Heart of New Guinea

1942, 8 Minutes

This fascinating two-part black and white newsreel shows action in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War. Far from their stronghold base in Port Moresby, Australian troops in outposts along the Kokoda Track must be regularly supplied with provisions.

The first film follows sea and jungle supply routes to the warfront: paddling canoes upriver, stopping in friendly villages along the way, and traversing mountainous terrain with local carriers and their loads, which include Damien Parer’s film gear on its way to the frontline.

In the second film we witness a Japanese air raid over Port Moresby harbour. Port Moresby is the stumbling block to the Japanese invasion of Australia. The Japanese aircraft fire bomb the newly arrived transports that carry reinforcements to the front. Anti-aircraft gun troops spring into action as we witness the battle to defend the ships from the enemy bombs.

Department of Information. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.