Table of Contents
What country is the Kokoda Trail in?
Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Trail or Track is a single-file foot thoroughfare that runs 96 kilometres — 60 kilometres in a straight line — through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
Is Kokoda in Australia?
The Japanese objective was to seize Port Moresby by an overland advance from the north coast, following the Kokoda Track over the mountains of the Owen Stanley Range, as part of a strategy to isolate Australia from the United States….
| Kokoda Track campaign | |
|---|---|
| Australia United States | Japan |
| Commanders and leaders |
Why is the Kokoda Trail famous?
The Kokoda Trail is famed in Australia as the site of the most important battle citizens fought—and won—against the Japanese in World War II. Now, trekking the 60-mile trail in Papua New Guinea is like a rite of passage for Australians. Still, few other travelers know about it.
Why is Kokoda important to Australia?
Kokoda not only was the most important battle won and fought by Australians but it also shaped Australia’s post-war training practises and military. This victory ‘marked the first major turning of the Japanese ground forced during the Pacific war (Taylor et al p. 176-7,181,182).
How many Japanese soldiers died in Kokoda?
Eventually, on 21 January 1943, all Japanese resistance on Papua ceased. More than 600 Australian soldiers were killed and 1600 wounded. More than 10,000 Japanese also died. Kokoda was a desperate and vicious campaign that saw enormous suffering on both sides.
How many Australian troops were sent to Kokoda?
About 56,000 Australians were at one time or another involved either in Papua or in sea or air operations there.
Did Japanese troops land in Australia?
The only Japanese force to land in Australia during World War II was a reconnaissance party that landed in the Kimberley region of Western Australia on 19 January 1944 to investigate reports that the Allies were building large bases in the region.