On this day in 1942 the Battle of Milne Bay commenced in Papua New Guinea. By 7 September 1942 the Japanese has suffered their first defeat in battle on land. The defeat signalled the beginning of the end for Japanese forces in the South West Pacific Area. Our thanks to the men of the Milne Force (7th and 18th Infantry Brigades, Australian Imperial Force), supporting American troops and the Royal Australian Air Force (75 and 76 Squadrons) who inflicted this defeat. Let us pause to remember the the 167 Australians, 14 Americans and 1500 Japanese who perished during this battle. May they rest in peace.
Originally posted by Blackblue@Aug 25 2005, 07:17 AM On this day in 1942 the Battle of Milne Bay commenced in Papua New Guinea. By 7 September 1942 the Japanese has suffered their first defeat in battle on land. The defeat signalled the beginning of the end for Japanese forces in the South West Pacific Area. Our thanks to the men of the Milne Force (7th and 18th Infantry Brigades, Australian Imperial Force), supporting American troops and the Royal Australian Air Force (75 and 76 Squadrons) who inflicted this defeat. Let us pause to remember the the 167 Australians, 14 Americans and 1500 Japanese who perished during this battle. May they rest in peace. [post=38101]Quoted post[/post] One of the forgotten battles but as you say a very important one.
Tremendously important battle. First land battle the Japanese lost in World War II, and to the same guys who first whipped the Italians and Germans -- the Australians.
Tremendously important battle. First land battle the Japanese lost in World War II, and to the same guys who first whipped the Italians and Germans -- the Australians. Another episode the Australians were involved in!!! July 8-12 1941- Australians defeat Vichy forces in Syria and Lebanon
Originally posted by spidge@Aug 26 2005, 03:36 AM Tremendously important battle. First land battle the Japanese lost in World War II, and to the same guys who first whipped the Italians and Germans -- the Australians. Another episode the Australians were involved in!!! July 8-12 1941- Australians defeat Vichy forces in Syria and Lebanon [post=38155]Quoted post[/post] So they defeated the whole inventory first: Germany, Italy, Vichy France, and Japan. That just leaves Rumania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Finland, and Manchukuo.
Originally posted by Kiwiwriter+Aug 27 2005, 04:48 AM-->(Kiwiwriter @ Aug 27 2005, 04:48 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-spidge@Aug 26 2005, 03:36 AM Tremendously important battle. First land battle the Japanese lost in World War II, and to the same guys who first whipped the Italians and Germans -- the Australians. Another episode the Australians were involved in!!! July 8-12 1941- Australians defeat Vichy forces in Syria and Lebanon [post=38155]Quoted post[/post] So they defeated the whole inventory first: Germany, Italy, Vichy France, and Japan. That just leaves Rumania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Finland, and Manchukuo. [post=38174]Quoted post[/post] [/b] As I said once before, the Aussie was not well travelled pre ww2. Mentioning these places to him, (Rumania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Finland, and Manchukuohe" he would have thought you were swearing at him or taking the P**S" and a "blue" would most definitely have ensued. All jokes aside, the Aussies army troops were in the main, well led, well fed and well supplied by the Australian Navy & Air Force who ran the gauntlet under difficult circumstances time after time to look after their mates. (Tobruk a prime example) They (the infantry) didn't care much for authority and the historical salute, especially to "Pommie" officers, (respect from these "Colonials" was earnt, not given) however they obeyed orders in the field and were generally respected by their opposite numbers in WW1, WW2 and other conflicts that followed. They were still a fledgeling country of only 7,000,000 in WW2 yet mobilised 1,000,000 with the highest per capita mobilisation of any country "post" VE day. They may not have had the history and blood lines of the "great nations" however they are a proud people with ample amounts of G&D in the support of those who would wish to take away anothers freedom no matter how far from Australia that might be.
