At Templeton's Crossing in October 1942, Private Nick Kennedy paused to write in his diary about the devastating impact of war on young lives. Serving as a nursing orderly with the 2/4th Australian Field Ambulance, Kennedy witnessed firsthand the futility of the conflict.
The Australian Army was ill-prepared for the medical challenges of the Papua campaign, resulting in a staggering number of casualties. Over 30,000 soldiers fell ill or contracted tropical diseases, while approximately 6,000 lost their lives or were wounded during the six-month campaign. While these statistics have often been attributed to the harsh conditions of Papua, this book challenges that notion. While death and disease were inevitable, the extent of the suffering could have been mitigated.
"Shadows on the Track" delves into the various factors that affected the health of Australian soldiers before, during, and after the Papuan campaign. It examines the successes, failures, strengths, and shortcomings of the medical campaign. By focusing on the field ambulance units and the brave men who served on the front lines, this book offers a fresh perspective on the battles of the Kokoda Track, Milne Bay, and the Beachheads. Shedding light on the unsung heroes who cared for the sick, treated the wounded, and laid the fallen to rest, this book aims to bring their stories out of the shadows.
