Last surviving PNG Fuzzy Wuzzy dies

In Papua New Guinea, the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel of Kokoda has died.

Ninety-one year-old Havala Laula died in the village of Kagi just before Christmas day.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels provided vital assistance to Australian troops in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War and were called Fuzzy Wuzzy for their unusually big unkempt afro hairstyle.

They carried supplies, building bases, airfields and other infrastructure, and evacuated the sick and wounded from the fighting in nearly inaccessible terrain.

In 2009, the Australian government awarded commemorative medals to the surviving angels or to their widows or widowers.

The prime minister at the time, Kevin Rudd, said the medals recognised their [fuzzy wuzzy] service and sacrifice.

He said their contributions saved the lives of many Australians.

 

 

 

Photo file caption: A Papua New Guinean "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel" participates in the Anzac Day march through Sydney on April 25, 2013