Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the passing of the last “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel.

In most countries to call a man of colour a “Fuzzy Wuzzy” would, and should be considered inappropriate. In Australia, however, when referring to the indigenous peoples of Papua and New Guinea it is both a a term of endearment and honour.

The late Havala Laula was the iconic figure head and living image of the historical Kokoda Track until his passing just after Christmas at his Kagi Village along the track, on the 27th of December, 2017. He was 92 years old.

Meeting Australia’s Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Mr Jerry Agus said on his passing the late Laula’s death brings to a close an enduring chapter of the Kokoda Track, especially its affection and historical bond with the Australian people.

“He gave sole and meaning to the legend of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels especially for the thousands of Australians that walk the Kokoda Track every year,” said Mr Agus.

The name, Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, was a term of endearment Australian troops gave to the local Papua New Guinea villagers who were recruited during the Second World War to bring supplies to Australian troops and to evacuate injured soldiers.

Mr Agus said it was not only fitting but indeed sad that the late Laula lived to commemorate the 75^thAnniversary of the Battle of the Kokoda Track before closing an incredible chapter in PNG’s war history.

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were employed as porters to carry supplies to the front line and as stretch bearers to return the wounded back for medical assistance. Most of the ‘Angels” belonged to the Koiari tribe who lived along the Kokoda track. Traditionally the peoples of the Koiari tribe were a hostile and warlike people but in 1908 Missionaries moved into the area and built schools and hospitals.

It was with this history that when the Japanese invaded they decided to stay loyal to their missionary friends which was no doubt helped by they way their young men were captured to work as slaves, and the way their women were treated badly.

This Iconic photo by New Zealand photojournalist Peter Silk, along with the photo below by Damian Parer, and the poem below that, best sums up the relationship and respect of the Australian people to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels 

Many a mother in Australia,
When the busy day is done,
Sends a prayer to the Almighty
For the keeping of her son,
Asking that an Angel guide him
And bring him safely back
Now we see those prayers are answered
On the Owen Stanley track,
For they haven’t any halos,
Only holes slashed in the ears,
And with faces worked by tattoos,
With scratch pins in their hair,
Bringing back the wounded,
Just as steady as a hearse,
Using leaves to keep the rain off
And as gentle as a nurse.

Slow and careful in bad places,
On the awful mountain track,
And the look upon their faces,
Makes us think that Christ was black.
Not a move to hurt the carried,
As they treat him like a Saint,
It’s a picture worth recording,
That an Artist’s yet to paint.
Many a lad will see his Mother,
And the Husbands, Weans and Wives,
Just because the Fuzzy Wuzzy
Carried them to save their lives.

From mortar or machine gun fire,
Or a chance surprise attack,
To safety and the care of Doctors,
At the bottom of the track.
May the Mothers in Australia,
When they offer up a prayer,
Mention those impromptu Angels,
With the Fuzzy Wuzzy hair.

Sapper Bert Beros
NX 6925, 7th Div., RAE, AIF