|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
IJN 499th BS Nov 2, 1943  Justin Taylan 2000 |
Gun History Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as a twin 127mm Anti-Aircraft Gun / Type 89 (1929) 12.7cm gun with a shield. Transported to Rabaul and emplaced in a concrete revetment on high ground at the western edge of Lakunai Airfield. This gun was one of two in a gun battery with range finder and gun director manned by a Navy gun crew operational by late 1943. This heavy anti-aircraft gun battery defended the airspace including Simpson Harbor to the west, Sulphur Creek and Rabaul to the north, Matupi Harbor to the east and Lakunai Airfield to the south. Wartime History On November 2, 1943 this gun battery was photographed by B-25D Mitchells from 345th Bomb Group (345th BG) including the 499th Bomb Squadron (499th BS) and 501st Bomb Squadron (501st BS) that dropped 100 pound white phosphorous bomb "Kenney's Cocktails" over the area to suppress them during the U.S. low level strike against Rabaul and warships in Simpson Harbor. The gun battery wa not damaged during this attack. This gun survived intact and possibly in working condition until the end of the Pacific War. By September 1945, both breech blocks were removed, either by the Japanese at the end of the Pacific War or by the Allies to prevent the gun from ever being used. During September 1945 this gun was photographed intact with wooden planking around the base of the gun and vegetation used as camouflage atop the concrete revetment. Wreckage This gun remains in situ with the gun barrels pointed northward. Both breech blocks are removed. References Ken’s Men Against The Empire page 127 (photos) Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 127mm  Photo Archive |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
