Chaforce

It was nominally of battalion size but consisting of only three rifle companies and a headquarters element, it was therefore proportionally smaller, with an initial strength of 407 all ranks.

[1] After withdrawal of the 21st Brigade from fighting along the Kokoda Track, Brigadier Arnold Potts proposed that a special force be raised to conduct a long range penetration and harassment of the Japanese line of communication between Wairopi and Buna–Gona.

The plan called for the force to move forward to Myola, where it would cross into the head-waters of the Kumusi River, whence it would traverse the valley toward Wairopi.

Major General Arthur Allen proposed employing the force to conduct a less ambitious close flanking mission but this too was vetoed on 24 October.

Author, Raymond Paull, notes significant disaffection in the ranks as a result that they were considered fit for these duties but not for the fighting for which they had volunteered.