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Kokoda Campaign - Coggle Diagram
Kokoda Campaign
Milne Bay
In 1942, undefeated Imperial Japanese army was trying to secure a strategic foothold around Milne Bay
For the Japanese, Milne Bay could provide a small base for air operations against Australian allied shipping routes
Allied forces, made up of a mix of Australian troops and American support, dug in against the battle-hardened attackers. Many believed the defenders would be easily swept aside.
Provided an ideal location for an allied air strip, to support air cover for supply lines
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Result: Japanese suffered severe casualties, with an estimated 700 soldiers killed and over 200 wounded
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Milne bay became a vital point of defense, and also in this region of the pacific, as Japanese forces would be pushed back through the Solomon Islands and into Southeast Asia
Course
Weakness of the Japanese: carrying only minimal supplies and relying on a narrow line of support that stretched back to Rabaul.
The Australians in contrast: Allied forces benefited from air support by the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces, which meant that they held a significant advantage in firepower and reconnaissance.
Ultimately, the Japanese, despite their skill in amphibious assaults, were unprepared for prolonged engagements in the rugged terrain.
On the Allied side, Australian infantry units formed the bulk of the defending force, with roughly 4,500 men from the 7th and 18th Brigades, supported by American engineering and anti-aircraft units.
In contrast, the Japanese invasion force arrived with approximately 2,000 troops from the 5th Kure Special Naval Landing Force and the 3rd Kure SNLF.
These were elite marine units trained specifically for amphibious operations. They were commanded by Rear Admiral Mitsaharu Matsuyama.
Supporting this contingent, the United States contributed logistical support and anti-aircraft defense.
By June, the first airstrip became operational
By august, it had transformed into a fortified base equipped to repel potential attacks
Including supply depots, fuel storage, and repair workshops
They then began the construction of airstrips. By early June, Gurney Airstrip, named after Squadron Leader Charles Raymond Gurney, was underway, specifically designed with durable surface capable of supporting heavy bombers and fighters.
Initial assault
On the night of August 25, 1942, Japanese forces launched their initial assault at Milne Bay, landing under cover of darkness and pressing inland.
The first wave consisted of approximately 1,200 marines from the Kure Special Naval Landing Force.
By August 28, Japanese reinforcements arrived, bringing their numbers to over 2,000 troops.
Fierce skirmishes erupted around the eastern edges of the airfield, where Allied forces, including the 2/10th Battalion, mounted a secondary defense.
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Attacked by Japanese
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The tide turned with the arrival of the Australian Imperial Force, who delivered blows to the Japanese forces. Combined with overseas losses, this enabled a successful Australian counterattack from late September.
Australia protection
Conscription
gov. has right to force people into the army for protection sake of the land. Larger army = stronger army...
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At the peak of WWII, Australia was fighting in Egypt, defending ___ Canal