Based on a detailed analysis of the battlefield, this book outlines how
the victory at Wau was achieved and demonstrates how determined
leadership can turn the tide of battle. Throughout most of 1942, the
Australian Army fought a series of commando actions to keep the Japanese
at bay in the Wau - Salamaua area of New Guinea. The Australian commando
operation against Salamaua in June 1942 is still considered to be 'the
perfect raid'. Following other commando actions at Mubo, the Japanese
reinforced their troops at Salamaua in January 1943, and conducted a
daring operation to capture Wau. Advancing by way of a seemingly
impassable track between the Australian outposts, a force of two
infantry battalions reached the foothills overlooking Wau before coming
up against a single Australian company of infantry. Courageously led by
Captain Bill Sherlock this small force held the Japanese advance at bay
for a vital 36 hours, allowing other Australian troops to be rushed in
to defend Wau. More importantly, the Australian stand enabled fresh
troops to be flown in to the vital airfield and these men changed the
course of the battle.
