Men of the Kokoda

Temporary Exhibition | Updated 1 decade ago

Australian troops walking the Kokoda jungle tracks
Australian troops on the Kokoda trail
Image courtesy of the WA Museum

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.