Vale Rufino Alves Correia!
Rufino Alves Coreia was a “Criado”, a helper and guide, who as a young man fought with the Australian Army in the guerilla war against the Japanese during World War 2, I had the honour of photographing him in 2006 to accompany a story on these forgotten heroes whose sacrifice in the service of Australian Troops has never been forgotten by the soldiers who fought with them.
Rufino, then 89 was one of “Natures Last Gentlemen”, who turned a simple environmental portrait into a picture that was something just that little bit more , by giving the salute, totally unexpectedly, the moment,and the look in his eyes were absolutely unrepeatable.
Rufino Alves Correia in the hills outside Dili.
At the time of his funeral yesterday Rufino and his fellow Criados are yet to receive Official recognition from the Australian Government.