This is a tough scenario for the Aussies, they have a higher force pool but morale, initiative and initiative step loss are equal for both sides while the Japanese are defending in favorable terrain. To complicate matters jungle disorientation rules are in effect, on the bright side the Aussies do get to start hidden and use hidden movement. The Japanese deployed their strongest units to defend the three village hexes which are worth 3 VP each while setting up their remaining forces on the 60m ridge to defend it since each hex if controlled is worth 1 VP.

The Aussies sent a force down the trail to probe the village defenses, once engaged it was deemed better to turn the remaining hidden platoons south to see if they could make it up the ridge thru the jungle than to try outflanking the village. The other half of the Aussie force took the south branch of the trail to attack the ridge from the west. The Japanese made the mistake (me) of setting up adjacent to the trail near the south edge of the map and the Japanese defenders did not spot the Aussies forces that moved adjacent to them until they launched their assaults. The two Japanese infantry companies on this flank were able to hold out for several turns but soon were eliminated or forced to retreat thus opening up the ridge to the Australians.

Surprisingly the Australian’s won a minor victory with their edge in step losses offsetting the Japanese control of the village and even more amazing was the Aussies controlling the majority of ridge hexes, in this scenario jungle disorientation had the unintended consequence of aiding the capture of the ridge by the Aussies as they wandered around lost in the jungle looking for the enemy. The Aussies took this battle with a little luck from the disorientation gods.