 |
| Mount Tambu |
One of the purpose of this blog is to bring to attention the lesser-known events of World War 2, especially the Asian and Pacific front. This is to honor the sacrifices and the sufferings the participants experienced during the war, so that such a horror should never happen again.
The New Guinea Campaign
The Imperial Japanese did not start 1943 well. Despite capturing the Dutch East Indies in March 1942 and invading the territory of Papua in July 1942, they were being pushed back from their gains in late 1942. Furthermore they had lost a total of 5 aircraft carriers at Coral Sea and Midway by June 1942, and thus had limited naval support and resupply during the campaign.
As such, they failed to capture the capital of Port Moresby and had to retreat to defensible positions within New Guinea. After defeats at Wau, Mubo and Lababia Ridge, the Japanese formed around Mount Tambu.
The location seemed ideal for defending. Mount Tambu was a high point in the region, and was surrounded by thick vegetation. Any advancing Allied troops would have to attack uphill against a camouflaged enemy.
 |
| Photograph of Mount Tambu, taken by a drone in 2021 |
The Battle of Mount Tambu
In July 1943, Australian forces of less than 2000 men were ordered to secure Mount Tambu. About 700 Japanese soldiers laid in wait.
16 July 1943
The Australian forced managed to secure the lower southern slopes of Mount Tambu. The Japanese counterattack but suffer over 300 casualties. The Australians suffer 39 casualties.
24 July 1943
The Australians attempted a failed assault on Mount Tambu. They attempt to draw the Japanese forces away from the summit but the Japanese remained on their superior positions.
28th July 1943
About 400 American soldiers arrived to reinforced and relief the weary Australians. The Australians remained in support while the Americans would take the frontline duties.
30th July 1943
The Americans attempted an assault on the summit but fail to capture it. During this attack, Corporal Leslie Allen from Australia evacuated 12 wounded Americans to safety. He would later be awarded the Silver Star from the United States for his actions.
16th August 1943
The Australians capture Komiatum Ridge and Davidson Ridge, two highlands neighbouring Mount Tambu. Fearing encirclement, the remaining Japanese withdraw from the area, conceding Mount Tambu to the Allies.
18th August 1943
The Allies secure Mount Tambu.
Aftermath
Despite the numerical and technological superiority of the Allies, it was noted that the Japanese managed to hold Mount Tambu for close to a month. This indicated that the Japanese were also skilled in defence, and were willing to give up ground if needed.
Eventually the Japanese realised that the Eastern Guinea was undefendable, and moved their forces westwards to regroup.
Comments