Kokoda Track -Brigade Hill

Chow time on Brigade Hill

 

Brigadier Arnold Potts was faced with superior Japanese numbers and chose the area to make a stand; Brigade Hill.  This impressive mountain ridge, about half-way along the Track, with Mission Ridge extending from its north face [south of Efogi]; the eastern side has a steep drop and the west slopes down to the Fagume River.

A Company, 2/14 Infantry Battalion, August 1942

On 6 September, the forward observation from the 2/14, Australia’s Maroubra Force, were unnerved by the sight of lanterns used by the Japanese moving down the over Efogi village.  The enemy proceeded to encircle the troops.  At first light on 8 September, Lance Corporal John Gill was shot by a sniper.  The battle for Headquarters Company had begun, units were cut off and the enemy caused heavy casualties.  A withdrawal was ordered.  The Japanese Nankai Shitai Force, under MGen. Horii, has pushed them into retreat.

Naduri to Efogi, today

The 2/14 and 2/16 of the Brigade were reinforced with the 2/27, who took the frontline of their defenses.  Heavy fire from the Japanese artillery signalled the start of the new battle as the enemy 3/144th (i.e. 3rd Battalion/144th Regiment), assaulted head-up Mission Ridge.

While this occurred, the Japanese 2/144, led by a Papuan guide, moved along the Fagume River before scaling the precipitous western slope of Brigade Hill.  By morning, the enemy had reached the summit and cut off the forward unit.  Potts felt the situation was hopeless and ordered a withdrawal.  The retreat was disorderly as the exhausted Maroubra Force faced its darkest moment.  The 2/27th Battalion was lost as a fighting force and endured 3 weeks of suffering as the scattered remnants slowly trudged through the jungle in an attempt to rejoin their comrades.

Brigade Hill

A week after the Japanese victory, at the next battle at Iribaiwa, less than half the Australians who had fought at Brigade Hill were able to take part.  However, this would now mark the extent of the Japanese advance.  From secure positions occupied on Imita Ridge, the Australians were soon able to re-group and launch their long-awaited counter-attack.  The bravery of their countrymen who fought at Brigade Hill helped to inspire them as they pushed forward in late September.

Condensed from:
Nick Anderson
Australian Army History Unit

A typical jungle downpour – you can see why I usually don’t bother to show it…..

Click on images to enlarge.

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Military Humor – Budget cuts – 

Distribution of new supplies is a might skimpy.

Training at the new elastic firing range.

 

 

 

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Farewell Salutes – 

Charles Berkhousen – St. Johns, MI; US Army, WWII, POW

Robert Nathaniel Copes – Greeley, CO; US Navy, Lt.Cmdr., Annapolis, WWII, Vietnam

Alvin Hagans Jr. – WPalm Beach, FL; US Army, WWII, ETO, truck driver

Charles Johnson – Charleston, SC; US Air Force, Lt.Col. (Ret.), WWII, Korea, Vietnam

Mary Doyle Keefe – Connecticut; civilian model for “Rosie the Riveter”

Horace ‘Red’ MacCaulay – Mississauga, CAN; RC Air Force, Major (Ret.),WWII, 406th Squadron

William Mullaney – Watertown, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 11th A/B Div., PTO

Ian Owens – Papakura, NZ; RNZ Army # 329592, L/Corps

Milton Stearns Jr. – Gladwyne, PA; US Navy, Lt.JG, WWII, PTO, LST 826 navigator

Charles Pearl Warden – Eaton, CO; US Navy, Chief Petty Off., Korea, frogman, Bronze Star

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