DEVASTATING RAID ON JAPANESE SHIPPING

Southland Times, Issue 24884, 26 October 1942, Page 5

DEVASTATING RAID ON JAPANESE SHIPPING

11 VESSELS SUNK OR DAMAGED IN RABAUL HARBOUR

(Special Australian Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 9.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 25.

The most devastating air attacks yet made on Japanese shipping were carried out by Australianbased Flying Fortresses when 11 vessels, aggregating about 70,000 tons, were sunk or damaged in Rabaul harour. The raid, which took place on Friday morning, was followed by a second force early on Saturday morning, when a 7000 ton seaplane tender received a direct hit amidships with a 5001 b bomb and was left smoking and listing. It is believed to have been sunk.

The extent of the support given to the United States Navy by aircraft of General MacArthur’s Command is shown by the fact that 21 enemy ships have now been sunk or damaged in these continuing raids. Not a single plane was lost on Friday or Saturday. Uncertain light made it difficult to observe the full results and it is thought probable that the damage may prove greater than has been claimed.

On the way to the target on Friday morning the Flying Fortresses encountered a severe monsoonal storm. “It was the worst storm I have struck in operational flying,” said the captain of one of the Flying Fortresses. “I would rathei’ tackle 15 Zeros than go through it again.” The most successful pilot was Captain Franklyn Green, of TWas He flew below the level of hillside searchlights to score waterline hits on a cruiser, which listed badly and gushed oil. His second victim was a merchant vessel. Two direct hits set it on fire, the flames lighting the sea for miles around.