The Bloody Beachheads: The Battles of Gona, Buna and Sanananda Sydney, One Day Conference

As the battle for Guadalcanal dragged on the Japanese advance on the Kokoda Track culminated and they were ordered to ‘advance to the rear’.

Two delaying defensive positions at Eora Creek and Oivi-Gorari imposed a toll on the Australians’ pursuit, but allowed time for the Japanese to complete a labyrinth of bunkers and trenches around the Papuan beach head villages of Gona, Buna and Sanananda. The Battle for the Beachheads, as it became known, saw an estimated 9,000 Japanese troops in well-prepared positions defend to the death the territory they had occupied for the last six months.

What are the legacies of this little-known chapter of military history? Please join a group of well-qualified speakers as we examine these and other questions in a one-day conference – The Bloody Beachheads: The Battles of Gona, Buna and Sanananda – on Friday 3 December 2021.

The 55/53rd Battle of the Beachheads Conference in association with Kokoda Historical and the Great Southern Hotel will take place in Sydney.

Cost: Mice of Moresby Members $100 & Non Members $110

RSVP: Rob Denny on 0437 818 834 or email: rdenny@prodarts.com.au

To download the conference program please click here

Accommodation available for those wishing to stay Friday evening for the Mice of Moresby Sanananda Day Reunion on Sat Dec 4. Ask President Rob Denny for more information.