Invasion of Buna-Gona

Invasion of Buna–Gona
Part of the Pacific Theatre of the Second World War
Aerial reconnaissance photo of Gona shortly after the Japanese landings. (AWM128399)
Date 21–24 July 1942 Location Buna–Gona area, Oro Province, Territory of Papua Coordinates: 8°39′S 148°22′E / 8.650°S 148.367°E / -8.650; 148.367 Result Japanese victory
Belligerents
Australia  United States	Empire of Japan
Commanders and leaders
Basil Morris	Harukichi Hyakutake
Strength
~ 100	4,057
Casualties and losses
6 killed	1 transport ship sunk 1 transport ship damaged 1 destroyer damaged

The Invasion of Buna–Gona, called Operation RI by the Japanese, was a military operation by Imperial Japanese forces to occupy the Buna–Gona area in the Territory of Papua during the Pacific campaign of the Second World War. The initial landings and advance on Kokoda occurred between 21 and 27 July 1942. The Japanese invaded and occupied the location to preparation for an overland attack on Port Moresby along the Kokoda Track. The landing marked the start of the Kokoda Track campaign. The landings were not directly opposed by land forces but were engaged by elements of Maroubra Force as they advanced on Kokoda. This initially included B Company of the 39th Battalion, patrols of the Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) operating in the area and a small number of the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU) that became attached to the force. The Austalians were initially repulsed near Oivi but subsequently regrouped to defend Kokoda in an initial battle from 28–29 July.

After the Imperial Japanese had suffered setbacks at the battle of the Coral Sea and battle of Midway in May–June 1942, the Imperial General Headquarters postponed the planned operation to capture Fiji, Samoa and New Caledonia. The Japanese 17th Army's Lieutenant General Harukichi Hyakutake was tasked to conduct an offensive against Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Range. With the occupation of Port Moresby, it would remove the threat of air attacks against Rabaul and provide airfields to conduct raids against the bases, cities and sea lane supply lines around the north of Australia.

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