In the last days of 1943 a brave young Australian soldier lost his life trying to save wounded comrades in the mountains of Papua New Guinea.
During months of fierce fighting, Australian troops inched forward under fierce artillery fire from the well-entrenched Japanese. Michael's cousin, David Macpherson, also 22, was a sergeant and air-gunner in the Royal Australian Air Force. Michael McCaughey was the sole male heir in line to inherit Old Coree, a 10,000-hectare station at Jerilderie in southern New South Wales.Two years after their deaths, in 1945, Michael's father Sam McCaughey and their Uncle Roy gifted the property to the nation for advancing agricultural research.Its research and development program there involves scientists breeding more productive and sustainable varieties of rice.
Ms Davis is very familiar with the imposing razorback ridge, including McCaughey's Knoll, that dominates the skyline.The war exacted a terrible toll on her country.