Papuan stretcher bearers, nicknamed “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” by Australian

Papuan stretcher bearers, nicknamed “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” by Australian troops, evacuate an Australian Army soldier who was wounded by enemy Japanese fire during the Battle of Buna-Gona. The Battle of Buna–Gona was part of the New Guinea Campaign which followed the conclusion of the Kodaka Track Campaign and lasted from 16 November 1942 until 22 January 1943. 

The battle was conducted by Australian and U.S. forces against the Japanese held beachheads at Guna, Sanananda and Gona. The Papuan civilians were overwhelmingly loyal to the Allies and were noted for their bravery, patience and devotion to helping, transporting and treating wounded Allied troops. A number of Papuan men joined the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and several other New Guinea battalions of the Australian Army raised in 1940. Near Sanananda, Oro Province, Territory of New Guinea. January 1943.