This time in 8 weeks will be the end of my first day on the Kokoda Track. Unlike the rest of my trip which is just plain exciting, the prospect of visiting PNG and walking the Kokoda Track makes me feel everything from very emo to excited to sh*t scared.
I have been doing a lot of reading about WWII and the position, and importance, of PNG generally and Kokoda in particular in the last few weeks. I distinctly remember being taught about the 'european conflict' during WWII at high school. I have absolutely no recollection of being taught about the 'pacific conflict'. Either I wasn't paying attention or (more likely) it was 'glossed over'. That's a shame - it really was perhaps the most significant battle for Australia during WWII.
Interestingly it has been the poems written by Diggers who served in PNG which have not only reduced me to tears on many occasions but that have really got me thinking about my grandfather's experiences there. I have, of course, always known that both of my "pop's" served in PNG in WWII but it hasn't really been until now that I have 'got' it. I now find myself wondering exactly how they felt as they sailed out of Sydney. Were they amongst those who were excited & saw it as a 'great adventure' (as many of the country boys did) or were they sad to be leaving their loved ones & nervous / scared about what may lay ahead? Unfortunately I will never know.
Aside from my reading, YouTube has (of course) provided some fascinating material. Back in the 90s I think there was a special episode of A Current Affair (I'm talking back in the days when it was a real current affair show, not reality tv trying to pass itself off as news) which followed several 'celebrities' as they hiked the Kokoda Track with the company that I am travelling with. If you are interested - if only to recall what Dermott Brereton's mullet looked like - the first instalment is here.
4 comments:
I think that history lesson was glossed over, like incursions into Darwin, Sydney and other military installations set up on east coast. I am sure it will take a Speilberg movie to bring it to the forefront, sadly.
My youngest bro arrived in PNG yesterday to walk the Kokoda track!!! Do you want updates, or for it be left a surprise??
The Jenango and NiteMouse clans need to get together soon! :-)
NTR
I remember when that was on ACA years ago. Most impressive was Collette Mann, though in those days we all called her Doreen :)
My neighbours son is going soon, must find out when. And if he is carrying his pack.
Jen,
You should read Peter Fitzsimmons book on Kokoda, it will give you a great insight as to what happened there and the conditions both the Aussies and Japanese endured.
great little piece that innit.
not sure who invited collette mann along tho!
very entertaining :)
and i certainly do remember dermies mullet.
its a cracker.
enjoy the history, the track and the fuzzy wuzzies.
so you doing it barefoot? ;)
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