Bomana War Cemetery
Central
The Bomana War Cemetery, managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, is the largest war cemetery in Papua New Guinea, containing the graves of over 2,800 soldiers who died during World War II. It primarily commemorates those who fought in the Salamaua–Lae campaign and other battles across the Morobe Province. The cemetery features a flat-topped colonnade and the iconic Cross of Sacrifice, a symbol common to Commonwealth war cemeteries. Among the buried are both identified and unidentified soldiers, including 426 Indian troops captured during the war. Notably, it is the final resting place of Victoria Cross recipients William Ellis Newton and Lieutenant Albert Chowne, recognized for their valor in the South West Pacific theatre. The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the fierce fighting that took place in Papua New Guinea and is a site of annual ANZAC dawn services commemorating the fallen.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit around ANZAC Day on April 25th to experience the solemn dawn service honoring the war dead. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the historical significance. While entry is free, respectful behavior is expected. Early morning visits offer a peaceful atmosphere and better lighting for photography. No advance ticket booking is required, but group visits may benefit from prior arrangement with the caretakers.
Interesting facts
- •The cemetery contains over 2,800 burials, including 444 unidentified soldiers.
- •It includes graves of 426 Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese in Malaya and Hong Kong.
- •William Ellis Newton VC, the only Australian airman awarded the Victoria Cross in the South West Pacific theatre, is buried here.
- •Lieutenant Albert Chowne VC, who fought in Tobruk and New Guinea, is also interred at the cemetery.
- •The Cross of Sacrifice is a prominent feature, symbolizing the sacrifice of Commonwealth soldiers.
History
The Bomana War Cemetery was established in 1944 following the conclusion of intense military campaigns in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
The site was dedicated by Lieutenant-General Sir Leslie Morshead and later came under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1947.
The cemetery holds soldiers who died in the Salamaua–Lae campaign and includes graves of prisoners of war from Malaya and Hong Kong.
Over the decades, it has become a central place of remembrance for Australian, Commonwealth, and Indian soldiers who fought in the Pacific theatre.
Place Guide
Cross of Sacrifice1944
A prominent stone cross standing on a lawn, symbolizing the sacrifice of the Commonwealth soldiers buried in the cemetery. It is a central visual feature framed by the colonnade.
Flat-topped Colonnade1944
A wide flight of steps leads to this colonnade which frames the view of the Cross of Sacrifice and serves as a memorial area within the cemetery.
Lae Memorial1944
A memorial within the cemetery commemorating 300 Australian men who have no known grave, including members of the Merchant Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and Army.