ANZAC Day – Mebai Warusam and the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion

In the early 1940s, Mebai Warusam was living away from his home of Saibai Island in the Torres Strait when he first realised that the islands were under threat of Japanese military invasion.

‘I was working out at Heron Island outside of Gladstone [Queensland] when we received the news,’ Mebai said.

The skin diver and deckhand was on the pearling boat Adalpi collecting Trochus shells.

‘As I was holding the pen to sign up in the Army, I thought of my family back home. I felt I was obligated to sign up to serve my country and protect my family in the Torres Strait.’

The Strait was the fastest route between the Pacific and Indian oceans and therefore of great strategic value.

With Japan advancing, the Australian Army formed the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion (TSLIB) in 1943. It was made up of 880 Islanders and was Australia’s first and only all-Indigenous unit.

Vanessa Seekee from Torres Strait Heritage has written much about the TSLIB.

‘They initially served as infantry soldiers and ships’ pilots. Later they were trained as reconnaissance, signalmen, gunners, drivers, and cooks.  They served in Torres Strait as well as New Guinea,’ Vanessa said.

Mebai served in the army until the end of the war and has many memories of that time and those with whom he served. One memory stood out.

‘Towards the end of World War II, the D Company was out at Goode Island on the hills of Thasi Heads towards the north,’ he said.

‘We charged up the hills whilst our Commander Captain Martyrs shot live rounds behind us as a training drill.’

Vanessa said a high percentage of the adult male population signed up to serve in the armed forces.

‘When I have spoken to veterans, they had the same reasons as fellows from southern areas,’ Vanessa said. 

‘The chance for a solid wage, experience, adventure, but also they knew that as individual island communities, they could not defend their island homes.  As a combined force with the Australian Army, they could.’

Because of Mebai and those he served with, there is high regard for military service in the Torres Strait community.

‘Every family has someone who served in World War 2,’ Vanessa said.

‘Memorials are on each island, with a large memorial and statue on Thursday Island, and in 2018 six events were organised over two days to commemorate the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion’s 75th Anniversary.  The community are incredibly proud of the TSLIB and their descendants who are currently serving.’

Ninety-seven year old Mebai has a message for young Indigenous Australians about life in general and military service in particular.

‘During last ANZAC [Day] on Thursday Island, I got the privilege to pass on our traditional weapon the Bow & Arrow to a young soldier in the Charlie Company as a symbol of Strength,’ Mebai said.

‘Our forefathers have used this traditional weapon in many fights against their enemies. Today with the strength of our forefathers the Charlie Company can use that strength on their journey in the Australian Defence Force.’

‘In life, always connect with your culture and religion. Culture is your identity whilst your religion/bible is your compass in life.’

Photos: Mebai Warusam, Saibai Island, ANZAC Day 2016 (Photos courtesy of Mebai Warusam and family)