Full Answer
What was the Kokoda campaign like?
The Kokoda Track was made up of steep paths through the jungle, which made the movement of supplies and artillery almost impossible. 7. The only VC of the Kokoda Campaign was won by Private Bruce Kingsbury By late August, the Japanese had advanced along the Kokoda Track and captured the airbase at Kokoda.
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 was the battle for the Kokoda Track?
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.
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.
Where did the Kokoda campaign start?
PapuaThe 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.
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 country is the Kokoda Trail in?
Papua New GuineaThe Kokoda Trail or Track is a single-file foot thoroughfare that runs 96 kilometres — 60 kilometres in a straight line — through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
Where did the Kokoda campaign 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.
How far is Kokoda from Australia?
The total straight line distance between Australia and Kokoda is 2944 KM (kilometers) and 217.03 meters. The miles based distance from Australia to Kokoda is 1829.5 miles.
When was the Kokoda campaign?
July 1942 – November 1942Kokoda Track campaign / Period
What country is Papua New Guinea next to?
Its mainland on the island of New Guinea is bordered by Indonesia. Papua New Guinea shares maritime borders with Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia (France). Major islands are New Britain, Latangai, Bougainville, PNG covers a land area of 462,840 km² (178,703 sq.
Who won the Kokoda war?
Japanese victoryThe Battle of Kokoda consisted of two engagements fought in late July – early August 1942....Battle of Kokoda.Date28–29 July 1942 8–10 August 1942ResultFirst engagement: Japanese victory Second engagement: Australian victory1 more row
What countries were involved in the Kokoda campaign?
Kokoda Track Campaign, also called Kokoda Trail Campaign, series of military operations fought between Australian and Japanese troops in New Guinea during World War II.
Why was Port Moresby important to Australia?
Port Moresby was important because any Allied attack north through New Guinea towards Rabaul required Port Moresby as a base. Similarly for any attack south towards Australia, the Japanese required Port Moresby...
Why did Japan want Papua New Guinea?
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.
Why did Australia fight in Papua New Guinea?
In the wake of the Papuan campaign Australian and American troops opened a campaign in New Guinea in the hinterland around Wau and Salamaua. The aim of these operations was not to secure hundreds of square kilometres of rugged jungle. It was to draw Japanese forces away from Lae.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Where was Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands?
At the same time, American forces had occupied the island of Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, east of Papua. They could use the island as a base to attack Japanese shipping. In response, the Japanese command decided to concentrate on Guadalcanal and withdrew their forces from Papua, even though they were within sight ...
What did the victory on the Kokoda Trail do?
Although the successful capture of Port Moresby was never going to be precursor to an invasion of Australia, victory on the Kokoda Trail did ensure that Allied bases in northern Australia, vital in the coming counter-offensive against the Japanese, would not be seriously threatened by air attack.
Where is the Kokoda Trail?
The Kokoda Trail was a path that linked Ower's Corner, approximately 40 km north-east of Port Moresby, and the small village of Wairopi, on the northern side of the Owen Stanley mountain range.
What was the Japanese's first attempt to capture Port Moresby?
Having had their initial effort to capture Port Moresby by a seaborne landing disrupted by the battle of the Coral Sea, the Japanese saw the Kokoda Trail as a means by which to advance on it overland.
How many Australians died on the Kokoda Trail?
Approximately 625 Australians were killed along the Kokoda Trail and over 1,600 were wounded. Casualties due to sickness exceeded 4,000. "Kokoda Trail" and "Kokoda Track" have been used interchangeably since the Second World War and the former was adopted by the Battles Nomenclature Committee as the official British Commonwealth battle honour in ...
When did the South Seas detachment land in Gona?
Troops of the South Seas Detachment began landing at Gona on 21 July 1942, intending initially just to test the feasibility of the Kokoda Trail as a route of advance, but a full-scale offensive soon developed.
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 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.
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.
Who wrote the Kokoda campaign?
High command and the Kokoda campaign by David Horner. Command In New Guinea by Steve Gower. “The track”: a historical desktop study of the Kokoda Track. (link is external) A study written by Dr Karl James, Military History Section, Australian War Memorial, and commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2009.
What is the Kokoda track?
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a unique tribute to the bravery of Australian troops who fought through atrocious conditions and against vastly superior enemy numbers in the Papua-New Guinea campaign of July 1942-January 1943. It covers more than 800 metres from Rhodes Station to Concord Hospital in Sydney's inner-west, ...
What was the most important campaign of the Second World War?
Kokoda. Kokoda was arguably Australia's most significant campaign of the Second World War. More Australians died in the seven months of fighting in Papua and the Japanese came closer to Australia than in any other campaign.
What was the Kokoda track campaign?
The Kokoda Track Campaign: World War II’s Trail of Death. World War II's Kokoda Track campaign consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942. The Kokoda track campaign involved a trail that leada south along the western side of the Eora Creek Gorge and through the villages of Deniki and Isurava to a trail junction at Alola. ...
Where is the Kokoda track?
The Kokoda track campaign involved a trail that leada south along the western side of the Eora Creek Gorge and through the villages of Deniki and Isurava to a trail junction at Alola. From here the track rapidly climbs 6,000 feet to Templeton’s Crossing, then drops into deep valleys slick with deposits of humus and leaf mold.
What was the first stage of the Japanese attack on Port Moresby?
Meanwhile, the Japanese planned a three-pronged attack to capture Port Moresby. The first stage of the campaign was a landing at Buna and a forced march across the Owen Stanley Mountains. Next would be the capture of Milne Bay, followed by a drive west along the south coast of Papua and a naval assault on Port Moresby.
What was MacArthur's plan for the Japanese invasion of the Papuan Peninsula?
MacArthur—taking advantage of the enemy’s weakened condition—planned a three-pronged attack to drive the Japanese out of the Papuan peninsula. The campaign would be accomplished by simultaneous advances over the Kokoda and Kapa Kapa Tracks by Australian and American forces.
How did the Japanese attack Port Moresby?
Meanwhile, the Japanese decided to attack Port Moresby by advancing overland from Buna. This plan dictated a march through one of the most forbidding and unexplored terrains in the world.
What was Japan's main focus after Pearl Harbor?
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Japan turned her attention to the conquest of the Philippine Islands and the Malay Barrier, a mountainous chain of islands stretching from Malaya across the Netherlands East Indies to New Guinea.
What was the second phase of the Japanese attack?
Phase 2 of Japan’s Attack Begins Badly. The Japanese then launched the second phase of their campaign to capture Port Moresby. On the night of August 24, MacArthur was notified by coast watcher L.G. Vail that seven enemy barges were moving east down the north coast of Papua.
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 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.
What was the island of New Guinea in 1942?
3. Part of the island of New Guinea was under Australian administration. In 1942 the island of New Guinea was made up of three territories: Netherlands New Guinea, North East New Guinea, and Papua. Both North East New Guinea and Papua were ...
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.
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.
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.
What happened to Lt Col Owen?
During sharp and desperate fighting on 28-29 July, Lt Col Owen was shot in the head during a night attack and his men were forced to pull out as the Japanese launched a 900-man assault. The 77 remaining Australians beat a hasty retreat into the claustrophobic fastness of the jungle.
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…