The Battles for Kokoda Plateau

De: David W. Cameron

Narrado por: Steve Shanahan

"The Japanese attacked us, they mortared us, they shelled us...they did everything."

On 21 July 1942, a large Japanese reconnaissance mission landed along the north-eastern coastline of Papua. It would soon turn into an all-out attempt to capture Port Morseby. This is the powerful story of the three weeks of battle by a small Australian militia force, the 39th Battalion, supported by the 1st Papua Infantry Battalion and the Royal Papuan Constabulary, to keep the Japanese at bay. Outnumbered by at least three to one, they fought courageously to hold the Kokoda Plateau - the gateway to the Owen Stanleys.

Desperately short of ammunition and food and stranded in the fetid swamps and lowland jungles, they did everything they could to keep the Kokoda airstrip out of Japanese hands. Not far away, and desperately trying to reach the Australians, were two groups of Anglican missionaries trapped behind enemy lines. With each passing day the parties grew, joined by lost Australian soldiers and downed American airmen. Theirs is a story of tragedy and betrayal.

Using letters, diaries and other firsthand accounts, from friend and foe alike, leading military historian David W Cameron has for the first time written a detailed, compelling and provocative account of what occurred at the northern foot of the Owen Stanleys in late July and early August 1942. These are stories that deserve to be firmly embedded into the Kokoda legend.

©2020 David W. Cameron (P)2020 W. F. Howes

Shocking Kokoda

Thank you David Cameron. The Battles for Kokoda plateau in Papau New Guinea have been completely overlooked in America. The reason is because it involved nearly all Australian troops, and Guadalcanal was happening at the same time. This is a travesty. The battles for Kokoda were horrifying, shocking, and the sheer grit of the diggers is awe inspiring, as well as the other civilians in the island. There were not braver fighters in WWII. What a books. Steve Shanahan’s narration is the best of the best.

Detailed account of opening battles for Port Moresby.

Very detailed account of the first weeks of the Japanese thrust toward Port Moresby. Geography plays a huge role in this narrative, so before starting book, studying maps of the region makes following the story much easier and more meaningful.
Events are described by the survivors, people who were there and are grueling and vivid.
Narration done with a thick Aussie accent, entirely fitting.

Fascinating campaign

Narration is good, interesting, holds attention.

This little known campaign was profoundly important to Australia’s defense, and the performances of minimally equipped, young Australian militia was profoundly impressive and brave. Had the aussies not been able to stanch the Japanese threat to port Mosby, WW2 might have seen the invasion of Australia, the loss of staging ground for Americans, and certainly prolonged fighting in the South Pacific.

Highly recommended.