Bruce Kingsbury - Kokoda Track Campaign

Kokoda Track Campaign

The Japanese Army had for several months been making great progress in its Pacific War campaign. After the Japanese captured Singapore in February 1942, many Australians believed that New Guinea was the next major target, effectively isolating Australia from its allies. The Japanese had captured Rabaul in New Britain in January, and on 21 July, landed at Buna, northeast Papua. After capturing the town of Kokoda for the second time on 9 August, the Japanese began marching along the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby. The 2,500 strong Japanese army met the 39th, 49th and 53rd Infantry Battalions, collectively 400 strong, at the town of Isurava. As the Japanese attacked, they managed to push the 53rd back to a junction behind Isurava.

The Nankai Shintai since 24th August have succeeded in completely surrounding the Australian forces ... The annihilation of the Australians is near, but there are still some remnants ... and their fighting spirit is extremely high. —Japanese Commander's Progress Report, Kokoda

It was at the height of the battle, on 26 August, that the members of the 2/14th, including Kingsbury, arrived at Isurava to provide reinforcements. Despite the reinforcements, the Australians were outnumbered five to one.