Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 11:27AM Sgt Ron Stewart, critically burned in the bombing attack on the MV Macdhui dies today in Moresby Hospital. He is the 5th member of the 39th Battalion to die in the attacks. Ten crew members from the ship's company of 77 have also been killed.
The Macdhui's wreck lies in the shallows of Moresby Harbour, off Tatana Island, a memorial to the dead.
Friday, June 22, 2012 at 8:04AM Gen Morris CO Papuan Area, orders 39th Bn to send one company (about 120 men) up the Kokoda Track “in order to overcome the possibility of enemy penetration from Buna through the Owen Stanley Range by way of Kokoda”.
They choose B Company under Capt Samuel 'Uncle Sam' Templeton. He is 51, the only officer with WWI experience still with the battalion, and one of the best loved characters in the unit. Tough and uncompromising in training and discipline, he cares deeply for his young troops and they reciprocate the feeling.
Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 8:55AM In a clear indication that High Command knows the likely Japanese intentions, General Blamey orders Gen Morris in Moresby to secure the Kokoda area in the northern foothills of the Owen Stanley Range.
Lieutenant Ted Money of 39th Battalion dies from burns he received in the Japanese bombing of MV Macdhui four days ago. Sgt Ron Stewart, also seriously burned in the attack, remains in a critical condition and is not expected to live. Ted Money's death means the 39th has now lost four killed and seven wounded from the Macdhui attack.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12:23PM Padre ‘Nobby’ Earl of 39th Battalion boards the wrecked of the MV Macdhui to identify those killed in the earlier Japanese bombing raids. He buries Capt Ross MacLeod by the light of truck headlights as his comrades give a final salute.
Around 30 battle-experienced AIF officers, back from the Middle East, arrive in Moresby to take positions with the three militia battalions there. The 39th Bn receives 15 of them.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12:16PM Diggers from the 39th Battalion mourn the loss of mates killed while unloading the MV Macdhui in Moresby Harbour two days earlier.
Three were killed and seven wounded. Grave fears held for a numb er of the wounded.