Kinsler assigned Britten the
task of jumping 1st Bn. directly onto the airstrip and clearing it
of all enemy troops, although the intelligence reports indicated
that there were very few in the area. In addition, the battalion
was responsible for starting the preparation of the airstrip until
relieved by the Australian engineers.
Kinsler directed Jones
to jump 2d Bn. north of the airstrip to secure Gabsonkek and provide
flank protection for 1st Bn.
Last, he assigned Tolson's 3d Bn. to
jump east of the airstrip and the secure the village of Gabmatzung.
This was the enemy's most likely avenue of approach if the Japanese
opposed the landing from the garrison at Lae. |