On the afternoon of the 16th of September Brigadier Ken Ether requested permission from his Divisional Commander – Major General Arthur “Tubby” Allen to withdrawal to the next ridge back towards Port Moresby called Imita Ridge.
This move would enable the Australians to have the use of their artillery as the Japanese on Ioribaiwa Ridge would be in range of the Australian guns (for the first time ever in the campaign). Australian lines of supply would then be extremely short whilst the Japanese lines of supply would be precariously long.
Permission was granted for the Australian withdrawal to Imita. Brigadier Ether was warned that this would be the last stand and if needed he was to die at Imita Ridge whilst attempting to hold it.
During the night of the 16th of September, Japanese soldiers celebrated with victory almost in their grasp. They could see what they believed to be the lights of Port Moresby from their positions on Ioribaiwa Ridge.
This move would enable the Australians to have the use of their artillery as the Japanese on Ioribaiwa Ridge would be in range of the Australian guns (for the first time ever in the campaign). Australian lines of supply would then be extremely short whilst the Japanese lines of supply would be precariously long.
Permission was granted for the Australian withdrawal to Imita. Brigadier Ether was warned that this would be the last stand and if needed he was to die at Imita Ridge whilst attempting to hold it.
During the night of the 16th of September, Japanese soldiers celebrated with victory almost in their grasp. They could see what they believed to be the lights of Port Moresby from their positions on Ioribaiwa Ridge.
