IN RAMU VALLEY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 295, 13 December 1943, Page 3

IN RAMU VALLEY

JAPS. REINFORCED

A.I.F. In Renewed Ground War

In New Guinea

N.Z.P.A. Speciil Correspondent

Rec. 12.30 p.m.,

SYDNEY, this day.

Japanese forces in Ramu Valley, New Guinea, are believed to have been reinforced along the motor highway from Bogaajim, an important enemy coastal base 20 miles south of Madang..

Renewed groujid fighting in the valley follows a lull of more than a month. Ramu Valley is north-west of Huon Peninsula, from which another Australian force is steadily driving the Japanese.

The Japanese have established strong defences on the ridges dominating Ramu Valley. They have also made numerous counter - attacks. Their artillery has been active and they are now believed to be using heavier guns. Our patrols report the presence of Japanese in places which were formerly free of the enemy.

A.I.P. troops who moved into Markham and Ramu Valleys after the fall of Lae on September 16 have also clashed with Japanese at several points in the Finisterre Range. This range forms a natural barrier to the Australian drive towards Bogadjim. Renewed action in the area was precipitated by increased Japanese patrol activity and attacks on Australian outposts in Kesawai sector.

Kesawai village, which was occupied by the Australians early in October, is 25 air miles south of Bogadjim. The Australians have inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese in local encounters, but have been forced to yield a small amount of ground at a. few places.