Post by aircraftclocks on Jun 3, 2020 0:36:16 GMT 12
While looking at a unit history of VPB33 I found this narrative:
On 1 December 1944, 7 planes and crews were sent to Emirau, Green and Treasury Islands from where they covered all strikes on the Gayelle Peninsula of New Britain, on New Ireland, and Bougainville the North Solomons area.
In addition to this, Dumbo work planes from Green, landed Australian Scouts and Coast Watchers on Fena, Tanga, and Legir Islands.
The Cats also dropped supplies to these men. Duty on these Islands continued for more than a month.
During this period of time two air-sea rescues were made. Both were accomplished on Christmas Day.
Lieutenant (jg) Jack L. THURMAN, (A1), USNR, based at Green Island rescued Squadron Leader VANDERPUMP of the RNZAF in Atliklikun Bay off Keravat Air Strip.
At the time of the rescue there was a moderate sea with a slight wind. Weather was average.
No shore fire was received during the rescue, but A/A was received at Cape St. George inroute to the bay.
The Second Christmas Day rescue was made by Lieutenant (jg) Jack W. JONES, based at Emirau Island. Lieutenant (jg) JONES rescued Squadron Leader KILEA of the RNZAF, an F4U pilot who had been through the Battle for Britain and who now holds the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the United States Distinguished Flying Cross.
Squadron Leader KILEA was picked up 20 to 25 miles north of KAVIENG, New Ireland.
At the time of the rescue Lieutenant (jg) JONES had only 150 gallons of gasoline in his plane.
He landed at Emirau with just 70 gallons remaining in the tanks. Wind was 10 to 12 knots at the time of the pick-up.
Who is S/Ldr Kilea?
On 1 December 1944, 7 planes and crews were sent to Emirau, Green and Treasury Islands from where they covered all strikes on the Gayelle Peninsula of New Britain, on New Ireland, and Bougainville the North Solomons area.
In addition to this, Dumbo work planes from Green, landed Australian Scouts and Coast Watchers on Fena, Tanga, and Legir Islands.
The Cats also dropped supplies to these men. Duty on these Islands continued for more than a month.
During this period of time two air-sea rescues were made. Both were accomplished on Christmas Day.
Lieutenant (jg) Jack L. THURMAN, (A1), USNR, based at Green Island rescued Squadron Leader VANDERPUMP of the RNZAF in Atliklikun Bay off Keravat Air Strip.
At the time of the rescue there was a moderate sea with a slight wind. Weather was average.
No shore fire was received during the rescue, but A/A was received at Cape St. George inroute to the bay.
The Second Christmas Day rescue was made by Lieutenant (jg) Jack W. JONES, based at Emirau Island. Lieutenant (jg) JONES rescued Squadron Leader KILEA of the RNZAF, an F4U pilot who had been through the Battle for Britain and who now holds the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the United States Distinguished Flying Cross.
Squadron Leader KILEA was picked up 20 to 25 miles north of KAVIENG, New Ireland.
At the time of the rescue Lieutenant (jg) JONES had only 150 gallons of gasoline in his plane.
He landed at Emirau with just 70 gallons remaining in the tanks. Wind was 10 to 12 knots at the time of the pick-up.
Who is S/Ldr Kilea?