3.6 WWII Australians in the Pacific War : Kokoda

Why would it have been easier for the Japanese to approach Kokoda from the north than for the Australians and Papuans to approach from the south?

• The Japanese had more advanced technology.

• The Japanese were travelling on a better and wider surface — a road, not a track.

• The Australians and Papuans had more knowledge of the terrain.

• The Japanese had a larger number of troops.

The Australians were forced back as far as Imita Ridge. What defensive advantage might this village have provided for them?

• The village was at a lower altitude, making it easier to defend.

• The village had a natural barrier of water surrounding it.

• The village was situated on a ridge, so the Australians would have had the advantage of looking down on approaching enemies.

• The village had a strong wall built around it.

What was one of the disadvantages that Australians and Papuans faced during the campaign?

• They had superior communication systems.

• They had problems due to a language barrier.

• They had more advanced training and resources.

• They were part of a larger force.

How did the Papuans' knowledge of the terrain give the Australians an advantage?

• The Papuans provided better weapons.

• The Papuans had superior numbers in their force.

• The Papuans knew the terrain well, including the vegetation, wildlife, and weather.

• The Papuans had no impact on the Australians' strategy.

What ultimately led to the success of the Australians in the campaign?

• The Australians had more advanced technology.

• The Australians had a larger force.

• The Japanese ran out of supplies and had to retreat.

• The Australians received reinforcements from allies.

Why did the Australians and Papuans fight determinedly in the campaigns in New Guinea and Papua?

• They wanted to gain more territory.

• They were determined to keep the Japanese from landing on Australian soil.

• They had an abundance of resources and troops.

• They were practicing for larger battles.

Why were some other Pacific campaigns considered wasteful by Australia?

• They were easy victories that required little effort.

• They provided a lot of resources to the Australian forces.

• They resulted in the capture of important enemy leaders.

• Many lives were lost in campaigns that had no effect on the outcome of the war.