Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 10:04AM During their night withdrawal from Kokoda to Deniki, A Coy Diggers use luminous fungus on their backs to see each other in the pitch darkness. Many stumble and fall during the tortuous night climb, some fall from log into river during a dangerous crossing but make the other bank.
This morning, 2/14th Bn arrives at Port Moresby from Australia.
Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 8:16AM After resting during night following their withdrawal from Kokoda, A Company’s Diggers head off at daybreak for Deniki to rejoin the rest of the 39th Battalion. Almost all are down to their last ammunition.
Near Deniki, they’re rejoined by JD McKay and others who had been separated during withdrawal, much hugging and backslapping until Vic Smythe says ‘watch my arm, it’s got a bullet in it.’
Friday, August 10, 2012 at 10:17AM At Pirivi, near Kokoda Pte Laurie Howson finds a Jap soldier still alive, cut in half by machinegun burst. "My officer orders me to put him out of his misery. I've been looking at those eyes ever since."
At Kokoda, A Coy holds off a series of enemy attacks and were constantly harrassed by snipers in palm trees firing down, often from behind their positions. The Diggers were shattered when a US P39 reconnaissance plane flew over but left without dropping any supplies or ammunition.
Later in the day the enemy starts heavy mortar bombardment of the plateau. The main body the Australian defenders ordered to withdraw through the mist via the rubber plantation at rear of the plateau. Some forward defenders are left behind in the confusion.
During rearguard, 'JD' McKay's team fires Bren gun until the barrel glows red. They're almost out of ammunition as they head off pursued by the Japs.
Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 7:05AM The young Diggers of A Coy 39th Bn still holding Kokoda plateau. They beat off a series of attacks by Jap force of more than 200. Cpl J.D. McKay shows special gallantry during defence, leading his men under heavy fire to support the front of the position, exposing himself to enemy fire as he encourages his men. He later wins Military Medal.
All afternoon the Japs launch a series of attacks on Kokoda defences, trying to find a weakness. The young Diggers withstand all attacks. During the day they find and bury the body of their late CO Lt Col Bill Owen, who died there in the first battle for Kokoda fighting with his men in the front line.
At this stage, their temporary commander Major Alan Cameron is unaware they have successfuly retaken Kokoda.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 7:19AM Second battle for Kokoda: 39th Bn attacks from three directions, A Coy routs Jap defenders & retakes Kokoda plateau. D Coy held by strong Jap force at Pirivi. C Coy hit by hidden machine guns, CO killed, ordered to drop back to Deniki. B Coy acts as rearguard at Deniki.
A Coy sets defences at Kokoda, unaware of the problems faced by colleagues. Japs follow C Coy's withdrawal to Deniki and start harassing defenders there. All troops at Deniki forced to man defences.