In January 1942, the Australian outpost at Rabaul stood directly in the path of Japan’s advance across the Pacific. Poorly defended, under-equipped, and relying on outdated aircraft, the men of the RAAF and Lark Force faced overwhelming odds as Japanese air raids intensified and invasion loomed. Drawing on firsthand accounts from pilots, anti-aircraft gunners, and soldiers who were there, this documentary tells the dramatic story of the fall of Rabaul — from desperate reconnaissance missions and doomed Wirraway interceptions to the final evacuation attempts before the Japanese landing on 23 January 1942. Featuring rare historical detail, eyewitness testimony, and the legendary “Morituri vos salutamus” signal sent by Squadron Leader John Lerew, this is the story of courage, sacrifice, and one of Australia’s darkest early defeats in the Pacific War.
Interviewees in this documentary are from The Australians At War Film Archive, and include Peter White, Norman Furness, David Bloomfield, Gordon Abel, and Lewis Harte.