When I was back in Perth I used to do bootcamp a couple of times a week. My trainer loved to bring the group to Kings Park and do either Jacob’s Ladder or the Kokoda Track. Both involve climbing up stairs and the two locations are leg workout “heaven” in Perth CBD. Although the Kokoda Track only has 150 steps compared to 240 at Jacob’s Ladder, the stairs in the Track are built into the hillside where the steepness and unevenness make it so much tougher on your legs and your fitness. The reported elevation change at the Track is 62 meters over those unsteady 150 steps. Of course during the bootcamp session we wouldn’t just be going up and down once but multiple times so the group would always whinge (or whine for an American translation) when doing the Track! What I did not appreciate at the time was the history behind the Kokoda Track, and I mean the real Kokoda Track, not the one in Kings Park which was built to commemorate Australians lost in the Pacific War of World War II.

The real Track is located in Papua New Guinea and runs 96 km (60 mi) across rugged and isolated terrain of the Owen Stanley Range. It links the northern and southern coast of Papua New Guinea towards Port Moresby and is only passable on foot in single-file. Between July 1942 and January 1943, World War II had truly become global as thousands of Australians confronted Japanese troops to protect Port Moresby. It was considered an important location for the Allies during the War as it provided an entrance point for attacking Australia. The Australian soldiers not only had to face the harsh terrain of the Track with lots of vertical ascents and muddy path, but they also had to endure the heat, humidity, tormenting insects, malaria and dysentery as well as lack of food, medical facilities, ammunition and backup support.

On many occasions during the conflict, decisions regarding food supply, clothing, the need for reinforcements, attacking strategy, etc. were made by General Blamey who was sitting in his nice comfortable office in Port Moresby or Australia. Because of his lack of understanding of the conditions in the jungle, many Australian soldiers had to suffer the consequences of fighting against the Japanese unprepared, resulting in a high number of casualties. In the same light, the author also showed how the Australian field commanders had courageously made decisions against the general during crucial moments to avoid suicidal missions. They had used the information available to them there and then to make the best call for their troops. These are things we can learn and apply to day-to-day life. Some decisions should be made by people who are at the “battlefield” or at the very least input from these people should be highly regarded in the decision making processes. Familiarity of issues and understanding of circumstances are critical to good decision making. In addition, having courage to stand up for your judgment is necessary when leaders fail to recognize situations and to make wise evaluations.

The Australians finally drove the Japanese troops out of New Guinea, however this was not without paying a big price. It was estimated that about 6,000 soldiers were killed or wounded in action while 29,000 soldiers had to be evacuated due to sickness that befell them. Now that I have read the history behind the Track, I appreciate it more, although I think I won’t be any happier going up and down the commemorative Track in my exercise sessions!

Photo Source: http://kokoda.commemoration.gov.au/jungle-warfare/patrolling-the-jungle.php

It is an eye-opening book and I would recommend this book to those who love history. This is also a must-read for every Australian for understanding the history to appreciate what those soldiers sacrificed to protect our home.