Prime Minister John Curtain.

He made an alliance with USA, which

made the British Prime Minister call him a traitor

General Blamey, Australian in charge of Australian troops. Blamed

troops for retreat. Fired a lot of commanders in PNG. First made trip
to PNG in Sept 1942

On 22 February 1942, US President Roosevelt ordered General

Douglas MacArthur to abandon his army in the Philippines and
assume the office of Supreme Commander, South West Pacific Area
(SWPA) with headquarters in Australia. If Kokoda went poorly he
could lose his job.
Papuans had great casualties during WW2.
Papuan Infantry Battalion and
Royal Papuan Constabulary
Killed in action

14

Died on active service

Wounded in action

38

Other New Guineans

Died while serving with Allies

140

Died while serving with

Japanese

1200

Chocolate soldiers is what the young men in the 39th Militia

Battalion were called because people thought they would melt
under pressure
Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Papuans who were first forced to help the
Australian soldiers by carrying goods and the wounded over the
track. Midway through the campaign many began closing to help
because they preferred Aussie to Japanese occupation.

General Horii led the Japanese forces at Papua New Guinea. They
landed on July 21, 1942. He was highly trained and experienced
leader.
Most of the hand fighting took place in the Gorari region, this
included using bayonets and knives. By November 11 1942
Australian units killed and buried over 500 Japanese. The Japanese
dead were buried in common graves, up to 10 in one grave. These
steel helmets were placed on top of the graves. (AWM151114)
The Japanese were fierce and would fight to the death taking no
prisoners and taking their own life rather than surrendering.
Supplies of food, water and weapons were often delayed. When
they did arrive they were dropped from planes. Only 40% of the
goods were collected. Much broke open and was wasted. Without
a good airfield this was the only option
The landscape was harsh. Wet, muddy, and steep. There was little
rest for the soldiers. It could take an hour to climb on kilometre in
some areas!
39th Battalion Militia had old light khaki uniforms suited for the
desert. The colour didn't blend into the very green environment.
Soon after the soldiers arrived in January 1942 the soldiers dyed
their uniforms.
Rations ran low the 39th lost weight and suffered from diarrhoea,
infected sores on their feet from the constant damp as well as
mental health issues. When the 2nd/14th battalion came in August
to relieve them, the healthy and well-equipped soldiers looked like
gods
The 25 pounders arrived late Aug 1942. After 8 months with poor
equipment one soldier said, " We heard those 25 pounders, we
thought, 'you beauty.'"