Pacific Coast Watcher finally recognized for WWII heroism

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Pacific Coast Watcher Pu Banaba Full circle

They were the eyes and ears of the Allied forces during World War II’s Pacific campaign, but for decades civilian coastwatchers in the Pacific Islands have not received the same recognition as their New Zealand counterparts.

But now New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kirrow has presented certificates to the families of more than 25 Pacific Island coastwatchers and five Postal and Telecommunications Department coastwatchers in recognition of the sacrifices their relatives made in service.

The much-anticipated ceremony honouring dozens of war heroes took place at Government House in Wellington on Tuesday.

The Coastwatcher Service Certificate Presentation Ceremony was held at Government House, Wellington on 2 July 2024. The Governor General, Dame Cindy Kirrow (GNZM, QSO), presented certificates to the families of 25 Pacific Island Coastwatchers (and the families of 5 Postal and Telecommunications Department Coastwatchers) as the final step in recognising their service.
photo: Photo courtesy of Corporal Naomi James

Pacific Coast Watcher Pu Banaba

Pu Banaba is a Pacific Coast observer. Served as a radio operator on Suvarof Island, using Morse code.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, Sergeant Beni Barnaba, and fought in World War I.

Tarani Drollet, a descendant of Pu Banaba, said Pacific Islander families had a fight for recognition.

“Without the family’s attention to this matter and without the help of the military, this would not have happened.

“We as a family are glad to be here to honor their memory, and we’re glad they’re being recognized.”

At times, conditions on isolated islands were unbearable. During one severe hurricane, Pu Banaba and other coast watchers on Suvarof Island had to tie themselves to trees to avoid being swept away by the powerful storm and tsunami that swept over the island.

After World War II, Pu Banaba spent the rest of his life on Rarotonga, where his family owned a plantation in the village of Marairenga.

Last year, to mark the 106th anniversary of Father Beni’s death, a memorial plaque for Pu was the first in New Zealand to be dedicated to a coastwatcher, with both men buried in the same cemetery in Auckland.

Service runs in the family, with another of Papa Pu Banaba’s nieces, Arii Urirau, also receiving an honour from the Queen for her services to the Cook Islands community. She wears her relative’s medal with pride.

“We achieved our goal. This is not for ourselves, but for our future generations.”

A historical report prepared by defence historian John Crawford concluded that about 50 to 60 civilian coastwatchers and another 50 civilians from other parts of the Pacific received no formal recognition for their services.

“The only sad thing of course is that for these men it was too late, which is a little cruel, but that’s the way it is,” Crawford said.

“It’s very special for me to actually be a part of a project that can make an impact and go some way toward correcting the neglect that happened years ago. It’s very heartwarming to see the families come; they’re really excited about it.”

Pictured: Official group photo. Coastwatcher service certificate presentation ceremony at Government House, Wellington, 2 July 2024. Governor General Dame Cindy Kirrow, GNZM, QSO, presented certificates to the families of 25 Pacific Island Coastwatchers (and the families of five Postal and Telecommunications Department Coastwatchers) as the final step in recognising their service.
photo: Photo courtesy of Corporal Naomi James

Full circle

One man searches for it all in a quest to learn more about his grandfather.

In 2018, Will Cathers is researching his grandfather – William Keely Cathers In 1942, at the age of 16, he was posted to Mitiaro, a remote outer island in the Cook Islands.

Cathers eventually discovered that his grandfather was one of dozens of young men, many still teenagers, who were trained as coastwatchers as part of New Zealand’s first line of defence during World War II.

Cathers wrote to the New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand Prime Minister at the time to inform them of his discovery, which led to the discovery of more Pacific Coast Watchers.

“I’m really happy. The war is a long time ago, more than 80 years ago, but for my family and other families, this is really special.”

Cathers choked up as he spoke of the emotional moment in the ceremony and how much it meant to the families to be able to “cherish” their war hero loved ones.

He hopes the Pacific Coast Watcher legacy will be fondly remembered as part of New Zealand’s endeavour.

“That’s what I intend to do – make sure they are not marginalized and let people know that we contributed to the efforts in the 1940s.”

For more information on Pacific Coast Watchers – Documentary and Podcast: https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/coastwatchers