New Guinea

The Japanese seized Rabaul on New Britain Island on January 23, 1942. This made a valuable base for their attack on New Guinea, which came on March 8 at Salamaua and Lae. Their control of the northern coast was extended to Finschhafen two days later and a drive was started toward Port Moresby, across the island. The Japanese were stopped by the almost impassable mountain roads and tried again from Buna and Gona, farther down the coast. The failure of the Japanese to take Port Moresby lessened the military threat to Australia.

General MacArthur organized a counter-stroke from Australia. Australian troops under General Thomas Blamey advanced up the difficult trails, taking Kagi on October 5, 1942, and Kokoda on November 2. While the Australians were fighting for these points, two United States divisions were landed near Buna and Gona to aid the Australians. Gona fell to the Australians on December 1 and Buna to the Americans on December 14. The capture of Sanananda Point on January 22, 1943, completed the destruction of Japanese forces under General Horii Tomitaro.Important dates in the Pacific: 1943-1945.