The night was saw both sides struggling to repair damage from the day before. Planes were shuttled between bases to prepare for the days activities, and the fleets moved to get into position to find and destroy the enemy. At dawn search plans were sent out - but the Allies had already made plans - and so had the Japanese. As dawn broke over Port Moresby a Japanese cruiser fleet had appeared off shore and began
While this was going on a flight of B-17s on a bombing mission to Lae were intercepted by
four zeros, and while all but one got through they took significant damage. When the fortresses
arrived at Lae a small flight of three B-25s
were already attacking. The four zeros on CAP initially went after this pitiful flight, but when the
B-17s arrived they diverted and went after the more juicy targets, with some effect. One
suffered a bomb bay hit and exploded.
A thousand miles away at Tulagi, strike forces from the American carriers attacked the
Japanese assets based there. With thirty eight planes attacking there was little the three Rufe's
could do.
This dawn attack was a major punch by the Allies, and the Japanese have suffered severe losses. But now the Allies have to catch their breath - And the Japanese have all their planes ready to strike at any targets that appear in the next few hours. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |