Japanese soldier's skeleton found on Kokoda Track

[capt_starlight]

Japanese soldier's skeleton found on Kokoda Track

 

 

Michael Davis | February 19, 2008

 

A FULL skeleton of a Japanese soldier has been found buried on the Kokoda Track, clutching his dog tag, diary and helmet to his chest.

 

It is believed to be the first time in 30 years that a full skeleton has been unearthed on the track in Papua New Guinea.

 

Tour leaders - most of them descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who helped Australian troops during World War II - were last week directed to an area on the south side of Mount Bellamy near Templetons Crossing by local landowners, who said they had discovered human skeletal bones.

 

"At first we found a boot with toe bones still inside," said Wayne Wetherall, founder of the Kokoda Spirit tour group. "Then we found a couple of leg bones and more boots. There were six boots all together."

 

They then unearthed a full skeleton buried under about 50cm of soil.

 

"It was quite emotional. You are used to seeing all the weapon pits and grenades as you move along the track," said Mr Wetherall. "But once you find a warrior, it puts a different perspective on the fierceness of the battle."

 

He said some time had been taken to bury the unknown Japanese soldier. "He had been placed on his side, his dog tag, diary and helmet beside his chest."

 

The skeleton has been covered over again until a full investigation can be carried out by the Japanese Government. It is thought at least three soldiers are buried at the site because six boots were found.

 

The Kokoda Track is a 96km track where Australian troops repelled the Japanese against the odds and in horrendous conditions, defying the enemy access to Australia.

 

The recent discovery does not help the cause of proponents of a copper mining project that will damage about 600m of the track.

 

The Koiari landowners are protesting to the PNG Government over its reluctance to renew the mining exploration licence. Locals will reap millions of dollars from the copper mine.

 

The Rudd Government is against the mine and is pushing for the Kokoda Track is to be added to the World Heritage list.

 

The discovery of the skeleton on February 10 was helped by tropical cyclone Guba causing havoc in PNG's northern province, bringing torrential rains.

 

At first, the group thought the remains were those of an Australian soldier and contacted the Australian embassy in PNG, before realising the skeleton was Japanese.

 

It could take the Japanese bureaucracy up to 12 months to decide what to do with the skeleton, Australian officials told Mr Wetherall.

 

From => http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...5013404,00.html

[KingSargent]

"The skeleton has been covered over again until a full investigation can be carried out by the Japanese Government. It is thought at least three soldiers are buried at the site because six boots were found."

 

Nonsense. Obviously one of the dreaded "Shinto Spider" bio-mod Superwarrior projects. Two limbs to hold weapons, six to climb mountain trails.

[capt_starlight]

"The skeleton has been covered over again until a full investigation can be carried out by the Japanese Government. It is thought at least three soldiers are buried at the site because six boots were found."

 

Nonsense. Obviously one of the dreaded "Shinto Spider" bio-mod Superwarrior projects. Two limbs to hold weapons, six to climb mountain trails.

 

Lacking in sympathy to a former foe ?

 

How do you regard the the ceremonies around the Japanese sailors recovered from the Sydney Harbour attack ?

[KingSargent]

Lacking in sympathy to a former foe ?

 

How do you regard the the ceremonies around the Japanese sailors recovered from the Sydney Harbour attack ?

I have no problems with war dead of any nation. They all died for their country (tribe, whatever) and deserve proper treatment.

 

That said, they are not Sacred Cows. A little humor never hurt the dead. Knowing what goes on in autopsy rooms, if they don't wake up offended by that, nothing bothers them. A little humor lightens things even at funerals.

 

Had six boots been found in one USian soldiers grave, I'd probably have made a crack about that. Lighten up. Death is too serious to be taken seriously.

[Paul in Qatar]

May he rest in peace.

[iamcanjim]

K. Rudd is such a hypocrite. Trying to block a mine that will destroy 600 m of a 96 km hiking trail. And the mine could help the PNG economy. Meanwhile, here in Australia they are being so careful not to disturb anything.

[Archie Pellagio]

K. Rudd is such a hypocrite. Trying to block a mine that will destroy 600 m of a 96 km hiking trail. And the mine could help the PNG economy. Meanwhile, here in Australia they are being so careful not to disturb anything.

 

As a former resident of PNG while I am highly cynical that any of the money from the mine will do anything to help the people, but regardless it is not the business of Australia to dictate the location of a mine simply because it is close to a section of track. Not a battle, just track.

 

So friggin what, do people think that the war never left the track?

 

Puh-leese!

[KingSargent]

As a former resident of PNG while I am highly cynical that any of the money from the mine will do anything to help the people, but regardless it is not the business of Australia to dictate the location of a mine simply because it is close to a section of track. Not a battle, just track.

 

So friggin what, do people think that the war never left the track?

 

Puh-leese!

London should never have been rebuilt, but left as a shrine to the dead of the Blitz.... :rolleyes:

[Archie Pellagio]

London should never have been rebuilt, but left as a shrine to the dead of the Blitz.... :rolleyes:

 

My point exactly, there comes a time where you have to just build a memorial and let go...