Description
The battle for the Allied airbase at Milne Bay on the southeastern tip of New Guinea in 1942 was a milestone in the War in the Pacific. For the first time an amphibious invasion force of the seemingly unstoppable Japanese military was forced to retreat. Royal Australian Air Force P-40 Kittyhawk fighter bombers were the first to see action, destroying two Japanese landing barges on 25 August. Over coming days the Imperial Japanese Navy landed some 2,800 marines and two light tanks.
The first wave advanced 11km through Australian defenders to reach the base’s Number 3 Airfield on the 28th but the base’s force of almost 9,000, including two Australian infantry brigades, mortar, artillery, and machine guns, as well as the ever harassing P-40s, proved too strong. On 31 August the IJN marines retreated with Australians in pursuit. More than half of the invasion force was killed in the invasion or in skirmishes as they attempted to escape to the base at Buna to the north. Milne Bay remained an important Allied staging area into late 1943.
The medallion measures 50mm in diameter and 4.5mm in thickness. Only 500 medallions will be struck. The medallion is presented in a quality leatherette presentation box and includes a numbered Limited Edition Certificate of Authenticity. A very rare collectable.
Specifications:
- Limited to only 500
- Material: Minted from brass alloy with silver and gold plated finish
- Colour: Silver, gold
- Size: 50mm x 4.5mm
Explore our range of Limited Edition Medallions.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.