 The small Australian garrison in the area withdrew as the Japanese landed and did not contest the invasion.In response to the Japanese landings, a United States Navy aircraft carrier task force including the carriers and "Lexington" struck the invading Japanese naval forces with carrier aircraft on 10 March.Supporting the carrier aircraft were eight B-17 bombers of the 435th Bombardment Squadron of the 19th Bombardment Group from Garbutt Field, Townsville, Australia and eight Royal Australian Air Force Hudson bombers of No.