Fortress Rabaul: Battle for the Southwest Pacific Jan 1942-Apr 1943

1-192140

The Japanese invaded New Britain on Jan 23, 1942 and turned Rabaul into a major military complex that served as the springboard for several offensives and became the key to Japanese operations in the region. Gamble chronicles the rise and fall of 'Fortress Rabaul' as military installation during WWII and Allied efforts to isolate and suppress it from January 1942 on.

This is a well-written book, sort of a cut above the usual campaign history, filled with operational insight and nitty-gritty details. What is particularly interesting is the bomb-counterbomb, counter-counter bomb aspects of the campaign using raids with less than 10 aircraft. As the war progressed, the air raids grew in size until the US pounded Rabaul into insignificance. Great descriptions of the primitive conditions on both sides, the weather conditions facing aieral operations, and the inflated claims of planes shot down / ships sunk by both sides. Well-done, Mr. Gamble.

16pgs of black and white photos, biblio, index