Education
Reginald Chard, Australia's last surviving Kokoda veteran, dies at 102
- We extend our deepest condolences to Reg's family, friends and all the lives he touched throughout his incredible life, the organisation said in a statement.
- Chard enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 18 and served in Papua New Guinea, marching through the mountains of New Guinea before surviving malaria at Eora Creek and fierce fighting at Sanananda.
Australia's last surviving Kokoda campaign veteran, Reginald James Chard OAM, has died aged 102. Reginald Chard helped push the Japanese from near Port Moresby back up the Kokoda Track. Australia's last surviving Kokoda campaign veteran, Reginald James Chard OAM, has died aged 102. RSL Australia announced he died "peacefully" on Friday, saying it was with "heavy hearts" that it farewelled one of the nation's last links to the soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track during World War II. "We extend our deepest condolences to Reg's family, friends and all the lives he touched throughout his incredible life, the organisation said in a statement.
Chard enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 18 and served in Papua New Guinea, marching through the mountains of New Guinea before surviving malaria at Eora Creek and fierce fighting at Sanananda. Reg Chard enlisted at 18, before heading to Papua New Guinea. After returning home from the war, he built a life with his wife, Betty, and later dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of the Kokoda campaign through the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Concord.
RSL Australia said Chard devoted his later years to honouring the sacrifice of his fellow soldiers, becoming an "irreplaceable" presence at the memorial. Education Minister Jason Clare paid tribute to Chard, describing him as a "dear friend". "After losing the love of his life, Betty, Reg volunteered as a guide for school groups at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Concord, helping keep the legacy of his generation's service and sacrifice alive, Mr Clare said.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek also paid tribute to Chard, recalling meeting him on his 100th birthday in 2023. "He was one of Canterbury-Bankstown's last surviving WWII veterans, and fought along the Kokoda Track, the mayor said. Cr El-Hayek shared what he said were Chard's final words of advice to younger generations: "Number one: Use manners. Number two: Be kind. And if you can help someone, do so.
RSL Australia said: "Rest easy, Reg. Your courage lives on in every step along that track. Australia's last surviving Kokoda campaign veteran, Reginald James Chard OAM, has died aged 102."
Source: ABC News AU