A Hercules aircraft will conduct a flypast of RAAF Base Richmond at 11.30am today, Thursday March 1, to help commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea - a pivotal engagement in New Guinea during the Second World War.
According to Air Power Development Centre Bulletin, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea which took place on Australia’s doorsteps from 2 to 4 March 1943 has a special place in Australia’s military history.
It was a defining battle that thwarted Japan’s attempt to secure a permanent foothold in Australia’s nearest neighbour, which was then the Australian territory of Papua and territory protectorate of New Guinea.
While action in the battle occurred at sea, it was Allied air power that was the deciding factor.
The success of air power was only made possible through a series of carefully planned and orchestrated operations, which today would be collectively termed a joint operation.