Jungle conflict against the Japanese at Kokoda

Extract from Kokoda Front Line (1942)

Award winning newsreel from 1942 showing Australian forces in the Kokoda area of New Guinea. Starts with Damien Parer talking on camera about the serious threat being posed by Japan to Australia and praising the hard work and bravery of Australia's armed forces. The commentary focuses on the special nature of jungle warfare, the bravery of the Australian troops and the cleverness of Japanese tactics. This film won Australia's first Oscar (Academy Award). The commentary is aimed at making Australians at home aware of the seriousness of the Japanese threat and proud of the bravery and achievements of the Australian forces in difficult conditions.

Australian troops battled for seven desperate months on the Kokoda Trail to protect Port Moresby. By January 1943 Australian troops had helped to defeat the Japanese forces on Papua and stop Japan’s advance across the Pacific.

NFSA: 282 Newsreel courtesy Cinesound Movietone Productions, NFSA