The Battle of Wau with David Buckwalter

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Vietnam veteran David Buckwalter. David spoke to Angus Hordern about an historical topic he is passionate about, the Battle of Wau from the Second World War. David has researched the topic, spoken with the veterans and trekked the battlegrounds of New Guinea.

David's conversation about his service in Vietnam was with Alex Lloyd in Season 1. Listen here.

The photograph captions have been supplied by David Buckwalter. (Not visible on all mobile devices.)

David Buckwalter exploring New Guinea.

Heading along the Buisaval Track towards Skindiwai.

Typical jungle the war was fought in.

This shot was taken in Aulac Creek on the Black Cat Track. After crossing this creek in a westerly direction, the Japanese headed up to the ridge line and into Wau.

North of Wau, looking back south.

The hill in the distance is where the Battle of Wau took place.

The battlegrounds.

This shot was taken from the Wau end of the Black Cat Track, looking up the ridge line now known as the 'Jap Track'. The left-hand end of the previous picture is what you can see in this picture.

Another shot of Aulac Creek.

A B-17 Flying Fortress shot down over Lae.

It tried to make it to Wau, but failed. One crew member died, the rest rescued by Australians from the Buisaval Track. 

The Bitoi River valley.

The Black Cat Track follows the river on the right-hand bank.

Signs of battle.

This shot was taken on Observation Hill above Mubo. I'm holding a Japanese 75 mm mountain gun round that we found nearby.

Being interviewed by Angus Hordern for the podcast.

The memorial in the centre of Wau.