Bombing of Rabaul (1942) facts for kids

The Bombing of Rabaul in February and March 1942 was a series of attacks by Allied forces against a Japanese base. This important base was located in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. The Japanese had captured Rabaul during the Battle of Rabaul in late January 1942.

The bombing raids began on February 20, 1942. They were carried out by a United States Navy task force. This force was led by Vice Admiral Wilson Brown. His flagship was the aircraft carrier Lexington. Later, on March 10, 1942, Admiral Brown led another task force. This time, the carrier Yorktown also joined the mission. Their goal was to attack Japanese targets in East New Guinea, including Rabaul.

The American attacks were also supported by air strikes from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). These Australian planes attacked Japanese airfields in Rabaul during March.

Why was Rabaul Important?

The Japanese took control of Rabaul in January 1942. They wanted to turn the town into a huge naval and air base. This base was key for supplying their forces. It was also important for their plans to expand the Japanese Empire in the South West Pacific. Their goals included taking over Port Moresby in New Guinea. They also planned to occupy islands like New Caledonia, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), Fiji, and Samoa.

First American Air Attack

On February 20, 1942, Vice Admiral Brown led his task force. They sailed through the Southwest Pacific. Their secret plan was to attack the Japanese base in Rabaul. Rabaul is located in New Britain.

However, Japanese reconnaissance planes spotted the American ships. The Japanese quickly sent out twin-engined torpedo bombers to attack. But the American planes were ready. Fighters from the Lexington, called Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats, intercepted the Japanese planes. Anti-aircraft fire from the American ships also helped. They shot down 16 Japanese aircraft.

Because the surprise was lost, Admiral Brown decided to pull his ships back.

A few days later, on February 23, six Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers joined the fight. These planes were from the US Army Fifth Air Force. They flew from Townsville, Australia. This was the first American land-based bomber raid on Rabaul.

Second American Air Attack

Later, Vice Admiral Brown received new orders. He was to lead a new task force to strike the Japanese in Rabaul. This time, his force included both the carriers Lexington and Yorktown. They also had many escort and support ships.

Admiral Brown decided to approach from the Papuasia Gulf in South New Guinea. He believed this route would offer more protection. It was also closer to Australian air support. This would help them achieve a surprise attack.

On March 10, the American planes flew over the Owen Stanley Range. They attacked Japanese targets in Rabaul, Lae, and Salamaua. They also badly damaged or sank Japanese transport ships. Many support vessels in Huon Gulf were hit too. The Americans suffered very few losses. They caused serious damage to Japanese reinforcements. This delayed Japan's plans to strengthen their new positions in East New Guinea.

Australian Air Attacks

The Australian Army General Staff received intelligence reports. These reports showed that more Japanese forces were arriving at Rabaul. So, they ordered the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to launch air strikes.

These Australian attacks were flown at a very low altitude. This was very risky for the aircrews. They faced heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. However, Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers had great success. They sank many Japanese auxiliary ships. One of these was the Komachi Maru. They also destroyed most of the Japanese aircraft at the bases. Only a few old Mitsubishi A5M4 "Claude" fighters were left.

Later, the Japanese aircraft carrier Shōhō arrived at Rabaul. The aircraft transport ship Kasuga Maru also arrived. They brought new Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighters. There were 30 on the carrier and 20 on the auxiliary cruiser. They also brought spare parts and mechanics. Other planes from the Philippines and Dutch Indies also arrived. With these new forces, the Japanese continued their plans.

See also

• Bombing of Rabaul (November 1943)