Us Official Photographs
Lakunai airdrome under attack
NEUTRALIZING ATTACK: Lakunai airdrome, key Japanese fighter base in the Southwest Pacific Area and scene 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. Note the fighter in the top photos: folding wings indicate a carrier-based warplane. One hour before the November 2nd 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. Enemy reaction was slight." (From narrative report by Major Benjamin Fridge, commander of the neutralizing force.) DIVERSION ESSENTIAL: In the opinion of tactical air commanders, the success of the Simpson Harbor mission depended upon the ability of the four squadrons of the 345th Medium Bombardment Group to neutralize the enemy's anti-aircraft defenses. Parachute fragmentation bombs, already a fundamental weapon in attack bombardment after achieving decisive results in earlier Rabaul and Wewak airdrome attacks, were chosen to destroy aircraft and neutralize personnel and anti-aircraft batteries. In addition, based on experience acquired during the paratroop landing near Lae in September, it was determined to use smoke bombs for their blanketing effect. "From our standpoint, the 345th 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 repor
