80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea

Tomorrow marks the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, a major victory for the Allied Forces in the South West Pacific resulting in the destruction of a Japanese naval convoy carrying about 7,000 troops.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said the battle was one of the most successful operations for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the Second World War.

“Tomorrow we remember the courage and sacrifice of the combined Australian and US Army Air Forces in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. The actions of the airmen during those critical three days inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese and contributed to the eventual Allied liberation of New Guinea,” Minister Keogh said.

“Allied Intelligence intercepted communications that a large Japanese convoy was heading from Rabaul to Lae, on the northeast coast of New Guinea.

“If the Japanese reinforcements were allowed to enter the battle, it would have put at risk the hard-won Australian gains along the Kokoda Track.”

A combined Allied force of 154 fighters, 34 light bombers, 41 medium bombers and 39 heavy bombers flew successive relay sorties against the convoy over three days.

By daybreak on 4 March 1943 all eight Japanese troop transports and four of their escorting destroyers had been sunk. The other four were badly damaged, and around 50-60 escorting Zero fighters had also been shot down.

Tomorrow, to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, a Last Post Ceremony will be held at the Australian War Memorial for Flight Sergeant John Lyon.

Flight Sergeant Lyon was a wireless air gunner and a member of 22 Squadron. He had flown in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea with his pilot, Flight Lieutenant William Newton and another wireless air gunner, Sergeant Basil Eastwood. The crew was shot down on a raid over Salamaua on 18 March 1943, a fortnight after the Bismarck Sea battle. Eastwood was killed while Lyon and Newton were captured and later executed.

“The Australian Government is committed to recognising the service of all our veterans and the sacrifices of their families. This Last Post ceremony will give all Australians a chance to remember and honour Flight Sergeant Lyon, and all the aircrews involved in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea,” Minister Keogh said.

“I encourage all Australians to pause and remember all those who fought to keep us safe during the Second World War.”

To learn more about the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal.

Editor’s note: For veterans and families this day may be an emotional time and lead to feelings of distress. You are encouraged to include the contact information for Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling in your stories. Open Arms is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit OpenArms.gov.au

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608