Читать книгу Attack on the Black Cat Track - Max Carmichael - Страница 6

Foreword

When I met the trekkers in Port Moresby the day after their ordeal on the Black Cat Track, they were still trying to comprehend what they had experienced. I was struck by their calmness, outwardly at least, and any concern they had for their own injuries was dwarfed by concern for the welfare of the Papua New Guinean porters.

As I spoke with each of the trekkers, it was evident they had been well prepared for the trek, with many of them having had previous experience in Papua New Guinea, including trekking the Kokoda Track. They impressed me as a group of remarkably hardy people.

This book is a tale of tragedy — the death of three Papua New Guinean porters and enduring disability for many of the other porters. It is also a tale of heroism — shown by Christy King, the trekkers and porters, as well as their rescuers.

And it tells a story of friendship and community — of the generosity of those in Australia and Papua New Guinea who have helped to support the injured porters and the families of the deceased porters.

The history shared by Australia and Papua New Guinea is the foundation for the unique and strong bonds between our two countries today. The struggles, sacrifice and heroism on the Black Cat Trail during World War II deserve to be remembered.

I would like to thank the Consular staff at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, who facilitated the transit of the trekkers in Port Moresby and the contact with families via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. Credit also goes to the Qantas staff in Port Moresby, led by Rick Sawicki, who arranged with great efficiency the homeward flights for the trekkers.

Deborah Stokes

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea 2013–15