On the morning of June 20th, the 1/162 infantry, supported by two Sherman M4A1 tanks from 603 Medium Tank Company, attacked the West caves complex. The area had been shelled and bombed for several weeks, creating a moonscape of coral craters and shattered trees.
The entrance to the caves were at the bottom of a deep depression in the coral surface called a 'sump.'
As the M4A1 approaches the steep edge of the sump supported by a reduced squad of infantry, Japanese fire from positions in and around the cave entrance and higher up on the opposite side of the sump.
It would take almost a week of bitter fighting before the Americans were able to fully secure the cave complex.

FROM: Osprey Publishing's: 'Japanese soldier versus US soldier (New Guinea 1942-44)

PRICE: £675.00 (Unframed)
IMAGE SIZE: Approx. H 33cm x W 48cm ( H 13 inches x W 19 inches)
MEDIUM: Watercolour and gouache