Get over it, we weren't at the heart of World War II

[Sgt Barker]

Yeah, my post is definitely not a denigration of Aussies. Provincialism defines humanity – I live here, so this must be the center of the universe! Human nature, and unlike some I don’t find it offensive or dangerous at all. Just part of being human.

The battles on the Kokoda were concurrent with Gudalcanal, mid 42 to early 43. Very vicious, not only the fighting but the terrain and disease as well. IIRC most of the fights were battalion sized actions, with some being company sized. Regiment sized forces were rarely committed, mostly due to the insane terrain. You can get lost and die there just walking around, much less trying to maneuver and fight. The Japanese outnumbered the Australians through pretty much the whole affair, which has made the Aussies justly proud.