Australians are today being encouraged to remember the invaluable contribution of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels to the Second World War effort in Papua New Guinea, and their role in saving the lives of many Australian soldiers, on Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ Day, 3 November.

Tomorrow the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Ian Kemish AM, will recognise the efforts of nine Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels with commemorative medallions at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, on behalf of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.

Mr Snowdon said the commemorative medallion has honoured the significant contribution of 68 Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels since it was first awarded in 2009, including their vital role in helping halt the Japanese advance.

“The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Commemorative Medallion is a symbol of Australia’s appreciation of the Papua New Guinean civilians, who provided great care and assistance to Australian troops during the Second World War,” he said.

“Many Australians survived the Kokoda campaign due to the compassion and strength shown by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and their families, and we are forever thankful to these people.”

The Australian Government has also announced the restoration of the Returned Services League Cenotaph in Rabaul, commemorating the seamen, soldiers and airmen who fought there during both World Wars.

The focal point of the local Anzac Day Dawn Service each year, the Cenotaph was constructed in 1963 but was damaged by volcanic ash during an eruption of the Rabaul Volcano in September 1994. The ash remains today.

To restore the Cenotaph, the Australian Government will provide $17,000 under the Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorial Restoration Program.

Mr Snowdon said Rabaul was a site of great significance during both the First and the Second World Wars, firstly as part of German New Guinea and secondly the site of the Japanese invasion.

“It also served as the departure point of the Montevideo Maru, whose sinking on 1 July 1942 represents the single greatest maritime tragedy in Australia’s history, with some 1,050 Australian prisoners of war and civilians lost,” he said.

“Sadly many Australian and Allied lives were lost in New Britain and Papua New Guinea during these conflicts. It is important to preserve this Cenotaph so it can continue to serve as a lasting tribute and reminder of their sacrifice.”

Background on Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels:An estimated 50,000 Papuan and New Guinea civilians assisted Australians during the Second World War by carrying supplies, building bases, airfields and other wartime infrastructure, and evacuating the sick and wounded from fighting zones.

They also helped Australian soldiers trek through the jungles of the Owen Stanley Ranges, including the infamous Kokoda track.

More than 600 Australians were killed and over 1000 wounded during the Kokoda campaign.

First awarded in 2009, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Commemorative Medallion features an image of a blinded and barefoot Private George Whittington being helped along by Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Raphael Oimbari.

The image came from a photograph taken on Christmas Day 1942 near Buna on the Papua New Guinea north coast.

For more information on the medallion visit www.dva.gov.au/fwacm.

 An image of the medallion and historical images of Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels are available at www.dva.gov.au/media. Images of the medallion presentation in Papua New Guinea will be available mid-afternoon on Friday, 4 November - Email dvamedia@dva.gov.au for access.