Still, they used the loophole that Papua New Guinea was a territory, so they sent the 39th Militia there to help protect the island. So, they stood up Militia Battalions to serve in Australia, to protect the homeland. It was also fought mainly by Militia (reserve) troops or “chocolate soldiers” as the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) called them because they were poorly trained, and it was said, “they would melt in the heat of battle.” At the start of the war, Australia sent its best troops the AIF to the middle east to help the brits. The Australians fought against all the odds and without the help of Great Britain. ![]() There were more than 600 Allies killed, and about 75% of the allied troops got sick, with diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and dysentery, to name a few. The Australian forces fought exceptionally well in the harsh and unforgiving jungle of the Kokoda Track/ Trail. The Australian troops had to save Port Moresby from getting invaded from the Japanese because if so, the Japanese could have easily invaded Australia. The astounding feats performed by the Australian soldiers lead to the growth of Australia as a nation. The battle was fought over five months, and the odds were stacked heavily in favor of the Japanese, they outnumbered the Aussies 5-1, they had much better equipment, and a lot more of it, and at the time were considered the best jungle fighters in the world. Port Moresby held a robust tactical position and preventing the Japanese from reaching it was vital. The Kokoda campaign saved Australia from possible invasion from the Japanese. Kokoda was undoubtedly the most significant battle fought by Australians in the Second World War because it was fought so close to home. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942 in what was then the Australian Papua New Guinea It was primarily fought between the Aussies and the Japanese. The Kokoda Track/Trail Campaign was fought between the Australians, the Americans, ,and the Japanese. Kokoda was recaptured on 2nd November 1942, and the Australian flag was raised at a service the following day. The Australians rallied at this point and forced the Japanese back across the track. ![]() The battle lasted three months as the Australians were pushed back to their last line of defense on Imita Ridge. The Kokoda campaign began with a full-scale attack on the Australian 39th Militia Battalion on 29 July 1942. The 3rd of November is Kokoda in Australia.
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