An extraordinary story of a small force defeating a much larger one. It is the tale of 550 men of the 39th Militia Battalion. In eight short and brutal weeks, these soldiers slowed, and eventually stopped the advance of 6000 experienced Japanese troops of the Nankai division across the massive Owen Stanley range.
An extraordinary story of a small force defeating a much larger one. It is the tale of 550 men of the 39th Militia Battalion. In eight short and brutal weeks, these soldiers slowed, and eventually stopped the advance of 6000 experienced Japanese troops of the Nankai division across the massive Owen Stanley range.
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In July 1942, a large and well-trained Japanese army landed at Buna, on the north coast of New Guinea. Their aim was to capture Port Moresby. Their route was the Kokoda Track. The only force that stood in their way was a small, poorly trained group of Australian militia. This is their story.
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The Argus (Melbourne,..., Saturday 18 March 1939 p 8 ... VICE-REGAL On behalf of His Majesty the King, His Excellency the Governor presented the King's Medal to Sergeant Hall, 37-39thBattalion, winner of the Army rifle cham- pionship of Australia at the Williamstown Rifle Range yesterday morning. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Huntingfield, ... 90 words
The Argus (Melbourne,..., Saturday 9 January 1937 p 12 ... should I sav allied battalions (the 37th mid 39th) ' 1 lie battalion will be known us the 37-39U1 ... 17/52nd Battalion The colours of the 37th also the 39th Bat- talion will be cal ried and it is ... ofllccis of the 39thBattalion will soon wear the mess dress of tile Dorsetshire Regiment, which is ... 869 words
The Argus (Melbourne,..., Saturday 6 March 1937 Supplement: Week-End Magazine p 35 ... Infantry Brigade. For many years Colonel Jackson was CO. 39thBattalion, also of tho recently ... the honorary colonel of the 39thBattalion. Mnjor-General G. J. Johnston, attended. Many officers ... J. Comblay, .4th Bat- talion, Western Australia. Second.-Colour-Sergeant G. J. Long, 45th Battalion ... 690 words