CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW

The official post war name is “Kokoda Trail” but to many of the vets it will always be the Kokoda Track.

In 1942 Japan needed raw materials to supply its growing population. In pursuit of this goal it developed policies to expand its sovereignty. This created concern for Western powers who then put restrictions on Japanese imports.

On 11 June Japan’s initial plan was to land in Papua New Guinea to gather information only.

After one month, by 11 July the plans evolved from exploratory purposes to a full-scale overland invasion of Port Moresby. With no rubber, and with iron and fuel supplies almost exhausted, Japan concluded that war in the Pacific was inevitable.

The main Japanese force, named the ‘South Seas Detachment’ was commanded by Major General Tomitaro Horii. General Horii was a master tactician, well versed in the art of war. When first shown the plan Horii was unenthusiastic, as the logistics of supply appeared insurmountable.

In late June 1942 General Blamey in Australia ordered the New Guinea commander, General Morris to secure the Kokoda area. General Morris created ‘Maroubra Force’. The field commander was Brigadier Arnold Potts who initially made decisions from his headquarters in Alola until he was forced to fall back due to advancing Japanese Forces.

The Kokoda Track Campaign covers the six-month period from the Japanese landing on the north coast 21 July 1942 to their defeat on the same beaches in the third week of January 1943 (official end: 23rd January 1943).

First the Japanese advanced south as the Australians made a fighting withdrawal for two months until September 1942. Then the Australians advanced and the Japanese withdrew over a period of four months to their original beach areas. All resistance ceased on 22 January 1943, exactly six months and one day after the original landing.

Battle Casualties: 

Japanese figures are estimates only.