18 December 1942

The Battle for Buna explodes as Australian tanks roll towards the Duropa Plantation area followed by Diggers crouching in the shadows. The Japanese defenders respond with withering machine-gun fire. The tanks roll to the edge of the Jap bunkers and pour cannon fire into them one by one, followed by Diggers with grenades.

Pockets of Jap defenders fight back fiercely and the Australians suffer heavy casualties as they push forward through the constant fire, many killed by suicidal Japanese snipers.

By late afternoon the position is taken but at a devastating cost: 61 Diggers die on the day and another 120 badly wounded. Virtually the entire Japanese force of around 1000 is wiped out. Few escape and no prisoners are taken.