Kokoda Trail Campaign

Japan Attempted to Capture Port Moresby

Jul 21, 1942

Japan wanted to capture Port Moresby, by going over the Owen Stanley Mountain Range. The purpose of this campaign was to isolate Australia from the United States of America.

Kokoda Track Campaign

Period: Jul 21, 1942 to Jan 22, 1943

Australian Forces forced to withdraw to Kokoda Trail

Jul 23, 1942

The Australian Force were forced to retreat to the Kokoda Trail because of the attacks of the Japanese Forces.

Australia Retreated Again

Jul 28, 1942

The Australian Forces were forced to retreat again.

Australia attempted to recapute Kokoda Track

Aug 8, 1942

On the 8th of August Australia attempted to recapture the Kokoda Track, however it was unsuccesful and caused many casualties on both sides.

Australia Forced to retreat

Aug 14, 1942

The Australian Forces were forced to retreat further over the Owen Stanely mountain range.

Logisitical Issues Arose

Sep 7, 1942

For Japand logistical issue began to arise and there was a lack of food and supplies prevent Japan from making any more attacks. However Australia used its break from attacks to reorganise and prepare itself. Many Australia troupes were sick and exhausted.

Australian Leadership changed

Sep 10, 1942

Austrailan Troupes were under the control of Potts until this day, when Potts gave his position to Porter. The changed in leadership caused Australia to retreat further: to Ioribaiwa.

Australia Forced to retreat

Sep 17, 1942

Australian Troupes were forced to retreat once again. They had been forced back to Imita Ridge: where Port Morseby could be seen on the horizon.

The beginning of Japanese Retreat

Sep 24, 1942

Australian Troupes fought against the Japanese troupes, forcing them to retreat. This continued over the next month. Australian forces continually forced Japan further away from Port Moresby.

Australian Forces Recaptured the Kokoda Trail

Nov 2, 1942

After forcing Japan to retreat numerous times the Australian Troupes final recaputered the Kokoda Trail, forcing Japan off the Owen Stanely Range and further away from the aspirations of capturing Part Moresby.

Buna-Gona

Period: Nov 16, 1942 to Jan 22, 1943

The Australian and American troupes fought on the beachheads. There was a series of attacks and by the 22/01/43 Australian had forced Japan off Papua and New Guinea.