To Kokoda and Beyond: The Story of the 39th Battalion

by Victor Austin (Editor)

This revised edition brings to public attention the pivotal role that the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion played in the vital Kokoda Trail battles of 1942.

Genres: Military History, World War II

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion, a militia unit that was thrown into battle against the Japanese Army advancing over the Owen Stanley’s towards Port Moresby in New Guinea in 1942. The unit was only partially trained, untried and under equipped but managed to slow down the Japanese advance until elements of the 2nd AIF arrived to help push the Japanese back over the Owen Stanley’s. This is a great story of brave men fighting an unequal battle and shows how in extreme situations some men shine, a great combat account that should be read by all.