The Japanese withdrawal marked a turning point in the campaign. The Allied counter-offensive involved a three-pronged advance over the Owen Stanley Range and along the northern coast towards Buna. The main attack was on the Kokoda Track while an American battalion advanced over the little-known Jaure Trail and other Australian and American forces secured the coastline north of Milne Bay.
On the Kokoda Track, the Japanese waged rearguard actions at Templeton’s Crossing and Eora Creek. These were fierce and costly battles. On top of battle casualties, hundreds of troops and Papuan carriers were struck down with illness. The surviving Japanese then withdrew beyond Kokoda to Oivi-Gorari.
The Australians re-entered Kokoda on 2 November 1942. After resting briefly, Maroubra Force launched an audacious encirclement manoeuvre and overran the Oivi-Gorari stronghold. Hundreds of Japanese died in the battle or while trying to escape through the jungle. The Australians completed their advance over the mountains when they reached the Kumusi River virtually unopposed.
In separate actions, the American battalion crossed the Jaure Trail without opposition and on the northern coast an Australian battalion secured Wanigela, another mopped up stragglers on Goodenough Island, and two American regiments advanced along the coast towards Buna.
Kokoda (part 2):
Overview text Longer text Images Readings Jack Lloyd MIYASHITA TetsunosukeClick images to enlarge.
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