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Rewind: Reyney Hulbert recalls how her grandfather managed to survive a fighter attack in WWII on Kokoda Track

Reyney HulbertThe West Australian
Reyney Hulbert’s grandfather is pictured left, during World War II.
Camera IconReyney Hulbert’s grandfather is pictured left, during World War II. Credit: supplied

This photograph of my maternal grandfather, Edward Rennie Cowie on the right in the slouch hat, and his mates, was taken by the famous Australian wartime photographer Damien Parer and was taken in front of a Japanese machine gun bunker, after the final major battle, and decisive Australian victory of Oivi-Gorari on the Kokoda Track campaign before the battle of Buna.

Reyney Hulbert.
Camera IconReyney Hulbert. Credit: supplied

My grandfather managed to crawl away and remained hidden until found by the Gorari people, they cared for him and carried my grandfather to safety.

My grandfather survived after a long recovery in Greenslopes military hospital in Brisbane and Concord military hospital in Sydney.

For the remainder of his life my grandfather was forever grateful to the Gorari people of New Guinea.

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Before action in New Guinea my grandfather had seen action in the Middle East and to this day, family members continue to honour his memory on Anzac Day.

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