Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels

Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day Observed

In 2009, the Government declared that 3rd of November, shall be observed in commemoration of the services of carriers and stretcher bearers during World War II.

VIDEO: Remembering the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels

The Koiari Local Leval Government with the support of the Central Provincial Government and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority announced today, the three planned activities to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Trail.

Charmaine Poriambep with more

Cosgrove honours Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels

Cosgrove made the commendation during the Dawn Service ceremony at the Bomana War Cemetery.

While commemorating the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers during numerous battles in pre-PNG soil, he also honoured the contribution of the frizzy haired helpers.

“I doubt there would be a digger who does not have a memory or a story of their deeds. All done with a smile and a reassuring calm,” Cosgrove said.

The vice regal also made special mention of Havala Laula, 90, from Kokoda, in Oro, a surviving ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ who was present at the ceremony,

Turnbull thanks PNGeans

Turnbull visited Isurava Memorial Site in Northern Province and Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby during his state visit to Papua New Guinea, speaking highly of the comradeship. 

“Australia freedom depends on courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of those Australians and Papua New Guineans who stood together and held back the Japanese advancement,” Turnbull said yesterday.

“Three times the Japanese tried to take Port Moresby, rebuffed the battle of the Coral Sea and held back at Kokoda Track, rebuffed again, and defeated at the battle of Milne Bay.

Carving “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” for a living

The photograph of an “angel” from Oro, the late Raphael Oimbari, helping a wounded Australian digger George Whittington along the famous Kokoda Trail has immortalized the story.

The world famous image of “angel” Oimbari escorting the injured Whittington has been adopted as a monumental reminder of the story of the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” and the strong  bond between PNG and Australia.