The Banyan Tree - Next Day

An important landmark on Artillery Ridge which was taken by 'C' Company, 9th Australian Infantry Battalion, 1944. At the foot of this tree was a Japanese Observation Post (OP) that Australian artillery, 4th Field Regiment and mortars were able to get direct hits on days previous to the Japanese attack. When the Australian soldiers were clearing out the OP, unexpectedly, a slightly wounded Japanese soldier reluctantly came out and was taken prisoner. He was found to be most useful as he had lived in America and was only too anxious to talk. The forward position was established at the end of the bare ridge at the right. The Japanese were on Pearl Ridge, the tree-clad ridge beyond.