David Howell of Kokoda Historical has been featured in the latest edition of Mufti, the official publication of RSL Victoria.
Returning to the Kokoda Track two years after COVID-19 closed international borders was always going to be an emotional pilgrimage for David Howell, but when he packed his rucksack for Port Moresby in March, he was also carrying very precious cargo.
The former Army Reservist who takes Australians to Kokoda to share the stories of our soldiers and honour their efforts during WWII, was looking forward to reconnecting with the Papua New Guinea locals he has called friends since he began Kokoda historical tours in 2005; but first he had a special task to carry out.
After Kokoda veteran George Cops passed away in 2019, his family asked David if he would fulfil George’s wish to have his ashes scattered over the graves of his lost mates. No one could have predicted it would be two long years before David and his colleague Mick O’Malley, a friend to George Cops, were able to honour the family’s request.
The little hamlet of Templeton’s Crossing has been uninhabited for a while, the village huts are dilapidated, and the once manicured grass clearings have been reclaimed by the jungle.
Full article written by Sue Smethurst can be read
