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39th Australian Infantry Battalion (1941-1943) Association Commemorate today August 8th in Kokoda:
To those heroes who gave their lives on active service with the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion and to remember all those who served with the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion and the Papuan Infantry Battalion on the Kokoda Track and on the Northern Beaches.
On 8th August, 1942 'A' Company succeeded in re-occupying Kokoda where they defeated a series of fierce day and night-attacks.
A moving Commemorative Service was held today to mark this DAY- 8th August…
Kokoda received dignitaries from Ausie High Com, PNG Defence Forces Reps, two war veterans- Mr. Alan Moore, Mr. John Ackhurst.
The two veterans with their support crews were brought into Kokoda on the 7th August by a Australian Defence Force chopper to overnight. They then attended today's service and were flown back by the chopper to Port Moresby.
In 2015 Kokoda is expecting a bigger event in honour of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion.
Alan Moore (91 years old) from Mount Eliza is one of the few remaining veterans from the Kokoda campaign and also served with Victoria's famous 39th Battalion that took the brunt of the Japanese offensive.John Akhurst was a sergeant with the 39th Battalion in 1942.
Battle for Kokoda.JPG
Veterans Alan Moore & John Ackhurst.JPG
Traditional Welcome.JPG
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