Kokoda Track Analysis

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On the 21st of July 1942 at the North Coast of Papua New Guinea, the Australian’s started the most significant battle ever fought, the battle of Kokoda. During this battle the Australian’s were able to successfully save our country from possible invasion by the Japanese through using particular tactics, weapons and the ability to get new soldiers when others needed to be replaced. While battling through the treacherous jungle against the Japanese, they faced horrific conditions and difficulties such as catching diseases and fighting through the brutal obstacles of the Kokoda track. Today Australia celebrates and honours the significant battle and respects the Australian soldiers that fought to keep our country safe. These three arguments will…show more content…
A quote from ‘Field Guide to the Kokoda Track’ has Colonel Frank; assistant director of medical services of the 7th division in September 1942 explain the reality of the Kokoda Track. “ Imagine an area of approximately one hundred miles in length. Crumble and fold this into a series of ridges, each rising higher and higher until seven thousand feet is reached… Cover this thickly with jungle, short trees, tangled with great entwining savage vines. Through the oppression of this density cut a little native track, two or three feet wide… Through the night, pour water over the forests so steps become broken, and a continual yellow stream flows downwards, and the few level areas becomes pools and puddles of putrid, black mud.” This supports with David McKinglay author of ‘A People’s Experience of the 20th Century Australia’ as he also describes how the conditions would impact on the men’s ability to fight effectively. The terrain, the vegetation, the humidity, the rain, the heat, the disease, and the cold at the high altitudes were unbearable conditions for the Australian soldiers to fight in, let alone be in. After the war concluded the Australians, Americans and Japanese studied how long it took for their troops to stay well and fit enough for battle at Papua. They all concluded…show more content…
The trail will always be historically important to our country because it’s an icon for Australian participation in the war as well as standing for a symbol of Australia’s shift in nation identity for it was Australian’s only that defeated the Japanese during the battle of Kokoda. More than 600 Australians were killed and 1680 wounded. It goes to show how significant the war is to our country today and why we respect the efforts and achievements they made for us. Each year 5 thousand Australians take up the mentally and physically challenging task of walking the Kokoda Track to remember and respect those who battled for our country. It puts you at the scene of one of the most famous events in Australia’s Military history. Completing the track is a great accomplishment and a good way to honour the memory of the Australian soldiers, sailors and aircrew who were in battle on the Kokoda Track. While walking the track you are able to understand the experience and achievements our soldiers made while battling with the Japanese. A quote from Prime Minister at the time of the war, Paul Keating states during his ANZAC speech in Papua New Guinea, “ They died in defense of Australia, and the civilization and values which had grown up there. That’s why it might be said that, for Australians, the battles of Papua New Guinea were the most

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