Gona village and beach were in a shambles with dead Japs and Australians everywhere. Apparently the enemy had made no attempt to bury the dead, some of whom had obviously been lying out for days. The stench was terrific.
2nd/16th diarist. Read their full account (go to page 442).
Despite debilitating illness and critical shortages of ammunition and rations, the 25th Brigade continued to push into battle against the Japanese at Gona late in 1942.
The 21st Brigade relieved the 25th Brigade after heavy losses. They were bolstered by troops from the 39th Battalion who had been fighting along the Kokoda Track. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner, the 39th Battalion launched another attack.
On 8 December, the 39th Battalion captured the garrison at Gona. Australian forces held their ground against a Japanese advance across the Ambon River.
On 9 December, Lieutenant Colonel Honner advised his Brigadier that, 'Gona's gone'.
A 2nd/16th diarist wrote:
Their task was to feel out enemy positions and if fired on go immediately to ground. The patrol following was to come forward and mop up post. At second Jap post along beach twelve Japs were encountered, at least nine of them were stretcher cases, but all opened fire on party with grenades and rifles. Party retaliated with grenades and killed seven Japs. A message was sent, brought patrol 2/27 Bn up and post was cleaned out.
While attacking Gona, the Allies were also advancing on Sanananda.
Gallery
Gallery for `Australian 21st Brigade captures Gona`
Video: Gona—the northernmost of the 3 Japanese entrenched positions.
Photo: Australian troops posing with captured Japanese ammunition
Photo: Japanese pony and cart
Photo: Wrecked Japanese ship, Ayatosan Maru
Photo: Australian troops in a captured Japanese dugout
Photo: Australian troops in trenches
Photo: Australian troops in trenches
