Port Moresby: Militia Life in New Guinea - KokodaVR

Summary

In 1942, Australia is at war with both Germany and a new threat, Japan. After a bombing raid on Darwin, Japanese forces advance toward Port Moresby in New Guinea, where Australian reserve forces, including young and inexperienced militia units, are deployed. These soldiers, part of the 39th Battalion, are underprepared and often referred to as 'chocos' due to their lack of training. With constant air raids and the looming threat of a Japanese invasion, the situation is dire as Australia braces for a larger conflict.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australia is at war after three years of fighting Germany, and is now threatened by Japan in 1942.
• 😀 Japan launched a surprise bombing raid on Darwin in February 1942, killing over 200 people.
• 😀 With an invasion by Japan seeming imminent, Australian reserve forces are sent to New Guinea to prevent further advances.
• 😀 The soldiers in New Guinea are young, inexperienced militia troops, many of whom are not well-trained or equipped.
• 😀 The 39th Battalion, composed mostly of militia members, is tasked with defending New Guinea from Japanese forces.
• 😀 The militia men, often referred to as 'chocos' or 'chocolate soldiers,' face criticism due to their lack of combat readiness.
• 😀 Australia’s military strategy at the time involves defending New Guinea, as it is an Australian territory under threat from Japan.
• 😀 The Japanese attempted to capture Port Moresby through air and sea raids starting in December 1941.
• 😀 By February 1942, Japanese air raids on Port Moresby became more intense, signaling the importance of the region to Japanese plans.
• 😀 Australia expected a large-scale attack at any time, but felt relatively secure due to the geographical protection offered by the Owen Stanley Mountains.
• 😀 The increasing severity of Japanese raids on Port Moresby clearly indicates that Japan aims to gain control of New Guinea before proceeding with plans to invade Australia.

Q & A

What event triggered Australia's involvement in World War II against Japan in 1942?

On February 19, 1942, Japan launched a surprise bombing raid on Darwin, which killed more than 200 people. This attack marked a significant escalation of Japan's military actions against Australia.

What was the role of the 39th Battalion during World War II?

The 39th Battalion was a militia unit from Victoria, Australia. It was composed of poorly trained and inexperienced soldiers, many of whom were very young. Despite this, they were tasked with defending Australia and fighting in Papua New Guinea against the Japanese forces.

Why were the militia soldiers of the 39th Battalion referred to as 'chocos' or 'chocolate soldiers'?

The militia soldiers were called 'chocos' because it was believed that they would 'melt' under pressure, referring to their lack of professional training and experience. The nickname also reflected doubts about their ability to withstand battle.

How were Australian soldiers conscripted for service during World War II?

In 1942, Australian men could be conscripted or forced to join the military. Although they were not allowed to serve overseas, they could be sent to territories like Papua New Guinea, which was under Australian control.

What challenges did the Australian soldiers face in Papua New Guinea in 1941-1942?

The Australian soldiers in Papua New Guinea faced constant air raids from the Japanese and were underprepared with outdated equipment. They also had to defend against a possible large-scale attack from the Japanese, who were attempting to gain control of Port Moresby.

How did the Japanese aim to invade Port Moresby in 1941?

The Japanese attempted to invade Port Moresby by both air and sea. They launched heavy bombings against the area, with air raids becoming more frequent as they sought to control the region.

What was the significance of Port Moresby in the Japanese strategy during World War II?

Port Moresby was strategically important to the Japanese as it was a key location in their plan to advance further into the southwest Pacific. Gaining control of Port Moresby would have allowed them to execute further invasions of Australia.

How did the terrain of Papua New Guinea help in defending against Japanese attacks?

The dense jungle and the Owen Stanley mountain range provided a natural defense for Port Moresby, making it difficult for the Japanese to launch a successful ground invasion. The rugged terrain hindered their movements and gave the Australian defenders some advantage.

How did the intensity of Japanese air raids impact the Australian defense in Port Moresby?

The increasing severity of Japanese air raids on Port Moresby indicated that the Japanese were planning a larger offensive. These air raids were a constant threat to the Australians, but despite the attacks, the defenders remained focused on protecting the area.

What was the immediate impact of the Japanese raid on Darwin in 1942?

The Japanese bombing raid on Darwin in 1942 resulted in the deaths of over 200 people and raised fears of a Japanese invasion of mainland Australia. It marked a turning point, leading to increased military preparations and a more direct engagement with the Japanese forces.