The Battle of Rabaul

"Smoke bombs confused the enemy ..."

THE ATTACK OPENS: The antiaircraft neutralizing force spearheads the 2 November assault against Rabaul with Mitchell bombers utilizing forward firepower, parachute fragmentation bombs and phosphorous smoke bombs. In the above photo, Lakunai airdrome is being swiftly covered by the dense smoke which will soon blot out the harbor to the eyes of the shore defense batteries. On Lakaunai itself may be seen eight serviceable tactical aircraft. These were attacked by American airmen before the smoke bombs obliterated the target area. Below, the township is covered by phosphorous smoke and by fires started among installations. "Smoke bombs confused the enemy. His return fire against all but the first elements of the Group was inaccurate and sparse." (From Maj. Benjamin Fridge, deputy commander "neutralizing" group.)

"We hit Lakunai with para-frags & Smoke..."

NEUTRALIZING ATTACK: Lakunai airdrome, key Japanese fighter base in the Southwest Pacific Area and some of the enemy's most powerful anti-aircraft defenses, is shown being subjected to a low-level attack by parachute bombs and phosphorous smoke bombs.

Japanese fighters and medium bombers caught on the ground were heavily strafed and bombed, final recapitulation showing sixteen aircraft destroyed.

One hour before the 2 November attack by our airmen, the enemy reinforced his New Britain stronghold with 125 operational aircraft.

We hit Lakunai with para-frags and smoke bombs. Our strafing fire seemed to completely silence the Jap ground positions. We scored direct hits in many revetment areas which were filled with serviceable aircraft." (From narrative report by Maj. Benjamin Fridge.)

DIVERSION ESSENTIAL: In the opinion of tactical air commanders, the success of the Simpson Harbor mission depended on effectiveness of the neutralizing squadron against defenses.

Parachute fragmentation bombs were chosen to destroy aircraft and neutralize personnel and antiaircraft.

"From our standpoint, the neutralizers saved the day. Not only did they cut a path through the ack-ack around the northern volcanoes for us but they apparently completely subdued shore fire during the time of actual attack. Enemy fire came only from the volcano and warship batteries. Smoke bombs were extremely effective, particularly during the closing minutes of the shipping strike." (From narrative report by Capt. Richard H. Ellis, deputy commander of the Simpson Harbor force.)