I recently completed the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea with my best mates from school — an incredible journey through rugged terrain.
Walking in the footsteps of our diggers was deeply moving, a way to honour their courage and connect with my family, our countries, and my mates.
My Grandad and Grandpa fought here, as did my Nanna’s brothers, our Clem and his little brother Frank, who rests at Bomana War Cemetery after having died in his brother’s arms.
Our Porters — descendants of the Papuans who so bravely and famously assisted the Allies during the campaign — were amazing, making the journey even more meaningful.
I was the first of Frank’s family to be able to visit him at rest, and the beautiful condition of the cemetery and the obvious deep respect with which it is maintained has meant the world the Frank’s nieces and nephews, who are in their 70s and 80s now and have been deeply moved by this.
Walking in the footsteps of our diggers was deeply moving, a way to honour their courage and connect with my family, our countries, and my mates.
My Grandad and Grandpa fought here, as did my Nanna’s brothers, our Clem and his little brother Frank, who rests at Bomana War Cemetery after having died in his brother’s arms.
Our Porters — descendants of the Papuans who so bravely and famously assisted the Allies during the campaign — were amazing, making the journey even more meaningful.
I was the first of Frank’s family to be able to visit him at rest, and the beautiful condition of the cemetery and the obvious deep respect with which it is maintained has meant the world the Frank’s nieces and nephews, who are in their 70s and 80s now and have been deeply moved by this.