Kokoda Over The Owen Stanley Ranges example essay topic

During the 2nd World War, one of Australia's biggest fears was of foreign invasion. In 1942 the Japanese came closest by invading Papua New Guinea. Australia played a crucial role by fighting in Papua New Guinea and perhaps this was one of Australia's most significant roles in the 2nd world war. In fact, in only 7 months of fighting in Papua New Guinea, more Australian men died than in any other part of the war. The most famous and courageous campaign would be that of the Kokoda Trail. The Japanese plan was to take Port Moresby, which would allow them to control the South Pacific Area.

The defeat of the Japanese in the battle of the Coral Sea prevented a sea-based attack on Port Moresby. So taking a new approach they landed at Milne Bay and an overland attack on Port Moresby by crossing the Kokoda Trail was organized. The Kokoda trail runs from Buna on the North Coast of Papua down through Kokoda, over the Owen Stanley Ranges and on to Port Moresby on the south coast of the peninsula. The Japanese landed near Buna on the 21st of July 1942. The Australians had landed at Port Moresby a month earlier in June with orders to secure the village of Kokoda. The northern part of the trail, from Buna to Kokoda, isn't too treacherous.

Therefore, the Japanese made good ground and in only two days were close to Kokoda. The Australians had it worse with a journey from Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Ranges and on to Kokoda that took a full 8 days of hardship and endurance. The Owen Stanley Ranges consists of dangerous descents into gorges, fast flowing streams and in many parts soldiers had to contend with knee-deep mud and constant wetness. At higher altitudes mist was so thick it was not possible to see the man in front or behind.

Sleep deprivation, inadequate food, shelter and medical supplies were not the only problems soldiers had to contend with. There was also life-threatening diseases such as malaria, hookworm and dysentery. As well as having to cope with all of these problems Australian soldiers also had to carry 30 kg of gear on their backs. That's 6 bags of 5 kilo potatoes on your back. So, what exactly did they have to carry? o Firstly and the most obvious, is guns and ammunition. o There was also 6 days worth of food rations. 3 days normal rations and 3 days emergency (rations) o The pack contained a change of clothes, toilet gear, and a Dixie.

(Large metal cooking pot used for cooking as well as a device for collecting water.) o Half a blanket was rolled into what was a groundsheet and this was strapped onto the back of their belts. As all things do, this battle came to an end. It was on the 2nd of November 1942 that it was declared the Japanese had been defeated when an Australian flag was raised in the village of Kokoda. The Japanese had retreated themselves, mainly due to starvation.

Japanese communication lines had fallen and it had not been possible for them to obtain food. It got to the point that they had resorted to cannibalism, eating dead natives and Australians to survive. Australians lost 625 soldiers and over 1000 were wounded. It is believed that the Japanese numbers were probably 5 times higher and that was just from the Kokoda campaign alone..