Claringbould, Michael New Guinea Eagles. Band 1: The Japanese Air Army from Rabaul to Wewak - October 1942 to September 1943

This book chronicles the history of Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) operations in New Guineafrom the arrival of the first units in October 1942 to the attacks on Nadzab and Port Moresby in the late summer of 1943. Never before have the JAAFs motivations, activities, and losses in New Guinea been documented with such detail and precision. The force deployed an impressive array of aircraft types but discovered that operating in this challenging theater was far easier than withdrawing from it. This volume covers the development of Rabaul and Wewak into key JAAF bases. The period examined includes the protection of supply convoys, the attack on Wau, and two major thrusts into the Solomon Islands region. From mid-1943 onwards, the Allied air war increasingly targeted the expanding JAAF airfield complexes along New Guineas north coast. In August 1943, two air divisions were consolidated into the 4th Air Army; its aircraft soon operated in the New Guinea highlands and subsequently defended Nassau Bay, Lae, and Salamaua. A wide range of fighter, ground-attack, bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft saw service across numerous air regiments, independent squadrons, and headquarters units. Drawing on primary sources, the book reconstructs combat actions, reveals strategies, and precisely documents loss figures. It also details the problematic introduction of the Ki-61 "Tony," the widespread use of the Ki-51 "Sonia," and the difficulties associated with the Ki-49 "Helen." Supplemented by maps, illustrations, aircraft profiles, and rare photographs, *New Guinea Eagles* (Volume 1) offers a groundbreaking perspective on JAAF operations.