Shaggy Ridge History

We invite you to walk with us along this 97 klm most beautiful rugged track, let us share with you the emotional stories of our brave young diggers. Get to meet all our kind, generous Papua New Guinean friends who live along the trail and have an adventure of a life time. It is important to PNG Trekking that our trekkers not only get to experience the W11 History along our PNG tracks but to also immerse themselves in the culture. This trek is designed to combine both experiences. It is important that all the people from Dumpu through to Madang benefit from eco tourism. This is why we choose to take this route. We feel that trekkers that come to Papua New Guinea need to understand the culture thus in turn understanding the climate that our soldiers were fighting in. The World War 11 History: The 1942-43 defeats of the Japanese at, Kokoda, Milne Bay, around Buna and at Wau opened the way for the Allies to plan and mount the advance on the major objective of Lae, New Guinea. This large Japanese base sat on the coast near the mouth of the Markham River at the southern end of the Huon Peninsula. By capturing this area, the Allies would be able to develop airfields in the Markham Valley to support subsequent advances along the north coast. In May 1943, General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces in the South-West Pacific Area, issued a directive for the attack on Lae. Australian forces were to capture Lae, and then continue with two advances at the same time, one around the coast of the Huon Peninsula and the other inland following the Markham and Ramu Valleys. The latter would culminate with the capture of one of the key features, Shaggy Ridge. Walk the track and learn more.

Shaggy Ridge, New Guinea. December 27, 1943. Troops of the 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion, watch aircraft bombarding The Pimple prior to their attack on Japanese positions. The personnel pictured include: Pte J. B. Knight, Pte O.J. Mortimer, Pte W. Rees, Pte W. E. Brandis, Pte E. J. Gooding, Capt. V. E. C. Anderson, Lt J. Lee, Sgt E. S. Holland.

The 1942-43 defeats of the Japanese at, Kokoda, Milne Bay, around Buna and at Wau opened the way for the Allies to plan and mount the advance on the major objective of Lae, New Guinea. This large Japanese base sat on the coast near the mouth of the Markham River at the southern end of the Huon Peninsula. By capturing this area, the Allies would be able to develop airfields in the Markham Valley to support subsequent advances along the north coast.

In May 1943, General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces in the South-West Pacific Area, issued a directive for the attack on Lae. Australian forces were to capture Lae, and then continue with two advances at the same time, one around the coast of the Huon Peninsula and the other inland following the Markham and Ramu Valleys. The latter would culminate with the capture of one of the key features, Shaggy Ridge.

Ahead of the land attack Allied bombers mounted a strong campaign against the Japanese base and lines of communication, weakening the defences. The first action by Allied troops was a paratroop drop, the first in New Guinea, on 5 September 1943. The American 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, and some gunners of the Australian 2/4th Field Regiment, were dropped over the Markham Valley, and seized an abandoned airfield at Nadzab. Work quickly commenced to prepare the airstrip for transport aircraft to land more troops.

Australians of the 7th Division were to be flown by American transport planes from Port Moresby to another airfield at Tsili Tsili and then march into the Markham Valley. However, tragedy struck on 7 September 1943 when a bomber taking off from Port Moresby crashed into men of the 2/33rd Battalion's D Company, who were waiting to board aircraft for the flight to Tsili Tsili. The 11-man American crew and 60 Australian troops were killed, and a further 92 Australians were injured; more died later from their burns and injuries. The shocked survivors were flown to the front.

With the 7th Division concentrated in the forward area, the advance began on 9 September 1943 with the 2/25th Battalion leading the 7th Division's movement out of Nadzab towards Lae. Four days later, Private Richard 'Dick' Kelliher, a 38-year-old Irishman in the 2/25th, came to the fore in a clash with Japanese machine-gunners pinning down his platoon. Kelliher later explained:

I wanted to bring [wounded] Cpl Richards back, because he was my cobber, so I jumped out from the stump where I was sheltering and threw a few grenades over into the position where the Japanese were dug in. I did not kill them all, so went back, got a Bren gun and emptied the magazine in the post. That settled the Japanese. Another option opened up when I went on to get Cpl Richards, but we got a bit of covering fire and I brought him back to our lines.

[Kelliher quoted in Reconquest: New Guinea 1943-1944, Australian Army, Melbourne,1944]

Kelliher was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honor in the British Empire.

Shaggy Ridge, New Guinea. 1944-01-23. Troops of "C" company, 2/9th infantry battalion digging into a newly occupied feature on Shaggy Ridge.

The 7th Division pressed on. Meanwhile, the 9th Division sailed towards the forward area, and landed on the coast north of Lae. The two divisions were then in a race to claim the honor of capturing Lae. It was almost too close to call. Men from both divisions were entering the shattered base from opposite ends when they linked up on 16 September 1943. Most of the Japanese garrison had escaped into the mountains, beginning what for many was a 'death march', as with little food and few medical supplies they struggled to reach the northern side of the Finisterre Range.

The 9th Division was instructed to advance around the coast of the Huon Peninsula, as the 7th Division advanced along the Markham Valley and into the mountains. For the men of the 7th Division, it was the beginning of months of hard mountain warfare, as they crossed the Finisterres. The mountains were so steep in some areas that Australians, New Guineans and Japanese risked falling over the edge of escarpments to their deaths. One such place was Pallier's Hill, which was attacked by the 2/14th Battalion in October 1943. Corporal John 'Bluey' Whitechurch remembered:

We could see [the Japanese] now and opened fire on their heads as they bobbed up above their foxholes … Somebody gave a shrill blood-curdling yell that startled even us, and was partly responsible for some of the enemy running headlong down the ridge in panic. Unable to stop at the edge of the cliff, they plunged to their doom hundreds of feet below.

[Whitechurch quoted in Mark Johnston, The Markham and Ramu Valleys, Canberra, 2005, p.8]

It was hard to get artillery forward, so air support was a vital. One of those flying in close cooperation with the army was Flying Officer Alex Miller-Randle, 4 Squadron RAAF, piloting Boomerang aircraft on tactical reconnaissance sorties and 'leading in' Allied fighter-bombers. He remembered:

Flying up a valley close to treetops was extremely dangerous because it was very difficult to judge the incline, [which was] often greater than the aircraft's maximum rate of climb, so that even with full throttle the plane could not climb out of the valley. Furthermore if the valley sides were … narrowing sharply, it was very easy to misjudge the point where there was enough turning space left. … There were many times when I thought I had misjudged it and came out with heart pounding.

[Alex Miller-Randle quoted in Mark Johnston, The Markham and Ramu Valleys, p.9]

By Christmas 1943, the Australians were nearing the end of the Markham and Ramu Valleys campaign, having reached Shaggy Ridge. This was one of the most imposing of many ridgelines encountered. Once it was captured, the way was clear to the coast. Lieutenant Robert 'Shaggy' Clampett, 2/27th Battalion, wrote of the ridge that was named after him:

There seems to be a bit of talk about old Shaggy Ridge which I must say is a beauty, and he has a few scars on it at the moment from Mortar and Arty [artillery] bombs. It is as steep as hell on both sides and is only flat for a couple of feet on top …

['Shaggy' Clampett quoted in Mark Johnston, The Markham and Ramu Valleys, p.10]

The tracks approaching Shaggy Ridge and climbing up its side were so narrow and steep that the 7th Division's commander, General George Vasey, remarked, only half-jokingly: 'The 7th Division will advance on a one-man front. Anyone disobeying this order will break his bloody neck.'

It took weeks of successive attacks on the Japanese to take Shaggy Ridge. The battalions of the 21st Brigade who had borne most of the fighting, were relieved for a rest and, in late January 1944, the ridge finally fell to men of the 18th Brigade.

The Australians pushed on, gradually making their way down towards the coast to link up with troops fighting their way around the Huon Peninsula's coastline. The 15th Infantry Brigade took over the campaign, pushing on to link up with troops who advanced inland on the Huon Peninsula. By the start of February 1944, the last objectives in this area were taken. It was then left to troops of the 8th and 15th Brigades to push on along the coast.

Equipment List

Arrangements have been made to transfer your clean clothes and any other items you may need from Lae to Madang whilst the group is on the track. Please put items that you are not taking on the trek and want transferred to Madang in a separate locked bag.

Please make sure that all your gear is packed in dry sacks, zip lock bags. We cannot express how important this is. This does not mean that everything is dumped into a large garbage bag. Ensure all your gear is sectioned as per below. Extra gear can be left at the hotel in a locked bag.

Day Wear

• Shorts or zip off trekking pants, 2 pairs 
• One pair of lycra gym shorts or Skins if chaffing is an issue. (optional) 
• Shirts, 2 (quick dry shirts, long or short sleeved)
• Underwear, 2 to 3
• Socks,4 to 6 pair
• Bandanna. (optional)
• One brimmed Hat or Peak Cap (protection against rain and/or sun)

Trekking Gear

• Boots- worn in
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• One 85-90 litre back pack with pack cover-must be this size-Personal Porter carries this, anything smaller will not accommodate your Personal Porters gear which he has to pack in the as well. You can hire a pack off PNG Trekking Adventures for $10 per day. 
• One day pack with pack cover (must be 35 litre)
• Camel pack (3 litre capacity for water)
• Gaiters (long or short either is suitable)
• 500ml litre drink sports bottle (for made up Staminade or similar)
• Sun Glasses/Poncho/ spray jacket
• Pack Cover for when it rains
• Poncho/Spray jacket (cheap)
• Head light & spare batteries

Personal:

• Camera, diary, book maybe.

Bath Gear:

• Towel-Bring a decent sized towel, must be quick dry.
• Toiletries - soap, toothbrush & paste etc (Environmentally friendly)
• Men - light pair of swimming shorts. Ladies - Sarong and bathers

Night Wear:  Around Camp

• Long zip off trekking Pants
• Long sleeve quick dry trekking shirt
• Light Fleece Jumper
• Thermal Top
• Reef shoes/sand shoes/thongs

Night Wear: Sleeping in

• Tee shirt/undies/or summer PJ’s
• Anti-fungal foot powder

Sleeping Gear:

• Thermarest exped 7 w/ downe, is my favourite. Must be compact. You do not want a massive bulky sleeping mat taking up all the room in your large pack.
• One light sleeping bag - Must be in compression sack. You do not want a massive bulky sleeping bag taking up all the room in your large pack.
• Watch (to avoid middle of night guessing what time it is)
• Earplugs (roosters in villages, 3 am, sometimes)
• Mosquito Net (please tie a long piece of string to the tabs so you can tie the net up).
• Pillow
• Tent (we provide)

Eating Utensils:

•Spoon, Cup, bowl, fork, Knife

Extra Food Items:

You will find our food packs are great. There is plenty of food. Only bring extra food if there are special dietary requirements. Dietary requirements please discuss with us. 

Day Packs - What you take in your day pack must be 35 litre pack (approx. 6-8kgs)

• Sunhat
• Toilet paper/Dettol wipes or similar
• 3 litre camel pack water
• Sun Glasses
• Ration Pack
• Cup, bowl ,spoon ,fork
• Staminade or similar-made up in small bottle on side of pack
• Glucose
• Band aids/Vaseline/pura tabs
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Ethanol Hand gel
• Cheap poncho
• Head Torch
• Camera

First Aid Kit

• Anti-malarial tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
• Antihistamine (such as Benadryl)-useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, or ease the itch from insect bites or stings.
• Antiseptic –antibiotic powder/Benedine – for cuts and scratches
• Calamine lotion – to ease irritation from bites or stings.
• Imodium or Lomotil – for stomach upsets
• Amoxolin, Keflex, stemitol antibiotics
• Rehydration mixture – for dehydration, especially that caused by severe diarrhea
• Vaseline
• Insect repellent (Rid) (no aerosol cans please)
• One roll of broad elastic bandage
• Panadol or Aspirin, Neurofen or Voltaran
• 1 roll sports tape, Band aids
• Gauze – cut into small squares
• Staminade (only enough for 2 tbls per day-in zip lock bag)
• One packet of glucose tablets

Please consult Dr for vaccinations required.

Day 1: 08/08 Arrive Port Moresby, Lae      PX006 0945-1255/QF57 0910-1220 (BRISBANE-POM)                                                                                                               PX106 1610-1655 (POM-LAE Domestic)

On arrival at Port Moresby International Airport trekkers will be met by PNG Trekking Adventures representatives and transferred to the domestic terminal to book onto domestic flights. We will then take trekkers to the PNG Trekking offices where a equipment check and briefing of what will be happening over the next 8 days. On arrival at Nadzab airport transfer to Lae Hotel taking approximately 45 minutes. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 2: 09/08 Lae, Dumpu to Agana Village Camp

Following breakfast a 4 hr drive from Lae to Dumpu, stopping at Kaipit (2 hrs drive from Lae) were the significant bloody battle of the 2/6th Independent Company took place 16 Sept 1943, this area was one of two airfields General MacArthur instructed General Blamey to establish. The other airfield being Dumpu. The battle of Shaggy Ridge was to protect the 185 Kilometre long stretch grassy corridor well suited to airfields, establishment and protection of which were crucial in this campaign. Shaggy Ridge was the higher ground, falling to the North foot of Shaggy Ridge was the Japanese lifeline, the Japanese had established a supply route, a well engineered road from the North, Bogadjim/Madang to Lae, Shaggy Ridge towered over this lifeline. From Onga Village/Road where our road transport meets up with our porters, our trek begins, A steady incline in Short grass, entwining along the lower ridges towards a saddle, there is no canopy, sun can be very hot and taxing, Stunning views of Ramu Village, slight descent into Agana Village. The village is located at the foothills of Shaggy Ridge, South of Guys Post. Wash area is a 5-7 min walk to a piped creek. Camp is in the village, were we will set up our tents and become familiar with equipment and procedures and locals, most of our porters are from Agana/Dumpu Village. Camp 350 meters, Trek distance 6.5km, 2.5 hours walk. Bush Camp (Meals: BLD)

Day 3: 10/08 Agana Village to The Army Oven/Japanese Wire Camp

This morning we enter the rain forest , we are on a ridge spur, covered by trees and vegetation, which takes about two and a half hours to climb - with sensible rest breaks. Weapon pits from the fighting 60 plus years ago are evident from time to time along the way. Just prior to the high point at the end of the climbing, weapon pits become more frequent and the site of a field cook house (complete with improvised "drum oven") marks the last five minutes of the day's trekking. Two minutes incline past this site, marks the Japanese Wired Tree site. Camp is situated on the South Western side of Shaggy Ridge summit, the first "Pimple" feature along Shaggy Ridge proper, amongst numerous weapon pits, Australian and Japanese - with some of the Japanese pits interconnected by now collapsed tunnel systems. The shape of the ground now narrows to a razor back ridge, which commences here, and runs northerly for the next full day's walking. The Bush camp is made amongst the weapon pits, utilising small level areas cut into the side of the steep slopes by the soldiers. We will erect our tents at this site. We must conserve our water to make certain we have adequate for our personal and camp needs tonight and tomorrow. This camp can be cold, with an added chill from the wind, and on some occasions, wind driven rain. Another challenge for the staff to prepare a hot meal and drinks for trekkers. Camp 1400 meters (South Western end of Shaggy Ridge). Trek Distance 5.5km, 6 hours walk through/ steep terrain. Bush Camp (Meals: BLD)

Day 4: 11/08 Army Oven/ Japanese Wire Camp to Kankiryo Saddle, Mindjim River Camp

Today up early and the description "contouring" does not fairly describe the labour involved in making progress along sections of today's walk, although the tracks we follow does often parallel the crest line. The paths are not used by locals, and visitors are very rare, hence some use of the bush knives and axes will be required to re open the pathways. All along the ridge line, weapon pits can be seen, most identifiable as connected with specific extreme endeavors’ of close quarter battle. Relics are evident in the battle areas. The views from the crest are magnificent, and it is easy to see why the Japanese situated themselves so firmly there and why the Australians had to get them off it to protect their supply and communication lines so vital to the Allied advance. Clouds will, from time to time, swirl in with the wind, and blot out everything, even percolating down into the closely vegetated path on the protected side. Old small observation post holes along the crest add to the need for care. These are now overgrown and hidden so the carriers take care to point them out. The day's actual progress means a degree of flexibility enters into the schedule for the overnight stop. There are three alternative sites; one on the Northern end of Shaggy Ridge high ground, the other two at the foot of the ridge, first site at foot of hill is Kankiryo Saddle- about 1 1/2 hours further on from the high camp. Descent is steep, slippery and through thick vegetation, with options to climb surrounding hills were significant battles took place. Our second site is along the side of Mindjim River another 60 minutes walk along flat ground. Each area is also a war time camp with relics around either of these sites. Trek Distance 14km, 7 hrs, difficult flat walking, steep descent, finishing off with flat walking, lots of breaks recommended. 2½ spent looking at and finding war relics. 9½ hours walking. Bush Camp (Meals: BLD)

Day 5: 12/08 Kankiryo Saddle to Saipa Village

Today's walking is mostly level ground, with a number of river and creek crossings. Dry feet and dry boots are not always possible on this section. An optional detour on this sector is to explore the vicinity of Kankiryo and Crater Hill. Both of these locations were scenes of bitter fighting where relics remain. Further on from these locations, a deteriorating monument to Japanese engineering endeavor will be met for the first time. This is a vehicle road, constructed with great skill and greater effort, from the coast to within a few kilometres of the foot of Shaggy Ridge. To see it is to believe it ! Land slips and the collapse of bridging and culverts, plus the ever eager jungle vegetation have all taken their toll, but enough remains to be marveled at! We will cross this road from time to time, and, occasionally, be able to use the road form as a track with some clearing ahead by the carriers. Dependent on the rainfall of the time - and we are travelling in the loosely recognised "dryer season" of the area - will be the level of difficulty (and time required) for the river crossings. From here on we are very vulnerable to excesses of rainfall as we follow the Mindjim River system to the coast. Arriving for Morning tea at a beautiful village called Paipa, friendly locals that want to share their stories. PNG Trekking Adventures has expanded local opportunities by encouraging cultural insights to their day to day lives. Sing Sings, Night walking, pig hunting, basket weaving, night fishing, school dramas, kids singing, local guided tours of interest, farming, Bui sampling, house building, roof thatching, local cooking can all be experienced within this village. This village is raw, remote and untouched by the modern world, they are extremely proud to show you their way of life. We will buy any available fruit and vegetables to supplement our evening meal. The village is a peaceful place, with a lifestyle as followed by generations. There is plentiful water in an adjacent river for washing and relaxing. Trek Distance 16km, 6 hours walking. (River shoes required), moderate flowing river. Bush Camp (Meals: BLD)

Day 6: 13/08 Saipa Village to Alibu, Mindjim River High Ground Camp Site

We depart Saipa and commence the morning with a 2½ hour ascent followed by a descent through even more remote localities. The track we follow connects through to the war time route which has not been used by local folk for a great many years, we will be navigating our way from time to time through close jungle. The carriers and staff will be working on your behalf to simplify matters where ever possible! Lunch will be in Yokopi Village. We can expect to rejoin the Old Japanese Road after lunch, with some path clearing, following the road to the banks of the Mindjim River. Here we will follow the river along (and in!) by wading in sections and bank walking for others, until we arrive at our overnight camp on the river bank. The site is sandy, clean and quite comfortable in comparison to our earlier deep jungle camps. Water again is plentiful. Trek Distance 22km, 7½ hours walking. Camp will be on high ground along side Mindjim River. Bush Camp (Meals: BLD)

Day 7: 14/08 Alibu, Mindjim River High Ground Camp Site to Gambul Village

We begin the day following the river. Soon after our start we enter spectacular gorges and ravines as we follow the river's course. The sides are steep with some rock ledges allowing passage, but these require many crossovers from one side to the other and back again, to achieve our forward progress. Wet boots are the main burden of the day. The scenery and settings are a good compensation. The first signs of closer settlements become apparent as we see dams across sections of the river's channels. They are made of natural materials placed to create attractive deeper pools for small fish to gather. The village folk use scoop nets woven from local cane to flick the fish out of the ponds for cooking and eating. Other interesting sights include sago washing locations where excess starch from the sago palm's product is washed out with much labour, using bark troughs and stream water, plus natural material shelters for hunters and gatherers staying out overnight from their village homes. As with so much you will see of the elementary "as was" life style of the local folk out here, away from more settled areas, you will appreciate the hard work to gather enough to keep a family in food and necessaries. As we progress along the river more signs of local people will be evident, with the larger village of Mabeluk (lunch stop) being the indication we have finished with bank and river walking for the day. From Mabeluk there is a clearly defined walking track which is level and away from the immediate banks of the river; although following the general line of the Imjim River. Several small villages are passed until we arrive at the Gambul Community School locality. The first (or last! school along this track). Our night's rest will be here, adjacent to the school area. Again, you can expect to be of great interest to the people of the area. The river is close by. Trek Distance 21km, 8 hours walking. Camp on the outskirts of the village. River to wash is 7 minutes walk. Bush Camp (Meals: BLD

Day 8: 15/08 Gambul, Bogadjim to Madang

This morning we start after breakfast along the walking track near the river's edge. It is level walking for the main part. Occasionally the path arrives at the rocky banks of the river and a section of the journey requires "rock hopping" from one larger stone to the next. Then the path returns and the pace can resume to a comfortable walk. This is a major foot thoroughfare for local people, and no doubt we will pass, and be passed by locals carrying produce to market, or returning with purchases from the major regional centre of Madang. There are numerous villages along our path today, and still, trekkers are a novelty, so expect to receive helloes, handshakes, questions and inquisitive courtesies. There are a number of river crossings during the day - wet feet and boots again! The sun can be very unforgiving along this section of the expedition, so pace and exposure are monitored. "Good" water on the last half of the day's walk is not available, so we "load up" at a safe point with sufficient to see us through. One last river crossing and suddenly you are on a two wheel vehicle track, which soon improves to a gravel vehicle road, with an occasional wash away limiting access until the locals decide to affect repairs. We would expect to walk the last 5 kilometers from the river crossing to the Bogadijm School. This locality was a major Japanese war base and the terminus of the Japanese Road we follow in part back in the Finisterre Mountain Ranges. It was also a German regional administration centre in colonial times around the turn of the Twentieth Century. Little remains to show for those times of importance. Our vehicle pick up point is the school. Photographs and congratulations precede the jump onto the trucks, and the road ride to Madang. Trek Distance 12 km. 5 hours walking. 1 hour drive to Madang. Accommodation Hotel. (Meals: BL)

Day 9: 16/08 Airport Transfer   PX913 0700 0800 (Madang-POM Domestic) 
                                                    PX005 1500 1800/QF58 1310 1620 (POM-BRISBANE International)

Today the group will be transferred to Madang Domestic airport to connect with flight to Port Moresby for their onward journey home.