In the mid-1960s with the Pacific Island Regiment, David patrolled the lowlands, mountains and jungles of western Papua New Guinea, bordering Indonesia. The purpose of the patrol was solely to observe and report.
The patrol of the lowlands was by canoe on river, lakes and swamps. Landing sites were few and dangerous. Heat, malaria and deadly reptiles were of real concern.
Access to the ridge of the high mountain range is by air. The steep face of the mountain, deep valleys, low clouds and shifting winds before landing on a steep gradient air strip requires great pilot skills. The plane was a Cessna 170.
The people are isolated from the rest of the World, they are extremely primitive, and many (or most) have not previously seen a white person. They wear very few clothes. Some men have bamboo nose pieces. They are hunters and gatherers using mainly spears, bows and arrows.
Approximately 850 languages are spoken amongst approximately 600 tribes. Pidgin English was of assistance. Ritual cannibalism is practiced by several tribes.
The patrol moved through the dense tropical rainforest keeping a watchful lookout for potential problems.
Papua New Guinea was granted independence from Australia in September 1975.
Unfortunately, the presentation by David was limited to 30 minutes due to technical issues.. However, it was a great and insightful talk
Reporter Alan Gale