Picture: The Sydney Sun October 5 1942
AUSTRALIAN soldiers found this bottle of Asahi beer at Milne Bay, New Guinea, after defeating the Japanese in one of the great battles of World War II.
The Australians were the first to brake the invincibility of the Japanese army at Milne Bay in 1942.
In late August, unable to move further down the Kokoda Trail, the Japanese decided to make a second line of attack on Port Moresby.
On August 25/26 they landed at Milne Bay on the extreme eastern tip of Papua, about 370km from Port Moresby.
Although under great logistical stress with the fighting on the Kokoda Trail, Allied forces were ready for them.
Unlike the protracted Kokoda campaign, the Battle of Milne Bay ended in just over 10 days.
I wonder what those troops who found this bottle of Asahi beer would say today, knowing the Japanese brewer is making a bid to buy out some of Australia’s most beloved beer brands.
Asahi’s proposed acquisition of Belgium-owned, Melbourne-based Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) is under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) microscope.
The watchdog says it has concerns about the proposed merger, with the preliminary view that the acquisition would reduce competition in the Australian cider and beer markets.
I think the diggers who picked up this bottle would have differing views…
Categories: beer bottles
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