Note: Page References in Bold Type Indicate Maps, Charts Or Photographs

Cambridge University Press 978-1-107-03799-1 - Australia 1943: The Liberation of New Guinea Edited by Peter J. Dean Index More information

Index

(Note: Page references in bold type indicate maps, charts or photographs)

1st Air Maintenance Company 179 2/12th Battalion 249–50, 251 I Australia Corps 63, 107, 181, 211, 2/12th Field Regiment 268, 273 212, 216, 225, 288 2/13th Battalion 264, 265, 269, 271 1st Australian Tank Battalion 271 2/14th Battalion 234, 235–6, 238, 1st Independent Company 173 239 1st Mountain Battery 199 2/15th Battalion 264 1st Parachute Refolding Platoon 2/16th Battalion 234, 235, 235–6, 178–9 238, 239, 246–8 1st Water Transport Group 174 2/16th Field Company 177 2nd Air Maintenance Company 2/17th Battalion 264, 265–6, 268, 271 179–80 2/23rd Battalion 218, 272, 273, 274 II Australia Corps 275, 288 2/24th Battalion 228, 272, 274 2/1st Field Regiment 192, 199 2/25th Infantry Battalion 222, 225, 2/2nd Battalion 241 226–7, 246 2/2nd Commando Squadron 241 2/27th Battalion 234, 238, 239, 244, 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion 222, 223 245, 247 2/3rd Independent Company 192, 194 2/28th Battalion 220, 269, 274 2/3rd Pioneer Battalion 268 2/31st Battalion 223 2/4th Battalion 241 2/32nd Battalion 273 2/4th Field Regiment 205, 210, 245 2/33rd Infantry Battalion 222, 223 2/4th Independent Company 220 2/48th Battalion 271, 272, 272, 273, 2/4th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment 274 258, 268 3rd Air Maintenance Company 181 2/5th Battalion 190, 191, 192, 203, 3rd Australian Division 61, 64, 194, 203, 204 206, 212 2/5th Independent Company (Kanga 4th Brigade 256, 265, 271, 275, 277, Force) 189, 191, 194 288 2/6th Battalion 186–7, 190, 191, 194 5th Australian Division 199, 204, 206, 2/6th Commando Squadron 234, 212, 279, 285–8 236–8 6th Australian Division 5, 190, 288 2/6th Field Regiment 199, 201, 222 7th Australian Division 225, 287, 288 2/7th Battalion 199, 204, 206 accidental shelling by 9th Division 2/7th Commando Squadron 241 229 2/7th Independent Company 189, air-landing at Nadzab 214 191, 194 amphibious training exercises 148 2/9th Battalion 249, 250 arrival in Nadzab and Markham 2/10th Battalion 249, 250 Valley 205, 222, 223

292

© in this web service Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org Cambridge University Press 978-1-107-03799-1 - Australia 1943: The Liberation of New Guinea Edited by Peter J. Dean Index More information

INDEX 293

assault on Nadzab and Lae 224, 24th Battalion 194, 219 228, 226–8 24th Brigade 268, 269, 271, 275 at Kokoda Trail 173 25th Brigade 222, 226, 234, 239, 241, Markham and Ramu valleys 243, 245, 246, 248, 251 campaign 233–4, 242, 243, 244, 26th Brigade 219, 220, 271, 272, 275, 245, 251, 252 279 role in Phase I of Operation Postern 29/46th Infantry Battalion 255, 281 61, 62, 211, 213 29th Brigade 204, 205 role in Phase II of Operation 30th Battalion 285 Postern 61, 63, 64 42nd Battalion 205 seizure and development of airfield 57/60th Militia Battalion 215, 285 at Nadzab 210, 214 58/59th Battalion 194 strafing by US Fifth Air Force 229 threat to Japanese at Lae 221 Adachi, Lieutenant-General Hatazo 8th Australian Division 2, 279 47, 71, 193, 205, 238–9, 252, 8th Brigade 280, 285, 287, 288 260, 261, 265, 277 9th Australian Division Adair, Lieutenant-Commander accidental shelling of 7th Division Charles 260 229 Advisory War Council, response to advance to Sio 278 Casablanca decision 31 amphibious training 216 aerial photography 149 capture of Finschhafen 257–8 Ainslie, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert intelligence reports on Japanese 274 garrison at Finschhafen 262 air bases landing at Lae 205, 211, 213, 216, construction by Allies 124, 170–1 218 construction by Japanese 124 Operation Diminish 165 in South and Southwest Pacific return from Middle East 154 Areas 118 return to Australia 288 air-dropping stations 201 role in Phase I of Operation Postern air drops 179–80 61, 62 Air Force, Australian see Royal role in Phase II of Operation Postern Australian Air Force (RAAF) 62, 63, 64, 104–5, 134, 135, 136 Air Force, US see US Air Force securing of Huon Peninsula 256, (USAAF) 279, 281 air power strafing by US Fifth Air Force 229 and Allied control of the seas 53, 66 11th Australian Division 243, 251, Allied operations for air superiority 278, 285, 287 over Lae area 214–16 15th Battalion 206 fundamental roles of 10 15th Brigade 194, 199, 201, 204, 251, Kenney’s approach to 102–3 285, 287, 288 relative strengths of Allied and 15th Militia Brigade 248 Japanese forces 125, 129, 134, 17th Brigade 123, 190, 191, 194, 199, 135, 136 201, 204 significance in tipping the balance of 18th Brigade 234, 241, 246, 248, 251 power 123–4 20th Brigade 219, 220, 257–8, 260, air transport, for logistical support 262–4, 265, 266, 268, 269, 271, 178–81 275, 279 air war 21st Brigade 225, 226, 234, 238, 239, over New Guinea 74–5 241, 243, 245, 248, 251 RAAF contributions compared to 22nd Battalion 265, 277 US AAF 137–8

294 INDEX

Allied Air Forces 56 naval operations 150–9 Allied airbases sidelining of Australian command of construction 124, 170–1 US forces 57 in South and Southwest Pacific in South and Southwest Pacific Areas 118 Areas, 1942 20 Allied chain of command, structure in South and Southwest Pacific and inter-service rivalries 49–51 Areas, February 1943 – April Allied GHQ (Brisbane) 1944 21 command structure 58 US and Australian operations in different approaches to warfare of Southwest Pacific Area, 1943 90 two armies 59–60 US and New Zealand operations in inter-service tensions 59 South Pacific Area, 1943 91 US–Australian relations 58–61 see also names of operations e.g. Allied Intelligence Bureau 146, 154 Operation Cartwheel Allied Land Forces 56 Allied strategy Allied maritime supply lines for 1943 51 major trunk route 151–2 Casablanca conference 29, 30–1, significance and threats to 143–4 51 Southwest Pacific 119 concurrence with Australian war Western branch of main supply line effort 39 152 decision-making bodies 26–7 Allied naval operations lack of Australian influence on convoys on major trunk route 26–7, 32–3 151–2 Pacific Military Conference 214–21 Operation Accountant 152 Pacific reduced to fifth on list of Operation Dexterity 157 priorities 30–1 Operation Director 157–8 renewed emphasis on Pacific 32, 35 Operation Lilliput 151–2, 153 Trident conference 32, 35 in the Solomons 156–7 US naval strategy in South Pacific special operations 154–5 during 1943 97–100 submarine attacks on Japanese American–British–Dutch–Australian merchant shipping 151 (ADBA) Command 46 see also amphibious operations amphibious craft and shipping 17, Allied naval situation 148, 181, 182 assignment of resources 143 amphibious operations developments in materiel 147–50 landing at Arawe 157 finding safe routes for ships 148 landing at Lae 205, 211, 213, 216, firepower situation 150 217, 218 indivisibility of war at sea 143, 145 landing at Nassau Bay on 29 June intelligence sharing 145–7 153–4 numbering of fleets 144 landings at Kiriwina and Woodlark strategic and organisational changes Islands 153 143–7 landings for Finschhafen operation threat of Indian Ocean raiders 155–6, 234 145 motor transport 182–3 threats to Allied shipping 145 opposed landings for capture of Lae Allied Navy Forces 56 155 see also Royal Australian Navy amphibious warfare (RAN); US Navy contemporary relevance of lessons Allied operations from 1943 10–12 division of Pacific into two separate logistics 181–4 commands 49 need for naval beach party 183

INDEX 295

Ship-to-Objective Manoeuvre B-24 Liberator bombers 124, 139, (STOM) 10, 17 223 ship-to-shore capability 182 B-25 Mitchell bombers 102, 125, 126, technological innovations and 216 changes in doctrine 10–11 Band, Lieutenant-Commander John training 148 156 Angus, Sergeant M. R. 63 Barbey,ViceAdmiralDanielE.57, ANZUS alliance 11 100, 104, 105 ‘Ark Royal’ series 174 amphibious operations expertise Army, Australian see Australian Army 102 Army, Japanese see Japanese Army on inter-service rivalry at Brisbane Army, US see US Army HQ 57, 59 Arthur, Wing Commander Wilfred on nighttime landings 104–5 ‘Woof’ 125, 130, 135 planning for landing of 9th Division artillery at Lae 216, 217 3-inch mortars 246, 255 presenting Legion of Merit 3.7-inch howitzers 199 decoration to Van Zandt 103 25-pounder guns 192, 199–201, relationship with Herring 260, 266, 210, 246, 255, 263, 268, 273, 269 277 relationships with Australian 75-mm guns 199 counterparts and subordinates 60 155-mm guns 199 on speed of planning, preparations challenges of terrain 199–201 and operations 107–8 in Wau–Salamaua campaign Bathurst Class corvettes 147 199–201 Battle of the Atlantic 151–2 Atkinson, Lieutenant G. H. 285–7 Battle of Bismark Sea 48, 70, 123, Australia, threat of Japanese invasion 127, 125–8, 193 35–6 Battle of the Coral Sea 26, 46 Australia–US alliance Battle of El Alamein 220 basing of SWPA in Australia 26 battle honours 5 need for 1 Battle of Kolombangara 154 Australian Army Battle of Midway 26, 46 organisational structure 5 Battle of Tassafaronga 142 structure 33 Beachheads battle 230 see also individual units, e.g. 2/2nd Beaufighters 124, 125, 126, 127, 134, Battalion 135, 192 Australian Labour Party (ALP), Beaufort bombers 125, 134, 135, 136, opposition to conscription 33–4 137, 137 Australian Land Headquarters (LHQ) Berryman, Major-General Frank 60, 257 288 Australian mandated territories advance on Sio 275–6, 279 strategic importance of 45 on condition of troops on Huon see also New Guinea (Territory); Penisula 279 Papua (Territory) estimate of size of Japanese garrison Australian New Guinea at Finschhafen 258–9 Administrative Unit (ANGAU) investigation of Savige’s and 239–40 Herring’s behaviour 199, 204 Australia’s Pacific Inner Arc, strategic planning for capture of Lae 61, 62, significance of 12 212–14 response to Japanese withdrawal B-17 Flying Fortresses 124, 126, from Lae 225, 227–9 211 on US–Australian relations 58

296 INDEX

Bickle,PrivateJ.H.226 at War Cabinet meeting in October Bishop, Lieutenant-Colonel John 244 1943 37 Black Cat Track 188, 191 Boase, Major-General Allan 285 Blamey, General Sir Thomas Boomerangs 134, 135, 136, 192, 245, command of Allied Land Forces 246, 247 56–7 Boston bombers see Douglas on command of Cape Gloucester A-20 Havoc bombers operation 288–9 Bougainville campaign 5 command of New Guinea Force 55, Bradley, Phillip 8 57 Buisaval Track 186–8, 191, 199, 201 as commander of SWPA Allied Bulldog 187 Land Forces 28, 41 Bulldog Landing 174 as Commander-in-Chief of Bulldog Track 73, 173, 174–8 Australian Army 41 Bulldog–Wau Road (Reinhold decision to send reinforcements to Highway) 174–8, 176, 180, 213 Wau 190 Bunaairfield7,54 difficulties of dual role 41 Burns, Lieutenant R. T. C. 226 dispute over reinforcements for Burrage, Squadron Leader Reg 133 Finschhafen 266, 269 Busu River 220–1 on extent of Australian military commitment 38 Callister, Flight Sergeant 134, 135 impatience with response to his Cameron, Brigadier Claude 287 shipping demands 145 Cape Gloucester, assault on 157–8, investigation of leadership at Wau 288–9 197 Carpender, Vice Admiral Arthur 56, on launching of Operation Postern 60, 144 180 Cartwheel Operations see Operation at Leyte Island in Philippines 101 Cartwheel on malaria problem 172 Casablanca conference 29, 30–1 plan to capture Japanese base at Lae Casey, Private Frank 186–7, 190 61–3, 212, 257 Casey, Brigadier-General Hugh J. 177 plans for liberation of New Guinea casualties 61–4 Huon Peninsula campaign 280, 281 plea to United States for additional Phase I of Operation Postern 230 resources 32 Phase II of Operation Postern as principal Australian military 237–8, 251–2 adviser to Curtin 27–8, 29, 31, Wau–Salamaua campaign 192, 206 41 Catalinas 125, 133–4, 135, 138 reaction to Japanese withdrawal Central Bureau 145 order 225, 227, 228 Central Pacific Area removal of US troops from his area of operations 51 command 57 operation against Tarawa 51 on resources required for offensive Chamberlin, Brigadier-General operations 34 Stephen 31, 60, 213 return from New Guinea to Chilton, Brigadier Frederick 241, 248 strategic area 37 Churchill, Winston on size of force required for capture at Casablanca conference 29, 31 of Finschhafen 260 on equal war effort for European tour of New Guinea battle area 59 and Pacific fronts 32 vision for Wau–Salamaua campaign influence over Allied strategy 26 195–7 at Trident conference 32

INDEX 297

Citizen Military Forces plea for Pacific to be considered composition and purpose 33 second front 32 expansion of area of service recommendations for contribution 33–4 to war effort 36 in Papua 33 reliance on Shedden’s advice 27 Clampett, Lieutenant Bob 245 request for amendment of Labor Clark, William (RAAF pilot) 133 platform on conscription 33–4 Clegg, LAC Charles 134, 135 on threat of invasion of Australia Coates, John 8 35 combined-arms tactics 95 Cusworth, Lieutenant-Colonel Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) Kenneth 255 26–9 Conaghan, Wing Commander Hugh Dakota transports see Douglas C-47 134 (Dakotas) conscription Dean, Peter 8 of Citizen Military Forces 33 Defence Act 33 Labor Party opposition to 33–4 defence policy Cresswell, Squadron Leader Dick 125, contemporary relevance of lessons 130, 131, 133 from 1943 9–12 Crutchley, Rear-Admiral Victor 144, significance of Australia’s Pacific 154 Inner Arc 12 Cunningham, Brigadier-General Dennis, Peter 9 Julian W. 106–7 Derrick, Sergeant Tom ‘Diver’ 274 Curtin government Dibb, Paul 12 allocation of command of Distinguished Conduct Medal 247 Australian forces to MacArthur Distinguished Flying Cross 137 27 Distinguished Service Cross 225–6 allocation of resources for 1943 Distinguished Service Order 130 operations 29, 33–6 Dixon, Sir Owen 32 approval to expand area of service Dobodura air base 134, 135, 171, for militia 33–4 181 balancing the war effort 36–40 Dougherty, Brigadier Ivan 238, 239, concerns over nature and extent of 241, 244, 245 Australia’s role in offensives Douglas A-20 Havoc bombers 102, 34–5 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 134, Defence Committee report on 135, 136, 139, 192 strengths of three services 34 Douglas C-47 (Dakotas) 134, 135, policy decisions on contribution to 178–9, 236, 239 war effort 37–40 drop zones 180, 201 Curtin, John Dumpu airstrip 234, 239, 241–2 advisors on military strategy 28, dysentry 171 27–8 aim to obtain more Allied resources Eastwood, Sergeant Basil 129 27 Eather, Brigadier Ken 223 appeal to US people 30 Eccleston’s Gap (Bulldog, New appeals to Roosevelt and Churchill Guinea) 175 for additional resources 30, 32 Eichelberger, Robert L. 93, 95, 100–1 MacArthur as principal military Emerton, Squadron Leader Jim 138 adviser 27, 28, 40, 41–2 Evans, Brigadier Bernard 269 manipulation by MacArthur 27, Evans, Brigadier E. 64 31–3 Evatt, H. V. 32–3

298 INDEX

Fairley, Colonel Neil Hamilton 172 Hall, Corporal Merv 247, 248 Fairmile motor launches 147 Hallion, Lieutenant Reginald 237 Far East Liaison Office 262 Halsey, Vice Admiral William Faria Valley 242–4 Bougainville offensive 111 Finisterre Range 225, 229, 233 cancellation of Kolombangara Finschhafen campaign operation 110 Allied advance towards 264–5 as commander of SOPAC 49, Allied landing at Scarlet Beach 96, 97 262–4 as commander of Third Fleet 144 Allied planning for capture of lessons learned at Guadalcanal 256–60 99 assessment of campaign 269–71 on New Georgia operation 110 dispute over reinforcements 265–7, plan for isolation of Rabaul 56 269–71 plan for reduction of Rabaul fight for 262–5 99–100, 108–9 Japanese counter attack 267–9, 270 rejection of an offensive through Japanese defence 260–2 Central Pacific 98–9 Japanese operational security 267 on victory at Guadalcanal 94 planning for 256–60 Hamilton, Captain Harold 263 size of Allied force needed 259–60 Hammer, Brigadier Heathcote ‘Tack’ size of Japanese garrison 258–9, 204, 285 262 Harmon, Lieutenant-General strategic significance 257, 280–1 Milliard F. 100, 108–9, 110 see also Operation Diminish Hasluck, Paul 37 Finschhafen–Scarlet Beach–Sattelberg health issues Area 259 dysentry 171 First Australian Army see New Guinea malaria 172–3 Force tropical diseases 171–3, 251, Frazier, Lieutenant Everette 236, 238 279 Furuyama, Superior Private Toro 280 typhus 172 ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ see New war neuroses 110 Guinean workers; Papuan Heavey, Brigadier-General W. F. 64, workers 216 Herring, Lieutenant-General Edmund Garing, Group Captain ‘Bull’ 125, 127 39, 194, 213, 225, 266, 267 Gasmata airfield 134, 137 attempt to reduce unloading times Ghormley, Vice Admiral Robert L. 49, from LSTs 184 96 command roles 63–4, 229 Glasscock, Squadron Leader Clarrie discussion with Blamey on capture 134, 135 of Lae 196–9 Graham, Corporal Sydney 237 on Finschhafen campaign 269 Grey, Jeffrey 9 plans for capture of Finschhafen Griswold, Major-General Oscar 110 257–8 Guadalcanal Campaign 47 relationship with Barbey 260, 269 Japanese withdrawal 144 relationship with Savige 205 lessons about waging war in South response to Berryman’s breach of Pacific 94–5 protocol 227–9 psychological victory for Allies 94 Hewitt, Air Commodore Joe 130, 131, SOPAC command over 47, 50 132, 133, 135, 136 strategic objective 93 historiography, neglect of New Guinea Gullett, Captain Henry 206 campaigns 7–9 Gunn, Paul I. ‘Pappy’ 102 HMAS Arunta 158

INDEX 299

HMAS Australia 147, 158, 158 Japanese Army HMAS Benalla 155 1st Battalion 193 HMAS Bundaberg 287 1st Shipping Group 261 HMAS Canberra 147 2nd Battalion 193 HMAS Hobart 154 III/26th Field Artillery Battalion HMAS Kanimbla 148, 182 261 HMAS Lithgow 146 Fourth Air Army 74, 214, 215 HMAS Manoora 148, 182 5th SASEBO (naval landing troops) HMAS Polaris 155 212 HMAS Shepparton 155 6th Air Division 74, 214 HMAS Shropshire 147, 154 6th Division 70 HMAS Stella 155 7th Air Division 74, 214 HMAS Vendetta 287 Eighth Area Army 70, 72, 73, 74, HMAS Westralia 148, 157, 182 261 Hodgkinson, John (RAAF pilot) 130, 14th Air Brigade 214 131 14th Field Artillery Regiment 205, homefront 7 212 Horner, David 8, 288 Seventeenth Army 83 hovercraft 17 Eighteenth Army 48, 70, 71, 72, 73, Hudson, Captain 64, 216 74, 83, 193, 214, 287, 290 Hunt, Dick (RAAF pilot) 126 20th Division 70, 71, 234–9, 242, Huon Peninsula campaign 261, 262, 267, 268, 271, 276, 9th and 11th Divisions advance to 280 Sio 278 21st Independent Mixed Brigade assessment of campaign 280–1 212 capture of Fortiﬁcation Point 255, 21st Infantry Regiment 212 277–9 26th Field Artillery Regiment capture of Sio 275–9 (Nakai Force) 238 capture of Wareo–Gusika Ridge 30th Independent Engineer 276–7 Regiment 205 casualties 280, 281 41st Division 70, 71, 73, 261, command problems 23 262 nature of 256 41st Infantry Regiment 212, 261 Pabu operation 273, 274–5 51st Division 70, 71, 127, 193, 205, Sattelberg operation 271–3 212, 223–5, 261, 280 tropical disease 279 52nd Division 84 see also Finschhafen campaign 66th Infantry Regiment 194, 205 78th Infantry Regiment 235, 238, Imamura, General Hitoshi 80, 261, 242, 246 277 79th Regiment 267, 269 Imoto, Lieutenant-Colonel Kumao 72, 80th Infantry Regiment 205, 212, 73, 74, 78, 80 222, 261, 262, 268, 273 intelligence sharing 145–7 238th Infantry Regiment 205, 261, Iwo Jima 7 262 102nd Infantry (Okabe Jackson Drome (Port Moresby) 171 Detachment) 47, 70, 189–90, Jackson’s Strip 223 191, 193, 194, 205, 261 ‘Jap Track’ 191, 193 115th Regiment 70, 193, 205 Japanese airbases, in South and disagreement with Navy over Southwest Paciﬁc Areas 118 defence of Solomons 69–70 Japanese Absolute National Defence search for appropriate defensive Zone 68, 82, 82, 82–4, 87, 276 strategy 75–82

300 INDEX

Japanese Army (cont.) Operation No. 18 70 South Seas Detachment 70, 189–90 reinforcement of forces in structure 85 Lae–Salamaua area 70–2 Japanese Imperial General HQ situation on the ground in summer command organisation in January of 1943 69–75 1943 24 submarine attacks on Australian inter-service rivalries 50 commercial shipping 150–1 Japanese maritime supply lines targeting of New Guinea as next Allied pressure on 153 main battlefield 69 Southwest Pacific Area 119, 152 Japanese signal codes, decrypting of Japanese military strategy 289 adoption of National Defence Zone Johns, Lieutenant Robert 244 68, 82, 87, 276 John’s Knoll 243–4 decision to reinforce Lae 189–90 Jones, George (Chief of Air Staff) 132, fate of Absolute National Defence 133, 135, 136 Zone 82–4 jungle warfare 94–5 reasons for not withdrawing main line of resistance 77–8 Kaiapit airstrip 234, 235–9 search for appropriate defensive Kanga Force 189, 191, 192, 194, strategy 75–82 206 transition from offensive to strategic Kankiyo Saddle, seizure of 234, defensive 68 249–51 Japanese Navy Katagiri, Lieutenant-General Shigeru Third Fleet 79 267, 273, 276 7th Base Force 70, 261 Kelliher, Private Richard 226–7 Eleventh Air Fleet 79 Kennedy, Lieutenant-General George adoption of Third Stage Operations 54, 56 plan 78–9 Kenney, General George C. 31, 53, China Area Fleet 78 57, 102–3, 104, 105, 132, 133, Combined Fleet 78, 79 136, 217 disagreement with Army over on dangers facing troop carriers defence of Solomons 69–70 179 Marianas campaign 79 efforts to gain air superiority in Lae Operation I 79 area 215–16 Japanese operations on lack of Australian flight air offensive against New Guinea, personnel 131 Papua and Solomon Islands 48, relationships with Australian 129–31 counterparts and subordinates attempt to seize Allied base at Wau 60 47–8 request for creation of No. 10 battle for possession of Wau 72–4 Operational Group 138 construction of Madang–Lae road view of air power 102–3 72 watching of drop of troops at defence of the Solomons 69–70 Nadzab 211 FS Operation 46 Kimura, Admiral 125 invasion attempt at Milne Bay 47 King, Admiral Ernest J. 47 landing on Guadalcanal 46 as Chief of Navy Operations 49 landing in Papua 46 numbering of fleets 144 offensive operations in 1943 47–8 preference for offensive through Operation A 129, 131 Central Pacific 97–8 Operation I 153 King, Captain Gordon 236, 237

INDEX 301

Kinsler, Colonel Kenneth H. 210, 211 number of troops that could be Kiriwina airfield 132, 133 transported to New Guinea per Kiriwina Island, Allied landing on week 180 104, 153 packaging of stores 169 Kokoda Trail campaign 7, 47, 70, parachutes 178–9 173, 189, 229, 230 pilferage 169–70 Komiatum Track 201, 203 road building 174–8, 176 Krait 154–5 shipping 167–8 Krueger, Lieutenant-General Walter storage of reserves 168–9 56, 57, 100, 101, 289 Long, Gavin 275 background and skills 101 Lowe, Geoffrey 250 coordination of operations Lukis, Air Commodore Frank 136, involving Alamo Force 104 138 on joint and combined effort Lyon, Flight Sergeant John 129 of 1943 107 Lyon, Major 154 Operation Dexterity 105, 106 Kumachi, Lieutenant-General ‘M’ Heavy Battery 199 Teramoto 214 MacArthur, General Douglas assembling of command team for Lae Operation Cartwheel 100–4 Japanese reinforcement of 189–90 award of knighthood 40 see also Operation Postern: Phase I blocking of new post of Air Lakekamu River 173–4, 187 Officer Commanding RAAF 132, Landing Craft, Infantry (LCI) 148, 133 182, 217, 218 on Brisbane Line of defence 40–1 Landing Craft, Mechanical (LCM) command of Australian forces 27 285 command over SWPA and SOPAC Landing Craft, Tank (LCT) 182, 217 51 Landing Ship, Infantry (LSI) 148, 149, command style 57 182 as Commander-in-Chief of SWPA Landing Ship, Tank (LST) 148, 182, 26, 50 183–4 commitment to leave New Guinea Learmonth, Squadron Leader Charles to the Australians 288 126 creation of air base at Merauke Legg, Frank 279 136–7 LHQ Medical Research Unit (Cairns) with Curtin at Advisory War 172 Council Meeting 28 Liberation of New Guinea battle as Curtin’s principle military adviser honour 5 27, 28 logistics forces used in isolation of Rabaul air drops 179–80 56–7 air transport 178–81 influence over Allied strategy and amphibious warfare 181–4 operations 26 base development 168–73 influence over Australian strategic canned food 169 decision-making 38, 40–1 dropping grounds for air drops 180 on lack of shipping 168 fuel supplies and rationing 183 negotiations for Australian fuel transport 170 manpower and resources 35 land transport 173–8 orders for Finschhafen operation motor transport for amphibious 257, 258–60 operations 182–3 plan for airfield at Buna 7

302 INDEX

MacArthur, General Douglas (cont.) Maruoka, Colonel Kohei 193 plan for landing 9th Division at Lae Matilda II tanks 255, 272, 273, 217 277–8 plan to liberate Philippines 27, 31, mental health issues, war neuroses 110 53, 95–6, 289 Merauke air base 136–7, 171 on reinforcements for Finschhafen merchant shipping 266, 269–71 Japanese submarine attacks on reports to JCS through General 150–1 Marshall 49 production in Australia 151 response to directive to isolate US submarine attacks on Japanese Rabaul 54–6 ships 151 response to directive to seize Milford, Major-General Edward 199, Japanese base at Rabaul 29–32 204–5 strategy to gain greater priority for Military Cross recipients 174 his command 27, 31–3 military history, significance of 1943 on structure of Australian Army 33 13 on threat of invasion of Australia Military Medal recipients 237 35–6 military strategy tour of New Guinea battle area 59 contemporary relevance of lessons use of airpower to support maritime from 1943 9–12 strategy 52–4 Primary Operating Environment 12 use of Sutherland to argue for Miller, Damien (RAAF pilot) 138 additional forces 31 Milne Bay air base 133, 171 value placed on speed 107–8 Missim Track 194, 201 watching of drop of troops at Moore, Archie (RAAF pilot) 135, Nadzab 211 136 McCaughey, Lieutenant Sam 248 ‘mopping up’ operations 5–6 McCaughey’s Knoll 247 Morison, Samuel Eliot 8 Mackay, Lieutenant-General Iven 37, Morshead, Lieutenant-General Leslie 39, 266 39, 41, 229, 246, 288 McKee, Keith (RAAF pilot) 126 Moten, Brigadier Murray 191, 192, Madang 194, 196, 203, 204 Allied occupation of 285–7 motor transport, for amphibious capture of 3, 6 operations 182–3 Maher, Lieutenant J. E. 63 Mubo 187 malaria 172–3 Munda, battle for 109–10 Mariner transports 131 MV Alma Doepel 181 maritime strategy MV Frances Peat 181 to achieve victory at Lae 230 MV George Peat 181 to recapture Rabaul 52–4 MV Kalang 181 maritime supply lines MV Muliama 181 significance and threats to 143–4 Southwest Pacific Area 119 Nadzab air base 230 Markham and Ramu Valleys Nadzab airfield 134, 230 operations see Operation Postern: Nadzab–Lae campaign, exclusion Phase II from Liberation of New Guinea Markham Valley Road 181 battle honour 5 Marshall, General George C. 49, 58, Nakai, Major-General Masutaro 238, 99 241 Marshall, Major-General Richard C. 59 Nakano, Lieutenant-General Martin, Major-General Clarence A. Hidemitsu 193–4, 205, 212, 223, 107 225, 229

INDEX 303

Naval Forces SWPA 144 New Zealand, operations in South Nave, Commander T. E. 146 Pacific Area in 1943 91 Navy, Australian see Royal Australian Newton, Flight Lieutenant Bill 123, Navy (RAN) 128–9, 139 Navy, Japanese see Japanese Navy Newton Field 139 Navy, US see US Navy Nicoll, Wing Commander Geoff New Britain 135–6 holding action 5 Nimitz, Admiral Chester securing of 105–7 command over Central Pacific Area New Georgia campaign 51 battle for Munda 109–10 as Commander of US Pacific Fleet casualties 230 and Pacific Ocean Area 49 Kolombangara operation 110 directive to seize Japanese base at New Guinea (Territory) Rabaul 29 air war 74–5 Norman, Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Australian operations on mainland 220 in 1942 4 Norseman transports 131 campaigns for liberation of 3–6 Northcott, Lieutenant-General John extent of 4 37 Japanese invasion and occupation Northern Territory Force 229 189, 240 military operations during 1942 Okabe, Major-General Tooru 189, 189 193 SWPA plan for liberation 55–6 Okinawa 7 New Guinea Campaign Operation Cartwheel assessment 290 aim 54–6, 256 Australian and US operations 286 air transport logisitics 178–81 historiography 7–9 amphibious warfare logistics lessons about waging war in South 181–4 Pacific 94–5 base development logistics psychological victory for Allies 168–73 93–4 battle for Munda 109–10 strategic objective 93 Bougainville offensive 111 New Guinea Force (later First command organisation in Australian Army) 5, 194, September 1943 23 288 Halsey’s plan for 99–100 capture of Finschhafen 257 on Huon Penisula 104–5 masking operation against incidence of ‘war neuroses’ 110 Salamaua 213 Kolombangara operation 110 occupation of Madang 285–7 land transport logistics 173–8 plan to capture Japanese base at Lae landings on Woodlark and Kiriwina 61–3, 212, 257 Islands 104, 153 role in liberation of eastern New MacArthur’s commanders 100–4 Guinea 5, 55–6, 104–5 objectives and forces involved 55 seizing of Saidor 107 Phase II 55–6, 257 under command of Blamey 55, 57, plan for reduction of Rabaul 55 268, 288 seizing of Saidor 107 under command of Morshead 246 shipping logistics 167–8 New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR) SOPAC’s offensive operations 189, 206 109–11 New Guinean workers, assistance to SWPA’s offensive operations 104–8 Allies 201–2, 239–40 Toenails 108

304 INDEX

Operation Cartwheel (cont.) quality of senior commanders US command and organisation 240–1 for 92 seizure of Kankiyo Saddle 234, US–Australian relations 58–61 249–51 Operation Dexterity 105–7, 157 Shaggy Ridge battle 233, 234, Operation Diminish 155–6, 165 244–8 Operation Director 157–8 size, strength and make-up of Operation Hailstone 52 Japanese forces 234–5 Operation Husky (Sicily) 211 Operation Providence 7, 54 Operation Postern: Phase I 61, 62–3, Operation Torch (North Africa) 211 164, 213 accident at Nadzab airfield 223 P-38 Lightnings 130, 131, 134, 140, air attack on Japanese airfields at 216 Wewak 216 P-39 Airacobras 216 air support 214–16 P-40 Kittyhawks 130, 131, 132, 133, Australian offensives against Lae 134, 135, 136, 137, 139, 140, and Salamaua 219 246, 247 casualties 230 P-47 Thunderbolts 216 crossing of Busu River 220–1 Pacific Ocean Area establishment of Marilinan air strip Nimitz as Commander 49 215 subdivisions 49 Japanese withdrawal 223–9 under US Navy control 49 landing of 9th Division 205, 211, see also Central Pacific Area; South 213, 216 Pacific Area (SOPAC) launch of 180 Pacific War 17 nature of campaign 212 Allied chain of command 49–51 plan to capture Japanese base 61–3 Allied strategy under two lines of plans and preparations 212–14 operations 51 scale model of Huon Peninsula and Australian theatre in 1943 30 Markham Valley 62, 63, 212 brutality of 204, 251 seizure and development of airfield first phase 26 at Nadzab 213, 214, 222 focus of large-scale operations in significance of victory at Lae late 1942 and 1943 46–9 211–12, 229 third phase 26 strength of Japanese at Lae 212 Pacific War Council, lack of influence striking from the sky 221–3 over Allied strategy 27 Operation Postern: Phase II 61, 62, Papua (Territory) 63–4, 164, 213 Australian operations in 1942 4 capture of airstrip at Dumpu 234, mistreatment of locals by Japanese 239, 241–2 240 capture of airstrip at Kaiapit 234, Papua New Guinea, political 235–9 geography in 1943 3–5 casualties 237–8, 251–2 Papuan Campaign defence of acquired airfields 242–4 Allied victory 47 Japanese intelligence 238 events leading to 7 John’s Knoll action 243–4 SWPA command over 47 McCaughey’s Knoll 247 Papuan Infantry Battalion 124, 199, military significance 252 234 operations 234 Papuan workers, engaged by Allies patrols of Faria Valley 242–4 174, 175, 177 planning for 234 parachutes, refolding of 178–9

INDEX 305

Parer, Damien 124, 126 73 Wing 132–3 Parnell, Private ‘Tex’ 249, 250 75 Squadron 125, 130, 131, 133 Philippines, US liberation of 6, 7, 289 76 Squadron 132 ‘Polly’ (Kittyhawk) 130 77 Squadron 125, 130–1, 132, 133 Price, Owen (RAAF pilot) 135, 136 78 Squadron 139 prisoners, torture of 204 79 Squadron 132, 133, 135–6 Provost Corps, Special Investigation 86 Squadron 136 Branch (SIB) 170 100 Squadron 131, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 Quinn, Squadron Leader 137 aircrew serving with USAAF 3rd Attack Group 125 Rabaul attack on Lindenhafen 138 Allied capture of Japanese base 49 attacks on enemy positions in New Allied directive to seize Japanese Britain, July 1943 133 base 27, 29–32, 51 attacks on enemy positions on isolation of 52 Salamaua Isthmus 128 maritime strategy to recapture 52–4 attacks on Gasmata airﬁeld 134, role of Allied airpower in recapture 137 52, 135–6, 137–8 in Battle of Bismark Sea 123, 125–8 strategic importance 45, 46, 48 in battle at Milne Bay, 14 April Ramu valley see Operation Postern: 1943 130–1 Phase II in battle at Wau 48, 123–4 Reingold, Lieutenant Colonel William command 57 174–5 command organisation in January Reinhold Highway (Bulldog–Wau 1943 120 Road) 174–8, 176, 180, 213 contribution compared to US Air Richards, Corporal W. H. ‘Billy’ 226 Force 137–8 Ritchie, Private John 273 engagements during Japanese air River Class frigates 147 offensive in April 1943 129–31 road building 174–8, 176 evacuation of Allied casualties 135, Roe, Pilot Ofﬁcer Dick 126 136 Roosevelt, Franklin 26, 29 ground support for Mubo Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operations 132 1 Fighter Wing 123 leadership rivalries 132–3, 135, 1 Medical Air Evacuation Transport 136 Unit 135, 136 manpower problems 132 1 Wireless Unit 131 nuisance raids 138 4 Fighter Sector 124 in Operation Postern 62 4 Squadron 131, 134, 135, 192, operational and administrative 245, 246 control 132 6 Squadron 131, 135, 136 operations in New Guinea in 1943 8 Squadron 135, 136 123 9 Operational Group 57, 131, operations supporting recapture of 132–3, 134, 137, 138 Rabaul 52, 135–6, 137–8 10 Operational Group 138–9, 140 plan to develop 72 squadrons 131, 22 Squadron 126, 131, 133, 138, 132 139, 192 raids on New Britain 134 24 Squadron 135 relations with Army 132 30 Squadron 125, 126, 127, 128, role in 1944–45 campaign 140 131, 133, 134, 135, 192 squadrons under Kenney’s 72 Wing 136 command 131

306 INDEX

Royal Australian Air Force (cont.) Shrikes 131 torpedo squadrons 135, 136, 137 signals intelligence 153 US commitment to provide Sims, Captain William 112 additional aircraft 32–3, 131 Skinner, Austin (RAAF pilot) 126 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) SOPAC see South Pacific Area actions fought during 1942 142 (SOPAC) Anti-submarine School 150–9 sources, on Australian operations, Coast Watcher service 146–7, 153, 1943 8–9 155, 157 South Pacific, strategic importance of command organisation in January Australian mandated territories 1943 121 45 contributions to Allied cause in South Pacific Area (SOPAC) 1943 159 Allied operations, 1942 20 expansion during 1943 147 Allied operations, February 1943 – operational priorities during 1943 April 1944 21 142–3 area of operations 51 return of ships from Europe to command over Guadalcanal Pacific 145 Campaign 47, 50 Royle, Admiral Sir Guy 144 Commanders 49 Rupertus, Major-General William H. geographical and command 105–6 boundaries 50 plan for isolation of Rabaul 56 Saidor, seizing of 107 US and New Zealand operations, Salamaua isthmus 194 1943 91 Sanada, Colonel Joichiro 75, 76, 79, South Pacific Force 144 80 Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), Sanagi, Commander Takeshi 78 1942–45 20 Savige, Major-General Stanley 193, Allied operations, 1942 20 197–9, 198, 202, 204, 288 Allied operations, February 1943 – Scherber, Group Captain Fred 138, April 1944 21 139, 140 area of operations 51 Scott, Lieutenant Robert 237 Australian role in offensive Second Australian Imperial Force operations 1–2 (AIF), composition and purpose boundaries 50 33 Cartwheel Operations 23, 55, Sejima, Major Ryuzo 81 54–6 Shaggy Ridge, battle for 233, 234, command organisation, July 1943 244–8 23 Shedden, Frederick command of Papuan Campaign 47 award of knighthood 40 competition for military resources influence over strategic policy 27 50 as link between Curtin and determining mission for 1943 28 MacArthur 27, 29–30, 32, 35, Elkton Mk II 54 40–1 Elkton Mk III 54–6, 256 review of manpower situation 37 High Command in December 1942 Sherlock, Captain Bill 191, 192 22 Sherwin, Vernon (Padre) 206 ‘mopping-up’ operations 5–6 Ship-to-Object Manoeuvre (STOM) reasons for success of US operations 10, 17 in 1943 111–12 Shoge, Lieutenant-General Ryoichi significance of fall of Madang for 212 Australia 288–9

INDEX 307

tensions between alliance partners US Air Force (USAAF) 288–9 3rd Attack Group 125 under US Army control 49 Fifth Air Force 48, 57, 62, 103, US and Australian operations in 105, 107, 131, 134, 135, 138, 1943 90 153, 156, 210, 223, 229, 246, US control of operations 6 252, 289 Southwest Pacific Sea Frontiers Fifth Air Force – Advanced Echelon Command 57, 144 57, 136 Spector, Ronald H. 94 accident at Nadzab 223 Spitfires 132, 133 expansion in SWPA 140 Sproule, Flight Lieutenant Daryl 130, Medical Air Evacuation Transport 131, 133 Squadron 135, 136 Steege, Wing Commander Gordon Troop Carrier Wing 214 134, 135 US Army Sturdee, Lieutenant-General Vernon 2nd Engineer Special Brigade (2ESB) 32 182, 216–17 Sugiyama, General Hajime 80 Sixth Army 289 Sutherland, Major-General Richard XIV Corps 110 31, 54, 58, 60 32nd Division 105, 288 Swing, Major-General Joseph 211 32nd Infantry Division 280, 288 SWPA see Southwest Pacific Area 37th Infantry Division 111 (SWPA) 43rd Division 109 Symington, Major Garth 246 112th Cavalry Regiment 104 126th Infantry Regiment 107 Throw, Sergeant Maxwell 249 128th Infantry Regiment 107 Tolson, Colonel John T. 225, 226 158th Infantry Regiment 104 Trident conference (Washington) 32, 158th Transport Company 223 35 162nd Infantry Regiment 194, 199, tropical diseases 171–3, 251, 206, 212 279 169th Infantry Regiment 110 Turner, Vice-Admiral R. Kelly 109 205th Field Artillery Battalion 199 typhus 172 218th Field Artillery Battalion 199 380th Heavy Bombardment Group ULTRA intelligence 189, 193 214 Umi River 239, 241 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment United States 61, 105–6, 210–11, 214, 221, Army and Naval War Colleges 222, 225–6, 234, 237, 239 112 871st Airborne Engineering commitment to provide additional Battalion 215, 222 aircraft for RAAF 32–3, 131 Alamo Force (later Sixth Army) 56, engagement with defence of 57, 104, 105, 107, 288 Australia 46 debate over airborne concept first major offensive against 210–11 Japanese 47 Swing Board 211 motivation for establishment of US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) forces in Australia 45, 46 command structure and pre-war plans for Pacific 45, 46 decision-making process 49–50 Rainbow series of war plans 45 decision to divide command over strategic importance of Australian thePacific49 mandated territories in South directive for isolation of Rabaul 32, Pacific 45 52, 54

308 INDEX

USJointChiefsofStaff(cont.) Phase II of Operation Postern 234, directive for offensive operations in 236, 238, 239, 240, 245, 246, South and Southwest Pacific 32 247, 248, 252 directive to seize Japanese base at Victoria Cross 123, 129, 227 Rabaul 27, 29–32, 51 Vivigani airfield (Goodenough Island) influence over Allied strategy 26 132 US Marine Corps Vultee Vengeances 131, 135–6, 139, 1st Marine Division 105, 106 140 3rd Marine Division 111 4th Marine Raider Battalion 109 Walker, Wing Commander ‘Black US Navy Jack’ 128 III Amphibious Force 144, 156, Wall, Lieutenant-Colonel Reg 219 157 War Cabinet Third Fleet 52, 144 concerns over nature and extent of VII Amphibious Force 57, 104, 107, Australia’s role in offensives 148, 153, 156, 157, 159, 182–3, 34–5 211, 214, 216–18, 289 meeting at Victoria Barracks Seventh Fleet 144, 218 (10 November 1943) 39 Twelfth Cruiser Division 157 policy decisions on contribution to Task Force 70 144, 147 war effort 37–40 Task Force 71 144 ‘war neuroses’ 110 Task Force 72 144 war strategy Task Force 73 144 background to 1943 decisions 26–9 Task Force 74 144, 154, 156, 157, challenges facing Australian 158 decision-makers 25–6 Task Force 76 144, 154, 259, 260, Ward, Eddie 40 271 Wau–Mubo area 187–9, 188 Task Force 78 144 Wau–Salamaua campaign Task Group 144, 149 Allied victory 206 actions fought during 1942 142 Australian and Japanese contribution to 1943 campaign 52 dispositions, 30 April 196 Liberty Ships 151, 159, 168, 170 Australian and Japanese operational priorities during 1943 dispositions, 13 July 198, 199 142–3 Australian and Japanese system of numbered fleets 144 dispositions, 22 August 200 War Plan Orange 45, 97–8 Australian reinforcements 190, 192 US Navy Cross 156 casualties 192, 206 US Navy/Australian Fleet Radio Unit defence of Wau 191–3 145 exclusion from Liberation of New US–Australian relations, in Cartwheel Guinea battle honour 5 Operations 58–61 ‘Find, Feel, Fix and then Fight’ USS Carter Hall 157 approach 202 USS Henry T. Allen 182 Japanese withdrawal 205–6 USS Reid 134 nature of 202–3 New Guinean workers 201–2 Van Zandt, Lieutenant Commander objective 187, 195–7, 204–5 James E. 103 patrolling 203 Vasey, Major-General George problems faced by Japanese 193–4 death 240 repulsion of Japanese offensive Phase I of Operation Postern 214, 47–8, 72–4 222, 225, 227, 228 role of air power 123–4

INDEX 309

signiﬁcance 187, 206 Wootten, Major-General George strength of Japanese garrison 190, advance to Lae 219 205 approach to training 281 terrain, climate and conditions capture of Sio 275–6, 188–9 279 Webb, Sergeant Sam 249 defence of Finschhafen 267, 268, Wells, Brigadier H. 64 269 Westendorf, Lieutenant Albert 237 landings at Finschhafen 234 Wewak, Allied air raids on Japanese orders for Finschhafen operation base 74–5, 134, 216 267 Wewak airﬁeld 216 plans for landing at Lae 216, 217, Whitehead, Brigadier ‘Torpy’ 271, 218 273 provision of trainers for 4th Brigade Whitehead, Major-General Ennis C. 277 57, 60, 102, 136, 139 response to order to block Japanese Whittington, Staff Sergeant Allie B. retreat 228, 229 225–6 Sattelberg operation 271 Willoughby, Major-General Charles Worthley, Captain Maxwell 262, 263, 60 265, 267 Wills, Colonel Ken 225 wounded troops Wilton, Lieutenant Colonel 199, evacuation of 201 205 treatment by enemies 204 Windeyer, Brigadier Victor 260, 263, 264, 265–6 Yamada, Major-General Eizo 261, Wirraways 134, 135, 192, 245 265 Wojewodzic, Sergeant Edward Yamamoto, Admiral Isoroku 78, 79, 225–6 129, 131, 146, 153 Woodlark Island, Allied landing on Yoshihara, Major-General Kane 74, 104, 153 221