Captain Templeton & the 39th Battalion

Port Moresby was a prosperous frontier town North of Australia prior to the war. It was framed by a beautiful harbour that was surrounded by a dry lifeless scrub. The town of Port Moresby is in a rain shadow, shielded from the nourishing monsoon rains from the north by the seemingly impenetrable Owen Stanley ranges. During the early years it was an exciting and rugged place where only the strong and brave flourished, keen to find their fame and fortune, in gold, copper, rubber, coffee, desiccated coconut, transport and copra.

Prior to the war Port Moresby could count around 790 white inhabitants, but this number was soon to swell. Japans desperate need for oil and fuel products would make New Guinea a desirable prize. There was an ever increasing demand for petroleum and primary products back home and Australia looked to New Guinea for its needs.

Port Moresby in March 1939 had a small garrison of soldiers stationed in the town for its protection. This garrison was made up of 38 soldiers from the 13th Field Regiment under Major K.D Chalmers and Lieutenant Cape. Port Moresby had been prepared for a seaborne attack as it was widely reported that an attack from the north across the Owen Stanley Ranges was not possible and only an attack from the south could been seen as a threat.

The Pacific Islands Monthly in January 1939 stated that Port Moresby Harbour and Fairfax Harbour’s were capable of sheltering the biggest fleets in the world. It also mentioned that the topography is such that the port could easily be defended against approach by sea. At the back are foothills leading up into the high mountains-there could be no approach from there. . It was still believed by some in the middle of 1942 that the Kokoda Gap or pass could be blown up and defended from invasion by a small force.

The first troops to cross the Kokoda Track from Port Moresby to Buna were from the Papuan Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant H. J Jesser in February 1942 with orders to patrol from Buna station to the Waria River. On the 23rd of June 1942 a second Patrol of 40 men from the Papuan Infantry Battalion under the command of Major Watson were ordered across the track to Kokoda and to patrol down to Ioma and onto Cape Nelson.
On the 3rd February 1942 the Japanese commenced their bombing of Port Moresby; this signaled the initial softening up phase for the Battle for Port Moresby. By the 5th of February the bombing had increased in intensity, with local desertions and general disarray in the Town.

In early May 1942 the Japanese Navy commenced their next phase of their Port Moresby invasion by sailing south from Rabaul towards the Coral Sea with the ultimate goal of Port Moresby.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was the most strategically important naval battle that ultimately defined the course of Australian history and the war in the South Pacific. Between the 5th and the 8th of May 1942 the Allied and Japanese fleets engaged each other in a defining battle with the Japanese eventually turning their transports back to Rabaul. This withdrawal by the Japanese had ended their ability to take Port Moresby by sea.

Port Moresby had been given a reprieve, but the Japanese still had their sights firmly on New Guinea. The overland routes across Kokoda and Milne Bay were there alternative plan.

"Just doing their job”

Captain Samuel Victor Templeton V50190 was born on the 28th January 1901 in Belfast City Northern Ireland. He was one of six children. He had a colourful history, enlisting in the Royal Navy at age 18 and served in WW1 on a mine sweeper. On his discharge from the Navy he served with the Royal Irish Constabulary and was engaged in putting down a rebellion by the IRA. It is also reported that he fought in the Spanish Civil war as a member of the International Brigade, but this story was denied by his son Reg, but Alan “Kanga” Moore who shared a tent with Sam in Port Moresby believes it to be true.

Captain Templeton arrived in Australia in 1920 and married his sweetheart Doris in 1925 and settled down in Blanche Street North Brighton. They had four children three sons and a daughter. Sam worked as a salesman before becoming a Manager. Sam was never satisfied with his civilian occupation and yearned for more exciting challenges.

Sam enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on the 19th September 1930 at the age of 29 years and 8 months the joined the 5th Battalion of the Citizen Military Force (CMF) as a Private at Balcombe. He quickly advanced through the ranks becoming a Corporal on the 17th March 1931 then promoted to Sergeant on the 22nd March 1932. Sam was well liked and respected in the CMF, where his quiet determination and ability to make things happen was essential to an organisation that was short of all useful items that a military force should have as standard.

Sam’s hard work and strong leadership was well recognised leading him to become the Companies acting Sergeant Major on the 1st July 1938 before being promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on the 9th September 1938 and the Companies permanent Sergeant Major.

On the 24th October 1939 Sam was discharged from the 5th Battalion and on the 25th October he transferred over to the No. 2 Training Battalion at Balcombe as a Lieutenant.

Sam spent his time well in the training Battalion, preparing the men in fitness and military procedures. He was a strong and trusted leader, and demanded the best from his men and would always demonstrate to his men how an exercise or procedure should be done. He would never let his men attempt a training program that he had not completed himself. Training the young recruits was difficult at times as only a small amount of funds had been allocated for training purposes. As the prospect of war loomed Sam tried to enlist in the AIF on several occasions but was rejected because of his age. On the 1st July 1940 Sam transferred from the CMF to the 39th Battalion at the Darley training facilities where he received his commission as a Lieutenant.

The 39th Battalion was raised in Melbourne in 1921 and originally called the Hawthorn- Kew Regiment. In its initial stages the regiment had very few recruits and even less funding. The regiment eventually merged with the 37th Battalion in 1937 forming the 37/39th Infantry Battalion. A few years later the Regiment merged with the 24th Battalion forming the 24/39th Battalion. In October and November 1941 the 39th was raised as a single unit, comprised of mostly 18 and 19 year olds, recruited for National service. It is interesting to note the minimum age for National service in the Australian Military Force in 1941 or CMF was 18 years. The minimum age to join the AIF at the same time was 21 years.

In July 1940, a detachment of the 15th Battalion, under Major W. Oliver, disembarked in Port Moresby and set about to strengthen the defenses of the Town. The 15th Battalion detachment was composed of volunteer militia troops from Queensland. These soldiers were the first militia infantry troops to serve outside the Australian mainland.

In late 1941 it was decided to increase the Port Moresby garrison to Brigade strength. The Australian Military leaders were aware that if Singapore fell then Australia’s ability to protect its defensive perimeter and ultimately Australia was doubtful. The Japanese war machine was becoming even more menacing; the dark clouds of war were about to burst over Australia’s forward out posts.

A further two companies of the 49th Battalion joined the Port Moresby defenses on the 21st March 1941. At the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbour the total garrison strength was 1,088 personal.

The Commanders of the 30th Brigade had prepared Port Moresby for a seaborne invasion, much the same as the garrison on Rabaul had done. It had become increasingly obvious that the garrison on Rabaul had been sacrifice by HQ with no chance of victory or survival. Their betrayal by the Australian Army Commanders was a huge shock and reality check for the men garrisoned in Port Moresby. It was becoming even more obvious that Port Moresby was being prepared to be sacrificed the same way. No thought, preparation or plans had been put in place for any other invasion scenario.

Sam and the other members of the 39th Battalion departed Sydney aboard the Aquitania on the 27th December 1941 and disembarked in Port Moresby on the 3rd January 1942. On the 7th January 1942 Sam received his promotion to Captain.

The 39th Battalion in PNG

The 39th Battalion and 53rd Battalions landed in Port Moresby in late 1941 and early 1942 to join the 49th Battalion in bolstering the 30th Brigades garrison to Brigade strength. The Brigades Commander Major General Morris also had the support of the 13th Field Regiment and the 23rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery. Morris could also get assistance from the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) which consisted of Papuan locals led by Australian Officers and NCO’s. This Battalion had special emphasis on personal that had specific knowledge of the area, conditions and the terrain. There was a second territorial unit called the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles which was made up mostly of returned soldiers who had settled in New Guinea.

Less than two months after the new recruits arrival in Port Moresby the Japanese attacked and captured Rabaul, destroyed the fortress of Singapore, invaded Timor and Java, bombed Port Moresby and Ports in Australia.

It had been a surprise to many of the 39th and 53rd Battalion that they were in PNG at all, as they were Militia, Australia’s home Army or the Reserves; their understanding was they were to be used exclusively for the defence of Australia. What the men in the Militia Battalions soon learned was that New Guinea was mandated territory of Australia and that they were being used to defend Australian territory.

Many of the early Company Commanders of the 39th and 53 rd Battalion were older men who struggled with the tropical climate in Port Moresby. A number of these Commanders came down with tropical diseases, including Malaria and were repatriated back to Australia. Major Auburn D. Callow was the second in charge of the 39th Battalion in the early days in Port Moresby and along with the 39th Battalions original Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel H.M. Conran became so sick that they were both sent back to Australia. Conran was replaced by Lieutenant-Colonel W.T. Owen who was later to be killed in the battle of Kokoda.

Captain Sam Templeton thrived in these conditions and took every opportunity he could to instill good military practice in his men. He paid particular attention to their health, hygiene and nutritional needs. This practice included regular teeth cleaning, regular washing of body and hair and the taking of appropriate Malaria precautions. He also ensured that they continued their physical and self defense training to ensure that they still had a fighting edge despite their use as labourers.

The 39th Battalion was very fortunate to have Sam. Sam stood 5 foot and 10 inches tall, and was of a solid build, many stories are heard of Sam being a big man, but these stories or recollections on his size can be best explained by his incredible strength, stamina and aura that he possessed, giving the appearance of a much bigger man.

He was a strong, capable soldier and leader and his experience would prove invaluable as during the early days in Port Moresby the 39th Battalion and the rest of the Brigade were used mainly as labourers, unloading and loading ships and digging defenses around the town.

These simple but effective practices contributed greatly to B Companies success in crossing the track and fighting the Japanese.

39th Battalion training outside Port Moresby

Lieutenant Alan “Kanga” Moore
"I was lucky I shared a tent with Sam in the early days in Port Moresby. Sam was a very quiet man that went about his business with a vigour and purpose that inspired us all. Sam was determined that his men would be looked after, that was in the fore front of all that he did. He would never let his men down. Sam also had an overwhelming desire to succeed, he was always trying to do things better, never satisfied with his achievements in civilian life he was determined to succeed in the military..."

In June 1942 an American Engineer Regiment was ordered to construct a forward airstrip near Buna for Allied aircraft. This forward airstrip was seen as an important step in protecting Port Moresby and a great base to harass the Japanese aggressors in Rabaul. The New Guinea force stationed in Port Moresby was asked to supply a detachment of infantry to protect the American Sappers as they constructed the aerodrome.

On the 7th of July 1942 the Company selected to provide protection for the aerodrome construction departed for the northern coast across the Kokoda Track. These groups of men were from B Company of the 39th Battalion under the command of Captain Sam Templeton.

When you talk to the men of the 39th, they do not see themselves as heroes, they were “just doing their job”
The 39th Battalion would go on to create a legend and immortality.

39th Battalion Battle Honours

The 39th Battalion received Battle Honours for the following campaigns;

South-West Pacific Campaign 1942-43 The Kokoda Trail Campaign
(It is interesting to note that the Kokoda Trail Campaign included the area from Owers Corner to the Kumusi River)
Kokoda – Deniki
Isurava
Eora Creek – Templeton Crossing
Buna – Gona
Sanananda Road
Amboga River

In all of these battles they would lose 136 men either killed, died of wounds or sickness. 253 of them would be wounded or incapacitated by sickness.

The 39th Battalion had three Commanders

Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Conran,
Lieutenant Colonel William Owen
Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner

Japanese Landing

The initial Yokohama advance expedition force landed 21 July 1942 at Gona and was led by the highly regarded and accomplished Colonel Yosuka Yokoyama, commanding the 1st Battalion, 144th Regiment, a crack company of the 5th Sasebo Naval Landing Force and Engineers from the 15th Independent Company.

The combat component of the initial Japanese invasion force was led by Lieutenant Colonel Tsukomoto. The Sasebo was tough, brutal and uncompromising soldiers who wore with pride on their buckle two anchors crossed identifying them as Marines. They were also responsible for some of the most vile and inhuman treatment of the enemy and local natives during the campaign.

The initial orders was for the force to establish a bridgehead at Buna, provide a secure and reliable road to Kokoda, secure Kokoda and its aerodrome before handing over command to Major General Horii and his men of the South Seas Detachment. Yokoyama and his men were then responsible for providing infrastructure and engineering support, including a reliable road system across the Owen Stanley Ranges.

The final decision to cross the Owen Stanley Ranges using the Kokoda Track was taken only 10 days before the invasion force landed. This decision came about with the Japanese failure to take Port Moresby by sea during the battle of the Coral Sea.

The information provided by the Japanese Intelligence was poor, with very basic understanding of the terrain and extremely sketchy maps. The initial Japanese expedition landing force comprised over 2200 men.

Japanese Imperial Army Maps of Buna and the Kokoda Track

Captain Kondo Shiji Military Historian, Japanese Imperial Army
The plan to occupy Australia was submitted by the Navy at HQ conference in Tokyo. But the Army strongly rejected it. The Army said “At least three Divisions would be necessary to occupy Australia. The Army’s calculation was quite rational. They asked the Navy from which theatre do you think we can bring the three Divisions? And what is the supply plan after they landed there? After that the plan to attack Australia disappeared completely. The Japanese now planned to isolate Australia.

Major Horie Masao Staff Officer HQ of the 18th Japanese Army

During my first visit to Japan July 2009, I was fortunate to spend time with 94 year old Major Masao Horie. Major Horie was a Staff Officer in the 18th Japanese Army.

Java is Heaven, Burma is Hell, New Guinea is where no one comes back alive. That is what the Japanese soldiers were saying. It was such a long battle and so many people died there in the Jungle.

Wayne and Blake Wetherall with Major Horie

Major Horie was quite open in his thoughts about the war and believed the Japanese relied more on hope then a good solid plan especially in the New Guinea campaigns.

He said the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour was a pre emptive strike designed to destroy the American fleet before it had a chance to enter the war. The Japanese war was about natural resources; the Japanese had very few natural resources and were very vulnerable relying on other countries for their supplies.

When the Americans cut off their oil supplies, they believed they had no alternative but to seek their requirements from other sources and other lands, by force if necessary. The Japanese invasion and occupation of their Asian neighbors was seen as uniting Asia and protecting its long term future from western influences.

The Japanese soon realized it was only a matter of time before the Americans joined the war. The Japanese believed any counter attack against them would come out of Australia or the Islands around Fiji. The Japanese were desperate to protect their eastern and southern flanks hence the plans to invade New Guinea and the pacific islands. The Japanese Navy had drawn up plans to invade Australia and had begun an airborne bombing campaign of Australia’s Northern Coastline, including Broome, Townsville and Darwin. The planes used against Australia were the same Navy planes used against the American fleet at Pearl Harbour.

The Army firmly rejected the Navies plan to invade Australia as they did not have the necessary resources to achieve the objective during a HQ meeting in Tokyo in early 1942.

The Japanese Military power was distributed between the Navy and Army, with both having their own air force. The Navy by far had the better planes and they were used for the majority of attacks, the Army used their planes mainly for reconnaissance. Both sections of the Military answered directly to the Emperor where the supreme power resided. The responsibility of administration and command was also distributed with the Army in control of the Indonesian archipelago and the Navy in charge of PNG. The Japanese Officers came from the same common background as the people, so every officer was chosen on their ability to fulfill their role. The Sergeant was a very highly revered person holding high status in the Army, he was in between the Soldiers and the Officers ensuring the objectives and communication was clear.

The Japanese had not expected the Americans to enter the war so soon, believing that it would take them at least one more year before they commenced war against them. Despite the setback of the Americans entering the war, the Japanese would continue to rely on their fighting spirit and the force of the Emperors Spirit. The Japanese Soldiers were very loyal and the common spirit of the Japanese people was to dedicate their life to the Emperor. Each Soldier carried a message book from the Emperor that they would recite each day, a part of the Imperial Rescript, originally issued by Emperor Meiji in 1882 says “Duty is weightier than a mountain while death is lighter than a feather”

Major Horie also made an interesting comment about the Americans stating that he believed that the American President Roosevelt was aware of the impending Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour but used the subsequent Japanese attack as a powerful motivating force to inspire the American people into a war footing.

The Japanese plan to invade Australia was now finished. Their plan was now to isolate Australia from their US allies and strengthen their eastern and northern flanks. The Japanese were now very worried by an allied counter attack coming out of Australia and committed themselves to alleviate any perceived risk from these areas.

Their plan was to secure Port Moresby, the North Coast of New Guinea, Milne Bay and Guadalcanal ensuring that their critical flanks were protected. The Japanese Navy had planned to steam into Port Moresby and launch a direct sea borne assault on the New Guinea capital, but the battle of the Coral Sea soon scuttled those plans.

The Japanese decided on their final plans just 10 days before they begun an audacious and highly risky plan to invade Port Moresby overland across the Owen Stanley Ranges by a rarely used route. The Japanese High Command conceived a plan to invade overland in 10-12 days. They believed they could build a road across the range to ensure a quick and complete victory. The plan was poorly researched and their intelligence of the terrain and conditions was negligent. The Japanese intelligence was very poor, with no decent topographical maps of the area and the Japanese failed to utilize effective air support for their troops. Other problems were an inability to build sufficient and reliable airstrips and an inability to sufficiently resupply their troops. The Australians and Americans had both spent time and resources trying to ensure that they could supply there troops.

The other telling blow to the Japanese is that they had underestimated the bravery, courage and fighting ability of the Australians. The Japanese continued to utilize the same predictable tactics time after time against the Australians. The Australians very quickly understood these tactics and would prepare actions to negate the Japanese. The Australians had a huge advantage over the Japanese in that they were defending their homeland and showed great initiative and resourcefulness throughout the campaign.

Sergeant Imanishi Sadashige 144th Regiment
The enemy we faced in New Guinea was something different,
they were in the mountains and they always hid where we could not see them.
When we landed at Gona there was no enemy. I felt relieved and started walking in the bush.
We were saying to each other that Australia is the destination of British criminals.
So be careful they are going to be very cruel.

Destiny - Move Out!

The booming voice of Captain Sam Templeton reverberates through the early morning mist.

With these two words the lives, destiny and course of history of Captain Sam Templeton the 39th Battalion and those that would follow them across the rugged Owen Stanley Ranges would be changed forever.

Until then only New Guinea locals, patrol officers and other old New Guinea hands were able to make it across this living breathing, pulsating and evolving Track, surrounded by seemingly impenetrable jungle, raging rivers and stunning waterfalls. The Track crossed deep into the brooding mist covered mountains then swept down into beautiful, lush green mystical valleys. This was truly Gods own land, his private garden of Eden. But never again would this sweet smelling track ever be the same, forever the Kokoda Track will be soaked in blood of young Australians. They didn’t know it yet but the 39th Battalion was heading for big trouble…

The young soldiers of B Company were full of excitement and vigor that morning, itching to start this great adventure. They showed little concern for what lay ahead, their ignorance was bliss. They had every reason to be confident; they were being led by Captain Sam Templeton a man of unquestionable, moral courage and a man of great physical and mental strength.

Comments on Captain Templeton by fellow soldiers

Private Cecil Driscoll B Company 39th Battalion
B Company had been working up the Fly River region doing telephone lines; they had come back a bit crook been badly affected by Malaria, dysentery and scrub Typhus. Many of them were not fit for work or fighting.

I had only been in the Militia for 5 weeks and here I was in New Guinea. The only training that I and my mates received was bullring training, we could kind of March in time but not really good and slope arms! We had a real basic elementary training, none of us had ever been to a rifle range, let alone how to fire, clean and maintain one.

I heard some stories recently that some of us were well trained, well trained my arse! The average soldier in the battalion had very little training.

39th Battalion in training

I remember when we were in Kokoda and Lieutenant McClean arrived with the first lot of Bren and Thompson machine guns. We didn’t have a clue how to use them; we didn’t know how to adjust the gas port for firing or how
to clean the grease out of the guns. One of the men suggested we pour hot water down the barrel and over the gun to remove the grease, so we went over to the cook house and boiled up the water and poured it over the guns, we were pretty sure this was not the army regulation but it worked!

I was in C Company at the time when I heard B Company was going across the Kokoda Trail. B Company was in poor shape at the time with plenty of crook men, so the powers that be selected the fittest and best from the other 39th battalion companies to join B Company. I was one of the selected men and took my place in the B Company area.

That is when I first met Sam; he was a solid lump of a bloke, with these real strong eyes. He was a real good bloke and gave us confidence, the kind of guy you need when things go wrong. The young blokes in the Company looked up to Uncle Sam and the other older and mature blokes; they had experience and had been around a while.

Our second in command was Captain Stevenson; he was an old AIF soldier who had previously been with the 2/16th battalion. He was a good bloke and knew his stuff as well. He was a bit of a character and carried two pistols on him; he looked like a cowboy from the Wild West.

Lieutenant A.G “Judy” Garland
He’d fought in the Irish Rebellion, the First World War and this was to be his last fling. He set an example to the whole company, in other words…I think he realized that we were a lot of young blokes… A man that you couldn’t get to know very well, but he always said, that if he went into action against the Japs he wouldn’t come back and that’s exactly what happened, he told me that.

Uncle Sam as he was known to his men was a big man, strong and masculine. He was quiet, considerate and thoughtful, and possessed piercing eyes that left no one in doubt that he meant business. He was professional and dedicated soldier; he looked every bit a soldier and acted like a soldier.

Sergeant Joe Dawson
Everyone liked Sam; some thought he was a very quiet man, which he was. But when he told you something you did it. He was that sort of bloke.

Captain Templeton consistently drummed into his men the habits and skills necessary to survive in this difficult terrain, especially the importance of cleanliness and correct hygiene. Sam was inspirational injecting a can do attitude and confidence in his men. It was hard to believe that very soon these young raw soldiers were going to wage war against battle hardened Japanese who at the time were the best Jungle fighters in the world. Only later did the men realize how important this training and attitude had been to their survival and success.

Private Cecil Driscoll B Company 39th Battalion
We had seen a map of the ranges that we were to cross and it said the Kokoda Trail. We were told that we were crossing the Kokoda Trail on our way to secure the airstrip near Buna. You know we never called it the Kokoda Trail; it was always the Kokoda Track or just Track to us. This was no bloody trail! It was no wider then the old bike and horse tracks that we rode on back home. It was no more then a foot track, a pad of dirt going from one village to another. We were told if we become lost, you circle your way around and make your way back to the track.

Captain Templeton gave the order to move out from Ilolo just before 8 am on the 7th July 1942.

The Soldiers carried .303 rifles, ammunition and supplies. A section of the Company was assigned the responsibility for the Lewis Machine Guns. The Lewis Machine Gun was a left over from WW1, but would have to do as Vickers, Thomson and Bren guns had not been issued as yet. The Officers choice of weapon was a .303 rifles or pistol carried as a side arm.

Uncle Sam also carried a bush knife which was very handy for slashing a path through the Jungle. As was Captain Templeton’s way he led from the front. Soon Templeton and his battalion were out of sight, swallowed by the jungle.

Private Cecil Driscoll
I remember climbing along the narrow track back towards Kokoda. I was my Platoon’s second runner and the Batman to the platoon Sergeant Hogan. I think as a batman you are supposed to wash the Officers clothes and get their meals, well I never did that, I was always too busy. Maybe that is why I got promoted to get me out of his way.

Not long after Hogan returned to Moresby and was replaced as Platoon Sergeant by Leslie Martorana

Captain Templeton quickly established a routine with his men and continued to move up and down the line ensuring that all the men were coping with the demands of climbing the Owen Stanleys. He took on a role of mentor and protector to the men, often assisting the men with their loads while continuing to carry his own load. “The Old fella was strong, real strong”.

Warrant Officer Jack Wilkinson
Uncle Sam came back to help me, about halfway up the last hill. I was carrying four rifles and three haversacks and had doubts about making it myself. Uncle Sam insisted on carrying all my gear as well as that of others.

First Contact with the Japanese landing force

When the Japanese landed at Gona on the 21 July 1942 there was only a small contingent of men from the Papuan Infantry Battalion (P.I.B) with their Australian Officers some Spotters and Captain Templeton’s men from the 39th Battalion between the Japanese and the Gateway to Port Moresby. Initially there were only 35 Papuan Soldiers and three officers and 11 Platoon from the 39th Battalion between Kokoda and the Japanese.

On hearing of the Japanese landing Templeton quickly made his way back to his men from Buna and ordered Lieutenant Arthur Seekamp’s 11 Platoon to move further east to Awala. Templeton also sent a message to Major Watson commander of the P.I.B suggesting that the two forces join up.

Reported on radio broadcast that 1500-2000 Japs, landed at Gona Mission Station. I think it is near to correct and in view of numbers I recommend that your action be contact and rearguard only-no do- or-die stunts. Close back on Kokoda.

Private Cecil Driscoll was a member of Seekamp’s 11 Platoon and recalled the urgency in the order for them to move forward towards Awala.
I don’t clearly remember exactly the location that we first engaged the Japanese, but it was hot on the tail of our forced march from the Oivi area. We had left Oivi at 5 am and moved pretty quickly to the location. The PIB had engaged the Japanese briefly and fallen back through our lines. We took cover and set about engaging the Japanese in a short sharp battle before falling back towards the Kumusi River.

The P.I.B. was the first to engage the Japanese at Soroputa Hill at 4 pm on 23 July 1942 roughly 1000 yards east of Awala. The P.I.B troops had between them one Thomson Sub machine gun and their regulation issued .303 rifles carried by the soldiers. They soon realized that they were no match in this skirmish with the highly trained and experienced Japanese.

The Japanese were well practiced in Jungle warfare and quickly engaged the defenders taking the fight up to the inexperienced P.I.B force. The action only lasted a few minutes before they withdrew back through 11 Platoon 39th Battalion that had moved up to Awala to assist.

The remainder of the P.I.B and 11 Platoon engaged the Japanese again soon after at Awala. The Japanese used their well practiced “Contact drill” quickly going to ground and fanning out left and right to isolate the enemy and flank them in a pincer movement.

The Australians quickly learned these techniques and used them very successfully against the Japanese later on in the campaign. The Australians then withdrew to the Kumusi then further west across the Wairopi Bridge, taking great pleasure in cutting the bridge and slowing the buggers down.

Private Cecil Driscoll
I remember falling back to the Kumusi river then crossing over the Wairopi Bridge. We fell into defensive positions along the western bank. Sam and a couple of the other guys were last across. They took to the wire ropes holding the bridge up with axes, chopping with great gusto and urgency. Sam was a big man, he took the bridge down with a few powerful strokes. I thought it was great that our Commander was in the thick of the action and pitching in and not delegating it to lesser rank soldiers.

The Australians had been blooded and handled the initial fight well.

Sergeant Joe Dawson
We knew what we had to do but we did not have enough men to do it.
We knew this is fair dinkum, this is no practice run.

Extracts from the War Diary B Company, 39th Battalion is as follows.

22 July 1942; Captain Templeton arrived at Awala and immediately sent for 11 Platoon to come forward to Awala.

23 July 1942; Captain Templeton sent orders for 12 Platoon also to move forward where both platoons would join P.I.B. commanded by Major Watson. Captain Stevenson, second in charge ordered to accompany 12 Platoon.

10 Platoon remained at Kokoda for aerodrome defence. Captain Templeton returned to Kokoda to contact Lt Colonel Owen who was expected to arrive by plane. 12 Platoon camped at Gorari for the night, while 11 Platoon reached Awala at 1515 hours. Major Watson then had under his command two European officers, three European other ranks and thirty five natives and 11 platoon. In the meantime enemy had occupied Buna and advanced along track towards Awala. They were engaged by Major Watson’s Maroubra Force- approximately 1000 yards east of Awala at 1600 hours. Owing to superior numerical strength of the enemy, our troops were obliged to withdraw Wairopi after a brief exchange of fire.

24 July 1942; By 0630 hour 11 Platoon and remainder of P.I.B were in position on eastern side of River Kumusi.

At 0800 hours they had demolished the bridge at Wairopi. Wireless and other gear was sent back to Kokoda at 0900 hours. Following orders to fight a rearguard action the force moved back to another position west of Wairopi at 1030 hours. At 1450 hours enemy patrol appeared at River. Our troops opened fire and then withdrew to Gorari where they arrived at 1705 hours. At 1930 hours, 12 Platoon took up position half- an-hour forward of 11 Platoon.
Lt Colonel Owen arrived at Kokoda by plane at 1700 hours, having made an unsuccessful attempt to land on the previous day.

25 July 1942; Lt. Colonel Owen and Captain Templeton proceeded towards Gorari and arrived at 0130 hours. It was then decided to make a stand at dawn and positions were occupied accordingly, 800 yards east of Gorari.
11 and 12 Platoons on main track with P.I.B details on flanks in the bush. Lewis Guns were sited to fire along track while Thompson Machine Guns (TSMG’s) were for the most part to be used in Jungle.

Lt. Colonel Owen left for Kokoda at 1000 hours to contact further troops due to arrive by air.

Enemy patrol advanced along track at 1145 hours. Fires were held until they had passed over our flanking positions, and when fire was opened, fifteen enemies were killed. Our forces then withdrew to a position west of bridge and approximately 60 yards east of Gorari. Troops were in position by 1230 hours. Two shots, believed to be a signal were heard at 1645, and were followed immediately by heavy enemy fire, including machine guns and mortars. Our force withdrew to Oivi Pass and completed the move by 1930 hours and defensive positions taken up.

Troops by this time were very tired, and approximately six men were missing. Captain Stevenson was sent to Kokoda to report situation to Lt. Colonel Owen, arriving back at Oivi at 2200 hours. Supplies were sent forward by 40 native carriers, who returned to Kokoda with packs which were not required. Lt. Colonel Owen ordered Oivi to be held at all costs-unless the force was surrounded.

26 July 1942; 10 Platoon (Lt Garland) withdrew from Kokoda to Deniki with orders to hold the main track back to Port Moresby. At 1000 hours Lt McClean and fourteen other ranks from 16 Platoon (D Company) arrived at Kokoda by plane. The plane immediately returned to Port Moresby and at 1130 hours landed a further 15 other ranks of 16 Platoon. Both parties left for Oivi immediately after arrival. First party from 16 platoon arrived at Oivi at 1430 hours. The remaining were approaching Oivi at approximately 1730 hours, and were misinformed by personal met on track, who claimed that the whole force was surrounded and lost. NCO in charge therefore decided to return to Kokoda. Enemy approached along track at 1445 hours and at 1450 hours more were seen to be coming around the flanks. Our Light Machine Guns (L.M.G.’s) opened fire at 1500 hours. Fire was immediately returned from enemy Heavy Machine Gun (H.M.G.) on the flanks. The forward Platoon was forced to withdraw to Oivi.

After approximately 5 mins, fire was coming from all around our position. Fire died down at 1730 hours and arrangements were made to place Company in position for the night.

While this was being done, a shot was fired from the flank. Captain Templeton walked around a corner of the Track towards the rear with a view to warning the remainder of 16 Platoon which was expected to keep a sharp lookout. A burst of fire of fire was heard in the direction he had taken and he was not seen again. Neither was there any trace of his body. Captain Stevenson then took command of B Company. Heavy firing was continued throughout early part of the night, and at 2000 hours it was decided to break out of the encirclement.

With a native Police boy as guide, the force moved out under fire-for Deniki, losing some Bren magazines and rations. The troops at this stage were very tired, but owing to some confusion as to the native track that it was intended to follow, they had to push through the Jungle throughout the night. They arrived at Deniki the next afternoon.

The Australian soldiers were fortunate that the area around Gorari and Oivi provided a great ambush and defensive area with dense lush jungle, steep narrow ridges, and towering waterfalls, it was a truly beautiful part of the track, but one doubts that the men had much time to appreciate the scenery.

The dense undergrowth and foliage allowed the Australians to blend into the jungle despite them still wearing their very distinctive Khaki uniforms that were surplus issue from the A.I.F’s Desert campaigns. General Blamey deemed it unnecessary for Jungle greens to be issued to the men.

Private Pyke
We knew the Japs were coming, we never knew what we going to run into.
We were told the Japanese were all little fellas. They all wear glasses, they couldn’t shoot straight and we had nothing to worry about! Now the first mob that we ran into-if they weren’t six foot, well I’m not here and they looked bigger with their tin hats on and their rifles and bayonets.

Sergeant Joe Dawson
They kept coming and coming and coming, it’s a wonder any of us got out alive.
We were going to kill as many as we could.
We just knew that this is it; it’s on for young and old.
There was no surrender their mate, nothing.

Sergeant Imanishi Sadashige 144th Regiment.
On the battlefield the Australians wore a hat with a wide brim, I wondered if they could really fight a war with a hat like that. After the first battle at Oivi we realized they should not be treated lightly.

The Australians were quickly adjusting to the rigors of Jungle fighting and the consistent tactics used by the Japanese, attempting to out flank their enemy then pour in withering fire.

The Australians showed great courage, tactics and initiatives in these early battles, preparing well laid out ambushes and supporting fire.

Lt. Colonel Owen and Captain Templeton had laid the foundation and begun the initial stages of the famous fighting withdrawal that ultimately led to the demise of the Japanese Army on the Kokoda Track.

“Uncle Sam’s gone”!

B Company was in real trouble of being surrounded and crushed in a classic Japanese flanking movement.
Lieutenant Seekamp’s 11 Platoon had dug in on the plateau perimeter with the Lewis Machine Guns trained down the track. On top of the plateau were six native buildings including the Government Guesthouse. Lieutenant Harry Mortimores 12 platoon held the pass leading up to the plateau protecting the 11 Platoons flank.

Some of Sam’s men were aware that he had slipped out the back of the Australian defensive perimeter, and headed off back towards Kokoda to warn the rest of Lieutenant Garlands approaching 16 Platoon of the trouble at Oivi. Garlands Platoon had returned to Kokoda to protect the airfield but had now been called forward again to assist in the defense of Oivi. Garlands Platoon was late and Sam was worried.

They soon lost sight of him as the jungle and fading light swallowed him. Soon after there was gunfire in the direction that Sam had travelled. His men strained their eyes in the direction of the gunfire, the fading light casting an eerie glow over the battle field. Four B Company men including Private Driscoll and Captain Stevenson moved more than 500 yards down the track, bravely looking for Sam, killing two Japanese Soldiers during their search but their mission was in vain. They waited, they hoped and they prayed that Sam would return, but he never did.

On the 2nd April 1968 Captain Stevenson who was Captain Templeton’s second in Charge of B Company wrote a letter to Captain Templeton’s son Reg explaining the sequence of events that led to Captain Templeton disappearing. I have included some parts of the letter here.

He wrote; “It is no imposition for me to write about such a brave man as Capt “Sam”. I only had the privilege of knowing him for a few weeks.

Yes I was the last man to see your Dad. I was second in command of his Company and at Oivi we were becoming surrounded and Capt Sam and I had moved down the Track towards Kokoda about 100yards looking for fields of fire etc to defend Oivi when your father decided he would walk out to learn some reinforcements which we hoped were coming. I told him not to be a bloody fool, but the mere fact of a few hundred nips did not worry such a man as your father.

There was then a burst of machine gun fire at me and I dived for cover and looked up to see Capt Sam standing up peering into the jungle. I yelled at him to come back, but he just ordered me to go back to the company and he would go on. I saw him turn a corner there was 2 bursts of light machine gun fire with what I thought was 2 pistol shots(all your father was carrying at the time).

The Jap then attacked in strength up the track. I moved back to a section (2 men) which was down from Oivi and in 10 minutes we were forced back to the company which was about 35 men if I remember rightly.
There was spasmodic fighting all afternoon during which 14 reinforcements arrived up the track. We immediately asked for Capt Sam but they had seen no sign. The Jap then increased the pressure until at about; I think midnight we decided we must pull out.

Captain Stevenson finishes his letter with “PS. I think I could take you to the exact spot but there is probably houses built there now” I would love to give you all the details of the last I saw of an amazing man.

Ted Stuart was also with Captain Stevenson at the time and recalled that; I was the Companies second runner, the guy who took and passed on messages to the commanders.

I was Captain Templeton’s runner that afternoon and I expected to be ordered to head back to Kokoda to check on the position and status of Lieutenant Garlands Platoon moving forward to reinforce us.

I moved forward with Captain Templeton and Captain Stevenson as they recce the area. Captain Templeton ordered me back to the Company perimeter, he was going to check the situation himself at Kokoda.

Captain Templeton moved off up the track towards Kokoda then there was machine gun fire and a pistol fired. At first I thought it may have been our reinforcements firing but I soon realized it was the Japs.

Captain Stevenson, myself and I think from memory Private Driscoll moved up the track only to be confronted by the Japanese, who were hell bent on surrounding us, after a short fight we managed to kill two of the bastards. There was no sign of Captain Templeton so we withdrew back to the company lines.

I was thinking to myself, that it should have or could have been me that walked into the Jap ambush. If it wasn’t for Captain Templeton sending me back I would have been gone.

The area near where Templeton was killed

Sergeant Joe Dawson
Sam was concerned that the other half of 16 Platoon might run into the Japs and not be aware of it. So very foolishly, he just walked back there on his own, that is when we heard shots.
That was bloody typical of Sam, who was always heading off somewhere with no accompaniment.
They must have shot him first; I do not think he would have been taken prisoner easily.

There were a number of other key Australians in the area at the time of his disappearance including his Platoon Commanders. During the investigation into Captain Templeton’s disappearance the following reports were written. I have included extracts from the following.

Sgt Martorana
On the afternoon of July 26th ’42 2 Platoons of B Coy were holding the village of Oivi, myself and a patrol under Capt. Stevenson (then 2 i/c B Coy) made a recce of Oivi – Kokoda Track (500 yards towards Kokoda) it was at this point that I saw Capt Templeton he spoke to us and ordered our return to the village (Oivi) he called Capt Stevenson to the side, who later informed me that Capt Templeton was proceeding to Kokoda for information regarding 1 section of D Coy. While Capt Stevenson was giving me this information we heard two shots coming from the direction in which Capt Templeton was heading I did not see Capt Templeton again.

Lieutenant Seekamp was one of Templeton’s Platoon Commanders his 11 Platoon was in the thick of the action at Oivi his report of Captain Templeton’s disappearance is as follows.

Lieutenant Seekamp 11 Platoon Commander
On the afternoon of July 27th., 1942, V50190 Capt. S.V. Templeton was in charge of “B” Coy 39 Aust Inf Bn, who was in occupation of Oivi Village, on the Kokoda – Buna track. The Japs encircled us and they had cut off our retreat to Kokoda.

Capt. Templeton, who was expecting some personnel of D Coy 39 Aust Inf Bn, informed Capt, Stevenson, 2 i/c B Coy that he was going to contact the above personnel and take up position along the Kokoda – Oivi track.

Between 1800 and 1900 hours Capt Templeton left Oivi and he had only been on his way for approx five minutes, when some shots were fired, in the direction that he had taken.

On arriving back at Kokoda we were informed that Capt. Templeton had not returned.
He has not been heard of since.

Lieutenant Harry Mortimore was the Commander for 12 Platoon; they held the perimeter of Oivi closest to Kokoda and sections of the track to their front and sides. Mortimore explains his thoughts on Captain Templeton’s disappearance.

Lieutenant Harry Mortimore 12 Platoon
On the afternoon of July 27, 1942, two platoons of “B” Coy, under Capt. S.V. Templeton, were holding Oivi village, with the Japs covering the track to Buna and holding the ridge to the north of the village.

Capt. Stevenson had gone on a recce to see if the track to Kokoda was still open.

While he was still out, Capt Templeton passed through my platoon which was covering the track on the Kokoda side of the village, and passed down the track to meet Capt Stevenson.

Shortly afterwards Capt Stevenson returned and said that Capt Templeton had gone on down the track to meet some men from “D” Coy who were expected to arrive about that time.

While Capt Stevenson was telling us this, two shots were heard down the track at about the place where Capt Templeton would have been.

The first shot sounded like a rifle shot and the second like a pistol shot.

Capt Templeton was not heard from again.

Lieutenant McClean and 16 of his men had just landed in Kokoda that day and had moved forward towards Oivi to reinforce the situation.

Lieutenant McClean

At about 6 o’clock on the evening of 26/7/42 Capt Templeton walked away from Coy H.Q. and moved down the track towards Kokoda to check up on our defensive positions; he apparently found it difficult in locating them. I heard a Jap rifle shot and then immediately a .38 pistol shot, this type of pistol was always carried by Capt Templeton. Later I moved to a spot which gave me a view of the area where the shooting was but could observe nothing of Capt Templeton.

I would like to say that he was one of the finest soldiers and most courageous leaders I have ever known. He was very highly respected by all his officers and men.

The Australians continued to suffer heavy firing from the Japanese throughout early part of the night. It was decided at about midnight to break out of the encirclement. The Australians were completely surrounded by the Japanese or so they thought. A PNG Police man by the name of Lance Corporal Sanopa acted as a guide. The Australians moved out under fire-for Deniki, losing some Bren magazines and rations. If it was not for the skill and bravery of Sanopa then it was very likely the Australians would have suffered greater losses. The troops were suffering from extreme fatigue and battled their way down the ravine, through the dense undergrowth to relative safety between the Japanese lines and Kokoda.

Private Driscoll
It was a hell of a night; we trudged down the ravine through the Japanese lines and followed the course of the river towards Kokoda. We were slipping and sliding over the rocks and getting caught in the vines, the jungle seemed to be pulling at us trying to drag us down. We had only gone a few miles but it seemed like forever when in the early morning Captain Stevenson called track close up and we bunkered down for the night. We were soon asleep but woke up a few hours later, just a few feet off the track. We were so lucky that the Japanese had also bunkered down for the night. I am so grateful to Sanopa he did a super job, he is a real hero, without him we would have been gone.

The men of the 39th Battalion had been well and truly blooded. This baptism of fire would hold them in good stead for the rest of the campaign and would forever more honour the spirit of the 39th Battalion.

Finding the truth about Sam

I have been walking the Kokoda Track since 2004, completing over 38 crossings and during this time I have been fascinated and determined to find out the truth about Captain Sam Templeton’s fate.

I sometimes get asked why Captain Sam Templeton and the 39th Battalion are so important to our Australian History and why his disappearance is important. Captain Sam Templeton holds a special place in Australian history. He commanded the first Australian Company to cross the Kokoda Track, he was the first Australian Officer to lead his men into battle and he was the first Australian Officer to die in battle on the track.

Sam instilled in his men great confidence and resolves to repel the voracious Japanese tiger heading their way. Had the 39th Battalion and Templeton’s men in B Company failed, then the course of Australian history would be very different. They took on the might of the Japanese Army and inflicted physical, logistical and psychological wounds on them that would eventually become terminal to the Japanese.

In Search of Uncle Sam

Reg Templeton
It’s the 4th of February 2010 and I am sitting in the lounge room of a suburban home in Highett Melbourne. The elderly man clutches his rosary beads and slowly rocks in his chair, he shuts his eyes tight, trying to block out the vivid nightmares and demons that have dogged his life for the last 68 years. In his mind he is back in New Guinea, back to that awful moment when his father’s life was brutally stolen from him. His wife sits close, offering a supporting hand, silent tears roll down his cheeks, his eyes drawn, and his face etched with sadness and grief. His body trembles as he remembers the day his Daddy departed for New Guinea, Christmas Day 1941, “why that day, why that day of all days he sobs”.

My Dad is the greatest man I ever knew, a real man, straight, tough and caring, he got things done. To lose him when I was 14 years old was devastating.

For 68 years I have been chasing answers to what happened to my dad. I have imagined this awful place, dark, cold and wet where my father disappeared. I can see him turn right and walk up the track, then he vanishes, the gloom just steals him away. These nightmares have nearly destroyed me. I have heard so many stories and rumours about my dad’s disappearance, everyone has their own theory, and everyone tells me that it is the truth.

Reg, paused for a moment before commenting to me, Wayne you are the only one who has gone to the trouble of tracking down the truth, it is an amazing investigation you have undertook. I believe you have the answers and the truth, I am extremely grateful for your efforts.

I turn on the DVD presentation that I have brought along and show Reg the Oivi battlefield and area that his father died. He has difficulty in comprehending the beauty of the place, the lush green foliage the crystal clear streams fed from the stunning rock pools that amble down from the magnificent waterfalls in the area. The children of the village gleefully play in the rock pools and their beautiful melodic voices drift over the jungle canopy. To Reg this place will always represent his private hell, but to all those that experience this beautiful place it is a place of peace and tranquility. It is a fitting place for a brave Australian Officer and his men whose spirits lay here protected by the local villages and their ancestors.

It is not until you meet the family of a Soldier lost or killed in battle that you realise it is someone’s father, brother, son or uncle and the enormity of their loss and the enduring consequences and struggle for the family.

Meeting Reg and his wife, certainly highlights this enormous loss and suffering. War not only kills and wounds soldiers, but causes irreplaceable loss and suffering to those that are left behind.

The Disappearance

The disappearance of Captain Sam Templeton, the Commander of B Company 39th Battalion, has been a great and enduring mystery in Australia, with plenty of speculation as to his disappearance and fate amongst historians and his fellow soldiers. Rumors circulated in Australia and PNG that Templeton may have been captured, interrogated and killed near Oivi or Deniki, or that he was captured and taken back to Rabaul for interrogation and then executed. Despite all the rumors and speculation in Australia the fate of Captain Templeton was known to many Japanese Soldiers and their families.

One Japanese soldier in particular, Kokichi Nishimura, (now aged 90) told me recently that Captain Templeton was executed, he had been one of the officers ordered to bury his body and he drew me a map of the burial site. This information was not only exciting to me but believable. Nishimura himself is the subject of a book, ‘The Bone Man of Kokoda’, which describes his 25 years in PNG locating the remains of Japanese soldiers and returning them to their families and homeland.

I believe Nishimura shared this important information with me as he knew that in 2008 I had discovered the complete graves of four Japanese soldiers and ensured they were returned home via the Japanese Ambassador to PNG. He understood my quest to find Captain Templeton so his family too could finally lay him to rest.

My quest to unravel the mystery of what happened to Captain Templeton has involved a great deal of research, luck, fate and assistance from numerous sources in Australia, Japan and Papua New Guinea. I have been aided with entries from the 39th Battalions War Diaries for this period, translated diaries of some of the Japanese Veterans that were there, and interviews with Veterans from Australia, Japan and PNG. Further visits to the National archives in Melbourne and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra have been very fruitful with a number of files on Captain Templeton that had not been open since the war.

The following pages tell some of the story of Captain Sam Templeton, the 39th Battalion and the Kokoda Campaign. The magnificent job the men of the 39th Battalion did in these early dark days on the Kokoda Track can never be forgotten.

The Australians fought a determined and ferocious enemy in the Japanese, their campaign is also described. My meetings with family members of those Japanese soldiers whose skeletal remains I discovered and returned during my investigation were insightful and rewarding. Meeting Kokichi Nishimura has been instrumental to this investigation.

My determination to locate Captain Templeton burial site has been an incredible journey. In revealing the fate of Captain Sam Templeton, missing-in-action for 68 years, it provides at last, the opportunity for this revered soldier to finally rest in peace. It also reminds us of the horror and futility of war.

Japan Investigation

During the past two years I have met a number of people in Japan who have been of great assistance in helping me piece together Captain Templeton’s last moments. Their recollections confirm he was buried at Oivi.

Other meetings were with family members of Japanese soldiers which came about following an early season training trek across the Kokoda Track with my Track Masters in February 2008. On this trek I had discovered the complete graves of four Japanese Soldiers from the 15th Independent Engineers Company. This was the same Regiment of men that were part of the original Japanese landing at Gona on 21 July 1942. They had been buried by the Japanese comrades; their graves dug deeply, four abreast with the remains buried reverently with their arms placed across their chests and their personal effects placed on their chest. This was the first time in over 40 years that the complete skeletal remains of Japanese soldiers had been found on the track.

Usually the soldiers were buried quickly during the battle with a simple service and a ribbon or other identifier on the grave, these identifiers would allow the bodies to be recovered and repatriated back to Japan for proper burial in the Japanese War Cemetery in Tokyo or in their own family plot. Over the years these battlefield war graves were ravished by wild pigs and other wild creatures on the track. Even Nishimura the “Bone Man” of Kokoda found only the remains of the skulls and bottom leg bones of the soldiers.

On the 24th April 2009, I returned the recovered remains of the four Japanese soldiers to the Japanese Ambassador to PNG. This was a simple service carried out at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby. Members of my recovery team handed over the boxes of remains.

Letter of appreciation from the Japanese Ambassador to PNG

I was also recently in Japan to hand over the personal effects to the family of one of these four dead Japanese Soldiers. One of the personal effects found on one soldier was a stainless steel cigarette case belonging to Minoru Inoue. I met and presented the cigarette case to Inoue’s younger sister Kitaoka. The meeting was held in the Kitaoka family home and was attended by both the Japanese print and TV media. It was quite a story in Japan about the return of the soldier’s remains and personal effects recovered by an Australia, the former enemy of the Japanese. Another of the soldiers has been identified as Murakam from Osaka.

In March 2010 we had official confirmation that the DNA test undertaken on the remains of Inoue and his younger living brother were a match.

This news was received with great happiness by all concerned, it would now allow for Inoue’s remains to be buried in the family cemetery with a traditional Buddhist ceremony.

With my efforts to return the Japanese remains back to their families in Japan, I was contacted by Japanese Veterans association in Japan, who were grateful for my efforts.

These same Japanese Veterans association gave me access to their association records, private diaries and maps. It was access to these records and the eyewitness account of Corporal Kokichi Nishimura that gave the major breakthrough in the search for Captain Templeton. I have shared the journey and information regarding the life of one of the Japanese soldiers as the discovery of his remains was the catalyst and impetus for our solving the mystery of Captain Sam Templeton.

Kokichi Nishimura - his memory of Captain Templeton

During my second visit to Japan in August 2009 I reacquainted myself with Kokichi Nishimura, “The Bone Man of Kokoda”.

Nishimura was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 144th Regiment of the Japanese Imperial Army part of the Nankai Shitai or South Seas Detachment. Nishimura was from Kochi city, the same city as the Samurai warriors that deposed the Shogunate and restored the Emperors powers.

The men of Kochi are descended from the famous, noble and fierce samurai warriors. The city continued to produce Japans most feared, loyal and brave fighters and produced, Japan’s most famous Samurai warrior, Sakamoto Ryoma; he played a key role in bringing about the Meiji Restoration.

The Nankai Shitai held special status in the Army, being the only force to come directly under the control of Imperial Headquarters in Tokyo. With this special status came the extra responsibility of answering directly to the Emperor, and these responsibilities were not to be taken lightly.

Nishimura took his heritage and responsibility seriously but he could not help to think why Japan’s best and brightest were being recruited as foot soldiers. Why would they not, utilize his talents and others like him to design better machines, weapons and systems to serve the Emperor? Nishimura has a strong personality and normally would question such decisions he believed to be wrong or flawed. On this occasion he decided it was not a good idea to question his superiors in the Japanese Army and accepted his fate. He committed himself to the task ahead and concluded that he would continue to fight in the Japanese Army for as long as his superiors required.

Nishimura was part of the initial Japanese invasion force of PNG at Salamaua near Lae and was the only member of his platoon to survive the battles on the Kokoda Track. Nishimura was wounded multiple times and suffering from multiple tropical diseases including three different strains of Malaria, he continued to walk and fight every footstep of the track towards Port Moresby. Nishimura also survived on two separate occasions, sinking of the transport ships that he was on by allied torpedoes.

During his battles along the track and his subsequent evacuation from the Track he made a solemn promise to return to PNG and recover the remains of his missing comrades and return them to Japan. Nishimura kept his promise and left his family, business and life in Japan to return to PNG to search for his missing mates. His decision to return to PNG was even more remarkable given that he was now at retirement age. Nishimura spent the next 25 years in PNG searching for his mates and returning their remains to Japan. Nishimura just in the last three years returned to Tokyo, his age finally catching up with him. He now lives in Japan with his Daughter Sachiko.

It was during these visits with Nishimura that he brought up in conversation the name Captain Templeton. I was certainly aware of the ongoing mystery of Captain Templeton’s disappearance and Nishimura’s comments certainly grabbed my attention.

Nishimura has firsthand knowledge of Templeton’s capture, interrogation and subsequent execution. Nishimura spoke of the capture of Templeton at Oivi and his interrogation and execution by Lieutenant Colonel Tsukomoto. During these conversations Nishimura described the area that Templeton had been captured and a map of the burial site. He and two other Japanese Soldiers were ordered to bury Templeton.

Nishimura’s Map of the site

Nishimura’s Map of the site. Translation by Derek Brown.

Kokichi Nishimura

"The Japanese Interpreter Miyazaki interrogated Templeton.

They question him about the number of Australian troops and locations of their positions. But the Captain did not answer. Instead he laughed at the Japanese; saying behind us 20,000 Australian troops have gathered in our support.

I wonder how many of you will actually get there alive! I will be counting...."

Lieutenant Ogawa was present during the interrogation and requested Dr Yanagisawa to keep Templeton alive until the Commander of the expedition force Colonel Yosuka Yokoyama could interrogate him.

It was not possible for Ogawa to order the Doctor to keep Templeton alive as they were from different Regiments, hence why it was a respectful request.

Dr. Yanagisawa did his best to keep Templeton alive, treating his wounds and making him comfortable during the wait.

Lieutenant Colonel Tsukomoto was ordered by Yokoyama to interrogate Templeton again as the original interrogation had caused confusion and disbelief amongst the Japanese Command.

Tsukomoto was to extract accurate information from the Australian regarding troop numbers, positions and routes across the Track, using any means available to him. “We must find out the truth, if what he says is true then we must delay our schedule and wait for reinforcements to arrive”.

Tsukomoto was ruthless with Templeton and unleashed a scathing attack on Templeton’s honour.
“You are my prisoner, you have brought great shame to yourself, your family and your country, no Japanese soldier would let themselves be taken prisoner, they would fight to the death in the great Bushido Spirit and accordingly to the honour of serving our Emperor.

Templeton’s condescending and mocking tone to the Japanese Officer sent him into a rage, his face was bright red, his eyes bulging, no one speaks to Japanese Officer like that! He shouted.

Templeton knew his time was running out, it was only a matter of time before they killed him.

He was enjoying the moment watching the Japanese Officer in the rage. He continued to laugh and mock the Japanese adding that along with the 20,000 Australian troops waiting for you across the track there are 80,000 allied troops on their way to Moresby and Rabaul waiting to invade your comrades. You will never see your homeland or family again!

Templeton in one last defining moment is said to have muttered these words

‘nos morituri te saltamus’
We who are about to die salute you!

Templeton had successfully confused the Japanese, ensuring that their speedy progress across the track was slowed.

Tsukomoto responded to Templeton. It is not honourable to be captured by your enemy; it is your duty to die.
With this Tsukomoto thrust a saber into Templeton’s stomach, twisting the blade to ensure that the stomach was severed. Captain Sam Templeton was left to die, lying on his back, his legs against his stomach and his arms spread behind his head.

Nishimura and two of his colleges were ordered two days later to bury the bloated body of Templeton.

Kokichi Nishimura
I clearly remember the afternoon that I came upon the body. We had a hard walk that day and I was making a climb up this waterfall, my pack was heavy and my energy was getting low.

This waterfall was refreshing and cool and I stopped to fetch some water. As I got to the top of the waterfall I was overcome with this powerful and awful odour. The smell appeared to becoming from the clearing to my right. I walked over to the spot and laid my pack down, the clearing was a Japanese camp used by the Officers of the three companies ahead of me.

This is when I saw the body, it was in a very bad way, and it was bloated and was a grey colour. He was laying on his back his hands behind his head. His head was facing the coast towards Buna and his legs towards Kokoda. His legs were against his chest and he had a sword protruding from his stomach.

The smell was very bad, I felt sorry for the Australian, and so we buried him on the spot where he lay. We must have buried him about two feet down. It was late in the afternoon and getting dark. We were very keen to finish the job so we could lie down to sleep.

When I arrived in Kokoda I saw my friend Sergeant Imanishi Sadashige of the 144th Regiment and I asked him who the Australian soldier was killed at Oivi. He told me that it was Captain Sam Templeton of the 39th Battalion. He had been captured and interrogated then killed by Lieutenant Colonel Tsukomoto. Captain Templeton would not answer the questions and was disrespectful to Tsukomoto so he killed him.

Nishimura speaks highly of the Australian soldiers:
Actually many Australian Soldiers were brave. Although we were well trained and specialised in battle, we had to admit they were brave, especially the 39th Battalion. Many of the Australians had the Bushido Spirit, the Spirit of the Samurai Warrior. We knew we could not underestimate them at all.

I was also very fortunate during this latest visit to Japan to be assisted by the 15th Independent Company, Dokko 15 association. Their Secretary Mr. Tsujimoto provided valuable information and introduced me to the Wife of Dr. Yanagisawa, Surgeon, Dokko 15. Mrs. Teruko Yanagisawa provided valuable information regarding the capture and wounding of Captain Templeton. Mrs. Yanagisawa husband spoke to her about his experience during the war and kept an up to date diary of the events. Both Mrs. Yanagisawa and Mr. Nishimura confirmed Templeton’s, fate.

Mrs. Teruko Yanagisawa
When my husband’s unit went into the Owen Stanley Ranges they found Captain Templeton. He was wounded in the Jungle and was lying down on the ground. Seeing him my husband thought “I am a soldier but also a Doctor. So he took him to his position and provided first aid. He had a gunshot wound to his left thigh, his muscle was exposed and his bone shattered. My husband took care of his wounds and said “You will be OK now”

For the first time the Captain opened his mouth and said “My name is Templeton.”

Dr Yanagisawa was very close to the front line. This is where Doctors have to be, this is where the soldier get wounded and killed. He observed and recorded his thoughts during the battle of Oivi.

Dr Yanagisawa, Surgeon, Dokko 15
Suddenly, the fierce sound of machine guns started to rumble right in front of us. The scouts ran back to our troops breathlessly. The scout officer recognized the house and hut on the main track that was supposed to lead to Port Moresby. There was no sign of life there. When we got within 20 metres of the house, we unexpectedly received enemy fire. Several soldiers, including a lieutenant, fell to the ground and lay motionless. Our infantry counterattacked, but one of them collapsed on the track and all the other soldiers retreated into the forest. The situation had reached a deadlock.
The battalion commander said to me pensively; “We have to take care of the survivors, whatever the risks. Surgeon, could you attend to that?”

We prepared a temporary stretcher and headed back to the same location with an advance party equipped with machineguns. On the way to the main track, we encountered two injured soldiers supported by their comrades. I ran out on to the main track while our infantry covered me with their machineguns. We went up and down the main track and eventually found our first soldier. He had no pulse and was already dead. 10 meters ahead, I found our second dead soldier, and the third on our front left. I ran up to them and checked the pulse each time. “No, he’s dead. Put him on the stretcher.”

We advanced further and I found the scout officer we had met previously; he too was dead. I was standing bolt upright; I suppose I was engrossed in tending to our soldiers. The captain of the machine gun squad warned me; “Surgeon, it is dangerous here”.

As I returned along the way I had previously come, the enemy fired machineguns, and we counterattacked them. They threw hand grenades at us, which exploded in various directions - to the right, left, front and back - with yellow or purple flashes and acid smoke. As soon as our grenade launcher made a successful hit, the enemy became silent. Fortunately, we did not lose any soldiers in this encounter. However, our injured soldiers who I had met on the way to the main track were not able to engage in battle, even with the first-aid treatment I had provided. We already had seven fatalities and eleven seriously-injured soldiers. With backup provided by the grenade launcher, the troops positioned on the right and left sides mounted a simultaneous attack on the enemy positions, but the enemy did not counterattack at all.

The battle at Oivi by all accounts was fierce; our troops put up a hell of a good fight. One of the Japanese N.C.O’s wrote the following in his diary.

Mr. Nakajo, Non-commissioned Officer, Dokko 15
The enemy soldiers had machine guns and automatic rifles which were superior to the small rifles used by us Japanese soldiers. While we fired one shot, they could hit back ten times. After we had battled for an hour like this, the enemy retreated, leaving their dead behind. I took a breath after this intense encounter and realized how many soldiers had died;

While we were advancing, we heard the sound of explosions of hand grenades twice in a row. I suspected that our scouts might be in danger. I approached the point of the explosions, and it was just as I expected. The enemy stragglers had attacked our scouts, and unfortunately two of our scouts were dead. We buried their bodies and prayed silently for them, and then pressed forward again. We continued on our through difficult terrain.

We entered the dug-outs where the enemy had been, and found that they had left behind all their canned food and coffee. We were suffering from a food shortage at that time, so we were highly delighted by the canned beef and other goods.

Both Nakajo and Dr Yanagisawa recall Templeton at Oivi.

Mr. Nakajo, Non-commissioned Officer, Dokko 15
We obtained all the information on the circumstances of the enemy troop; we realized that considerable military forces were grouped in Port Moresby, and that the size of the troop dispatched to the region where we were was small. After the interrogation, Colonel Yokoyama gave the order to kill the Australian officer since there was nothing more for us to find out. He was the enemy and it was inevitable, but it was still a sorry affair.

Dr Yanagisawa, Surgeon, Dokko 15
The enemy troops seemed to withdraw toward the canyon. We found many footsteps, bloodspots, 13 dead Japanese bodies and one injured Australian soldier with a bad thigh wound who could not walk. He was our first prisoner. And there were five dead enemies in the dugout on the hill just in front of the main track. The prisoner had broken his thighbone completely and his muscle was exposed.

He saw the Red Cross badge on my arm band and seemed a little relieved. In answer to my questions he said; “I’m Captain Templeton”. Then, with an agonized expression on his face, he suddenly said he wanted to drink water. However, I told him that he could not because it would accelerate his bleeding. He seemed to understand and nodded.

“I wonder why Australia and Japan have to fight each other?” said Captain Templeton. “What do you mean?” I said. “Because the Japanese and Australian fleets fought together on the same side in the Mediterranean Sea in World War I. We must have been friends!” gasped Captain Templeton.

I agreed with him; then he seemed to be at ease and closed his eyes. He was throbbing steadily. I watched his face, wondering if there was any supplementary solvent or something else I could do to help him.
I was directed to keep him alive somehow until the General Office arrived.

Getting closer

I have returned to the Oivi battle site on three occasions and during these visits, uncovered the lost battlefields of Oivi and Gorari. During those visits I found the Australian defensive position at Oivi and the area that Templeton disappeared. The Australian weapon pits and spent ammunition and ration tins of both the Australian and Japanese still clearly visible. It is also possible to clearly see our lines of fire and the position of our Lewis Gun and the areas that the Japanese used to encircle the Australians.

The three Camp sites of the Japanese are clearly identifiable between the waterfall, river and wartime track. The Japanese cut a horse track through the area making it easier to transport the supplies to the front line.

During this expedition we uncovered rusted Japanese bicycles, grenades, ration tins, and Australian Thomson, Lewis and Bren gun magazines plus .303 bullets. We instigated a number of grid digs in the area suggested by Nishimura where he believed the location of Templeton’s grave was. Unfortunately our initial digs did not reveal the location of the grave.

During this visit I was also able to speak to the local landowner in the area and he confirmed the location of the battlefields, Japanese camps and the sighting of Templeton’s body. During this visit we surveyed the area again, and plotted our finds onto our maps and took a series of photos.

Stanfield Anjeka Chief Landowner Oivi/Gorari
I have lived in the Gorari/Oivi area all my life and I remember my father and Uncles talking about the war and how the Japanese came to their villages.
We have found 100’s of Japanese soldier’s bones and Japanese bicycles, food containers, water bottles and ammunition.

There was a major battle in this area when the Australians were chasing the Japanese back to the Coast.
Even today we still discover Japanese bones and relics from the war.
You can still see clearly where the three Japanese camps were at Oivi on their retreat from Kokoda and the battle field at Oivi that the Australians defended on the Japanese advance. Just behind the Oivi battlefield you can see the area where the Australians escaped down the steep escarpment and along the river. It is very rough ground through there.

The Japanese were not friendly; they forced Villagers to carry heavy loads, raped their Village women and stole from their gardens. They would shoot the villagers in the field, or put them in captivity then bayonet them.

He described the battle field as being the area where the Government Guest Houses were .He thinks there may have been five or six houses there
.
My father Charles Ford Anjeka showed me the location of where the Australia Officer lay dead. My Father told me the air was foul with the stench of death. The native carriers rounded the last hill to be confronted with the bloated corpse of the Australian Officer lying on his back with a bayonet protruding from his gut. The Japanese Officer in charge told them to cover their nose and mouth and to walk on. My father and the other carriers were very disturbed by this and wondered why he had not been buried.

With this new information we overlaid our findings onto the original maps and returned to Japan to discuss our findings with Nishimura and other Japanese veterans. This third visit to Japan provided me with additional information to return and plan the next trek to Oivi, a trek that has led to my interpretation of the situation is as follows.

Captain Templeton was wounded in the left thigh by Japanese gunfire as he withdrew through the Australian rear perimeter. He was lying down; his thigh was badly smashed, with his muscles exposed through the wound preventing him from walking. This was the gunfire that Templeton’s soldiers heard and spoke of when Captain Templeton disappeared.
Captain Stevenson, Private Driscoll and Ted Stuart went down the track looking for Sam but it was thick with Japanese Soldiers, we managed to kill two of the bastards before we fell back to the plateau.

The Japanese soldiers quickly came upon Templeton and realized that they had captured an Australian Officer and dragged him onto his feet and back down the track to their HQ.

The Japanese HQ was located 800 meters back from the battle field in a reasonably flat area wedged in between the narrow steep ridges and the rocky out crop of the thundering waterfall. The Japanese had selected this place as it provided reliable fresh water, was reasonably clear of any large trees and was larger enough to accommodate over 200 men.

Captain Templeton was in great pain from his wounds and was weak from loss of blood, and the steep climb back down to the Japanese HQ was an excruciating struggle.
Templeton and his men were being attacked by the first, second and third Companies of the 144th Regiment. The fourth company was held back in Rabaul and the fifth company which was Nishimura’s company was still in Buna. The Japanese Companies comprised of 160 men giving the Japanese around 480 men in the area. The Australians comprised around 60 men.

Captain Templeton was taken back to the Japanese HQ where he was treated by Dr Yanagisawa. Templeton was then interrogated by Lieutenant Colonel Hatsuo Tsukomoto. Tsukomoto was so enraged by Captain Templeton’s answers that he stabbed him in the stomach on the morning of July 27 1942, executing Captain Templeton.
Captain Templeton’s body was left on the ground with a sword penetrating from his stomach.

Later that morning the three Japanese Companies left the Oivi area moving forward towards Kokoda in pursuit of the Australians.

It was not until August 2 1942 that Nishimura and members of his fifth company arrived in Oivi. On arrival in the early evening at the Oivi camp Nishimura and two other soldiers were ordered to bury the body of the Australian Officer. It was not until Nishimura reached Kokoda and asked his good friend Sergeant Imanishi Sadashige did he find out that it was Captain Sam Templeton.

Captain Sam Templeton was executed by Lieutenant Colonel Hatsuo Tsukomoto on the 27th July 1942 and buried by Corporal Kokichi Nishimura on the 2nd August 1942.
Tsukomoto had committed a war crime.

The Australian Military Board based in Tokyo at the end of the war conducted exhaustive investigations and interrogation of Japanese soldier’s in regards to war crimes. There is specific reference to questioning of Japanese Officers in regard to the actions and fate of Lieutenant Colonel Hatsuo Tsukomoto.

One particular document was written by the Officer in Charge 2 Aust War Crimes Section, TOKYO. Japan.

During investigations into the fate of missing personnel of the AMF evidence has been obtained from captured documents and other sources of information establishing the fact that certain personnel were captured by the Japanese but concerning whom no information as to their ultimate fate has ever been obtained. In each case AHQ has had no alternative but to presume death as the last date the member was known to be alive, but it is possible that the members concerned may have survived for some further period before being executed by the Japanese or dying from natural causes. There were also no doubt numerous cases in which missing personnel now presumed dead died in captivity by execution or otherwise but no evidence is held of their capture or death. The document then continues on with the following;

It is desirable that, in the known cases at least, a demand should be made on the Japanese authorities for information as to the fate of the members concerned, and it is requested that suitable action be taken through the appropriate channels by 2 Aust War Crimes Section. Set out hereunder are some cases which call for further investigation. Section 4 of the document has Captain S.V Templeton from the 39 Infantry as a case of interest.

Further documents show details of interrogation of Japanese Officer Lt. Col. Shoji Ota at Rabaul on the 25th July 1947 by Lt. J.W Backhouse.

The Japanese Officer is asked a number of times questions about Lt. Col. Tsukamoto, including where he served, who he commanded, and details about captured Australian prisoners. He was also question about his knowledge of Captain Templeton but denied any knowledge. It was however confirmed that Lt. Col Tsukomoto was in charge of the 144th Regiment at the time Captain Templeton disappeared.

The records also reveal the interrogation of W.O Fusamatsu Odo who was a member of the Japanese Kempei Tai or Japanese Police Military. Odo was question over the execution of Captain Templeton but he denied any knowledge.

The interrogation of the Japanese also revealed that Tsukomoto was wounded in battle against the Australians and evacuated back to Rabaul. It appears that Tsukomoto survived the war and avoided prosecution for Captain Templeton’s execution.

A letter written to Mrs Templeton at the end of the war passed on the profound sympathy of the Minister for the Army and the Military Board. The letter also stated that “investigations have been proceeding for some time past in an endeavour to trace and interrogate individual members of the Japanese forces which opposed your late husband’s unit at the time he is believed to have been captured.”

A further report written on the 16th February 1943 states the following in reference to Captain Templeton.

The following extracts from captured documents contained in A.T.I.S. Bulletin 139 of 10 Feb are supplied by D.M.I. -

a) YOKAYAMA advanced groups entered battle with 39 Aust Bn led by Capt .Templeton. 2 prisoners. One of them was Capt Templeton, 5 more prisoners.

On the 26th May 1943 report 4715 from C.A Lambert states that; I have received information from Capt Lovett Adjutant of the 39th Battalion that a diary taken from a Japanese P.O.W the name Capt Templeton was mentioned as a prisoner in the hands of the Japanese.

On the 19th July 1943 an Australian Military Forces report from the 2/2nd Infantry Battalion states the following.

Extracts from Allied Transactions No. 13 dated 12 January 1943 referring to a document captured viz ATIS 174 Diary, presumably belonging to 2nd Lieut ONOGAWA, covering 1 May – 16 Oct 42 read;

7 Aug. – Prisoners 2 (one was Capt. TEMPLETON 39Bn)

The Bone Man Returns

Wayne Wetherall with Kokichi Nishimura Kokichi Nishimura waded ashore at Salamaua just before 1 am on March 8, 1942; he believed Japan was only months away from capturing Australia and the South Pacific.

The young soldier and his regiment had swept through Guam and smashed the brief resistance in Rabaul. Now they were about to storm Salamaua, allowing Japanese planes to head south unimpeded to Port Moresby and, onto Australia.

Corporal Nishimura was 21, and in his naivety could scarcely have imagined the torment that lay ahead on the treacherous Kokoda Track. Nor could he have contemplated the possibility that hellish fighting with desperate Australian troops would bind him to that precipitous mountain track for the rest of his life. The Japanese were unsuccessful in their attempt to take Salamaua, with their landing craft being destroyed by allied bombing they were forced to withdraw back to Rabaul. A new plan had been developed, they would now land at Buna and move towards Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Buna

In July 1942 a young 22 year old Imperial Japanese Soldier Kokichi Nishimura crouched in his landing craft, a sword on his hip a gun in his hand and stared at the glittering black sand and fluorescent water of his destination Basabua Beach near Gona. His landing craft slid quietly towards the beach under the cover of darkness, his heart was racing his mind fixed on his orders; secure the beach area at whatever the cost…., this time they would succeed.

70 years later that same Imperial Japanese Soldier has returned to Gona Beach, this time in a wheel chair and now aged 90. He has returned to PNG to solve one of the great enduring mysteries of the Kokoda Track, the disappearance of Captain Sam Templeton.

The Bone Man returns to Gona Beach

In January 2010, I waited in the early hours of a Sunday morning at Port Moresby’s International airport for the arrival of Kokichi Nishimura and his daughter Sachiko from Japan. I had arranged for Nishimura and his daughter to come to PNG and help me identify the place that he had buried Captain Templeton. We would also be joined by our Japanese interpreter Mr. Ishii, and Derek Brown and his son Rory. Derek is based in Tokyo and was instrumental in introducing me to Nishimura. My wife Michelle my son Blake and my two daughters Elysia and Erika would also accompany us on this exciting adventure.

Nishimura, rugged up from a cold Japanese winter was surprisingly sprightly after his overnight flight from Japan. He was bright, animated and very energetic; his hand shake was firm and friendly. He still looked strong, his body lean and fit. The only concession he showed for his age was the use of a wheel chair, his legs finally giving out. He was returning home to PNG, returning to his family and friends that he had shared the past 25 incredible years.

Nishimura would have been a formidable opponent in his youth; he was smart, strong the consummate warrior, cunning, lethal and indestructible. I was pleased he was now allied to our cause and committed to solving the mystery of Captain Sam Templeton.

I was fortunate to have met Nishimura on three occasions in his home in Tokyo, at times he had looked tired and worn out, but now back in PNG he had a new lease on life a zest for the adventure ahead and a determination to make one last pilgrimage to pay respect to his fallen comrades.

Nishimura had left PNG three years earlier returning to Tokyo to live out his final years with his daughter Sachiko, he never thought that he would come back to PNG after satisfying himself that he had done a good job in honouring his promise to his comrades. As we were about to find out with Nishimura the job is never finished and he believes the impossible is possible and to never say never.

Our plan was to fly into Popendetta and travel by truck up to Oivi. I had scheduled three days in Oivi for our investigation. Our truck picked up our party from the Popendetta airport and we began our four hour journey up the Buna Kokoda road towards Kokoda and our destination Oivi. We had four of my best guides with us, Noel, Duffy, Martin and Samson. These lads would make sure all our logistics were in place and that Nishimura would have the very best care.

We had not yet left Popendetta before Nishimura had us detouring to his old house in Popendetta. He had rung ahead and told his PNG family that he was coming.

As we pulled into the driveway we were amazed by the amount of people who had come to see him. His PNG family had prepared a welcome fit for a returning king. In true Nishimura style he took it in his stride. It was a warm and emotional return for Nishimura and also for Sachiko who had also stayed with her father at Popendetta. Nishimura reflected with his old friends and family on his time in Popendetta and his time on the track recovering the remains of his comrades. One story that Nishimura told was how he evacuated out of Basabua as one of the last able soldiers before the Australians stormed the place, and his incredible pledge to come back for the soldiers left behind. He survived and escaped by walking along the sea floor for 4 days. The water lapping at his nose, he walked very slowly and carefully so as not to disturb the water as the Australians were watching for any signs of Japanese in the water.

Nishimura recalled "I can never forget that pledge to my comrades, “It was January 12 1943, and our food had run out. By then I weighed less than 30 kilograms and, like the other troops, I was eating the flesh of dead enemy soldiers just to stay alive.

"Those who were strong enough were evacuating from the coast, deserting the weak and ordering them to keep the Australians and Americans at bay. So I said to the soldiers left behind: 'No matter what happens, if you die in this land I will come back for you, and I'll return you to Japan to rest with your families. This is my promise to you'."

Nishimura had made a pledge and he would honour it no matter what the cost. In 1979, Nishimura left Japan and his wife and two sons. He said,” I did not stop to think about them once in the two decades that I devoted to digging up and repatriating the remains of almost 350 Japanese soldiers. "Why waste thoughts on something like that?" "I don't know if they're even alive any more. They didn't approve of what I was doing, and nor did the rest of Japan. But I gave a pledge. How could I sit here in Tokyo while my comrades were lying forgotten beneath the dirt, so far away from the families that grieved for them every day?"

The road to Kokoda is certainly a challenge, with 22 bridges was away and still in disrepair after Cyclone Guba decimated the area in November 2007.

The crossing of these sections of road is by wet crossings, where your truck carefully picks the best passage across the river. Normally in the dry season this normally does not pose much of a problem. We were travelling in the wet season, and with our late departure from Nisimura’s homecoming party the weather was looking ominous. Massive, black storm clouds were building in the distance, it was important that we crossed the Kumusi River before the storm broke in the mountains. Storm water falling into the mountains is funnelled down the ravines and valleys turning the Kumusi into a wild and frenzied river, making crossing it by vehicle impossible. For the next hour we wound our way up the road, ever worried about the impending storm. Fortunately we made the Kumusi River in good time and were able to traverse it with only minor difficulty. We were told later that the river had rose 3 feet not long after our crossing.

We arrived into the Village of Oivi mid afternoon to a noisy and excited welcome with the villagers chanting the welcome words of Oro, Oro, Oro. The community of Gorari and Oivi had come out in force to welcome us. Traditional Oro dancers and fierce warriors in head gear and Tapa cloth lap laps danced before us to the beat of the Kundu drum. The local elders and Local Government officials welcome us with their speeches and presented us all with exquisite leis made by the village ladies. The ladies had also prepared a sumptuous feast of fresh fruit and vegetables for our enjoyment.

The evening had us sitting around the open fire discussing the plans for our search. The local boys had constructed a special litter for Nishimura to sit on to assist with the ease of transportation down the track.
Our plan was for an early morning start in the area where the battle took place, which was situated in the old village of Oivi. We would then make our way slowly down the track giving Nishimura plenty of time to get his bearings.

The morning arose with a spectacular sunrise that all bode well for a dry and comfortable expedition. Before our departure the villagers brought out some old weapons that they had collected including both Australian and Japanese rifles, mortars, water cans and a Japanese bike.

Nishimura was shown the Japanese rifle and he picked it up and expertly animated its use, pointing the gun into the jungle at some long ago ghost. He told us the Australian rifles and guns were more powerful then the Japanese and how they had wished for better, more powerful weapons.

Nishimura spotted the old mortar and went on to demonstrate to us the art of firing it, how the mortar is primed, positioned and the trajectory and direction is set. Here was a man clearly remembering and reflexing the regimented training procedures drummed into him in training 70 years ago.

We presented him with the Australian rifle but he refused to touch it. Obviously still after all these years the Australian rifle is a strong reminder of the suffering and loss of life and mates that Nishimura witnessed during his time on the track.

We set off across the Oivi Battlefield and down the river that the Australians had withdrawn down during the battle. This was the river and ravine that Sanopa had so expertly guided the 39th to safety.

Nishimura had a keen eye and was noticeably excited as he made his way down the track.

He pointed out the Japanese camps and the thundering waterfall that dominated this part of the track.

Digging around the Templeton burial site A short way past the waterfall Nishimura became visibly excited and told us to stop. We sat him down and he closed his eyes, taking in the ambience of the place, he appeared to take himself back to another time, when he was a young man in the Japanese Imperial Army. After a few minutes he opened his eyes and pointed to an area, just 3 meters from where he sat. He surveyed the area and told us this was the spot. This was the spot that I buried Captain Sam Templeton. This definitive statement from Nishimura was the final piece in the puzzle to solve the mystery of what happened to Captain Sam Templeton. Nearly 70 years on, Nishimura’s was still sharp and definite in his conviction that this was the spot.

Nishimura showed us were he scrambled up the second waterfall, with his heavy 30kg pack weighing him down. He described the overwhelming stench coming from the clearing, and how much he just wanted to lie down and rest.

His allocated camp site and sleeping area was where the body lay, before he could rest, he needed to bury the body, to clear the air of the stench. With the assistance of two other soldiers Nishimura dug a grave around two feet deep next to the body. The body was very badly damaged and in no position to be moved. On completion of the dig, he removed the bayonet protruding from Templeton and moved his body into the grave. Nishimura had felt sorrow for the soldier and had taken great care in placing him in the grave.

First Class Private Minoru Inoue

First Class Private Minoru Inoue
15th Independent Company, South Seas Detachment

First Class Private Minoru Inoue lent against the 44 Gallon drums stored in the compound of the Giruwa Engineers base near Buna. He tapped open his stainless steel cigarette case and flicked out a hand rolled thin cigar that he had brought for the occasion. He offered his good friend Murakam one of his cigars and they both inhaled deeply the strong spicy smoke. Today, 27th July 1942, was his 21st birthday and the 1st anniversary of his enlistment in the Japanese Army. It was good to have Murakam here with him; he was a good friend and a great engineer. Murakam possessed a beautiful opera singing voice and would often entertain Minoru and the other engineers with modern and traditional Japanese songs.

Minoru had enlisted early in the Engineers Company and had met Murakam during the enrolment process, they both had the dream to build roads and bridges and design new machines to help the Japanese overcome the crippling oil and technology embargo that the Americans had placed on their country. The both of them would often talk late into the night about their designs and ideas. They had planned when the war was over to build their own engineering company and design and build great machines. One section of their business would specialise in infrastructure such as bridges, viaducts and water systems and the other factory would be primarily to research and develop new technology. He felt proud and relieved that so far he had done his job well. His promotion to First Class Private was proof that he was worthy to serve the Emperor as an engineer in the war.

The cigarette case was a going away present from his younger sister Kitaoka. She had saved hard working in her Uncles lacquer ware shop to give her brother the gift and had his name specially engraved into the case. His sister was very sad that her brother was leaving to fight overseas; she was going to miss him greatly. Minoru, reassured his sister that he was an engineer and was not there to fight but to assist the troops with bridges and roads to make their journey across the Owen Stanley’s easier, he would be safe and he would come home just as soon as the job was done.

Minoru smiled to himself as he remembered all the fun times he and his sister had playing with their other brother and sister at home in Kyoto. Kitaoka was Minoru’s favourite sister, even though he was older than his younger sister, she always looked after him. Minoru was very small for his age, even for a Japanese only standing 4ft and 10 inches high, his sister would make sure he was always OK and took great pride in defending her brother against the street boys that teased Minoru around Kyoto.

Minoru remembered one very embarrassing moment when Kitaoka was only 11. Minoru had been sent on an errand and on his return he had run into trouble. She had come to her brother’s aid as he was being roughed up by the Kyoto street boys; she had grabbed a broom from one of the local shopkeepers and started swinging it wildly at the boys. The street boys were so bemused by Kitaokas’ antics that they walked off in fits of laughter.

Minoru’s, father was a traditional Japanese, he was head of the family and his word was to be obeyed. He loved all his children and worked hard to support them and to ensure that they all had a good future. Minoru was his favourite child, perhaps it was because his son had been so sick when he was young and had not been expected to live long or just that he felt more protective towards his smallest son. For whatever his father’s reason for his favoritism he was determined to instilled in Minoru the legends and traditions of their forefathers. His father taught him about the spirit of Bushido, the way of the Samurai. Minoru studied hard and trained in Judo and other Martial arts daily to train his mind and body in the way his father had prescribed. The Bushido Code required complete obedience, loyalty, faithfulness, do what they believe to be correct, courage, courtesy and modesty to live simply.

Even with his intense Bushido training program Minoru only received an average pass on his medical examination for the Army. The Japanese Army had five levels of medical fitness; they were, Very Healthy and Strong, High Distinction, Distinction, Average and Pass. No one failed these medicals, but those with just a pass were only used in absolute emergencies.

The Japanese Army had decided that regardless of academic, professional or other talents everyone from Distinction up would be in the infantry. Minoru never thought too much about his average pass, he just knew it was his destiny; he would not become a foot soldier but a member of Japan’s famous Independent Engineer Companies.

Minoru would write in his diary and described his orders to build a road across the Owen Stanley Ranges as a massive task, but one we are determined to achieve. “We have made great progress initially, our base and logistic depot is now complete and we have commenced our plans for the road across the range.”

The Japanese were so enthused and confident about their plan that they had brought bicycles and horses to ride across the road that they were building; initially it looked like a very achievable plan. The maps supplied to the engineers showed small narrow creeks and rivers, wedged in between some small ranges.

What the engineers and the rest of the Japanese Army soon encountered was raging rivers and steep canyons, their plans of building a road across the Owen Stanley ranges soon ran into trouble.

“We had been supplied by HQ topographical and linear maps of the area; unfortunately these did not correspond to the landscape and terrain that we now faced”

The first major obstacle the soldiers and engineers encountered was a series of steep and spectacular waterfalls at Oivi that rushed down through narrow canyons, blocking the path of the soldiers. The soldiers were forced to climb up through the waterfalls abandoning the pack horses and bicycles.
These waterfalls created the first real challenge for the engineers and that one that needed to be resolved quickly.

The South Seas detachment was on a tight timetable and the steep waterfalls slowed the progress of the supplies and soldiers down. It was important to find a solution to this problem quickly. Minoru and the other engineers surveyed the area and were able to cut a track around the waterfalls, by passing the treacherous climb.

This initial track was subsequently widened and three camp sites over a 1500 m length were established near the water. The Oivi area then became a rest area for the Japanese, providing reliable water and a protected defensive area for their advance across the track and their retreat later in the campaign.

With the new track cut it was then possible for the horses to return to hauling the supplies along the track from Gorari to Oivi, with little difficulty.

Today you can clearly see the track cut by the Japanese from Gorari to Oivi and their camps along the river. On our recent dig in the area we uncovered horse shoes, ammunition, ration tins, bayonets and other remnants from the Japanese camps and battles in this area. It is hard to believe such a beautiful and peaceful place witnessed the passing of so many soldiers and the carnage of battle.

Minoru and his platoon of engineers had made slower progress then expected across the range, being constantly harassed by the Australians and dealing with the terrible conditions and lack of supplies. Their plan to build a road across the track was abandoned at Oivi, the bicycles were discarded and a plan to build a horse and walking track was implemented.

The Japanese engineers soon learned the best and most efficient ways to cut tracks, cross rivers and build ladder and stair systems across the ridges to assist the transportation of men and supplies. Much of the Japanese benching and track building can be seen in parts on the track today. The Japanese had built a series of their own “Golden Stairs”, with thousands and thousands of stairs cut into the ridges across the track and reinforced from timber cut from the jungle. The Japanese, like the Australians soldiers, hated the stairs and both referred to them as stairways to hell. The stairs became more of a hindrance then a help to the soldiers, with them constantly filling with water and mud and breaking under the loads of the soldiers.

In late August and early September the 15th Independent engineers had crossed the highest point of the Owen Stanley ranges. They were camped at over 2000 m in the Moss Forests on MT Bellamy and were feeling the effects of weeks of hard struggle across the range, lack of food, constant rain, fog and the sheer bone rattling cold. Their camp was constantly damp and dark, with the sun struggling to penetrate through the deep forbidding forest.

Masses of giant pandanus trees rise into the jungle, competing for light and nourishment with the giant arctic beech trees that are remnants of a forgotten age. Masses of green maiden hair moss hang from the branches; fluorescent fungi and moss cling to the dead branches and undergrowth. Centipedes and giant ants plough their way through the decaying mulch, oblivious to the constant drizzling, dripping rain. The nights were ablaze with swarms of fire flies, glow worms and the screeching racket of the 6 o clock crickets.

The engineers walked into the Myola Lakes area only being a couple of hours behind the combat soldiers. There they had found a large supply of Australian stores and ammunition. Myola had been the Australians main logistic base on the track, and its abandonment had been a major loss to the Australians but a great bonus for the Japanese.

The Myola area was a large sunken volcano that opened up into vast grass plains high in the mountains. It had been perfect for dropping supplies to the Australian troops. The Australian supplies would then be carried forward by the soldiers or by teams of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

The discovery of food and supplies in the area by the Japanese was a great relief, as their own rations were very low. The Japanese plan to cross the Owen Stanley ranges in 14 days had taken a severe setback with the aggressive fighting withdrawal tactics implemented by the Australians.

The Australian soldiers had eaten as many of the supplies as they could before burying any left over’s or puncturing cans and smearing blankets with jam. The Japanese had been so desperate for food that many of them ate the spoiled food left by the Australians and became violently and fatally sick.

On the 5th September Minoru and his platoon of engineers moved out of the Moss Forest and trudged on towards Kagi. Their job was to cut and clear the track from the Moss Forest Junction across to Kagi and onto Efogi.
Their mood was buoyant, they were very pleased to be out of the cold dank jungle, the weather was warmer on the other side of the mountain and the sun shone hot and bright. From the Kagi junction they could see the glittering ocean on the outskirts of Moresby. Their comrades in the infantry had done well, the Australians continued to fall back, and soon they would be in Port Moresby.

Take Cover!!

The frantic calls coming from over the peak beyond Kagi signaled the arrival of the deadly allied P-400s and the Australian Wirraway A-20 planes.

Minoru Inoue could hear the drone of the planes approaching, and then the drone became a roar as the planes began their terrifying dive towards the troops. Thousands of Japanese soldiers were on the ridgeline, this was open country, hot and dry and with little natural protection from aerial attack. To be caught out here in the open was to be avoided at all costs.

Wave after wave of planes dived on the columns of men winding the way across the exposed ridgeline in pursuit of the Australians. The pilots knew this area well; it was open and easy to see their targets, scrambling for desperate coverage behind small hills and scrubs. The planes came in low, strafing the Japanese as they cringed and tried to bury their exposed bodies into the hot, red earth.

In between Kagi and Efogi the track drops steeply into the valley making travel difficult and slow, the columns of Japanese troops continued their relentless advance towards the Australians entrenched on Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill. It was difficult terrain to walk on, very slippery and treacherous, to many of the starving Japanese they were walking and fighting like Zombies, surviving somewhere between life and death.
The hardships, punishments and brutality they had endured in training had desensitised them, removing any sense of emotion except the will to fight. Many of the Japanese soldiers had been killed or severely wounded in this section of the track; to the Japanese it became known as Hell Valley.

On the 8th September as the battle for Brigade Hill raged on in to its third day Minoru Inoue and his friend Murakam, started work early on the track north of Kagi. They were widening the track and installing a series of steps into the steep embankments to assist the easy progress of the Soldiers along this section of the track. It was always best to start work here in the early morning before the sun’s intense heat made it unbearable. The Kunai grass in this section of the track radiated the heat dramatically, sending the temperature past 100 degrees by lunch time. The engineers had stuck to their task well, while not suffering the effects of constant battle; they had reach physical exhaustion from the constant physical workload, meager rations and the unrealistic demands of the commanders.

While they worked they kept an ever watchful eye and ear out for allied aircraft, the last allied air attack had occurred two days ago on the 6th September, which resulted in the death and injury of many of the troops.
As they rested on the side of the track they became aware of the drone of aircraft approaching, they were coming from the north of the range through the gap. The devastating attack on the troops two days previously had come from the South, possibly Moresby.

These P-400s and the Wirraway A-20s planes coming from the North could be the own planes or possibly allied planes returning from bombing and strafing raids on the North Coast, so they were not concerned.
The planes continued to fly south high over the heads of the Japanese engineers, apparently oblivious to their presence. Then without warning three of the planes broke from their formation and begun a steep and deliberate dive towards the resting Japanese. The planes came in at just over 100 m high spraying their metal of death onto the fleeing men. It was not unusual for returning allied aircraft to use up any leftover bombs or ammunition on their return from a mission.

When the smoke and dust had cleared three of Minoru’s comrades lay dead, six of them had been wounded including Minoru who had taken an aircraft round through the thigh. His friend Murakam lay severely wounded in the ditch. The remaining engineers worked frantically to help the wounded, stopping the bleeding, adding some supplementary solvents and bandaging the wounds.

The dead engineers were buried that morning on the side of the track, their graves marked for reference, so they could be collected and returned for burial in Japan. The rest of the survivors from the allied air attack including Minoru and Murakam were placed on hurriedly built bush stretches in a desperate bid to get them proper medical aid at the Japanese North Coast Hospital at Giruwa.

The climb back up the ridge was hard; they only made it to the moss forest at the Kagi Gap before they rested for the night. The next morning saw no improvement in the wounded soldier’s health, the stretcher bearers were struggling with lack of food and fatigue, and it was decided to rest for a day near a little river deep inside the Moss Forest. They remembered that there were Australian stores nearby at Myola and a small party set off in search of the desperately needed supplies.

That afternoon Minoru’s great friend Murakam died, they buried him next to the other two dead Engineers on the side of the river bank. Minoru was to sick and weak to weep for his friend, his condition had become critical, there was no hope for him, soon his spirit and soul would be scattered to the wind.

First Class Private Minoru Inoue died that morning, September 10 1942. He was buried next to his comrades and friend Murakam. His body was lowered into the deep cold earth. His arms folded across his chest, his personal items laid with him, including his stainless steel cigarette, watch and compass. His suffering had ended, he had done his job well he had brought great pride to himself, his family, his country and his Emperor.