Location
Trail spanning from Kapa Kapa village on the south coast of New Guinea, across the Owen Stanley Range to the north coast, roughly parallel and thirty miles southeast of the Kokoda Trail. Also known as the "Kapa Kapa - Jaure Track".

An alternate route from Abau - Namudi - Jaure was considered but never used. Simutaniously, an Australian Infantry Brigade departed Milne Bay traveling along the north coast to Wanigela, then across Cape Nelson to Embogo to stage for the assault on Buna-Gona-Sanananda.

Kapa Kapa (Gabagaba)
Coastal village south-east of Port Moresby.  Start of the Kapa Kapa Trail.

Karekodobu (Karekodobu, Kalikodobu)
Kalikodobu was the wartime spelling. Known as 'Kalamazoo' by Americans as the local name was hard to pronounce. The trail from Kapa Kapa lead by a rough road to this location. US Army Major Baetcke commanded at this location. The 32nd Infantry Division command post (CP) was established at this location during early October 1942.

On October 14, 1942 nine hundered US Army troops under the command by Lt. Col. Henry A Geerds including the 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment plus the 114th Engineer Battalion and 19th Portable Hospital with several hundered native carriers began walking the Kapa Kapa Trail. These forces would be the only Americans to cross the Owen Stanley Mountains by foot.

Nepeana
Located 14 miles from Kapa Kapa. During 1942, this village marked the end of a rough road. During early October 1942, E Company, 126th Infantry Regiment were based here. US Army troops crossing the Kapa Kapa Trail reached here on the first day. General Harding visited Nepeana to see the troops off and ordered their packs lightened and less ammunition to be carried.

Arapara
Village along the Kapa Kapa Trail. Located roughly 30 miles inland from Kapa Kapa, roughly four days marching. During early October 1942, native carriers deserted, leaving the US Army troops to carry their own gear.

Laruni
Mountain top village, furthest point where supplies from Karekodobu would reach. Advance American forces established an air drop location for resupply.

Mount Suwemalla "Ghost Mountain"
A few days march out of Laruni, 2,000' higher than the gap, more difficult country than the Kokoda Trail, US Army Captain Schultz reported how narrow the trail was "Even a jack rabbit couldn't leave it." forcing troops to march single file.

Jaure (Taure, Iaure)
Location Lat 9° 16' 60S Long 148° 9' 0E (Oro Province) US Army forces reached this village between October 20-28th. Lt. Col. Henry A Geerds sufffered a heart attack on the trail and was evacuated to Port Moresby. Major Herbert Smith (supply liason officer) took over as Battalion commander.

At Jaure, the Kapa Kapa Trail crossed the headwaters of the Kumusi River then split into two trails: one towards Waropi and the other further east towards Buna. US Army Captain Boice reached this village on October 4, 1942. Later, the 126 Infantry Regiment arrived after a difficult walk on October 20th.

Natunga
Northeast of Jaure, leading to the Buna area.

Bufo
Northeast of Jaure, leading to the Buna area.

Kovio
Dropping ground

Barumbila
Advance post, ten miles south of Wairopi.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
December 5, 2012