Assistance from the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels played an important role in the overall Allied victory at the Kokoda trail. The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels was the name that …show more content…
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were vital to the Australians victory at Kokoda. Their practical experience on the trail, combined with their valuable bush skills, physical dedication and strength, enabled the troops to create and maintain a human supply line between the frontline, which was deep in the jungle, to the base at Port Moresby. Together, this gave the Australians a major advantage over the Japanese. The natives would also help in transporting supplies and equipment over the rough terrain. Although they were greatly affected by the war themselves, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels played a significant role in assisting with the Allied victory on the Kokoda track. They used their general knowledge of the countryside to carry 40kg loads of ammunition, food and supplies forward along the treacherous track to the Australian troops, often under heavy fire from the Japanese. They also carried supplies from the base at Port Moresby to the middle of the jungle, as shown in Image A. A close relationship and bonds of friendship developed between these local men and the Australians, particularly when the sick and wounded required …show more content…
General MacArthur’s command was further complicated by his presence in Australia, where he became the principal military adviser to the Australian Prime Minister, John Curtin. Between General MacArthur and Prime Minister Curtin, history reveals several critical decisions that ultimately helped Australia secure victory at Kokoda. Prime Minister Curtin’s decision to call back 20,000 war hardened Australian troops from the Middle East even though Britain and the United States objected with the decision, proved to be critical in terms of the Kokoda result. These AIF troops went on to fight with the 39th militia and eventually aided in delivering victory. Curtin also decided that Australia should side more and work more closely with the Americans when Britain lost Singapore to the Japanese in early 1942. This decision to side more closely with the Americans saw General MacArthur put in place as the supreme commander of American and Australian troops in the Pacific. American troops in the Pacific also helped to strengthen in time the position of Australia in Papua New Guinea, as Australia had significant air support from the USA, in terms of getting supplies flown in and providing air support. General MacArthur, upset with the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese, arrived in Australia ardent