Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this post contains the name and references to a deceased person.
This week is NAIDOC Week – an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a chance for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
As NAIDOC Week draws to a close, we would like to take another opportunity to honour a First Nations soldier.
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra commemorated the service and sacrifice of Aurukun resident Private Charlie Bob Ngakyunkwokka in the Last Post Ceremony on National Reconciliation Day, Tuesday 27 May 2025.
‘Born on 7 January 1912 at Aurukun Presbyterian Mission, Far North Queensland, Waal Waal Ngakyunkwokka served in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion during the Second World War,’ Australian War Memorial historian Dr Thomas Rogers said.
He enlisted for service with the Australian Army on 13 September 1943, joining the 2nd Australian Water Transport Group, before being transferred to the 14th Australian Water Transport Operating Company. Under constant threat of enemy sea mines and aerial attack by Japanese aircraft, his duties included piloting Army vessels in the Torres Strait and Gulf of Carpentaria, and moving personnel and stores between ships, flying boats and the shore.
‘In March 1945, Waal Waal Ngakyunkwokka was transferred to the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, one of the very few racially segregated units in Australia’s history,’ Dr Rogers said.
While on leave at Aurukun, he contracted influenza and died of pneumonia on 20 April 1945. He was 33 years old.
Waal Waal Ngakyunkwokka was buried in the Aurukun Mission Cemetery, where his is the only war grave.
Australian War Memorial Indigenous Liaison Officer Michael Bell places a poppy beside the name of Private Ngakyunkwokka on the Roll of Honour. Courtesy AWM.