Allied mission against Shaggy Ridge
December 31, 1943–January 19, 1944

December 31, 1943
(RAAF) Crashed is Boomerang A46-134 (KIA) in the Shaggy Ridge area.

January 18, 1944
(5th AF) B-24s and B-25s pound positions around Shaggy Ridge.

January 19, 1944
(5th AF, RAAF) 65 B-25s along with RAAF aircraft pound positions in the Shaggy Ridge area.

January 20, 1944
(5th AF) B-25s from the 38th BG escorted by P-47s attack Shaggy Ridge. On the ground, Australian Army troops used grey pannels to mark their positions and the forward lines. The bombers made solo attacks dropping 500 pound bombs then made multiple strafing runs. The P-47s also strafed. Afterwards, the 38th BG received a special commendation from the Australian Army.
Reference: Sun Setters of the Southwest Pacific Area pages 269-270

(Australian Army) In the morning following air attacks and artillery support, the 18th Brigade assaults on the morning with the 2/12th Battalion moved up the steep ridge to assault Prothero I and, after close-range grenade duels, the 2/9th Battalion captured Green Snipers' Pimple. Fighting continued all night on the thickly wooded slopes and several counter-attacks failed to budge the 2/9th Battalion. The Japanese made a desperate attempt to escape from Shaggy Ridge but the escape bid failed in face of the steady fire of the dug-in Australians.
Reference: Australian Army History - Shaggy Ridge

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