Kokoda day proposed to honour wartime carriers

By MALUM NALU

AS Anzac Day next Wednesday nears, it is timely to be reminded that Australia was unprepared for the war in the Pacific in 1942.
The defence of Australia and its mandated territory of New Guinea were dependent on untrained militia forces and a small band of New Guinea Rifles, as experienced Australian Imperial Force (AIF) units were returning from Europe to meet the new threat.
Resources were so scarce in New Guinea that young males were forcibly recruited to support the war effort.
Many of these men from remote mountain villagers had no idea of the war and were conscripted against their will.
They were told that men from Japan were the enemy.
For many of these men other villagers living in remote tribal lands were also considered ‘enemy’.
One can only imagine the fear and uncertainty they felt as they were forcibly marched away from their families and clans.
They were designated as ‘carriers’ but were to become known as ‘fuzzy-wuzzy angels’ because of their selfless sacrifice in assisting wounded and sick diggers during the various campaigns.
They carried vital war supplies on their bare shoulders in endless lines over hostile and inhospitable terrain.
Modern-day trekkers are in awe of their efforts.
Without this vital link in the chain of Australia’s war effort, Japan would have been successful in the conquest of New Guinea.
Today, 76 years after the Pacific War, they are the only link in the chain not to have received any official recognition.
Many claim they were not properly paid.
None were ever issued with a medal.
No day has been set aside to commemorate their service or sacrifice.
It is against this backdrop that former Australian politician, army major and Kokoda Trail trekking company operator Charlie Lynn wants a ‘Kokoda Day’ to be declared.
“It is difficult to understand why successive Australian governments have ignored this important omission,” he says.
“The recent upsurge in interest in the Kokoda campaign by Australian trekkers indicates there is a strong desire for our wartime links with Papua New Guinea to be recognised.
“This can be achieved by providing them with an incentive to visit, or revisit the country.
“The proclamation of a ‘Kokoda Day’ dedicated to the wartime carriers would provide this incentive.”
In 2013 Lynn wrote a paper recommending that Nov 3 be officially proclaimed as a day of commemoration for the carriers.
“This is the day the Australian flag was raised at Kokoda – a ceremony that would never have been possible without the support of the New Guinea wartime carriers,” he says.
“An earlier proposal was approved by the National Executive Council, however, the name was changed to ‘Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angel Day’ in the process.
“This decision defeated the purpose of the announcement as most Australians do not know anything about ‘fuzzy-wuzzy angels’ until they have visited Papua New Guinea.
“In marketing terms, the name ‘Kokoda’ is priceless whereas the ‘fuzzy-wuzzy angel’ only has emotional appeal to those who have already trekked.”
Lynn says PNG carriers who supported Australian troops during the Pacific War had never been properly recognised.
“It has been estimated that some 10,000 PNG nationals served as carriers in support of the Australians during the Kokoda campaign in 1942,” he says.
“A further 42,000 are estimated to have been indentured to support Australian troops in the Milne Bay and the Buna/Gona campaigns.
“They were paid 10 shillings per month.
“During the period 1944 to 1957, approximately two million pounds was paid by the Australian government in compensation for property damage to PNG nationals.
“In 1975, PNG gained independence and the PNG government assumed all legal obligations for compensation of its veteran community.
“Unfortunately, PNG carriers were excluded from benefits under legislation for compensation of PNG nationals who served in the defence force.
“In 1980, they were also deemed to be ineligible for the PNG war gratuity scheme for ex-servicemen.
“In 1981, the Australian government paid $3.25 million to the PNG government under the Defence (PNG) Retirement Act as a final payment for compensation for carriers.
“In 1986, the PNG government introduced payments of K1,000 for each surviving carrier.
“The payments ceased in 1989 and many carriers claim to have not received any money.
“During the 50th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign in 1992, the issue of payment and compensation for many of the carriers who claim they were never paid, was raised with the Keating government.”
Remembrance Day commemorates Papua New Guinean servicemen who sacrificed their lives in World War 2 and Bougainville.
It occurs on July 23 which commemorates the day in 1942 when the Papuan Infantry Battalion first fought against Japanese soldiers near the Kumusi River in Northern.
Remembrance Day is a public holiday.
“Whilst Remembrance Day commemorates the service of uniformed Papua New Guinean servicemen who served, and those who sacrificed their lives in action during the Pacific War and the Bougainville crisis, Kokoda Day would be dedicated to the service of the wartime carriers,” Lynn explains.
“Kokoda Day would not be a national holiday.”
Lynn adds it would be a day of commemoration which could include:
• a morning service in schools (thus providing an opportunity to educate PNG students on the achievements and sacrifices of their grandfathers);
• a flag raising re-enactment at Kokoda; and a service at Remembrance Park in Port Moresby.
“The Kokoda campaign began with a full-scale attack on the Australian 39th Militia Battalion on July 29, 1942,” Lynn says.
“The campaign lasted three months as the Australians were pushed back to last line of defence on Imita Ridge.
“The Australians rallied at this point and pushed the Japanese back across the track.
“Kokoda was recaptured on Nov 2, 1942 and the Australian flag was raised at a service the following day.
“The flag raising ceremony symbolised the turning of the tide in the Pacific War.
“It also symbolises the service and sacrifice made by carriers in all campaigns throughout PNG.
“This victory would not have been possible without the vital support of the PNG carriers across the track.
“In addition to their contribution to the war effort, hundreds of Australian soldiers owe their lives to the selfless sacrifice of the carriers who guided and carried them to safety over inhospitable jungle terrain in the most adverse of circumstances.
“The proclamation of Kokoda Day would provide an incentive for Australians to travel to Papua New Guinea for the commemoration services.
“The proclamation would effectively extend the (Kokoda) trekking season into November by providing an incentive for Australians to visit PNG.
“There are many Australians who are not physically able to trek Kokoda, however, they would visit the village if there was a strong reason for them to do so.”
Lest we forget.