Captioned by hand '305 GEN RABAUL, 2 NOV 43, 1350,' this aerial photograph documents an Allied air strike on the Japanese stronghold of Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 November 1943. The dense white streaks crossing the frame are consistent with anti-aircraft fire directed at the attacking aircraft, while a large explosion is visible near the center of the image. Rabaul was one of the most heavily defended Japanese bases in the Southwest Pacific, and strikes against it in late 1943 were often met with intense ground fire, as this image vividly illustrates. Project: 218558