In May 1942 General Douglas MacArthur, Allied Commander in Chief of the South West Pacific Area (C in C SWPA), ordered the construction of an airfield at Milne Bay, at the eastern tip of New Guinea.
His intention was to use this and other new airfields to attempt the reconquest of Rabaul, taken by the Japanese early in the war.
However the airfield would also be a prize for the Japanese to attack.
Once taken it could be a base for bombing sorties over the cities of south eastern Australia.
MacArthur requested Thomas Blamey send troops to secure the construction site.

Initially a militia brigade was dispatched.
As building progressed this was progressively reinforced with regular troops.
Once buildup was complete, the garrison assumed the name Milne Force, and Clowes, now promoted to Major General, was given command.
He reached Milne Bay and assumed command of the Australian troops there just four days before the Japanese began landing, beginning the Battle of Milne Bay.
In May 1942 General Douglas MacArthur, Allied Commander in Chief of the South West Pacific Area (C in C SWPA), ordered the construction of an airfield at Milne Bay, at the eastern tip of New Guinea. His intention was to use this and other new airfields to attempt the reconquest of Rabaul, taken by the Japanese early in the war. However the airfield would also be a prize for the Japanese to attack. Once taken it could be a base for bombing sorties over the cities of south eastern Australia. MacArthur requested Thomas Blamey send troops to secure the construction site.
Initially a militia brigade was dispatched. As building progressed this was progressively reinforced with regular troops. Once buildup was complete, the garrison assumed the name Milne Force, and Clowes, now promoted to Major General, was given command. He reached Milne Bay and assumed command of the Australian troops there just four days before the Japanese began landing, beginning the Battle of Milne Bay.
Cyril Clowes