Kokoda Historical

19/02/2025

This day in history-On 19 February 1942, the Japanese mounted two air raids on Darwin and mainland Australia came under foreign attack for the first time since white settlement.

Admiral Chūichi Nagumo (1887 – 1944), the mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack on 7 December 1941, planned the Darwin raids, which involved 54 land-based bombers and 188 aircraft launched from four aircraft carriers operating in the Timor Sea. The Japanese, who were preparing to invade Timor, correctly surmised that a disruptive air attack on the Darwin base would hinder any Allied counteroffensive.

Read more here: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/history/bombing-of-darwin

17/02/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of the last 39th Battalion veteran.

Early this morning, John Hannah VX 127780 passed away. He was just 6 days short of his 103rd birthday.

Notices of bereavement and condolence can be sent via Association Secretary to be forwarded to the family - P.O. Box 552, Gisborne, Vic, 3437.

Pictured here is John visiting his panel at the Walk of Honour, Tremont, Victoria in 2023.

13/02/2025

VISIT KOKODA THIS ANZAC DAY WITHOUT TREKKING!

Not everyone is up for the physical challenge of trekking in Papua New Guinea. That's why we've designed a special non-trekking tour that lets you explore the campaign's key sites without the trek.

Join Kokoda Historical on an Australian hiatorian led toue to discover the pivotal locations of the Kokoda Campaign. With a mix of adventure, expert storytelling, and living history, we'll animate the Kokoda Campaign's history as you embark on this pilgrimage of a lifetime.

The tour includes visits to Port Moresby, Owers' & McDonald's Corners, Sogeri, Koitaki Showgrounds, Kokoda Station (village), and a partial drive up the renowned Kokoda Track.

Experience Kokoda comfortably, without trekking, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their future for our present.

The dates are 18-26 April 2025.

To find out more and to book visit: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/anzac-day-non-trekking

04/02/2025

After years of challenges, the Kokoda Trail is set for vital sanitation upgrades, bringing relief to trekkers and tourists."

A Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] was signed today [Tuesday] between the Tourism Promotion Authority [TPA] and the Australian Government-funded Kokoda Initiative Partnership [KIP] at Owers Corner to build 190 toilets, with two toilets per campsite [95 campsites] along the trail.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/17465/mou-signed-to-enhance-kokoda-trail-sanitation

30/01/2025

Still have 4 places remaining on the Bomana Anzac Day Dawn Service trek. See below.

30/01/2025

One of Papua New Guinea's founding fathers and longest serving politicians Sir Julius Chan has died, age 85. 🇵🇬

In a statement, the New Ireland government announced with "profound sadness and sorrow" that Sir Julius has died.

"Our father passed away peacefully this afternoon at 12:30pm (local time) at his beloved home at Manmantinut, Huris surround by family and friends."

"We thank all those who stood by him, and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing," the statement read.

New Ireland governor Sir Julius served two terms as prime minister and has been the governor of New Ireland province since 2007.

FULL STORY: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-30/former-papua-new-guinea-prime-minister-sir-julius-chan-dies/104877392

29/01/2025

This day in history, 29 January 1943. The battle for Wau begins.

Between 1943 and 1945 the largest series of interconnected operations ever undertaken by the Australian military was fought in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea at Wau, Salamaua–Lae, the Finisterre Range, Huon Peninsula and Aitape–Wewak.

Japan’s failure to capture Port Moresby during the Kokoda Campaign (21 July – November 1942) and the loss of their north Papuan beachhead garrisons at Buna, Gona and Sanananda between November 1942 and January 1943, elevated the importance of their mainland bases at Lae and Salamaua. Both were reinforced with troop transfers from the principle Japanese fortress, Rabaul on the island of New Britain.

In January 1943, a brigade-sized enemy task force left Salamaua and crossed the Owen Stanley Range, via the Black Cat Track, to attack an Australian force based at Wau. Australian commandos stationed at Wau had been harassing the Salamaua garrison since June 1942. The Japanese aimed to eliminate the threat.

Decoded communications, however, forewarned Australian commanders of the attack and Japanese troops undertaking the arduous trek found that Wau’s small garrison, Kanga Force, had been substantially reinforced by air.

The momentum of the Japanese advance was checked in a series of skirmishes with Victorian troops of the 17th Infantry Brigade. By 30 January 1943, Kanga Force had grown large enough to counterattack.

The Japanese tried to cut off the stream of Allied air transports reinforcing Wau by bombing its airstrip. A decisive air battle fought on 6 February saw American pilots down 24 enemy aircraft. This ended all enemy hopes of dislodging Kanga Force. The Japanese fell back towards Mubo.

Kanga Force suffered 349 casualties at Wau but Australian troops counted 753 Japanese dead.

27/01/2025

Join us this Sunday as we dust off the trekking boots and get out in the great outdoors.

That is why Kokoda Historical offers fee no obligation training sessions. One of the best places in and around Melbourne is Mt Donna Buang.

This 18km walk and is a Grade 4 medium to difficult rated hike. The landscape various in temperature and terrain. From green pastures to steep muddy slopes.

Please pack plenty of water, something to snack on and lunch, the latter we will have when we reach the summit. Make sure you prepare for all weather conditions. Your guide for this training session is historian David Howell

When: Sunday 2 February 2025 , 8:30AM-2:30PM

Where: End of Martyr Road (Park on the side of the road alongside golf course) Warburton, VIC 3799

RSVP: Book your free ticket here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/donna-buang-free-kokoda-training-session-2-february-2025-tickets-1122153564519?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/01/2025

This Anzac Day come and visit the Papuan battlefields with Bruce McClean without trekking!

Bruce first walked the Kokoda Track in 1998. He developed a passion for all things Kokoda when he picked up his first book on the subject which was Peter Brune's newly released book "Those Ragged Bloody Heroes" and read about his uncle, Lieutenant Douglas McClean MC of the 39th Battalion.

This Anzac Day, discover the pivotal locations of the Kokoda Campaign. With a mix of adventure, expert storytelling, and living history, we'll animate the Kokoda Campaign's history as you embark on this pilgrimage of a lifetime.

The tour includes visits to Port Moresby, Owers' & McDonald's Corners, Sogeri, Koitaki Showgrounds, Kokoda Station (village), and a partial drive up the renowned Kokoda Track.

Experience Kokoda comfortably, without trekking, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their future for our present.

The dates of the tour are 18-26 April 2025. To find out more or to book visit: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/anzac-day-non-trekking

02/01/2025

Anzac Day Trek 2025. Only a few places remaining. Undertake a life changing experiance and a memory that you will never forget.

Book now: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/kokoda-track

01/01/2025

Update on our 2025 Anzac Day Trek & 4WD Tour.

We have only 4 spaces left on our Non-Trekking 4WD tour of Kokoda, Port Moresby and the Northern Beachheads. $4,150 9 Day Fully Australian Led Tour, Anzac Dawn Service Bomana,18-26 April 2025.

Visiting Kokoda, Buna, Gona & Sanananda & Attending Bomana Anzac Dawn Service.

To find out more and to book visit: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/anzac-day-non-trekking

We have only 6 spaces left on our Anzac Trek 1. $4,450 12 Day Fully Australian Led Tour, Anzac Dawn Service Bomana (15-26 April) Trekking Kokoda to Owers' Corner. Kokoda to Owers' Corner, attending the Official Anzac Day Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery.

To find out more and to book visit: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/anzac-day-trek

27/12/2024

This April we have a very special Kokoda trek. Trekking from Kokoda to Owers’ Corner then attending the official Dawn Service on 25 April at Bomana War Cemetery.

It is one thing to simply tick the Kokoda Track off a bucket list, but it is another to undertake a pilgrimage that immerses you in our proud wartime history. The rugged terrain of the PNG jungle sets the stage for master storytellers to bring the voices of our ancestors to life.

Make 2025 the year that you take on Kokoda. Our Anzac Day trek has not hidden costs. Priced at $4,450 for a 12 Day Fully Australian Led Tour, Anzac Dawn Service Bomana running 15-26 April 2025.

To find out more and to book visit: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/anzac-day-

27/12/2024

26/12/2024

Make 2025 the year you trek Kokoda!

Our Kokoda packages provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek through the rugged terrain and dense jungles of Papua New Guinea, retracing the path of the brave soldiers who fought in the Kokoda Campaign.

We stay in the 5-Star Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, our meals on the trek are not only nutritious but delicious and are second to none. We have a high porter to trekker ratio and pride ourselves on our safety record.

Led by our expert guides, who possess extensive local knowledge and historical expertise, you'll gain a deep understanding of the battles, sacrifices, and triumphs that unfolded along this hallowed ground.

We are now taking bookings for 2025 & 2026.

To find out more information and to book visit: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/kokoda-track

25/12/2024

This day in history, 25 December 1942.

It’s one of the most iconic images of the war in the Pacific, but George Silk’s photograph of a blinded Australian soldier being led by a barefoot Papuan on Christmas Day 1942 was captured by chance.

Private George “Dick” Whittington of Queensland was with the 2/10th Battalion when he was wounded in action during the vicious and bloody beachhead battles around Buna.

Read more here: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/diggers-stories/george-whittington-and-raphael-oimbari

24/12/2024

On behalf of everyone at Kokoda Historical both here in Australia and in PNG, we want to extend the very best wishes for Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our subscribers. We look forward to our training sessions and treks throughout 2025!

17/12/2024

Think you can't take on the challenge of Kokoda.

Read the following review:

"I honestly feel like I have been to war with myself and still have the battle scars to prove it.

Was a great feeling knowing that even if I had to get down and crawl that last bit you guys would have stayed beside me.

Failing that I’m sure I would have been carried across the line anyway...All in all though an amazing and most memorable experience.

As mentioned thanks again for not judging a book by its cover and giving me the opportunity.

As far as doing 'nothing for a week’ I think I have no other option anyway!

I’m actually sitting in front of the fireplace reading my first ever full book ‘All The Broken Soldiers’ in depth".

Paul Pace, amputee, tekker 2024.

What are you waiting for? Make 2025 the year you conquer Kokoda.

https://kokodahistorical.com.au/tours/kokoda-track