If one man ‘made’ the Kokoda Track, that man was Bert Kienzle. His vital role in Kokoda has been acknowledged in all the published accounts, but until now, no-one has ever told his story.
Peter FitzSimons, the author of the bestselling classic Kokoda, said, “In my humble opinion, Bert Kienzle did more than any single man to make the Australian victory at Kokoda possible.”
Born in Fiji but raised in Australia and Germany, Bert spent more time on Kokoda Track than anyone else throughout the campaign. He managed and organised the delivery of supplies and men along it.
The Architect Of Kokoda was written by Bert’s daughter-in-law, Robyn Kienzle, who had access to all of Bert’s records and photos.