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Photos > Ambon Gull Force Associaton conducted a pilgrimage to Ambon on 5th to 13th September 2007. This was the first pilgrimage back to Ambon in 9 years as the internal situation on Ambon made travel to the island unsafe. In the years from 1967 until 1998 Gull Force veterans were able to conduct their annual pilgrimage to coincide with Anzac Day where a service was held at the Tantui War Cemetery with full military support. We hope to return to Ambon in 2009. Below are some photos of the 2007 pilgrimage.
Memorial at Laha, Ambon
Memorial at Kudamati, Ambon
Memorial at Tantui War Cemetery - Ambon
Base of the cross which was destroyed during the conflict 1999 -2004 - Ambon.
Tantui War Cemetery - Ambon
Grave stone, one of many similar in honour of an unidentified soldier.
Wreath laying at Tantui War Cemetery
Ambonese Choir sang for us 10th September 2007 September 2009 Pilgrimage to Ambon Our 2009 pilgrimage was a great success. We flew into Jakarta on 3rd September from Melbourne and caught a local flight to Ambon overnight to arrive early morning. We went straight to Tawari and had a service at the newly refurbished memorial. We then went to the second cairn which has not been visited by Gull Force members in over 30 years. This cairn is in the back yard of a local family and the association has had a plaque forged which will be attached to it. Our 10 day tour was a mixture of cultural and historical experiences as well as a fitting remembrance and honour to our Gull Force men; to those who came home and those who did not. While we were there we were looked after by Andre Sitanala and his staff at Tropis Tours and The Hotel Mutiara. The attention to detail and extra things that were provided for us by Andre made the whole experience unforgettable. Anyone wishing to visit Ambon on their own should consider consulting The Hotel Mutiara, the Gull Force Association has no hesitation in recommending their service. The hotel's web site is www.hotelmutiaraambon.com Below are some photos of our trip.
The welcome banner at the Laha Memorial
The refurbished Memorial - September 2009
Our 2009 Tour Group with some of the Tantui Staff
Our service on 10th September 2009 - Veteran Lionel Penny placed the wreath.
View of the Tantui Commonwealth War Cemetery
Beautiful trees surround the men at rest.
John Gaspersz, Cemetery curator (left) and Sue Head, secretary Gull Force Assoc.(centre) with gardening staff at Tantui
View from the Cenotaph - The damaged cross has been removed.
Kudamati memorial 2009. Plans have now been completed using the grant from The Australian War Graves Commission photos below.
The restored memorial.
The restored front entrance to the Kudamati Memorial - Ambon.
One amazing day on the deserted island of Pombo - unforgettable.
Some of the wonderful hotel Mutiara staff with Andre Sitanala (second from left) who helped to make our trip so memorable.
September 2010 Pilgrimage to Ambon Our 2010 pilgrimage was another great success. 11 travellers (including 1 veteran) flew into Bali on 3rd September from Melbourne and stayed over night at the Bali Rani Hotel. The next day we caught a local flight to Ambon via Macassar where we had an informative bus tour of the historic island.When we arrived in Ambon we were met by our guides and went straight to Tawari for a service at the memorial cairn in the village square. We then went to the second cairn which is in the back yard of a local family and laid another wreath. Our tour consisted of a mixture of cultural and historical experiences and we had quite a lot of interest from the local media - radio, TV about our trip. Below are some photos of the pilgrimage.
Lionel Penny lays the wreath at the Laha Memorial. Commonwealth War Cemetery,Tantui. 2010
2010 group at Tantui 2010 group with the Mayor of Ambon and the Vice Governor.
Wreath laying at tantui 2010 Lionel gets a hug Video links appear below. Our wreath laying service at Laha part 1.... Our wreath laying service at Laha part 2.... Wreath laying at Kudamati.... Tantui Service 09/09/2010 part 1... Tantui Service 09/09/2010 part 2...
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September 2011 Pilgrimage to Ambon SUNDAY 4th Sept [Melbourne – Bali]
THURSDAY 8th Sept [Ambon]
TUESDAY 13th Sept [Bali – Melbourne] Video links appear below. Our wreath laying service at Laha.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIZthVNUZMo Our wreath laying service at Tawiri.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuBxtr0rX3I On route to the Mutiara Hotel... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVBBQnbKbMU Bamboo dancing.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPL0lXouP_E Veteran Eddie Gilbert talk on Pombo Island.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGP82xR3n1I Eddie Gilbert at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Tantui.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUKtcEQr7EE Eddie talks at Namalatu beach.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n7u8FWk8Fc Leihari Elementary School welcome... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azH1vujfNgA Leihari Elementary School dancing etc... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_S56khpiJA Eddie talks at Sago processing ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rU0YjCyhg Tantui Service 10/9/11 part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqy0Ih8VtIY Tantui Service 10/9/11 part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08Fcp8ATZg Tantui Service 10/9/11 part 3
Some photos of our 2011 pilgrimage
Welcome sign at Tawari village. Our service led by Rob McDougall.
Eddie Gilbert places the wreath on the Laha memorial. The Brass band from Tawiri village.
Laha 5th September 2011
Eddie Gilbert places the wreath on the second site. At the reception dinner for the Ambon Day celebrations.
Our group with the Governor at his residence. On Pombo Island.
Leihari Elementary School The Choir perform for us at The Commonwealth War cemetery Tantui -10th September 2011
Veterans, Eddie Gilbert and Tom Pledger Eddie and Tom place the wreath 10th September 2011
Pilgrimage to Ambon – September 2012 It was heart-warming to connect with the Gull Force Group at the airport and feel welcomed with smiles, handshakes and a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead. Sue’s calm and gentle leadership style and impeccable planning of our travel arrangements helped those of us who were first timers quickly move into a place of calm for our pilgrimage. Those who had travelled to Ambon previously were very inclusive and helpful and, supported Sue in creating sense of belonging for us all. When we arrived for an afternoon and evening in Bali, we were warmly greeted by Andre’, who was a great support for Sue throughout the trip. Each of us received a beautiful lei of flowers and welcoming smiles. The next morning we had another two fights to get to Ambon. We arrived to wonderful greetings from May, who gave each of us a traditional dried clove lei and Michael, who has an infectious smile and had a joyful willingness to support us in any and every way. We knew this trip was going to be more that special as we drove through Tawiri Village to an Australian War Memorial. We were greeted by the sound of a brass band, smiling children and their parents who welcomed us with open hearts. The ceremony was led by Des. It was simple, very moving and heart-warming. A wreath was laid and we all gently placed traditional poppies. The children sang for us the brass band played and we enjoyed a cup of tea. We also stopped for ceremony at a memorial that sits in the backyard of one of the homes in Laha Village where we also placed a wreath and poppies. We settled into our hotel in Ambon. It was a perfect start to what would be a very personal journey for each of us. It was perfect planning for us to visit the Tantui War Memorial the very next day. This was the site of the POW camp and it now stands as a beautiful, peaceful, memorial garden in honour of those brave WW2 servicemen who passed away on Ambon and surrounding islands. Each of us connected with this place in our own way. It was very quiet and very moving. Some of us on the pilgrimage spent personal time at the graves of our departed heroes, while others gently roamed around the site in solemn contemplation. We were invited to the official celebrations of Ambon’s 437th birthday extravaganza. During the celebrations we learnt that Darwin was Ambon’s Sister City and that the mayor of Darwin was in the official party. The celebrations included an evening at the official function at the Mayor’s residence. The next night we were also invited to the Governor’s official residence for a meal and further celebrations. We enjoyed a couple of days exploring the island as we travelled to monuments, villages and schools. At each official stop we enjoyed children performing traditional dances, bands playing and an enthusiastic welcome by the community. We were all delighted to see the great sense of community at each village and how the children were so very happy, playful and well behaved with sense of occasion and a respect for their elders. Prior to our pilgrimage, Sue’s daughter Alison organised fund raising events to support a community who was displaced from their homes by the conflict on the Island some 10 years earlier. Alison arranged for the purchase of packages of rice, food and essential supplies. A highlight of our visit to Ambon was to support Alison with the distribution of the packages to each family. Some of us brought along clothing that we passed on to community leaders for distribution as well. We also visited Leihari village in the mountains, where there was great celebration as Sue and Des offered the school musical instruments and a lap top computer on behalf of Gull Force. During the war, at great danger to themselves, the villagers had offered wonderful support to Australians who were on work parties. Gull Force offers specific support to their school as a way of demonstrating our thanks and gratitude. Off the coast of Hunimua Beach is the lovely, uninhabited island of Pombo. We enjoyed a magical day where we were treated to a BBQ lunch and a swim in the clear, calm water. The speed boat journey to and from the island was an experience in itself! In honour of our visit, we were treated to observe a traditional Ambonese Ceremony and three of us took up the challenge to participate … which was a great honour and a lot of fun! On the 10th of September, which is the anniversary of liberation day for the surviving POW’s, we went back to the Tantui War Memorial for the official commemorative service of our pilgrimage. It was wonderful to again have the chance to spend quiet contemplative time at the graves of our family members. We were joined by a family from England who came to Ambon to visit the gravesite of a family member. During the ceremony a choir sang for us and a bugler played the last post. We then travelled to the Kudamati where the Australians and Japanese fought. We lay a wreath and poppies at the Australian Monument that proudly stands there. It was lovey to see the Australian Flag gently flowing in the breeze. With our journey to Ambon coming to a close, we enjoyed an evening of celebration with the staff of the hotel and others who supported us on the trip. We all knew that saying goodbye the next morning was going to pull on the heartstrings … so the ‘Aussie style party’ was on! It was wonderful to enjoy a couple of days in Bali on the way home to connect with each other, relax, swim, eat, shop and do some sightseeing. Twenty of us travelled together and all twenty of us went out of our way to connect with each other and celebrate the unique opportunity that the pilgrimage offered us. We laughed together, shared happy hour and meals together; some of us shed a tear together. Together we honoured the people of Ambon and brave and courageous men of Gull Force the 2/21st Battalion, and those who served and fell beside them. Together we honoured those brave men who survived and the brave men who lay at rest on the beautiful and unique island of Ambon. Pilgrimage to Ambon – September 2013
To read the report of the 2013 tour please click on report link Some photos from the trip are below.
Wreath laying service at Laha The second cairn in the backyard of a private home in Tawiri village.
Wreath laying at Kudamati New gates and fencing protect the Kudamati memorial
The new memorial to the 352 men who served on Ambon and returned home after the end of the war is unveiled.
Sons and daughters of the returned veterans of Gull Force at the memorial. The new Stone of remembrance at Tantui Cemetery. Pilgrimage to Ambon – September 2014 As a very new member of Gull Force and a first-time visitor to Ambon - and indeed Indonesia - this pilgrimage has been a deeply memorable experience. To be tasked with writing the report on behalf of the 2014 group is both an honour and a great challenge. Each pilgrim has their own special story to tell of their loved family member. Likewise, each of us has reacted in our own way to the many things we experienced in the past eight days. The whole experience was so well organised for us by a team of fantastic people, Rob, Sue, Des and the Gull Force committee, and led locally by the talented Andre, May, Juliet and Victor, who guided us with such care, grace and humour. They were backed up by the Mutiara Hotel staff, our bus driver Sam and no doubt many, many others we did not see. As an acronym, the letters of the word TEAM stand for "Together Everyone Achieves More" and that was evident in spades this week. We deeply appreciate all their efforts. My words are not such much a chronicle of what we did but reflections on the experiences we had. So here goes. In the end, people matter. Our pilgrimage again proved this true, as it was the warm, gentle, engaging people of Ambon who really 'made' our pilgrimage. That their fathers, grandfathers, uncles and cousins helped our family members over 70 years ago while they were imprisoned in the worst of conditions one could image, is truly humbling. Many Ambonese people risked so much and lost their lives in trying to help our men. Such kindness and bravery speaks volumes about the character of the people. To the best of my knowledge, the number of Ambonese caught and killed for their humanitarian acts has not been fully recorded, let alone the torture many would have suffered. We should never forget them. The pilgrimage of 2014, a merry troupe of 23 which had both a solemn and helpful purpose, has spent eight incredible days on Ambon. Arriving at the airport, warm smiles and a fragrant necklace of cloves greeted us as we stepped off the plane. We were all excited to arrive, and us first-timers probably a tad apprehensive. However, the focus shifted within minutes to the fundamental purpose of why we all traveled here. Honouring the lives of all those who served on Ambon - those who never left and those who did return - is both a rare privilege and a special responsibility. The 2014 group were here to specifically honour Ben Amor, Henry Robinson, Frank Greig, Eric Kelly, Francis Oakley, Albert Hooper, Jim McDougall, , William Ripper, Des O'Brien and Alexander Moore. In my case, I felt it a compelling obligation. It was only in January this year that my mother told me about my great uncle Henry Robinson, who died at Tan Tui just six weeks before liberation. As soon as I heard about Henry, I felt a strong urge to pursue him and his story to the best of my ability. This led me to Max Gilbert and the Gull Force Association, which has proven to be a much more than a valuable partner in this quest. This important, very effective group is committed to keeping the 2/21st Battalion's story alive, to honour all those who served on Ambon and to work alongside the Ambonese people in small but significant ways. Put simply - remembering, giving and looking to the future. The annual pilgrimage to Ambon plays a critical part in fulfilling each of the Association's high ideals. The commemoration at Laha on the very first afternoon was possibly the most poignant. None of us was left unmoved as family members embraced around the memorial and we contemplated the horrible fate that faced the 308 Australian and Dutch servicemen massacred at Laha in February, 1942. Standing at the place where many bodies were discovered, I found myself suddenly stepping back a pace or two. This was not only out of respect but also for the horror which faced those men, which is too confronting to even contemplate. The local villagers felt our collective pain. The deep tragedy of the story was softened by their carefully prepared afternoon tea and the classy Tawiri brass band. Their rendition of "Amazing Grace" brought more than a few tears in what was a highly charged, emotional experience. Later that afternoon, the singing, dancing, smiling Tawiri school children helped lift our mood to a different place. It wasn't long before we are up dancing with them. While we know little of their language, this contact was one way of showing that we cared, despite our strange faces! That our family members were sent to Ambon by Australian defence command, knowing full well that the Battalion had little hope of survival, and then effectively abandoning them after their defeat makes the work of the Gull Force Association in keeping the story alive imperative. It is appropriate that the things we do in the Amon community as Gull Force are largely focussed on the long term. Just like the water tank built by veterans, including Naomi's grandfather, in the village of Soya over 40 years ago, what we do should be aimed at having a lasting impact. Nonetheless, the dire circumstances of the displaced people in the Paso camp are such that more immediate assistance is also a good thing for us to do. The material aid we were able to provide to those families that day in conjunction with Lawamena, small though it was, was more than repaid in their smiles and gratitude. Meeting Eddie, the magnificent 74 yo camp patriarch, hearing a little of his story delivered in amazingly good English and then joining him singing in perfect pitch "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean", was an amazing, quite surreal experience. We have much to learn from their spirit. Let's hope they have a brighter future soon. Like Tawiri, our visit to Schools 2 & 4 was a happy experience. The students danced and sung, shared their joy which seemed as real as you could get. The boxes of school supplies we brought were much appreciated and will be put to good use. Schools 2 & 4 have been largely re-built after the riots of 1999 -2004. Gull Force, Lawamena and Rotary have been involved in helpful projects at the site and more are becoming evident. Rob McDougall has played a critical role here, in arranging a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant in a way which has never been done before, with a great result. The Tawiri kindergarten is in far worse condition, needing a new roof, toilets, concrete paving and playground to name a few physical needs. Not that the kinder kids knew it though, as their presentation and the standard of their work was simply amazing. Gull Force should be able make a difference there. Education and health are always critical components of community development, so the Gull Force support of schools - and now the Tawiri kindergarten - is most worthy, as are the medical supplies given to hospitals and the nursing scholarships, again done in conjunction with Lawamena. On the anniversary of the day when four Australian corvettes steamed into Ambon harbour on September 10, 1945, the Gull Force pilgrims gathered at TanTui and then Kudamati for our commemoration services. For many, these services were the focus of the pilgrimage. Both services were simple and respectful. The grey skies and increasing rain which fell that morning were not inappropriate to the occasion. We were joined by two senior defence force officers and Ambon - Darwin sister city representative, Hayley Barich with her mother Helen. In the midst of the graves at Tan Tui, we stood in silence, contemplating each man lost, the joys of life denied to them. While the beauty of the cemetery looking over Ambon Harbour and the care shown by those who maintain - led by John - is quite a sight, the arrival of the Corvettes on that September morning would have been a far more incredible sight for the survivors. As our President Des reflected during the service, it would have been a bittersweet moment for those who did survive, knowing the majority of their compatriots would have to be left behind - the triumph and the tragedy of Ambon. Then at Kudamati, we remembered the veterans who somehow made it through the camp horrors. When back in Australia, many suffered from their long ordeal. However, a number returned in subsequent years to support the people of Ambon in practical ways. What an important gesture this was, a gracious act in response to the generosity of the people towards them. The quiet pride of the survivors' families was palpable. If you have a connection to the Gull Force story and have not yet been to Ambon, I warmly encourage you to take part in one of these pilgrimages. It is far more than a tour. Your experiences will broaden your mind, expand your knowledge, challenge your perceptions and occasionally take you outside your comfort zone. It will leave you wanting to know more. Our experiences ranged from helping the most dispossessed to dining with the most powerful. The Ambon Day celebration was a magnificent festival. For the whole group to be invited to the festival and then the reception at the Mayor's official home that evening, is testimony to the high regard in which Gull Force is held. The pilgrimage also introduces you to the delights, the beauty, the paradoxes and the people of Ambon, a community with a long history which has also seen more than its share of conflict and tragedy. Ambon is emerging, with complex community, economic and infrastructure challenges. I found Ambon an incredibly engaging place, drawing me in with its colour, smells, vibrancy and ginger & nut coffee! There is much potential here but much to be done. If Gull Force can continue to help, even in 'micro' ways, it will be worthwhile. Winston Churchill once said: "We make a living by what we earn but we make a life by what we give." The men of Gulf Force lived this, the Gull Force Association understands it. In the end, people do matter. The Gull Force Association is all about this, wanting to make a difference to the people of Ambon in honouring the men of the 2/21st Battalion and all who served here. There are few more worthy endeavours.
2014 Pilgrimage group at The Laha memorial. Wreath layed at the second cairn in Tawiri.
Pilgrimage group outside the Mutiara Hotel, Ambon. The stone of remembrance at The Commonwealth War Cemetery, Tantui. Pilgrimage to Ambon – September 2015 By Melissa Gabriel It is sixteen years since my last pilgrimage to Ambon in 1998. I decided to return this year as it is the 70th Anniversary of Freedom since WW11. The sense of connectivity, the emotional bond and the gratitude between the Ambonese people and Gull Force is just as overwhelming, if not more so, sixteen years on. I am so grateful that the Pilgrimages have kept going! Below are some photos from the 2015 Pilgrimage.
Memorial at Tawiri We were welcomed by the Tawiri Band.
Laha memorial behind a private home. The official opening of the toilet block for the kindergarten built with donations from Gull Force
The Tawiri Kindergarten.
The 2015 tour group outside the Mutiara Hotel. Food was donated for 60 families in Passo living in hardship.
Leihari Elementary school received balls, educational equipment and a sound system. Ambonesia's sharing of food at Soya village. A wonderful musical welcome was given to us
Food sharing.
Commonwealth War Cemetery -Tantui Our group behind the 779 poppies(those who died) and 352 lillies(those who survived)which represented our Gull Force men
The Stone of Remembrance - Tantui.
Kudamati honour wall
Ambon Bay, simply beautiful. Ambon City at night.
Alex Miles has written an interesting report on the tour. Please click HERE to view a PDF copy.
Pilgrimage to Ambon - 2017 After a one-year break, the Association conducted another very successful pilgrimage to Ambon to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of freedom for the Gull Force survivors. During our service we also conducted a moving piece to remember the 75th anniversary of the Laha massacre. Our trip began with travellers meeting in Jakarta. We had 3 arrive from Sydney, 2 from Perth and 18 from Melbourne. The next day saw the group arrive in Ambon to conduct wreath laying at Laha and Tawiri. The group was also able to dedicate a new memorial plaque at the site of a previously unmarked mass grave in Tawiri which was located again in April 2016. Our service on 10th September began just as the morning rain stopped. We all participated in placing a poppy for each of the 296 Gull Force men who were massacred at Laha in February 1942 as their names were read; the stone of Remembrance was surrounded in a sea of poppies and we were able to reflect on the number of men who suffered. Our prayers and wreath laying was enhanced by the beautiful voices of the choir who sang for us. A short service and placing of wreaths at Kudamati concluded our remembrances. We all enjoyed the farewell dinner at the Mutiara Hotel which we shared with our Ambonese friends, we had fun, music and dancing to say goodbye for this year’s trip. The plaque for the site of Mass grave number 1 at Tawiri was dedicated. Poppies, one placed at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, for each soldier massacred at Laha.
Wreath laying and poppies 2017 2017 tour group with Ambonese friends and Australian Embassy Naval representative. The large trees behind the Mosque grow in the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Tantui.
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