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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 November 1942, Page 6

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JAPANESE IN NEW GUINEA SYDNEY, This Day.—Hundreds of Japanese graves were found by ad- ■ vancing Australians along the trail from Buna to Kokoda. A forward iiospital had apparently been established in the area. A stake about 4 j feet high with a soldier’s name in Japanese characters marks each grave. Nail clippings and strands of hair from dead soldiers are evidently sent home to their relatives. These have been found wrapped in cellophane, together with burial forms giving a soldier’s name, number, and unit, where and how he was killed «md by whom lie was buried. Australian troops who fought their way across the Owen Stanley ranges are convinced that more than half the enemy soldiers could either speak English or had been taught to speak I et phrases. At every opportunity the Japanese attempted to outwit the i Australians by calling commands to them in close fighting. When a husky Australian caught and surprised Japanese by the scrufT of his nuck at ; Aioia, his captive cried, “Let me go!j Let me go!” Japanese sometimes laid badly wounded soldiers in a position covered by snipers who shot any Australian who went to their assistance. One wounded soldier called for help and then shot a medical orderly who went to his assistance. At Kokoda, lour New Guinea natives have been presented with medals for loyal service to Australians fighting in the ranges. The medals, which the boys wear on a chain around their necks,| carry the Australian coat-o£-arms onj one side and on the other the inscripi lien “For loyal service.” Some daysj ago nine natives attached to United States headquarters were presented! with specially designed ram it, <one-i piece wrap-on garments) made of j white material with red bands at thd top and bottom and marked with a large blue star—PA.. Special Australian Correspondent.