'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel' Commemorative Ceremony

AFG proudly participated in the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ Commemorative Medallion Ceremony, in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on July 24.

The service was held at Bomana War Cemetery, a scenic and beautifully presented burial ground for over 3500 allied service members - the largest single resting place for Australian service personnel.

The tri-Service AFG contingent conducted a flawless Catafalque Party. Catafalque Party Commander CPL Russell Cox - Brogan said “the members did us proud.”

“It was a great privilege leading the members of the Catafalque Party, they are a highly motivated and professional team who tirelessly rehearsed to ensure they were perfect on the day. I couldn’t have been more proud,” he said.

The High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Ian Kemish, The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, senior PNG service members, ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ and their families attended the ceremony.

Senator Feeney thanked the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ for their dedication and loyalty to the Australian soldiers.

“We are forever indebted to the kindness and the invaluable assistance they provided to Australians during the Second World War,” he said. 

Department of Veterans Affairs, Commemorations Manager, Mr Tim Evans introduced the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ recipients.

“This medallion is a symbol of Australia’s appreciation for the care and assistance extended by the PNG civilians to Australian serviceman during the Second World War

“Many Australians, wounded and suffering terrible illnesses, owe their lives to these civilians, who came to be affectionately known as ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’,” he said.

The ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ were civilians employed by the Australian administration. They carried supplies to the troops and helped evacuate the badly wounded and sick. The tradition of the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ is synonymous with the infamous Kokoda Trail.

PTE Jessie Mather, a member of AFG, participated in the Catafalque Party.

"It was a great honour to have met the Angels.

“I was not aware that they were actually civilians, it was quite interesting finding out that they were never serving members of either the Australian or Papuan forces,” she said.

During WWII, PTE Mather’s grandfather served as an engineer in PNG, “he always talked about the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’, they had great mateship with them and felt indebted to them. It was humbling to have the opportunity to commemorate those who helped my grandfather and his mates,” she said.

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