Kokoda Trail linked the Papuan North Coast by crossing over the Stanley Range to Port Moresby on the south coast.  At the end of June 1942 the Australians placed “Maroubra” force (1000 militia men) to hold Kokoda and its airfield against Japanese attack from the north.  By the end of July the Militia were carrying out a fighting retreat which was to last until late August before reinforcements from the 7th Division AIF reached them.

By mid September, the Japanese began to withdraw, fearing an American attack on their northern base.  During November, the Australians pursued the Japanese back along the Kokoda Trail with the aid of the American 32nd Division.  The Papuan campaign ended with the surrender of the Japanese survivors on the 22nd January 1943.  The Japanese lost 13,000 of their 20,000 force, whilst Australia lost over 6,000 soldiers.

Service Number – W21783

Rank – Private

Division – 4 Aust. Infantry Battalion

Enlisted – 24/07/1941

Discharged – 19/11/1945

Date of Death – 21/07/2004

Age at Death – 84

Burial Location – Lawn B158

Service Number -WX 4354

Rank -Private

Division -2/16 Battalion 7 Division

Enlisted – 01/06/1940

Discharged -24/09/1945

Date of Death – 06/11/1983

Age at Death -77

Burial Location – Lawn D 431

Service Number – WX 5696

Rank – Private

Division – 2/16 Battalion 7 Division

Enlisted – 22/06/1940

Discharged – 19/10/1944

Date of Death – 08/09/1981

Age at Death – 76

Burial Location – Lawn A 338