A ship’s bell which bears the inscription “HMAS Kuttabul” has been located for sale in 2011 at an auction house in the Illawarra.  Is it an authentic piece of militaria which has a direct association with the depot ship which was sunk by an Japanese midget submarine during the attack upon Sydney Harbour?  Or is it merely a post-war piece which was made by persons unknown, as a conversation piece?  It would not be the first time that a “fake” has surfaced to cast speculation for military historians and enthusiasts.

IMAGE RIGHT: The ship’s bell, showing the handwritten inscription.

The bell, which shows obvious signs of aging and weathering, has been engraved with the words “HMAS Kuttabul” and certainly looks as if it is a relic from the 1942 era.  With a height of approximately 8 inches and a matching width; one could certainly speculate that this bell was aboard the civillian ferry, prior to its requisition as a depot for the Royal Australian Navy during World War Two.  Could this bell have been engraved by a bored sailor who found himself temporarily billeted to the depot ship which was being used to accommodate Navy personnel?

IMAGE LEFT: The reverse side of the ship’s bell, showing the hairline crack which exists in the casting.  The bell certainly shows signs of ‘weathering’ which suggests that the relic is of the 1940′s era.

However, comments from a staff member completely refute the possibility of this being an authentic bell.

Firstly, it is evident that the original ship’s bell is safely contained within the exhibits of the Australian Navy Heritage Centre at Garden Island.  Secondly, it has been clearly stated that the depot ship ‘Kuttabul’ was not commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy.  This is dispite the fact that the ferry is continually referred to as “HMAS” in contemporary records.

Contrary evidence exists in regard to the display of Kuttabul’s wheelhouse, which stands in Anzac Hall at the Australian War Memorial.  A plaque attached to the exhibit records that the vessel was in fact commissioned into the navy.

IMAGE RIGHT: Close up image of the hairline crack which exists in the bell.

An investigation into the status of the depot ship ‘Kuttabul’ is currently being conducted, however if any person has any knowledge of the history of this bell – please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.

Glued inside the bell has a clipping from a newspaper which reports a commemorative service that was being conducted for the crew of the submarine, A.E.1.  This appears to be quite genuine and possibly from a newspaper printed between 1918 and 1940.

IMAGE LEFT: Photograph showing the interior of the bell.  Note the newspaper clipping which has been glued to the inside of the bell.  A spliced piece of cord is also evident which may have held a metal striker and lanyard to ‘ring’ the bell.

The newspaper clipping has the words “Lest We Forget – Curley Hyde” typed onto it, suggesting that the previous owner of this relic had some interest in the crew of the First World War Submarine which was lost with all hands during September, 1914 off Rabaul.  However, a search of the CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) records fails to identify any crew members of the submarine AE1 by this surname.

The clipping of the newspaper states:- In memory of the crew of the Australian submarine AE1, a wreath will be placed on the Cenotaph at 6pm on Saturday, September 12.  Members of the Submarine Old Comrades’ Association will assemble at the George Street corner of the G.P.O. at 5.45pm and relatives and friends of the crew of AE1 are invited.

IMAGE RIGHT: The newspaper clipping, reporting a commemorative service for the missing submarine, AE1 which was lost off Rabaul during September, 1914 with all hands.

So the history of this bell, at this time is up for speculation.  Is it possible that this bell was engraved by a “bored” sailor who found himself, temporarily billeted to the depot ship during 1942?  Or perhaps a family member of one of the sailors who tragically lost his life in the Japanese midget submarine attack on the 31st May/1st June, 1942.  Did one of the ship’s survivors engrave the bell postwar and keep it as a private shrine to his fallen comrades?  Should any of these assumptions be the case, then hopefully somebody out there will remember seeing this bell – hanging from a wall in the house of a person who felt it important enough to remember that tragic loss of life in Australia’s home waters.

If you can shed any further light as to the origins or history of this bell, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.  It would be pleasing to solve this mystery before next year’s commemoration, recognising the 70th Anniversary of the sinking of Kuttabul.  Apart from the official ceremony conducted annually by the Royal Australian Navy, an event which is open to the general public is being organised as a fund raiser for Legacy Australia.  For further details regarding this event, please contact the ‘Kuttabul Commemoration Project’ through this website.

Who Is Willi Huber? Medals Gone Missing is searching For The Family Of A German Soldier From The Great War.

IMAGE RIGHT: One of the photographs of German soldier, Willi HUBER which was rescued from the photo album.  Unfortunately, the person selling this collection of Great War photographs had chosen to split the album up – rather than preserve it as a complete record of Willi’s war service.  Can you help us to return this photo to a direct descendant of Willi HUBER?

How is it that the photographic memories of a young German soldier who served his country during World War One; can end up on the other side of the world – for sale at a flea market?

It is always a saddening affair, when a piece of family history ends up as a “discarded” commodity, for sale by some stranger whose only interest is to make money from a sale. In this case, the tragic subject of the matter is a photo album which had been broken up and the photographs offered for sale as ‘individual’ items.

IMAGE LEFT: German soldier Willi HUBER (seated on the left) with a comrade.  Due to Willi’s apparent reduction in weight on his face when compared to other photographs in the collection, it is possible that this photograph was taken towards the end of the war?

Any attempt to purchase the entire photo album at an agreed price, was rejected by the merchant who insisted on selling each image for a fixed price. The problem for any prospective buyer is that the photographs had been glued to the page, requiring them to be torn from the paper backing.  Also, the sum of the total cost would also become extremely excessive and financially not viable. With this, it is inevitable that a quantity of photographs which document one man’s life, will be tragically scattered to the four corners of the earth and separated forever.

IMAGE RIGHT: German soldier Willi HUBER with his comrades in the field, location and date unknown.

So who is Willi HUBER? The few photographs which managed to be salvaged, tell us that he is a young man serving in the German Army during the 1914-1918 war. Anything else about this soldier can only be surmised or arrived at through an educated guess.

IMAGE LEFT: Private Willi HUBER, sharing some happy moments with his comrades.  It is not known what happened to any of the men in this photograph.  If you recognise any of these soldiers, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.

What is known almost for certain is that he fathered a child (or children) during or after the Great War. As some of the photographs were captioned with the year ‘1917’ it is hoped that Willi HUBER managed to survive the last two years of slaughter and lived to see the Armistice. That this photo album should turn up at a market on the south coast of New South Wales in Australia, may be an indicator that one of his children or other descendants immigrated to this country some time later.

IMAGE RIGHT: One of the photographs depicting German Engineers in the process of building a bridge.  Dated 1917, assistance is sought to translate this caption into English please.

Very little information is given away by the style and cut of Willi HUBER’s uniform. However, it is hoped that a family researcher in Germany (or one of his Australian descendants) may recognise this man from other photographs still held in their collection.

IMAGE LEFT: Group photograph believed to be the detachment to which Private Willi HUBER served with on the Western Front during the Great War.

Sixteen photographs in total, were purchased by Medals Gone Missing. However, this amounted to only about one-third of the entire collection. As we are a ‘Not For Profit’ organisation, our finances restrict us from making such large purchases.

IMAGE RIGHT: A photograph showing German Private Willi HUBER with his fellow soldiers, going about their daily routine in the trenches.  Can you help identify any of the other men in this photograph?  If so, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.

Subsequently, it is hoped that a descendant of Willi HUBER who values their family heritage can be found in a timely manner. Perhaps then, the other photographs can be purchased and the album kept together as it should be.
Are you a descendant of Willi HUBER? Or do you know anybody by this surname? If so, please help us to find his family and re-unite them with the photos – so that Willi’s memory can be preserved by his people who care …… and not callously traded like a commodity.

IMAGE LEFT: A photograph of German soldiers, ransacking the wreck of a downed British aircraft.  The quest by soldiers to acquire items of interest for ‘souvenirs’ was not uncommon and was practised by all nationalities.  Australians did a similar thing when the Fokker Triplane of famous German ace, Baron Manfred Von Richthofen was brought down near Amiens on the 21st of April, 1918.

IMAGE RIGHT: A sad photograph, showing the apparent deceased pilot (possibly of the Royal Flying Corps) laying on the ground, beside the wreck of his ‘downed’ aircraft.  This previously unpublished photograph; and others in this article are subject to copyright.  Should you wish to use or reproduce this image, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator where permission is usually granted subject to certain conditions.

IMAGE LEFT: It is evident from this photograph that German Private Willi HUBER visited the town Dadizeele (now known as Dadizele) in Belgium sometime during the Great War.

One of the photograph’s in the collection of Willi HUBER bears the description ‘Dadizeele’.   Now known as Dadizele, this village lies approximately 16 kilometers due east of Ieper in Belgium.  According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records (CWGC) there is a cemetery located there, titled the DADIZEELE NEW BRITISH CEMETERY.  As this village was in German hands for most of the war, it is not known when Willi HUBER visited this location.

IMAGE RIGHT: A photograph of a damaged church, taken by Private Willi HUBER.  It is possible that this cathedral is located in the village of Dadizeele (now spelled Dadizele).

A photograph taken by Willi HUBER, shows a cathedral which has been breached by an artillery shell or other type of battle damage.   As the photograph within the album was on the same page as the previous image showing a street scene of Dadizeele, it is possible that this church is also built within this city.  The Medals Gone Missing Administrator would like to hear from any of our readers in Belgium or Germany who can confirm this?

IMAGE LEFT: A photograph taken by Private Willi HUBER showing another damaged church, this time in the village of Becelaere which is west of Brussels.  As Willi seems to have a photographic interest in chuches, it is possible that he was a man of christian belief.

Another image shows a heavily damaged cathedral in the village of Becelaere in Belgium.  Situated approximately 90 kilometers west of Brussels, the village lies to the east of Ieper (Ypres) and it is clear from this photo that the village was heavily shelled.  Also evident in the photograph is some war graves to the left of the image.  We would be interested to hear from any person who can tell us any information about the fighting which took place in this area.  Willi has incorrectly recorded the spelling as Bacelaera on the actual image.

IMAGE RIGHT: Photograph showing the damaged interior of a building, believed to be the cathedral at Becelaere in Belgium.

A photograph exists of the damaged interior of a building.  As this image appears on the same page within the album, it is possible that this picture has recorded the devastation occasioned to the cathedral at Becelaere.  As Becelaere is situated to the east of Ieper (called Ypres during the Great War) it is evident that this village was part of the region near the Ypres Salient.  It is hoped that one of our readers in Belgium may be able to provide us with more information regarding this village and its part during the fighting in this sector.

IMAGE LEFT: A house, damaged by a toppled chimney (location unknown – but believed to be in the Flanders region).

It is clear from the extent of the images contained within the photo album of Private Willi HUBER that he was a keen photographer.  What is unfortunate is that the remainder of the photographs still lie in the hands of the merchant who sold these images to Medals Gone Missing.  It is hoped that a descendant of Willi HUBER can be located and the remaining photographs reunited as a complete record.

IMAGE RIGHT: An artillery shell, still contained within its wicker carrying case (location unknown).  There are a couple of photographs of such items in Willi’s collection.  Is it possible that he was a member of an artillery unit?

The other photographs which remain outstanding showed general trench scenes and examples of military hardware.  Unfortunately, based on the sales principle of the antique dealer, their purchase price could not be met by Medals Gone Missing – which is a NOT FOR PROFIT organisation with limited funds.  If any person could sponsor the purchase of the remaining photographs for the sake of maintaining these images as a complete set, please contact the Administrator.

IMAGE LEFT: A portrait of an unknown male person.  This man appears to be wearing civilian clothing and his relationship to Willi HUBER is unknown.

It is now hoped that a direct descendant of German soldier, Private Willi HUBER can be located and these photographs returned to them.  If you know any person by this name (or can shed any further light as to the subject of any of these images) then please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator through the “Contact Us” facility of this website.

Lest We Forget – Private Willi HUBER;  1914 – 1918 War.

Most of us in the modern western world are lucky enough, never to know hunger.  That intense kind of hunger which gnaws away at your stomach and causes you to drop around 12 kilograms of body weight in just two weeks.  Very few of us know what it is like to sleep in pouring rain …. to be constantly wet with nothing but a cotton shirt or thin woollen pullover to protect you from the elements.  Or to suffer from festering open wounds – where your only chance to ward off gangrene, is to allow the maggots to infest your injury and eat away the rotten flesh.

But then again, most of us did not happen to grow up in South Australia ….. find ourselves serving with the 2/27th Infantry Battalion ….. or get cut off from all supplies and services on the Kokoda Track. 

In fact, if you had just graduated from University with a degree in Law; and were preparing to open your own Solicitor’s Office in Renmark, South Australia - life would be looking fairly promising.  Or so Harry KATEKAR may have thought.

IMAGE RIGHT:  Henry “Harry” KATEKAR, 2/27th Battalion Infantry Battalion AIF wearing the two ‘pips of a Lieutenant on his rank boards.  It is believed that this photograph was taken in 1940 before Harry’s deployment to the Middle East or during 1941, after Harry’s return to Australia (prior to his promotion to Captain).

Henry John KATEKAR, or ‘Harry’ as he was more commonly known was born on the 24th of August, 1914 at Mile End in South Australia.  Educated at Scotch College – Harry graduated with a law degree from Adelaide University in 1937.  He was in the process of setting up a practice for a law firm in Renmark when the Second World War broke out.  Having entered into a binding agreement with the proprietors of the law firm, he received their consent to break the contract and enlisted into the Second AIF.  He would enter the South Australian 2/27thInfantry Battalion in May of 1940 as a Private.  However, in accordance with his educational background -Harry was offered a commission and he would serve with distinction as a lieutenant during the Syrian Campaign.

After Greece and Crete had fallen, it was thought that the Germans might attempt to capture the Suez Canal by attacking through Lebanon and then Syria.  Units from the 7th Division were moved from Palestine to strengthen the defences along the Libyan border; however a German attack failed to eventuate.  The men of the 21st Brigade then returned to Palestine in late May of 1941, in order to prepare for the Allied invasion of Syria and Lebanon.  However, their enemy in this engagement was not to be the German Army.  But French troops of the Vichy Government who despised the “Free French” and their leader, Charles De Gaulle.  It was hoped that these Vichy French troops would capitulate, however nothing was further from the truth.  They were large in number and well equipped.  Their ranks also included the hardened men of the legendary French Foreign Legion.  So with a distinct hatred for their countrymen who were Allied with Great Britain;  the Vichy French would prove to be a tough and determined foe.  After five weeks of bitter fighting, the Australians would prove victorious in July of 1941.

 A decision by Churchill to deploy an Australian Division to the Far East was countermanded by Australia’s Prime Minister, John Curtain when Singapore fell to the Japanese.  As a result, the 7th Australian Division was brought back to defend their homeland, arriving in March of 1942.

When the Japanese landed at Gona in July of 1942, the 2/27th would find themselves en route to Port Moresby along with their compatriots of the 21st Brigade (the 2/14th from Victoria and the 2/16th from Western Australia).  At this time, the Militia Battalions of the 39th and 53rd Infantry were already fighting for their lives on the Kokoda Track.

IMAGE LEFT:  The ‘brown over light blue’ diamond colour patch of the 2/27th Infantry Battalion, AIF.  This unit would fight it’s first battle on the Kokoda Track at a feature called ‘Mission Ridge’ during the battle for Brigade Hill.  As a result of the battle, the 2/27th would spend the next two weeks – cut off from their supplies and the rest of the 21st Brigade – as they fought a new battle …. against the harsh jungles of New Guinea.

 As the 2/14th Infantry Battalion pushed forward to assist the beleaguered 39th Infantry Battalion (A.M.F) the 2/16th soon followed.  The South Australians of the 2/27th Battalion were tasked to stay behind and garrison Port Moresby; pending the outcome of the Milne Bay action being fought at that time.  It was only when the Japanese were repulsed at Milne Bay, that the 2/27th were ordered forward in a gruelling forced march.  Any idea of defending Myola by this stage had to be abandoned.  Brigadier Potts’ next defensive position was the feature known as ‘Brigade Hill’.  Some would call it “Butchers Hill”.  But with the arrival of the 2/27th at Mission Ridge (the northern slope leading up to Brigade Hill), the 21st Brigade were at last together.  Though the Victorians and their Western Australian counterparts were exhausted and depleted as a result of the fighting withdrawal from Isurava and Abuari.  Harry KATEKAR and his men would find themselves in the fight of their lives.  Despite the fact that Harry was now Battalion Adjutant, he and all of his colleagues of H.Q. Company would be in the thick of the battle.  Tuesday the 7th of September, 1942 would be a day that the South Australians would never forget.

IMAGE RIGHT: The Second World War Campaign medals of Captain Henry ‘Harry’ John  KATEKAR, showing his service number which was SX3079.  As was common with some early issue Second World War medals, the service stars (1939-1945 Star, Africa Star & Pacific Star)  are not engraved with his name and service number.   The story behind this medal set is almost as amazing as the story behind the man himself.

With the 2/27th dug in on the slopes of Mission Ridge in a tight diamond shaped perimeter, ‘A’ Coy at the front – right of the “diamond” bore the brunt of the attacks.  The Japanese hammered the 2/27th Infantry Battalion with their mountain guns and mortars, supported by heavy 7.7 calibre Juki machine guns.  The Australians had very little in the way of ‘long range’ weapons to respond.  However, the Australians had done very well prior to the lead up of the Brigade Hill battle.  By this date; and General Horii’s rather ambitious timetable – his Japanese forces should have been in Port Moresby ….. not Brigade Hill.  He had been forced to lose 4 days at Isurava and had lost another 6 before deploying his force near Mission Ridge.  (Page 199 – A Bastard of a Place)

According to author Peter Brune, at best - the Australians mustered about 980 men and the Japanese outnumbered them approximately 4 or 5 to 1.  (Pg 200 – A Bastard of a Place)  Bill James; the author of the Field Guide To The Kokoda Track – suggests that figure could be as high as 6 to 1 (pg 225 – Field Guide).  Regardless of the figures, the Japanese still held the upper hand.  By nightfall of the 7th September,  six of their prized Brens had been knocked out by Japanese fire - their entire supply of 1200 grenades was used up (plus the Battalion reserve of grenades) and each rifleman had fired at least 100 rounds per man.  Not to mention, the diggers were suffering from the severe heat of the New Guinea sun and a shortage of water.  

IMAGE LEFT: A butt plate from an Australian Bren Gun, discovered on the forward slopes of Mission Ridge in September, 2010.  The area was called Mission Ridge, due to the existence of a derelict 7th Day Adventist hut which was standing on that slope.  Where this artifact was located - was in the exact positions manned by South Australians of the 2/27th Battalion between the 6th and the 8th of September, 1942.  Not far from where this butt plate was located, a discarded Bren Gun magazine lay rusting and a ‘live’ M36 grenade was found.

But things went badly for the Australians on other parts of Brigade Hill, forcing Brigadier Potts to break contact with the Japanese on the 8th of September.  The 2/27th was subsequently forced to take to the jungle with the intention of regaining the trail at the village of Menari.  With the track cut off to them, remnants of the 2/14th, 2/16th and the 2/27th  took to the bush through a steep and narrow track in a bid to reach Menari.  Fighting a rearguard action as they left Mission Ridge, the tail end sections of the 2/27th made several short, sharp rushes back towards the Japanese – with the bayonet, to confuse the Nipponese attackers and slow down their advance.   It was a point of pride for the men of the 2/27th that they never gave any ground to the Japanese.  Their withdrawal only being necessitated as a result of Japanese successes elsewhere on Brigade Hill.

Encumbered by 16 stretcher cases – from all three units – the battalion was forced to regain its lines via a 14 day trek through some of the toughest terrain in the world.   Regarding the day of 13th of September, 1942 Harry recalled - ”The wounded, God only knows, were going through purgatory, hungry and in great pain.  Some of our natives began t desert, meaning that our men had to replace them as bearers (understandably, the native would soon be gone).  ‘Doc’ Viner-Smith allowed the maggots to remain on the wounds in order to eat the rotting flesh and so prevent gangrene … I found it a great mental strain and so did the C.O. and other officers, with that great responsibility of not only saving our wounded but of saving ourselves from starvation”.  He had run out of food four days previously. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  A rifle bolt from an Australian SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield) No. 1 Mk III rifle.  This relic was found on the forward slopes of Mission Ridge, New Guinea during September 2010.  Note the shape of the bolt head, which is of the “First World War” design (indicating that the rifle from which this bolt pertains was a surplus rifle from the Great War, re-issued during World War Two).

On the 15th of September, 1942 – Harry KATEKAR made a very welcome discovery.  He would tell author Peter Brune in July of 1987:- “By this time the men were desperately exhausted and it was a cruel blow to them to be told to about-turn. A couple of providential incidents occurred that day; it seemed as if God was taking a hand in the matter. While we were waiting outside Nauro it suddenly occurred to me that a lot of the food which had been dropped by our planes would be scattered far and wide in the undergrowth around the village ….. I wandered off into the jungle in search of food. Something must have led me to the spot, for after a while I noticed that a branch of a tree had been broken off, as if by a fallen object, and so looking down I saw a bag covered bundle. Almost tenderly I went down on my knees to tear away some of the bag. And lo and behold inside was a perfectly good tin of Arnott’s Army biscuits. Some of the starving men were watching me, and it was as much as I could do to stop them from struggling to get a share. I managed to salvage some of the biscuits which were distributed amongst our wounded. In the meantime a flank guard patrol of ‘B’ Company had stumbled over a 25 lb tin of Crowe & Newcombe’s dried apricots ….”

Harry KATEKAR’s untiring efforts greatly assisted the return march. He had organised the whole column so that all burdens were shared equally and the battalions strength was conserved.  As a result, he and his fellow officers brought the battalion home – intact and still with the weight of their weapons.  It is hard for us to imagine, but the joy of reaching the Australian lines …. knowing that fresh troops had now taken over the battle – would be dampened by an incident which is now infamous in Australian Military History.

The 2/27th Infantry Battalion, after enduring such hardship – was present at the Koitaki Plantation when General BLAMEY made his famous “it’s the rabbit that is running away” address to the troops of the 21st Brigade. 

IMAGE LEFT:  The background parcel of land was once the site of the cricket pitch at Koitaki Plantation.  Harry KATEKAR was present on this field when General BLAMEY gave his infamous address to the men of the 21st Brigade, 7th Division after their epic fighting withdrawal along the Kokoda Track.  The brick pillars held up the original gates to the plantation.  Behind the trees to the left is a creek and to the right, the ground slopes up to a hill which affords a view over the flat ground.

Lieutenant-Colonel Norman  CARLYON  O.B.E  was General Blamey’s Aide-De-Camp during 1940-1942, Personal Assistant during 1942-1944 and Military Assistant during 1944-1945.  In the book, “I Remember Blamey” he recalls:  I was there when those fine soldiers formed up, not far from what had been the start-line for their thrust against the enemy.  New Guinea’s stormy temperatures being what they are, it may seem absurd for me to say that I was in a cold sweat.  Standing beside the small platform from which Blamey was to address the troops, I realised that he was in a most aggressive mood.  He was soon expressing this in harsh words.   He told the men that they had been defeated, that he had been defeated, and Australia had been defeated.  He said this was simply not good enough.  Every soldier here had to remember that he was worth three Japanese.  In future he expected no further retirement, but advance at all costs.   He concluded with a remark which I think was particularly ill-chosen and unfair.  ‘Remember’ he said, ‘it is not the man with the gun that gets shot; it’s the rabbit that is running away’  It amazed me that Blamey should deal so insensitively with the men of such a well-proved brigade”  (excerpt from Page 17 – Gona’s Gone,  Peter Brune)

IMAGE RIGHT:  Another shot of the Koitaki Cricket pitch area, showing the “flat” ground where BLAMEY’s address took place.  Note how the ground to the far right begins to rise (and continues to in it’s slope to form a hill overlooking the cricket pitch area).

In an interview with the ABC’s Four Corners progam, Harry KATEKAR would comment, “It was a shameful, call it cowardly, attack on men that had given their all”.   Corporal John Burns,  2/27th AIF and hero to the stretcher cases during the two week ordeal ….. would comment, “It stirred them up like I’ve never seen troops stirred up before and, personally, I reckon Blamey was lucky to get out of it alive that night”.

After a short respite, the men of the 2/27th were again thrust into the horrors of combat.  On November 28, 1942, the 2/27th arrived at Gona with 22 officers and 301 other ranks; only to suffer further heavy losses in desperate attacks – against Japanese machine-gun fire.  The Japanese positions at Gona were very well dug in, and laid out in such a way so as to give supporting fire to eachother.  To attack one position, meant that you drew heavy fire from other machine guns on your flanks.  Harry KATEKAR would be one of only three officers to fly out after the battle; with 67 other ranks.  About the Gona fighting, Harry would again make reference to the Koitaki incident and comment “And they were absolutely ropable! Incensed! In fact I claim to this day that some of the officers who we lost at Gona were killed because of the effect of Blamey’s unfair criticism….”

He told author Peter Brune:- “We were thrown in with scant information about the enemy, no aerial photographs, nothing to go on. I don’t recall ever seing a proper plan of the are showing where 25th Brigade was at theat time when we were supposed to go in or, in fact, what the 2/14th were doing on our right. The whole thing was rushed and therefor one can expect there to be what actually transpired – a slaughter of good men! The correct way to get information is to send in recce patrols. That’s always the way you do it, because you get the enemy to disclose where he is. You don’t go in with a full company rushing in against something you know nothing about”.

IMAGE LEFT:  The ‘Gona Cross’ stands above some graves of local Papuans, in the coastal village of Gona at the start of the Kokoda Track.  If you look closely, you will note that the upper portion of the cross has been joined onto the vertical post.  This upper portion is the original wartime cross and bears the scars of battle.  The lower portion had rotted away and the local villagers re-erected it onto a new upright.  A mission station ministered by Father John Benson before the Japanese invasion, this cross could be seen by the Australian troops during the fighting for Gona Village.

Harry would later serve as Brigade Major to the 6th Brigade and was one of only two Australian officers, who was sent to the U.S. Marine Amphibious Landing School in Quantico, Virginia.  Upon his return from the United States; he would serve as Brigade Major for the 26th Brigade and finally finish his war service at Tarakan.  The World War Two Nominal Roll states that Harry discharged from the AIF on the 30th of November, 1945.  He ended the war with the same posting that he had joined at the start of the war; the 2/27th Infantry Battalion.

With Harry’s father taking ill, he made the decision not to return to his law practice.  Rather the decision was made to run the family citrus property at Renmark titled “Fairview”.   Harry joined the Riverland Legacy Group in 1947 and served as its chairman in 1952.   He also joined the Renmark RSL, serving as its president in 1951.  In continuing his service to the community; Harry became a member of the Renmark Irrigation Trust and became actively involved in citrus industry moves, to form a statutory citrus committee in the 1960′s.  This eventually led to the formation of the Citrus Board of South Australia.   He was also one of the first growers to later test the suitability of the Riverland area for the production of avocados.  But Mr Katerkar’s greatest peacetime achievement was probably his role as chairman of the Renmark Flood Emergency Committee during the River Murray flood of 1956.

IMAGE LEFT:  The War Service Medals of Captain Henry ‘Harry’ John KATEKAR from left:- the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal (note the Oak Leaf on the ribbon to signify M.I.D. or Mentioned In Dispatches) and the 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal.

The Playford Government put him in charge of evacuation, essential services, the co-ordination of manpower, and public relations and communications, a task well suited to his military background.  Mr Katekar’s leadership, calm direction and lateral thinking contributed greatly to preventing the township of Renmark being inundated with water during the flood.

In both war and peace, Mr Katekar modestly strove to uphold the 2/27th’s proud motto: Primus inter Pares – First Among Equals.   Sadly, he passed away in December of 2000 …. his duty ‘nobly done’.  He was survived by his wife of 57 years, Edna and four daughters, Ann, Margaret, Jane and Allison who have borne him a whole swag of grandchildren.

IMAGE RIGHT:  Harry’s sister, Helen with her brother’s war service medals.

You know the mark of a man when an author of such high standing in Kokoda circles such as Peter Brune, prepares your Eulogy.  In that short narrative, Peter Brune was to state:- “Harry KATEKAR saw the many faces of war – bravery, suffering, hardship, tragic loss and compassion.  Driven by the experience, Mr Katekar spent the rest of his life serving his community”.   One of the things which I found amazing about Harry KATEKAR – is a trait that he shares with the majority of servicemen of that era.  That is the trait of humility.  There was very little written about Harry KATEKAR after the war; because he did not wish to advertise or over emphasize his part played in the conflict.  Like the other men of his era, he just came back and got on with his life ….never expecting anything in return for five years of service to his country. 

Harry KATEKAR ….. and that generation of men and women ….. will always be heroes to me.  And I wish I could have met him in person.  (The Administrator – Medals Gone Missing)

WISH TO READ MORE ABOUT HARRY KATEKAR AND THE 2/27TH INFANTRY BATTALION, AIF ?  Three books of which Harry Katekar is well quoted are as follows:-

A Bastard of a Place by Peter Brune

Those Ragged Bloody Heroes by Peter Brune

Gona’s Gone by Peter Brune

If Harry’s story has touched you –  I thoroughly recommend you attend the Australian War Memorial and listen to an audio interview, conducted by Rob Linn with Captain Katekar as part of the Keith Murdoch Sound Archive.  To hear Harry’s voice for the first time; after having read so much about him and spoken his name many times on the Kokoda Track, was a very emotional and profound experience for me.  For a link to this recording, please Click Here.

Whilst walking the Kokoda Track in 2008;  a comment made by one of my associates has prompted me to elaborate on an issue that is rarely even considered – let alone written about.  

            It concerns footwear – or more specifically; boots worn by Australian troops over the Kokoda Track and later “jungle” campaigns.  Whilst, at face value – it may not seem an interesting prospect to discuss footwear; it is probably one of the most prominent items that any modern day ‘Kokoda Trekker’ will ponder over.  The questions that niggle in the back of one’s mind prior to departure.  Such as “Have I chosen the right boots?”……”Have they been broken in sufficiently” and the big question….”Will they give me blisters??” may come back to haunt you as the trekker begins that climb up Imita Ridge or up to Isurava from Kokoda.  Well, in 1942…….there was no such luxury as ‘choice’ and any questions posed to the quartermaster regarding his boots at the clothing store – no doubt resulted in a colourful “soldier’s” response.

IMAGE LEFT:  The  heel plate from an Australian boot, which for all intents and purposes – looked like a miniature “horse shoe”.

            In July, 2008 we were at the Jap Ladder Campsite (between Ofi Creek and Nauro), looking at a piece of rusty metal with protruding nails.  For all intents and purposes – it looked like a “horse shoe”.  However judging by the size of this item, my trekker came to the conclusion that the ‘horse’ must have had an extremely small hoof to fit a shoe – of this size.  Just short of a Shetland pony, what animal would fit a ‘horse shoe’ this small ???

The item of course was NOT a horse shoe !!!  Rather it was the heel plate from an Australian issue service boot.  Being an avid preserver of Australian Militaria, I had seen countless of these items over the years…..the only difference being – mine were all still attached to their boot.  Indeed in 1942, I dare say that the soldier who was wearing these boots at the time – did not even realise that the plate had come off his heel.  Add exhaustion, injury or sickness and I would say that his care factor was minimised even further.

IMAGE RIGHT:  A pair of Second World War Australian Army boots, made by W.PEATT in 1940.  Without any doubt, it was this style of boot which was issued to Australian troops deployed in the initial stages of the Kokoda Track campaign (39th Infantry Battalion, 53rd Infantry Battalion AMF and the men of the 21st Brigade AIF which comprised of the 2/14th, 2/16th and 2/27th Infantry Battalions)

            When a country mobilises for war, the whole industrial might of that nation goes into full swing.  Production at all levels is doubled and sometimes even tripled – when compared to peacetime output.  You only have to consider how many people enlisted to form the 5 Australian Divisions during the First War (the AIF) – and 4 Divisions during the Second War (Second AIF).  Plus, during World War Two – we had the unique situation of placing a “Militia” army also into the field.  Each and every one of these men needed to be ‘kitted out’ and this meant boots.  Hundreds of thousands of them.

            It always frustrates me – when other collectors or backyard historians claim that leather goods made for the Army all had to be “this colour” or argue blind that “this or that is wrong”.  The fact of the matter is; one single Government factory simply cannot produce sufficient goods on its own – to equip an entire army in a specified period of time.  Especially when a pledge is made – to supply a certain number of troops, to support the Mother Country at the soonest opportunity.  It is quite correct to say that the Government had a certain “standard” or “pattern” so as to make their items of kit conform to a standard uniform.  However, to accommodate such large orders, the Government simply out sourced its demand for items to civilian manufacturers – so long as their product COMPLIED with the standard and passed an inspector’s examination.  Henceforth, boots for Military service had a certain appearance but may have varied slightly from one manufacturer to another.  Civilian companies commissioned to produce Military footwear included Blundstone, W.Peatt, J.J. Whyte, Rossiters Ltd and Slatters; just to name a few.

IMAGE LEFT:  A comparison between the Australian Army boots of the First World War; and those issued to the men of the 2nd AIF during the early stages of World War Two.  As can be clearly seen, the design hardly changed at all.  The boots on the left were manufactured in 1919.  The boots on the right were manufactured in 1941.

In the First World War, historian Charles Bean described the footwear of the First AIF, simply as being like a “workman’s boot”.  Volume 1 of the Official History of World War 1 (Page 63), states that the boots were as pliable as civilian boots and far stouter.  It was also said that in France, countless favours were obtained in exchange for Australian boots, such were their popularity amongst English troops.   This basic design with only minor modifications (i.e. number of eyelets etc) was in military service prior to 1914 and remained so, up until 1941.   The boot upper merely consisted of two (2) pieces of leather stitched together (a toe section and the main ‘body’ of the boot) with  a third piece stitched over the heel – as reinforcing to the back of the boot.  There was no toe cap, subsequently the boot had a ‘soft toe’ appearance.  All of this, stitched onto a full leather sole may – or may not – have been completed with a metal heel plate.  This is clearly illustrated by these two boots produced by different manufacturers.  Those made by ‘W.Peatt’ in 1940 have the metal ‘horse shoe’ and nailed sole whilst the other pair; made by ‘J.J. Whyte’ in 1941 have a clean sole, completely devoid of metalwork. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  The underside of the boots made by W.PEATT in 1940, showing the metal heel plate in situ …. with a relic heel place recovered from Imita Ridge in 2007.

 IMAGE LEFT:  The underside of the boots made by J.J. WHYTE which were manufactured in 1941.  Note that they are completely devoid of any metalwork at all – when compared to the boots made by W.PEATT.  This clearly demonstrates the difference manufacturing processes employed by varying manufacturers.

The pattern for Australian military boots was altered after 1941.  The main difference being a “toe cap” which was incorporated into the manufacturing process.  This resulted in a line of double stitching being evident on the ‘upper toe’ of the boot and it is easy to discern the difference between the two designs.  Again, variations between manufacturers could result in some items displaying metal heel or toe plates and others having just a plain, leather sole.  Certainly, there are some variations in the colour – from light tan (London Tan) to brown.  Some manufacturers altered the design of the heel plate, so that the plate was complete around its perimeter or circumference – and not open at one end, like a ‘horse shoe’.  A major variation however was the addition of brass “Jungle Cleats” which were added to improve grip in muddy conditions.  A lesson no doubt learnt from experience gained on the Kokoda Track.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The Pattern 10085 Australian Army boot with ‘jungle cleats’.  Note the stitching across the toe cap which was different from the previous pattern of boot.

In the harsh jungle climate, leather boots and shoelaces rotted.  Socks simply disintegrated (it was not uncommon for diggers to cut the sleeves of their woollen jumpers to use as substitute socks) and footwear could remain on one’s feet for up to two weeks at a time.  Laurie Howson of the 39^th Battalion once commented “The days go on.  You are trying to survive, shirt torn, arse out of your pants.  Some days you carry your boots because there’s no skin on your feet.”

 IMAGE LEFT (PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE):  A comparison of the early pattern Australian Army boot (on the right) to the latter pattern (Pattern 10085) on the left.  As can be seen, the later pattern differs – in that they are manufactured with a toe cap as indicated by the row of double stitching across the toe.  They also have a slightly different “feel” to them …. the Pattern 10085 appear to be more stout and robust in their construction.

 IMAGE RIGHT:  A Pattern 10085 Australian Army boot located at Eora Creek (Japanes Mountain Gun position) in April, 2009.  The leather, though thoroughly soaked from the rain – was soft and pliable.  As can be seen, the mud has perfectly preserved the leather which in places, even retains its original ‘light tan’ colour.  Whilst the boot was seperated in two (see below photo) it was placed “together” to ascertain the size of the boot which was estimated as being a size 10.  The fate of the wearer is unknown.

During the Australian withdrawal, the 2/14^th reached the supply base at Myola late on the night of the 3^rd and early hours of the 4^th September, 1942.  Exhaustion had set in and most simply dropped straight off to sleep in their cold, sodden clothes.  In Peter Brune’s “Those Ragged Bloody Heroes” he details how they woke into a ‘Promised Land’ with all of the luxuries that they had not seen for some time.  The torn and mud stained clothes were removed in favour of fresh, clean uniforms.  Boots and socks were cut away and in many cases the rotten skin simply came off with them.  The men’s feet were exposed to the fresh air and the unit chiropodist (Corporal Clark), set about the task of paring away the rotten tissue and smoothing out the wrinkles.   Few passed up the opportunity to replace their boots at Myola, prior to destroying the remaining stores when the area was evacuated.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The toe cap of the same boot at Eora Creek.  As can be seen, the leather is surprisingly in very good condition.

Lieutenant Hugh Dalby, M.C. (previously from the 2/27^th and transferred to the 39^th) stated “My condition, feet wise had deteriorated because by boots had worn out.  I had pulpy feet: like crevices; ridges a quarter of an inch thick.  You were soaking wet all the time.  White puffy skin just started to peel off.”

For those of you who have walked the Kokoda Track and then continued on to the beach heads of Buna, Gona and Sanananda – perhaps you share my amazement at the sheer distance involved.  When you consider that ‘B’ Company of the 39th Battalion, AMF with Captain Sam Templeton in the lead; walked from McDonald’s Corner all the way to Buna.  Then, after fighting numerous battles, had to walk all the way back again!   An outstanding effort, on hard soled leather boots! 

IMAGE LEFT :  The underside of a Pattern 10085 boot and the underside of the Australian Army boot located at Eora Creek, that is featured in the previous two photographs.  Note the metal toe plate which is evident on both boots.  These metal plates were incorporated into the sole, so as to reduce “wear” whilst walking on paved services.   Wish to know more about the implementation of metal sole plates on Australian boots?  Please Click Here.

So – how does all of this relate to me as a trekker on the Kokoda Track?  Well one merely has to compare our modern apparel with that of a soldier in 1942.  Consider the condition of the track on the ‘Golden Staircase’ of Imita Ridge- or the 3500 odd timber steps cut into the ‘ascent’ towards Ioribaiwa by Australian Engineers.  If you can imagine, wearing boots with a flat leather sole.  Make those boots soaking wet and then negotiate uneven steps.  Add 20 to 30 kilos worth of kit, a reduction in concentration levels due to a poor diet and exhaustion and then place your leather sole on the slimey timber.  One can only imagine how many ‘bloodied shins’ were the result.  Or clamber down the muddy slopes towards Menari, with a Battalion of men in front of you – and see just how much grip our 1941 boots gave us in the tortuous conditions.  In modern times, we can certainly ‘experience’ the rigorous terrain of the Kokoda Track. 

IMAGE RIGHT (PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE):  Despite the improvement in footwear since 1942, certain hardships can still strike down the unwary trekker on the Kokoda Track.  These blisters are testimony to the fact that a good pair of trekking boots (well  broken in) are a must – but despite our best efforts …. problems still occur.

However, we can never fully appreciate just what it was like for a digger in 1942 – no matter how hard we try.   There is an old saying – that you should never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes.   Well, the more I learn about the men of this era….and the type of equipment made available to do what was expected of them (which was built for war use – not for the comfort of the wearer)   I judge their efforts to be nothing short of ‘extraordinary’.   When we think of the words inscribed on the Isurava Memorial – then without a single doubt in the world, these men definitely put the “E” back into the word “Endurance”.

IMAGE LEFT:  An Australian Pattern 10085 Army boot which is on display at the Alola Museum.  This museum houses a number of very interesting artefacts and is one of the better museums on the track.  Please Click Here to see a very rare object in the form of a Type 92 Machinegun (Japanese Lewis Gun) which is on display at the Alola Museum.

 IMAGE RIGHT:  Another Heel Plate, this one located on the “Bert Kienzle track” which was cut by this Kokoda stalwart to join Myola 2 with Templeton’s Crossing.

    IMAGE LEFT:  The Pattern 10085 boots as they looked when issued in late 1942.

IMAGE RIGHT:  A Pattern 10085  Australian Army boot after 60 years in the jungle.  This particular relic is on display at the Sanananda Museum which is run by Ananius Mongagi on the south side of the inlet, Sanananda – Papua New Guinea.  Note the dried out condition of the leather, when compared to the “moist” leather of the boot found at Eora Creek where the rainfall is much higher.

  IMAGE LEFT:  Not a pretty sight!  The waterlogged feet of Medals Gone Missing Administrator (Gary Traynor) after trekking from ”Dump 1″ to Alola in 2008   As recorded in the narrative above, the 2/14th Battalion chiropodist (Corporal Clark)  “set about the task of paring away the rotten tissue and smoothing out the wrinkles”. I had the luxury of taking my shoes off  every evening before this photograph was taken.  Many soldiers on the Kokoda Track during 1942 had NOT taken their shoes off for over a week, whilst in action.   Something for the modern day trekkers to ponder over; if ever they experience wet and sore feet. 

WISH TO SEE A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO AUSTRALIAN TROOPS DURING WORLD WAR TWO?  Please Click Here to view more pictures of Australian Army boots and related paraphernalia.

It is very satisfying when you play an instumental part in solving a mystery. What is even more enjoyable is when you solve that mystery with a group of friends.

An excursion along the Kokoda Track as part of the 2010 Anzac Day Commemorations, solved a mystery for me – however it has also opened a whole new range of possibilities in relation to the identity of a particular Japanese aircraft which met it’s demise on the ridge above Isurava, in Papua New Guinea.

IMAGE RIGHT: Kokoda Historical trekker, Andrew Hirst holding the Type 92 Machine Gun from the Alola Museum during a trek in October, 2008. When I first saw this relic in 2002, I formed the opinion that it may have been a surplus Australian Lewis Gun (originally manufactured for aircraft mounting) pressed into service during 1942 as a result of a shortage of automatic weapons.

When I first trekked along the Kokoda Track in 2002, I took interest in a relic condition machine gun, which looked for all intents and purposes to be a British Lewis Gun. History buffs amongst you may be able to picture a British fighter aircraft of World War One, which sported a Lewis Gun of this type – mounted on the upper wing of their aircraft. This particular type of Lewis Gun for aircraft use was devoid of the aluminium metal “sleeve” which encased the cooling vents along the barrel of the standard Lewis. I assumed that the gun was a ‘surplus’ weapon, which had been pressed into action during those dark days of 1942 when there may have been a shortage of automatic weapons. Indeed, with the AIF deployed in the Middle East being supplied most of the latest equipment (such as Bren Guns) – the Militia troops were initially issued with World War One era Lewis Guns (the 49th Infantry Battalion which initially garrisoned Port Moresby, were later brought up to Brigade strength and reinforced by the 53rd Infantry Battalion and the famous 39th Infantry Battalion, A.M.F) In fact, there is ample evidence to support the fact that the 39th Militia Battalion used their Lewis Guns to good effect in their initial confrontation with the Japanese near Awala ….. and throughout their actions at Kokoda Station, Deniki and Isurava.

IMAGE LEFT: A close-up of the Type 92 Machine Gun, showing the over-sized trigger guard – to enable access to the trigger whilst wearing gloves for temperatures at altitude. Note how a crack has formed between the actual trigger guard and the pistol grip. Evidence (combined with the ‘bent’ gun barrel) to support the suggestion that this gun was on board an aircraft which was subject of a crash. (Photo taken October, 2008)

I had long since known of the crash site of a Japanese aircraft, above Isurava. Initial reports suggested that this aircraft was a Mitsubishi A6M2 ‘Zero’ fighter, however I had also heard rumour of it being a ‘Val’ Dive Bomber. It was not until September of 2008 that I finally found time to visit this crash site; which is off the beaten track and up a very steep climb on the ridge between “wartime” Isurava and “current” Isurava Village.

  The Medals Gone Missing Administrator with Kokoda Historical Trekkers: – Harry Cizerle, Jared Williams, Dale Cairney and Captain Josh Hawes (Australian Army) at the scene of the Japanese crash site in September, 2008. By this time, Bill James’ wonderful “Field Guide to the Kokoda Track” was in print and page 365 of the first edition recorded this aircraft type as being an Aichi D3A ‘Val’ dive bomber. 

IMAGE RIGHT: The crash site is in such a position that not all Kokoda Trekking companies are able to visit it (especially those on a tight time schedule). The climb is very steep and arduous, but the wreck is a very satisfying reward for aircraft buffs who make the climb. Trekking companies Kokoda Historical (David Howell) and Komplete Kokoda (Soc Kienzle) are two companies which make every effort to take trekkers to this location (time and fitness permitting). So whilst I became a regular visitor to the crash site after October of 2008, I did not make the correlation between this aircraft wreck – and the “Lewis Gun” at the Alola Museum until nearly two years later. 

 IMAGE LEFT: A close-up photo of the receiver and magazine mounting – leaving no doubt as to the ‘Lewis Gun design’ of a top mounted drum magazine, fed weapon. A stainless steel post is also seen, protruding from the left hand side of the weapon. Clearly proving that this machine gun was mounted to an aircraft. (Photo taken October, 2008)

So it was not until my trek with the April “Anzac Day” group of 2010 that a vital piece of the ‘jigsaw’ was located by our intrepid Papuan guide, Kila Amuli. Whilst inspecting the wreckage, Kila unsuspectingly lifted a piece of aluminium which revealed an intact and unfired round (bullet) in the mud. Handing this round to me, I immediately assessed it to be a British .303 “rimmed” round……which did not seem to make sense amongst a Japanese aircraft wreck. A further search in the mud where the bullet was found, revealed a “drum” magazine which I immediately considered to be that of a British Lewis Gun. With a bit of thought, I remembered the “bent out of shape” barrel of the Lewis Gun at the Alola museum. As Alola and Isurava are not far apart as the crow flies, I considered it highly possible that the Alola Museum gun had in fact been pilfered from this aircraft wreck. Either that, or the gun had been thrown from the aircraft (possibly in a bid by the crew to reduce weight?) prior to the plane colliding with the hilltop. As virtually nothing about this aircraft is known – what caused it to crash is still a mystery. There is NO evidence to suggest that it was shot down and there are certainly no known claims of it being brought down by Australian ground fire during the Kokoda campaign. Two possibilities exist ….. that it was low on fuel (which supports the possibility that the machine gun was thrown overboard above Alola to lighten the weight) but more likely, is the possibility that the aircraft was enveloped in thick cloud and struck the hillside (the pilot misjudging his height). Regardless of this speculation, I thought that perhaps the Lewis Gun had been captured by the Japanese in a previous conquest (such as Singapore) and the gun adapted for Japanese use. At this time, I was unaware that the Japanese had produced a 7.7 calibre rimmed round – which is virtually identical to the British .303 round and I was unaware of the Type 92 Machine Gun. 

 IMAGE RIGHT: The Japanese Type 92 drum magazine which is virtually identical to that of the British Lewis Gun. Whilst it is heavily corroded, the mud had stuck to some surfaces of the magazine and subsequently when this mud was removed – traces of “blueing” were still evident on the metal. Photo courtesy of Kokoda Historical trekkers Warrant Officer Michael Scott (R.A.A.F) and Emma Withnell taken during April 2010.

Whilst the magazine and it’s contents were in a badly corroded state, it was not until one particular round with a relatively clear primer caught my eye. This round clearly showed the stamping “7.7″ which confirmed it’s Japanese origin. Upon my return to Australia, research into Nippon weapons of the Second World War indicated that the Japanese did in fact copy the British Lewis Gun and designated it the Type 92 Light Machine Gun. So the mystery of the Alola Museum gun, is a mystery no more and it is extremely likely that this machine gun and the drum magazine are from the same aircraft. 

 IMAGE LEFT: Some ‘live’ 7.7 calibre rimmed rounds can still be seen inside the magazine. Photo courtesy of Warrant Officer Michael Scott (R.A.A.F) and Emma Withnell, taken during April 2010.

Justin Tynan who is the administrator of the U.S. based website “Pacific Wrecks” is an expert on Japanese aircraft. Whilst the find completely eliminates the possibility of the crash site being a A6M2 Zero fighter (which carried no hand held weapons, such as the Type 92) …. a second mystery came to light. The serial number of ’5194′ is in fact a “Mitsubishi” manufacturer serial number. The Val (D3A) was made by Aichi ….. and not Mitsubishi. So does this rule out the aircraft being a Val dive bomber? The number 5194 can be attributed to two Mitsubishi types:- a G4M “Betty” bomber and a G3M “Nell”. Justin states the unlikeliness of it being a pre-war ‘Nell’ bomber. So that leaves us with the possibility of this aircraft wreck being a G4M ‘Betty’. However, there is clearly not enough wreckage at this site alone, for it to be a twin engined Betty bomber. Is it possible that there is further wreckage somewhere in the hills, yet to be found? The Betty was certainly armed with a number of Type 92 machine guns. So it is not conclusive at this time, what type of aircraft this wreck in fact is. 

 IMAGE RIGHT: The piece of aircraft wreckage bearing the serial number ’5194′ (Image taken in September of 2008 – prior to the “Lewis gun” magazine being found). This piece of wreckage bearing the number 5194 was still present at the wreck in September, 2010. It is the only piece located at this time that bears such a serial number. Pacific Wrecks Administrator Justin Tynan is still investigating this wreck site to confirm the aircraft type.

So with the find of a missing piece of militaria – in the form of a Type 92 drum magazine …… it is very likely that the mystery of the Alola Museum “Lewis Gun” has now been solved. The question of “how did this type of machine gun end up in a World War Two jungle battlefield?” can possibly be put down to a Japanese aircraft, which met it’s demise in a crash near Isurava.

However …… exactly what type of aircraft – crashed into this hillside ??….. is still yet to be determined. The search for the truth continues 

IMAGE RIGHT: The Aichi D3A “Val” Dive Bomber. This aircraft was only a two seater and the Type 92 machine gun in question would have been operated by the gunner who sat behind the pilot.

IMAGE RIGHT: The much larger Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” bomber which had a crew of seven would have had four of these Type 92 machine guns, 2 x mounted in blisters or port holes, on each side of the aircraft fuselage, one gun in the nose and one gun on the dorsal portion behind the cockpit. A 20mm (Type 99) canon was mounted in the tail of the aircraft.

Wish to know more about the Type 92 Machine Gun? Please Click Here to this link on Wikipedia.

Wish to see this Machine Gun and aircraft wreck for yourself? Please Click Here to visit the Kokoda Historical website and Click Here to visit the Komplete Kokoda website.

My acknowledgement goes out to Justin Tynan of Pacific Wrecks for his keen interest and determination to help solve this mystery. Justin’s excellant website can be viewed by Clicking Here

The U.S. Army serviceman whose Identification Tag (colloquially referred to as ‘Dog Tags’ or ‘Meat Tags’) which was discovered in distant Papua New Guinea  has been positively  identified.  The dog tag was located by a Papuan elder, Annanius MONGAGI of Sanananda Village on the north east coast …… an area which locals strongly boast is the “start and finish” of the Kokoda Track.  Whilst the first six letters of the soldier’s name were clear, the last letters were lost due to damage occurred to the actual identity disc.  It can now be said with certainty, that the identification tag is that of 33008493 Private Robert D. MCCULLOUGH of the United States Army.

Thanks to Mr David Howell of Kokoda Historical who referred us to THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES (U.S. Government sponsored website), we managed to correspond his Service Number which is evident on his I.D. tag, to the official record which details his enlistment file.  Please click on the link below, to see the Enlistment details of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH. 

http://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&cat=GP23&tf=F&sc=24994,24995,24996,24998,24997,24993,24981,24983&bc=,sl,fd&txt_24994=33008493&op_24994=0&nfo_24994=V,8,1900&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=3501774

What is still unknown, is the ultimate fate of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH.  We sincerely hope that he survived this action around Sanananda and made it back to the United States; where he fathered many children and grew old.   We are still seeking to make contact with his family descendants and inform them of the fact that one of his dogtags has been found in the jungle of the Sanananda battlefields.  No doubt they would be shocked to learn that part of their heritage, still exists in far away Papua New Guinea. 

IMAGE RIGHT: The Identification Tag (dog tag) of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH. If our interpretation of the records is correct, this man was born in Iowa but resided in Fairfax County, Virginia. Do you know this man? If so, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator for further details. (Please click here to refer to the initial report of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH’s dogtag in the ARTICLES OF INTEREST column of the Medals Gone Missing website).

 Whilst we are certainly not experts on American military records, it appears that Robert D. McCULLOUGH was born during the year 1913 in Iowa, which made him approximately 28 years old when he entered military service.   Having completed four years of college – in civil life, he worked as a ‘general office Clerk’ and resided in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Private McCULLOUGH enlisted into the United States Army (U.S. Army) on the 5th of April, 1941 at Baltimore in Maryland.  Interestingly, he enlisted well before the date that Pearl Harbour was bombed (the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December the 7th, 1941 bringing America into the Second World War).   The records state that he was a “white” male, a citizen of the United States of America and a single man with no dependants. 

IMAGE LEFT: Australian and American troops fought side by side together, at the ‘battle of the beach heads’ on the northern coast of New Guinea during December 1942/January 1943.  Whilst the U.S. 126th, 127th & 128th Infantry fought at Buna (where this photograph was taken), it was the U.S. 126th Infantry which initially fought at Sanananda.  These two coastal locations are only a matter of a 3 hour leisurely walk from eachother.  Later during this campaign, the U.S. 1/163rd and the U.S. 127th Regiments were also engaged in the Sanananda area.  

It is still hoped that Australian adventurer, Mr Peter KERR who was present at Sanananda in April of 2010 – can conduct an investigation and attempt to locate the descendants of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH.  Peter currently resides in Wisconsin and will be seeking the assistance of the American Legion to track down any person who may be related to Private McCULLOUGH. 

Alternatively, there may still even be other U.S. Servicemen who are veterans of the U.S. 126th, 127th or 163rd Regiments who served with and knew Private McCULLOUGH.  If so, we would dearly love to hear from you.  It would be very fitting if his descendants would consider coming to New Guinea to personally retrieve his dog tag, and see where this soldier fought for his country.  If you wish to know more about visiting the Sanananda Battlefield and seeing the dog tag first hand, please contact Kokoda Historical for details on how to visit this area. 

If you have other U.S. dog tags (Identity Discs) in your possession and wish to have them correlated to their respective serviceman, please click on the following link to visit the American website THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES   http://www.archives.gov/

An American Dog Tag, issued to a man who served in the United States Army (U.S. Army)  in New Guinea during World War 2  has been found at the battlefield near Sanananda village.

Issued to an American G.I. in the New Guinea campaign, sadly the full name of the soldier is not known, due to the fact that the dog tag (also refferred to as ‘meat tags’) has been damaged and the last few letters of the man’s surname are missing.  However, what is clear is this G.I.’s service number (serial number) which is 33008493.   Whilst only part of his surname is legible, it appears that it may in fact be ‘Robert D. McCULLOCH’ or similar.  Other possibilities are ‘Robert D. McCULLOUGH’ …… ‘Robert D. McCULLUM’ or ‘Robert D. McCULLAM’. 

IMAGE RIGHT: The U.S. Army dog tag, showing the name:- Robert D. MCCULL??? and the service number of 33008493. The Medals Gone Missing Administrator is not familiar with the context of the information “T43-44″ and is seeking clarification from any American experts or other persons who may be able to interpret the meaning of this text.

The dog tag is in the possession of a village elder by the name of Annanius MONGAGI.  This gentleman is also the custodian of the Sanananda Museum and caretaker of a war memorial, dedicated to the Australian 55/53rd Infantry Battalion  A.M.F. (Australian Military Forces).  Annanius is passionate about preserving the history of his local area and is an active participant in the commemoration ceremonies which are conducted by Australian Tour Company – Kokoda Historical on each visit.  He showed this dog tag which he had recovered from the battlefield to a party of Australian trekkers and indicated his desire for the family of this soldier, to know that it has been recovered and is in his safe keeping. 

IMAGE LEFT:   Local village elder, Annanius MONGAGI with the memorial to the 55/53rd Infantry Battalion, A.M.F.

As fortune would have it, one of the Australians present at this time – currently lives in the United States. Australian ex-pat Peter KERR, originally from Dromana in Victoria, currently resides in Wisconsin and will be speaking to his local branch of the American Legion in the near future, in a bid to ascertain the identity of this man. Due to the presence of this dog tag on the battlefield, it is a sad fact that this man may have been killed in action and his body never recovered. However, Annanius did state that there were no bones or remains in the vicinity, so the fate of the soldier cannot be conclusively determined at this time. Perhaps once contact is made with a descendant of this soldier, the result of his fate will become clear.

It is possible that the owner of this dog tag served with the U.S. 126th Infantry Regiment (of the U.S. 32nd Division) or the U.S. 163 Infantry Regiment (of the U.S. 41st Division). All of which were in the general vicinity, during fighting in and near Sanananda – during the latter part of November (22nd November, 1942) through to late January (21st January, 1943).

The 126th Regiment was commanded by Colonel Clarence TOMLINSON of the U.S. Army. Whilst the men of their sister regiments (the 127th and the 128th Regiments) would be engaged at nearby Buna, elements of the 126th would enter the fray that was Sanananda, on the 22nd of November, 1942. The Japanese had set up a defensive perimeter astride the Sanananda Track, approximately 4 kilometres from the coastal village. In this vicinity, the Sanananda Track intersects with the Killerton Track, forming what was commonly referred to as ‘the Killerton Track junction’. This defensive perimeter took the form of a large “horse shoe” type formation; with the bottom curve of the ‘horse shoe’ facing the Australian attacking force (which had come from the direction of Kokoda to the south). These elements of the 126th (two companies of Tomlinson’s 3rd/126th) had began a flanking movement to the left, towards Killerton Point. They made their way through the swamps and jungle, so that they remained to the west of the Killerton Track. Their attack was to occur on the 23rd of November, however it did not eventuate until three days later; on the 26th. Once in position, this attack …. made in an easterly direction, would take them across the Killerton Track and behind the Japanese lines. The American troops managed to force their way onto the Sanananda track, effectively cutting off the Japanese Lines of Communication. The men of the 126th dug in – and held on for grim life …. establishing a position or ‘road block’ across the track. Effectively, these men became an “island” of Allied troops – surrounded by a “sea” of hostile Japanese. This position would eventually contain around 250 men and it could only be supplied by sending the supply parties through enemy territory; mostly during the hours of darkness. On the 1st of December, a supply party which was being led by Captain Meredith HUGGINS made it through to the position and he assumed command when Captain SHIRLEY was killed. This position would from this point on, forever be known as “Huggins Road Block”. The ground at Huggins Road Block was either underwater, or sodden swampy land and perhaps – was considered one of the worst malarial areas in the world. The following statement is reported by author Peter Brune regarding an Australian veteran of the 7th Division Cavalry Regiment. The date of the digger’s observation is on, or around the 22nd of December, 1942:- “Ben Love was sympathetic towards the US troops at Huggins when he found they had been there 23 days. The GI’s had no soap but were prepared to barter sweets. While sitting in his weapon pit, Love noticed an insignificant rough cross close by. He looked closely and found it marked the grave of a boy from Michigan” (page 153, ‘A Bastard of a Place’) The men of the 126th Regiment would hold this position until the 8th of January, 1943 when they were relieved by the U.S. 163rd Regiment of the 41st Division. Page 274 of Peter Brune’s “A Bastard of a Place” indicates that only 165 of the original 1400 men walked out of the area.

Around the 16th of January, 1943, the U.S. Battalions of the 127th Regiment joined the Sanananda battle, having gone north along the Killerton Track and then swinging around to the east to advance upon Sanananda Point. However, on the 18th of January – the 163rd Regiment was still held up in the area of Huggins Road Block and this area would be the very last in the area, to be finally cleared of the Japanese on the 22nd of January, 1943 (despite the last resistance on the Sanananda Track occurring the day before, on the 21st of January). To quote author Peter Brune again, “Survivors later said that the Sanananda actions were the worst of the entire war” (Page 297 ‘A Bastard of a Place’)

So until further information is forthcoming, it cannot be established which unit Private Robert D. MCCULLOUGH served in, though weight of numbers may suggest either the U.S. 126th Regiment of the 32nd Division, or possibly the 163rd Regiment of the 41st Division. 

IMAGE RIGHT: Sunrise over the Solomon Sea, at Sanananda. This photo was taken of an Australian trekker by the name of Michael Elgey in 2008 and with such natural beauty, it is difficult to image that this idyllic stretch of coast was once ravaged by war. With so many American soldiers who sadly lost their lives in this area, it is an unfortunate fact that the Sanananda locality is rarely visited by citizens of the United States.

Medals Gone Missing would appreciate the assistance of any person who could possibly help us to locate the family of this U.S. Serviceman.

 ”After dark we were marched most of a mile toward Suvla Bay and then inland.  We were told to be very quiet, not to rattle our equipment or rifles.  We didn’t know how near or far the Turks were.  We just knew where Chunuk Bair was.  All of a sudden, in the dark, there was a very merry Haka from the Maori contingent on the seaward side of the valley up which we were travelling.  My word, it startled us.  Then rifles began to bang.  The Maoris, it turned out, were dealing with a Turk outpost.  Word came down to us that it was all right, the Turks had been wiped out, and we could proceed uphill, up a rough track leading from the sea toward Chunuk Bair”    Dan CURHAM, Wellington Infantry Battalion.

For the majority of Australians, the term ‘ANZAC ‘ is one which is held in very high regard – with a mixture of honour and pride.  However our nation often forgets; perhaps even ‘overlooks’ the stark fact that this term is a shared one.  For without the existence and contribution of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War – the term ANZAC would simply never have come into existence. 

And it was the above mentioned account which I read many years ago; given by a New Zealand veteran, which sparked my interest in the role played by the N.Z.E.F at Gallipoli.   Despite the fate of the poor Turkish soldiers; I could not help but delight in the thought of these Maoris breaking out into a spontaneous Haka – after they drew their first blood.    So much for the order to remain ‘silent’ and advance with stealth!  Indeed, before reading a book written by Maurice SHADBOLT called “Voices Of Gallipoli” – I too was subconsciously guilty of the belief, that the term ANZAC belonged to us Australians.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The “lonely little relic”  which caught my eye – in between ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’ on my way to Chunuk Bair.

I have visited Gallipoli on a number of occasions.  However it was during my last visit in 2005 that I happened upon a very lonely little relic which caught my eye – as I walked between the features known as ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’ on my way up to Chunuk Bair.   A road had been freshly graded between these two iconic points; and it must have been a combination of the shape and the colour of the item which drew my attention as I walked along.

I had seen many examples of Australian military buttons during my years of collecting memorabilia.  I was also familiar with the style of the British Pattern 1902 tunic and the manner in which buttons were applied.  So the shape of a metal retaining ‘ring’  attached to a disc like object – immediately identified this object to be a military style button.  However, on this lonely stretch of dirt road (clearly never walked or visited by the general tourist market) there was absolutely no other hint or indication that this stretch of ground had once been sewn with the lives of New Zealand’s young men.

IMAGE LEFT:   A studio portrait of  40526 Private Joseph Luke DODD of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.  Whilst Private DODD was not a Gallipoli veteran, this image clearly shows the British style 1907 Pattern Tunic and the smaller 5/8th (five eights)  inch sized buttons which secure the pocket flaps and epaulettes.

An attempt to gain the high ground by New Zealanders began with the August offensive.   It was these heights which were the target of Dan CURHAM and his comrades from the Wellington Infantry Battalion on the evening of the 6th of August, 1915.  But it was not only the Wellingtons who would shed their blood in a bid to win these heights.  The New Zealand Mounted Rifles along with 500 men of the Maori Contingent had been given the initial task of clearing the many gullies and foothills below Chunuk Bair.  The Auckland Infantry Battalion were then ordered forward on the morning of the 7th, to capture the peak of Chunuk Bair; where their numbers were virtually cut in half by Turkish Machinegun fire.   The following morning, it was the Wellington’s turn to charge forward.  Led Lt. Colonel William Malone, they captured the height and had their first glimpse of the Narrows.  What later followed was an epic fight for their lives.  Before Chunuk Bair would be totally lost, the Otago Infantry Battalion and the New Zealand Mounted Rifles would also have their men sacrificed, before being relieved on the 9th of August by two British Battalions.  They never regained the heights of Chunuk Bair, but would hold a line across ‘The Apex’ right up until 2.15am on the 20th of December, when the position was totally evacuated.

During the reminder of the campaign, the Canterbury’s would be just one of many units within the N.Z.E.F who would take their turn in garrisoning this position.  So when you consider that this relic button was once part of a soldier’s uniform, ascertaining for certain – exactly which unit the owner came from is virtually impossible.  However, judging from it’s position on the ground between ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’ – it may be speculated that the owner of this button may have fallen during the fighting between 6th and 9th of August. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  The relic button, alongside two ‘serviceable’ buttons for comparison.  When placed side by side with these two examples, there can be absolutely no doubt as to the identification of this relic as being a button from a N.Z.E.F tunic.

Like most other British Commonwealth uniform, the 1902 Pattern S.D. (Service Dress) tunic utilised two different sized buttons.  The front of the tunic (as can be seen in the photograph above) was fastened by way of five (5) buttons which were 1″  (one inch)  in diameter.  The four pockets on the outside of the tunic were fastened by way of the 5/8″  (five eights of an inch) diameter buttons which are subject of this story.  However, the New Zealand issued tunics differed slightly – in that the centre-line buttons measured 7/8″  (seven eights of an inch) in diameter. 

IMAGE LEFT:  The reverse side of the relic placed alongside two buttons in serviceable condition.  These buttons bear the script “New Zealand Forces” and the stars of the Southern Cross.  The button eyelet and retaining ring used to secure the button to the uniform, can easily be seen.

The 1902 Pattern Tunic evolved with slight modifications, into the 1907 Pattern Tunic and it is generally this pattern of Service Dress which fitted out the N.Z.E.F.  For all intents and purposes, the 1907 Pattern Tunic was basically the same style of tunic used by the British Army, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the Canadian Expeditionary Force (with only a few minor manufacturing differences and nation specific  buttons).

The fact that this particular relic, was located with the ‘retaining ring’ still attached – leads me to believe that this button may in fact be the type which secured the flap of a pocket.  I base this on the premise that the cuff  consists of a ‘straight’ sleeve (unlike Australian tunics which had a button up cuff) and did not require a cuff button.  I have also been led to believe that the epaulette button was in fact stitched onto the shoulder portion of the tunic; subsequently they did not require a retaining ring.   However, I would be keen to hear from any collector who actually has a tunic of this pattern in their collection – to confirm or deny this.  There were no shards of cloth evident with the button, however considering that this relic was exposed to the elements and not buried in mud or dirt – this is not surprising.  

IMAGE RIGHT:  One Commonwealth – but three different  button types.   From left to right:- Australian button (showing the relief map of Australia with a Crown and the words ‘Australian Military Forces’ embossed around the periphery)  British button (showing the Royal Crest flanked by an image of a Lion on the left and Unicorn on the right) and the New Zealand button (showing the stars of the Southern Cross and the words ‘New Zealand Forces’)  Whilst the British button is only slightly larger – the other two buttons are five eights of an inch in diameter.  At the time of posting this article, I did not have access to a Canadian Expeditionary Force button and would welcome any contribution.

The fact of the matter is….a pocket button would be “missed” by it’s owner.  A breast pocket especially, is likely to be the pocket where a recent letter or a photograph of one’s family would be kept.  We have all heard the tale of a man placing a bible or shaving mirror in his breast pocket and this item actually succeeding in “stopping a bullet”.   To lose a button, would be to risk losing what was contained in that pocket.   And whilst my above comments are merely conjecture, you can be assured that a soldier would not wish to lose any object which he holds dear.

But I am afraid that this particular button was found on a piece of land which the New Zealanders only possessed for about 3 days.  Before it became “No Man’s Land” between ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’.  One may draw the sad conclusion that it’s owner lost something more valuable on that day than a button… or the contents of a pocket.  With the retaining ring in place, it is likely that the woollen uniform simply rotted away – leaving the button in situ.    And with the historic accounts of bloated bodies laying out in the August heat of 1915;  it is heartbreaking to think of a lad,  so far from home – being left out in the hot sun to decay…because his mates could not get to him.

Only one Victoria Cross was awarded to a New Zealander on Gallipoli.  When Divisional Signaller, Corporal Cyril BASSETT spoke about his action at Chunuk Bair and the awarding of his prestigious medal – he protested  “All my mates ever got were wooden crosses”.

When Leon Gellert wrote the following verse: he was not writing about Australians – nor was he writing about New Zealanders…….he was writing about ANZACS.

There’s a lonely stretch of hillocks,

There’s a beach asleep and dream,

There’s a battered, broken fort beside the sea.

There are sunken trampled graves

There’s a little rotting pier

And winding paths, that wind unceasingly.

There’s a torn and silent valley

There’s a tiny rivulet

With some blood upon the stones beside it’s mouth

There are lines of buried bones,

There’s an unpaid waiting debt,

There’s the sound of gentle sobbing in the south.

Wish to learn more about New Zealand in the World Wars or speak to some like minded kiwis ?  If so, please visit the MILITARIANZ website by Clicking Here

For those who have read my “Battlefield Remnants” series of stories on the Kokoda Historical Website (www.kokodahistorical.com) you have learned that a trekker with a keen eye – may be fortunate enough to spot an artefact or two on the Kokoda track, as they walk along.  Alternatively – attention to detail in one of the many “Private Museums” along the way is likely to reveal many artefacts which manage to catch one’s eye.

As the Administrator of the Medals Gone Missing website, not only does my interest lay in the vast list of medals that have gone astray over the years.  But also any items of ‘Missing Militaria’ that happen to turn up on the open market or in far flung battlefields, once an army has moved on.  Keeping in mind that items of Military Equipment often go missing on a battlefield during the confusion of battle – sooner or later somebody is going to stumble upon these artefacts.  And nothing sets the pulse rate of a Battlefield Archaeologist racing quicker, than a possible dumping ground or ‘rubbish tip’ where an army buries it’s refuse.

During my travels in Papua New Guinea; I have found (or have been shown) many items that have sparked my interest.  But no other item has gripped my imagination more, than some seemingly insignificant pieces of dried out leather on a shelf – in a tiny museum at Buna.  Indeed, the average trekker may barely notice the existence of these pouches.  Certainly Gibson, the museum’s owner did not comprehend or understand the historical significance of his find – whilst digging in his garden!

What Gibson managed to un-earth was the remains of some leather pouches; referred to as Australian “Pattern 1915″ Infantry Webbing.  A vital piece of history which links his countrymen to the active fighting of 1942.

PHOTO RIGHT:  The pouches discovered by Buna land owner Gibson, whilst digging in his garden. He has also uncovered numerous other small items,  which indicate that his land was likely to have been a waste dump after the village was liberated.

The “Pattern 1915″ Infantry Webbing was an Australian version of the Pattern 08 (woven cotton) Web Equipment manufactured by Britain during the First World War.   This Pattern 1915 equipment was made from ‘Chrome tanned’ leather, due to the fact that Australia had a well established leather industry before the Great War.  Whilst a number of firms were tasked with manufacturing this item of kit, the major producer of Australian Pattern 15 equipment was the Commonwealth Government Harness Factory in Clifton Hill, Victoria.   In fact, the vast majority of equipment that survives to this day is stamped with the letters C.G.H.F.  to signify that it was made by the harness factory.  Though occasionally, you will come across some other stampings – from the smaller manufacturers who also produced certain items of this kit.  Whilst it never proved popular with front line troops during the First World War, it was produced in sufficient numbers – that much of this equipment survived the First World War and was subsequently passed into storage.     

PHOTO LEFT:  Front view of a ‘Left side’ Australian Pattern 1915 leather Infantry ammunition carrier in it’s complete state (as per Military specifications).   This particular carrier has survived in an ‘unissued’ state and is of a light tan colour.  The dyes used to stain the leather before manufacture, was varied in colour.  It is not uncommon to find this same type of equipment manufactured in a green (almost olive) colour.  I have even seen pieces which have been thrown together during the manufacturing process, so that they are made from both tan and green components.  This suggests that there was no strict ‘quality control’ and that so long as the item was sound in it’s construction – it would pass the Army Inspectors and sent forward for issue.

PHOTO RIGHT:  Rear view of a ‘Left Side’ Australian Pattern 1915 leather Infantry ammunition carrier in it’s complete state (as per Military specifications). Note the ink stamping of the letter “L” to indicate that it is a left side configuration.

During World War Two, it was commonly re-issued to Australian Home Defence units – but it was also sent over to Papua New Guinea to equip members of the P.I.B ( Papuan Infantry Battalion). Ample photographic evidence also exists to suggest that it was locally modified and issued to the Papuan Constabulary. This modification was done by dissecting the body of the ammunition carrier horizontally, so that the upper two pouches were removed. The lower three ammunition pouches could then sit on the 3 inch leather belt, without the need to support the weight of the belt with the shoulder straps.

The importance of these crumbling leather pouches to this country’s heritage cannot be overstated. They are a tangible reminder that Papuans also took an active role in the fighting to rid New Guinea of the Japanese invader. The fighting involvement of the Papuan people is often overshadowed by the vital work done by the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’Angels who carried our wounded out and brought in valuable supplies.

PHOTO LEFT:  A photo of a bugler of the Papuan Constabulary,  showing the ammunition pouches of the Australian Pattern 15 variety, all made from leather. The photo shows that the upper 2 ammunition pockets have been removed. This effectively eliminated the rear 2″ buckle through which a shoulder brace was normally attached when in the standard configuration – as per the British 08 Pattern. (The shoulder brace supported the weight of the belt and ammunition carriers). It is likely that the rotten pouches uncovered by Gibson at Buna, were of this modification, as the two upper pouches were not found at the time. Based on this, one may conclude that they were issued to a Policeman of the Papuan Constabulary and worn during the fighting at Buna.
 

PHOTO RIGHT:  Another photograph of a member of the Papuan Constabulary, clearly showing the 3″ waist belt and how the two ‘upper’ pouches have been removed.  This man, Sergeant MERIRE (service number 3233)  of the Waria District has been awarded the B.E.M (British Empire Medal).  The photo is taken at Lae circa 1944.   (Please see the image and medal description at the bottom of this page.)

In the big picture that is ‘the New Guinea campaign’, it is essential that we recognise the fine work exhibited by the men of the Papuan Constabulary and the Papuan Infantry Battalion.  Australians often forget that it was the P.I.B. who first engaged the Japanese on the Kokoda Track near Awala.  There are also numerous accounts in history of Papuan Infantry Battalion individuals, coming to the assistance of Australian Troops.  On page 50 of Lex McAulay’s BLOOD AND IRON, he first writes of”a large, brave Papuan – Lance Corporal Sanopa” who fearlessly guided Major Watson’s men of the P.I.B near Oivi,  in the early stages of the campaign.   Lance Corporal Sanopa later guided ‘A’ company of the 39th Battalion from Deniki to Kokoda when they re-occupied the village on the 8th of August, 1942.   A position which would have earned him certain death in the event of a Japanese ambush.

PHOTO LEFT:  Papuan Infantry Battalion soldiers on parade. Whilst their kit is the obsolescent Australian Pattern 15 leather equipment, these troops are still fairly well-equipped by Papuan standards. Despite the fact that his ‘sloped arms’ obscure part of his rig, he is clearly wearing an unaltered and near complete set of gear. It is understood that in most cases, an entrenching tool was not carried. Hence the ‘kidney’ shaped helve carrier and helve handle carrier did not form part of their issue.

When Australians plan their journey over the Kokoda Track, it is a pity that consideration is rarely given – to extending their visit to take in the beach head battlegrounds of Buna, Gona and Sanananda. It could be argued that a trekker merely receives ‘half’ of the story; should their trip only encompass that part of the track between Owers Corner and Kokoda Station. Many acknowledge that the Kokoda Track actually starts and finishes at the beach heads – a point pressed by the Papuans who live in this area. I myself have been fortunate enough to have guided here a number of times – at the invitation of the trekking company Kokoda Historical. The hospitality of the people of Sanananda, will ensure my return at every opportunity. And I am glad to say that each time I visit – the locals have discovered something new for me to examine.

PHOTO RIGHT:  Gibson’s mother standing out the front of the museum in Buna. Note the Marsden Matting being used as part of the wall.  MARSDEN MATTING was the steel sheeting with multiple perforations which interlocked together, to form a hard surface – suitable for driving vehicles over soft sand or mud.  A primary use for this concept was to create a solid surface for airstrips and aircraft dispersal areas within the South West Pacific Area.  It is also known as P.S.P or Perforated Steel Planking (also pierced steel planking).  The ever ingenius Papuans have adapted it for numerous uses….it is even bent to form a ‘tube’ and used for vertical fence posts.

But this small memento of the Papuan Constabulary, will always continue to be a favourite of mine;  which I will ensure is viewed by every trekker that I escort to Buna.  I just find it ironic that an item of leather equipment…..conceived by the Australian Government during the First World War …..deemed “unsuitable”  for front-line military service (especially when the leather gets wet) should find itself  issued, during World War Two…..in the high rainfall area of New Guinea – one of the wettest climates in the world !!!

IMAGE LEFT:  The B.E.M. (British Empire Medal) as awarded to Sergeant MERIRE in the photograph (centre of story).   This award was known in full as:- the medal of the Most Excellant Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service.   Instituted in 1922, the B.E.M continued to be awarded for meritorious service after 1940, but also for gallantry.

MEDALS AWARDED TO THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGIMENT during World War 2(Which included the Papuan Infantry Battalions)  This includes both European and Papuan – Islander recipients.

D.S.O. (Distinguished Service Order)     1

M.C. (Military Cross)     6

G.M. (George Medal)     2

D.C.M.  (Distinguished Conduct Medal)     3

M.M.  (Military Medal)     20

M.I.D. (Mentioned in Dispatches)     9

U.S. LEGION OF MERIT     1