Pictured above...the last Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, who had sadly passedaway....Havala Laula...RIP Dear Man |
Following on from my Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea posts
of a couple of months ago...this sad story shown here below has just hit our news bulletins...
May we never forget the special Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels....
Thank you......
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5216955/Last-Kokoda-Fuzzy-Wuzzy-Angel-Havala-Laula-dies-aged-92.html
The last of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels: Final hero Papua New Guinean tribesman who came to Australian soldiers' aid during WWII dies aged 92
- Havala Laula, the last Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel of Kokoda, died on Christmas Eve aged 92 in his remote village
- He was one of hundreds of tribesman who ferried wounded Australian soldiers to safety on the Kokoda Track
- Mr Laula was just 15 when Japanese troops invaded, destroying his village and killing his brother
- In February he visited Australia for the first time to commemorate the campaign's 75th anniversary
- There he met a war veteran whose life he likely saved when the young officer became sick in the jungle
The
last Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel has died in Papua New Guinea, 75 years after he
ferried wounded Australian soldiers to safety in World War II.
Havala Laula died on Christmas Eve aged 92 in the remote village of Kagi on the Kokoda Track, where some of the war's bloodiest battles were fought.
The tribesman was just 15 when Japanese troops landed in Papua New Guinea in 1942 and tried to fight their way south along the track towards the capital Port Morseby to attack Australia.
Havala Laula, 92, the last Fuzzy
Wuzzy Angel died in his remote village on the Kokoda Track in Papua New
Guinea, 75 years after he ferried wounded Australian soldiers to safety
in WWII
Mr Laula (pictured
meeting Governor General Peter Cosgrove while laying at wreath at an
Anzac Day dawn service in Port Moresby) was just 15 when Japanese troops
invaded PNG and tried to fight their way along the track
Later in life Mr Laula became a tour guide for Australians making the pilgrimage along the track
After his brother Sabana was killed and his village destroyed, he joined hundreds of others helping the Australians repel the rampaging invaders.
Mr Laula carried sick and wounded servicemen on his back or stretchers away from the battlefield, often under fire, to where they could be evacuated home.
He remembered wrapping leaves around their wounds along with other bush remedies, and shading them from the harsh sun with banana leaves.
T
hey also brought food, water, and ammunition along the track to the front lines.
hey also brought food, water, and ammunition along the track to the front lines.
Mr Laula visited Australia for the first time in February for the campaign's 75th anniversary and met Kokoda veteran Alan 'Kanga' Moore.
In an emotional reunion, Lieutenant Moore said he believed Mr Laula carried him out after he contracted malaria, dengue fever, hookworm, dysentery, and hepatitis.
'I am old, you are old — we meet for the last time,' Mr Laula told the ABC after the then-21-year-old credited Papua New Guinea natives with his survival.
He also spoke of witnessing one of the last massacres of the war, as Japanese soldiers slaughtered many Papua New Guinea people who helped the enemy
Later in life Mr Laula became a tour guide for Australians making the pilgrimage along the track.
'Friendship between Australians and Papua New Guinea must live on in all generations to come,' he said in a PNG Tourism Board video earlier this year.
'When we die, our children and their children's children must keep that bond forever, until the end of time.'
Mr Laula (R) visited Australia
for the first time in February for the campaign's 75th anniversary and
met Kokoda veteran Alan 'Kanga' Moore (L) whose life he likely saved
when the young officer became sick in the jungle
Tribesmen like Mr Laula
transformed into the unexpected heroes of the Pacific War of 1942 after
saving hundreds of wounded troops as the rampaging Japanese army fought
their way through the jungle
Tributes from Australian veterans and tour operators poured into social media upon news of Mr Laula's death, saying Australia owed him a great debt.
'This inspirational man will be missed by so many in Papua New Guinea and Australia. His legacy will be remembered by all that walked the Kokoda Track,' his former employer No Roads Expeditions said.
The service of Mr Laula and his fellow tribesmen was captured in extraordinary black-and-white photos from the war.
The indigenous saviours nursed
and carried soldiers to safety, and in one iconic case a villager was
even photographed leading a blinded Australian man away from danger
Their compassion and care of the casualties earned them admiration and respect from the Australian troops, who nicknamed these men their 'Fuzzy Wuzzy' angels.
The native islanders offered soldiers a brief, shining ray of humanity in an otherwise cruel and barbaric war zone.
One Australian soldier described what the sympathetic locals did for his country's troops.
'They carried stretchers over seemingly impassable barriers, with the patient reasonably comfortable.
The care they give to the patient is magnificent,' he said.
'If night finds the stretcher still on the track, they will find a level spot and build a shelter over the patient. They will make him as comfortable as possible fetch him water and feed him if food is available, regardless of their own needs.'
Moving black-and-white pictures
show the kind Guineans heaving severely wounded men through rough
terrain, using their local knowledge to get the allied soldiers to
safety
Their compassion and care of the
casualties earned them admiration and respect from the Australian
troops, who nicknamed these men their 'Fuzzy Wuzzy' angels
The native islanders offered soldiers a brief, shining ray of humanity in an otherwise cruel and barbaric war zone
One Australian soldier described
what the sympathetic locals did for his country's troops. He said:
'They carried stretchers over seemingly impassable barriers, with the
patient reasonably comfortable.
The care they give to the patient is magnificent'
The care they give to the patient is magnificent'
'They sleep four each side of the stretcher and if the patient moves or requires any attention during the night, this is given instantly. These were the deeds of the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels" - for us!'
Raphael Oimbari was a local labourer, not part of the medical team. He found 23-year-old Private George Whittington lying blinded in the terrain during fighting around Buna in December of 1942.
A Japanese sniper had shot Whittington just above his left eye, leaving him temporarily blind.
The native islanders offered kindness and help to the troops who worked to defend Port Moresby from the Japanese army
Oimbari led the soldier back to safety, in a selfless act. Touchingly, the two families stayed in contact, even after Whittington died of disease several months later.
The fighting in Papua New Guinea in the latter half of 1942 was an attempt by the Japanese to capture Port Moresby, the Guinan capital. It was part of a campaign to cut Australia off from its allies in World War.
The Japanese made massive gains on the Pacific Island but ran out of supplies before capturing Port Moresby.
However, the Australians were still unable to defeat the Japanese who were far better equipped for the ensuing fight in them thick jungles of New Guinea.During the war in Papua New Guinea, the local population who were sympathetic to the Australian troops would assist where they could.
The fighting in Papua New Guinea
in the latter half of 1942 was an attempt by the Japanese to capture
Port Moresby, the Guinan capital
However, the Australians were
still unable to defeat the Japanese who were far better equipped for the
ensuing fight in them thick jungles of New Guinea
Major General Vasey of the
Australian Army presents medals at a ceremony to thank New Guineans for
the invaluable service they provided for Aussie troops, March 1943
It is rather an impressive piece in the Daily Mail but where is it in Australian media? I haven't seen anything, have you?
ReplyDeleteIf you want to split hairs, Andrew....this was the "Daily Mail" Australia
DeleteEdition...and it was in the UK edition. And it was on the Australian news....I saw it via the Channel 7 6 pm news...Thursday, 28th Dec...hence my posting this post.
I guess it it worthy enough news to be covered by many outlets, not only here in Australia.
PS....If you had clicked on the link at the end of the post, you would have seen it was from the Daily News...Australia.
DeleteI am just curious as to why I did not hear about it. Yes, forgot about the quite successful online Aussie edition of the Daily Mail.
DeleteWow is good to be back with my ex again, thank you Dr Ekpen for the help, I just want to let you know that is reading this post in case you are having issues with your lover and is leading to divorce and you don’t want the divorce, Dr Ekpen is the answer to your problem. Or you are already divorce and you still want him/her contact Dr Ekpen the spell caster now on (ekpentemple@gmail.com) and you will be glad you did
DeleteYour post is a fine tribute to the deceased and the Papua Guinea natives.
ReplyDeleteHaval Laula (RIP) was an inspirational figure; let's hope the new generations in both Australia and Papua Guinea will follow his legacy, and not only in war times.
I hope so, too, DUTA.
DeleteWhen I heard and saw on the television news earlier this evening about this wonderful man's passing I shed tears.
I had no idea about this piece of history, lovely to call them all angels.
ReplyDeleteBack in November, Linda I made mention of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels in my posts re my visit to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea back in the mid-Eighties.
DeleteThey certainly were angels...and, hopefully they will be forever held in high esteem, and never forgotten for what they did.
Thanks for sharing. I never would have known this story.
ReplyDeleteHello, Annie...the story of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels from WW2 is one that should be told and they should forever be revered.
DeleteYou know I learn something new every single day I live. I did not know they even existed. Extremely interested. I am so sorry the last man died. Love, sandie
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard about it on the news and read about it in the newspaper, I felt very sad, Sandie.
Delete"Fuzzy Wuzzy"? It would be interesting to talk with a soldier who interacted with these helpful fellows.
ReplyDeleteHey Goatman...our soldier held the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels highly...and rightly so. They memory will linger long.
DeleteThis story really deserved more coverage than it received. Sadly kindness seems to be undervalued in our media. And certainly by our politicians. Of all flavours.
ReplyDeleteHi EC....We all need to be made aware of this sadness, that is for certain.
DeleteWell done that man!
ReplyDeleteFuzzy wuzzy angel indeed.
Yes...they certainly were Angels, Adullamite...and should never be forgotten for what they did.
DeleteHe did a marvellous job. Interesting article.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Lee.
The Angels certainly were angels.
DeleteI hope 2018 treats you and yours kindly, Margaret...and I look forward to going along with you on your travels. :)
Angels of the highest order I'd say. Giving so much help without any thought of the dangers they put themselves in. Sad to see the last of them gone now. As he said, may the peace and friendship last till the end of time.
ReplyDeleteYes, River....they certainly were special. And their selflessness and bravery must never be forgotten.
DeleteSO many unsung heros leaving us...Bless him.
ReplyDeletehughugs
Yes, Donna...and their praises should linger long...loudly to be heard...
DeleteThank you for sharing this story of bravery and friendship in the face of brutality. I salute Havala Laula. He was not a "fuzzy wuzzy", he was a man like Alan Moore. May their stories endure in the name of peace and goodwill.
ReplyDeleteYes, Havala Laula was a Fuzzy Wuzzy, Yorkie....a name he and all the other brave, caring Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels carried with pride.
DeleteHe didn't write books, but books certainly could be, and should be written about him and the rest of the Angels for their honourable, brave deeds.
In Britain the term "fuzzy wuzzy" is generally seen as a racist slur - on a par with the "n" word.
DeleteNo such association in this case, Yorkie. The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels are held in high esteem; they're honoured...and rightly so. They were proud to be called so...and deservedly held their heads high.
DeleteLee ... thank you so much for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteSo special.
My good wishes
All the best Jan
G'day, Jan....it is a very special story, and the moment I heard of Havala Laula's passing, I knew I had to post it on my blog. I was deeply saddened...and tears were shed.
DeleteThe story of the wonderful Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels one that hopefully will be passed down through the generations.
Thank You for sharing your article, This is an interesting & informative blog. It is very useful for the developer like me.
ReplyDeleteดูหนัง
Wow is good to be back with my ex again, thank you Dr Ekpen for the help, I just want to let you know that is reading this post in case you are having issues with your lover and is leading to divorce and you don’t want the divorce, Dr Ekpen is the answer to your problem. Or you are already divorce and you still want him/her contact Dr Ekpen the spell caster now on (ekpentemple@gmail.com) and you will be glad you did
ReplyDelete