Milne Bay 1942

Gili Gili, September 1942. Thomas Fisher / Australian War Memorial, 026629; public domain.

Remember the place. Remember its people.

Between 25 August and 7 September 1942, Allied forces repelled a Japanese landing at Milne Bay. Australian infantry and air support were central to the defence. The fighting also brought profound disruption to the people who lived here.

The Australian War Memorial describes the battle as Japan’s first decisive defeat on land. In Alotau, the memorials and Massim Museum offer places to learn. Make room for Papuan experiences and local testimony alongside military histories.