Kokoda Bound
Adele brushes up on Kokoda history
A passion for Australian history has earned Year 10 student Adele C the prize of a trek on Papua New Guinea’s famous Kokoda Trail.
The 39th Battalion Association presented Adele with the Harold Bould Award at a ceremony this week held at the offices of local MP Edward O’Donohue.
As part of the selection process, Adele (Pakenham Campus) had to write an essay on the topic ‘What Kokoda Means to Me’ (see below).
Since winning the award, Adele has been an enthusiastic researcher of Kokoda’s history and the importance of the campaign. And she is thrilled at the prospect of experiencing the region first-hand in mid-2011.
“I am really looking forward to it – the books I have read say nothing prepares you for Kokoda,” she said.
President of the 39th Battalion Association, Alan Jameson, said it was the third – and most successful – year the association had offered the Harold Bould Award to students in the Shire of Cardinia.
The 39th Battalion existed as a unit for only 20 months in World War II. Formed in haste, this ‘scratch unit’ played a critical role in Australia’s defence, battling the Japanese just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbour.
Mr Jameson said the award was a fantastic way to teach students about the significance of the Kokoda campaign and how close Australia came to being occupied.
He would like to see schools teach more about the Pacific War, given its importance in Australian history.
Here is an extract from Adele’s essay on Kokoda:
”The Kokoda Campaign reinforced and extended the Australian identity, born in the Gallipoli Campaign. Soldiers were called to duty, where they displayed courage, determination, resilience and mateship. They were loyal to the cause, exhibiting strong patriotism. These qualities proved invaluable during their tour of duty in Papua New Guinea.
The Kokoda Campaign and the efforts of those in the 39th Battalion means I am able to live in a peaceful and democratic society. Everyone, despite race, age or gender, is treated and respected as equals. This freedom means I am able to openly express my views and practise a religion of my choice. As a proud Australian citizen, I am fortunate to live in a country rich in community support and freedom. I may have not been fortunate enough to experience these freedoms if it weren’t for the heroic efforts of the Australian soldiers who protected our nation, during the Kokoda Campaign.
As the 39th Battalion defended Australia on the Kokoda trail, they left us with a legacy of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. All Australians are forever indebted to the actions of these soldiers, who kept our nation free.’
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