The Director of Naval Intelligence, CMDR R. B. M. Long, RAN, warned the Government:- ‘It is likely in view of Japan’s present attack against Hawaii that raids will be made by heavier units other than submarines against strategic areas such as Newcastle’.
The first Japanese aircraft were sighted over Rabaul. The aircraft were reported by radio when they passed over Tabar Island by Coastwatcher SBLT C. L. Page, RANVR.