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Their Epic March and the Terrifying Battle for New Guinea: The Forgotten War of WWII

Gavin Mitchell

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The Forgotten War Of WWII: Their Epic March And The Terrifying Battle For New Guinea The Ghost Mountain Boys: Their Epic March And The Terrifying Battle For New Guinea The Forgotten War Of The South Pacific

In the annals of World War II, the Pacific Theater often takes a backseat to the European campaign. However, amidst the vast expanse of the Pacific, a forgotten war raged—a conflict that tested the limits of human endurance and left an enduring legacy. This is the story of the Kokoda Track campaign, a grueling and bloody battle fought on the unforgiving terrain of New Guinea.

The Ghost Mountain Boys: Their Epic March and the Terrifying Battle for New Guinea--The Forgotten War of the South Pacific

by James Campbell

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	410 pages

The Setting: The Kokoda Track

The Kokoda Track, a rugged mountain trail, winds through the towering Owen Stanley Ranges of Papua New Guinea. It was originally used by indigenous tribes to traverse the mountainous interior. However, during World War II, it became a lifeline for Australian and Japanese forces battling for control of the strategic island.

The track is treacherous, with steep ascents and descents, dense jungle undergrowth, and relentless rainfall. The extreme conditions would push soldiers to their physical and mental limits.

The Opposing Forces

The opposing forces in the Kokoda Track campaign were the Australian Army's 39th Battalion and the Japanese 144th Regiment. The Australians, under the command of Colonel Arthur Samuel Gurney, were a small but highly trained force. The Japanese, led by Colonel Tomitaro Horii, were veterans of the jungles of Southeast Asia.

Both sides were ill-equipped for the harsh conditions. The Australians lacked adequate supplies, while the Japanese struggled with disease and malnutrition.

The Epic March

The Kokoda Track campaign began in July 1942, when the Japanese invaded Papua New Guinea. The Australians were outnumbered and outgunned, but they fought a determined retreat along the track.

The Australians' march was grueling. They endured torrential rains, slippery slopes, and constant attacks from the Japanese. They were plagued by disease, exhaustion, and dwindling supplies.

In August, the Australians reached Ioribaiwa Ridge, a strategic hilltop overlooking the Kokoda Gap. There, they faced a fierce Japanese onslaught. After days of intense fighting, the Australians were forced to withdraw.

The Battle for Buna

The Kokoda Track campaign culminated in a bloody battle at Buna, on the coast of Papua New Guinea. The Australians, reinforced by American troops, launched an amphibious assault on Buna in November 1942.

The battle for Buna was a brutal affair. The jungle was thick and oppressive, and the fighting was close-quarters and merciless. The Australians and Americans were outnumbered, but they fought with determination.

After weeks of grueling combat, the Allied forces captured Buna in January 1943. The victory at Buna was a turning point in the Pacific War.

Aftermath

The Kokoda Track campaign was a costly victory for the Allies. The Australians lost over 600 men, while the Japanese lost over 10,000. The Papua New Guinea campaign as a whole, which included the battle for Buna, cost over 100,000 lives.

The forgotten war of New Guinea had a profound impact on Australia. It forged a strong sense of national identity and instilled a lasting respect for the Anzacs who fought and died there.

Legacy

The Kokoda Track campaign remains a testament to the resilience and determination of the Australian and Japanese soldiers who fought there. The track itself has become a symbol of the horrors and heroism of war.

In recent years, the Kokoda Track has become a popular trekking destination. Thousands of hikers from around the world visit the track each year to experience its beauty and to honor the men who fought there.

Free Download Your Copy Today

If you're interested in learning more about the forgotten war of New Guinea, I encourage you to Free Download a copy of my book, "Their Epic March and the Terrifying Battle for New Guinea: The Forgotten War of WWII."

My book draws on extensive research and firsthand accounts to provide a vivid and compelling narrative of this historic conflict. It's the story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the Kokoda Track campaign.

Free Download your copy today and discover the forgotten war that forever changed the course of history.

The Ghost Mountain Boys: Their Epic March and the Terrifying Battle for New Guinea--The Forgotten War of the South Pacific

by James Campbell

4.6 out of 5