On 15 February 1942, the P40E Kittyhawk fighter of 2nd Lt Robert J Buel was one of only two fighter planes that were available for the defence of northern Australia. Both aircraft were sent out to protect an allied convoy under Japanese attack, but only 2nd Lt Buel caught up with the ships. Before he was shot down and killed, Buel managed to down an enemy bomber thus creating a safe passage for allied vessels. 2nd Lt Buel's action is commemorated on a plaque adjacent to the USS Peary cannon on The Esplanade.