The Battle for Brigade Hill raged for 3days in September 1942. After abandoning Myola Lakes, Maroubra Force withdrew to the next defensible strong point on the Track, a feature known as Mission Ridge leading to the summit of Brigade Hill. Following the containment of the Japanese at Milne Bay, General Allen finally released the 2/27th Infantry Battalion from the divisional reserve at Port Moresby. After advancing along the Track from Port Moresby, the 2/27th Infantry Battalion finally joined Maroubra Force at Mission Ridge, and Brigadier Potts was finally able to commit his entire brigade to the battle.
The three AIF Infantry Battalions, the 2/14th, 2/16th and the 2/27th, were able to fight together for the first time. The battalions took up defensive positions on the high ground at Brigade Hill and Mission Ridge. The Japanese, however, brought forward reserve troops and made a final concerted assault, aiming to wipe out the defenders with a knock-out blow and move quickly on to capture Port Moresby.
In their first action against the Japanese, the newly-arrived 2/27th held the forward position. The 2/14th and 2/16th units were positioned on ridges behind them. In a severe and aggressive attack, the Japanese threw everything at the Australians to drive a wedge between the two positions. Many who survived the Battle for Isurava fell trying to hold Brigade Hill.
Again, the Australian were forced to withdraw. They did so, all the while denying the Japanese free access to the Track towards Port Moresby and taking a heavy toll as the Japanese progressed.
Back Track currently conducts the most remote Anzac Day ceremonies held anywhere in the world at Brigade Hill along the Kokoda Track.
