OWEN STANLEY RANGE

segment of the central highlands of New Guinea, occupying the southeastern tail of the island. The range rises abruptly from the coastal plain to a height of 9,000 feet (2,750 m) and extends for 200 miles (300 km). The massif ranges in width from 25 to 70 miles (40 to 115 km). Its highest point is Mount Victoria (13,240 feet ). Rainfall on the forested slopes gives rise to several rivers, including the Kemp Welch and Yodda (flowing south) and the Musa (north). The range is named after British Captain Owen Stanley, who explored the coast of New Guinea from 1845 to 1850. In 1942 Japanese forces began an overland crossing of the range in an attempt to capture Port Moresby. They were met by Allied troops and, after a prolonged fight, had to concede their first land defeat of World War II.