GULL FORCE

2/21st.Battalion Association

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....

http://youtu.be/kdKb3jK7eXU

Our wreath laying service at Laha part 2....

http://youtu.be/TI_mO7xq1Hc

Wreath laying at Kudamati....

http://youtu.be/6YZ1THhR-1s

Tantui Service 09/09/2010 part 1...

http://youtu.be/MX03I_9rjr8

Tantui Service 09/09/2010 part 2...

http://youtu.be/HpG1b3RgfII

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September 2011 Pilgrimage to Ambon

SUNDAY 4th Sept [Melbourne – Bali]
On 4th September, Father's Day, 25 people departed Melbourne International Airport at 0910 hrs for a flight to Denpasar, Bali. Included in the group was Max/Eddie Gilbert, a 2/21st veteran aged 90 years.
On arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport, we saw six fighter planes on the tarmac. Indonesia and Australia were holding a joint air drill, from 5-10 September 2011, called "Elang Ausindo 2011" at the air force base station at Ngurah. Andre, our friend from Tropis Tours and Yoeman, our Balinese tourist guide, warmly greeted us at the airport. After being presented with a necklace of frangipani flowers, we boarded our bus for transfer to the Ramayana Resort and Spa in Kuta, Bali (two hours behind Australia EST). After a welcome drink at the hotel, some of the group rested while others went shopping. A buffet dinner was held at 7pm and we then retired for the night as tomorrow we would fly to Ambon.

MONDAY 5th Sept [Bali – Ambon]
At 0445 ours we departed the hotel for the airport for an early flight to Makassar, change of airlines, and then on to Ambon. There were 15 people in our group making the trip to Ambon for the first time who had a family connection to a Gull Force veteran. The first sighting of Ambon from the air was an "Island of Mist". On landing some of the ‘first timers’ observed the lush, tropical and peaceful ambiance of the Ambon landscape. On arrival at Pattimura Airport Ambon, we were warmly greeted by May, Michael, Ippy and staff from the Mutiara Hotel and presented with a traditional Ambonese scarf which read "Gull Force 2011".
We boarded the bus for our service at the Australian War Memorial at Tawiri village where we were greeted with a sign welcoming back Gull Force, a village brass band and local men, women and children of the village. During a very moving service conducted by Rob, Eddie laid a wreath and we all placed red poppies at the site with time for silent contemplation. The women of the village prepared morning tea for us and then the children with grinning faces gathered around as lollies and small gifts were handed out under the watchful eyes of their parents.
Some walked with the local children, while others bussed to Laha Village just up the road from Tawiri. Another service was held by a memorial in a family’s backyard with another wreath laid by Eddie Gilbert and poppies placed by us on the memorial.
We left Laha Village and meandered our way toward Ambon City hugging the coast line. Some of the ‘first timers’ observed how Ambon was larger and hillier than anticipated and once arriving at Ambon City were struck by an unexpected large and busy CBD. It was late afternoon when we arrived at the Mutiara Hotel, with yet another “Welcome Gull Force” banner. Mutiara was to be our home for the next six nights.

TUESDAY 6th Sept [Ambon]
With heavy rain overnight we awoke to grey skies. Today the majority of the group visited Siwa Lima Museum and the Aquatic Memorial. The rest, Rob, Sue, Christine, Deb, Emily and May visited the Ambon General Hospital and were welcomed by Frona, the Director of the hospital, and her staff. A donation of money was presented to Frona on behalf of Gull Force with the promise of medical supplies when released by customs in Ambon. It was very rewarding to meet the four nurses that Gull Force had sponsored to complete their nursing qualifications (two as theatre nurses, one in dermatology and one general nurse). We were then given a tour of the newly built and impressive operating theatre complex, which will be opened in October.
Next was a visit to the Tantui War Memorial for personal contemplation and visiting the grave sites of deceased family members and other 2/21st A.I.F. We were struck by how peaceful the cemetery was and by its beautiful and very well maintained gardens by John and his staff. Every one of us had a significant connection to this site, with a special story to tell about their Gull Force relative. The depth of feelings and attachment was particularly apparent from those that were there for the first time and particularly those whose fathers, grandfathers or uncles never returned and were buried there in a named grave or an Unknown Soldier grave site.
Lunch was at Namalatu beach with no swimming today because of continuing heavy rain. It was also too dangerous to go to Pintu Kota, the Hole in the Rock, because of the inclement weather.
On the way back to the Mutiara Hotel, we called in to the home of a local Ambon artist to observe him making miniature ships, ‘stick people’ and other items from dried cloves. Many items were bought and orders taken that afternoon, to be delivered before we departed Ambon.
Maya, one of our guides from 2007 tour, came to visit us at the hotel that evening. Before her meal, Maya was happy to show several of us new shopping areas. The T Shirt shop did a thriving trade from Gull Force members!
At about midnight, there was a huge fireworks display not far from the hotel, to celebrate Kota Ambon Anniversary, the next day.

WEDNESDAY 7th Sept [Ambon]
Today was the Kota Ambon Anniversary. Due to the renovations of the oval and construction of an underground car park, no school children's activities were held today. On the bus again, we drove towards Hila, and first stopped at a local school where some students were being sponsored by Lawamena, a Melbourne based Ambon community group, and the Ballarat Rotary Club.
Then it was on to Fort Amsterdam, built by the Dutch in the 17th century. Magnificent views of the bay were observed from the top floor of the Fort. Next, we visited the Christian Church, which has been rebuilt after the conflict of 1999-2004. Many villagers and children came to see us when we called at the Wapauwe Mosque in Kaitetu. Fun games were played with the children and sweets were given out. After lunch at the Fort, we drove to Hitu to call on Rajah Hitu. We were made welcome and introduced to the Rajah, his wife and young son. The village was celebrating the ending of Ramadan. Eddie informed us that Hitu Bay was one of the landing sites of the Japanese Army who then made their way over the tropical mountain to the inland side of Ambon where the Australian Army were based.
That evening the Gull Force group were invited to attend the Kota Ambon celebrations, acknowledging Ambon’s 436 year anniversary, at the new and lavish church hall, just across from the Mutiara Hotel. The night’s entertainment included addresses by dignitaries including all church leaders, choirs, awards for sporting and community achievements and a light meal. Rob was asked to address the audience and Eddie was fittingly welcomed onto the stage.

THURSDAY 8th Sept [Ambon]
After breakfast, the majority of the group visited the Martha Christina Tiahahu Monument. It was a hot sunny day, so very different from the torrents of rain of the previous days on Ambon. Local school children (from May’s granddaughter’s primary school) sang Waltzing Matilda and other songs and then showed us the Ambonese Folk Dance. We all joined in and had a lot of fun and laughter together.
Rob, Sue, Grace and Christine went to the Customs Office where our goods were opened and identified. Later that afternoon, the six boxes were released and delivered to the hotel.
Rob, May and Christine visited the Huitamuri Clinic. Dr. Bonney was presented with medical supplies and a money donation from Gull Force. Rusting of instruments is a problem at the newly built clinic as it boarders the sea.
We drove up through the mountains to Leihari Primary School passing through Soya and Naku villages. We were greeted with a wonderful welcome. Two children presented Eddie with a traditional scarf and the school band played for us. We then walked up to the school with the villagers and red and white flags lining the road. We presented gifts to the School Principal, then watched the children as they entertained us with three traditional dances – what a memorable and wonderful time we had. Lunch was served which was then followed with more dancing and this time we joined in. Some of us who had not visited this school before were quite overwhelmed by the experience and of the deep relationship between Gull Force and the Leihari School. Sadly we boarded the bus. We then headed to a sago plantation, where again we were accompanied by beautiful children.
On our return journey to the hotel we stopped at a beautiful beach and had time for a quick swim and some lunch. There then appeared on the beach a Shell music band of about 30 secondary school children playing various sizes and styles of shells with the accompaniment of other instruments. What an amazing sight to see this very accomplished and unusual band.
The Gull Force group was invited to the Governor’s residence for a private dinner that night. On arrival we were welcomed by the Governor and his wife saying ‘Welcome to "my mansion”’. We were treated to a beautiful traditional banquet in their grand home. Their hospitality and warmth didn’t go unnoticed. It was an extraordinary experience for us all..

FRIDAY 9th Sept [Ambon]
In the morning the Gull Force Group proceeded to Hunimua Beach where we were entertained by young women and men performing the ‘Crazy Bamboo’ dance which involved large bamboo rods on the ground, similar to a Scottish reel and band. Some of our ladies were asked to try out their dancing skills!
Then it was time to wade onto two speedboats which took us to Pombo Island, a 20 minute ride through quiet seas. There Andre and his team prepared a delicious BBQ lunch of chicken, fish and baked potatoes. After fruit, tea and coffee, relaxing swimming in the rain and a stroll around the island, we boarded the boats again for our return trip back to Ambon.
On our return journey the Gull force group called into Waai village to see the Sacred Eels being fed, and a chance to see the local children and give out lollies and small gifts. After a relaxing swim in the Tulehu Natural Hot Springs, we returned to the hotel to find that Tom Pledger, a 2/21st veteran, and his daughter, Nan, and the Edwards, had arrived in Ambon that afternoon.
That evening Christine and her team of three, Shirley, Margaret and Deb, sorted, itemised and packed the donated medical supplies from Melbourne, for distribution to the hospitals.

SATURDAY 10th Sept [Ambon]
In the morning of the 10th we attended the anniversary service at Tantui War Cemetery that commemorated the day that the 2/21st were freed. A very moving service was conducted by Rob that included a student choir from Ambon University (who had recently won the Indonesian university student competition) singing several beautiful and contemplative songs whilst standing in the torrential rain, a bugler playing The Last Post and readings from a daughter, granddaughter and nephew of a 2/21st veteran. A wreath was laid by Eddie Gilbert and Tom Pledger and Gull force members laid red poppies.
It was back to our hotel for a morning tea. Later that afternoon, Christine, May, Shirley and Deb delivered medical supplies to Ambon General, and the Muslim and Christian Hospitals which also received small donations. The Christian Hospital is in the greatest of need, especially surgical instruments. Nine others went to the Suli Village to help serve lunch to the needy. We then met up at the Kudamati Australian Monument, a site of fighting between the Japanese and Australian forces. A Short service was held together with the placing of a wreath and poppies. It was our last chance to pay our respects.
There was some last minute shopping before the farewell dinner that night. The Farewell dinner was a fabulous way to end this part of our trip. We were suitably attired in various versions of traditional dress! Gifts were distributed to Andre, May, Michael and all staff at the Mutiara Hotel for their wonderful assistance to us all while in Ambon. The night concluded with a Congo dance meandering its way around the hotel restaurant involving the entire group and the Mutiara staff – a fitting conclusion to a memorable night and journey in Ambon.

SUNDAY 11th Sept [Ambon - Bali]
The Gull Force Group departed Mutiara Hotel at 0600 hrs for Pattimura Airport for our flight to Makassar with Andre, May and Michael. At Makassar Airport, we were met by our guide, Mutashi, who took us on a bus tour to the port, the busy city area and to lunch at Suyra, a seafood restaurant. Makassar is known for its large Chinese population, fishing, cement and rice flour.
Our flight to Bali was delayed for several hours and we did not depart Makassar Airport until 2115 hrs. A very tired group arrived in Bali who were met by Yoeman and driven to our Ramayana Hotel in Kuta. We had missed our dinner on the beach because of the flight delay.

MONDAY 12th Sept [Bali]
After breakfast some group members decided to have a relaxing day or go shopping while others went on a day tour up to the Volcano for lunch, visiting beautiful Hindu temples along the way. The day concluded watching the sun set over Balinese waters and temples extending out to sea.

TUESDAY 13th Sept [Bali – Melbourne]
Some of us stayed by the hotel or shopped while others went on a half day tour to visit the monkeys, another temple, and silver smithing. After a last dinner together at the hotel the Gull Force group was transferred to the Ngurah Rai International Airport to catch 10.10pm flight to Melbourne Scheduled to arrive at 5.25am on Wednesday 14th. There were many very fond and heartfelt farewells to May, Michael, Andre and Yoeman who were so generous with their time and spirit that ensured a never-to-be forgotten pilgrimage to Ambon.

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....