The Eora creek crossing was an excellent
defensive position on the Kokoda Trail . 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.
Seven weeks later it was a tired Japanese force that had to defend this
position against the now advancing Australians. The 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,
eventually overcame the enemy. When almost encircled, the Japanese
hastily abandoned their positions and retreated 10 kilometres beyond
Kokoda Village to Gorari.
Eora Creek village once in the center 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.
