Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 7:58AM Sam Templeton's young Diggers, still waiting at start of Track for their supplies, find out it will take at least eight days to reach Kokoda, not five days as previously advised.
They wait at McDonald’s Corner, near the Moresby end start of the Track, their forward supplies still incomplete.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 8:14AM Sam Templeton's B Coy 39th still waiting for orders at McDonald’s Corner at Moresby end of Track. He takes advantage of the delay to conduct intensive bush marches to keep his young untried troops fit and to condition them to the jungle and the steep hills they are about to traverse.
Back in Morersby the remaining garrison troops are now being trained by the recently arrived AIF officers, back from the Middle East. RSM Jock Reid's diary noted change in atmosphere: "Great movements on here at present, new officers in charge of companies, Orders now for route marching, night work, drill, etc, etc, and plenty of wharf labouring too. Quite a lot going sick, big sick parade and plenty of growling."
Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 8:32AM The young Diggers of B Coy 39th remain stuck at the start of Kokoda Track, waiting for orders and supplies.
While they wait, Capt Sam Templeton lectures them on bushcraft and the way to deal with local natives, the first time they've been taught these things.
Monday, June 25, 2012 at 9:08AM At 0700 hrs, B Company 39th heads off to start of Kokoda Track in trucks, led by Capt 'Uncle Sam' Templeton. When it arrives at McDonald's Corner, it finds that rations and supplies supposed to have been sent ahead are not there. HQ orders them to bivouac and await further orders.
Just before heading off Sam Templeton buys 324 sticks of tobacco from ANGAU to use in trading with natives along the Track. Alan 'Kanga' Moore wrote in his diary of Uncle Sam: "... he remained something of an enigma. He was remote, at times almost aloof, but fervently wanted to be friendly. He was reserved and shy but used his rank and seniority in his efforts to indicate otherwise. To combat his uncertainty he drove himself incessantly, seeking personal perfection. He sought to become involved in solving the personal problems of his troops and was possibly better at that than in solving his own. Finality seemed to be an integral part of his thinking and I am sure he knew that he would die in battle."
Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 11:34AM Gen Morris at Moresby creates ‘Maroubra Force’ by combining 39th Militia Bn with the Papuan Infantry Bn and some supply and medical units.
Capt Sam Templeton’s B Company 39th prepares to leave for Kokoda. The troops are told it is a 'secret mission'. HQ estimates it will take 5 days march “over difficult country”. The medical officer examines each of the troops and replaces unfit men with volunteers from other companies.
Some Militia troops are reportedly upset that they are being pressured to volunteer for the AIF. Most are under 21 so they would need to send away for their parents' consent.