Background:

In February of 1942, Singapore fell to Japan. Japan,

a powerful force, continued invading across and

down through Asia in a bid to create "The Greater

East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere", and become a

great ruling force. After taking Singapore, the next

logical step was to continue down through the asian

islands, and invade the Australian mainland. The Australian government feared such an attack, as Australia did not have the defences to stave off the Japanese. The Royal Australian Airforce and Army were underprepared and without the latest technology, and the Royal Australian Navy was inferior to the Japanese's. Much of the Second Australian Imperial Force was ordered to retreat from the Middle East to defend the country. Other brigades were also sent back to defend Australia. However, Japan had no intention of attacking Australia, as they would not have aided them in their war. Port Moresby, however, in Papua New Guinea, would have helped the Japanese. Taking Port Moresby would have given Japan control of the route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and allowed them to isolate and strike at Australia with bombs. A first attempt to take Port Moresby by the Japanese over sea, resulted in the Battle of the Coral Sea, with the Japanese Navy beaten by the Australian and American Navy. A month later, at the Battle of Midway, much of the Japanese carrier fleet was destroyed, hurting the Japanese Navy. Now, the Japanese resolved to mount an attack over land to take Port Moresby.

Top: Snapshot of events of World War 2 from 1939 to 1945, including Kokoda in 1942.

Middle: Areas controlled by Japan as of 1942. Shows Japan's power, and geography of area they owned.

Right: Australian propaganda, encouraging citizens to act to help stop the Japanese from invading.