Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels

"Fuzzy-Wuzzy" was originally used by British soldiers in the 19th century as a name for Hadendoa warriors on the Red Sea coast of the Sudan, and referred to their elaborate butter-matted hairstyles.

In 1942, during the Pacific invasion, the Japanese had built up a force of 13,500 in the Gona region of Papua with the intention of invading Port Moresby.

The trail ranged from the small village of Buna on the north coast of Papua and went up the slopes through Gorari and Oivi to Kokoda.

Between August and December that year, around 16,000 Papuans were recruited, often with false promises such as a shorter period of service or a less difficult working condition.

[7] In June 2008, Australian senator Guy Barnett called for his country's Parliament to give official recognition to Papua New Guineans' courage and contributions to the war effort.

I was stunned to learn that Australia has not officially recognised these wonderful PNG nationals who saved the lives of Australian servicemen.

Dec 25, 1942, at the Battle of Buna-Gona , Papuan Raphael Oimbari aids Australian soldier George "Dick" Whittington, who would later die of bush typhus in February 1943. (Photo by George Silk )
Statue in Brisbane commemorating the Kokoda Trail and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
New Guineans carrying the body of an American soldier near Buna , 1942.