Gona's Gone PTO (id:#64825)

(New Guinea 1: Gona Mission 1942 ID: #2)   [next]   [previous]

Gona Village, New Guinea 1942-12-09 (1 other)

Overview:

The Australians began their assault on Gona village on November 18. It was Gona from which the Japanese invaders had launched their disastrous campaign aimed at Port Moseby. After their setbacks in the south, the Japanese were pushed back across the mountainous terrain until their backs were against the sea at Gona. Twenty-one days after launching their offensive, the Australian soldiers of the 7th Division managed to compress their foes into a tight defensive perimeter centered around the village. While the cost had been high for the attackers, the Japanese had been whittled down to some 100 effectives, most of whom belied such a status in the enemy camp due to suffering from starvation and a variety of tropical diseases. The enemy resolve remained intact as the weary men of the Australian 21sr Brigade and 39th Battalion pressed on into a hand-to-hand fight for the bomb devastated village. By 1330 hours the last Japanese soldiers had been dispatched. Lieutenant Colonel Honner of the 39th was able to report to Southwest Pacific HQ, “Gona’s Gone”. . .

Defender: Japanese (Gona Garrison)  

Errata (source)