44 Days: 75 Squadron's Defence of Port Moresby 1942 (Part 2)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- Geoffrey Robertson presents a unique story of real Australian heroes. It's a story full of emotion and humour as the survivors of the 75 Squadron recall their times as Australia's front line defence.
In the early weeks of 1942, Japan had seized most of the Pacific and were poised to launch their offensive against Australia. It was obvious that Australia had little, if any, form of defence.
With the Japanese in New Guinea, it was imperative they be held there or Australia would be lost - this ominous task went to the men of 75 Squadron. Australia's airmen at the time were fighting in the skies over Britain and Africa, having been seconded in the 'Save Britain First' policy. Prime Minister Curtin wanted them back to save Australia. What he got was an order of Kittyhawks, originally destined for England, and a handful of pilots. Most of 75 Squadron were trained in ten days in Townsville before setting off for Port Moresby. Of the 24 planes sent to defend Australia, only one returned after 44 days of intensive fighting. Not only were young pilots having to fly against a superior and more experienced enemy each day, but sanitary conditions also threatened their performance. Even so, only 23 Kittyhawks were lost to an unbelievable 86 enemy planes.
In this special, Robertson interviews Saburo Sakai, Japan's only living war ace who fought the 75 Squadron in those early days, who credits the Aussies with having incredible courage and skill. This is also a tribute to the late John Jackson, 75 Squadron's first leader who, at one time, was shot down and had to crawl through the crocodile infested terrain while being chased by a Japanese patrol. Jackson died later in action.
There should be more Australian history. Good to see.
God bless you Aussies, great warriors. Could not have been won in the Pacific and Europe without you. A yank that thinks the world of you.
Well, the fact is that USA saved us in the end and saved Europe, so those people who understand and recognise this are forever grateful to you yanks :) But we are very proud of our boys and girls. The Aussie spirit is unique in the world. I heard a comment once that I agree fully with ..... the reason Australians do so well in war is they treat it like a sport. You just get in there and do your best. If it doesn't work out, just have a beer afterwards and give it another crack the next day.
@@kVkV-sw5se I wish that we had more Kitty Hawk's to give to your forefathers. They did such a good job with the few that they received.
@@robertlemaster7525 I guess the boys just got stuck in and did the best they could.
@@robertlemaster7525 Hey Robert a bit of history you many not know, is that Australia had committed its forces to Europe. When Japan reached Papua New Guinea we were in real trouble. England refused to release our forces to come back to the pacific to defend against the Japanese. So we sent in what we call civilian soldiers to fight the Japs in PNG. Some of whom had only had 2 weeks training. These men fought like true warriors and eventually Australia just told the brits to get stuffed and brought back our professional forces. But the real fighting in PNG was done by men who only weeks before were at home. It was an incredible battle in terrible terrain. This is the way Australia fights wars. We have a very small professional force. In times of war the civilians enlist and fight and contribute the greatest to the effort.
@@kVkV-sw5se Oh I am aware of the Empire's priority of protection and supply of the home turf at the expense of all the far flung colonies of said Empire. I get the sense that happened with Canada, India, Africa as well as Aus/NZ. It really really almost backfired concerning the Japanese who where on the back door of Aus/NZ & India.
Such Great Men.
In 2017 "44 Days
. 75 Squadron and the Fight for Australia" by Michael Veitch sets out this fight is great detail. A great read for those interested in how Australia was saved.
Maybe, but when this first came out it told the story - by the men who did it. We are lucky to have a documentary record like this. Thank you Geoffrey Robertson
Worth looking for Fighter Squadron Doctor: 75 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, New Guinea 1942 by the doc interviewed in this documentary. Fantastic read. 44 Days was heavily influenced by this book.
Great video, thankyou for sharing. Dad & i found a crashed plane east of Moresby in 1977 on one of our hunting trips. Either American or Australian. We went back a week later & removed 3 Browning m.g.s from the wreck. Never seen so many rounds of ammunition every where, live still attached to belts. We think the plane was headed back to 7 mile strip. Aircraft was pointed in that direction, didn't make it unfortunately. I donated the m.g. 's to png war museum before we moved to Brisbane for good. Great times, miss those days.
God Bless these Diggers.
From a U.S. MARINE CORPS veteran,
Son of SSgt O.C. Seaberg U.S.M.C. 1st Marine division from Cape Gloucester to Palau.
Nephew of Sgt B.L.A. Seaberg U.S.ARMY 25TH Infantry division from New Guinea to the Philippines.
Thanks for posting.
An even better way to start a war!
Top blokes.
This ought to be shown in schools - these men have probably all passed now.
Tough as teak them Diggers are
The doctor reminds me of Richie Benaud. Aussie cricket captain. Only me.
Top stuff
Pesenter is Robert Hughes (Australian art critic)
Just in time, the R.A.A.F. arrived, "tomorrow hawks" or not, to "friendly fire." After dropping an enemy bomber into the Port Moresby Harbor, a strike at Lae the next day, started the daily grind.
so sad comon aussies 2 post 2,300 views wehes the luv
They would sit in an Ally box cockpit sweating then when they took off the sweat turned to ice