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 | | KOKODA HISTORICAL NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2020
Welcome to our November Newsletter. Our cover photo this month is of the pillar 'Sacrifice' from the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Track. A sentiment that is familiar to us in 2020, as this year we have made sacrifices. Whether we have been unable to see our family and friends, go to our favourite restaurants and sports venues, or postpone our overseas holidays. Life has changed. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we are all hoping that 2021 will see us all get back on track. Literally on the Kokoda Track.
We recently received much anticipated news. The Phase III interim results of the Oxford and AstraZeneca vaccine trials have just been published. Oxford University are delighted to report that the vaccine demonstrates 70.4% efficacy in 24,000 participants, and tests in one dosing regimen show that the efficacy could be 90%. You can read the full details in their official announcement here. What does this mean for us here in Australia wanting to go to PNG? Well it is likely that the COVID situation will turn around quickly.
Therefore we are working hard to prepare for the trekking and touring season in PNG starting in April 2021. We are in regular contact with of our team and suppliers in Port Moresby. All are waiting with great anticipation for our return. Kila and the Green Masin meet regularly and continue to train and prepare for the 2021 season.
Ahead of our return, an advance party will travel to PNG as soon as physically possible. We will roll out our COVID safe plan to all of our staff in PNG and inspect our travel partners to make sure best possible practices are in place. We recommend to all our clients to start thinking about their preparation such as training and fitness, managing your leave from work and rebooking your airline tickets as soon as the green light is given.
In the next few days we will be updating out events page with free training sessions, information talks and overnight camping trips not to mention the upcoming March history conference. To keep up to date with the latest events click here.
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 | ALAN 'KANGA' MOORE TURNS 100 Earlier this month Alan 'Kanga' Moore who served in the 39th Battalion celebrated his 100th birthday. From his nursing home in Mornington, Victoria, Alan was surrounded by family and friends.
Kanga is the last remaining officer of the famous 39 Australian Infantry Battalion. He first went into action at Gona on the north coast of Papua. After the disbandment of the 39th Battalion, Kanga transferred to the 2/6 Battalion and went on to serve in the later New Guinea Campaigns. He is a remarkable Australian from a magnificent generation.
Due to lockdown restrictions a surprise street party was thrown in Kanga's honour right outside his retirement village window. The party included a fly past by vintage war birds, to view the 7 news report click here. |
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 | | CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
With less than a month until Christmas morning, now is the time to start getting your presents together. We have a great range of books at very reasonable prices available in our store. Such titles include the fantastic Hell's Battlefield by Phil Bradley and Jungle Warriors by Adrian Threlfall. We also have plenty of stock of our Kokoda Historical shirts in all sizes. To see our range of titles click here.
A great gift idea is commissioning a researched and annotated service history of your relative. The research will be presented in a folder and will detail an individual's service during the war. We can research just about any conflict that Australians of their allies have served in. To book your research project click here.
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 | | DAVID HOWELL AS YOUR NEXT GUEST SPEAKER
David Howell is the co-founder of Kokoda Historical and have given hundreds of talks all around Australia and the world. Why not book David for your next function via Zoom. David is Melbourne based, on the wonderful Mornington Peninsula and makes a great guest speaker and Master of Ceremonies who can make your event a memorable one. Along with speaking to school & community groups, David has also been engaged at many fundraising and corporate events including working at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. Why not engage David at your next function or fundraiser! You can have him in person depending on the current COVID restrictions and there is now the option of Zoom. The later is free of charge!
Recently David appeared on the hit SBS show Who Do You Think You Are, where he helped Bert Newton with his father's war service. To watch the episode click here.
Book David for your next event by sending an email to info@kokodahistorical.com.au
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KOKODA KAST
The latest episode of Kokoda Kast (Episode 4) is out now. An army marches on their stomachs, so what did Australian soldiers eat during the Kokoda Campaign? Join David Howell as he discusses rations of the Australian soldiers on Kokoda with archaeologist Owen Budd, President of the 2/25 Battalion living history group. Available on: ITunes Stitcher YouTube Spotify
Our next edition will be on Shaggy Ridge with author Philip Bradley.
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 | | THIS MONTH WE REMEMBER DOC VERNAN
Most people who have read a book on Kokoda will have come across the name Doc Vernon. Doc Vernon was a Medical Officer attached to the 39th Battalion on the Kokoda Track. Geoffrey Hampden "Doc" Vernon MC was born on the 16th of December 1882 at Hastings, Sussex, England. He was educated in Sydney at the Sydney Church of Grammar School what is now known as Shore. He later went on to study medicine at the University of Sydney (M.B., Ch.M., 1905). On the 4th March 1915 during The First World War he was appointed Captain in the 4th Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance, Australian Imperial Force. To read the full article click here.
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