Resource Page: List of WW2 battles New Guinea & SW Pacific—1941 – 45.
How the allies countered the Japanese invasion of the territory of PNG, leading to eventual Japanese defeat.
During the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, the Allied air forces, including units from the RAAF and USAAF under General George Kenney's command, dealt significant damage to a Japanese convoy carrying 3000 reinforcements bound for Lae. The successful attack resulted in the sinking of most of the convoy's ships, including the troop transports. This achievement proved pivotal for the Allies as it showcased the vulnerability of Japanese naval operations and underscored the crucial role of air power in the Pacific theatre of World War II.
RAAF Squadrons Roles
- No. 22 Squadron: Conducted a dawn raid on Lae airfield to prevent Japanese air cover from reaching the convoy.
- No. 30 Squadron: Used Beaufighters to strafe Japanese ships with cannon fire and machine guns during attacks.
- No. 100 Squadron: Launched Beaufort torpedo bombers in an attempt to attack the convoy, though this was hampered by bad weather early on.
- No. 75 Squadron: Also participated in the battle.
- Photographic reconnaissance units: Provided intelligence on the Japanese convoy.
