Kokoda - 2010 AUSTRALIA

Kokoda in Papua New Guinea holds a special place in Australia's military history. The Kokoda Track Campaign was fought here between July and November 1942 between Japanese and Allied - primarily Australian - forces in the then Australian territory of Papua. Australia Post's issuing policy normally restricts stamp issues to celebrating anniversaries in multiples of 50 (i.e. 50th, 100th etc.), however for joint issues special consideration is applied

The Kokoda campaign, remembered as Australia's toughest battle against the Japanese in World War II, is being commemorated with a new stamp.

Australia Post and Papua New Guinea Post have issued a joint Kokoda stamp in honour of the soldiers who fell fighting along PNG's notorious Kokoda Track.

In a first between the two nations, five stamps have been released depicting the relationship forged during the Kokoda Campaign of 1942, during which more than 600 diggers died.

Australia Post Philatelic Group manager Noel Leahy said the stamp issue built on the bonds forged in war.

"A remarkable bond was formed in 1942 that continues to this day," he said.

"This is one of Australia's most dramatic wartime involvements and we felt that to commemorate it was extremely important.

"We're also thrilled to be doing a joint issue with PNG.

"This is the first time we have done this and we hope it further demonstrates Australia's growing relationship with PNG," he said.

Australia Post said two stamps portray the difficult conditions and the close bonds forged through the battle's adversity.

Another shows the memorial along the Kokoda Track, at Isurava.

One of Australia's most prolific stamp designers, Brian Clinton, who also designed a 2008 Anzac Day commemoration stamp, illustrated the Kokoda five.