Veteran's ashes to be scattered at Kokoda

The ashes of a Kokoda veteran will be scattered by Australian soldiers as they retrace the steps of the World War II campaign.

Members of the 39th Operational Support Battalion (OSB) and 16th Royal Western Australia Regiment (RWAR) will walk the Kokoda Trail to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the battle. Amongst their kit they will carry the ashes of Alan 'Kanga' Moore, the last surviving 39th OSB officer who requested his ashes be scattered at places where he saw action.

Commanding Officer 39th OSB Lieutenant Colonel David Ready said it was a privilege to be able to perform the last wishes of a remarkable Australian.

“Alan’s family asked for his ashes to be scattered at Isurava and over the grave of a friend who died in his arms,” LTCOL Ready said.

“It’s an absolute honour to fulfil this wish and I thank the family for trusting us with him.

“We’ve met with some of the last living veterans of the campaign; they remember every detail and every mate who never came home.

“We are proud to honour them and all those who came before us, what they achieved in the defence of their country was remarkable. And for those who came home and got the chance to grow old; we won’t forget your service.”

The two groups will walk from opposite ends of the Kokoda Trail and meet at Brigade Hill to commemorate the battle, 80 years to the day, in a small service. The commemoration is being supported by RSL Australia.

Descendants of both battalions will join Army personnel for the service.

Media note

Media will be able to access imagery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20222568

Commanding Officer 39 Personnel Support Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel David Ready, and Commanding Officer 16 Royal West Australian Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Partridge, will be available for interview after their return on 14 September 2022. 

Vision will be available following the contingent’s return to Australia.