Brief History Of The Kokoda Campaign

The historical evidence suggests that the film ‘Kokoda’ is a nearly accurate representation of the events of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942. The film accurately portrays the soldiers’ attitudes, conditions and the terrain of the Kokoda Track although there are a few events missing, such as the Japanese cannibalism, other than that it is a great short way for anyone to learn. The Kokoda Campaign started on the 21st July and lasted until 16th November in 1942. Approximately 625 Australians died, over 1600 suffered from injuries and more than 4000 were suffering from illnesses such as malaria and dysentery. (Australian War Memorial, Date Unknown)

The Japanese fought the Australians along the Kokoda track, their objective being Port Moresby. The

It was said that the Japanese wanted control of Port Moresby so they could attack and invade Australia, but it was also said that they just wanted the Port so they would be able to threaten Australia. Without Port Moresby it would just be empty threats. Both sides of the battle had to fight along the horrendous terrain of the Kokoda Track in terrible conditions to be able to succeed in their objectives. The track was barely ever flat, it was always going down slippery slopes or trying to walk up steep mountains. At some points they would have to get on their hands and knees to be able to climb up the mountains. Surrounding them was dense jungle with thick roots running along the ground, there was more than 30 rivers they had to cross. The mud in many areas was knee deep because of the amount of rain they were getting at that time. “At times we’d cover only a few hundred metres in an hour as we clambered down the slippery slopes or trudged, panting, up the sheer mountains. It’s mentally, as well as physically exhausting stuff. Just staying upright can, at times, take the utmost concentration. Hardly a convenient place to hold a war.” (Author Unknown in Schloeffel, J,

Their boots would get stuck in the mud so they would have to go bare foot and they would get infected cuts and blisters on their feet. There were multiple illnesses going around, such as malaria and dysentery, people were collapsing because of their knees giving way, and even with rationing their food, there still wasn’t enough for everyone. “One man shows signs of dysentery. Age about 48. Oldest man in company - first war also. Has son in company and trying to keep up. Said nothing about being sick hoping he would improve. Decided to leave him here to come on later.” (Captain Bert Kenzie in A.U, 2015) A lot of the men during the fight were suffering from severe injuries or illnesses and didn’t mention it because they hoped they would improve and they knew no one would be able to do anything about it anyway because of the lack of medical supplies. The days were hot and humid while the nights were cold and because they had very limited clothing, they had to sleep in their wet clothes. A lot of the men cut holes in their pants to stop from having to go for constant toilet breaks because of how bad the dysentery was. While most of the men would try to keep a positive attitude and make jokes with each other, there were many reports of soldiers deserting their post because of how terrified they were. Countless men suffered serious trauma during and after the campaign, some would break down while walking the