Kokoda Track from June to November 1942

  • 39th Force First Land In Kokoda Papua New Guinea

    A small force of Australian Soldiers were sent up the Kokoda Track to protect their airfield in Port Moresby.
  • Period: to

    Kokoda Track events

  • Japanese troops land in Gona

    Japanese troops land in Gona and started to head out for the small settlement of Kokoda and the 'important' airfield. They had expected to advance of the mountains, and were prepared to land in Kokoda within weeks.
  • Japanese attack Isurava and Alola

    After the Australians in Isurava and Alola eagerly waited for more troops to arrive, the Japanese attacked these places. However the Australian soldiers were well prepared as they had just gained soldiers from the 7th division who had just returned from their desert war.
  • Australian soldiers arrive at the kokoda track awaiting the Japanese

    Late August, 1000 Australian men from the 7th division took over the defence of the Kokoda track against apporximately 7000 advancing Japanese.
  • Japanese start to feel deprived of many things

    The Japanese were starting to face exhaustion. They had little food left and many of their men were severely ill. Australia was now leading this situation as the Japanese had been experiencing problems with getting their supplies from their landing base on the other side of the Owen Stanley Ranges.
  • Australians rose their flag

    By November 1942 the Australians had risen their flag at the village of Kokoda, symbolising their victory in the fight at Port Moresby.