Galea Bay attack

On 9 January 1945 to 10 January 1945 all available aircraft from No. 78 Fighter Wing assigned to a combined naval-air (RAN-RAAF) task against the main enemy bivouac and supply area near Galea Village, North Halmahera Island. The naval vessels in the attack were the Sloop HMAS Swan and Corvettes HMAS Cowra and HMAS Kapunda. At Morotai Australian Army Liaison Officer and RAAF Officers move out of American camp with American patrol to edge of perimeter. Major Welch (US) points out area to be strafed and bombed by RAAF boxing and wrestling matches between RAAF and American servicemen. Identified personnel: Commander J.C. Morrow (RAN), Group Captain (Capt.) W.N. Gibson, Air Commodore Arthur Henry Cobby, Capt. W.D. Brookes C.O. 78 Wing, Capt. F.C. Hourn AIF, Flying Officer (F/O) F.O. Jones, W/O. P.R. Finch, P/O. J.R. Anderson, Sergeant (Sgt) L. Waters, Squadron Leader R.P. Sudlow, F/O. P.J. Cook, Warrant Officer (W/O) L. Vaughan, Sgt. A. Beinke, Flight Lieutenant D.R. Baher DFC, Flt/Lieut H.A. Kerr, Flt/Lieut. Ted Hurst, W/O. K. Dodemaide.