Isurava Memorial

Isurava Memorial
Name	Isurava Memorial
Country	Papua New Guinea
Location	Kokoda Track, Oro Province
Unveiled	2002
Commemorates	Australian and Papuan soldiers of the Kokoda Campaign

Isurava Memorial The Isurava Memorial commemorates the Australians and Papuans who fought during the Kokoda Track campaign of 1942. Situated on the Kokoda Track in Oro Province, the site marks actions linked to the Battle of Isurava and serves as a focal point for remembrance related to World War II, the Pacific War, the Australian Army, and the Papuan Infantry Battalion.

History and Background

The memorial commemorates events tied to the Kokoda Track campaign, Battle of Isurava, World War II, Pacific War, and the broader New Guinea campaign (World War II). The campaign involved forces such as the Australian Army, Papuan Infantry Battalion, Imperial Japanese Army, and units including the 39th Battalion (Australia), the 53rd Battalion (Australia), and the 2/14th Battalion (Australia). Key figures connected to the battle and its remembrance include commanders like Major General Arthur "Tubby" Allen, Brigadier Arnold Potts, and officers such as Captain Sam Templeton, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner, and Major John 'Jock' Campbell in differing contexts. The story of the campaign has been chronicled by authors like Peter FitzSimons, Hugh V. Clarke, Paul Ham, John McCarthy (author), and Graham McKenzie-Smith. The memorial’s creation followed initiatives from organisations including the Australian War Memorial, the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, the Isurava Memorial Foundation, and veterans' groups such as the Returned and Services League of Australia and the Papua New Guinea Ex-Servicemen's Welfare Association. Political and diplomatic dimensions touched on relations between the Australian government, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and figures like the Prime Minister of Australia and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea during development, influenced by post-war commemorations such as Anzac Day and events marking anniversaries like the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Design and Architecture

Designers and architects associated with the memorial project drew upon traditions seen at sites such as the Australian War Memorial, the Anzac Memorial (Sydney), the Australian National Botanic Gardens design vocabulary, and commemorative precedents at locations like Bomana War Cemetery and the Lae War Cemetery. Influences relate to memorial architecture by firms and architects connected to projects commemorating World War I and World War II, and to sculptors and designers who have worked on monuments such as the Shrine of Remembrance and the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway. Materials and techniques reference stonework found at Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites, engraved panels similar to works at the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, and landscape integration practices used in parks like Australian National University grounds and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. The memorial’s structure echoes design principles visible in the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial in approach to inscription, sightlines, and visitor circulation.

Commemoration and Inscriptions

The memorial carries inscriptions honouring units including the 39th Battalion (Australia), Papuan Infantry Battalion, 2/14th Battalion (Australia), and names reflecting the sacrifice of soldiers recorded in rolls akin to those at the Australian War Memorial and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission registers. Texts and dedications draw upon speeches and writings by figures such as John Howard, Paul Keating, Ben Chifley, and authors who have shaped public memory including Charles Bean and Les Carlyon. The commemorative language connects to ceremonial practices from Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, and anniversary services marking events like the Battle of Kokoda centenary commemorations. The memorial is referenced in interpretive materials alongside histories by Geraldine Brooks, Max Hastings, Peter Stanley, and archival sources including the Australian War Memorial collection and records from the National Archives of Australia.

Annual Ceremonies and Remembrance

Annual observances at the site mirror rites performed at locations such as Telopea Park services, Anzac Day parades, and veteran pilgrimages to sites like the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Sydney. Participants include representatives from the Australian Defence Force, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the Returned and Services League of Australia, veteran organisations such as the Vietnam Veterans Federation, and delegations from diplomatic missions including the High Commission of Australia in Port Moresby and the Embassy of Japan in Papua New Guinea for commemorative events. High-profile attendees historically have included Australian prime ministers, state governors, and leaders from organizations like the Australian War Memorial, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia), and the Papua New Guinea National Cultural Commission. Ceremonies incorporate readings from figures such as Charles Bean excerpts, hymns sung at services like those led by chaplains from the Anglican Church of Australia and representatives from churches like the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea.

Location and Access

The memorial sits on the Kokoda Track in Oro Province, near features such as Isurava Village and the Eora Creek–Templeton's Crossing. Access follows trekking routes used by hikers and veterans from trailheads at Kokoda, Port Moresby, and along paths charted by guides associated with organisations like the Kokoda Track Authority, Kokoda Track Foundation, and commercial operators such as trekking companies based in Port Moresby and Lae. The terrain connects to geographic references including the Owen Stanley Range, Brown River (Papua New Guinea), and nearby settlements like Kokoda Station and Mt. Bellamy. Logistics for visitors often involve flights to airfields such as Jacksons International Airport at Port Moresby, overland travel through Oro Bay, and coordination with local landowners represented by councils and committees like provincial administrations in Oro Province.

Conservation and Management

Conservation and site management involve stakeholders including the Australian War Memorial, the Isurava Memorial Foundation, the Papua New Guinea Department of Culture and Tourism, and non-government groups such as the Kokoda Foundation and international heritage organisations. Activities mirror conservation practices used at sites like the Bomana War Cemetery, including preservation of stone, metal plaques, and landscape maintenance informed by specialists associated with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and conservationists from institutions like the Australian National University and the University of Papua New Guinea. Funding and stewardship have drawn on donations from veterans' associations, government programs administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia), and support from corporate sponsors and philanthropic foundations similar to those participating in remembrance projects at the Anzac Memorial (Sydney) and the Australian War Memorial.

Category:Monuments and memorials in Papua New Guinea Category:World War II memorials in Australia