US Navy

Attack on Rabaul, November, 1943.

US Navy/AP.

US Navy bombers attack installations at Rabaul harbor, New Britain, early November, 1943. New Britain was an Australian territory at the time. Its small Australian garrison was overcome by greatly superior Japanese forces in January/February, 1942. The harbor at Rabaul was the major strategic objective of the Japanese, as it could form an important link in the chain of supply of the Japanese fleet. By late-1943, Rabaul's position was increasingly threatened by the advance of the Allies in the region. The port was subject to heavy aerial attack by US Navy bombers through the first week of November; after the raids of 5 November, the port was effectively disabled and virtually isolated. New Britain was partially re-occupied by Australian and US troops in the aftermath, although substantial Japanese forces were "bottled up" there to the end of the war. Best regards, JR.