| Kokoda Track campaign | |
|---|---|
| Date 21 July – 16 November 1942 Location Territory of Papua Result Allied victory | |
| Belligerents | |
| Australia United States | Japan |
| Commanders and leaders | |
What is the sequence of events in the Kokoda campaign?
Kokoda Campaign Sequence of Events 1 3 January 1942. Port Moresby is garrisoned by raw Militia troops of the 30th Infantry Brigade. ... 2 8 March 1942. The Nankai Shitai landed at Lae and Salamaua. 3 7 July 1942. ... 4 22 July 1942. ... 5 8 August 1942. ... 6 12 August 1942. ... 7 14 August 1942. ... 8 18 August 1942. ...
When did the Battle of Kokoda end?
The Australian supply problems were greatly alleviated when Kokoda airfield was recaptured on 2 November 1942. The Japanese made a determined stand at Oivi-Gorari (4 - 13 November 1942) but when the Australians reached the Kumusi River on 18 November 1942 the battle for the Kokoda Track was over.
When did the Australians re-enter Kokoda?
The Australians re enter Kokoda on 2 November, 1942... Find out more in The Tide Turns: Retaking Kokoda: 2 November 1942. Eather's 25th brigade move north from Deniki and enter the abandoned town of Kokoda on 2 November. A Japanese rearguard had left two days earlier.
When was the first engagement at Kokoda in WW2?
^ Anderson 2014, p. 34; McCarthy 1959, p. 127; Williams 2012, pp. 53–54. ^ a b c "A Fighting Retreat: First engagement at Kokoda 28 July 1942". The Kokoda Track: Exploring the Site of the Battle Fought by Australians in World War II.
What were the key dates of the Kokoda campaign?
Chronology7 December 1941 (8 December in Australia) ... 3 January 1942. ... 21 January 1942 – Madang, Lae and Salamua Bombed. ... 23 January 1942 – Rabaul Attacked. ... 24 January 1942 – Bougainville Bombed. ... 29 January 1942. ... 3 February – Air Raids on Port Moresby. ... 4 February 1942 – Massacre at Tol Plantation.More items...
What day did the Kokoda campaign start?
July 21, 1942Kokoda Track campaign / Start date
How long did the Kokoda campaign last?
four-monthThe Battle of Kokoda was a four-month struggle which began with the Japanese landing in Papua in July 1942. The Japanese strategy was to take Port Moresby via a track over the Owen Stanley Range.
What happened in the Kokoda campaign on July 21 1942?
On July 21, 1942, Japanese forces landed on the northern coast of New Guinea at Gona and Buna and began advancing towards Kokoda village. Over subsequent days, they were met with strong resistance by the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion and the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB).
When did the Battle of Kokoda start and end?
Kokoda Track campaignDate21 July – 16 November 1942LocationTerritory of PapuaResultAllied victory
How many Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were there?
Over the course of the program some 112 medallions were awarded to surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and their widows from across PNG.
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 Kokoda fall?
Japanese defeated at Eora-Templeton's Find out more about the first Australian victory on the Kokoda track in The Tide Turns: Australian advance to Eora: 13-27 October 1942.
Why did Australia go to Kokoda?
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.
How many Australians died on the Kokoda Track?
More than 600 Australian soldiers were killed and 1600 wounded. More than 10,000 Japanese also died. Kokoda was a desperate and vicious campaign that saw enormous suffering on both sides.
What role did the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels have during the Kokoda campaign?
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels carried supplies to the front and escorted the wounded back, sometimes transporting stretchers under enemy fire and across mountainous terrain. Former Lieutenant Colonel Rick Moore, who helped build the memorial, said that their help was "critical" to the campaign.
How long does it take to walk the Kokoda Trail?
between four and twelve daysDespite the challenge posed it is a popular hike that takes between four and twelve days (depending on fitness). Locals have been known to hike the route in three days. Download your copy of the Kokoda Trail map and view our flyover video.
Why did the Kokoda campaign start?
In July 1942, Japanese forces landed on the northern coast of Papua. 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.
When did Kokoda fall?
Japanese defeated at Eora-Templeton's Find out more about the first Australian victory on the Kokoda track in The Tide Turns: Australian advance to Eora: 13-27 October 1942.
Where does the Kokoda Track start and end?
The southern end of the Kokoda track begins at Owers' Corner, 61 kilometres by road north-east of Port Moresby. The track is 96 kilometres long and ends on the northern side of the Owen Stanley Range at Kokoda station near Kokoda village.
What caused the Kokoda campaign?
Cause of the Kokoda campaign Port Moresby was vital to the defense of Australia. If they took Port Moresby the Japanese had planned to begin a bombing offensive against north Queensland and, if they had decided to invade Australia, the invasion would have been launched from Port Moresby.
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 ...
Where is Kokoda located?
The village of Kokoda is positioned on a plateau in northern foot-hills of the Owen Stanley Range. It overlooks the Yodda Valley (formed by the Mambare River) to its north. The Mambare runs roughly south-east to north-west. 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). The track to the coast crosses the Kumusi River at Wairopi, approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of Kokoda. The river was spanned there by a wire-rope bridge (Wairopi being Pidgin for wire rope). There was a wide track leading from there to the coast which the Japanese subsequently set about developing as a road for vehicle traffic.
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 did the Japanese attack in 1942?
Japanese forces landed and established beachheads near Gona and Buna on 21 July 1942. Opposed by Maroubra Force, then consisting of four platoons of the 39th Battalion and elements of the Papuan Infantry Battalion, they quickly advanced and captured Kokoda and its strategically vital airfield on 29 July. Despite reinforcement, the Australian forces were continually pushed back. The veteran Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) 21st Brigade narrowly avoided capture in the Battle of Mission Ridge – Brigade Hill from 6 to 8 September. In the Battle of Ioribaiwa from 13 to 16 September, the 25th Brigade under Brigadier Kenneth Eather fought the Japanese to a halt but ceded the field to the Japanese, withdrawing to Imita Ridge.
What was the economy of Papua in 1942?
There had been little development and it was largely devoid of infrastructure beyond that around Port Moresby. The pre-war economy was based primarily upon copra and rubber—with plantations established intermittently in coastal regions—and mining. The administrative centre of Port Moresby had basic airfield and port facilities. There were no roads beyond the vicinity of Port Moresby and, by modern standards, these were little more than tracks. As a result, travel north of Port Moresby was largely undertaken by air, or sea. There were a few landing fields around Port Moresby, with others on the northern side of the Owen Stanley Range at the government stations of Buna and Kokoda.
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.
Who took control of Kokoda?
The Japanese Army takes control of the village of Kokoda.
How many Kokoda tracks were there in WW2?
There are a total of (25) Kokoda Track Campaign - WW2 Timeline (July 21st - November 16th, 1942) events in the Second World War timeline database. Entries are listed below by date-of-occurrence ascending (first-to-last). Other leading and trailing events may also be included for perspective.
What trail did the Japanese Army retreat through?
The Japanese Army slowly begins to retreat back through the Kokoda Trail, finally realizing its perilous stuation.
Where did the Allies make their way to Buna?
The fighting elements were to make their way from Port Moresby through the Owen Stanley Range and reach Buna on the opposite coast by way of the Kokoda Trail.
Where did the Allies march?
Their subsequent march took them in the direction of Port Moresby, across the Owen Stanley Range, taking the village of Kokoda in the process. The Allies (primarily Australian forces) began their own march towards Buna from Port Moresby and soon ran into the Japanese response - just 60 miles from their start.
What happened on August 14th 1942?
Friday, August 14th, 1942. The Japanese Army gains vital territory leading up and into the Owen Stanley Range. Friday, August 14th, 1942. The Japanese Army takes control of the village of Kokoda. Friday, August 14th, 1942.
Why did the Japanese expect to find lesser numbers but were greeted with a large combat contingent of Australian forces?
Due to poor intelligence, the Japanese expected to find lesser numbers but were greeted with a large combat contingent of Australian forces. On the other hand, superior Allied intelligence helped to beef up the forces in the area and prepare for such an attack.
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.
How many Australians died in the Battle of Kokoda?
The price had been high. 624 Australians were dead and 1,023 wounded. The Japanese counted their casualties in the thousands.
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.
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.
When did the Australians re-enter Kokoda?
The Australians re enter Kokoda on 2 November, 1942...
Who countered the attack on Kokoda?
Under Colonel Cameron the Australians counter attack from Deniki and retake Kokoda. They are unable to hold it and again retreat to Deniki...
What did the Japanese decide to do to Port Moresby?
Japanese decide to attack Port Moresby overland. Japanese command decides that the advance on Port Moresby would be overland, from north to south. They begin planning the landing that would take the Japanese forces across the Owen Stanley Range, via the Kokoda track, to Port Moresby.
How long did it take the Japanese to drive out of the Owen Stanley Range?
The Japanese attempt to hold a position in the Owen Stanley Range fails. In two weeks fighting the Australians drive them out of the mountains...
What happened to Rabaul in 1942?
Rabaul, the peacetime capital of the Australian Mandated Territory of New Guinea, falls to the Japanese on 23 January 1942. The small Australian garrison, Lark Force, is overwhelmed and most of its troops, including six army nurses, captured.
What was the first Australian ship to attack the Japanese?
On 10 December, the destroyer HMAS Vampire becomes the first Australian ship in action against the Japanese when HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales are sunk off the east coast of Malaya by enemy aircraft. Read the full story of the Japanese advance, including the invasion of Malaya.
Where did the Japanese advance butai land?
Japanese forces land at Gona. The Japanese Yokoyama Advance Butai force lands at Gona to begin the advance south across the Owen Stanley Range, over the Kokoda track, to attack Port Moresby.
How long did the 39th Battalion hold Kokoda?
A Company, 39th Battalion retakes Kokoda from a handful of Japanese troops and holds Kokoda Plateau for 2 days.
Who was frustrated by the delay in the attack on Isurava?
Major General Horii, frustrated at the delay, throws his huge reserve into the attack, and the Australians begin the fiercely fought withdrawal from Isurava.
Where was the Japanese fortified area at Ovi and Gorari?
Rather than defending Kokoda, the Japanese forces (approximately 2,800 men) withdrew to a heavily fortified area at Ovi and Gorari near Kokoda on the path to the Buna and Gona beachheads. The battle to dislodge the Japanese from this fortress was ruthless. The Australians lost 121 men with 225 wounded. The Japanese lost 430 men with 400 wounded.
How many troops did the Shitai have?
Major General Hori lands at the Buna-Gona beachhead with the main force of the Shitai numbering approximately 7,000 troops including the 144th Regiment from Kochi, SHIKOKU.
What troops are in Port Moresby?
Port Moresby is garrisoned by raw Militia troops of the 30th Infantry Brigade. Troops from Major General Tomitaro Horii’s Nankai Shitai (South Seas Detached Force) embarked on Operation North Australia and landed on Rabaul on 23 January 1942.
Where did the Japanese attack in 1942?
Out numbered and out gunned, the 39th begins a tenacious fighting withdrawal to Kokoda. The Japanese attacked Kokoda on 28 July 1942. The 39th Battalion, Commanding Officer, LtCol Owen, is mortally wounded and the 39th Battalion is driven out of Kokoda and falls back to Deniki.
Where were the Japanese defeated?
The Japanese are defeated at Milne Bay.
Why did the Japanese withdraw from the Buna-Gona beachhead?
Japanese Imperial GHQ in Tokyo orders General Horii’s South Seas Force to withdraw to the Buna-Gona beachhead due to the strategic imperative of defeating the Americans on Guadacanal in the Solomon Islands , 1000 kilometres from Port Moresby.
Where did the Japanese capture Port Moresby?
The Japanese High Command then decided to capture Port Moresby with an overland advance across the Kokoda Trail in New Guinea. The scene was set for an epic battle for survival across some of the most inhospitable jungle terrain on the planet.
How many Japanese were at Deniki?
Australian forces at Deniki build up to around 500 under the command of Major Alan Cameron. Cameron estimates between 300-500 Japanese at Kokoda and plans an attack to recapture the station.
Why did Shitai withdraw from Templeton's Crossing?
Japanese Nankai Shitai withdraw from Templeton’s Crossing to prepare a third line of defence on razorback range overlooking Eora Creek village. This proved a formidable obstacle with two infantry battalions, a battery of Mountain Artillery, a company of Engineers and signals and medical personnel.
What happened on December 7th 1941?
7 December 1941 (8 December in Australia) Japanese attack the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Honululu and land troops in British Malaya . On the same day the 49th Battalion (Militia) under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kessels, disembark in Port Moresby.
What was the war in the South West?
Chronology of the War in the South West Pacific. Japan entered the war in the Pacific with the bombing of Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. The Japanese war machine was deemed to be invincible as they rapidly defeated the allied forces in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaya and the Dutch East Indies as they advanced towards New Guinea.
Where did Yosuke Yokoyama land?
Colonel Yosuke Yokoyama leaves Rabaul with a force of 2000 troops. His orders were to land near Basabua (east of Gona), advance rapidly to the ‘mountain pass south of Kokoda’ and examine the track leading to Port Moresby.
Overview
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…
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 …
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 Ch…
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 suppor…
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 fo…
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…