On Shaggy Ridge recounts the gripping and often overlooked story of the 1943–44 Ramu Valley campaign in New Guinea. This definitive history follows the Australian Seventh Division’s arduous journey from the pivotal battle at Kaiapit through to their intense, four-month struggle against Japanese forces entrenched on the precipitous razorback spine of Shaggy Ridge.
Phillip Bradley masterfully blends strategic analysis with the visceral, human experience of warfare. Drawing upon eight years of rigorous research, including previously unpublished accounts from over 140 Australian and Japanese veterans, the narrative brings the battlefield to life. Bradley’s own pilgrimages to the Finisterre Ranges infuse the writing with an authentic sense of place, allowing the reader to visualise the harsh, unforgiving terrain where soldiers faced seemingly impossible odds. Combining meticulous military detail with moving personal testimony, this book offers a profound tribute to the endurance and bravery of those who served. It is an essential, unforgettable read for anyone interested in the realities of World War II and the extraordinary courage displayed by those on the front line.
Used (good, see images, dust jacket wear and some cover wear) Softcover ISBN 0195551001
