| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Solomon Islands, Bougainville |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART22655 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 39.1 x 28.7 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | pen and wash on paper |
| Maker |
Abbott, Harold |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Solomon Islands, Bougainville |
| Date made | 1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Approach to Artillery Ridge
Description
The approach to Artillery Ridge is one that gives defenders maxiumum assistance in the form of a narrow ridge and steep slopes with little cover. The approach was made under a mortar and artillery barrage using smoke and high explosive shells and supported by 2 Vickers machine guns, 1000 yards range from the ridge, on the flanks. 'C' Company, 9th Australian Infantry Battalion attacked Artillery Ridge and completely captured it within an hour, with 25 Japanese killed. Many recent graves were found. The ridge had been pounded by artillery for a month and was completely bare of vegetation. The only approach was along the razorback ridge shown in the picture and enemy positions were on top of the feature enabling them to put up a stiff resistance.