BLUF
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the battle which destroyed a Japanese troop convoy, killing thousands of soldiers and reducing Japan's ability to conduct offensive operations in New Guinea.Summary
KEY POINTS:
- Australia knew a Japanese convoy was sailing from Rabaul to reinforce Lae.
- Reconnaissance aircraft detected the convoy, which long-range USAAF heavy bombers attacked.
- RAAF Beaufighters, Bostons and Beauforts, USAAF Mitchells and Bostons attacked the convoy.
- Eight of the Japanese troop transports and four destroyers were sunk.
- More effective to engage enemy troops in transit rather than defeat them on land
Editor’s Note 1 Dr Alan Stephens was previously the official historian for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Note 2. RAAF Base Learmonth was named after Squadron Leader C.C Learmonth, who led the Boston aircraft to attack the Japanese convoy.
References
- MILITARY HISTORY INDEX PAGES AND COLLECTIONS ON THE RAAF RUNWAY
- AIR AND SPACE POWER: COLLECTIONS | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Bismarck Sea The Battle of the Bismarck Sea, 1943-Australian War Memorial London
- MAR 2023 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea-Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs
Source Information:
- Article Source: The Battle for Australia 1942 - 1945
- Media Check: Media Check Alan Stephens, Author at Pearls and Irritations (johnmenadue.com)
- RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC
