On arrival at Kokoda B Company were in good health; however, were extremely tired from the seven days march. At Kokoda Captain Templeton allotted each platoon defensive positions to occupy and the Company made best effort to secure the area. From the 14th of July till the 21st of July the men trained and patrolled. They obtained knowledge of the Kokoda area and gained confidence in the jungle.
On the morning of the 22 July 1942 shelling and bombardment was heard in the distance. It was thought to be coming from the direction of Buna on the northern beaches. Captain Templeton made contact with Port Moresby and it was soon confirmed that the Japanese had made landfall unopposed on the beaches at Buna. On this news Captain Templeton prepared a proportion of his force (11 and 12 Platoons) with orders to move forward and seek out the Japanese.
On the morning of the 22 July 1942 shelling and bombardment was heard in the distance. It was thought to be coming from the direction of Buna on the northern beaches. Captain Templeton made contact with Port Moresby and it was soon confirmed that the Japanese had made landfall unopposed on the beaches at Buna. On this news Captain Templeton prepared a proportion of his force (11 and 12 Platoons) with orders to move forward and seek out the Japanese.
