Soldiers Without Guns Part 1

The Navy's 1990 peace mission in Bougainville.

In New Zealand much has been said and written about the 1997 Truce Monitoring Group (TMG) and its role in bringing peace to Bougainville. There has even been a movie ‘Soldiers Without Guns’ which describes the TMG’s way of operating as ‘unprecedented and unusual in many ways. They didn't take guns. Instead, they packed music and culture.’

This prevailing memory of New Zealand and Bougainville ignores the contribution of the Royal New Zealand Navy Sailors who in 1990 climbed up onto the Wharf in Kieta Harbour and met the local people with waiata and without weapons – and who through Operation Big Talk provided the platform for the Endeavour Accord.

The presenter RADM (Retd) David Ledson participated in Operation Big Talk as the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Waikato.

Entry by $3 donation to the Royal Engineers Charitable Trust.

Second Floor, Central Library