Myola facts for kids
Myola is a special place in Papua New Guinea. It's located along the famous Kokoda Track. This area is known for two dry lake beds. They are found near where the Kokoda Track crosses the top of the Owen Stanley Range. This part of the mountains is also called "the Gap" or "the Kokoda Gap."
Myola is the smaller of these two dry lake beds. It was discovered and named by Lieutenant Bert Kienzle on August 3, 1943. During the Kokoda Track campaign in World War II, Myola became a very important spot. It was used to bring in supplies and drop off goods for the Australian soldiers. After finding Myola, Kienzle also created a new path towards Eora Creek. This new path later joined back with the original Kokoda Track at a place he named Templeton's Crossing.
Naming Myola
Myola didn't have a local name before it was discovered. Lieutenant Bert Kienzle named it after the wife of his friend and commanding officer, Major Sydney Elliot-Smith. The word "Myola" comes from an Australian Aboriginal language. It means "dawn of day."
Myola 1 and Myola 2
There are two dry lake beds in this area. The smaller one is sometimes called Myola 1. The second, larger lake bed is just to the north. It is known as Myola 2.
Myola 2 became the main place for supplies as the Australian forces moved forward. They were following the Japanese forces who were retreating from Ioribaiwa Ridge back towards Kokoda. A landing strip was built at Myola 2 because it was a larger area. However, it was thought to be too risky for general use by many planes.
Major General George Vasey landed at Myola 2 on October 28, 1942. He was taking over command from Major General Arthur Allen.
