Milne Bay

[Christos]

Hmmm......nice comment there to round this one off......It has actually been very nice to have Aussie Arms recognized in such a manner, not for the first time either....go Oz!

[syscom_3]

Even if the Japanese had succeded at Milne Bay, there wasnt much they could have done to exploit the sitaution.

The distance from Milne to Port Moresby overland is still quite considerable and their logistical sitaution was poor at best.

Remember that in the final few months of 1942, the allies were getting stronger on a weekly basis, especially with bombardment groups. Any movements up the coast whether by land or sea was going to be perilous.

My estimate is if the IJA controlled Milne bay, nothing would have happened. It would have remained an enclave just like so many Japanese positions as the war progressed and passed them bye.

[Christos]

yes, indeed, very true......but we Aussies still point with pride to our achievements in New Guinea....

Just as a personal note to that, when I read a review of an old S&T wargame called BLOODY BUNA, the author also commented on the composition of forces for New Guinea, rating the Americans as a poor second to the combined jungle skills of the Japanese and Australians......in fact, from personal interviews with a New Guinea vet or two, the absolute BEST jungle soldier of all was the NATIVE PAPUAN, whom Aussie 'diggers' swore were born with a sixth sence that could tell from the sound of snapping twigs whether it was made by an animal, or man, and whether they were Japanese or Allied. No-body quite knows how many Allied lives were lost for failure to utilize this native manpower in the early stages of the campaign, something that was rectified, although my Uncle Jim did say that by the time they got any real numbers of natives in uniform, most of the Japs they encountered were "Starving."

[syscom_3]

Those who have studied the wa rin the Pacific to any degree, know that the Aussies were the best jungle fighters of the war.

[Warlord]

Wasn´t the NGVR composed of Papuans with Aussie officers? Or was it just a name for an all Aussie-settler unit?

[A Potts]

If Morsby had been taken a few more Japanese Divisions would have been free. I would imagine for the Solomons (Guadacanal).

What then would have happened?

[steve w]

i myself have not researched milne bay yet,but i thought i would tell u about pearl harbor. i visited there back in early 1990's.and it was very moving 2 be at a place ,that was what brought the usa into the war by the japs attack,,,to visit the memorial over uss arizona,,,to think there are still over a thousand sailors still below,, very moving,but sad.it is along way 2 go but i can recommend going there,cheers steve w