A commemorative print of the late Talaiasi Labalaba was gifted to the Royal British Legion in Suva yesterday as part of the 65th Anniversary Blue Sapphire Jubilee of the original 212 Fijians who enlisted in the British Army in 1961.
The portrait honours the pioneering group of 200 men and 12 women whose enlistment marked a significant chapter in Fiji’s military history. The print, created by military artist John Tidewell, was presented by 85-year-old Venaisi Ledua, widow of the late Nacanieli Ledua, one of the original 212 recruits.
Sgt Labalaba later served with the Special Air Service (SAS) and was killed in action during the Battle of Mirbat in Oman in July 1972.
Mrs Ledua said she decided to give her personal copy so more people could remember Labalaba’s sacrifice.
“I brought it all the way from the UK, and if I keep it in my house, only I will be looking at the portrait,” she said.
“I want it to be out there for people to remember him.”
The print will now be permanently exhibited at the Royal British Legion headquarters in Suva.
