Kokoda 1942–43

An in-depth look at the battles at Kokoda, Milne Bay and Buna-Gona, which saw the Japanese battle the Australians and Americans on Papua.

The Japanese invasion of, and ejection from, the Territory of Papua was a six-month long campaign. From July to September 1942, the Japanese, having landed at Buna, advanced towards Port Moresby along the Kokoda Trail (or Track). They were opposed, at first, by Australian militia and later by Australian veterans of the war in North Africa.

In September, a Japanese operation intended to support the advance was defeated at Milne Bay. By November, the Japanese had been driven back to their starting point, where, in a two-month siege, American troops joined the Australians to eliminate the Japanese beachhead at Buna.

With detailed maps, colourful artwork and period images, historian and Kokoda expert Dr Peter Williams examines the strategies and tactics of both sides, along with the limitations terrain, disease and weather imposed on the armies. It also covers the struggles of the American–Australian alliance, both at high command and on the battlefield.

Along with Guadalcanal, the Papuan campaign marks the end of the Japanese advance in the Pacific, and the beginning of the Allied counter-offensive.