Diamond, Joe Images of War. MacArthur's Papua New Guinea Offensive, 1942-1943. Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives

The Japanese seizure of Rabaul on New Britain in January 1942 directly threatened Northern Australia and, as a result, General Douglas MacArthur took command of the Southwest Pacific Area. In July 1942, the Japanese attacked south across the Owen Stanley mountain range. Thanks to the hasty deployment of Australian militiamen and veteran Imperial Force troops the Japanese were halted at Ioribaiwa Ridge just 27 miles from Port Moresby. MacArthur's priority was to regain Northeast New Guinea and New Britain. The capture of airfields at Buna and reoccupation of Gona and Sanananda Point were prerequisites. The Allied offensive opened on 16 November 1942 with Australian infantrymen and light tanks alongside the U.S. 32nd Infantry Division. Overcoming the Japanese and the inhospitable terrain in tropical conditions proved the toughest of challenges. It remains an achievement of the highest order that the campaign ended successfully on 22 January 1943. This account with its clear text and superb imagery is a worthy tribute to those who fought and, all too often, died there.

MacArthur's priority was to regain north-east New Guinea and New Britain. The capture of airfields at Buna and the reoccupation of Gona and Sanananda Point were prerequisites for this. The Allied offensive was launched on 16 November 1942 with Australian infantrymen and light tanks alongside the American 32nd Infantry Division. Overcoming Japanese resistance and inhospitable terrain in tropical conditions proved to be the most difficult challenge. It remains an achievement of the highest order that the campaign was successfully concluded on 22 January 1943. This account, with its informative text and superb illustration by contemporary b/w photographs, is a worthy tribute to those who fought and all too often died there.