At T+0, two elements of Lf6 lifted and assisted in the quick closing of Field 48. One airframe was lost to AAA and the other returned safely to base.
At approximately T+15, radar contacts began to present a picture of enemy aircraft heading to either Field 42 or Field 46 on New Britain. The remaining elements of Lf6 lifted from those fields and intercepted enemy P-38's at altitudes higher than 7,500m (25k'). At least one P-38 was shot down and another lost an engine before diving out. The remaining P-38's showed no desire for an engagement and dove away quickly after a short attempt at boom and zoom tactics. Lost one aircraft in this engagement.
Some refueled while others flew directly toward Rabaul as it became clear that the Allies were heading that way with a group of aircraft.
We found the bombers flying at or above 10,000m (33k') with some P-38 escort. The remainder of the frame was spent vectoring for HO attacks on the B-24's (which had scattered in various directions) while the P-38's played little or no factor as they continued to avoid any contact. We brought down a few B-24's and lost at least 1 airframe due to a botched dead stick landing over the runway at Field 17 (ran out of fuel). Lost another airframe to very effective, long-range gunners on the B-24's.
I submit this in the humble service of our Glorious Emperor,
<S>
Nick
