Additional information for Chapter 10 - Reflections on Kokoda

 

 

Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomitarō_Horii states that “Tomitarō Horii 堀井 富太郎, (November 7, 1890 – November 23, 1942) was a Lieutenant General in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. After graduating from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1911 and having attended Waseda University, Horii served in China before undertaking a variety of regimental appointments. Following Japan's entry into World War II, he commanded a division during the capture of Guam before commanding the Japanese force that had been given the task of capturing Port Moresby.”

 

In the retreat from Oivi-Gorari while attempting to reach Japanese forces defending Buna–Gona “the flooded river blocked the retreat of Horii's force. Horii decided to raft down the river with a small party so he might more quickly reach the Buna–Gona positions that were being threatened by the Australian advance. Gunfire had been heard from the coast. When the raft became snagged on trees, he took to a canoe that was found by the river's edge. The canoe was swept out to sea and capsized during a storm. Horii drowned but his orderly survived to report his death. Horii was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant General”. He was replaced in New Guinea by General Hatazo Adachi.