July 30, 1943
(JAAF) Six bombers escorted by 19 fighters attack Goroka.
August 29, 1943
(JAAF) Ki-46 Dinah overflies the Goroka area.
References
WWII Diary of 2 /2 Independent Company at Goroka (AWM Collection):
"29 August 1943 - Goroka
Weather fine. A Platoon report heavy and medium bombers plus swarms of fighters over his area heading towards Wewak. Over Garoka many heavy bombers and fighters were seen heading in the same direction. Dinah was over the area for approx quarter of any hour. Radar (R.D.F.) contacted Lightnings and it appeared that 2 of them tailed Dinah but no results learned."
Thanks to Richard Dunn and Edward Rogers for research and analysis
September 2, 1943
(JAAF) Ki-46 Dinah from the 74th Dokuritsu Dai Shijugo Chutai (74th Independent Squadron) piloted by 1st Lt Susumu Sakamoto is lost over Goroka.
References
WWII Diary of 2 /2 Independent Company at Goroka (AWM Collection)
"2 September 1943
Weather cloudy. 5 transport planes landed at Garoka escorted by 7 Kittyhawks, P-40, at 0755 hrs. At 0844 hrs the fighters could not be heard and at 0845 hrs cannon fire was heard to the N.E. It is learned that 15 enemy aircraft were engaged by Allied fighters N.E. and N. of this area. 2 Kittyhawks made a forced landing at this drome with engine and control trouble and the transports then took off. At 1145 hrs 6 more transports landed at Garoka airstrip, and a further 6 at 1505 hrs. A conversation between fighter planes, picked up by our Sigs, stated that two Dinahs had been shot down, in the engagement earlier. For the past week an unidentified plane has been heard over this area at approx 0245 hrs..."
Thanks to Richard Dunn and Edward Rogers for research and analysis
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