Japanese flying boats tried to reinforce the garrison, then bombed and strafed after the Raiders drove off the landing attempt. Carlson began withdrawing more than ten hours after Peatross had followed the original schedule. Only seven boats carrying 93 men initially reached the submarines. Repeated attempts left 72 Raiders ashore with three rubber boats, showing how extraction craft and sea conditions governed the operation alongside enemy action.
Chapter · 28:31-31:10
Flying boats and a difficult extraction
Japanese aircraft, damaged rubber boats, failed outboards, and heavy surf delay Carlson's withdrawal far beyond the original timetable.