10 January 1943

The calm before the storm at Sanananda as the Allies prepare for a major assault to finally capture the position, the last serious Japanese stronghold in Papua.

The Australian 18^th Brigade, under Brigadier George Wootten and reinforced with 1000 fresh troops from Australia, will attack from both flanks, while a US regiment will attack from the west.

Sporadic skirmishing continues during the preparations and four Diggers die on the day.