1/6: Late1945: Suspected Japanese war criminals from all over the Pacific region were rounded up, detained, and carefully guarded for months by troops of New Guinea Infantry Battalions. The NGIB had no love for the invaders who had brought death and destruction to their country.

2/6: Rabaul as it was: 100,000 Japanese troops were based here in WW2. The main Indian POW camps were on the distant shore at top right of picture. Rabaul is surrounded by extinct, dormant & active volcanoes. The smoking volcano is Tavurvur: it virtually destroyed the town- 1994.

¾: Australia ran thousands of ID checks of suspects and then conducted nearly 300 war crimes trials, where 924 men were accused: 644 convicted, and 137 were hanged or shot. 6 other nations, eg UK, USA & China conducted trials. A total of 984 war criminals were sentenced to death.

4/6: Many concrete bunkers and extensive deep tunnels constructed by Indian POWs are still visible. Some contain rusted old barges. At least today some good has come from the hard work of the Indian troops, which has enabled local villagers to earn some rare tourist money.

5/6: A big ceremony was held in front of all troops to lift spirits, give thanks for victory and to celebrate their culture & upcoming return home. Groups from various areas of the subcontinent performed comedy sketches, ancient songs & folk dances, like Garba, Dogri & Khattak .

6/6: The long-awaited day arrived; Oct 30,1945. The a/c carrier HMS Formidable left Rabaul packed with over 1,000 soldiers returning home to Singapore and India. Many RN ships involved in repatriating troops. Directly behind ship is the volcano. in front: sunken enemy warship.END