The Great Battle of the Pacific New Guinea Campaign

"As I looked up at the giant trees, sweat trickling down my forehead, I dared not move an inche. Only the sounds of an unknown jungle could be heard and I wondered if all this would ever end. With my back against the damp earth, my blood rushing with every rapid heartbeat, and my eyes, ears, and thoughts awake and alert, I lie awaiting."

What a feeling to have, I imagined as Aitape Star followed a delegation of hikers trudging through the thick forest, tracing the steps of fallen Japanese soldiers to uncover an unknown part of significant war history.

The Pacific New Guinea Campaign, not so well known within Papua New Guinea's history literature such as that of the Kokoda Trail, is also undisputedly an important part of the history of Sandaun Province and should be made known.

So, after 15 years of careful research, planning and analysis, Professor Hiromi Tanaka embarked on this long journey, halfway around the world to the little town of Aitape, to do more research, visit the actual battle site and consider what kind of role the New Guinea Campaign had in the Pacific War.

Along with the help of his trustee interpreter Hajime Marutani, Prof. Tanaka arrived in Aitape, Papua New Guinea, a surprisingly peaceful place unlike what is depicted about the country.

With the good hospitality of a well-known figure in the community, the professor and his companion were able to uncover much relevant information for his research.

"My journey here to Aitape is an important part of my research work. It had taken me 15 years to finally decide to come here myself and walk the trail. In that way, I believe I will be able to understand what really took place here 61 years ago," said Prof. Tanaka.

According to the professor, much of the story of the battle that took place along the Drinimor River is not known, however it is of significance to Japanese history.

Nimur River as it is locally known is located between the borders of Paup and Yakamul Village along the East Coast of Aitape. And according to the professor, his research had revealed that the battle that took place between the Japanese and the Americans along this river was far worse than that of the Kokoda Trail. Battle of Kokoda Trail - Popondetta, took place in 1942, two years after (1944) the battle of the Pacific New Guinea Campaign - Aitape.

An approximated 20, 000 Japanese soldiers fought in this battle, however only 2, 000 of them were able to survive the treacherous experience and retreat to Wewak. Even the Americans had lost as many soldiers as the Japanese; thousands upon thousands of bodies were scattered along the riverbed, making it the most gruesome battle.

He also said that alot of people in Japan who were relatives of the veterans who fought in that battle would have liked to know more about it.

During the hike, which started from Afo Village, a few kilometres inland from Paup Village, Prof. Tanaka and his interpreter found several war items such as Japanese helmets and tags. A special Japanese ritual in commemoration of the lost soldiers was done. Incense was lit with some Japanese cigarettes and placed on each helmet. After a short break of water and biscuits, the journey continued down the river, Nimur.

After crossing Nimur, it was a long, sweaty, muddy, itchy walk through damp forest growth. While walking along the bush track that was made by the villagers, the professor was shown many dugout trenches that were left as reminders of the battle. eroded bombshells were found lying in waterways and creeks.

After three hours of endless walking, we arrived back at the beach, this time at Yakamul. Then after a delicious meal of chicken stew and rice (Japanese dish), the professor was brought to the nearby village to interview some of the villagers.

And after a successful interview, the professor and his companion, satisfied with their findings, ended the day with another long ride back to Aitape town.

They left the next morning, bound for Japan.