Pauline Ayuk and Tokamit Loko - Oral History interview recorded on 02 April 2017 at Lakurumau, New Ireland Province

Mrs Ayuk relates her experiences of both the first and the second second World War. At the time of the first war, she was newly married. It was at time that she witnessed Japanese invasion of Lakurumau. She tells of an experience where (she believed) her father's traditional protection kept her and her family from being harmed by the Japanese. Her father communicated with their ancestral spirits. She lived on to witness the second war. So while Other villagers hid in the bushes, Pauline and her family remained in the village unharmed. Mr Loko tells of how the name of the village was changed by the 'whiteman.' He tells that the village was initially known as 'Lodumau' but was changed to 'Lakurumau,' as it is known today. He also talks about the first invasion as told to him by relatives.

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Visit the Voices from the War website - http://pngvoices.deakin.edu.au - to access all the interviews and to learn more about the impact of World War 2 on Papua New Guinea.