In 1942, the massive Japanese naval and air base at Rabaul was a fortress standing on the road to Tokyo. It was impossible to seize Rabaul, or starve the 100,000-strong garrison out. Instead the US-led Allies began an innovative, hard-fought air campaign to draw Rabauls teeth, and allow them to bypass the island completely. Avoiding a costly invasion, they would gradually destroy Japans offensive capabilities on Rabaul, and then rely on air power to keep Rabaul out of the war. But Rabaul was a tough, hugely fortified target for pilots and aviators to fly against. Mark Lardas explains how this legendary air campaign was conceived and fought, and how its success provided a roadmap for the rest of the Pacific War.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Lardas, M./Postlethwaite, M. (Illustr.)
Title
Rabaul 1943-44. Reducing Japan's great island fortress
Details
English text, paperback, battlescene artwork in colour, aerial bird\'s eye views, 3D diagrams, maps. 96 pages.
