What were the causes of the Kokoda campaign?
The main direct cause of the fighting along the Kokoda track can be attributed to the Battle of the Coral Sea. This battle took place between the 5-8th May 1942 off the east coast of New Guinea, in response to the Japanese plan of taking the islands Tulagi and Deboyne as well as Port Moresby.
What happened in the Kokoda campaign on 22 January 1943?
The battle of Buna–Gona was part of the New Guinea campaign in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. It followed the conclusion of the Kokoda Track campaign and lasted from 16 November 1942 until 22 January 1943....Battle of Buna–GonaAustralia United StatesJapanCommanders and leaders11 more rows
Who won the Kokoda campaign?
This landing was defeated by Australian and American forces at the Battle of Milne Bay in August 1942. A formidable physical barrier between the north and south was the Owen Stanley Range, a series of rugged mountains which are crossed only by a few foot tracks, one of which is the Kokoda Track.
How did Kokoda impact Australia?
More than 600 Australians died, and more than 1000 were wounded in the four months of fighting in the vicinity of the Kokoda Track. Casualties due to sickness exceeded 4000. Those Australians who died on the Track are buried at the Bomana War Cemetery outside Port Moresby.
What happened after the Kokoda Track campaign?
Following the unopposed recapture of Kokoda, a major battle was fought around Oivi and Gorari from 4 to 11 November, resulting in a victory for the Australians....Kokoda Track campaign.Date21 July – 16 November 1942LocationTerritory of PapuaResultAllied victory
How did Kokoda war end?
The Australians were able to follow up the retreating Japanese, reversing the path they had been forced to follow during the enemy advance. It was a phase in the fighting which reached its triumphant culmination on 2 November, with the re-occupation of Kokoda.
How did the Kokoda Trail end?
The Australians had one more tough battle to fight at Oivi-Gorari, where the Japanese were determined to make a final stand. By November 18, the Australians reached the Kumusi River, and the battle for the Kokoda Track was won.
What if Australia lost Kokoda?
If successful, Operation FS would achieve two strategic objectives for the Japanese: First, it would critically isolate Australia, whose northern coast was only a few hundred miles from Port Moresby. This could have forced Australia to withdraw from the war, or in the worst case, even suffer partial invasion.
When did the Japanese capture Kokoda?
On 29 July 1942, the Japanese captured the village of Kokoda and its vital airfield. The 39th Battalion retook but failed to hold the village (9 -10 August 1942 and fought a desperate holding action at Deniki (13 - 14 August 1942 before falling back and digging in at Isurava.
What was the name of the Japanese campaign that began in 1942?
Kokoda Campaign. When the first Japanese troops began to push over the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby, the only soldiers opposing them were Victorian militiamen of the 39th Infantry Battalion and the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB). These troops engaged the Japanese at Awala on 23 July 1942 but were heavily outnumbered and withdrew soon after.
How many Australians died in the Battle of Oivi Gorari?
The price had been high. 624 Australians were dead and 1,023 wounded.
What was the 25th Brigade?
The 25th Brigade, AIF, comprising the 2/25th, 2/31st and 2/33rd Battalions, relieved Maroubra Force at Ioribaiwa on 14 September 1942 but not even these fresh troops could stop the Japanese reaching Imitia Ridge on 16 September 1942. This was, however, as far as the enemy would get.
When did the Australian Imperial Force arrive in Isurava?
The Victorian 2/14th Battalion arrived at Isurava on 26 August 1942. These Australian Imperial Force (AIF) veterans of the Syrian campaign were the spearhead of the crack 21st Brigade and arrived just as the Japanese renewed their offensive.
Who was the Japanese commander in 1942?
Their commander, Major General Tomitaro Horii (1890 - 1942) ordered a retreat. PAPUA, NEW GUINEA. 1942-10.
What was the Kokoda track campaign?
Kokoda Track campaign. ~ 4,500 including sick. The Kokoda Track campaign or Kokoda Trail campaign was part of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942 in what was then the Australian Territory of Papua. It was primarily a land battle, between the Japanese South Seas ...
When did the Maroubra arrive in Kokoda?
Departing on 8 July, it arrived at Kokoda on 15 July. As a code word, "Maroubra" continued to be used throughout the campaign to refer to operations along the track and the Australian forces deployed forward—even though references to "Maroubra Force" in sources is somewhat enigmatic.
What was the name of the battle that took place in 1942?
Emirau. Take Ichi. Bombing of Hollandia. Western New Guinea. The Kokoda Track campaign or Kokoda Trail campaign was part of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942 in what was then the Australian Territory of Papua. It was primarily a land battle, between ...
How far is Kokoda from Buna?
Kokoda is approximately 100-kilometre (62 mi) direct line from the coastal village of Buna, which formed part of the Japanese beachhead positions occupied on their landing. However, the overland route was approximately 160 kilometres (100 mi).
Where was the Australian pursuit?
The Australian pursuit encountered strong opposition from well-prepared positions around Templeton's Crossing and Eora Village from 11 to 28 October. Following the unopposed recapture of Kokoda, a major battle was fought around Oivi and Gorari from 4 to 11 November, resulting in a victory for the Australians.
What diseases were in New Guinea?
Operations in New Guinea were impacted by tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, scrub typhus, tropical ulcers, dysentery from a range of causes and fungal infections. Walker observes that the Kokoda Track "starts and ends with malaria". Malarial vectors were substantially absent from the cooler, higher elevations along the track. Most cases observed in these areas were relapses rather than primary infections. The immediate vicinity of Port Moresby is relatively dry. While this tends to mitigate the risk of malaria, significant rates of the disease were observed in troops, mainly militia, sent to New Guinea for defence of the port, leading up to the campaign. The risk from malaria was particularly high for troops operating in the coastal area around the southern end of the track and when the Australian forces had been forced back to Imita Ridge. AIF units returning from the Middle East were more aware of the threat this disease posed and arrived with supplies of quinine. For these reasons, the disease did not have the same degree of significance or impact on operations as it did at Milne Bay or the subsequent operations at Buna–Gona.
How many Japanese were in Papua?
A total of 13,500 Japanese were ultimately landed in Papua for the fighting during the campaign. Of these, about 6,000 or two regiments, were directly involved in the "forward areas" along the Track. Against this, the Allies assembled approximately 30,000 troops in New Guinea, although at any one time no more than one infantry brigade, or approximately 3,500 troops, were involved in the fighting for most of the campaign. In terms of total troops committed over the course of the campaign, author Peter Williams estimates that "more than twice as many Australians than Japanese fought on the Kokoda Track".
What was the history of Kokoda?
A Brief History of Kokoda. Prior to the start of World War II, Australians realised that if Japan wanted to strike into Southeast Asia (to secure raw materials) they could easily do so while Britain was preoccupied by a European War. This fear became a reality at the end of 1941. The advance of Japanese forces shocked the western world.
Who was the first VC awarded during the New Guinea Campaign?
On August 29, in the face of yet another enemy assault, Private Bruce Kingsbury from the 2/14th Battalion was killed as he rushed forward with his Bren Gun to drive back the enemy in a determined counterattack. For his bravery he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross, the first VC awarded during the New Guinea Campaign.
What battalion retreated from Isurava?
Reinforcements were sent from Port Moresby: first the 53rd Battalion to protect a side track behind Isurava, then the veteran 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions that had previously served in the Middle East.
When did the Japanese attack the US Pacific Fleet?
The advance of Japanese forces shocked the western world. They attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour in December 1941 and secured the Malay Peninsula with the fall of Singapore by February 1942.
What was the name of the river that the Australians fought on?
By November 18, the Australians reached the Kumusi River, and the battle for the Kokoda Track was won. The Australian military was then assigned the task of advancing further and capturing the coastal villages of Gona and Sanananda.
Why was the Kokoda campaign important?
The campaign was also notable because so much misunderstanding existed back in Australia at the time about what was actually happening along the Trail.
Where was the Kokoda Trail?
On this day in 1942 Australian troops were closing on Kokoda, the village on the northern side of the Owen Stanley Range which gave its name to one of the epic battles of the war in the Pacific. The place was actually retaken a day later, on 2 November, but it is fitting that today we recall and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those troops who took part in the bitter fighting that occurred along the whole of the Kokoda Trail.
When did Eather withdraw from Imita Ridge?
It was to continue his defence from the strongest available ground that Eather chose to withdraw to Imita Ridge on 17 September. Although this was the last effective barrier preventing a march on Port Moresby, the limits of the enemy advance had actually already been reached by this stage.
When did Potts fall back to Eora Creek?
Potts and his men fell back first to Eora Creek on 30 August, then Templeton's Crossing on 2 September, and Efogi three days later. As one writer has described it: "From 31 August to 15 September the Australians, against vastly superior numbers, fought a decisive military game of cat and mouse along the track.
Where did the Japanese fight the American Marines?
Supply lines had been stretched beyond breaking point, leaving many Japanese troops starving and unsupported, and other events were intervening – principally the reverse suffered by Japanese forces fighting American marines at Guadalacanal in the southern Solomon Islands.
Who won the Victoria Cross?
During the fourth consecutive day of fighting at Isurava, Private Bruce Kingsbury led a gallant counter-attack against a breach in the Australian perimeter which earned him the Victoria Cross - the first won on Australian soil (which Papua then was).
Who led the 21st Brigade?
This was the 21st Brigade led by Brigadier Arnold Potts, and comprised another two battalions (the 2/14th and 2/16th) numbering a little more than 1000 men in total. Command of Maroubra Force now fell to Potts. Portrait of VX19139 Private Bruce Steel Kingsbury VC, 2/14th Infantry Battalion.
How long did the Kokoda battle last?
The Kokoda action lasted until November 1942 and is remembered as one of the most difficult operations by Australian troops in World War II. At first, the Japanese attack was successful. Despite winning some hard-fought battles, Australian troops were forced to retreat towards Port Moresby.
What was the purpose of the Kokoda track?
Their objective was to make their way overland along the Kokoda track and capture Port Moresby on the southern coast. This would give them control of Papua, and a base from which to attack the Australian mainland and shipping in the Pacific.
What was the name of the country that the Japanese invaded?
Normally, conscripted Australian troops could not be used outside Australia, but because Papua was Australian territory, conscripts were sent to fight along the Kokoda track.
How long does it take to walk the Kokoda track?
Today, without the obstacles of wartime, and with a professional guide, it takes about eight days to walk the Kokoda track.
Where were the Japanese in 1942?
By early September 1942, the Japanese were within 48 kilometres of Port Moresby, and could see the lights of the town. But they were now far from their own supply base on the northern coast, and faced the difficulties of moving supplies and weapons along the narrow, mountainous track.
Who filmed the Kokoda campaign?
This emotional documentary was filmed by the Australian war photographer Damien Parer and shared the Academy Award for best documentary in 1943. Parer was killed in September 1944 on the island of Peleliu.
Where was the station at Kokoda?
The advance guard quickly pushed inland to capture the station at Kokoda in the northern foothills of the towering Owen Stanley Ranges, just shy of 100km (60 miles) inland from Papua’s north shore.
What was the name of the Japanese force that attacked Port Morseby?
As the Australians were hastily turning Port Morseby into a forward base, in July the Japanese tried a new tack. They landed an invasion force, the Nankai Shitai (South Seas Detachment), comprising the 144th and 44th infantry regiments and a contingent of engineers under the command of Major General Horii Tomitaro, on 21 July 1942.
How did Bissett die?
Bissett died after he was hit by a burst of machine gun fire at Isu rava. He died in the arms of his brother, Lt Stan Bissett. Image Courtesy of The Australian War Memorial. Singapore had fallen. Darwin had been bombed. Indonesia had been taken. Australia was under direct attack, and many feared a Japanese invasion.
What was Horri ordered to do?
Although an advance on Morseby was planned on 25 September, Horri was ordered to retreat. The Japanese high command had decided to focus their resources on fighting the Americans on Guadalcanal. Like many of his men, Horri would not survive the campaign.
How many men were in the B Company at Kokoda?
After a seven-day march, B Company’s 120 men arrived at Kokoda in mid-July, and after some initial platoon-level skirmishing with the Japanese vanguard beyond the plateau, fell back to defend the airstrip.
Where did the Australians go on 9 September?
At a ridge that later became known as Brigade Hill, the Australians were flanked by Japanese machine gunners on 9 September and were routed. They fled pell mell to the next village, Menari, then over miles of torturous track to Ioribaiwa, then Imita Ridge, where Australian artillery was waiting.
Where did the Japanese advance on the Kokoda Trail?
On 14 September the Japanese made their farthest advance on the Kokoda Trail and reached Iorobaiwa Ridge, about 40 kilometres from Port Moresby. Here, a stalemate ensued until American forces invaded Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
How many Japanese troops were lost in the Guadalcanal campaign?
The loss of more than 31,000 Japanese troops in the Guadalcanal campaign forced the Japanese army to redeploy troops from New Guinea and pull back to the north side of the Owen Stanley Ranges.
What happened to the Australians at Efogi?
The Australians regrouped and were reinforced at Efogi , but the Japanese were able to outflank them and again forced a retreat. Meanwhile, at Milne Bay on 26 August the Japanese navy landed almost 2000 men to occupy the newly completed Allied airfield, but fierce fighting ensued and they were pushed back.
Why did the Japanese bomb Darwin?
Japanese forces invaded Timor on 20 February 1942 and, in a move to disrupt the supply lines necessary for a counter-attack, bombed Darwin the day before. The attack was also intended to lower Australian morale.
What happened after the fall of Singapore?
After the fall of Singapore in February 1942, the focus of the Pacific War moved closer to Australia. Japanese forces bombed Darwin and launched an attack over Papua’s Owen Stanley Ranges with a view to capturing Port Moresby.
What was the first attempt to capture Port Moresby?
The first Japanese attempt to capture Port Moresby, Operation Mo, got underway in April. Unknown to the Japanese navy, the United States Navy learned of the Japanese taskforce by deciphering Japanese coded communications. The US Navy intercepted the Japanese fleet at the Battle of the Coral Sea and forced it to withdraw.
How many people died in the Timor Sea bombing?
The raid, which involved 54 land-based bombers and 188 aircraft launched from carriers in the Timor Sea, left 243 people dead, up to 400 wounded, and most of the city’s civilian and military infrastructure destroyed.
How long did the Kokoda campaign last?
The subsequent Kokoda Campaign would strike a deep impression in the hearts and minds of the Australian people. The Kokoda campaign would last four months and has left a deep impression in the hearts and minds ...
What is the Kokoda track?
The Kokoda Track links Buna on the north coast with Port Moresby in the south. The track is 96km long and crosses the harsh terrain of the Owen Stanley Mountains. The Kokoda Track was made up of steep paths through the jungle, which made the movement of supplies and artillery almost impossible. 7.
How did the American attack on Guadalcanal affect the Japanese?
By September 1942, the Japanese had pushed the Australians back through the Owen Stanley Mountains to within 40 miles of Port Moresby on the southern coast.
Why did Australian soldiers cut their shorts into kilts?
Dysentery was rife along the Kokoda Track; soldiers were known to cut their shorts into kilts to avoid soiling their clothes. At the coast, in places such as Mile Bay and Buna, the main problem was malaria.
Why did Japan want to control the island of New Guinea?
1. Japan wanted to protect the port of Rabaul. The Japanese wanted to control the island of New Guinea in order to protect the port of Rabaul on nearby New Britain. 2. The Allies wanted to attack the port of Rabaul. Rabaul was overwhelmed in January 1942 during the Japanese advance into the Pacific.
Where did the Japanese attack in August?
By late August, the Japanese had advanced along the Kokoda Track and captured the airbase at Kokoda. The Australians retreated and dug in near the village of Isurava, where the Japanese attacked on 26 th August. It was during an Australian counterattack that Private Kingsbury charged toward the enemy, firing a Bren gun from the hip, shouting “follow me!”.
When did the Australians defeat the Japanese?
The Australians turned the tables. The Australians now went on the offensive, defeating the Japanese in a two-week battle at Eora in mid-October, and pushing on to retake Kokoda and its vital airstrip. On 3 November, the Australian flag was raised over Kokoda.
Overview
The Kokoda Track campaign or Kokoda Trail campaign was part of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942 in what was then the Australian Territory of Papua. It was primarily a land battle, between the Japanese South Seas Detachment under Major General Tomitarō Horii and Australian and Papuan land forces under command of New Guinea Force. The Japanese objective was to seize Port Moresby by an …
Background
After the fall of Singapore, the Australian government and many Australians feared that Japan would invade the Australian mainland. Australia was ill-prepared to counter such an attack. The entire 8th Division, deployed to Malaya, Ambon, Timor and Rabaul, was lost or rendered ineffective as the Japanese rapidly advanced. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) lacked modern aircraft and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was too small to counter the Imperial Japanese Navy. The R…
Campaign
In the early evening of 21 July 1942, Japanese troops landed close to Gona. The Japanese advance party moved rapidly towards Kokoda, reaching the Kumusi, at Wairopi in the afternoon of 23 July. The PIB and Australians engaged the advancing Japanese with ambushes. B Company, 39th Battalion assembled a force (including what remained of the PIB) to make a stand near Oivi on 26 July. One platoon remained at Kokoda. Threatened with encirclement, the force at Oivi wit…
First phase – Japanese advance
The Japanese landings at Gona commenced at about 5:30 pm on 21 July 1942. They were opposed by Allied air attacks until darkness fell and again in the morning, for the loss of one transport ship. The Japanese landings were observed by patrols of the PIB and officers of the ANGAU. Templeton brought forward two of his platoons. His remaining platoon was to protect Kokoda. First contact was made at about 4.00 pm on 23 July. A PIB patrol led by Lieutenant Cha…
Interlude – Imita Ridge
On 17 September, Eather was able to consolidate his position on Imita Ridge. The 2/33rd Battalion had been tasked to delay any further Japanese advance. A number of ambushes were set with mixed results. The Australian position, near the head of the track substantially resolved the difficulty of supply and the force was soon to be bolstered by the arrival of the 16th Brigade. Two 25-pounder guns of the 14th Field Regiment would at last be able to provide artillery support to …
Second phase – Australian counter-offensive
The 25th Brigade, to which the 3rd Battalion was attached, commenced its advance against the Japanese and the 16th Brigade followed to occupy the positions on Imita Ridge. Allen was conscious of the supply difficulties he would encounter and moderated his advance accordingly but was pressured by Blamey and MacArthur to pursue what they perceived to be a fleeing enemy. In fact though, Horii's force had made a clean break and withdrawn back to a series of four defe…
Advance on Buna–Gona
Most of the Japanese force withdrew to the Kumusi River and 1,200 are estimated to have made the crossing of the flooded river. Horii was swept downstream and later drowned. Others followed the river downstream to the coast. Milner reports the strength gathered there as 900, under command of Colonel Yazawa. The 25th Brigade contacted the Japanese rearguard near Wairopi on 12 November but these withdrew in the night. While most of Vasey's force was rested, patrol…
Aftermath
The Japanese at Buna–Gona were reinforced by fresh units from Rabaul. The joint Australian–United States Army operation faced a formidable defence that had been prepared well in advance of their arrival and the battle lasted until 22 January 1943. The 39th Battalion participated in the fighting at the beachheads and, following its withdrawal, was only able to parade about 30 members – its ranks having been greatly depleted by injury and illness. In March 1943 it was wit…