Kokoda plaque honours Salvos' selfless service
Kokoda plaque honours Salvos' selfless service
The Salvation Army plaque is situated on the Kokoda Track north of Port Moresby.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the World War Two battle of the Kokoda campaign in Papua New Guinea. Army Archives opens the vault on some Salvation Army memories of the battle that saved Australia.
Trekkers who tackle the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea inevitably come across a memorial plaque that honours The Salvation Army’s involvement in supporting Australian troops against the invading Japanese forces in World War Two.
In 2009, The Salvation Army commissioned visual art company Artforms [together with its sister company Forever Shining] to design and produce a 1400mm x 800mm stainless steel plaque, to be placed at the site of the longest-established Salvation Army ‘Hop In’ tent near Goldie River, north of Port Moresby.
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One of the Salvation Army ‘Hop In’ tents on the Kokoda Track in World War Two.
During World War Two, Red Shield Representatives established the now-famous ‘Hop In’ centres at war zones from Tobruk to the Kokoda Track, providing on-the-spot comforts and a ‘home away from home’ for soldiers. The centres ranged from large marquees in major staging areas to hastily erected flies – all displaying the familiar ‘Hop In You’re Welcome’ signs.
True to The Salvation Army’s reputation of “Christianity with sleeves rolled up”, the Red Shield Representatives also provided spiritual and emotional support, writing letters home for men, preaching Sunday sermons from the trenches, praying and counselling.
When the original Kokoda plaque was constructed, it consisted of a detailed laser-cut text with a ceramic photo [of a Hop In tent] attached, weighing approximately 100kg. The highly polished stainless steel was chosen for its durability in the jungle setting and its resistance to vandalism.
To enable the plaque to be carried by hand on its arduous journey along the track, Artforms designed a special cradle. This meant the plaque was protected, and six people could work together to transport it. Artforms also devised a robust demountable stand, which would be easily carried along the track and simple to instal on site.
Unfortunately, some years later, due to tribal rivalry, the ceramic photo was damaged with rocks. Artforms decided to donate a replacement tile using the same photograph, this time laser-etched into more durable aluminium.
The plaque reads:
The Salvation Army Red Shield Memorial
On the 21st of July 1942, the Japanese forces landed at Gona Beach and set out for Port Moresby. With the arrival of reinforcement troops from Australia, The Salvation Army Red Shield representatives, who came to be under the leadership of Major Albert Moore, set out to support the morale of the soldiers and airmen in PNG. During the early stages of the Kokoda Campaign, permission was granted to Major Albert Moore to progress along the Kokoda Track to the forward positions. Going as far as Mayola, they offered assistance, to the weary troops.
Red Shield Representative Major Albert Moore tends to Australian diggers on the Kokoda Track.
Upon receiving advice on the 2nd of September, the team withdrew to the northern foot of the Golden Stairs, where they continued to serve the troops moving forward, and those returning from battle. On the 15th September, again within earshot of Japanese fire, they were forced to withdraw back along the track, and on the 18th a post was set up near Uberi, where they welcomed and refreshed the soldiers. Later on the 20th September with a ‘Hop In’ flag flying, the Rouna Falls Red Shield centre was opened and operated for many months and served the needs of all who passed that way. This was just the start of many Red Shield posts that were set up in areas all across PNG. Captain John McCabe, taking with him only what he could carry, became the only philanthropic rep to traverse the entire length of the Kokoda Track, and rendered valuable assistance with the regimental Aid Post. Tirelessly working, over 264 Red Shield representatives served throughout WWII. They served in countless positions, gave refreshments, stationery, socks, aid, entertainment, counsel, and prayer to many soldiers.
The Salvation Army wishes to acknowledge the Red Shield men and women who out of their love for God and heart for others, have served, and are serving in war and peace keeping positions. Special acknowledgement is given to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who carried supplies, and assisted in the setting up of ‘Hop In’ centres in PNG during WWII. None of The Salvation Army’s involvement would be possible without the ongoing support of the Australian Defence Force, to whom we are eternally grateful.
Thank God for the Salvos. Lest we forget.
Comments
I was one of the serving RSDS ,Representatives who in September 2009 carried the plaque into position at Goldie Ck and set it up at a special service of dedication, we then continued on to complete the track to Kokoda conduction a number of other services at sites where RSDS Hop in operated during WW2.