Avonmore Books is pleased to announce the availability of New Guinea Eagles Volume 1 which covers the first phase of the Japanese Air Army campaign in New Guinea from the first arrival of Air Army units in October 1942 through to the September 1943 raids against Nadzab and Port Moresby.
Rabaul’s and Wewak’s beginnings are described in detail, along with guarding the Wewak and Lae supply convoys, defending Wau, the highlands campaign, and two major forays into the Solomons. Then, two air divisions were combined to create the 4th Air Army in August 1943. A campaign against the New Guinea Highlands then devolved before supporting Imperial Army efforts to defend Nassau Bay, Lae and Salamaua.
The JAAF operated a wide variety of fighter, attack, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft types with numerous air regiments, independent squadrons and headquarters attachments. Sourcing operational records including despatches and unit records made available only two years ago, the narrative aligns numerous combats & gives accurate losses. 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 rare photos, maps and illustrations, the work also contains 42 aircraft profiles.
There is more information and sample pages over at Avonmore Books, where you can also purchase a copy.
New Guinea Eagles Volume 1 - The Japanese Air Army from Rabaul to Wewak October 1942 to September 1943
- Author: Michael Claringbould,
- Illustrated: Full colour, fully illustrated,
- Dimensions: 250 x 176mm,
- Extent: 208 pages,
- Publisher: Avonmore Books, 2026.
- ISBN 9781764193788
- RRP $42.95
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