With the completion of the Huon Peninsula and Ramu Valley campaigns, a new phase of the war in New Guinea began. Whereas the Japanese had previously endeavoured to defend each base along the New Guinea coast, the survivors of the 18th Army merely retreated towards Madang.
After the capture of Sio by the Australian 9th Division, the remnants of the 51st and 20th Divisions moved along the Rai Coast. The American landings at Saidor straddled their escape route but the Americans made no attempt to block the Japanese, who skirted Saidor. They were pursued by Australian and Papuan troops of the 8th Brigade. More Japanese died of hunger and disease than were killed in action during this retreat.
A separate force retreated from the Ramu Valley over the Finisterre Range. These men also hoped to reach Madang, though the mountain crossing was strenuous and claimed more lives. The Australians 15th Brigade pursued the retreating force over the Bogadjim Road but had relatively little contact in the jungle-clad mountains.
The Japanese 18th Army was a defeated force. After skirting Saidor, the survivors reached Madang but the base was promptly abandoned. Australian troops entered Madang unopposed on 24 April 1944.
Madang:
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