Bert Kienzle
p. 45 · Read in the full issue
(From previous page)
Moresby and was ordered to cease work on the plantation and goldfield, and to start making a road along the Kokoda Trail and set up lines of communication.
He guided the first company, the “B” Company of the 39th Battalion (Capt. Sam Temple ton), 20th Brigade of the 7th Division and settled them at Kokoda, while he set up stag ing posts and organised native labour and food supplies. While the next two companies were on the trail the Japanese patrols reached Kokoda and the big campaign began.
Bert arranged native car riers, and stretcher-bearers to evacuate the wounded in almost impossible conditions. Bert crossed the ranges eight times during the campaign, and suffered a heavy fall on one occasion, injuring his hip. This has caused him trouble ever since. All during the enemy’s desperate advance towards Port Moresby, and their eventual defeat and retreat, Bert’s efforts and local knowledge were of great value.
He was later awarded the MBE and his work is written up in the official and unofficial histories of the Owen Stanley Campaign. He was made captain, and when the enemy was cleared from the area he was given the job of re-starting production on the plantations until peace returned in 1946.
Since then Bert’s interests have extended beyond the Yodda to Port Moresby, in the development of Papuan Air lines, and the building of the Gateway Hotel. He is also a director of the Papua and New Guinea Development Bank, with his eyes continually on the future development of the country.
His work was recently recog nised by the award of the CBE, a fitting distinction for this fine, tall, rather shy gentleman of the old school.