July 27th, It Begins.
Apparently one of the squadrons have encountered the Japanese somewhere around the 20th of July but were tiring and were pushed back. We’ve been requesting more equipment and ammunition and so far nothing but rejection.
August 15th, ATTACK!
Our first encounter with the Japanese at Kokoda. We were heavily outnumbered 5 to 1 and were facing a Japanese full scale assault. We tried valiantly to hold our ground but we were forced back by the sheer amount of Japs charging at us. Our lack of any serious training was evident as the Japs showed a lot of training skills. A few men were captured and most likely killed. I got a few. We’re constantly being pushed back, and now they have an airbase at their disposal and now Port Moresby is coming under serious threat. There should be another battalion on their way from Port Moresby with fresh people but they’re still days away. Hopefully we can hold out until then. A few wounded were carried to towns to be nursed by the fuzzy wuzzy angels. These guys are miracle workers. If it hadn’t been for them, most of our platoon would have faced certain death. Why do they help us? I have no clue but we are most gracious to have them on our side. I’m so tired I can’t feel my legs anymore. I just want to give up but then what good would that bring, to leave Janine like that with a baby all alone. I have to go on. It’s been days since we’ve had food. I’m down to my last tin of biscuits and a small amount of water left. I never thought I’d say this but I’ve lost so much weight. Jack is missing. Since Kokoda I haven’t seen him, I hope he’s safe. Maybe he’s met up with another squad. It’s cold up here, it rains every night and there’s no use in lighting a fire. We are slowly moving backwards in hope that we will meet up with reinforcements and then we will be able to give the Japs what for! The Japs are moving steadily down towards Port Moresby and are said to be moving with momentum.
September 18th, Ioribaiwa Ridge
The Japs have reached Ioribaiwa Ridge. This is damn disaster. The ridge is only 50km away from Port Moresby and they are watching us closely. We’ve finally met up with another company and now we are slowly preparing for the counter-attack that will surprise them. But first we need to rest up, it’s been a long week and the first good meal I’ve had in ages. A ground sheet is the only thing that prevents me from sleeping on the ground. Hardly any sun ever penetrates the thick trees in the forest. During one of our skirmishes, I was hit in the leg, thankfully the angels were there. Right now my leg is slowly healing up and I can walk, well sort of, maybe more of a limp but I can still move and can’t wait to show those Japanese. Right now were are at Imita Ridge which is about 5km away from the Japs current position and 45km away from Port Moresby. I’ve met some new people, they’re heroes these men, they’ve just come from the Middle East to reinforce our position, our saviors.
November 8th , Pressing on.
Our first counter-attack on the Japs and it’s worked. We’ve retaken Ioribaiwa Ridge and we’re so proud. The Japanese Line was fierce but we managed to penetrate it and capture a few Japanese men although at a cost. When a few guys went to get a Japanese man who started sprinting, he turned around and killed a few other men when he had grenades strapped to himself. That BASTARD! I am looking forward to coming home soon. The war looks as if it’s going to end soon and I can’t wait to see my family’s bright faces and my new son. Janine sent me a letter getting me up to date. He’s healthy and beautiful. We’ve also pushed them back to Guna and Bona. They seemed very unwilling to let go of Kokoda but we’ve done it. We’ve retaken Kokoda. Things are looking up. We’ve replenished our ammunition and food here at Kokoda and are ready to go. Supposedly their General was drowned when we forced to back past the Kumusi River. Since the start of this campaign we’ve lost many good men, but they haven’t died in vain. They died fighting for our nation and to me, their heroes. I have received a distinguished conduct medal for my calm state during the battles. Of our original platoon of about 37 soldiers, only 14 have returned and boy we’ll have stories to tell when we get back. I understand that there will be a massive attack on Buna and Gona to force the Japs out of Papua New Guinea. I Hope it’s successful.
Bibliography
- An Overview Of the Kokoda Campaign
A good site with a lot of information about what really occurred on the trail and gives us an idea of the conditions faced by soldiers.
A site with information about the battles that went on for the Kokoda airstrip and the town.
- The World Book Pg 314 (Kokoda Trail)
Provides good information about the conditions, dates and battles fought at Kokoda.