Us Official Photographs

Japanese aircraft on Mafaing airdrome

Japanese aircraft blazing on Wewak airstrips during Friday's combined strafing attack by American Mitchells and RAF Beaufighters. These remarkable pictures were taken from a Beaufighter attacking at ground level. The first picture shows a Japanese fighter standing on the drome just as the pilot pressed the control button; the second shows the aircraft bursting into flames. Movement in the second picture is caused by vibration of cannon and machine gun fire. The blur in the foreground is the pilot's head. Altogether, six aircraft were destroyed, as well as buildings, dumps and barges. (Post official file)