Kokoda Veteran Dick Payten OAM

David “Dick” Payten was a veteran of the 1942 Kokoda campaign, where he was an Artilleryman in the 11th Battery of the 2/6th Field Regiment of the 7th Division. Fondly known as “The Kokoda Poet”, Dick and his 11th Battery hauled two ‘25 pounder’ artillery guns up the Owen Stanley track and helped successfully defend against invading Japanese forces.

Watch Dick recite the poems, “The Gift Of Years” and “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” in the video below.

Right now, more than ever, we need to think about, understand and appreciate what comradery and connection really means to us all. To help remind you, we’re proud to share with you our own commemoration and celebration of great mates who inspired our Kokoda Residences community.