This image of native bearers “The famous George (popularly known as Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels) was taken Silk photograph during WWII as they carried of Papuan carrier heavy loads of supplies and Raphael Oimbari equipment for Australian troops on one of many long- escorting injured distance marches Australian soldier George ‘Dick’ Whittington along the Buna road helped immortalise the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel in the minds of the Australian public” Sapper Beros was a member of the 7th Division Engineers who had seen first-hand the effort made by the carriers. In October 1942 when his poem first appeared in Brisbane’s The Courier Mail, the Australian public was already becoming aware of the contribution made by the people of Papua. A month earlier, Cinesound Productions released the newsreel, Front Line. War photographer Damien Parer’s Oscar-winning work Remembering the not only brought home to Australians the realities of the war in the Pacific but also images of natives carrying injured Australian soldiers. Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels This famous image, taken by war photographer George Silk, A few months after both David Howell depicts injured Private George “Dick” Whittington the newsreel and poem Photos courtesy of the Australian War Memorial being helped along a track through the kunai grass towards a field were released, the famous hospital at Dobodura, Buna, in Oro Province on Christmas Day in he village of Kagi, nestled the much-needed supplies of to faithfully carry out their duty George Silk photograph 1942. The carrier helping him is Raphael Oimbari. Whittington was high in the mountains food and ammunition, before of carrying wounded Australian of Papuan carrier Raphael with the 2/10th Battalion at the time and had been wounded the half-way along the Kokoda carrying wounded Australian soldiers home to safety. Oimbari escorting injured T previous day in the battle for Buna airstrip. He recovered from Track, is home to a devout soldiers to safety. The poem reads in part: Australian soldier George ‘Dick’ his wounds but died of scrub typhus in Port Moresby just over a community of Seventh-Day With Havala’s death, it is time Whittington along the Buna month later Adventists and subsistence for both Australia and PNG to Slow and careful in the bad road, appeared in The Courier farmers. Until Christmas Eve just revisit how we recognise and places Mail. The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel poem, similar words conjure up conditions or recognition as his past, Kagi was also home to a remember men like Havala and on the awful mountain track was becoming immortalised an image of equality: “…make Australian counterpart. national hero of both PNG and the legacy they leave behind. The look upon their faces in the minds of the Australian you think Christ was black”. The The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel legend Australia. Many readers would be familiar would make you think Christ was public. attempt to raise the status of was founded on a master- Havala Laula was one of the with the famous Bert Beros black. However, mythology often the Papuan carrier to be equal servant relationship. Papua in last living links to a very special poem “The Fuzzy Wuzzy focuses on the triumphs and with that of an Australian soldier 1942 was an Australian territory. generation of Papua New Angels” that painted a picture of Many a lad will see his mother leaves out the unpleasantries. In was an idealistic one. Not during In February of that year, civil Guineans, a generation which, gentle, loyal and devoted native and husbands see their wives the narration of Parer’s newsreel the war, nor in the following administration had given way 75 years ago, toiled over the carriers. These were people Just because the Fuzzy Wuzzy he states: “the black-skinned post-war years, did the Papuan to martial law. European men , transporting who put aside their own needs carried them to save their lives. boys are white”. So too in Bero’s carrier receive the same pay, who were deemed non-essential

24 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018 25 “If any carrier refused to carry out their duty they were often dealt with quite harshly, with punishment ranging from loss of privileges such as pay or tobacco to more harsh penalties such as being drilled with a heavy pack on, jail, or, in some cases, flogging”

drilled with a heavy pack on, jail or, in some cases, flogging. Of course, if any carrier was seen to be aiding the Japanese, they could be executed. As the war on the Kokoda Track intensified, so too did the need for more carriers. Often false promises such as better conditions and shorter contracts were used to recruit carriers. Between August and December 1942, over 16,000 Papuans were employed by ANGAU, many of whom would work on the Kokoda Track. While some came from the villages that Taken in the Sanananda area of Oro Province on were high in the Owen Stanley January 27, 1943, this photo shows PNG carriers Ranges, most came from wading through swamps to evacuate wounded the low-lying townships and allied soldiers. Photo: Clifford Bottomley coastal settlements. The cold mountain climate, especially at to the war effort, along with for the war effort was to be night, along with poor rations European women and children, contracted. Morris issued the and sleeping gear, did not offer were repatriated back to Employment of Natives Order much in the way of comfort. mainland Australia. By April which stated that Papuans could ANGAU officer, Captain “Doc” 1942 the Australian New Guinea be contracted for up to three Vernon, a veteran of World War Administration Unit (ANGAU) years, during which time they I who gave medical attention to was created. Although ANGAU were not to be absent without soldiers and carriers alike, noted had in its charter a duty of care leave, to desert or refuse to in his diary: to the local populace, the reality carry out their duty. If any “Every evening scores of our was that the people of Papua carrier broke any of the rules carriers came in, slung their had no option but to stay in of the order they were often loads down, and lay exhausted their villages. dealt with quite harshly by their on the ground; the immediate By June of 1942 the New administrators. Punishment prospect before them was grim, Guinea Force Commander, ranged from loss of privileges a meal that only consisted of Major General , gave such as pay or tobacco to more rice, and none too much of that, orders on how native labour harsh penalties such as being and a night of discomfort and

26 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018

It Must be Ramu ADVERT 205x275mm.indd 1 25/06/15 9:16 AM and carried out the wounded “The Kokoda story Australian soldiers. This is the is full of accounts part that the Fuzzy Wuzzy of the heavy packs Angel legend plays up to, and rightfully so. There is not carried by the one report of any Australian Australian soldiers, soldier being abandoned by the but little attention is Papuan carriers, not even during heavy combat. They will always given to the weight have the eternal gratitude of that carriers had to the Australian soldiers and bear” their families as it was on them that their survival depended. soldier and carrier. This does Many Australian veterans to this not allow for the porterage of day look back with immense arms, ammunition, equipment, gratitude for the help received. medical stores, ordnance, mail In February last year, Havala, and dozens of other items thought to be the last known needed to wage war, on the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel living backs of men.” along the Kokoda Track, visited The impact was not just on the Melbourne. During his visit he carriers themselves, the war met several veterans of the was indiscriminate. As Japanese 39th Battalio,n including Alan and Australian troops moved ‘Kanga’ Moore. The meeting through villages, they trampled was an emotional one – two old crops, destroyed huts, and warriors together for one last took precious food from the time. Although the language gardens. Terrified villagers fled barrier between the two men into the jungle, desperately made it hard to communicate Members of the 2/1st, 2/2nd and 2/3rd Australian infantry trying to escape the fighting with words, a simple embrace Engineers build a bridge on the track between Kokoda and Buna, battalions on the move up the Kokoda Track and across the Owen or take cover from air-raids. and the expression on both one of many needed along this stretch. Photo taken by George Stanley Ranges. This image was taken in October, 1942, near In the process, villages were men’s faces conveyed the Silk on November 19, 1942 Nauro and Menari destroyed and an uncounted great admiration both had for number of villagers were killed, one another. When a reporter were lucky if they got a cup of the Owen Stanley Ranges shivering as there were only carriers was back-breaking. The injured or mistreated. For those from the ABC asked Kanga if rice a day… I think they should concluded, and only two enough blankets to issue one to Kokoda story is full of accounts communities that were not in the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels had have been better treated by weeks after Kokoda had been every two men…” of the heavy packs carried by the path of the fighting, they still received enough recognition the Australian Government… reoccupied, a banquet and Sickness of the carriers was of the Australian soldiers, but little had the effect of having their for their work during the war, We wouldn’t have won the presentation to the carriers was major concern. As mentioned, attention is given to the weight menfolk – husbands, brothers Kanga replied: campaign without them.” held at Kokoda by the Australian many were not used to the that carriers had to bear. The and sons – away from the “I think they were treated very How was the service of the Army. Lieutenant Bert Kienzle colder climate of the mountains carriers not only had to deal village. With no men to work badly. They were promised carriers recognised after had requested stores of yams, in the Owen Stanley Ranges, with carrying their allotted the gardens or do the heavy things they never got. They the war? As the fighting in taro, tobacco and calico, along and pneumonia was rife. War equipment of ammunition, lifting around the village, the correspondent Osmar White rations and medical supplies for impact was detrimental to the wrote in his book Green Armour: the troops, they had to carry community’s well-being. In “About six pneumonia cases their own food. retrospect, the Papuans had came back every time a carrier Bert Kienzle, like Vernon, little reason to be loyal to their line went into the mountains. entered service with ANGAU. “Taubada” or white masters, The carriers were mostly coast Kienzle, a man who knew who often treated them as boys acclimatised to heat and the Territory and the people second-class citizens in their A pleasant surprise is awaiting your arrival... attracting guests seeking humidity. After a couple of well, became instrumental in own land. It is understandable a boutique experience and civilised sub-tropical escape. crossings, the sharp cold of the organising the carrier lines. that some carriers deserted and Executive spacious king-size suites include: cable TV, air-conditioning, safe, mountains, the poor food, and Kienzle noted in his diary: returned to their villages and bar fridge, private phone line, laundry service, 24/7 security, the labour of lugging loads over “A carrier carrying only families. plus complimentary breakfast. Twin share also available. the passes broke them.” foodstuffs consumes his load in After the carriers made the • Bistro dine-in or room service • WiFi Internet (non-guest dining by reservation only) • Free airport transfers If the food, medical support and 13 days, and if he carries food journey over the Kokoda Track Corporate & long-term leasing welcome. Don’t delay, call us today! • Conference & catering service • Kitchen facilities available sleeping conditions were not supplies for a soldier it means with their load of military SPA HAUS Open from 9am - 7pm, 7 days a week (advance bookings required on 7321 0319) bad enough, the work of the 6 1/2 days’ supply for both supplies, they turned around p. 323 8888 m. 7101 6979 | e. [email protected] or visit us at www.raintreelodgepng.com

28 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018 29 Paradise A4 ADVERTS-EDIT_205x275mm.pdf 1 2/8/2018 12:05:29 PM

“Calls to give financial support to all Papua New Guinean carriers who contributed to the war effort were promoted as early as 1943...but for many, no payment ever eventuated”

1959, Bert Kienzle, who returned to his home near Kokoda after the war, built a memorial at the Kokoda Plateau recognising the contribution of the carriers. Kienzle had hoped the design in the centrepiece would be

A native carrier receives a medal of honour from Army Major struck as a medallion and given C General George Vasey, the Commander of the 7th Division, AIF, at to surviving carriers, especially M Kokoda in December, 1942. Not many carriers received medallions those who had not received the despite the fact they played an often-critical part in the allied Loyal Service Medal. Y advance. Photo: George Silk The idea of a medallion seemed CM

to fizzle out and it would not MY with extra rations for a ‘feast’. war effort were promoted as be until 2009-2011 that the Kienzle also sought permission early as 1943. In the Sydney Australian Government issued CY for the carriers to have “one publication Pacific Islands medallions. Only 68 surviving CMY day’s rest”. Monthly, it was proposed that carriers in the whole of PNG K Major J. H. Jones from ANGAU an annual Christmas payment received a medallion. Around sent a memo stating: “…it of £10 be made to all carriers this time, the Australian Minister has been decided to award until their death. This idea never of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Alan medals to natives who have eventuated and it would be 40 Griffin MP stated: performed brave or gallant years before any money was “...there are no plans to make acts”. The memo also requested forthcoming. In the 1980s, the payments to surviving Fuzzy that field staff nominate the Australian Government gave Wuzzy Angels. Instead the focus names of worthy recipients. AU$3.25 million to the PNG is on providing aid and support Men like Kienzle put names Government. Some payments of towards improving the capacity forward and a small percentage K1000 (approx. AU$500 at the of the communities that many of received a medal. One side of time) were made to individual these people came from” the medal had the Australian carriers. The most famous Fuzzy At last year’s Anzac Day Coat of Arms and the other Wuzzy Angel, Raphael Oimbari, dawn service on April 25 at the words: ‘For loyal service’. received a one-off payment Bomana War Cemetery out of EASY STEPS TO SECURE YOUR RIDE However, the fighting at the of K2000 and was recognised Port Moresby, Havala was in northern beachheads was still with the Order of the British attendance. So, too, was the to come and many Australian Empire in 1993. However, for Australian Governor-General, service personnel believe the many carriers no payment General Sir Peter Cosgrove. The small recognition given by the eventuated and, even at that service marked not only Anzac army was a strategic move to stage, it would have been too Day but the 75th anniversary of encourage existing carriers to late as most had long since died. the Kokoda Campaign. Sir Peter continue working. As for remembrance, perhaps took Havala by the hand and Calls to give financial support the most significant gesture was the two of them laid a wreath to all carriers in Papua New not done by either government at the cenotaph. Sir Peter later Guinea who contributed to the but rather by an individual. In presented Havala with the

30 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018 The late Havala Laula, our last Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, (clockwise from top left): when he met 39th Battalion veteran Alan ‘Kanga’ Moore in Melbourne last year; with his Governor-General’s medallion; saluting during his visit to Melbourne; and shaking the hand of Australia’s Governor-General, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, at Bomana War Cemetary on Anzac Day last year

Governor-General’s medallion. story behind the legend but For all the countless other the personal stories of these “With the passing Papuan New Guineans who impromptu angels. of the last Fuzzy helped Australia during the war, their individual recognition Wuzzy Angel, went unrecognised. Now, with all we can do the passing of the last Fuzzy now is honour Wuzzy Angel, we have lost that their memory by living connection. All we can do now is honour their memory by PNG Air flies from Port Moresby never forgetting never forgetting their service to Popondetta 9 times per week their service and and sacrifice. For bookings: PNG and Australian school Call + 675 72222151 sacrifice” children should be encouraged to find out, not just the real

32 VOLUME 12 MARCH 2018