The location of the crossing of Eora Creek has
varied over the years, the area which is now overgrown was a major
Australian supply depot during the Kokoda campaign. The crossing was
named after an Australian officer killed at Oivi on 26 July 1942.
On 3 September 1942 the Japanese captured Templeton's crossing while in
close pursuit of the Australians. From here the Australians fell back
steadily. They abandoned the air dropping zone at Myola and only found a
secure defensive position at Brigade Hill just South of Efogi. Later as
the Japanese retreated they made their first major stand against the
advancing Australians here at Templeton's crossing. On 12 October the
Australians attacked from the south and west but took 4 days to dislodge
the enemy. Ahead lay Eora Creek which took the Australians a further 13
days to capture though only 3 hours walking distance.
All wounded faced a daunting trek to reach major medical facilities. As
there was no air evacuation the wounded struggled along the muddy trail
for seemingly endless days. Many would have perished had it not been for
the enduring and loyal native stretcher bearers.
