Templeton's Crossing facts for kids
Templeton's Crossing is a special place along the famous Kokoda Track in New Guinea. It's a key spot in the Owen Stanley Range, a big mountain chain. The original path of the Kokoda Track went north from a place called Kagi. It crossed over the mountains through a dip known as "the Gap." This area is near Mount Bellamy.
The track then went north through a valley with steep sides, following Eora Creek. Templeton's Crossing is where this old path first crosses Eora Creek. It was named by Lieutenant Bert Kienzle. He named it to remember Captain Sam Templeton. Captain Templeton led a group of soldiers from the 39th Battalion. His group was the first to travel along the track to defend Kokoda. Sadly, Captain Templeton was killed early in the war.
Bert Kienzle was an officer who helped set up supply points along the track. He guided Captain Templeton's soldiers when they first arrived.
A New Path and Supply Point
Later, Bert Kienzle found a good spot for supplies called Myola. This place could receive supplies dropped from planes. Because Myola was so important, the main path used by Australian soldiers was changed. A new section of the track was cut to go through Myola.
The new path from Myola first followed Myola Ridge. Then, it went down to cross Eora Creek. This crossing point was about halfway between Myola and Templeton's Crossing. A supply base, called Dump 1, was set up there.
Sometimes, this Dump 1 site was confusingly called "Templeton's Crossing No 1." The original Templeton's Crossing was then called "Templeton's Crossing No 2." This naming confusion came from an old map made in 1978.
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Battles at Templeton's Crossing
Templeton's Crossing was the site of two important battles during the Kokoda Track campaign in the Second World War. These fights were between Australian soldiers, known as Maroubra Force, and Japanese troops. Both battles involved many smaller fights in the Eora Creek valley.
First Battle
The first battle happened from August 31 to September 5, 1942. During this time, the Australian forces were moving back. They were trying to escape the advancing Japanese army. A major fight took place right near Templeton's Crossing.
Second Battle
The second battle took place later, from October 11 to October 28, 1942. This time, the Australian soldiers were chasing the Japanese forces. The Japanese were retreating back towards the northern coast of Papua. Again, a big battle happened around Templeton's Crossing.
