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My name is Huw Rogers and I have been an operational team member of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team for nearly 20 years, I would like to tell you about a unique challenge called Kokoda 2023 #kokoda2024

In May 2024, my team and I am going to attempt to retrace the Kokoda Track route in both directions, reaching 2,250m at Mount Bellamy and gaining an accumulated height of 12,317m across 200km in 8 days – double the usual pace and distance - and carrying significant load.

History

The Kokoda Track marks the course of one of the most important battles for Australians in the Second World War. Between 21st July and 16th November 1942, the Australian Army halted the furthermost southward advance by Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea and then pushed the enemy back across the mountains.

During the battle, one of the toughest actions of World War II, Papuan and New Guinean men were employed as carriers. They played a vital role, carrying supplies and evacuating the seriously wounded and sick troops to safety, sometimes under fire. Their compassion and care of the casualties earned them admiration and respect from the Australians. The friendship between the peoples of Australia and Papua New Guinea continues to this day.

The voluntary work of Mountain Rescue Teams across the UK embodies the spirit of these carriers. From injuredwalkers, to fallen climbers and vulnerable missing people, we pride ourselves on being there to help whenever and wherever it is needed.

Brecon Mountain Rescue has a close relationship with the Armed Forces. Based in a historical Garrison Town, responsible for areas where the British Military train and with many of the Team’s past and present members having served in the military.

The Challenge

I will be assisted by an experienced group of outdoor adventurists and guided by locals.

We will start from Port Moresby and head to Kokoda Village, then repeat the route in reverse, taking us through some of the most isolated and arduous terrain on the planet. Deep tropical jungle, hot and humid days with intensely cold nights, torrential rainfall and endemic tropical diseases, will present us with a supremely difficult challenge.

I am proud to be undertaking this endurance event to help remember all the brave Service Personnel and the ‘Carriers’ whose compassion and care of the casualties earned them admiration and respect from the Australians.

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