14 January 1943

Sick Japanese POW captured at Sananada tells of plans for evacuation of the area, apparently to the mouths of the Kumusi and Mambare Rivers, about 70 km to west, where boats will rescue them.

Brigadier George Wootten sends troops into Sanananda Junction. They find it deserted. Allied troops begin to follow up the retreating enemy but are slowed by the appalling conditions, much of it through shoulder-deep swamps where progress is around 100 metres an hour.