Torricelli and Prince Alexander Ranges, advancing to Maprik in the early stages of the campaign, and then helping to capture the town of Yamil to the west, clearing a series of jungle ridges in the process before continuing the drive inland towards Ulunkohoitu in an effort to pin Japanese forces down while the 2/7th Battalion conducted a wide sweep towards Kiarivu. Losses during this campaign numbered 37 dead and 85 wounded. The war came to an end in mid-August 1945 following Japan's surrender in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the conclusion of the fighting, the 2/6th remained in New Guinea, concentrating in the area around Wewak. The battalion's strength was slowly reduced as personnel were repatriated back to Australia individually for demobilisation based upon a formal points system. On 13 December 1945, the battalion's remaining personnel sailed for Australia, eventually returning to Puckapunyal. As the battalion's personnel were slowly demobilised or transferred out to other units its strength decreased rapidly until it was finally disbanded on 18 February 1946. Those personnel who were not discharged were transferred to other units for further service. During the war, a total of 2,965 men served with the battalion, of whom 179 were killed and 335 wounded. Members of the battalion received the following decorations: four Distinguished Service Orders, 15 Military Crosses, five Distinguished Conduct Medals, 35 Military Medals, and 63 Mentions in Despatches. Battle honours The 2/6th received the following battle honours: North Africa, Bardia 1941, Capture of Tobruk, Greece 1941, South-West Pacific 1942–1945, Wau, Lababia Ridge, Bobdubi II, Mubo II, Komiatum, Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Maprik, Yamil–Ulupu, Kaboibus–Kiarivu. These honours were subsequently entrusted to the 6th Battalion in 1961, and through this link are maintained by the Royal Victoria Regiment. Commanding officers The following officers commanded the 2/6th during the war: Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Harry Langham Godfrey (1939–41); Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Wrigley (1941–42); Lieutenant Colonel Frederick George Wood (1942–45); Lieutenant Colonel David Arion Collingwood Jackson (1945). See also Military history of Australia during World War II Notes Footnotes Citations References Further reading 6 6 6 6