Battle of Isurava
Isurava, Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
What happened
Australian troops of Maroubra Force under Brigadier Arnold Potts fought the Japanese South Seas Detachment under Major General Tomitarō Horii. Japanese forces were advancing along the Kokoda Track toward Port Moresby. At Isurava, the Australians held their positions for four days against attacks from the front and sides. Without artillery of their own, they withdrew in good order on 30 August.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first major battle of the Kokoda Track campaign. The Australians lost the ground but slowed the Japanese, giving time for reinforcements to arrive.
What came next
The Australians fought a series of delaying actions back along the track. On 14 September Horii called off his offensive, and the Japanese later withdrew toward Buna and Gona.
Did you know?
Private Bruce Kingsbury was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Isurava, the first for actions on Australian territory.
Timeline
- 26 August 1942The Battle of Isurava begins.
- 29 August 1942Bruce Kingsbury's counter-attack.
- 31 August 1942The battle ends.
- 14 September 1942Horii cancels his offensive.
- 9 February 1943Kingsbury's Victoria Cross is announced.