Boys on the Kokoda Trail?
Privates William Henry Walker, 21, Keith Edward Beckman, 21, and Bruce Robert Chadwick, 20, all of the 55th/53rd Battalion, were young men, not boys. Photo: George Silk
The myth of boys on the Kokoda Trail began with soldiers and senior officers of the Australian Imperial Force who thought that Militia units were made up of boys. This idea took hold and over the ensuing decades was accepted as fact by many. But how many of those who served on the front line during the Kokoda Campaign boys were aged 18 or under?
James Morrison, a serving officer with the Australian Army, examines the ages of Militia and AIF units during the campaign, and shows how senior command prevented young soldiers from seeing front line service.
To read James’s myth-busting article, purchase your copy of Wartime magazine.