Clip description
This clip looks at the infrastructure maintenance and construction work, and training of local New Guineans, carried out by Army personnel stationed in East Sepik Province.
Curator’s notes
This clip shows the 21st Construction Squadron, a squadron of Royal Australian Engineers, based at Hoem, near Cape Wom. Cape Wom was the site of the Japanese 18th Army surrender on 13 September 1945. The 21st Construction Squadron was deployed to New Guinea in June 1962 and spent 12 months carrying out road, wharf and airfield construction. They also built additions to the base camp at Hoem as well as married quarters for local government employees at Wewak. New Guinean men from neighbouring villages were employed to assist them on the construction projects. The aim of such projects was not only the completion of infrastructure, but also the infusion of skills via the trainees throughout the village communities.