Kokoda Youth Foundation
What Is The Spirit Of Kokoda?
Our mission is to change the lives of young Australians through the Spirit of Kokoda and the values of: Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. These were the fundamental character traits that led our Australian soldiers to the victory over the Japanese in WWII. They are the same values we instil into young people in our programs.
The 1942 Kokoda Campaign was one of the most significant events in Australia’s history. Papua New Guinea was once considered Australian soil, so it was fought on Australian territory at that time.Â
The battle was not to help British troops, but to defend Australia from the threat of Japanese forces after their devastating attack on Pearl Harbour. The Japanese army planned to advance to Port Moresby in PNG as this would facilitate the capture of other centres and weaken the Allied line of communication from the United States to Australia.
It was the bravery of the inexperienced and untrained Australian soldiers that saw the victory over the Japanese who had, until this point, seemed like an invincible force.
Australia's Military Efforts
On July 21, 1942, Japanese troops landed in the Gona-Buna area in PNG. They were met by Australia’s 39th Battalion, which was made up of untrained and untested troops who were initially deployed to PNG merely to assist with the building of an airstrip at Dobodura.
These Australian soldiers were forced into a series of short, but critical engagements with the advancing Japanese troops, and they were pushed along the Kokoda Track.
Throughout the next two months, the Australian units withdrew down the Kokoda Track and were joined by the 2/27th Battalion. They made further stands against the Japanese at Eora Creek, Templeton’s Crossing, Efogi, Mission Ridge and Ioribaiwa. During those gruelling days, Papuan men were employed as carriers and played a vital role in the battle.
These courageous men carried supplies forward to the troops and ferried the increasing numbers of wounded and sick back to safety. They were affectionately known as the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and became an icon of the track.
Finally, by September 16, after more Australian troops had come from Port Moresby to assist, the Japanese were exhausted and were ordered to retreat. On 2nd of November, 1942, the Kokoda Village was finally retaken by the Aussie troops but they had one more tough battle to fight at Oivi-Gorari, where the Japanese were determined to make a final stand. By November 18, the Australians reached the Kumusi River, and the battle for the Kokoda Track was finally won!
More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1,680 were wounded in what some believe was the most significant battle fought by Australians during World War II.
Donate today or apply to volunteer and join us in making a difference through the Spirit of Kokoda
About
Our People
The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a locally operated charity that has proudly supported Australian young people and their local communities for 20 years. Our experiential youth programs help young people increase their physical and mental resilience, confidence, and instil the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice through the story of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942. These programs are offered free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
