Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels
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The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels was the name given by Australian troops to a group of Papua New Guinean people who, during World War II, assisted and escorted injured Australian troops down the Kokoda trail. "Fuzzy Wuzzy" was originally used by British soldiers in the 19th century as a name for Hadendoa warriors on the Red Sea coast of the Sudan, and referred to their elaborate butter-matted hairstyles. The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were named for both their frizzy hair and helpful role.
In the year 1942, during the Pacific invasion, the Japanese had built up a force of 13,500 in the Gona region of Papua with the intention of invading Port Moresby, they would use this as a front to invade Australia. The key to the offensive was an overland track across the Owen Stanley Ranges. The track ranged from the small village of Buna on the north coast of Papua and went up the slopes through Gorari and Oivi to Kokoda. The track was approximately 100 miles long, folded into a series of ridges, rising higher and to 7,000 feet and then declining again to 3,000 feet. It was covered in thick jungle, short trees and tall trees tangled with vines.
On 29 August 1942, the Japanese task force broke through the Australian line forcing, forcing the Australians to retreat further back to Templeton's Crossing. Eventually, the Australians were forced to retreat to the shipping port of Myola.
4000 Australian lives were lost in the campaign. It is speculated that this number would have been much larger had it not be for the help of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. As one Australian digger has noted:
- “They carried stretchers over seemingly impassable barriers, with the patient reasonably comfortable. The care they give to the patient is magnificent. If night finds the stretcher still on the track, they will find a level spot and build a shelter over the patient. They will make him as comfortable as possible fetch him water and feed him if food is available, regardless of their own needs. They sleep four each side of the stretcher and if the patient moves or requires any attention during the night, this is given instantly. These were the deeds of the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ – for us!”
No known injured soldier that was still alive was ever abandoned by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, even during heavy combat. As of Anzac Day 2007, only three of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were still alive. In July 2007, grandsons of Australian WWII soldiers and grandsons of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels will take part in the "Kokoda Challenge".[1]
[edit] Claims of Australian Army execution and torture
Much evidence exists to indicate good relations between the Papua New Guinean people and Australian soldiers. However, recent claims by some Papua New Guinean citizens suggest that the Australian Army did at times coerce and intimidate the local people into compliance. A video report by the Australian Broadcasting Commission's "Foreign Correspondent" titled "PNG Digger Hangings" [2] claims execution and torture were used to control villages that did not support the Australian Army. The report claims the Australian Army then lied to Australian Government inquiry that followed the executions, grossly understating the number of executions carried out by the Australian Army.
This was taken to trial and dismissed, as strong evidence was shown to suggest this did not happen.
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This statement about evidence and dismissal does not cite any references or sources. (April 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
[edit] Bert Beros Poem
A famous poem by Sapper Bert Beros which illustrates the effort shown by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels:
The Fuzzy Wuzzies
- Many a mother in Australia
- when the busy day is done,
- Sends a prayer to the Almighty
- for the keeping of her son;
- Asking that an Angel guide him
- and bring him safely back -
- Now we see those prayers are answered
- on the Owen Stanley track.
- For they haven't any haloes
- only holes slashed through the ear
- And their faces worked by tattoos
- with scratch pins in their hair:
- Bringing back the badly wounded
- just as steady as a horse,
- Using leaves to keep the rain off
- and as gentle as a nurse
- Slow and careful in bad places
- on the awful mountain track
- The look upon their faces
- Would make you think that Christ was black
- Not a move to hurt the wounded
- as they treat him like a saint
- It's a picture worth recording
- that an artist's yet to paint
- Many a lad will see his mother
- and husbands see their wives
- Just because the fuzzy wuzzy
- carried them to save their lives
- From mortar bombs and machine gun fire
- or chance surprise attacks
- To the safety and the care of doctors
- at the bottom of the track
- May the mothers of Australia
- when they offer up a prayer.
- Mention these impromptu angels
- with their fuzzy wuzzy hair
