Kokoda Trail Essay

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During the early days of war in the pacific in World War 2 the Japanese and Australian armies were locked in bitter fighting along the 96 km Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea. The Kokoda trail is viewed today as an icon of Australian spirit and history, as well as the forming of a strong relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The trail passes through rugged mountainous country of rainforest and jungles, and is a treacherous passage from Buna on the North coast to Port Moresby (the Capital) on the South. It was the site of the Battle of Kokoda, which resulted in the restored safety of Australian shores, after a brave victory.

The reason for Australian involvement-
In 1942 Australia was under threat of invasion. During World War …show more content…

They had already invaded Northern PNG, and planned to advance towards Port Moresby along the Kokoda trail. They planned to set up a base on the plateau where the village of Kokoda was situated. When Australian intelligence learnt of this plan, the only troops on hand at the time were sent immediately to Port Moresby to meet the enemy head on. The Australian troops were not prepared for what lay ahead. They only had three months of basic training and knew little or nothing about jungle warfare. They were also grossly out numbered. On the 23rd of July 1942 the battle of Kokoda trail …show more content…

The rugged terrain presented huge difficulties. Every time there was rain, torrents of mud would flow down the mountain track, keeping the troops soaked for days or even weeks, which lead to sickness and disease. Malaria was very common among Australian troops, as the humid condition were a perfect breeding ground for the mosquitoes that carry the disease. ‘At times, half a battalion would be shivering and shaking with malaria.’(http://www.battleforaustralia.org.au/kokoda1.html)
It was very much a medical war. Many Australians were injured or killed in the fighting on the Kokoda trail, but disease put even more Australians in hospital than the fighting did. In the humid jungle, malaria and dengue fever thrived, and poor sanitary conditions meant that there were frequent outbreaks of dysentery. It was reported that at one stage 52% of Australian troops were off their feet, and a further 15% were fighting with malaria. Malaria drains a person of energy, to a state where sitting upright becomes difficult. To fight along the Kokoda trail must have required super human

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