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Australia Kokoda

2012 Fifty Cent

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The Kokoda Campaign was fought in Papua New Guinea during the second world war. 2012 marks the 70th anniversary of this significant battle in which so many Australian lives were lost. The Royal Australian mint issued this commemorative fifty cent in memory of those who served. The reverse was designed in-house and shows the Kokoda Track memorial in Papua New Guinea along with the words 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOKODA CAMPAIGN. The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of an effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The legend reads ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2012.

The Kokoda Track is a narrow passage that runs through the jungle for 96 kilometres between the coastal areas of Gona in the north, and Port Moresby in the south. In July 1942, a Japanese invasion force landed at Gona with the sole intention of capturing Port Moresby which was the main Australian base. The battle was fought over four months in the jungle with the Japanese advancing along the Kokoda Track. They were met with strong resistance all the way but still pushed through to Kokoda itself.

The Australian Army made numerous stands with amazing bravery and selfless acts but were still slowly being forced back. By September, reinforcements had arrived from Port Moresby and a firm stand was made at Imita Ridge. Supplies had been playing a major role in the campaign and now it was the turn of the Japanese to struggle. As they were so far into the track, supplies were limited and they were beginning to retreat. The Australian Infantry Battalions pushed the Japanese forces back up the Kokoda Track and over the Kumusi River. The Japanese plan had been thwarted but at the cost of 625 Australian soldiers as well as over 1000 more being wounded (The Kokoda Track, 2014) . There is a beautiful Kokoda Track memorial placed high up on the spectacular trail which the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments are considering seeking a World Heritage listing to continue to preserve this remarkably beautiful, pristine and historic environment.