IN RAMU VALLEY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 23, 28 January 1944, Page 5

IN RAMU VALLEY

PRESSURE MAINTAINED

(Special P.A. Correspondent.) SYDNEY, January 28. The Australian-troops who drove the Japanese from Shaggy Ridge on the | northern side of the Ramu Valley this week are maintaining their pressure. However, it seems likely that the Japanese in this area, realising their j inability to withdraw as an organised force, are determined to fight to the death. Australian infantrymen on Tuesday penetrated six miles through the Japanese lines to smash an enemy strongpoint. Their advance was made north-west of the Kankiryo saddle, which they captured last weekend. | After two hours of fierce fighting the ! Japanese retreated, leaving behind many casualties. These Australians are now 20 miles south of Bogadjim, 'an important enemy staging point on the. coast. At Saidor, on the coast 55 miles south of Bogadjim, the American invasion forces have established observation points deeper in enemy territory. Heavy rains are hampering the development of the Saidor airstrip and other constructional.-work. .:■