The Battle for Shaggy Ridge: The extraordinary story of the Australian campaign against the Japanese in New Guinea's Finisterre mountains in 1943-44

by Phillip Bradley

An enlightening re-examination of an important campaign following the experiences of the men from both sides.'You climb and climb . . . This is the field of battle . . . tonight some of us will be dead . . . You'll never forget Shaggy Ridge.' - Shawn O'LearyFrom the killing ground of Kaiapit to the treacherous heights of the Finisterre Range, for four months in 1943-44 the Australian army fought to drive the Japanese from their mountain strongholds. The most formidable position was the fortress-like Shaggy Ridge, its steep sides rising sharply to a knife-edge crest where battle was joined on a one-man front. Based on the accounts of over a hundred Australians, Americans and Japanese who served on, around and over the ridge, The Battle for Shaggy Ridge tells the story of this extraordinary struggle for control of the Ramu Valley in New Guinea.

Genres: Military History, History

Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Ian Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE BATTLE FOR SHAGGY RIDGE by Phillip Bradley
That Phillip has done his homework there can be no doubt. The references are numerous and the text reflects this. Detail from those who were there, though not always 100% reliable (as noted in another book I’m reviewing called “The Searchers”) nonetheless give a personal touch to the script.
The terrain in which they fought is appallingly difficult and, though the Kokoda Trail gets the vast majority of publicity, it’s insightful to read about the other theatres of war in New Guinea.
It’s man on man with opposing forces often so close to each other and there’s no tanks rolling along open fields here. Tactics of the individual come more into play and decisions on the run are paramount in heading towards victory or defeat and dealt with accordingly.
Also contained within are detailed maps and photos that give a better visual guide to the Shaggy Ridge area and the significant heights above the valleys below.
You can’t help but get the feeling that the Anzacs were better prepared mentally for such a conflict as some of this style of country would not have been totally unfamiliar to them and finding your way through it involves a lot of thinking on the run.
The front line in this battle fluctuated alarmingly with overlapping not a rare occurrence. The allied forces also had a significant advantage with better air support.
So, if a detailed account of this particular theatre of war you’re after, you’ll do well to get yourself a copy of this thorough account.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wondered what it would have been like to be in a World War Two battle in New Guinea, read this book as this is the best description you will ever yet. The author conveys the turmoil, the bloodshed, the sheer bad lack that takes a life and spares another, as well as the discomfort of the jungle, the heat, the pouring rain, the lack of sleep and the sudden death. He doesn't dwell on the misfortune, just gets on with it like those gallant Australians in 1943-44 and their equally gallant Japanese enemies. I could go on and wax lyrical about this superb book, but rather than me that, why not read it for yourself?

[Graeme Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you onto a battlefield that is extraordinarily difficult to comprehend could be fought over. Yet it was. Fought by Australian and Japanese men who just wouldn't give in. Phil Bradley takes you there, and describes in great detail the actions that resulted in an Australian victory. This is no sweeping account of a campaign; it is close, personal and on-the-spot, naming each individual and describing their courageous actions in detail.
If you want to know how hard it is to fight in this environment and how tough the men were that did, get this book and read it.