Kokoda Trail for Dummies

Everything you need to know about the Kokoda Trail and its place in Australian history Whether you want to walk the Kokoda Trail or just learn about its significance in Australia′s wartime history, this book includes all the information you need. Kokoda For Dummies provides practical tips for preparing to walk the track, including advice on what gear to pack, choosing a trekking company, hiring a porter, safety and more! Understand why Japanese forces invaded Papua New Guinea — discover the motivations behind the Battle of Kokoda Follow the action along the track — see how the Allies defeated the Japanese troops Decide on a tour — choose a suitable touring company and get the most from your trip Prepare your pack — find out what you need (and don′t need) to bring on your trek Know what to expect on the track — get the inside story from seasoned trekkers about health and safety concerns Read amazing eyewitness accounts of the war — hear the stories from Australian and Japanese veterans Open the book and find: Details of who fought whom, when and where Simple explanations of military strategies used by both sides A guide to key sights and memorials on the track Interviews with veterans of the Battle of Kokoda Advice on what to pack Tips for surviving your trek Myths about the Kokoda Trail explored Go to Dummies.com for videos, step–by–step examples, how–to articles, or to shop! Learn to: Grasp Kokoda′s role in World War II and its significance for Australia Appreciate the courage of the soldiers who fought on the track Understand the unique challenges of jungle warfare Get ready to make the pilgrimage and walk the Kokoda Trail

Introduction 1 Part I: The Essentials of Kokoda 7 Chapter 1: Understanding the Significance of the Kokoda Trail 9 Chapter 2: Reasons for Walking the Kokoda Trail 19 Chapter 3: Finding Places of Military Importance 35 Part II: Australians in Retreat 55 Chapter 4: The Pacific War: Setting the Scene 57 Chapter 5: The Papuan Campaign: Spies, Port Moresby and Guadalcanal 69 Chapter 6: Building Up Troops and Assembling the Armies 85 Chapter 7: Making a Fighting Retreat: Kokoda and Deniki 99 Chapter 8: Entering the Mountains 111 Part III: Fighting In the Jungle 125 Chapter 9: Understanding Jungle Warfare 127 Chapter 10: Feeling Hungry and Sick in the Jungle 141 Part IV: Chasing the Japanese Out of Papua 153 Chapter 11: Turning the Tide Against the Japanese 155 Chapter 12: Besieging the Japanese 171 Chapter 13: Defeating the Japanese Army: Why the Allies Won 191 Part V: Walking the Kokoda Trail 203 Chapter 14: Preparing For the Big Walk 205 Chapter 15: Packing Your Kit and Organising the Paperwork 217 Chapter 16: Respecting the Locals and Keeping Yourself Safe 239 Part VI: The Part of Tens 255 Chapter 17: Ten Legends about the Kokoda Trail 257 Chapter 18: Ten Things to Look For On the Kokoda Trail 269 Chapter 19: Ten Veteran Stories 279 Appendix 291 Index 297

Dr Peter Williams is a military historian and the author of many books and websites on Australian military history. Currently working as a researcher for the Australian Government Department of Defence, Peter has walked the Kokoda Trail and has visited Papua New Guinea several times to research significant battlefields.