In 2005, my late granduncle Lui Naisara once shared his story of how he joined the Fiji Military Forces, which wasn’t by design.
He had followed his cousin brothers from Wailevu, Tunuloa in Cakaudrove who had come to enlist during the nationwide recruitment process for the Malayan campaign.
It was not until he was asked by the recruitment officers of who was to be the beneficiaries of his will did he realised he had unknowingly enlisted himself in the army.
“Vei tata,” (To my father), was his response with tears streaming down his face.
Kuku Lui later went on to become one of the interpreters during the Malayan campaign before being called to rest in 2009.
My fascination to know more about our war veterans was inspired by Kuku Lui’s story.
More than a decade ago I met an old man sitting at the Suva bus stand next to the man that sells newspapers.
He had a military like green cargo pants, with a black and white polo-shirt. Both his hands rested on his cane and as he leaned forward his fingers were trembling and his timeworn skin spelt the story of a lifetime.
I did not know him but was inspired to know him, with the warmest of all voices and a beautiful smile he greeted me,
“Bula vinaka noqu tagane, vinaka valevu.” (Hello my ‘son’, thank you very much).
I was lost for words because of these kind words so I continued my journey.
One Wednesday September 13, 2017, 10 years later on my way to work I met the same man at the Suva bus stand.
This time his cane was missing and he was using two crutches to aid him walk.
I smiled at him and he smiled back and he gave me a hug as if we had known each other for a long time, with the same words he uttered “bula vinaka noqu tagane, vinaka valevu.” (Hello my ‘son’, thank you very much).
I was late for work and wanted to take the lead, but something pulled me back, a thought that came to my mind, I have not seen this kindhearted man for a decade, its best to at least sit down and listen to his story.
Offering to help him cross the busy Rodwell Rd in Suva, he kindly said “au varau lai gunu ti. Daru lai yadua na bilo ti.” (I am on my way for a cup of tea. Would you like to join me for a cup of tea?)
Refusing to turn down the invitation, we walked together to the cafeteria, Tea Totoka, and as I ordered a cup of tea for this old man, the staff at Tea Totoka, replied not to worry as it’s always on the house. Apparently they provide him a cup of tea and toasted bread every time he comes by.
As I sat down and listened to his story, my eyes were filled with tears.
This man I was sitting next to is a war veteran, a hero and a legend in his own right. According to him and officials at the After Care Fund, Jale Bainisika is the only one remaining of the Fiji Military Forces 3rd Battalion, A Company which fought in the Solomons during World War II in 1944.
Born in 1918, according to military records, Mr Bainisika was enlisted in the army on October 7, 1942.
His first active duty was to the Solomons on March 12, 1944 and he returned on September 7 of the same year.
Records state he was honourably discharged from the force on October 17, 1945 and was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star and War Medal.
While those were the only records found, Private Bainisika still has some memories of the campaign.
Just like my Kuku Lui, Mr Bainisika originally from Raralevu in Tailevu, said he received a message from the paramount chief Ratu George Kadavulevu that they were needed to meet on Sunday March 12, 1944.
Little did he know it was at this meeting that he, alongside other countrymen, had to make the trip to the Solomon Islands.
There was no time to farewell their family and at the Kings Wharf, hundreds gathered to bid farewell to their loved ones.
Earlier than that in December of 1943 the Fiji 3rd Battalion was deployed to Bougainville to fight with the Americans.
Because of its excellent record against the enemy, it was decided to send the 3rd Battalion to join them. Their record of service is now forever etched into the history of the war in the south west Pacific.
He was a member of the famous 3rd Battalion that also had the services of war hero Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu who was awarded the Victoria Cross.
? Next week read the story of life in the Solomons and his return.
