War history of Alotau and Milne Bay

World War II

Milne Bay in 1942 was the stage for a battle between the forces of the Japanese Imperialist Army and Australian, Allied and Papua New Guinea forces.

Fierce fighting took place in this area when the Japanese forces landed and were eventually defeated and withdrew from the bay.

By late 1942, almost 900 allied forces, about half of them infantry, were at Milne Bay. Kitty Hawk fighters of the RAAF provided aircover. The tropps at Milne Bay battled heavy rain, mud and mosquitos to expand the base, not knowing when an attack would come.

The threat to Milne Bay developed rapidly. Japanese aircraft carried out reconnasaince missions and bombed the base several times. on 24 August, 1942 a coast watch reported barges sailing along the coast. Next day an american bomber crew spotted an invasion fleet.

The Garrison was placed on alert. RAAF and American aircraft attacked the fleet. Undeterred the japanese fleet landed tropps on the north-western side of Milne Bay near Ahioma before dawn on the 16th August, 1942.

The 61st Batallion faced the initial attack in darkness. Outnumbered and not fully trained in Jungle warfare, they were pushed back. The 25th Battalion was sent to assist. With Artillery and airsupport together they tried to hold the line.

In total, the Japanese landed 3 tanks and about 2000 troops at Milne Bay. The Australian Militia troops facing them fought hard but, without infantry anti-tank weapons, they continued to be pushed back. On the 27th August, the Japanese bombed the base area and airstrips. Over the next 2 days and nights fighting in the jungle was hard and costly. The Australians fought hard against infantry and tanks, inflicting many casualties, but still fell back through KB mission and Rabi.

Heavy rain and poor communications confused the situation. On 29th and 30th August, the Japanese attack waned but patrols clashed. RAAF aircraft kept bombing and strafing. At night Japanese warships entered the bay and shelled the base area. Another landing was feared. The allies dug in around the most forward airstrip. Early on the 31st August the Japanese attacked in waves across open ground but suffered heavy casualties from artillery, morter and machine gun fire. The attack ended there and the Japanese withdrew to their landing areas.

At this time the Australians counter attacked with artillery and airsupport and recaptured Rabi. Advancing was difficult and costly as the Australians had to face ambushes and snipers.

On the night of 6th September, Japanese warships again entered Milne Bay. Using search lights they spotted the hospital ship Manunda, but spared it. Instead sinking the transport ship Ashun. Shore positions were shelled as the ships picked up japanese troops. By daybreak September 7, the Australians simplty had to 'mop up' stragglers.

At least 161 Australians, 14 Americans and 2 Allied Merchant Navy sailors were killed and over 200 others were wounded. An unknown number of local people were also killed or wounded. It is estimated that about 1000 Japanese dies in Milne Bay.