c. 1942-1945

The 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels'

The tireless life-savers of the New Guinea campaign

by Alex Q. Arbuckle(opens in a new tab)

Dec. 25, 1942

Private George "Dick" Whittington is helped to an aid station by Raphael Oimbari. Whittington died of bush typhus in February 1943.

Image: George Silk/Public Domain

The three-year-long New Guinea campaign was one of the most arduous of World War II, with Allied and Japanese forces sustaining tens of thousands of casualties as they struggled for control of the world’s second-largest island.

Deadlier than enemy fire, though, was the environment itself — far more Japanese died of starvation and disease than in combat. Numerous operations were hampered by the difficulties of maintaining supply lines through miles of thick jungle, steep slopes and swift rivers.

Allied casualties would have been much higher were it not for the work of the island’s native inhabitants, thousands of whom served as stretcher bearers and supply carriers, transporting men and materiel over long distances through seemingly impassable terrain, sometimes under fire.

Wounded and ill Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Track came to call the stretcher bearers “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels,” for their frizzy hair and the life-saving care and compassion they provided.

The “Angels” inspired deep admiration in the men they saved, with some even writing poems home about their strength and gentleness.

Faole Bokoi, the last known member of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, died in 2016.

Stretcher bearers carry wounded soldiers to a dressing station near Buna.

Image: Library of Congress

Stretcher bearers evacuate a wounded soldier through the Sanananda area.

Image: Library of Congress

Stretcher bearers carry Corporal R.D. Somerville to a dressing station after a battle at Oive.

Image: Library of Congress

The condition of our carriers at Eora Creek caused me more concern than that of our wounded. Overwork, overloading... exposure, cold and under-feeding were the common lot.... Despite this no known live casualty was ever abandoned by the Fuzzy Wuzzies.
Dr. Geoffrey Vernon

Men carry supplies over a newly built bridge.

Image: Library of Congress

Stretcher bearers evacuate a wounded Australian soldier following a battle at Kokoda.

Image: Library of Congress

Stretcher bearers pause for a rest in a coconut grove en route to aid stations in the rear.

Image: Library of Congress

For they haven't any halos, only holes slashed in their ears, and their faces worked by tattoos with scratch pins in their hair. Bringing back the badly wounded just as steady as a horse, using leaves to keep the rain off and as gentle as a nurse.
Sapper H. "Bert" Beros, 7th Australian Division, Royal Australian Engineers

Supply carriers paddle a boat bearing supplies.

Image: Library of Congress

Carriers transport supplies through trackless jungle.

Image: Library of Congress

Boys help unload fuel drums during the Allied offensive.

Image: Library of Congress

Natives and Allied troops rest during the New Guinea offensive.

Image: Library of Congress

A carrier receives medical attention at an Allied forward outpost.

Image: Library of Congress

Many a lad will see his mother and husbands see their wives, just because the fuzzy wuzzy carried them to save their lives. From mortar bombs and machine gun fire or chance surprise attacks, to the safety and the care of doctors at the bottom of the track.
Sapper H. "Bert" Beros, 7th Australian Division, Royal Australian Engineers

New Guinea police form an honor guard during a medal ceremony for native stretcher bearers and supply carriers.

Image: Library of Congress

Hundreds of New Guinean stretcher and supply carriers stand at attention as Australian Major General George Alan Vasey thanks them in a medal ceremony.

Image: Library of Congress

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