Each year, Kokoda Historical donates a prize to one Bravo Company 5/6 Royal Victoria Regiment soldier. The SGT Chris Lam Award is presented each year to the est Non - Commissioned Officer (NCO).
The 2023 B Coy prize winner was CPL Tom Walter, who went to PNG in August last year. CPL Tom WalterTom wrote, thanking Kokoda Historical and the Victorian Scottish Regiment Association for the prize. Here are some excerpts from his letter.
“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to the Victorian Scottish Regiment Association (VSRA) and Kokoda Historical for your generous sponsorship of my recent trek on the Kokoda Track. It was an extraordinary experience, both physically and emotionally, and I am immensely thankful for the opportunity that your support provided.
Visiting a place with such profound historical significance, where the values of courage, endurance mateship, and sacrifice were embodied by those during World War II, was a great honour. Thanks to your sponsorship, I was able to walk in the footsteps of these heroes, gaining a deeper understanding an appreciation for the challenges they faced.
One of the most impactful stories that resonated with me was that of Captain Sam Templeton, who began his military service with the Victorian Scottish Regiment. Showing greatleadership and bravery, CaptainTempleton was known for the unwavering commitment he gave his men, and his country. His actions during the early stages of the Kokoda Campaign, where he led his company in a series of fierce engagements against overwhelming Japanese forces, exemplify the true spirit of Australian soldiers during the war. Despite the immense pressure and the dire circumstances, Captain Templeton's leadership and courage were pivotal in delaying the Japanese advance, buying precioustime for the Australian forces to regroup.
On a personal level, the trek was not just a test of physical endurance, but a journey that connected me with the core values that have shaped our nation. Reflecting on the courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice demonstrated by those who fought on the Kokoda Track reinforced the importance of these principles in my own life. Your commitment to preserving this history made it possible for me to have this invaluable experience, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Additionally, I want to thank both the Victorian Scottish Regiment Association and Kokoda Historical for your continued support of Bravo Company, 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment. Your dedication to keeping the legacy of those who served alive is truly commendable. By sponsoring my trek, you have not only provided me with an unforgettable experience but also ensured that the stories and values of the Victoria Scottish Regiment continue to be honoured and remembered.” CPL TJ Walter
The 2024 B Coy ‘SGT Chris Lam Award’winner was CPL Marc Angelovski.
As this article is being written, Marc has just returned after completing his trek across Kokoda. A few of Marc’s fellow soldiers have gone along with him – paying their own way, helping Marc to celebrate his well-deserved prize.
