Walking in the muddy footsteps of Kokoda’s fallen

Twenty junior Australian Defence Force leaders took part in Exercise Kanga Return late last year, following in the footsteps of Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign of World War II.

CAPTION: Exercise Kanga Return 2025 participants begin the hike through the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Story by Flight Lieutenant Ambarose. Photos by Corporal Johnny Huang.

For eight days, the participants trekked the arduous Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea – 83 years after the first battle of Kokoda commenced – and contemplated how the Australian soldiers navigated the unforgiving jungle terrain while under fire and carrying equipment and the wounded. 

The annual Forces Command exercise was planned and led by the 39th Operational Support Battalion because of its links to the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion, which fought with distinction along the Kokoda Trail.

Lieutenant Noah Searle, of 1st Recruit Training Battalion, said the significance of the exercise would be felt long after the trek’s completion. 

“As we resume our daily duties, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger bond to our heritage,” he said. 

“The lessons we’ve learned and the memories we’ve created along this historic track will continue to inspire and guide us, ensuring the legacy of the Kokoda Campaign lives on for generations to come.”

As part of their junior leadership activities, the contingent conducted various memorial services at historical battle sites throughout their trek. 

CAPTION: Porters from Kokoda Spirit sing the Papua New Guinea national anthem during Exercise Kanga Return 2025.

These included the Isurava Battlefield and Brigade Hill, where they witnessed a moving rendition of the Papua New Guinea national anthem sung by the team of local porters.

While participants endured the physical and mental demands of the trail, it had Corporal Bianca Ross appreciating the assistance she received from her personal porter, much like the Australian soldiers received from the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels during the Kokoda Campaign.

“When the days were long, your feet and legs felt heavy scaling up or down a hill, across a bridge or water crossing,” Corporal Ross said.

“Even scaling a waterfall during a massive downpour of rain, I always felt the hand of my porter on my back ready to catch me if I fell. 

“It makes me think of what incredible bonds the Australian soldiers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels may have had.

How that helping hand would have been so critical in the success of Australia during the Kokoda Campaign.”

CAPTION: Participants of Exercise Kanga Return 2025 hike through the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.

Lance Corporal Kate Gleeson, also of the 39th Operational Support Battalion, said the trek was physically demanding, with what felt like endless steep ascents and descents along muddy paths.

But she said all participants reflected on the rewarding experience and the enduring themes of courage, endurance, sacrifice and mateship that those who had gone before them would have experienced.

Corporal Tyler Flood said it was incomprehensible how the diggers did what they did.

“We are here with porters, food and carrying only day packs. To think that they were out there with no comforts is incredibly commendable,” he said.

CAPTION: Exercise Kanga Return 2025 participants hike the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.

For Bombardier Jack Malone, of the Sydney University Regiment, the reality of the Australian soldiers’ experiences during the Battle of Brigade Hill hit him as he stood at the site.

“Seeing the sticks with poppies marking the Australian soldiers who fell at Brigade Hill was deeply grounding and brought the sacrifice of those men into sharp perspective,” he said.

Corporal Brandon Wilkinson, of the Combat Training Centre, said he was grateful to take part in the service at Brigade Hill.

“Reading that poem during the service brought a sense of connection to our Australian soldiers,” he said.

Participants said the trek was an opportunity to build physical and mental resilience.

Lance Corporal Gleeson said one afternoon the rain was so heavy the track transformed into a cascading waterfall.

Private Nicholas Purcival, a medic of 2nd Health Brigade, said walking in the footsteps of the 39th Battalion made him appreciate the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of the diggers.

CAPTION: Corporal Reece Dawson, from the 3rd Health Battalion, walks through the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby during Exercise Kanga Return 2025.

.

.


.


.