This week, the High Commissioner and the Head of Australian Defence Staff in PNG travelled to Sanananda, Oro Province to commemorate the sacrifice by the Australia 55/53 Battalion, hundreds of whom were left wounded, killed or missing after fierce fighting in Oro between 1942 and 1943. 

Kokoda Historical were privileged to lead a group of descendants of the 55/53 Battalion on a non-trekking tour to visit PNG. 

After travelling to Port Moresby, Owers' Corner, Kokoda, Gona and Buna, the group attended a moving service and the unveiling of a new plaque to commemorate the service and sacrifice

of the 55/53 Battalion soldiers in Sanananda. They were joined by Ananias Mongagi and his son Frank, as well as the 21 Australian relatives  of the ‘Mice of Moresby’, many of whom have never travelled to PNG before.

Ananias has a unique history with Australia, as he was present at the initial unveiling of a plaque in 1973, when a small group of veterans from the 55/53 Battalion came to Oro to remember their fallen brothers. They were led by Frank Budden, who had served as an officer during the war. Ananias was so affected by his experience at the service that he named his unborn son Frank, in honour of Mr Budden. 

It was an honour to have both Ananias and Frank join the service this week, reminding us all of the strong bond between PNG and Australia, forged in war but kept alive through our people.