Japanese Occupation
On January 4, 1942 Japanese flying boats first bombed Rabaul. On January 20, 1942 a Japanese carrier aircraft from Akagi, Kaga, Shokaku and Zuikaku under the command of Admiral Nagumo attacked Rabaul. On January 22, 1942 carrier planes returned, but found no targets and preformed aerobatics prior to the Japanese invasion force arrival via St. Georges Channel.
After midnight of January 23, 1942 the 144th Infantry Regiment 'South Seas Detachment' landed at several locations: Raluana Point and to the west of Kokopo and Kerawun and north of Vulcan. Also Malaguna, west of Praed Point and Nordup. Opposing them were the outnumbered Australian Army 2/22nd Battalion and New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR) opposed. By morning, the Japanese occupied Rabaul.
Developed into a massive base and Army and Navy Headquarters in the South Pacific. The Navy controlled the eastern half of the town, with their HQ at the New Guinea Club building. The 8th Army HQ at four corners intersection. At the war's peak, 97,000 Japanese troops were stationed in the vicinity, in addition to Allied POW's, slave laborers and even reportedly 3,000 'comfort woman' (prostitutes) including 800 from Korean and Japan.
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Could this Ki-45 been based at either; Lakunai Airfield (Rabaul East), Vunakanau Airfield (Rabaul West) or Tobera Airfield (Rabaul South) in '43?