99 – The Death of a CO

This is the fourth episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion.  The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men.  Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. 

This episode looks at the events on the 27th of August, 1942.  We discuss how the CO, LT COL Kenneth Ward was killed and the impact it had on the 53rd Battalion and Maroubra Force as they fought desperately to defend Isurava.

The fog of war descends both on Brigade Headquarters and within Battalion Headquarters.

The Brigade Major orders the 53rd Bn provide definite information about the situation. The CO, LT COL Kenneth Ward sets out with LT Logan, the Intelligence Officer with 2 pers move to the creek crossing to determine what exactly is happening. 

At 14:55, a runner returns with the news that the CO, LT Logan and PTE Foster have been killed in an ambush.

Much of the Battalion is engaged in combat.  Nick Anderson writes in ‘To Kokoda” that that Intelligence Officer may have erred in thinking that Abuari was clear of Japanese troops.  

Following the death of the CO of the 53rd Battalion, the situation deteriorates dramatically. Command and control of the individual companies is extremely difficult and the situational awareness for Bn HQ and Brigdae Headquarters is poor. Command of the unit would normally go to the 2IC, but the 2IC (2nd in charge) is in Australia completing a course to enable him to be a CO – this was MAJ Farrell. This fell to CAPT Hawkins. With the Intelligence Officer and CO dead, regaining situational awareness whilst in contact would have been nearly impossible.