support of "grunts" on the ground in New Guinea and the 'canal. Cheers.
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