Historical Context: This poem was written very soon after the actual battle, which ended on September 16, 1943. It reflects the immediate reaction to the victory and the losses suffered.
Language: The poem uses some dated terminology that would be considered offensive today, reflecting the attitudes and language of the time it was written.
Overall, this is a commemorative poem, honouring the soldiers who died in the Battle of Lae and attempting to find meaning in their sacrifice. It provides insight into how this battle was perceived and memorialized at the time.
At Lae
By Patricia Savage
They shall not die those soldiers
Who fell upon that day,
For they are now the holders
Of a peace they found at Lae.
They held aloft the flaming torch
Until the price did pay.
But they the Japs did badly scorch
Upon the beach at Lae.
So comfort Lord, the hearts that weep
For those who died that day.
For they did so we may keep
The peace they found at Lae.
Australian troops disembarking from American Landing Ships, Tank (LST), including LST-456, at Red Beach east of Lae -
4–16 September 1943
Lae, a small town in eastern New Guinea, became significant during World War II. After Rabaul fell to the Japanese in January 1942, Lae was chosen as the new capital of Australian-mandated New Guinea. However, it was occupied by Japanese forces on March 8, 1942, before preparations were complete.
Allied plans to recapture Lae began in July 1942 as part of a larger operation to secure the Huon Peninsula. The strategy involved a pincer movement: an amphibious landing east of Lae and an airborne force at Nadzab in the Markham Valley.
On September 4, 1943, the 9th Australian Division landed east of Lae. The next day, American paratroopers captured Nadzab airstrip, allowing the 7th Australian Division to be flown in. Both divisions advanced on Lae, reaching it on September 16, with the 7th Division entering first.
The operation resulted in about 1,500 Japanese killed and 2,000 captured, while 6,500 escaped. Australian casualties were relatively light. Lae was subsequently developed as a major Allied base and now hosts a large Commonwealth War Graves cemetery, commemorating over 2,700 Australians.
Lae War Cemetery showing the first grave in Row A WX15729 Private H.P Wilson 2/11 Infrantry Battalion 6th January 1943 Age 22 For King and country - his duty nobly done
