Angus Hordern speaks with David Buckwalter about the Battle of Wau. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Every week we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Vietnam veteran David Buckwalter. David spoke to Angus Hordern about an historical topic he is passionate about, the Battle of Wau from the Second World War. David has researched the topic, spoken with the veterans and trekked the battlegrounds of New Guinea.

David's conversation about his service in Vietnam was with Alex Lloyd in Season 1.

The photograph captions have been supplied by David Buckwalter. (Not visible on all mobile devices.)

Heading along the Buisaval Track towards Skindiwai.

This shot was taken in Aulac Creek on the Black Cat Track. After crossing this creek in a westerly direction, the Japanese headed up to the ridge line and into Wau.

The hill in the distance is where the Battle of Wau took place.

This shot was taken from the Wau end of the Black Cat Track, looking up the ridge line now known as the 'Jap Track'. The left-hand end of the previous picture is what you can see in this picture.

It tried to make it to Wau, but failed. One crew member died, the rest rescued by Australians from the Buisaval Track. 

The Black Cat Track follows the river on the right-hand bank.

This shot was taken on Observation Hill above Mubo. I'm holding a Japanese 75 mm mountain gun round that we found nearby.

The memorial in the centre of Wau.