A history of the battles, fought predominantly by Australian troops, to block the Japanese conquest of New Guinea and then to recapture the island.

A general introduction stresses the conventional military defeats inflicted on Japan before surrender was precipitated by internal conditions, the A-bomb and Russian intervention; the film illustrates this theme by concentrating on one area. Maps are used to supplement actuality film, which is used to provide an impression of the various stages of the campaign: first, the holding operations at Port Moresby and Milne Bay; General MacArthur and preparations for counter-offensive; the Kokoda trail advance; the holding of Wau airstrip (General Blamey) and advance to Salamaua; conditions in the field in New Guinea; the dual assault on Lae, by air and overland from Nadzab and from the coast; the Ramu Valley/Shaggy Ridge campaign (more on conditions); the establishment of the massive Finschafen base. The remainder of the campaign is rapidly covered by maps; film closes with the Japanese surrender to General Robertson at Wewak, September 1945.

Notes

Remarks: while not especially brilliant, the film provides good basic coverage, in a lucid manner, of a rather neglected battle area. The subject matter itself retains the interest.