In recent years a number of book have been written about the Australian campaign in Papua during the crisis year of 1942. The saga of the ferocious battles along the infamous Kokoda Track now ranks alongside those of the earlier campaign - Gallipoli. The words - Kokoda and Gallipoli, are now very much part of our military heritage.
For the first time we have a dedicated description of the campaign at Kokoda and Gona, written by a senior officer who pariticated in the bitter struggle. Lieutenance Colonel Frank Sublet, DSO, MC, was present during ,uch of the fighting, and has presented a critical analysis of the campaign, which highlights the blunders made by the Australian Government in neglecting Papua prior to the japanese invasion; the conflices between MacArthur and Blamey, also Blamey and Rowell; the erroneous strategic and tactical judgements made by the commanders of both sides during the Papuan campaign.
Descpite the suabbling at higher command levels, the contant theme of 'Kokoda to the Sea' is that of the bravery and endurance of the Australian soldier during a period in which Port Moresby and Australia were in grave peril from an over-confident Japanese army.
'Kokoda to the Sea' provides a new and proactive perspective on an important phase of our military history.
Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
1. MacArthur
2. Maroubra Force
3. Reinforcements of Maroubra Force
4. The Battle of Isurava-Abuari
5. Withdrawl to Efogi
6. Near Disaster at Efogi
7. End of the Road
8. The Rock Back: A Cautious Advance
9. The 16th Brigade Enters the Battle
10. Vasey Triumphs at Oivi-Gorari
11. To the Sea
12. The 21st Brigade Called on Again
13. Fall of Gona
14. The Threat at the Amboga
15. Epilogue
Appendix 1. Main Ground Forces in the Papuan Campaign
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index
