History
Lark Force was put together in 1941 to protect the islands north of Australia. The main goal was to defend the airfield and harbor at Rabaul. This was an important spot for the Australian military to watch the ocean. When the Japanese forces attacked in early 1942, Lark Force was outnumbered by a very large enemy army. The fighting was quick and very intense. The Japanese ships and planes were too strong for the small group of defenders. Most of the soldiers were forced to surrender after a short but brave fight. The men who were captured faced very difficult times while they were prisoners of war. Many were moved to ships to be taken away. Sadly, one of the ships they were on was sunk by an American submarine, and many of the men were lost. The story of Lark Force is remembered in Australia because of the sacrifice made by those young soldiers. It reminds people today of the danger faced by those stationed in the Pacific islands during the war.
