LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canberra Raiders will be honoring the brave servicemen who served on the Kokoda campaign during the Second World War by wearing a special jersey during the ANZAC round this season.
The jersey features an image of an unknown soldier taken by Warrant Officer Thomas Fisher in 1942, as well as an early map of the Kokoda Trail from the Australian War Memorial National Collection.
The Kokoda campaign is recognized as one of the most significant and pivotal campaigns involving Australia during the War in the Pacific.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, making it a particularly poignant time to pay tribute to those who fought in this historic battle.
Warrant Officer Fisher, who took the image featured on the jersey, was the only Military History Section photographer to be killed in action during the Second World War.
He lost his life on November 16, 1942, at the age of 34, while serving with the New Guinea Force Public Relations Field Unit.
The jersey not only serves as a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Kokoda campaign but also highlights the importance of accurate mapping during wartime.
Before the campaign, accurate maps of the Kokoda Trail were non-existent, prompting the establishment of a survey section to produce maps to assist with operations in the area.
In addition to wearing the special jersey during the ANZAC round fixture on April 27, the Raiders will also be launching fundraising initiatives to support the Australian War Memorial Anzac Foundation.
This initiative will further commemorate and honor the sacrifices made by those who served in the Kokoda campaign and throughout the Second World War.