Monday, October 1, 2012 at 1:30PM The Japanese retreat has a profound impact on the troops’ morale. One commander writes that the order to withdraw has “crushed the spirit of the troops”. “We gathered our weakening strength and quickened our pace of retreat.”
Monday, October 1, 2012 at 1:29PM The campaign now begins in reverse as small groups of Japanese defenders fight desperate rearguard actions against the advancing Australians.
Monday, October 1, 2012 at 1:26PM Back at base outside Moresby, troops of 2/14th are delighted to hear reports that Capt ‘Ben’ Buckler had reached the American lines at Dorobasolo with his party of 37 men. They later learn that he had to leave eight wounded behind and wants to send a party to find them.
Buckler’s mob has been adrift in the jungle, without food or ammunition, battling to avoid Japanese patrols and to reach their own lines since they were separated from the main Australian defensive force following the battle for Isurava on August 29.
Monday, October 1, 2012 at 1:25PM The 25th Brigade's 2/31st and 2/33rd Battalions reoccupy Ioribaiwa, followed the next morning by the young Diggers of the 3rd Militia Battalion. They see no sign of the Japanese.
Monday, October 1, 2012 at 1:25PM Diggers from 25th Brigade begin their advance from Imita Ridge, and are surprised to find the Japanese have abandoned Ioribaiwa.