Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Michael Claringbould is New Guinea Eagles Volume 1: The Japanese Air Army from Rabaul to Wewak October 1942 to September 1943, which chronicles the Japanese Air Army campaign in New Guinea from when its first units arrived in October 1942 until the late September 1943 raids against Nadzab and Port Moresby.
Never before have the rationale, activities and losses of JAAF air power in New Guinea been chronicled in such detail and accuracy. The force operated an impressive range of aircraft types but found it much easier to commit than withdraw from the challenging theatre.
This volume covers Rabaul’s and Wewak’s beginnings as major JAAF bases. The period involved guarding supply convoys, attacking Wau and two major forays into the Solomons. Then by mid-1943 the Allied air war had gravitated towards the burgeoning JAAF airfield complexes spreading out along New Guinea’s northern coast. Two air divisions were combined to create the 4th Air Army in August 1943, and its aircraft soon ventured into the New Guinea Highlands before defending Nassau Bay, Lae and Salamaua.
A wide variety of fighter, attack, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft types operated with numerous air regiments, independent squadrons and headquarters detachments. Citing primary records, combats are aligned, strategies revealed and accurate losses chronicled. The problematic introduction of the Ki-61 Tony, widespread use of the Ki-51 Sonia and the struggles of the Ki-49 Helen are described in detail. Bolstered by maps, illustrations, aircraft profiles and rare photos, New Guinea Eagles Volume 1 offers a fresh and ground-breaking perspective of the JAAF experience.
The 208 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for August 15.
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