Shaggy Ridge, Finisterre Ranges

Abstract

Throughout the war the Australian and Allied forces in New Guinea had the assistance of a military administrative service, the Australian and New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU) which consisted of former members of the public services of Papua and New Guinea, pre-war residents, and other specially qualified persons. ANGAU maintained law and order in areas not under enemy occupation, regulated native labour for use by the forces, and re-established native welfare services. During the war over 3,000 natives served in the Royal Papuan Constabulary and the wartime peak of native labour was 37,500. In addition, 4,400 natives enlisted in the Papua or New Guinea Infantry Battalions or served with sections of the Allied Intelligence Bureau. Between them they won more than 300 awards for bravery and meritorious service. [NB: This photo is of Shaggy Ridge, Finisterre Ranges and is part of the AWM collection (ID Number: 064260) The caption states: Shaggy Ridge, Finisterre Ranges, New Guinea. Members of 'A' Company, 2/9th infantry battalion digging in at "Green Sniper's Pimple" after the Japanese forces had been driven back during the battle for Shaggy Ridge.]