Over sixty years ago newly enlisted Australian soldiers fought seasoned Japanese troops in the battle for the Kokoda trail. It was a test of endurance in horror conditions - tropical heat, - steep mountains - mud - snakes - and stifling humidity.
That battle was won, but part of the success was undoubtedly the help of Papua NewGuinians - what our troops referred to as " the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels ".
The local tribesmen carried our wounded to medical facilities - and returned bearing food and ammunition. With their help the Japanese invasion was halted - and it became the turning point of the war.
Unfortunately their efforts were never officially rewarded. The war ended - our troops came home and Canberra turned their back on these brave men - and reneged on promises of compensation
Now it seems we are giving belated recognition - but doing it on the cheap !
Prime Minister Rudd has announced that a medal will be struck recognising the bravery and help of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels- but there is a loud silence on any suggestion of compensation.
There are not many of the originals still alive - and those that are will be in extreme old age. Considering that average earnings in this jungle community are low the payment of a few thousand Australian dollars a year would buy them a little luxury for the short time they have left.
The ranks of the Australians who fought at the battle of the Kokoda trail are also thinning. A few more years and they will also be gone. There is no doubt that we owe a big debt to the people who gave us critical help when it was so sorely needed.
A medal might be nice - but a small annual stipend would not break the bank - and it would restore an overdue obligation !
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