1943 Kokoda Track Memorial
Description
Known as Sogeri Memorial: the memorial is a cairn with bronze plaques in a fenced area.
1945 photograph of the memorial courtesy of John Mann (seated), Australian Army Service Corps
History
In July 1967, the 25th anniversary of 'Kokoda', members of the 25th Australian Infantry Brigade Association provided a fence to enclose the Memorial. In November 1990, an additional plaque was fixed to the Memorial in recognition of the support given by the local community, the Ianari clan of Sogeri.
Main plaque reads: In memory of the Officers, NCOs & men of the Australian Military Forces
who gave their lives on the Kokoda Track Jul-Nov 1942 - “To strive, to seek, to find & not to yield”
Ianari plaque reads: In recognition of the support of The Ianari Clan of Sogeri to this memorial which commemorates the sacrifice of those members of the Australian Army and the people of Papua New Guinea who gave their lives on the Kokoda Track July – November 1942 - Erected by the Australian Government on the 48th anniversary of the battle, November 1990
Third plaque reads: In 1943 these Australian Army Units 7 Aust. Infantry Brigade 2 Aust. Watercraft Workshop designed and built this memorial from a concept of Brig. John Field C.B.E. D.S.O. E.D.
Construction Information
This memorial was designed and built in 1943 by the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade in conjunction with the 2nd Australian Watercraft Workshop from a concept by Brigadier John Field.
The fencing was installed in 1999 by KMF at the request of Peter Ainsly for OAWG at Bomana.
This fence replaced a single pipe fence.
KMF installed the gravel, garden beds and relocated the large plaque to the northern corner at Dr Ross Bastiaan's request.
Location
Koitaka, Papua New Guinea.
The memorial stands at the road junction where the Kokoda Trail to McDonald's and Ower's Corners intersects the Sogeri Road.