The fighting in New Guinea during World War II combined the worst aspects of jungle and mountain combat, with unforgiving terrain and weather that made survival incredibly difficult. Soldiers on both sides frequently got lost, with some never returning, as the environment was so harsh.
The Kokoda Trail is one of the great moments in Australian military history. The Australian troops who defended the Kokoda Trail were National Guard troops or reservists, who proved to be fantastic in the war.
The Kokoda Track in New Guinea is a moment that immortalizes the Australian Military's bravery and military comradeship. The Choco soldiers, though often looked down upon, were the last line of defense against Japanese veterans during the peak of World War II in the Pacific.
The experience of a combat soldier can greatly differ based on the terrain they are fighting in. Georgian-Australian journalist, Greg Callaghan, discusses how the harsh terrain in New Guinea impacted soldiers during World War II.
During World War II, many soldiers became lost in battle and were believed to be dead until returning years later. These soldiers, known as the living war dead, were recognized internationally and symbolized the extreme toll of war on soldiers and their families.
The fighting in New Guinea during WWII combined the worst aspects of jungle and mountain combat, with heavy rainfall, steep mountains, dense jungle, and apparently uncharted landscapes. Veterans speak of the phenomenon of the false crest, where soldiers would think they had reached the top of a mountain only to see more peaks ahead, many of which were unnamed and uncharted by Europeans, making fighting a terrifying and difficult experience.