RABAUL RAIDED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 38, 16 February 1943, Page 5

RABAUL RAIDED

JAP BASE POUNDED ENEMY RETREAT CONTINUES IN NEW GUINEA (Special Australian Correspondent—N.Z.P.A.) (Recd. 11.30 p.m.) Sydney, Feb. 15. Japan’s key South-west Pacific base, of Rabaul has been pounded by General MacArthur’s bombers in the heaviest raid yet made in this Command area. Great fires visible for more than 100 miles were burning after more than 30 Flying Fortresses and Liberators attacked the supply installations and some shipping early on Sunday morning.

Over 50 tons of high explosives, including 10001 b. bonlbs, and 3500 incendiaries were rained down on the town and waterfront. The raid lasted two and a-half hours. Although it was concentrated on shore installations rather than shipping, two vessels in the harbour were hit. Smoke from the blazing dumps and buildings rose 7000 ft. into the air and obscured some targets. The Japanese did not attempt night-fighter interception. Despite the intense anti-aircraft fire all our planes returned. The attacks were made in four waves of bomoers and extended from Rataval, on Talili Bay, across the narrow Rabaul isthmus down to Konopo, on the southern side of the harbour. The first wave started huge fires in the Rataval area. The second wave was concentrated on the town, causing more fires near Simpson’s Harbour. Next came the Liberators, which started, fires on two wharves at Simpson’s Harbour, one being a new construction. The final wave completed the widespread destruction by shattering the eastern end of the town.

At Kopopo two ships received direct hits. Searchlight emplacements around the Lakunai aerodrnme were destroyed. Observers with the final wave reported that sections of Rabaul were “infernos.” A thick pall of smoke hung over the area. This indicated probably the destruction of fuel supplies and ammunition dumps. Another important enemy base for operations in the South Pacific, Buin, on Bougainville Island in the Northern Solomons, was also attacked by our bombers early on Sunday morning. The raid was made by Catalina flyingboats. An American naval spokesman has announced in Washington that the Japanese built new rirfields at Buin and on nearby Short.and Island. The Übili area in New Britain was twice bombed by Liberators on Sunday afternoon. In New Guinea the Madang airfield was also attacked by Liberators, while Mitchells, escorted by, Lightnings, raided Lae, where two enemy planes were destroyed on the ground and buildings were demolished. Japanese ground forces continue to withdraw from Wau towards Mubo, and there is still no indication of an organised stand. Australian patrols are mopping up enemy stragglers.