Papua New Guinea - Second World War
Australian operations in PNG were fought against the strategic background of the greater War in the Pacific and due to PNG’s geographic characteristics, it was the army which took the brunt of the fighting in this theatre, although the other Services played a vital role.
Japan’s rapid advance southwards through Asia and the Pacific required occupation of key strategic areas to secure its interests. Its attempts to occupy Australia’s territories of Papua and New Guinea were intended to block American supplies to the area and isolate Australia from its ally. It should be remembered that in 1942, despite the natural barrier of the Arafura Sea, the only land combat forces that stood between the invading Japanese and mainland Australia comprised less than four infantry brigades. The Australian campaign (1942 - 1945) was not only noted for its fierce jungle warfare but that it was conducted on a “logistic shoestring”. Arrayed against the Allied forces in the South and South-West Pacific Areas, the Japanese in April 1943 had three armies, comprising eight divisions. Australian Forces consisted of four divisions: two AIF and two of militia.
On 23 January 1942 Japan attacked and captured Rabaul, and used the administrative centre of New Guinea as its base for the attempt to invade Port Moresby via the village of Kokoda. At the time Port Moresby served as a civil and military administration area for the eastern part of the territory. At Port Moresby the Australians had managed to reinforce their defensive position and provided the Japanese who had over stretched their supply lines with stiff resistance. This led to the Japanese withdrawing their assault on Port Moresby on the 24th September 1942.
Had they seized Port Moresby it would have dealt a huge blow against the Allies in the South West Pacific. By establishing air and naval facilities there the Japanese could prepare attacks directly against northern Australia and harass shipping lanes. Japanese forces also controlled Lae, Finschhafen and Salamaua. The Japanese larger plan involved occupying Caledonia, Fiji and other islands in the South Pacific so as to block supply lines in the Coral Sea. Australia responded with sea, land and air campaigns with engagements conducted around Owen Stanley mountains as part of the larger campaign (July to November 1942), the strategically placed harbour at Milne Bay (August to September 1942), and at the battle of the beachheads at Buna-Gona and Sanananda areas (mid November 1942- January 1943).
Milne Bay involved two Australian infantry companies, a machinegun platoon, and a company of the 46th United States Regiment. The Kanga force located around Wau and Salamaua prevented Japanese forces establishing a link between these two areas. Owen Stanley Range involved the Papuan Infantry Battalion, a small force of 300 to patrol the area and prevent Japanese advance. Potential Japanese occupation of Papua was prevented with the help of allied American forces and local soldiers including helpers who carried sick and injured soldiers on stretchers.
Other significant battles fought in PNG include Bougainville involving some 40,000 Japanese troops, New Britain against 100,000 Japanese soldiers and Aitape-Wewak against 35,000 Japanese troops. Troops suffered discomforts of the rugged terrain, weather conditions (hot, wet, humid) and tropical diseases. At least 400,000 Australians soldiers fought in the Papua New Guinea campaign between 1942 and 1945.
Kokoda in particular holds a central place in Australia’s memory as it involved a larger counter campaign. Its wartime track now symbolised by the ‘Kokoda track’ has become an annual pilgrimage for many Australians. The track and surrounding Owen Stanley ranges has been listed by the Australian government as a place of historical significance. The Government of Papua New Guinea has also accorded it similar profile listing it as a cultural and natural site to be protected for wartime history. The Kokoda track is 96 km long and takes about 50 hours to walk from Owen’s corner to Kokoda station.
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