NOTE: This episode is sub-standard, as our print had badly deteriorated to the point that it was almost not scannable. Please bear with the problems as it’s a wonderful show.
“Flight” was a short-lived TV series that debuted in 1958 and only lasted one year. Hosted by Gen. George C. Kenney, the program focused on dramatic tellings of stories from the chronicles of the U.S. Air Force. Production company California National also produced “The Silent Service” which profiled the Navy’s submariners, and “Navy Log”. This particular episode, “Decision” tells the story of September, 1943 and the aerial component of the Allied assault on the Japanese base of Lae. The commanding officer involved in planning the invasion, comes up with the idea to make the invasion when the area is fogged in, so as to deprive the Japanese of air cover. But will it work?
This episode was written by Jack Laird from a story by General George C. Kenney and directed by Jean Yarborough. The cast includes Nelson Leigh, Alvy Moore, Robin Hughes, George C. Kenney (as General George C. Kenney, host of the show), James Hong, Ashley Cowan and Joseph Sargent. Cinematography by Archie R. Dalzel and editing by Henry DeMond.
The Landing at Lae was an amphibious landing to the east of Lae and then the subsequent advance on the town during the Salamaua–Lae campaign of World War II. Part of Operation Postern, which was undertaken to capture the Japanese base at Lae, the landing was undertaken between 4 and 6 September 1943 by Australian troops from the 9th Division, supported by US naval forces from the VII Amphibious Force. The first major amphibious operation undertaken by the Australian Army since the failed Gallipoli Campaign, the Australians invested a significant amount of effort into planning the operation.
The episode is based on actual history. For two to three days each week, thick fog enveloped an area to the northwest of the landing area—including the Vitiaz Straits and southern New Britain. If the landings could be timed to coincide with this monthly “fog cover,” it would greatly increase the chance of the naval task force going undetected by Japanese reconnaissance flights operating out of Rabaul.17 MacArthur accepted the recommendation and approved a landing date in the first week of September.
The initial landing saw one brigade and supporting elements being landed at two beaches about 27 kilometres (17 mi) east of Lae. Once this brigade had secured the beachhead, a second brigade was landed to follow them up and help expand the beachhead. In the days following the landing the division’s third and final brigade was brought ashore. The landing was carried out in conjunction with the airborne landing at Nadzab, and was followed by a drive on Lae by the 7th Division from Nadzab and the 9th from the landing beaches, which advanced with two brigades while one held the landing beach. Hampered by bad weather, logistical difficulties, and stiff resistance by the Japanese defenders, the 9th Division’s advance stalled and ultimately troops from the 7th Division entered Lae first, entering the town on 16 September, the day before the 9th.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
