In 1958 the Commonwealth Battles Nomenclature Committee awarded the Battle Honour ‘Kokoda Trail’ to the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the 10 Australian battalions who fought in the Kokoda campaign.
In 12 October 1972 the PNG Government proclaimed the name ‘Kokoda Trail’ (PNG Government Gazette No. 88 of 12 October 1972, page 1362, column 2. Notice 1972/28 of the ‘PNG Place Names Committee’ refers).
The official term ‘Kokoda Trail’ was adopted by the Australian War Memorial and the Returned Services League of Australia and remains proudly emblazoned on the Regimental Colours of the battalions who fought for the honour.
After Prime Minister Paul Keating kissed the ground at Kokoda during his visit for the 50th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign in 1992 the term ‘Kokoda Track’ emerged as the politically correct term due to the linkage to of the term ‘Trail’ to America.
This overlooks the fact that America saved us from a Japanese onslaught in 1042.
One city-based journalist supported the politically correct term as he reported that ‘track was the language of the ‘Australian bush’. He was obviously unaware that the entire Australian continent is criss-crossed with ‘fire trails’.
Research on the issue can be viewed on this link: Official Name of the Kokoda Trail
See for yourself!
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