I think what really nailed the IJA and IJN apart from the stretched supply lines was the Battle of the Bismarck sea which over the days it was fought really knocked them off plus momentum was gaining on our side even though they did manage to bomb Broome and Darwin in W.A and cause casualties in Sydney they were going back slowly and at a terrible price to the Allies and themselves.

I will get to that one AU- 48 I am just reading To Kokoda and beyond By Victor Austin