The
Eora Creek crossing represented one of the best defensive positions on
the Kokoda trail between Port Moresby and Kokoda. On 1 September 1942 it
was successfully defended from its' East bank for 2 days by the
retreating Australians who were against a much larger Japanese force.
Constant rain, the deep ravine and swirling Eora Creek with limited log
crossings made the area a nightmare in which to fight the Japanese made
the whole area a major defensive position during their retreat. The
tired Japanese resisted determined frontal attacks by fresh Australian
troops from 22 October for over a week Australians advancing on the west
bank of Eora Creek overcame the enemy eventually and when almost
encircled, the Japanese hastily abandoned their positions retreating to
Oivi and Gorari.
Eora Creek village once in the centre of much
of the heavy fighting now lies abandoned. the crashing, haunting noise
of the fast flowing creek below brings vividly to mind the turmoil of
battle, and the men who fought here so long ago.
