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Book on Story of Bert Kenizle and the Kokoda Track

Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:20 am
by Edward
This seems to be a banner year for books on the New Guinea campaign. Architect Of Kokoda tells the story of the planter Bert Kienzle and his role in surveying and establishing what would be known as the Kokoda track. It is written by his daughter Robyn.

I always think that it's wonderful when stories like this are brought to light.

If someone already has a copy of this please let us know what you think.

Edward

Architect Of Kokoda : Bert Kienzle, The Man Who Made the Kokoda Track
by Robyn Kienzle
(Hachette Australia - 26 July 2011)
paperback - 352 pages
$35

Overview
The Kokoda story continues to have a very powerful resonance with all Australians, and this book tells a unique part of it for the very first time. Bert Kienzle's vital role in Kokoda is acknowledged in all the published accounts but until today no one [has told his story].

If one person made the Kokoda Track that man was Bert Kienzle. Part Samoan and German/ English, born in Fiji and raised in Germany and Australia, he was managing a rubber plantation and gold mine in Papua New Guinea at the outbreak of WWII. He surveyed and established the Track, and spent more time on it than anyone else throughout the campaign managing and organising the delivery of supplies and men along it.

A unique story of a very special part of our history, told by his daughter-in-law with unique access to the central character, and access to all his records and photos. This is the untold story of a true Australian war hero.

About the Author
Robyn Kienzle is Bert Kienzle s daughter-in-law, who spent ten years living on the Kienzle plantation, and now lives in Queensland. She is a teacher, and she and her husband also run a trekking company which takes people along the Kokoda Track. Her husband works closely with the Australian War Memorial on the history of the Track and Papua New Guinea.

http://www.hachette.com.au/books/9780733627637/