sentences:  Consequently, on 21 January, Savige directed the 3rd Division under Major General William Bridgeford to take "swift and vigorous action" to destroy Japanese forces in southern Bougainville.The division's immediate task was to advance south to the Puriata, and send patrols across it.Savige considered that the Japanese division was "weak and off balance" due to casualties and disease as well as a shortage of supplies.