Kokoda Trail for Dummies

ISBN-13: 9780730376996 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 360 str.

Peter Williams

Opis

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

Everything you need to know about the Kokoda Trail and its place in Australian history Interest in the Kokoda Trail is growing rapidly among many Australians, both for its attraction as a hiking destination and for its historical significance.

Spis treści

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

O autorze

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.

Blurb

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