The Significance Of The Kokoda Campaign

As the Kokoda fighting began in July 1942 , the scheme of both sides was in transition. The Japanese felt it was time to defend their gains, and halt the fighting and advancing. But the Allies were thinking differently. Having massive amount troops, ships, aircraft and supplies in New Zealand and Australia, they made the decision to launch a counterattack to defend and retake some of the islands that were occupied by the Japanese. Papua had no particular resource that they desired, but it was a useful link in the chain of defences of the newly conquered area of Japan. So because Japan was quickly gaining new lands closer to Australia, posing a threat to Australia’s safety, the battle of Kokoda was the most important Australian-fought victory, in terms of winning the war. The campaign helped to shape Australia’s post-war training practices and military operations. Although it was not they first victory against Japan, it allowed the allies to make thrust forward through ‘island hopping’ and ultimately win the war. Kokoda was the battle that ended Japan’s dominance and permitted the Allies to go on the offence. Australia greatly learned from their Kokoda experience, and subsequently improved their strategic thinking. They learned to not purely rely on naval defences, and realised that they cannot just let other countries dot the fighting. “…the modern Australian professional army was

On the 21st of July 1942 Australians were compelled to repulse a Japanese attack power

Kokoda was definitely the most significant battle fought by Australians in the Second World War. The kokoda campaign saved Australia from possible invasion, or more specifically from being secluded. Port Moresby held a solid strategic position, and stopping the Japanese from reaching it was vital. The kokoda battle was fought exceedingly well against the odds. Australians fought extremely well in the tough and demanding conditions, without the help of Britain. It noticeably boosted their morale, and national identity; this being of the greatest significance. The amazing achievements accomplished by Australian soldiers lead to the growth of Australia. The Kokoda battle was the battle that lead to success in the Second World War, as well as to the development of Australia’s post-war performance and military actions. Without the Kokoda success, Australia would be much worse off than it is today. Australia had been threatened already, in a number of ways; through the bombing of Darwin, Broome and Townsville, as well as the Japanese invasion of Sydney Harbor. It was unexpected that these ill-trained soldiers were able to hold off the Japanese until the AIF reached Port Moresby from the Middle East. The determination and willpower to uphold our safety throughout the Kokoda campaign, is a clear demonstration of

This topic is an important aspect of Australian history. Many historians are deeply involved and interested in the Darwin bombings because of how little warning Australia was supplied with.

During the next six weeks, the Japanese fell back over the mountains. They were pursued by troops of the 25th Brigade – comprising the 2/25th, 2/31st and 2/33rd Battalions – and the 16th Brigade – comprising the 2/1st, 2/2nd and 2/3rd Battalions – along with the 3rd Battalion and men from medical and supply units. Significant actions were fought at Templeton’s Crossing, where it took more than a week of hard and costly fighting for the 25th Brigade to push back the enemy, and at Eora Creek where the 16th Brigade also doggedly attacked enemy strongpoints to slowly make ground. The Australians were plagued by supply shortages that increased the difficulties of jungle warfare. Finally, on 2 November, Kokoda was retaken. The Australians had one

The Island was approximately 760 miles away from south Japan. This was an advantage the US wanted because they could easily attack Japan. The Japanese island was heavily fortified with heavy artillery weapons, countless

Australia’s involvement in World War helped shape our nation and its history. It also shaped the way other countries see us in today’s society. This report will explain what World War 1 had to do with Australia and why we helped. It will also cover why so many men and women signed up for World War 1 and of course how it started.

“Fellow Australians, It is my melancholy duty to inform you officially, that in consequence of persistence by Germany in her invasion of Poland, Great Britain has declared war upon her and that, as a result, Australia is also at war.

Attack on Sydney Harbour The threat of a Japanese invasion was thought to be imminent for Australia after the fall of Singapore. Darwin had been crippled by a series of Japanese air raids. In May 1942, Japanese Midget submarines were spotted in Sydney Harbour, posing a direct threat of attack or invasion.

It was also believed that if the Japanese were able to complete this airfield that it would be too advantageous for them and would also aid in invading Port Moresby on the Western coast of New Guinea.

Prior to the attack the Americans brought their ships into Sydney Harbour. The Japanese aim was to sink as many American and Australian Navy ship. After the Japanese bombed Darwin the RAN ships in the Mediterranean came back to defend Australia. Japan sought to extend their territory south, but they never believed that they would come as far south as Sydney. There was a change in Australia’s foreign policy, normally there would be British ships in Australia but due to them being at war in the Battle of Madagascar they couldn’t provide help for

Good morning/afternoon students, I am and I’m here to inform you about events significant to Australia during the second world war, in particular ‘The Siege of Tobruk. In this speech I will be describing the reasons for ‘The Siege of Tobruk’, the course of events during the Siege, the outcome of the siege and how the siege of Tobruk significantly affected Australia during world war two.

The Fall of Singapore is considered one of the greatest defeats in British History. For it to be overtaken and then occupied by the Japanese posed a massive threat and shock to Australia, which then caused Australia to withdraw troops introduce conscription and also the USA came in to help Australia against the threatening Japanese.

The Battle of Kasserine Pass proved to be a shock both to American military forces in the field. The defeat of the Allied forces in the battle put doubt into the minds of many all of whom assumed the righteous democracies of the western Allies could not be defeated in the field by the armies of Fascism. The defeat suffered by the Allies had nothing to do with right versus wrong, but was very much a product of a number of operational shortcomings on the part of the Allies. Poor logistics, failures on the part of American leadership, lack of unity of effort on the part of the Allies, the lack of combat experience, and inferior equipment all combined to contribute to the failure

Importantly for Australia has been the take over of land by the British under the doctrine of