This Day in History: 1942-01-20

In the defence of the island of New Britain, No. 24 Squadron RAAF sent eight Wirraways into action against a force of more than 100 Japanese bombers and fighters above Rabaul. Six of the eight Wirraways were destroyed or damaged, six aircrew were killed and five wounded in the action. Two days later the squadron’s aircraft withdrew south to Townsville and Rabaul fell to the Japanese forces on 23 January. Source: Aircraft of the RAAF.