The Kokoda campaign looms large in the consciousness of the Australian nation. The series of battles fought between the Australian and Japanese forces along a narrow muddy strip of jungle across the impenetrable Owen Stanley Range were bloody and desperate for both sides. The help offered by local villagers to the Australian soldiers was an important factor in their eventual success.

Each year hundreds of mostly Australian hikers journey to this unforgiving place to walk the 96km long 'Kokoda Track' with the help of local village 'porters'. There they pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the campaign, they learn about the battles won and lost and usually they learn a bit more about themselves in the process. Photographed during two hikes along the track, these black and white images evoke the memories of those who have gone before; along a steep and at times difficult trail across ridges and rivers into the dark rainforest of Papua New Guinea. The photos in the book give us pause to reflect on the sacrifices given and hardships endured. LEST WE FORGET.