Our Northern Neighbour: Stories of Papua New Guinea and Australia‘s Shared Military History
As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th anniversary of independence on September 16, 2025, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the deep and often complex history shared with Australia, particularly through the lens of military service and sacrifice.
Prior to the 20th century, the lands that comprise Papua new Guinea were under colonial rule by both England and Germany. In 1906, the British Protectorate of Papua was annexed by Australia. Following the outbreak of World War I, the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force captured German New Guinea, administering the territory until the war’s conclusion and continuing afterwards.
However, it was World War II that fundamentally reshaped the relationship between Australia and its northern neighbour. In 1942, Japanese forces launched an invasion aimed at capturing Port Moresby, advancing overland along the treacherous Kokoda Trail.
Crucially, the Australian war effort relied heavily on the support of Papuan carriers. These men undertook the vital and dangerous task of stretcher-bearing the Australian sick and wounded. While often romanticized as the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” - portrayed as “dedicated, devoted and gentle servants, faithful unto death” – the reality of their service was far more nuanced.The recruitment involved elements of forced conscription, unfulfilled promises, and tragically, instances of severe punishment. Past records reveal the public execution of at least 21 Papuans during the Japanese occupation for allegedly betraying missionaries.
The conditions faced by Papuan carriers were incredibly harsh. Many succumbed to illness, and some lost their lives.Gilbert Mandio, from Beama village, vividly recalled the relentless demands of the work: “very very fatiguing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week… Some of them died of sickness, short rations, cold weather, exposed and from falling supplies dropped by planes… the number of deaths has not been recorded.”
Despite the hardships and complexities, the shared experiences of the Kokoda Trail and the wider war forged strong bonds. Australians developed a profound sense of indebtedness to the Papuan people, recognizing their bravery, faithfulness, endurance, compassion, and unwavering spirit in the face of immense adversity. this shared history continues to shape the relationship between Papua New guinea and Australia today.
