The Battle
That plateau just above Eora Creek had been a medical center for Japanese soldiers while they advanced on the Kokoda Track. This was during the beginning stages of the Pacific War. Just months later, the clash took place there, while the Japanese were in their tactical retreat, or as they referred to it, an “advance to the rear.” Thus, the armies met in battle in late October 1942, with the Japanese suffering a tremendous loss of hundreds of casualties. This battle stopped Japanese forces from getting to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital, which would have put the Japanese within striking distance of Australia. The Japanese were forced to flee the jungle.
The Battle
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