Mon 11 Mar 2013Sun 28 Apr 2013

10:00am4:30pm

Museum of the Great Southern

Australian troops walking the Kokoda jungle tracks

Men of the Kokoda is an exhibition exploring the story of Brigadier Arnold Potts and the controversial actions of  21st Brigade of the Second AIF during its defence of the Kokoda Trail during the Second World War.

Arnold Potts’ place in history has largely been unacknowledged due to his dismissal by General Sir Thomas Blamey, at the very point when Potts had fought the Japanese to exhaustion. His fighting withdrawal over the Kokoda Trail has been called "one of the most critical triumphs in Australian military history and one that an apathetic nation has still to honour". Many contemporaries as well as Potts' official biographer regard this sacking as one of the most disgraceful actions of Blamey's military career. Following his dismissal, Potts went on to command the 23rd Brigade during the Bougainville campaign where he earned a reputation for setting high standards.

The exhibition also looks at the relationship between the Australian troops on the Kokoda campaign and the Papua New Guineans who were so critical to their survival. Fondly known as the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels the exhibition illustrates the vital work these brave people performed and the lifelong friendships which were developed between the Papuans and the Australians.

A free exhibition. Open ANZAC Day 1.00pm – 4.30pm.


Australian troops walking the Kokoda jungle tracks

Australian troops on the Kokoda trail

Image courtesy of the WA Museum

Getting Here

Address

Residency Road,
Albany,
Western Australia,
6330,
Australia

Phone
(08) 9841 4844

 

By Bus
The Museum of the Great Southern is located within walking distance of the town centre, which is serviced by the several bus services, visit the PTA website for timetables.

By Car
Parking is available in onsite.