Often described as the "battle that saved Australia," the Kokoda campaign holds a significant place in the nation's history. Today, the 80th anniversary of the pivotal battle was commemorated in Papua New Guinea with a special service honouring both countries. | ABC News

New Guinea Campaign WW2 Every Week Animated

The Japanese landed on the northern beaches of New Guinea in July 1942. Among the Australian troops who became part of the infamous Kokoda campaign were men from WA's 2/16 bn. The battalion mostly comprised men from the Goldfields who were involved in some of the fiercest battles of the campaign. Bill Grayden was among them. He recalled some of the memories as part of ABC TV's Anzac coverage earlier in the year. | ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt