Ben And Big Joe
The story surrounding the history of Ben and Joe highlights the situation that these people were facing during the 10 year crisis and the extent that peace has again brought together Bougainvillians.
Before the crisis these two were childhood mates, they had grown up together but when the war came they had found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. Ben in the BRA and Joe fighting for the resistance. At Ambush Corner near Sirakatau during the conflict, Ben was the commander of a BRA ambush. A resistance vehicle carrying 13 men, including Joe found itself the target of this ambush.
Upon realising the occupants, Ben shot Joe with a non leathal hit causing him to become less of a target, then during the fight jumped down in front of the M-60 that provided most of the fire power in the ambush. He halted the attack, letting his injured friend and the other survivors go. Nine men were killed that day.
Ben and Joe have worked together for three years now and are the best of friends. |
