While the Australians were supported by US airstrikes , they lacked the artillery support which the Japanese had at that stage of the campaign .
Australians were able to field three 3 - inch mortars that had been parachuted into Myola .
While the Australians were supported by US airstrikes , they lacked the artillery support which the Japanese had at that stage of the campaign , although they were able to field three 3 - inch mortars that had been parachuted into Myola .