Bringing back the fuzzy wuzzy memories

Anzac Day is on Saturday and over the next couple of days PNG Attitude will bring you a few related stories. Today ROBIN LILLICRAPP reflects on how Soc Kienzle became the interpreter of Kokoda for so many Australian visitors.

Many Australians have revisited historic sites in Papua New Guinea to clarify memories of past events related to military campaigns of World War 2. High on the list is the trek over the Kokoda territory.

Stories of courage and tragedy come to life as we retrace the steps of old soldiers, hearing again the explanations of skirmishes and acts of courage supplies a fresh perspective on what otherwise is dim and distant: a fuzzy memory.

Nearly 40 years ago, I was privileged to routinely visit and enjoy the hospitality of the Kienzle family estate, Mamba, at Kokoda. Recently, I re-established contact with members of the family.

Soc (Wallace) Kienzle is the son of the late Captain HT (Bert) Kienzle [left]. He grew up at Kokoda in an environment reminiscent of a Boys Own Magazine adventure. Gold, cattle, rubber, trade stores and more were the playground of youth.

At 14 he trekked the Kokoda Track. There were few places he did not know. This stands him in good stead as he still guides visitors to the region.

However there was one matter that had eluded his total comprehension of his famous father’s role in the Kokoda campaign. After Bert’s death, Soc was amazed to discover critical information that provided new information on his father’s wartime activities.

This information came to light when he came across an old camphorwood chest. Soc [shown right at Kokoda] had grown up at Mamba where the chest had been in the hallway of the family home. Upon Bert’s death, Soc, aged nearly 40, saw its contents for the first time.

What he found was a treasure trove of information that pointed to his father as a major player in a campaign that has gripped the imagination of Australians for the past 60 years.

The supply lines logistics and repatriation of the wounded was organised and administered by Captain Kienzle and some trusted lieutenants, supported by the now legendary Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

When he read and understood Bert’s campaign journals, a new chapter in Soc’s life began. So began Soc’s lifetime commitment to the Kokoda Trail and its story.

Comments

[Malum Nalu]

I've been featuring a series of articles and pictures on PNG's WW2 history in the lead-up to Anzac Day on my blog http://malumnalu.blogspot.com/.

Please feel free to browse and comment.

Kiap history is also something that fascinates me and I'd like to touch base with as many of you as I can.

I am currently supplements editor with The National newspaper and can be contacted on email mnalu@thenational.com.pg or malumnalu@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you.