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Turning Point: The Battle for Milne Bay 1942 - Japan's first land defeat in World War II
The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten, until now.
In August 1942, Japan's forces were unstoppable. Having conquered vast swathes of south-east Asia - Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies - and now invading New Guinea, many feared the Empire of the Rising Sun stood poised to knock down Australia's northern door.
But first they needed Port Moresby. In the still of an August night, Japanese marines sailed quietly into Milne Bay, a long, malaria-ridden dead end at the far eastern tip of Papua, to unleash an audacious pincer movement. Unbeknown to them, however, a secret airstrip had been carved out of a coconut plantation by US Engineers, and a garrison of Australian troops had been established, supported by two locally based squadrons of RAAF Kittyhawks, including the men of the famed 75 Squadron. The scene was set for one of the most decisive and vicious battles of the war.
For ten days and nights Australia's soldiers and airmen fought the elite of Japan's forces along a sodden jungle track, and forced them back step by muddy, bloody step.
In Turning Point, bestselling author Michael Veitch brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of these Australian heroes.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2019
22 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Michael Veitch
29 books35 followersMichael Veitch spent much of his youth writing and performing in television sketch comedy programs, before freelancing as a columnist and arts reviewer for newspapers and magazines. For four years he presented Sunday Arts, the national arts show on ABC television, and produced two books indulging his life-long interest in the aircraft of the Second World War, Flak and Fly. He lives in Hobart, where he presents ABC radio.
Books:
Hailing from a family of journalists, Veitch wrote Flak – True stories from the men who flew in World War II published in 2006 by Pan Macmillan and later, Fly: True stories of courage and adventure from the airmen of World War II published by Penguin Australia in August 2008. A third book, The Forgotten Islands, exploring the lesser-known islands of Bass Strait, was published by Penguin Australia in August 2011.
Further publications include a history of the CSIRO marine exploration vessel, Southern Surveyor will be released in late 2015 (CSIRO Publishing) and a further volume of Second World War airman stories, which will also be published late 2015 (Penguin Books).
Books:
Hailing from a family of journalists, Veitch wrote Flak – True stories from the men who flew in World War II published in 2006 by Pan Macmillan and later, Fly: True stories of courage and adventure from the airmen of World War II published by Penguin Australia in August 2008. A third book, The Forgotten Islands, exploring the lesser-known islands of Bass Strait, was published by Penguin Australia in August 2011.
Further publications include a history of the CSIRO marine exploration vessel, Southern Surveyor will be released in late 2015 (CSIRO Publishing) and a further volume of Second World War airman stories, which will also be published late 2015 (Penguin Books).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 10, 2019
The Battle for Milne Bay is at times in the shadow of Kokoda but I found this book has given the battle a voice to tell the story, of the brave men who fought in some of the most trying condition of the War and came out victorious.
This is neat and precise overview of the Battle for Milne Bay, that had great coverage from both side of the battle and especially a very even look at the Air War and the ground war. The way that this book was written made following the sequence of event very easy and gave the read a good idea of what was happening. I was impressed with the snippets of actual soldiers and airmen's personal accounts that help give a human touch. The map was a good resource to have clear and practical.
Milne Bay was not a place to write home about but the story deserve more recognition and this book is a does a great Job of that 5 Stars
This is neat and precise overview of the Battle for Milne Bay, that had great coverage from both side of the battle and especially a very even look at the Air War and the ground war. The way that this book was written made following the sequence of event very easy and gave the read a good idea of what was happening. I was impressed with the snippets of actual soldiers and airmen's personal accounts that help give a human touch. The map was a good resource to have clear and practical.
Milne Bay was not a place to write home about but the story deserve more recognition and this book is a does a great Job of that 5 Stars
March 30, 2021
While the vicious combat on the Kokoda Trail was in progress, and once the immediate threat to Port Moresby had been blunted by the timely and desperate intervention of the RAAF's 75 Squadron (44 Days: 75 Squadron and the Fight for Australia), a further threat to New Guinea and Australia formed in the shape of a Japanese flanking movement against Milne Bay. This little know but ultimately significant battle is the focus of this book.
Told in similar style to his earlier book, and featuring some of the veterans of the aerial struggle over Moresby, the book explains the buildup to the battle, the makeup of the Australian force (with some assistance from US engineering forces) and the errors and mischances that directed some visceral combat and gave the Australians the opportunity to win the first victory on the ground in the Pacific war.
Combat both in the air and ground is covered, the contribution provided by the RAAF being pivotal in the victory, and as is (sadly) normal in the Pacific war, the combat is punctuated by a number of atrocities committed by Japanese forces, which make for uneasy reading.
That Milne Bay deserves more recognition is certain; the reason why it remains less well known is likely down to the petulant attitude of one of the Pacific war's more interesting commanders:
Thoroughly recommended to anyone interested in the Pacific War. Well written, interesting and compelling.
Milne Bay drew the curtain on the series of disasters that had befallen the Allied forces in Malaya, Rabaul, Timor, Ambon and Singapore, where men were sacrificed in the blind hope that penny packets could succeed where entire battalions had failed. It was the moment that halted the dangerous belief, which was beginning to take hold, that Australians simply could not overcome the Japanese.
Told in similar style to his earlier book, and featuring some of the veterans of the aerial struggle over Moresby, the book explains the buildup to the battle, the makeup of the Australian force (with some assistance from US engineering forces) and the errors and mischances that directed some visceral combat and gave the Australians the opportunity to win the first victory on the ground in the Pacific war.
Combat both in the air and ground is covered, the contribution provided by the RAAF being pivotal in the victory, and as is (sadly) normal in the Pacific war, the combat is punctuated by a number of atrocities committed by Japanese forces, which make for uneasy reading.
That Milne Bay deserves more recognition is certain; the reason why it remains less well known is likely down to the petulant attitude of one of the Pacific war's more interesting commanders:
For the last week, Clowes had endured rising criticism from generals MacArthur and Blamey and, less directly, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, George Vasey, over his management of the battle. Vasey’s letters and directives of the time are illustrative, revealing a man unsuccessfully trying to steer a path between conflicting egos and vastly different approaches to the conduct of the war. ‘I’m afraid the last week was a trying time for many of us,’ he confided in a note to Sydney Rowell in Port Moresby. ‘GHQ [i.e. MacArthur’s HQ] is like a bloody barometer in a cyclone. Up and down every two minutes!’ Vasey explained that, in the eyes of the man he obliquely referred to as ‘the Great’, meaning MacArthur, Clowes had committed the unforgivable sin of not carrying out their hastily issued directive of ‘Clearing the Northern shore of Milne Bay’ by moving against the Japanese immediately, and with everything he had, following their landing. Clowes had then exacerbated GHQ’s petulant frustration by denying their demands, issued several times daily, for blow-by-blow descriptions of his progress. In this, Vasey conceded his own annoyance: ‘I am more convinced than ever that our reports need to be written in Americanese. They don’t understand our restrained English …’
Small in comparison to some of the sustained and desperate fighting which took place in the Pacific … yet it was the first Australian victory against the Japanese invader, and brought to a halt the long series of territorial gains which the enemy had seemed to achieve with relative ease. Henceforth the tide was destined to turn. None of this, however, washed with General MacArthur. On 6 September, even after the Japanese had evacuated the remnants of their shattered force, MacArthur wrote to his superior, General George Marshall, in Washington: The Australians have proven themselves unable to match the enemy in jungle fighting. Aggressive leadership is lacking. The enemy’s defeat at Milne Bay must not be accepted as a measure of relative fighting capacity of the troops involved. MacArthur was never convinced of the Australians’ fighting ability, becoming renowned thereafter for issuing press releases describing their setbacks and defeats as Australian, but their victories as Allied.
Thoroughly recommended to anyone interested in the Pacific War. Well written, interesting and compelling.
September 7, 2020
Milne Bay Victory
This book is a victory for the Australians who met and defeated the Japanese and for Michael Vietch, the author. The writing is interesting, as well as well documented.
The book if far more novel like than the dry, matter of fact reports and documents it is based on, or could ever be. The one failing, however, is the information needed by the reader to reach closure on one aspect of this campaign: what happened to the 352 stranded members of the Japanese Fifth Sasebo SNLF who ended up on Goodebough Island in August of 1942? The reader is left to his own powers of research to ferret out this small but vital piece of the story.
For any person who has an interest in the New Guinea theatre of World War II, this book is a must-read.
This book is a victory for the Australians who met and defeated the Japanese and for Michael Vietch, the author. The writing is interesting, as well as well documented.
The book if far more novel like than the dry, matter of fact reports and documents it is based on, or could ever be. The one failing, however, is the information needed by the reader to reach closure on one aspect of this campaign: what happened to the 352 stranded members of the Japanese Fifth Sasebo SNLF who ended up on Goodebough Island in August of 1942? The reader is left to his own powers of research to ferret out this small but vital piece of the story.
For any person who has an interest in the New Guinea theatre of World War II, this book is a must-read.
July 30, 2021
A well written and engaging book about an important piece of our history.
It's amazing to me how close Australia came to being invaded, how close the Japanese came to getting hold of Port Moresby and from there a short jump across the Torres Strait. There was nothing predestined about the allied victory, a few mistakes here, a few poor decisions there, a shortage of supplies and we could be living in a very different world.
What i enjoyed most about this book was that it really brought to life the men and the place. Reading it i could feel the tropical heat and see the mud, hear the guns and smell the burning wreckage.
The author has done a wonderful job telling the story of one of the most important battles in our history.
It's amazing to me how close Australia came to being invaded, how close the Japanese came to getting hold of Port Moresby and from there a short jump across the Torres Strait. There was nothing predestined about the allied victory, a few mistakes here, a few poor decisions there, a shortage of supplies and we could be living in a very different world.
What i enjoyed most about this book was that it really brought to life the men and the place. Reading it i could feel the tropical heat and see the mud, hear the guns and smell the burning wreckage.
The author has done a wonderful job telling the story of one of the most important battles in our history.
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September 9, 2019I was particularly interested to read this book as one of my father's best friends fought at Milne Bay and really knew nothing about the battle, which is always described as the first time that the Japanese were stopped in World War 2. I was not disappointed as it is an excellent book. Author Michael Veitch describes the battle in considerable detail and also tells the human story of the participants with diary extracts and he describes the appalling conditions of mud and relentless rain in which it was fought. The work of the RAAF, their close integration with the army as well as the great work of the mechanics and armorers to keep the RAAF Kittyhawks in the sky also comes in for special reference and so it should.
June 23, 2025
A very well researched and well presented account of an almost unknown battle involving Australian forces. In a do-or-die battle in horrific circumstances, Australian soldiers and pilots fought off the Japanese invaders who until then had been seen as unstoppable. And they did this despite poor preparation, disease and incessant rain that turned all ground into muddy bogs. Veitch depicts the stress, hunger and exhaustion they faced as well as the combat. Facts about the battles were obtained from diaries, other books that included interviews with participants, and army records from both sides. Veitch built the tension over time as the Australians waited for the expected invasion.
I had previously read other books by Michael Veitch :"Barney Greatrix" an Australian pilot who was shot down over France and joined the French resistance, and "Australia's Secret Army" about the Coastwatchers and the dangers they faced as the Japanese Army approached Australia. I also have several more of his books on my "to read" list.
The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten, until now. In August 1942, Japan's forces were unstoppable. Having conquered vast swathes of south-east Asia - Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies - and now invading New Guinea, many feared the Empire of the Rising Sun stood poised to knock down Australia's northern door. But first they needed Port Moresby. In the still of an August night, Japanese marines sailed quietly into Milne Bay, a long, malaria-ridden dead end at the far eastern tip of Papua, to unleash an audacious pincer movement. Unbeknown to them, however, a secret airstrip had been carved out of a coconut plantation by US Engineers, and a garrison of Australian troops had been established, supported by two locally based squadrons of RAAF Kittyhawks, including the men of the famed 75 Squadron. The scene was set for one of the most decisive and vicious battles of the war. For ten days and nights Australia's soldiers and airmen fought the elite of Japan's forces along a sodden jungle track, and forced them back step by muddy, bloody step. In Turning Point, bestselling author Michael Veitch brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of these Australian heroes
I had previously read other books by Michael Veitch :"Barney Greatrix" an Australian pilot who was shot down over France and joined the French resistance, and "Australia's Secret Army" about the Coastwatchers and the dangers they faced as the Japanese Army approached Australia. I also have several more of his books on my "to read" list.
The Battle for Milne Bay - Japan's first defeat on land in the Second World War - was a defining moment in the evolution of the indomitable Australian fighting spirit. For the men of the AIF, the militia and the RAAF, it was the turning point in the Pacific, and their finest - though now largely forgotten - hour. Forgotten, until now. In August 1942, Japan's forces were unstoppable. Having conquered vast swathes of south-east Asia - Malaya, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies - and now invading New Guinea, many feared the Empire of the Rising Sun stood poised to knock down Australia's northern door. But first they needed Port Moresby. In the still of an August night, Japanese marines sailed quietly into Milne Bay, a long, malaria-ridden dead end at the far eastern tip of Papua, to unleash an audacious pincer movement. Unbeknown to them, however, a secret airstrip had been carved out of a coconut plantation by US Engineers, and a garrison of Australian troops had been established, supported by two locally based squadrons of RAAF Kittyhawks, including the men of the famed 75 Squadron. The scene was set for one of the most decisive and vicious battles of the war. For ten days and nights Australia's soldiers and airmen fought the elite of Japan's forces along a sodden jungle track, and forced them back step by muddy, bloody step. In Turning Point, bestselling author Michael Veitch brings to life the incredible exploits and tragic sacrifices of these Australian heroes
February 20, 2022
Often overlooked battle in the shadow of Kokoda track operation - it was the first land defeat of Japanese forces in WW2 by Allies. 2000 Japanese marines attempted to seize airfields, that would support assaults on Port Morseby, however was defeated by 9000 Australian defenders.
This was a good account, covered both sides and included air/land battle. Combat in the tropics is tough, no story from this theatre can be separated from the unforgiving environment both sides endured.
The military lessons I drew from the book:
- always recce an amphib Op
- kittyhawks are great strafing planes, aided by courageous pilots
- extra logistics for tropical jungles to prevent diseases
- keep higher HQ off your back with regular updates
- never leave anti-armour weapons behind
- rehearse tactical withdrawals by night.
This was a good account, covered both sides and included air/land battle. Combat in the tropics is tough, no story from this theatre can be separated from the unforgiving environment both sides endured.
The military lessons I drew from the book:
- always recce an amphib Op
- kittyhawks are great strafing planes, aided by courageous pilots
- extra logistics for tropical jungles to prevent diseases
- keep higher HQ off your back with regular updates
- never leave anti-armour weapons behind
- rehearse tactical withdrawals by night.
December 21, 2022
An often overlooked and underrated battle in the Pacific theatre off WW2, this historical oversight needed such a detailed, insightful and interestingly written analysis. Really appreciate the way this talented author has matured with his military history treatments of these battles where Australians were so heavily involved. Milne Bay was at the time not treated with the respect it deserved, and the author incisively uncovers some of the possible political reasons why it was so downplayed and not acknowledged. However the point is well made that this covers the point where, just after the Battle of the Coral Sea, Japanese confidence that they could roll on and continue their conquests with ease was *shattered* big time!
July 21, 2023
Excellent primary and secondary research on this battle
Hopefully the upper echelons of the military are no longer so stupid not to realise that it gets mushy in the tropics and diseases are more virile. The author pulls no punches in describing the moribund bureaucracy overseeing this key battle to keep Japan out of northern Australia. The Japanese were far better prepared in some ways - except for maps. Australian’s didn’t have them either and we had the advantage of feet on the ground and able to do some reconnoitring to set up advantageous positions. The conditions were atrocious and that led to (spoiler alert) atrocious acts of violence by the Japanese. Australia beat the Japanese for the first time in WWII in a land battle at Milne Bay.
Hopefully the upper echelons of the military are no longer so stupid not to realise that it gets mushy in the tropics and diseases are more virile. The author pulls no punches in describing the moribund bureaucracy overseeing this key battle to keep Japan out of northern Australia. The Japanese were far better prepared in some ways - except for maps. Australian’s didn’t have them either and we had the advantage of feet on the ground and able to do some reconnoitring to set up advantageous positions. The conditions were atrocious and that led to (spoiler alert) atrocious acts of violence by the Japanese. Australia beat the Japanese for the first time in WWII in a land battle at Milne Bay.
January 15, 2024
The battle at Milne Bay was the first land battle lost by the Japanese in their programme through the Pacific.
The fact the Allies managed to start work and have the extent of airstrip construction and size of force of men present remain secret from the Japanese flights over the area was due to the density of jungle. When I landed at Gurney airstrip in the late 1970s it was a different place and very open. I do not know why, but I could understand the problems with rain and malaria that were described. The pilots who flew during attacks were determined, attacks (which I did have) make you tired.
The book reflect that wars are influenced by chance and errors.
The winners of war may not have had the best strategy but have had the fortune in other factors.
The fact the Allies managed to start work and have the extent of airstrip construction and size of force of men present remain secret from the Japanese flights over the area was due to the density of jungle. When I landed at Gurney airstrip in the late 1970s it was a different place and very open. I do not know why, but I could understand the problems with rain and malaria that were described. The pilots who flew during attacks were determined, attacks (which I did have) make you tired.
The book reflect that wars are influenced by chance and errors.
The winners of war may not have had the best strategy but have had the fortune in other factors.
September 19, 2024
An extraordinary account of one of the most bizarre chapters of humanity’s eternal war against tyranny. To hear that Japanese school children have the atrocities of their imperial soldiers white washed is as appalling as the way some of our frontline commanders and troops were treated by their distant superiors. But the fact that this was the moment and the place in which Japanese advances were stopped is fascinating.
Well worth the read!
Well worth the read!
April 28, 2020
My Grandfather fought in the 7th Brigade, 61st Battalion, so this story of the Battle for Milne Bay has personal significance. The conditions and adversity that the Australian soldiers were forced to endure and overcome would seem insurmountable to most. Given the descriptions of the battles and what these men were subjected to, I am not surprised my Grandfather never spoke of his time in WW2.
September 25, 2021
Page Turner
Well written story of Milne Bay battle. Veitch brings the enormity and humanity of this crucial battle to the reader. I knew Milne Bay was a tremendous success for the Australians and their American comrades. As a former RAAF pilot, I am amazed by the fortitude and flying conditions experienced by the RAAF crews.
Well written story of Milne Bay battle. Veitch brings the enormity and humanity of this crucial battle to the reader. I knew Milne Bay was a tremendous success for the Australians and their American comrades. As a former RAAF pilot, I am amazed by the fortitude and flying conditions experienced by the RAAF crews.
April 20, 2020
Impressive.
A thoroughly researched and well written exploration of a little known episode in Australia’s WW2 military history. Sure, I’d heard of it but didn’t realise it’s importance until now.
A thoroughly researched and well written exploration of a little known episode in Australia’s WW2 military history. Sure, I’d heard of it but didn’t realise it’s importance until now.
July 16, 2023
I really enjoy Veitch’s writing. It’s not sickeningly patriotic or embellished to evoke pride. It’s the facts and realities of an interesting time period that can often be clouded by misconception. This account of the battle of Milne Bay is compelling.
4/5
4/5
May 29, 2021
Style is a bit journalistic, very well researched and argued. Would benefit from a more detailed map and tables of participating units and strengths etc. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2020
The Battle for Milne Bay is one of those stories that just must be told from an Australian history point of view. While mainly overlooked it was the first land defeat of the Japanese in the Indo/Pacific area and Australians should be proud of this feat. It has mainly been overlooked.
The book is well written and moves on at a steady pace. It is not really written jingoistically as it mentions al the mistakes made by both sides and acknowledges the part played by the American Construction Corps.
He maintains that pure luck played some part in the Australian victory while the Japanese preparations were not up to their usual standards.
A good read for Australian history buffs. I enjoyed it.
The book is well written and moves on at a steady pace. It is not really written jingoistically as it mentions al the mistakes made by both sides and acknowledges the part played by the American Construction Corps.
He maintains that pure luck played some part in the Australian victory while the Japanese preparations were not up to their usual standards.
A good read for Australian history buffs. I enjoyed it.
September 3, 2021
A great book that gives a great insight into the conditions under which the battle was fought, the air land cooperation, and the higher command pressure on the local commander.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews