S/Ldr Kilea a VC holder?

[aircraftclocks]

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?

[angelsonefive]

This will be S/Ldr JRC Kilian, Croix de Guerre, RNZAF ( 15/9/37 to 22/2/46 ).

S/Ldr Kilian was awarded the C de G by the French Government-in-exile for his actions as a Spitfire pilot over the Dieppe beach-head in August 1942.
He is not listed among the Battle of Britain Clasp holders, and does not appear to have received any other decorations.

He died in Geraldine on 23/7/89.

[davidd]

Number of strange spellings in this report. The "Gayelle Peninsula" should of course read as the Gazelle Peninsula.

I have never come across Dumbo work planes before, can you please enlighten? I am guessing these are normal PBYs used on miscellaneous transport duties.

Also I think Fena Island should read Feni.

Legir Island should read Lihir. However it is not unknown for islands to have numerous names, or variations of names, not only in South Pacific, but all around the World.

And of course J R C Kilian was never awarded the VC.

David D

[aircraftclocks]

I checked the spelling of the orginal document and I have faithly copied the spelling.

The unit history advises that :

1 December to 1 January 1945: Based at MANUS, flying anti-submarine warfare missions and air-sea rescue missions, from EMIRAU, TREASURY, LEYTE, GREEN, and MIOS WOENDI.

The squadron was equipped with, PBY-5.

The final paragraphs of the history will explain some of the confusion.

To anyone who knows the performance record of the Catalina, the record established by Patrol Bombing Squadron THIRTY-THREE will be hard to understand. By comparison with more modern aircraft, its speed is negligible, and its other qualities suffer. But in our book, its the grandest old plane ever built end will remain in our hearts forever, affectionately known as the "BLACK CAT".

At the present writing, late December, the tale is told and this narrative is as complete as possible. Due to constant geographical moves and changes of personnel, some of this account is fragmentary and partially incomplete which is regrettable but unavoidable.