A NINETY-TWO year old surviving Second World War veteran from Australia has been honoured with a medal during a ceremony in Honiara last Sunday.
Bill Quinn was the highlight at the event to honour the local scouts and coast-watchers during the battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust organized the event which is now in its sixth year.
Mr Quinn, a long surviving veteran served on the HMAS Australia and participated during the US Marine landings on the Guadalcanal beaches on 7th August 1942.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Commonwealth Street in Point Cruz, Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust Patron and Minister of Foreign Affairs Milner Tozaka said the occasion was historic because it’s the first time in six years after the set up of the ‘Pride of Our Nation’ monument to honour an Australian serviceman.
“It is with great satisfaction that we are able, for the first time ever to honour an Australian serviceman that was present on the day of the landing in 1942; Mr Bill Quinn.”
Mr Quinn served on the HMAS Australia as one of the two Royal Australian Navy vessels protecting the Flotilla of troop and cargo vessels that participated in the landings of the 7th August.
“Sadly the HMAS Canberra was sunk during the battle of Savo on 9th August 1942.
“The HMAS Australia was on duty at the eastern end where the landings took place.
“So let us welcome and honour the first ever Australia Serviceman who participated in the landings at the annual commemoration,” Mr Tozaka said.
Mr Quinn who briefly fronted a TV interview after the ceremony expressed gratitude to be back in the country and being honoured with a medal for his service.
Apart from Mr Quinn five medals were also presented to descendants of Solomon Islands Scouts in honor of their bravery during the second world war.
Every year the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust honours those who have participated in the war as scouts and coastwatchers.
During the war, locals played a role as informants and looking out for Japanese. They also helped the allied forces as guides.
The ceremony coincides with the 74th anniversary celebration of the US Marines landing on Guadalcanal.
By MOFFAT MAMU