When I got over that barricade with half my shirt ripped off my back by a machine-gun burst and four bullet grazes across my ribs, I realized it was no place for Mrs McEvoy’s little boy and the first thought was to let the Nips keep the place ...
Corporal K.A. McEvoy. Read more about his experience.
The Japanese occupied Bobdubi Ridge during their attempt to capture the Wau airfield.
The Allies defeated the Japanese at Wau in February 1943, and began to move across the "Bloody Ridges" toward Salamaua.
As they advanced, they faced resistance from the Japanese.
Between 22 April to 19 August 1943, Australian Forces fought a series of very tough actions against the Japanese in what has become known as The Battle of Bobdubi.
It was a brutal campaign, fought in difficult terrain across several locations, known as Ambush Knoll, Coconut Ridge, Timbered Knoll and Old Vickers.
During April and May 1943, Australian independent companies outflanked the Japanese and captured Bobdubi Ridge.
Japanese Infantry, along with artillery and airstrikes, recaptured Bobdubi in May.
It took months of hard fighting before the 15th Brigade cleared Bobdubi Ridge on 19 August 1943.
The Battle of Bobdubi weakened the Japanese army and forced them away from garrisons at Salamaua and Lae.
Australian troops occupied Salamaua on 11 September and Lae on 16 September. Finschhafen fell two weeks later.
Two separate phases saw two battle honours given to units that took part in the Battle of Bobdubi:
- "Bobdubi I" for the initial phase between 22 April 1943 and 29 May 1943
- "Bobdubi II" for actions between 30 June 1943 and 19 August 1943.
Gallery
Gallery for `Battle of Bobdubi`
Artwork: Moving through artillery smoke, Bobdubi Ridge
Photo: Indigenous Papuan carriers crossing the Kunda Bridge
Photo: Looking north along Komiatum Ridge to the Francisco River.
Artwork: Taking Old Vickers Position, Bobdubi Ridge, 28 July 1943
Artefact: Commission to paint canvas
Photo: Bobdubi Area, New Guinea, April 1943
