Best answer: Why did Australia fight in Kokoda?

Their objective was to make their way overland along the Kokoda track and capture Port Moresby on the southern coast. … Despite winning some hard-fought battles, Australian troops were forced to retreat towards Port Moresby. Supplies ran short and tropical diseases such as malaria reduced the fighting ability of the men.

Why was the Battle of Kokoda so important to Australia?

The battle was fought well against the odds- as the Australian soldiers had fought so greatly, this lead to growth of Australia as a nation. Lastly, Kokoda was the battle that lead to WW2 victory and the improvement of Australia’s post war practices and military operations.

Why was the Battle of Kokoda fought?

The Battle of Kokoda was a four-month struggle which began with the Japanese landing in Papua in July 1942. The Japanese strategy was to take Port Moresby via a track over the Owen Stanley Range.

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How did Kokoda affect Australia?

The Kokoda Trail had taken a heavy toll of the men on both sides who were engaged in the fighting. More than 600 Australian lives had been lost, and over a thousand sustained wounds in battle; perhaps as many as three times the number of combat casualties had fallen ill during the campaign.

How many Australian soldiers fought at Kokoda?

About 56,000 Australians were at one time or another involved either in Papua or in sea or air operations there.

What stopped the Japanese from invading Australia?


Why did the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels help Australia?

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels carried supplies to the front and escorted the wounded back, sometimes transporting stretchers under enemy fire and across mountainous terrain. Former Lieutenant Colonel Rick Moore, who helped build the memorial, said that their help was “critical” to the campaign.

Why did the Japanese want Port Moresby?


How many Australians died during World War II?

Over 27,000 Australians were killed and 23,000 wounded in action during World War II. In addition, hundreds more servicemen and women were killed and injured in accidents during the war.

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How close did the Japanese get to Port Moresby?

On 17 September, the Japanese had reached the village of Ioribaiwa, just 30 kilometres (20 mi) from the Allied airdrome at Port Moresby. The Australians held firm and began their counterdrive on 26 September.

How many Australians were captured by the Japanese?


What if Australia lost Kokoda?

Most significantly, this could have affected Australia’s tenuous supply line to the United States. From Port Moresby, Japanese aircraft and submarines could have exacted a heavy toll on allied shipping, depriving Australia of essential supplies and resources.

What happened at the Kokoda Trail?

The Kokoda Track campaign or Kokoda Trail campaign was part of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942 in what was then the Australian Territory of Papua. … Japanese forces landed and established beachheads near Gona and Buna on 21 July 1942.

Did Japanese troops land in Australia?

The only Japanese force to land in Australia during World War II was a reconnaissance party that landed in the Kimberley region of Western Australia on 19 January 1944 to investigate reports that the Allies were building large bases in the region.

What was it like for the soldiers in Kokoda?

They were also heavy, bulky and uncomfortable. – It was hot at day but cold at night, the soldiers had to suffer through mud, hunger and thirst as well. – The track that the soldiers had to travel through (Also known as the Kokoda Track today) was very rough and uneasy making it hard for the soldiers.

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What weapons were used in the Kokoda campaign?


  • 1 Rifles. 1.1 Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* 1.2 Arisaka Type 38.
  • 2 Submachine Guns. 2.1 M1928A1 Thompson. 2.2 M1A1 Thompson. 2.3 Owen Submachine Gun.
  • 3 Machine Guns. 3.1 Bren Gun. 3.2 Lewis Gun. 3.3 Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun. 3.4 Type 99 Light Machine Gun.
  • 4 Sidearms. 4.1 Webley Mk IV.
  • 5 Grenades. 5.1 Mills Bomb.

1 мар. 2011 г.

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