In January 1942, Japanese forces invaded Rabaul on the island of New Britain in New Guinea. At the time, both New Guinea and Papua were Australian-mandated territories. This led to Australia becoming involved in the New Guinea and Papua campaigns during World War II.
From 1942 to 1945, Australian army forces led the land fighting in New Guinea and Papua. The Royal Australian Air Force secured the air and tried to cut the enemy sea lift. The Royal Australian Navy maintained a lifeline to forward areas and supplied the campaigns with ships, escorts and intelligence, including its network of coastwatchers.
Tight coordination among all 3 services enabled the Allies to create significant checks and turning points in the Pacific War against Japanese forces. In the Coral Sea and along the Kokoda Track. At Milne Bay, the Japanese beachheads at Buna, Sanananda and Gona, and at Aitape-Wewak.
Glossary
- beachhead
