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The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served throughout the South Pacific. Volume Nine covers the P-38 and variants including the photo-reconnaissance F-4 and F-5, along with field-modified P-38G night-fighters. The P-38 flew combat in the SWPA and SOPAC theatres until mid-1944, serving a total of nineteen Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force USAAF combat Squadrons, one service squadron, Fifth Fighter Command, and finally with the Combat Replacement Training Center at Nadzab. Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside an explanation of markings, including squadron heraldry and squadron codes. Until now there has been a paucity of accurate information about some markings, especially those which attend the Thirteenth Air Force, night-fighter and photo-reconnaissance units. Each profile has been produced by citing wide-ranging reference material, including official squadron records, colour movies, maintenance logs, diaries, wreck site inspections and thousands of photos including colour slides. A brief summary history of each unit and the rationale of its markings completes the text. The author, Michael Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have Pacific P-38s and their colourful derivatives been illustrated with such accuracy and detail.

Volume Six of this series chronicles aerial warfare in the New Guinea theatre in the critical period of January to March 1943. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the previous five volumes which span the first thirteen months of the Pacific War.January 1943 saw a successful Japanese supply and reinforcement convoy arrive at Lae from Rabaul, in the face of fierce opposition from Allied air power. The fresh troops soon threatened to overrun the Australian mountain stronghold of Wau, before a massive airlift by Fifth Air Force C47s delivered reinforcements just in time.Meanwhile the air war over New Guinea was increasingly fought by newly arrived JAAF units who shared the air war burden alongside their veteran IJN counterparts. Against this background many of the Fifth Air Force bomber squadrons moved up from Australia to Port Moresby. This greatly increased the combat efficiency of these units, enabling, among other things, sustained daily pressure on the Japanese bastion of Rabaul.Then in March 1943 the Japanese sent a second convoy from Rabaul to Lae which resulted in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, one of the landmark combats of the entire Pacific War. Using refined attack and bombing tactics, Fifth Air Force and RAAF squadrons conducted an allout shipdestroying effort which made world headlines.Never before has this campaign been chronicled in such detail, with Allied and Japanese accounts matched for a factual and thoroughly detailed account of the conflict.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served in the Pacific War. This Volume 17 covers Allied types that fought in the brief but intense Netherlands East Indies (NEI) campaign from December 1941 to March 1942. Because of some additional background on Dutch types, the full scope of this volume is from 1940 to 1942. The Netherlands East Indies saw a diverse and eclectic gathering of Allied aircraft. Many of them were Dutch, serving with the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (ML-KNIL) and Netherlands Naval Aviation Service (MLD). These included Glenn Martin Model 139 bombers and Hawk 75, CW-21 and Brewster Buffalo fighters, together with Fokker and Dornier seaplanes.Several squadrons of RAF and RAAF fighters and bombers withdrew from Singapore to continue fighting from Sumatra and then Java. These were augmented by direct reinforcements flown into those locations. These aircraft mainly comprised Hudsons, Blenheims and Hurricanes but there were also more obscure types such as Albacores and Vildebeest.In addition, American B-17C/D heavy bombers and PBY flying boats retreated from the Philippines to the NEI. These were reinforced by modern B-17E, LB-30 and PBY aircraft from the US ferried via lengthy African and Pacific air routes. Lastly, small numbers of A-24 dive-bombers and P-40E fighters flown from Australia also joined the fight on Java.The author is world-renowned for his Pacific air war expertise. Never before have so many diverse types been illustrated with such accuracy and detail, alongside brief histories of their usage.

This first volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the opening phase of the war in the Solomons Islands theatre, being the critical period of August-September 1942. After occupying the Solomon Islands capital of Tulagi with ease in May 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy commenced building an airfield on the adjacent island of Guadalcanal. The indispensable airfield was over 600 miles distant from their main base of Rabaul and promised to extend the reach of their aircraft into the Allied occupied island chains of Fiji, the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Much was at stake and the airfield would be held at all costs.  Then, in early August 1942 a bold American invasion of both Tulagi and Guadalcanal caught the IJN completely off guard. Nevertheless, Japanese air power responded swiftly and in some cases desperately. So began the knife-edge struggle for Guadalcanal. An ever-increasing variety and number of IJN units was poured into the struggle, met initially with USN carrier-based Wildcats backed up by SBD Dauntless dive-bombers and the new TBF torpedo bomber. These were soon joined by USAAF fighters operating from the newly operational Henderson Field.  From late August, Japanese carriers entered the fight, adding more complexity to the intense and frenzied air battles. For the first time belligerents are closely matched and the rationale of the IJN’s sometimes erratic response is explained. The full extent of both Japanese and US involvement is outlined to a level of detail never before presented.

This third volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the Solomon Islands theatre during the months of November and December 1942. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series.At the start of November 1942, the American position on Guadalcanal was precarious. Cactus Air Force had suffered extremely high attrition in October and virtually all of the available reserves had been drawn on, while the damaged USS Enterprise was the only carrier that could lend assistance. Against this environment the Japanese continued to wage a savage air war and determined to try to wipe out Cactus Air Force through battleship bombardments, while they rolled the dice with the largest yet Tokyo Express convoy.Hence the Americans were pushed to the brink as the frenzied activity known as the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal played out over 12-15 November. Following this the Japanese were forced to admit that they couldn’t supply their troops on Guadalcanal and began to focus on building a new airfield at Munda. In response American bombers returned to Henderson Field and took the fight north to Munda and beyond for the remainder of 1942. This period saw new tactics being trialled, including the use of P-38s as long-range escort fighters and the first PBY-5A Black Cat missions. Meanwhile Cactus Air Force expanded, gaining P-40s, B-26s, OS2U Kingfishers and RNZAF Hudsons.This chronicle has been written using primary Allied and Japanese sources, to give a fresh, factual and highly detailed account of all aspects of the complex Solomons air campaign.

This fourth volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare throughout the Solomons theatre during the months of January and February 1943. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series.This crucial period saw the Japanese swallow a bitter pill and launch Operation Ke, which was the evacuation of Guadalcanal. It was a complex operation conceived under utmost secrecy, which then unfolded over several weeks. Included was a widespread air offensive that saw the Japanese Army Air Force in the Solomons for the first time. Ironically, this operation was arguably the most successful yet for the Japanese in the theatre.Against this background the intense air campaign continued. Enjoying a secure foothold on Guadalcanal and ever-growing facilities, Cactus Air Force expanded and pushed operations northwards into the Solomons chain where the Japanese were operating from Munda and building a new airfield at Vila. Temporary reinforcements were provided by carrier squadrons from both sides operating from land bases, including for the first time air units from USN escort carriers.Among new types to debut in this period were USMC F4U Corsair fighters and USN PB4Y-1 Liberators. However, despite the emerging American ascendency, the Japanese were still capable of striking killer blows. The cruiser USS Chicago was sunk in a skilful night torpedo attack by antiquated Nell bombers, and over southern Bougainville the Americans suffered landmark heavy losses on the 14 February 1943 “Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre”.This chronicle has been written using primary Allied and Japanese records, to give a fresh, factual and highly detailed account of all aspects of the intricate Solomons air campaign.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served in the South Pacific theatre. Volume Seven covers the Douglas C-47, including numerous derivatives such as the C-53, R4D and DC-3. This was the most universal aircraft type to appear in the South Pacific and was deployed from day one to the cessation of hostilities. It was utilised by every military organisation including eighteen Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force USAAF squadrons, and also by the USN, USMC, RAAF, RNZAF, RAF and Dutch Air Force. Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside a full explanation of the markings. Frequent trading of airframes between units resulted in wide-ranging heraldry, unit markings and nose art. In particular until now there has been a paucity of information about the markings of Thirteenth Air Force C-47s and USMC R4Ds, a gap largely filled by this volume.  This volume illustrates the development of unit markings from the first commandeered DC-3 airliners in Australia through to the RNZAF C-47s used in the last days of the Pacific War in the Solomons. The profiles are accompanied by unit histories and photos. A wide range of reference material has been consulted including photos, colour movies, official records, diaries and information from wreck sites.The author, Michael Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have such meticulous colour profiles of the C-47 series been illustrated with such detailed and accurate markings.

Any USAAF pilot who flew the mission to Hollandia on the fateful afternoon of 16 April 1944 in New Guinea would remember it for the rest of their lives. So would anyone else in the theatre, for the weather-related losses that fateful day earned it the eternal epithet “Black Sunday”. The way home for more than three hundred bombers and fighters was blocked by a towering weather front whose thunderstorms rose well above any altitude they could reach. Over enemy territory and caught between mountains and the sea, there was no option but to confront nature. By dusk that evening 37 aircraft were missing or had been destroyed. A handful of survivors somehow made it back to valley and coastal bases in a series of arduous misadventures. It was, and remains, the biggest non-combat loss of any air force of any nation in the world. More than seven decades later, aircraft from the day are still missing somewhere in the New Guinea jungle. This major revision to the original version includes dozens of rare photos, complemented by a suite of maps, indexes, and colour profiles of participant aircraft. Japanese diaries reveal the fate of unlucky P-38 pilots forced to bail out. The text liberally cites veteran interviews, post-war wreck surveys and official USAAF records. The narrative tracks down the fate of every aircraft and every crew member, including those who rescued them. Put yourself in the cockpit against nature’s massive odds over hostile terrain and watch a composite picture evolve. The accelerating narrative from dozens of different perspectives is both fascinating and overwhelming.

The ongoing Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served throughout the South Pacific. Volume 10 covers the P-47D Thunderbolt which flew combat missions in the New Guinea theatre until mid-1945, serving with a total of eleven Fifth Air Force USAAF combat squadrons, Fifth Fighter Command and the Combat Replacement Training Center.  Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside an explanation of markings, including squadron heraldry and identifiers. Frequent airframe reassignments between units resulted in wide-ranging unit markings and nose art. Until now there has been a paucity of material about several units, especially those which entered the theatre after the infamous 348th Fighter Group. This volume also rectifies past misidentifications resulting from the widespread practice of swapping attractively decorated cowls, often commissioned for generous reward.  Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief aircraft history. Wide- ranging primary reference material is cited including official squadron records, colour movies, maintenance logs, diaries, wreck site inspections and multifarious reference photos including colour slides. A brief summary history of each unit and the rationale of its markings completes the text.The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have Pacific P-47s been illustrated with such colourful accuracy and detail.

The magnificent Douglas A-4 Skyhawk served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1968 until 1984 with two squadrons: VF805 and VC724. VF805 was the front-line fighter unit that served aboard the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, while VC724 was shore-based at Naval Air Station Nowra for training and support.  During that period, the aircraft on the Melbourne gave the RAN a unique capability that was central to Australian defence policy. The Skyhawk Years is a story of busy and varied deployments around Australia, Southeast Asia and regularly to the multi-national Rimpac exercises in Hawaii. A particular highlight was a long cruise to the UK in 1977 and participation in the Spithead Naval Review, part of the celebrations for Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee. With first-hand stories from pilots and maintainers, the challenges of operations from the world’s smallest aircraft carrier are well explained. Also told are thrilling stories of air combat manoeuvres against fighters from other countries, with the A-4 often surprising more well-credentialled adversaries. A string of mishaps ended the embarkation of Skyhawks on the Melbourne in 1980, with a sad period following which saw the ultimate scrapping of RAN fixed-wing aviation four years later. However, among the former pilots and maintainers many fond memories of A-4 operations remain alive.

In 1942 a secret inland flying boat base was established in the picturesque north-western Victorian town of Lake Boga. This housed No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot, a large unit of almost 1,000 personnel that serviced and repaired Dornier, Catalina and Mariner flying boats, many of which had just flown back from the frontlines of the war against Japan. The flying boats were from three nationalities and four services: the RAAF, Dutch naval air service, USN and USAAF.The end of the war saw the base close down quickly, although the memories of the wartime years were kept alive through the research and passion of Swan Hill resident, the late Brett Freeman. The original edition of Lake Boga at War was published by Brett in 1995. It was one of most successful Australian aviation history books of its era, bringing to life the remarkable activities at this little-known base. This revised edition seeks to bring these stories to a new generation of readers.

The ongoing Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea and the South Pacific. This Volume 11 covers the P-40 Warhawk series, which served with a dozen USAAF Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, service units, combat replacement pools and other miscellaneous units.  Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Frequent airframe reassignments between units resulted in wide-ranging and oft-changing unit markings and nose art. Until now there has been a paucity of material about several units, particularly those in the Thirteenth Air Force. This volume also rectifies past mistakes which continue to be perpetrated, especially those representing the early Australian theatre.   Wide ranging primary reference material is cited including official Australian assignment data, squadron records, colour slides and movies, maintenance logs, diaries, wreck site inspections and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its unit markings accompanies the text. The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have USAAF Pacific P-40s and their colourful artwork been illustrated with such accuracy and detail.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the South and Southwest Pacific theatres. This Volume 12 covers the P-51 and F-6 Mustang series which served in New Guinea, the Philippines and then the Japanese islands, serving with a total of ten USAAF Fifth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, and also with New Guinea’s Combat Replacement Training Centre. The book includes a final chapter of post-war transition markings for the three years until 1948.   Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about Fifth Air Force Mustang units, especially the tactical reconnaissance and air commando squadrons. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, squadron records, colour photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its associated markings accompanies the text. The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colourful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

This second volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the Solomon Islands theatre during the critical month of October 1942. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series. October 1942 saw an explosion of air activity in the Solomons. During the first three weeks of the month busy Tokyo Express runs landed thousands of IJA troops on Guadalcanal in advance of a new offensive to be launched against the Marine garrison. This was presaged by a battleship bombardment of Henderson Field and daily air raids against the same target. Against this background Cactus Air Force was fighting for its life, and very nearly reached the level of exhaustion. Somehow just enough replacement F4Fs and SBDs were scraped together from the New Hebrides to keep it in business. Important support was provided by COMAIRSOPAC B-17s and PBYs operating from Espiritu Santo. In the middle of the month an enormously powerful IJN force arrived in the theatre, based around five aircraft carriers. This force threatened to overwhelm the USN which at the time had only one carrier in the South Pacific, the USS Hornet. However, the timely arrival of the USS Enterprise evened the ledger and the fourth carrier battle of the Pacific War, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, was fought over 25-27 October.  This chronicle has been written using both Allied and Japanese sources, to give a fresh, factual and highly detailed account of all aspects of the Solomons air campaign.

Pacific Profiles Volume 13 presents the most accurate wartime profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy bombers;transports;flying boats and miscellaneous types which served in the South Pacific. This volume depicts the markings of two dozen mainstream and rare air groups (kokutai);many of which have never been illustrated before. Aircraft types include Betty and Nell bombers (and transports);Val and Judy dive-bombers;Emily and Mavis flying boats;Irving night fighters;Claude fighters;and Babs reconnaissance aircraft. Note this volume excludes floatplanes and Zeros;which are covered separately in Volumes Five and Eight of this series. Past markings errors are corrected;and many profiles are presented for the first time;alongside explanations of markings derivations;including the provenance of unit codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about these units;especially the more esoteric ones such Nos. 31;151;501 and 552 Ku;and the night fighters of No. 251 Ku. Profiles are supported by photos and/or documentation;along with brief histories of each aircraft where known. Primary reference material is exclusively cited including assignment data;unit operational records;photography;diaries;factory markings;Allied intelligence wreck reports;POW interrogation reports;and Combined Fleet markings orders. A brief history of each unit and its leadership structure accompanies the text. The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have IJN land-based units been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the Australia;New Guinea and Solomons theatres. This Volume 15 covers the B-26 and US Navy JM Marauder series which served in these theatres from their first delivery to Australia in April 1942 until the war’s end. Marauders served with a total of six USAAF bomber squadrons;including the reformed 19th BS Silver Fleet;whilst US Navy JM-1 and JM-2 variants were operated by utility squadrons from March 1944 onwards. Most profiles are presented for the first time;alongside markings derivations;including unit heraldry and codes. This volume bridges vast gaps in accurate Marauder markings profiles in these theatres;especially those which served with the Thirteenth Air Force and USN. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation;along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data;wreck reports;squadron records;colour photography;maintenance logs;diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.The author is world renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the Pacific Marauder been illustrated with such breadth;accuracy and detail.

Very few Australians today know of the fierce air battles fought across the Top End of Australia in World War II.For more than two years Japanese aircraft crossed the coast and bombed relentlessly. Savage dogfights were fought between the legendary Zero fighter and Allied Kittyhawks and Spitfires. Big twin-engine Betty bombers rained down blast and fire upon airfields and towns, even penetrating as far inland as Katherine, some 300 kilometres from the coast.Nearly 200 Japanese aircrew died in the onslaught. This book lists all of their names and describes all of the combat missions – and reveals for the first time that the number of combat flights, aircraft shot down, and aircrew who died is far higher than previously thought. Scores of aircraft were downed in combat operations ranging from Exmouth to Townsville, with the majority of action taking place in the Northern Territory.  This new extensive research shows the number of air raids was higher than the previously suggested figure of 64, with 77 raids on the Territory alone, while 207 enemy combat flights were carried out across Northern Australia. 187 Japanese airmen died when their aircraft were brought down. In many cases their bodies lie in remote sites across the vast bush and coastal waters of the north. Many of the wrecks have never been found.  The Empire Strikes South describes all of the aircraft used, and gives an insight into the world of fighter pilots and aircrew. With a full range of new colour graphics by renowned illustrator Michael Claringbould, this significant new research reveals a battle for Australia that has been previously unknown.

Volume Four chronicles aerial warfare in the South Pacific in the critical period between 19 June and 8 September 1942. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the first three volumes that spanned the first six months of the Pacific War, culminating in the Battle of the Coral Sea.  Unlike the previous three volumes, no aircraft carriers appeared in New Guinea waters. Instead, the air war was fought solely by land-based air units. This was in the face of an increasingly complex strategic situation that saw the Japanese land at both Buna and Milne Bay. For the first time, airpower in the theatre was tasked to support the land forces of both sides which became engaged in a bloody struggle in the mountains of Papua and then the narrow muddy quagmire of Milne Bay. Two veteran Japanese air groups, the Tainan and No. 4 Kokutai, continued their Herculean struggle against mounting Allied opposition. In the face of continued attrition, Japanese pilots had many notable successes including several coveted aerial victories against B-17s. Then, from August a plethora of fresh Japanese units arrived in theatre including the No. 2, No. 6, Chitose, Misawa and Kisarazu Kokutai. USAAF P-39s and RAAF P-40Es responded with low level close support missions and B-25s, B-26s and B-17s ramped up an unrelenting bombing campaign. Towards the end of the period A-20A strafers made their combat debut, portending a radical blueprint for future attack tactics in the theatre. Never before has this campaign been chronicled in such detail, with Allied accounts matched against Japanese records for a truly factual account of the conflict.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII aircraft profiles to date of Japanese & Allied aircraft in the Pacific theatre. Volume Three illustrates, by squadron, USAAF Fifth Air Force A-20 series medium bombers operating in New Guinea from July 1942 to the end of 1944. In this distant theatre, a dozen USAAF A-20 squadrons from the 3rd, 312th and 417th Bombardment Groups, joined by No. 22 Squadron, RAAF, used many variants of the A-20, mainly as strafers. Squadron insignia, camouflage, heraldry, nose-art and command markings varied significantly between squadrons, giving a wide variety of colour schemes. The profiles, based on photos, diaries and other wide-ranging documents, are accompanied by brief histories of each squadron, the development of respective heraldry and information on each aircraft profiled. The author, Michael Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise in respect to the A-20 in the Pacific, stemming from his direct involvement in locating and recovering one from New Guinea in 1984. These rare profiles, many appearing for the first time, accurately portray the A-20 during this captivating timeframe of the South Pacific air war.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles to date of aircraft which served in the Pacific theatre. Volume Four focuses on the US Navy, US Marine Corps and RNZAF squadrons which operated land based F4U series Corsair fighters throughout the Solomons theatre from February 1943 onwards. The distinctive markings schemes, unit heraldry and nose art varied considerably between models and squadrons, the latter of which developed their own particular markings themes and patterns.  This volume illustrates the precise markings of each Corsair squadron, from the early "birdcage" F4U-1 series through to the later F4U-1A "bubble" canopy models. Each profile is accompanied by supporting photos along with a brief history of the aircraft. A wide range of reference material was sourced to illustrate each profile, including colour movie film, post-war wreck surveys, official records, diaries and hundreds of photos. The author, Michael John Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise on both the Allied and Japanese sides of the Pacific theatre. Never before have such meticulous colour profiles of the Corsair family been illustrated so accurately, and with such attendant detail.

Volume Five of this Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate colour profiles to date of Japanese Navy land based Zero fighters in the "South Seas" theatre: New Guinea, Rabaul and the Solomons.  Illustrated by unit are abundant examples of the varied markings, tail codes, leadership hallmarks and camouflage schemes which appeared on the thirteen Air Groups (Kokutai) operating in the theatre from February 1942 to February 1944. Each of the 113 profiles is supported by primary source material including colour photos, Japanese records, POW interrogations, technical reports, post-war wreck examinations and Allied intelligence summaries. These are accompanied by brief histories of each unit and notes on the changing nature of each unit’s markings. How the late 1942 Japanese Navy restructure impacted these units is also clarified, along with the rationale and meaning of the ensuing multifaceted markings systems. Never before have such accurate profiles been presented. Past errors are corrected, and many new markings including hokoku (patriotic) Kanji are presented for the first time. The author is world-renown for his expertise in respect to the Japanese aerial war in the Pacific.

Volume Five of this series chronicles aerial warfare primarily in the New Guinea theatre in the critical period between September and December 1942. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the previous four volumes which span the first nine months of the Pacific War. By early September the strategic picture in the theatre had changed markedly within just six weeks. From their new Buna beachhead the Japanese Army commenced a Papuan mountain campaign which threatened the Allied bastion of Port Moresby.  Meanwhile the battle for Guadalcanal was raging, with the outcome of the wider Pacific War in the balance. Against this background a strengthened US Fifth Air Force took the fight to the IJA with direct air support. While this was being conducted by P-39s, P-40Es, A-20As and B-25s, raids by B-17s against Rabaul aided US forces in the neighbouring Solomons. RAAF Beaufighters, Beauforts, Bostons and Hudsons also contributed substantially to these efforts. At Rabaul a wide variety of fresh IJN fighter and bomber units poured in the theatre, although these became focused mainly on the Solomons. Such were the massive losses experienced, by November the IJN undertook a complete operational and administrative reorganisation of its air power. Then, despite a strong reluctance to become involved, the IJA sent an advance reconnaissance detachment to Rabaul, the forerunner of major reinforcements that would arrive in December.  Never before has this campaign been chronicled in such detail, with Allied and Japanese accounts matched together for a truly factual account of the conflict.

The first attacks on Australia by the Japanese were made by four submarines of the Sixth Submarine Squadron of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Together, these 80-man boats laid mines, and then waited in their killing zones for targets to torpedo. On 20 January 1942, it all went horribly wrong. Sunk with all hands, the submarine I-124 remains outside Darwin today, testimony to bravery but also to folly. Avonmore Books’ new edition of a 1990s work features new and improved graphics; a host of photographs, and the complete story of the submarine action, and events through the decades beyond – for the sunken vessel did not lie easy. Code seekers; treasure hunters; and potential salvors eventually led to the formation of the Historic Shipwrecks Act.

Cyclone Tracy was one of the most damaging disasters to ever impact Australia. The story of the terrible night of Christmas Eve 1974 has been told before, but the involvement of the Australian Defence Force has been under-emphasised. This book rectifies that by revealing the untold stories of those in uniform. Men and women of all three services experienced the cyclone, including the crew of HMAS Arrow which sank with the loss of two lives. The first outsiders to reach the shattered city flew in on RAAF aircraft, which quickly began flying out evacuees. Then the Navy embarked on its largest peacetime operation with the majority of the fleet including the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne deploying to Darwin. For the first month the Navy took the lead in cleaning up the city before a larger and better equipped Army force took over. The book argues strongly that the National Emergency Medal should be bestowed on all uniformed people involved, including civilians such as police, and that a prominent and fitting memorial be established in Darwin.Cyclone Warriors also dispels myths, and for the first time with extensive research provides the true number of fatalities incurred when Tracy tore apart Darwin. Tom Lewis is one of Australia’s foremost military historians having written over twenty books. He is a former naval officer and long time resident of Darwin.

The CAC Boomerang has a unique place in Australian aviation history, being the nation’s only home designed and produced fighter.The design was born in dark days at the start of the Pacific War when the RAAF possessed not a single modern fighter and the southwards onslaught of Japanese forces seemed unstoppable. The single seat Boomerang owed its origins to the Wirraway two seat general purpose aircraft produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Melbourne. Because of existing Wirraway production, a Boomerang prototype flew less than six months after the design was conceived – a remarkable achievement. Lacking the performance of contemporaries such as America’s P-39 and P-40 and Japan’s Zero, the Boomerang’s subsequent history is chequered. It served with three RAAF home defence squadrons in the fighter interceptor role but had only fleeting, unsuccessful, contact with enemy aircraft. However, the Boomerang found its true niche as an army cooperation aircraft, and the type gave very useful service with Nos. 4 and 5 Squadrons in New Guinea and Bougainville.With hindsight the Boomerang provided an insurance policy if other fighters could not be obtained from the US and Britain. In that role it was successful, and its production maintained a skilled wartime workforce at the CAC factory.This is the first stand-alone history of the Boomerang. The author Don Williams examines this unique aircraft and its origins, service and the men that flew it.

This volume presents the most detailed history and accurate profiles to date of the Douglas Boston light bomber (DB-7B and A-20 models) in RAAF Pacific service. Unusually just one unit, No. 22 Squadron, operated the type. From late 1942 until mid-1943 it flew daring low-level attack missions in New Guinea, before advancing to the Netherlands East Indies in 1944. This volume illustrates and explains the development of the type in RAAF service, and for the first time closely aligns its Japanese belligerents, in the air and on the ground and sea. It also explains combat and other losses contrasted against the unique operational environment. A wide range of primary source material has been drawn upon including official records, diaries, rare photos, captured documents and operational logs of relevant Japanese units. The author is world-renown for his expertise on the aerial war in the Pacific, while his passion for the Douglas light bomber stems from assisting with the 1984 salvage of an RAAF Boston from New Guinea.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia; the South Pacific and New Guinea theatres. This Volume 16 covers the B-17E and F series which served in these theatres from their first appearance in Australia in the early weeks of the Pacific War until the final commander’s Fortress was scrapped in late 1944. The Fortress served with a total of one provisional and eighteen USAAF bombardment squadrons whilst many; after being stripped down and modified; went on to serve as transports and commander’s aircraft. Most profiles are presented for the first time; alongside markings derivations; including unit heraldry; artwork and serial numbers. This volume corrects past errors and bridges a vast gap in Fortress markings throughout the Pacific including Thirteenth Air Force transports and an early squadron which served with the USN. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation; along with the brief history of each bomber. Wide-ranging reference material sources assignment data; wreck reports; squadron records; colour photography; maintenance logs; diaries; air base movement logs and markings specifications. The profiles are accompanied by brief unit histories and associated markings explanations.The author is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the Pacific Fortress been illustrated with such breadth; accuracy and detail.

The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which saw action in the Pacific War. This Volume 18 covers two British designed types that served with the RAAF in large numbers. A combined total of some 1,280 Beauforts and Beaufighters were delivered and served with fifteen wartime squadrons plus a variety of training and support units. From late 1942 both types were on the frontlines of the war with Japan. The Beaufort initially had a niche as a torpedo bomber, but subsequently made its mark throughout Australia, New Guinea and the Netherlands East Indies as a light bomber, a maritime patrol aircraft and by undertaking numerous support activities.The Beaufighter was a heavily armed low-level attack fighter that served across the same theatres, often undertaking coastal sweeps to hunt Japanese barges. Later versions introduced the use of rocket projectiles by the RAAF.Remarkably, both types were manufactured in Australia and their immense contribution to the RAAF war effort is often overlooked. Such was the intensity of operations that some 600 young men lost their lives flying Beauforts and Beaufighters both in combat and due to a myriad of accidents.This volume provides technical detail on the various versions of both types and showcases the surprisingly varied markings schemes used by each operating unit. Brief squadron histories are also provided.

This volume chronicles aerial warfare in the South Pacific from December 1941 until March 1942, durign which air operations by both sides became a daily occurrence.  As Imperial Japanese Navy flying boats and land-based bombers penetrated over vast distances, a few under-strength squadrons of the Royal Australian Air Force put up a spirited fight.  However it was the supreme power of aircraft carriers that had the biggest impact. Four Japanese fleet carriers facilitated the capture of Rabaul over a devastating four-day period in January 1942. The following month, the USS Lexington’s fighter squadron VF-3 scored one of the most one-sided victories of the entire Pacific War.  By March 1942 the Japanese had landed on mainland New Guinea, and the scene was set for a race to control Port Moresby. This is the full story of both sides of an air war that could have been won by either incumbent, but for timing, crucial decisions and luck.