Taken on 5th April 1945 during the Battle of Slater's Knoll, this photograph shows the view forward from the Australian 25th Battalion's position.


 


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On 5th April 1945, the Battle of Slater's Knoll, fought between the Australian and Japanese forces during the Bougainville campaign in New Guinea, finally ended after 9 days of fierce fighting. This battle saw the successful employment of armour and artillery by Australian troops against the Japanese full-scale counteroffensive.


If you'd like to find out more about the Owen Submachine Gun, pictured here, and its contemporary counterparts why not pick up a copy of Leroy Thompson's The Sten Gun?


The original image can be viewed here.