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The initial Australian force in New Guinea was the Militia (CMF). Technically they shouldn't have been there at all but there was no-one else. They went there hopelessly under-trained and many without rifles.
Their performance there varied a lot - from downright incompetence to extraordinary bravery. That they were a Militia meant that official recognition was usually denied them.
Fighting in New Guinea was certainly some of the hardest in the Pacific campaign. Undoubtedly Sanananda was a hell on earth. That the Australians never achieved the recognition they so deserved was primarily due to MacArthur whose press releases always praised American troops and ignored Australian ones.
Which is why afterwards Australian troops were only ever used for mopping up in the region rather than being given a decent fight. This still rankles many older Australians and why the collective opinion of MacArthur is not positive.
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