The Balikpapan Raid, January 1942
Following the capture of Tarakan Island on the East Coast of Borneo by Japanese Forces on January 12, 1942, the Central Invasion Force under Vice-Admiral Ibo Takahashi prepared to attack the port of Balikpapan. By January 17, 1942 the airfield on Tarakan Island had been repaired and the Imperial Japanese Navy's (IJN) 23rd Air Flotilla was using it as its new headquarters. This airfield would be used to provide air support to Japanese Naval Forces moving south to conquer the rest of Borneo.


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