Lance Corporal Spencer Walklate and Private Ronald Eagleton, The final two Z Special Unit soldiers killed on Kairiru Island during World War II have been laid to rest at the Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea. The soldiers were buried with military honours in the presence of their families. Also attending was the sole surviving member of their last patrol, Sapper Edgar “Mick” Dennis MM. Soldiers from the Special Air Service Regiment and the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments provided the funeral party.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO explained that Lance Corporal Walklate and Private Eagleton were captured and killed by Japanese soldiers during an eight man Z Special Unit patrol during World War Two. They were thought to be lost at sea, before evidence discovered by the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties unit lead to the discovery of their remains on Kairiru Island. “The Army is dedicated to honouring Australians who fought in all conflicts throughout our military history. Today’s ceremony reflects this commitment to our fallen men and women and the families they left behind,” “We must never forget those who served before us, and whose legacy we live to today,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
Mr Brian Manns, Manager of the Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties unit, said the funeral was the culmination of years of work. “The investigation took several years and involved an immense effort from the investigative officer and everyone in Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties team,” Mr Manns said.
Mr Manns explained that the Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties unit investigates all notifications of the discovery of human remains, as well as information that may lead to the retrieval of unrecovered Australian servicemen. The unit is investigating more than 70 active cases in Papua New Guinea, France, East Timor and Malaysia.