The Triangle

As the battle for Guadacanal raged 800 miles to the east, the Japanese had neglected the defense of the Papuan Peninsula. Decisive action by the Allies could crush the Japanese forces in New Guinea and thereby permanently remove the enemy threat to Port Moresby.While the Australians continued to drive the …

1942-11-21

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As the battle for Guadacanal raged 800 miles to the east, the Japanese had neglected the defense of the Papuan Peninsula. Decisive action by the Allies could crush the Japanese forces in New Guinea and thereby permanently remove the enemy threat to Port Moresby.While the Australians continued to drive the enemy back along the Kokoda Trail, the American 32nd Division would swing around to attack in force the enemy left flank at Buna. The bulk of the attacking force was flown to the northern Papuan coastline and then carried by 20-ton motot launches to Pongani, 23 miles south of Buna. Early on 19 November, the 1st and 3rd Battalion, 128th Regimental Combat Team moved northward up the coastline and were repulsed by the Japanese. The 2nd Battalion moved westward through the jungle, skirting the enemy positions, and on 21 November attacked northward along the Ango Trail.

Buna Mission, Papua

The Battle of Buna–Gona was part of the New Guinea campaign in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. It followed the conclusion of the Kokoda Track campaign and lasted from 16 November 1942 until 22 January 1943. The battle was fought by Australian and United States forces against the Japanese beachheads at Buna, Sanananda and Gona. From these, the Japanese had launched an overland attack on Port Moresby. In light of developments in the Solomon Islands campaign, Japanese forces approaching Port Moresby were ordered to withdraw to and secure these bases on the northern coast. Australian forces maintained contact as the Japanese conducted a well-ordered rearguard action. The Allied objective was to eject the Japanese forces from these positions and deny them their further use. The Japanese forces were skillful, well prepared and resolute in their defence. They had developed a strong network of well-concealed defences.

American

Japanese

Scenario Type = Standard