On Shaggy Ridge: The Australian Seventh Division in the Ramu Valley: From Kaiapit to the Finisterres (Australian Army History) [Hardcover]

Phillip Bradley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195551001 | ISBN-13: 978-0195551006 | Publication Date: August 19, 2004

This study details the dramatic but little-known story of the 1943-44 Ramu Valley campaign in New Guinea that culminated in the battle for Shaggy Ridge. Drawing on the vivid recollections of over 140 veterans and the author's own journeys in the region, the book brings to life Japan's dogged defense of this razorback ridge and how they resisted the Autralians for over four months.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A meticulous historian in the service of his material...This is a superb tactical study."--Stephen Matchett, The Sydney Institute Quarterly

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Phillip Bradley is an ardent researcher of Australian military history with a particular interest in the Australian campaigns in the Pacific in World War Two. He has had a number of articles published on the subject in specialist magazines. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 294 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195551001
• ISBN-13: 978-0195551006
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,997,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The 1943-44 Ramu Valley campaign in New Guinea, August 23, 2010

By 

Kiwi (Mississauga, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: On Shaggy Ridge: The Australian 7th Division in the Ramu Valley: From Kaiapit to the Finisterre Ranges (Australian Army History) (Paperback)

"On Shaggy Ridge" details the dramatic but little known story of the 1943-44 Ramu Valley campaign in New Guinea. The book follows the Australian Seventh Division from the pivotal battle at Kaiapit through to the final assault on Shaggy Ridge. As if defending the ramparts of a medieval fortress, the Japanese entrenched themselves along this razorback ridge and resisted the Australian advance for over four months.

Drawing on extensive records that are brought to life by the vivid recollections of over 140 veterans, and illuminated by the author's own journeys to the region, Phillip Bradley brings the battlefield to the reader. The detailed story unfolds as it took place with maps and dramatic photos helping to complement the text. Without neglecting the key strategy and command issues, the book has been written from the soldier's viewpoint allowing the author to take readers on an unforgettable journey to the front line. Those who were there will never forget Shaggy Ridge, and now those who have only heard the name can learn the reason why this campaign was so important.

With a lifelong interest in military history, work in Papua New Guinea led Bradley to the battlefields on the Finisterre Ranges, where his father had fought in World War Two. A desire to learn more about this campaign led to eight years of research and interviews culminating with On Shaggy Ridge. The book contains previously unpublished recollections from both the Australian and Japanese veterans who were there, giving new insights, and in many cases the only insights, on key episondes during the campaign.

Although this book will be of major interest to military historians, military enthusiasts, and veterans of the campaign, it will capture the imagination of any reader who is interested in a great story of bravery and endeavour against seemingly impossible odds.