A large painted view of the Battle for Buna, painted on coarse native linen. The battle scene with Australian forces, with tropical hats, on the left side attacking Japanese dug in positions on the right, the flags of Australia and Papua New Guinea flying high, aircraft overhead bombing ground forces and attacking Japanese aircraft, the assault being led by 5 tanks, with 3 more in reserve, the Papua New Guineans Infantry patrolling the vicinity for Japanese stragglers.

An unusual Battle scene drawn up by a native artist almost certainly representing the Battle for Buna (November 16, 1942 to January 22, 1943). The view shows the first assault, by the 2/9th Battalion of the Australian 18th Brigade on December 14th, against Buna, supported by 8 M3 Stuart tanks of the 2/6th Armoured regiment, the forces advancing through the Duropa Plantation in the area bordered by Sinemi creek. Stories of the battle describe, “behind the tanks went the fresh and jaunty Aussie veterans, tall mustached, erect, with their blazing Tommy-guns swinging before them. Concealed Japanese positions, burst into flame…Steadily the tanks and infantrymen advanced through the spare high coconut trees, seemingly impervious to the heavy opposition.”

The campaign for the capture of New Guinea from the Japanese began in January 1942 and continued to August 1945, the rain and the heat wore down the combatants, with Australia and the US facing the Imperial Japanese Army. It is often said that the campaign “was arguably the most arduous fought by any Allied troops in World War II.” It is interesting to note elements of the Australian Victoria Scottish Regiments in kilts and special caps present at the action.