Their Epic March and the Terrifying Battle for New Guinea: The Forgotten War of WWII
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.
4.6 out of 5
Language | : | English |
File size | : | 3297 KB |
Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
Word Wise | : | Enabled |
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.
4.6 out of 5
Language | : | English |
File size | : | 3297 KB |
Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
Word Wise | : | Enabled |
Print length | : | 410 pages |
Do you want to contribute by writing guest posts on this blog?
Please contact us and send us a resume of previous articles that you have written.
- Book
- Novel
- Page
- Chapter
- Text
- Story
- Genre
- Reader
- Library
- Paperback
- E-book
- Magazine
- Newspaper
- Paragraph
- Sentence
- Bookmark
- Shelf
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Foreword
- Preface
- Synopsis
- Annotation
- Footnote
- Manuscript
- Scroll
- Codex
- Tome
- Bestseller
- Classics
- Library card
- Narrative
- Biography
- Autobiography
- Memoir
- Reference
- Encyclopedia
- James Marren
- Peter Jenkins
- James Lee Burke
- James C Jones
- Mauro Entrialgo
- James Johnson
- Thomas Taylor
- Laurence Minsky
- Jack Newman
- Jake Scott
- John Florio
- Mark I Sutherland
- Nadia Shammas
- James T De Kay
- Philip Kotler
- Jack Nicklaus
- James Garbarino
- Kathryn Olivarius
- Jacqueline Carey
- Simon Whaley
Light bulbAdvertise smarter! Our strategic ad space ensures maximum exposure. Reserve your spot today!
- Ian PowellFollow ·9.2k
- August HayesFollow ·14.7k
- Aubrey BlairFollow ·15.5k
- Gil TurnerFollow ·19.6k
- Hugo CoxFollow ·13k
- John MiltonFollow ·3.4k
- Ethan GrayFollow ·10.1k
- Floyd PowellFollow ·15.8k
Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett
A Magical Tale for the Holidays Jan Brett's...
Happy Birthday Moo Moo Family: A Delightful Tale for Kids...
Celebrate the Bonds of Family with...
Uncover the Enchanting Tapestry of New Delhi: A Visual...
New Delhi, India's vibrant capital, is a...
Unveiling the Power of Lean UX: A Comprehensive Review of...
In the rapidly evolving world...
4.6 out of 5
Language | : | English |
File size | : | 3297 KB |
Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
Word Wise | : | Enabled |
Print length | : | 410 pages |