clint
Squadron Leader
Posts: 136
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Post by clint on Sept 10, 2020 15:25:16 GMT 12
Are there records for other years available? Such as 1943 and 1944?
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 10, 2020 23:29:25 GMT 12
There are records for 1943 and 1944, however the documents I have located so far in this report format are for between October 1944 to mid July 1945. Earlier documents are more of the action report type, describing what happened on an individual sortie rather than the big picture these intelligence reports give. I was going to put the 1944 ones up once I have got through the current series.
My typing has not improved at all, but my spelling correction has.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 10, 2020 23:54:27 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 4 April.
Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer, in a PBJ led five PVs of New Zealand-Three in a medium altitude daylight strike on Target #16 Muguai, Bougainville. Major TAYLOR flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so that he could do the sighting as the Venturas do not carry a bombsight. The formation was two, three plane sections javelin down. The medium altitude strike was followed by a low level strafing of Monoitu, Bougainville.
The strike was airborne by 0847 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Bay. From this point the formation flew a heading of 237º magnetic for six miles then flew a course of 173º magnetic for 12 miles where it turned into the bomb run of 237º magnetic.
At Koromira the formation rendezvoused with two Piva Corsairs which were to mark the target with smoke. However the target was not smoked and the flight bombed without this assistance.
Bombs were dropped at 1009 from 10,500 feet on a heading of 230º magnetic at 160 knots indicated. After bombing the formation broke right to rendezvous with the Piva Corsairs near Mt. Gulcher for the strafing mission.
Six bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in Ebery's Lease and near Kara Air Strip.
The pattern of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.
Low Level Strafing Attack
After the rendezvous with the Corsairs at Mt. Gulcher the formation proceeded to a point five miles south of Mt. Taroka. Since the Corsairs had expended their smoke bombs they pointed the way to the target by flying over it.
The first section made its strafing run at tree-top level at 1028 on a heading of 187° magnetic and 210 knots and the second section made its run at 1030 on the same course and speed.
The area from Tai Tai to Monoitu was thoroughly strafed with the planes of each section in a formation of three planes line abreast.
No anti-aircraft fire was observed and the height and speed of the planes prevented observation of results.
2 F4U from NZ-24 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 11, 2020 0:16:34 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 4 April.
Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a low level bombing and strafing attack on Koriu and Mamagota, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 1353 and after joining-up at described above proceeded to Montopena Point, Bougainville where rendezvous was made with two Piva Corsairs at 1445.
The Piva Corsairs then preceded the formation and marked Koriu with smoke bombs. The flight then broke up into three, two plane sections and 301B21 and 303B21, on instructions from the Corsairs bombed and strafed one hundred yards south of the smoke bombs at 1502 on a heading of 115° magnetic at 200 knots. 302B21 and 305B21 bombed and strafed Mamagota at 1503 on a heading of 120° magnetic at 200 knots. 304B21 and 306B21 strafed and bombed Koriu two minutes behind 301B21 at the same speed and heading.
After their attacks the planes broke to the right and rallied off Montopena Point. The flight then proceeded to Green Island and was safely on deck by 1615.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
The bombs in 306B21 hung and were salvoed at sea. All other bombs were in the respective targets causing a fire with grey smoke to 500 feet, at Koriu while other results were unobserved.
2 F4U from NZ-20 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 11, 2020 1:11:29 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 5 April 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(62 sorties - 34 3/4 tons)
Main Jap Defenses Systematically Bombed: At the point where the main east-west highway of southwest Bougainville bridges the Hongorai River branches, the Japs have established their primary center of resistance. These defenses consist of pillboxes, trenches, anti-tank guns and machine-gun positions. At 0750 yesterday, 16 Piva Corsairs, led by tac/r, hit assigned targets in this area. Twelve 1000-pound daisy cutters plus eight 500-pound stick bombs were dropped after tac/r had laid smoke. 19 bombs were spaced, as indicated, from 200 yards south of the road northeast to a limit 200 yards north of the road. One plane returned early because of hydraulic trouble, jettisoning its bomb safe in the sea. The area was strafed by 8 aircraft for 150 yards alongside the road. Results were unobserved.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 18 Hongorai River 0750 dr 12x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 14 dr 8x500 G.P.
Support Area of Same Defenses Also Attacked: In the vicinity of Koriu there are ammunition dumps, supply caches and bivouac areas. These are related to the forward installations along the Hongorai.
At 1120 yesterday 12 fighters were assigned to bomb Koriu, and 8 half-ton plus 8 quarter-ton daisy cutters were spaced along the target area. One bomb produced a larger flash then usual and sent up a column of black smoke. Strafing was also done. A possible anti-strafing wall of dirt was noted on the seaward side of the road south of Koriu. It was 8 feet high and ran at right angles to the road about 18 feet to the edge of the bush. At 1430, two Piva fighters smoked Koriu targets for six Marine Mitchells from Green. Three of these PBJs dropped a total of two dozen 250-pounders, starting a fire.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Koriu 1120 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 14 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 18 1430 dr 4x100 Smoke (1 dud)
3 PBJs VMB 423 dr 24x250 G.P.
Rear Concentration Supplying These Defenses Also Hit: Muguai is farther east on this same important traffic artery, and is the fountainhead of supplies and troops for the Jap defenses in southwest Bougainville. Muguai is near Kara and Kahili, erstwhile airstrips of major importance. Heavy A/A at Ebery's Lease protect Muguai. Other important built-up localities nearby are Monoitu, Maika, Toburai and Moisuru. The Buin naval base is reached by direct road from Muguai. The three trails connecting the southwest and the southeast areas of Bougainville funnel through this area. Logically, and in fact, Muguai is a choice base for operations. Yesterday's strikes continued the plan to reduce all housing in the Muguai area. At 0945, two Piva Corsairs smoked buildings at Muguai #16 and dive-designated a target area east of the Monoitu-Taitai road. (Possible A/A came from 370350, though no flash was seen). A Marine Mitchell with 3 half-tonners and four Green Venturas with 24 quarter-tonners flew over. The PBJ put its half-tonners in the southwest corner of the target. All the PV bombs were slightly long. They started a small fire with white smoke rising. All aircraft then strafed the Monoitu road to harass possible troop movements. Meagre inaccurate medium A/A came from the southwest corner of Kara strip. At 1430, three of the six Mitchells down from Green put 16 eighth-tonners on supplies at Mamagata (south of Koriu), then joined the other three bombers in low-level strafing runs on Koriu and Muguai. 6 quarter-tonners hung and were jettisoned at sea. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 18 Muguai #16 0945 dr 2x100 Smoke
1 PBJ VMB 423 dr 3x1000 G.P.
4 PVs NZ 3 dr 24x500 G.P.
3 PBJs VMB 423 Mamagata 1430 dr 16x250 G.P.
6x500 G.P.
Baniu Bay Concentration Struck: Hitting this northeast coast target, 4 fighters scored unobserved results with 4 half-ton stick bombs on a hard-to-spot pin-point at 411638.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 18 Baniu Bay 1600 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Three Buka Targets Hit by Green PVs: At 0800 a Ventura dropped 6 quarter-tonners on Karoula. At 1130 another put the same load on the same target. At 1530 a third PV got 4 quarter-tonners on Kassa Plantation for a direct hit on a house, and two more quarter-tonners for near misses on Malulu Island huts. No other results seen. All were medium level practice bombings.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 Karoula 0800 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 3 Karoula 1130 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 3 Kessa, Malulu 1530 dr 6x500 G.P.
Twelve Corsairs Snap In: A dozen fighters of the new Squadron 14 flew Able-Charlie searches yesterday at 0710, 0745, 0815, 0855, 1035, and 1100. As usual, they went in pairs. They strafed numerous targets and observed hits on two 14-foot canoes beached 2 1/2 miles south of Koromira. They also noted new track activity at Cape Nehus and Luluai Point. A rusted 3-foot mine was seen floating NW of Draumoa Island (off Fauro).
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 14 Able-Charlie Searches 0710-1100 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(8 sorties - No bombs)
Patrols Damage Three Trucks: On Tuesday a PV searched unsuccessfully from 1536 to 1815 for the reported submarine in St. Georges Channel. Weather cancelled the night hecklers. The Rabaul ship count yesterday morning was evitagen (Spell it backwards of forwards - it's always the same). Three pairs of Corsairs watched the Rabaul area yesterday, strafing and damaging trucks at Wunawatung, Kurakakaul and Nambata. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 Sub Search 3 April 1536-1815 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 33 Rabaul Ship Count 4 April No bombs.
6 F4Us NZ 15,24 Rabaul Patrols 0700-1630 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(17 sorties - 19 tons)
Venturas Bomb Bridges and Highways: Six PVs on a tour of the area with 36 quarter-tonners low-leveled 6 at the Lumis River bridge (holing the road), 6 misses at the Pinikindu bridge, 5 which holed both approaches to the Libba bridge and a 6th which started a fire nearby, 6 which holed the Mongai bridge road in four places, 5 which destroyed the Bohl bridge, 1 unobserved at a Fatmilak building, 3 damaging a hut at Dallum, and 3 holing the road near Katendan bridge. 6700 rounds were also gunned at targets of opportunity.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ 9 Northern Coasts 0900-1200 dr 36x500 G.P.
Recco PVs Damage Hut and Bridge: Weather cancelled the dusk sweep Tuesday (also the heckler). The dawn PV yesterday low-leveled 3 quarter-tonners at Libba bridge for no hits, but destroyed a hut at Beno Harbor and damaged the Medina bridge with other 500-pounders. The ship-truck recco Ventura strafed 1800 rounds into huts and gardens and bombed Lossuk Bay, Lamernewi and Lemus Bay targets.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 9 Dawn Sweep 4 April 0630-0900 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 9 Ship-Truck Recco 1045-1325 dr 6x500 G.P.
Corsairs Damage Hut and Crater Road: A pair of fighters over Kavieng late Tuesday afternoon missed the Lumis River bridge with 2 quarter-tonners but cratered the road near the south Balus bridge with 2 more 500-pounders. Two Corsairs dived 4 half-tonners all within 40 yards of a target at Sicacui coming down to 1000 feet from 5000 yesterday morning. Results were not seen. These planes also strafed from Sicacui to Balgai Bay, meeting meagre inaccurate light A/A from a known position at Sicacui. Three pairs of Corsairs patrolling Kavieng yesterday 0800 to 1530 dive bombed various targets with a dozen 500-pounders. 7 missed the Balus south bridge and an other nearby, one fell unseen on Panapai huts, one hung and fell on Balgi strip for possible damage to an unserviceable aircraft, 2 damaged a hut near a truck park east of Panapai strip, 1 missed a But But hut. Two patrolling Corsairs dropped four quarter-tonners which blocked a road and damaged a hut in the Kavieng area.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrol 3 April 1550-1800 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 Sicacui 4 April 1000 dr 4x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 4 April 0800-1530 dr 16x500 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 11, 2020 1:39:49 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 5 April.
Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs of VMB-423 and two PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight attack on target number 9, Muguai, Bougainville, followed by low level strafing attacks on the Monoitu area, Bougainville. The formation was composed of three, three plane sections javelin down with one PBJ and two PVs as the third section. Captain WALLER flew as leader of the PVs so that he could do the sighting for them as they do not carry a bombsight.
The strike was airborne by 0835 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Point. From Koromira a heading of 181° magnetic was flown for 12 miles to figure drift and adjust bombsights. The formation then went twelve miles on a heading of 240° magnetic and then turned left into the bomb run.
Bombs were released at 0937 from 11,400 feet with each section stepped down two hundred feet, and on a course of 180° magnetic at 160 knots indicated. The formation broke away to the left.
Twenty to twenty-five bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in Ebery's Lease.
All bombs were in the target area and started a fire with brown-grey smoke to 1000 feet. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.
LOW LEVEL STRAFING
The six PBJs led by Major TAYLOR then proceeded west to Empress Augusta Bay. The first section then made its strafing run from the Pororei River Ford to Monoitu at tree top level and at 210 knots indicated. The second section orbitted once over the bay to establish an interval and then strafed the same area as the first section at the same height and speed.
Captain WALLER in a PBJ and two PVs orbitted near Mt. Taroka to rendezvous with two Corsairs from Piva which failed to appear. When the six PBJs had finished their runs Captain WALLER and the PVs strafed from Tai Tai to Monoitu.
Following the strafing runs the planes broke to the right and all were safely on deck by 1130.
Moderate light and medium anti-aircraft fire was encountered by the PBJs which holed one plane.
The targets were thoroughly strafed but the speed of the planes prevented observation of results.
2 F4U from NZ-15 are listed as having been involved in this sortie
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 11, 2020 10:42:00 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 3 APRIL 1945.
UNIT AND LOCATION TIDE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
*NZ-19 18 F4U 17 25 NZ #4 S.U.
EMIRAU
VMB-413 12 PBJ 12 46 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ 12 41 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 45 VMB-443
NZ-9 16 PV-1 13 15 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-23 17 F4U 17 25 NZ #5 S.U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ-1J 12 52 VMB-423
VPB-44 14 PBY-5A 14 45 PATSU 1-11
1 TBF-1 1
1 SBD-5 0
NZ-3 16 PV-1 15 15 NZ #14 S.U.
NZ-15 18 F4U-1 18 22 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-24 18 F4U-1D 18 27 NZ #3 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 15 R4D-5 14 55 VMR-152
VMR-153 13 R4D-5 13 53 VMR-153
NZ-14 18 F4U-1D 18 27 NZ #2 S.U.
NZ-18 18 F4U 18 25 NZ #31 S.U.
* As of 27 March 1945.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 11, 2020 11:19:39 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 6 April 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(60 sorties-36 1/2 tons)
Green Hits Muguai Hut Concentration: Seven Marine PBJs with 18 half tonners and 6 quarter tonners plus 2 Venturas carrying 12 quarter tonners attacked an enemy center at Muguai yesterday morning, putting all bombs in the target and starting a fire with smoke to 1000 feet. Moderate inaccurate to accurate heavy flak came from a known position south of Ebery's Lease.
The Mitchells then strafed the Hongorai River Road as far as Koriu and met moderate accurate medium A/A which holed one plane. The gun-fire came from Runai. The PVs strafed from Muguai to the coast and encountered meagre inaccurate tracered light ackack from near the mouth of the Hari River.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB-423 Muguai #9 0937 dr 18x1000 G.P.
6x500 G.P.
2 PVs NZ-3 dr 12x500 G.P.
Oso Headquarters Again Struck: 4 Piva Corsairs, with tac/r lead-in, laid 4 half ton daisy cutters in a line across the smoke marked location of a group of huts at Oso where the headquarters of the Jap 6th Division is said to be. Two hit within 5 yards and two within 30 yards, destroying one hut and 2 lean-tos, and clearing the area.
Seven fighters following these first four were diverted to a secondary target nearby and dropped 14 325-pound depth charges as directed by tac/r, then strafed the area. Two orange flashes were seen from thin cover southeast of Kindo at 030450.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-18 Oso 0755 dr 1x1000 G.P.
7 F4Us NZ-14 dr 14x325 D.C.
Pillboxes, Ammo Dumps and Defense Positions Attacked: Strong Jap defenses at Aitara were hit at 0800 yesterday by 4 fighters with 4 half ton stick bombs. These bombs were dropped within a 25-yard radius of the target at 898358. Four more Corsairs then added 8 325-pound depth charges on a second position at 891371. Recco reported a direct hit on this target and one pillbox knocked out. The first target was well cleared but no direct hits were scored. Four planes strafed the east-west road from the Hongorai River on toward the east.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-18 Aitara 0800 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-14 dr 8x325 D.C.
Another Defense Location Also Hit: 12 Corsairs were led by tac/r to three dug-in defense positions on the bank of the Hongorai near Rumiki (951481) at 1135. Two half ton daisy cutters were put on target #1, two on #2. Four 325-pound depth charges were dropped on target #2 (3 overshooting 50 yards and one well short), ten on #3 (with one direct hit and 9 within 20 yards). Targets #2 and #3 were also strafed. No results were observed but recco said the area was well cleared. One NZ-14 Corsair returned early, jettisoning its depth charges into the sea.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-18 Rumiki 1135 dr 4x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-14 dr 16x325 D.C.
Ground Advance at Tokinotu Gets Close Support: Four fighters attacked Jap positions at Tokinotu at 1435 in support of the Australian ground forces. Mortar smoke marked the north end of the target and eight 325-pound depth charges were dropped, five hitting the target. Strafing runs were also made.
Another eight planes followed in with 8 half ton stick bombs. Four landed at 100 yard intervals along the north side of the target, and the other four hit at the same interval along the center. All eight planes then made 7 strafing runs over the entire area.
A large two-wheeled object, canvas covered, was seen. It was believed to be a heavy artillery piece. It was located in a cleared area at Hiru Hiru (897458). Pilots made 3 orbits and on the third the gun was no longer there. A possible ammo supply hut was also seen at 882463.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-14 Tokinotu 1435 dr 8x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-18 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Green Hits Buka: Three Venturas dropped 18 quarter tonners on bivouac areas at Buka for unseen damage in practice medium-level attacks yesterday. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ-3 Buka dr 18x500 G.P.
Patrols Strafe Flotsam: Two fighters on A-C search at 1045 strafed a ridge-roofed hut under trees at Nakaru, three nativetype huts with washing hung near Tobago, a derelict barge and empty drums * at the mouth of the Samiri River, also a heavy log construction 18' x 8' x 2' with a two-foot opening in the roof at the north end of Arawa Plantation. A second search at 1305 strafed a large grey packing case* near a jetty in Kieta Bay.
*Flotsam is of course cargo or goods found floating offshore, as opposed to normally jettisonable ballast on a vessel which is called jetsam. Perhaps those drums and the packing case came from the shore and not from a ship. In that event they should be called flotage.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-18 Able-Charlie Searches 1045, 1305 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(12 sorties-2 3/4 tons)
Patrols Start Fire: Two Corsairs over Rabaul late Wednesday afternoon had negative sightings. The twilight trio put two quarter tonners on Tobera strip, two a mile west of Liliei and two a mile west of Davaun starting a fire with smoke to 400 feet. Meagre inaccurate medium A/A came from Vunakanau.
Two Mitchells heckled from 0100-0435 Wednesday night putting 3 eighth tonners on Rabaul Town and one each on Taliligap, Raluana Point and Tovakundum. Twelve century GPs were also dropped. They hit Vunakanau with six and laid one each on Keravia Bay, Liguan Bay, Lakunai, Tobera, Talili Bay and Sulphur Creek. No results were seen. No A/A or S/L were met.
The Rabaul ship count yesterday was negative.
Low clouds over the Rabaul area cancelled the first two patrols, but two Corsairs watched from 1045 to 1130 for negative results. Then clouds again postponed patrols until two fighters went on station from 1610 to 1700. Nil sightings reported.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-24 Rabaul Patrol 4 April 1625-1815 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-15 Gazelle Patrol 4 April 1800-1900 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-3 Gazelle Patrol 4 April 1800-1900 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PBJ VMB-423 Rabaul Heckler 5 April 0100-0240 dr 6x250 G.P.
1 PBJ VMB-423 Rabaul Heckler 5 April 0240-0435 dr 12x100 G.P.
1 PV NZ-3 Rabaul Ship Count 5 April No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-15,24 Rabaul Patrols 1045-1130,1610-1700 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(11 sorties-9 tons)
Patrols and Sweeps Cut by Weather: 2 Corsairs on Kavieng patrol late Wednesday afternoon strafed a light machine gun 600 feet southeast of the south end of Panapai, wounding or killing the gunner. Four quarter tonners were also dropped into huts and gardens nearby for unobserved results.
The dusk PV Wednesday returned after an hour because of engine trouble, dropping its 4 quarter tonners at sea.
6 PBJs needled Kavieng from ten to one during the night with 12 eighth tonners, 6 quarter tonners, 10 quarter-ton incendiary clusters and 2 century incendiary clusters. Twelve runs were made and a different assortment dropped each time. No A/A or S/L were met.
A front kept the dawn PV from sweeping its normal patrol area and all bombs were returned. The ship-truck recco jettisoned its 6 quarter tonners.
The scheduled PBJ strike was cancelled.
No Corsairs patrolled Kavieng because of adverse weather over the area.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 4 April 1500-1750 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Dusk Sweep 4 April dr 4x500 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB-Emirau Kavieng 4 April 2030-0115 dr 12x250 G.P.
Hecklers 6x500 G.P.
10x500 Incend. Cl.
2x100 Incend. Cl.
1 PV NZ-9 Dawn Sweep 5 April No bombs.
1 PV NZ-9 Ship-Truck Recco 1150-1400 dr 6x500 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 0:25:15 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 6 April.
Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 and three PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight strike on target number 5, Muguai, Bougainville. Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the New Zealand PVs since they do not carry a bombsight.
The strike was airborne by 0847 and proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Reboine Bay for rendezvous with two Piva Corsairs which were scheduled to smoke the target. Since the Corsairs failed to keep the rendezvous the formation departed Reboine Bay at 0948 on a heading of 143º magnetic for six miles then flew 18 miles on a course of 195º magnetic where the turn was made into the bomb run.
All of south Bougainville was covered with dense middle clouds and rain so that it was impossible to identify the target without smoke bombing by the Corsairs. Major TAYLOR therefore chose the heavy anti-aircraft battery in Ebery's Lease as a target. Bombs were released at 0949 from 9,500 feet on a heading of 140º magnetic at 160 knots indicated. The formation broke away to the left and 306B21 and three PVs returned to base.
Eight bursts of heavy anti-aircraft fire which were high and trailing were encountered from the anti-aircraft battery which was the aiming point for the bombs.
All PBJ bombs were in the target area and probably damaged or destroyed some of the guns. PV bombs overshot the target. As the bombs exploded in the position the guns stopped firing. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.
LOW LEVEL STRAFING
Following the medium altitude strike 301B21 and 302B21 flew over Monoitu and Montopena Point at 9,000 feet as a diversionary element while 303B21, 304B21 and 305B21 led by Lieutenant HOPPER proceeded to Empress Augusta Bay at minimum altitude where they turned southeast for their strafing run.
Strafing was done on a course of 123º magnetic at a speed of 210 knots indicated from Pororei River Ford to Monoitu road junction. The area was thoroughly strafed with 7,000 rounds of caliber .50 ammunition but the speed of the planes prevented observation of results.
Meagre, inaccurate light anti-aircraft fire and small arms fire were encountered from unidentified positions during the strafing run.
2 F4U from NZ-24 are listed as having been involved in this sortie
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 1:04:40 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 7 April 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(43 sorties - 31 1/4 tons)
Coastwatcher Reports: Natives have brought word that the bombing raids on Rusei from the 19th to 24th of March were very effective. There are a large number of very dead Japs in the area. A new camp site has been started further east. The raid on Moronei (127452) was similarly successful, and a "very large number" of enemy were reported killed. A Jap native police-boy reports that 7 enemy went from his locality to Kara to repair a plane.
Thursday Follow-up Strikes on Tokinotu: At 1435 Thursday, 12 Piva Corsairs were reported to have droppod 3 half-tonners and 8 325-pound depth charges on Jap positions at Tokinotu in support of Australian ground forces.
At 1655 another 12 fighters walked 12 more half-ton stick bombs along the north and south sides of the road, getting good coverage for 300 yards from the north end of the target area. One bomb sent up a large flash and a column of smoke. The target area was also strafed.
At the same time, still another 8 fighters dropped 16 325-pound depth charges, getting nine in the target area, 3 to the south and 4 unobserved.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 18 Tokinotu 1655 dr 12x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 14 dr 16x325 D.C.
Weather Limits Friday Flights by Piva: Four fighters scheduled to bomb a large Jap force on the banks of the Peperu River were weathered off this target and jettisoned their 4 325-pound depth charges safe in the sea. Two Corsairs flew weather hops, one spilling its half-ton daisy cutter safe into the water. Four fighters flew A-C searches at 0715 and 1125 strafing and sinking an outrigger canoe with three occupants off Puk Puk Island, and meeting 20mm fire from Baniu Bay. All other missions by Piva were cancelled.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 14 Peperu River 0725 dr 4x325 D.C.
1 F4U NZ 18 Weather Hop 0730 dr 1x1000 G.P.
1 F4U NZ 14 Weather Hop 1430 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 14 Able-Charlie Searches 0715,1125 No bombs.
Green Hits Guns at Ebery's Lease: Finding adverse weather over their assigned target, 6 Green Mitchells with 6 quarter and 15 half-tonners plus 3 Venturas with 18 quarter-tonners bombed guns at Ebery's Lease (east of Kara strip in southern Bougainville) at 0950 yesterday. All the half-tonners fell in the target area. The 6 quarter-tonners dropped by the PBJs went slightly south. Meagre inaccurate heavy flak came from the target. Three Mitchells then strafed the Monoitu area for unobserved results, encountering meagre inaccurate light A/A fire. At 1725, four more PBJs dropped 32(?) quarter-tonners in this area for full coverage.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB 423 Ebery's Lease 0950 dr 15x1000 G.P.
6x500 G.P.
3 PVs NZ 3 dr 18x500 G.P.
4 PBJs VMB 423 Monoitu 1725 dr 32x500 G.P.
NEW IRELAND
(42 sorties - 47 tons)
Northern Targets Attacked by Venturas: From 0840 to 1000, six PVs struck at low leve1 with a dozen quarter-tonners and a dozen 100-pound incendiaries. The centuries were dropped in pairs on huts, starting one fire. The quarter-tonners holed the approach to the Lumis bridge, damaged a Kimidan hut, holed the Lamussong road, damaged the Laminnis and the Kapsu bridges.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ 9 Northern New Ireland 0840-1000 dr 12x500 G.P.
12x100 Incend.
Dawn Ventura Bombs Bridges: The early PV low-leveled three quarter-tonners on the bridge at Fatmilak, holing the approach, and put three more on the Libba span. 1550 rounds were also gunned at nearby huts and gardens.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 9 Dawn Sweep 0630-0938 dr 6x500 G.P.
Weather Shortens Corsair Patrolling: A pair of fighters patrolled Kavieng from 0900 to noon, diving 4 quarter-tonners on Fangelawa gardens for unseen damage. The second patrol was forced back by inclement weather, jettisoning their 4 quarter-tonners. The third patrol was cancelled.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 0900-1300 dr 8x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(23 sorties - 4 tons)
Thursday Patrols Uneventful: Two Corsairs watched Rabaul late Thursday afternoon for nil sightings. The Gazelle patrol of 2 Corsairs and a Ventura was negative. The PV put 2 quarter-tonners each on Davaun, Tobera and Vunakanau for unseen damage.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-Green Rabaul Patrol 5 April 1720-1810 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 15 Gazelle Patrol 5 April 1810-1910 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 3 Gazelle Patrol 5 April 1810-1910 dr 6x500 G.P.
Four Corsairs Bomb Duke of York Huts: A quartet of fighters destroyed four huts on Duke of York with two quarter-tonners and cleared the adjacent jungle with 6 more. These and 12 other Corsairs watched Rabaul from 0715 to 1425 when weather cancelled further flying. The morning ship count was negative.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 24 Duke of York dr 8x500 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 15,24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1425 No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 1:36:05 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 8 April 1945.
NEW IRELAND
(37 sorties-53 tons)
33 Planes Hit Kavieng and Panapai A/A: Weathered off Tobera, 27 Mitchells with 160 quarter tonners and 6 Venturas with 36 quarter tonners hit guns at Kavieng and Panapai yesterday at 1250. Of this load, 106 fell south and into positions around Kavieng 158042, but did little damage. 54 landed at 082100 Panapai. 30 fell around 480106. Meagre inaccurate heavy flak came from 075100. One PV returned early because of engine trouble, jettisoning its 6 quarter tonners.
For the Record:
27 PBJs VMB-Emirau Kavieng, Panapai 1250 dr 160x500 G.P.
6 PVs NZ-9 36x500 G.P.
Venturas Destroy Pinis Bridge: The Friday dusk sweep (and the night heckler) were cancelled because of bad weather. The dawn PV yesterday holed the Libba bridge approach with one of three quarter tonners but missed the Lamussong bridge with three more. Leaflets were dropped over Kavieng. The ship-truck recco destroyed the Pinis bridge and holed the road with 6 quarter tonners, also photographed 18 bridges on the north coast road from low altitude. 900 rounds were strafed at targets from Kimidan to Fangelawa.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-9 Dawn Sweep 7 April 0630-0940 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Ship-Truck Recco 1100-1400 dr 6x500 G.P.
Only 2 Corsairs Patrol Kavieng: The first pair of fighters were unable to reach their station over Kavieng because of weather conditions. The second pair patrolled from 1130 to 1330, diving 4 quarter tonners for slight damage to the south Balus bridge. The third patrol also returned without having reached its patrol area. The Cape Lambert strip and hangar were reported to look like a plantation and large house.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 1130-1330 dr 4x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(11 sorties-3 3/4 tons)
Only Patrols Visit Rabaul Area Saturday: Weather cancelled the night heckler and kept the bombers on deck yesterday. The Saturday morning ship count was negative.
Ten Corsairs covered the Rabaul fields yesterday from 0715 to 1625. Two of these fighters bombed a suspected Jap HQ at Malapau Plantation at 0715, putting five quarter tonners in the target and three near misses. Results were not observed. Four more Corsairs of these patrols got one of three half tonners on the mark at Raluana Point, one near miss and one in the sea. The fourth plane put its 650-pound depth charge short by 200 yards, starting a small fire.
Strafing damaged 2 trucks on the Talili Bay road, and exploded a camouflaged truck at Kurakakaul, sending flame 200 feet and smoke 800 feet high. In the Duke of York islands, 8 huts were smoked and 2 Japs killed. One truck was left in flames at Wangaramut Plantation.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-9 Rabaul Ship Count 7 April No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-23 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1625 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1625 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-23 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1625 dr 3x1000 G.P.
1x650 D.C.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(12 sorties - 3 1/4 tons)
Huddle of 160 Japs Bombed: At 0900 yesterday 8 Piva Corsairs dropped 4 half ton daisy cutters and 8 325-pound depth charges
between fires lit by natives to mark the location of 160 Japs in a reinforced area near Isina (Luluai River area, southeast interior). Tac/r also laid smoke for both groups of four planes. The bombs hit the target indicated, but results were not observed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-14, 18 Isina 0900 dr 8x325 D.C.
4x1000 G.P.
Searches Strafe and Sight: A pair of fighters on A-C search at 0830 smoked 2 iron-roofed huts in trees at the foot of a cliff between Siar and Tsundawan on the NE coast. Many truck and foot tracks and 2 suspicious low structures were seen nearby. Also noted possible barges hidden near beach. Two fires were hastily extinguished when planes flew over. All signs indicate that something is stirring there. And it ain't mice. Another search at 1400 reported no sightings. All other flights were cancelled because of rain.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-18 Able-Charlie Searches 0830, 1400 No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 13:48:15 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 9 April 1945.
NEW IRELAND
(26 sorties -17 1/4 tons)
8 Venturas Bomb Lemakot: An octet of PVs struck the bivouac area at Lemakot on the northern east coast yesterday morning, dropping all forty-eight 325-pound depth charges in the target area for unseen damage. They then strafed the area with 5600 rounds.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ 9 Lemakot 0910-0941 dr 48x325 D.C.
Recco PVs Hole Road: The dusk sweep Saturday was cancelled because of weather. Yesterday's early run dropped 6 quarter-tonners from low level. Two bombs each were spotted at three bridges -Fessoa, Panatgin and south Dallum - but all missed. The ship-truck recco holed the road at Libba bridge with three quarter-tonners, one overshot and two failed at the Fatmilak bridge. One thousand rounds were gunned at targets from Lauan Bay to Cape Sass. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from known positions between Lamussong and Amba.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 9 Early Sweep 8 April 0645-0930 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 9 Ship-Truck Recco 1200-1515 dr 6x500 G.P.
Corsairs Destroy Bridge: Four fighters dived 4 half-tonners. 3 damaged a Fatmilak hut and 1 completely destroyed the south Balus bridge. They then strafed from Lauan Bay to Lebrechtshof Plantation, drawing meagre accurate light and medium A/A from Fangelawa which holed one plane with two small caliber bullets and one 20mm shell. Another pair of Corsairs dived a half-tonner each at Nusalik huts (west of Kavieng), but missed. They also strafed a gun position at North Cape.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 23 Balus, Fatmilak 1000 dr 4x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 Nusalik 1440 dr 2x1000 G.P.
Patrols Hit Truck, Huts and Road: Two Corsairs on Kavieng patrol late Saturday afternoon was weathered out shortly after strafing Mane Island. No bombs were carried. Four pairs of Corsairs watched Kavieng yesterday until weather cancelled operations at 1530. Fourteen 500-pounders were dropped. Four destroyed one hut and damaged two more at Metakoko, one missed the Lumis Bridge, 4 fell unobserved in Fatmilak gardens, two dropped unseen in Lemakot gardens and bivouac area, two hit Cape Sass gardens and two cratered the road near But But. Targets were strafed at Ulunono, Kaut Bay, Mane Island and from Cape Sali to Lumis Bridge. Strafing probably destroyed one truck at Lossuk Bay.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrol 7 April 1540-1600 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 8 April 0910-1530 dr 14x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(26 sorties - 17 tons)
Saturday Patrols Negative: Four Corsairs patrolled the airfields of northern New Britain late Saturday afternoon for nil sightings. The twilight trio met no A/A, lights or sightings worth reported. The Corsairs returned to base at 1830 but the PV watched the area until 2000, dropping 4 quarter-tonners on the northern plantation at Vunakanau and another 2 bombs on the Ralaband personnel area for unobserved results.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 15,24 Rabaul Patrols 7 April 1615-1815 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 24 Twilight Patrol 1810-1830 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 3 Twilight Patrol 1800-2000 dr 6x500 G.P.
Venturas Attack Vunakanau Plane Park: 6 PVs put 30 quarter-tonners near the center of the target at Vunakanau yesterday morning, causing a large flash and explosion. 6 more bombs fell farther from the mark for unobserved results. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ 3 Vunakanau #12 0950 dr 36x500 G.P.
Patrols Destroy Huts and Trucks: The morning ship count over Rabaul was negative. Ten Corsairs watched the area during the morning until weather prevented further work at 1125. Four of those fighters dropped 2 half-tonners and two 650-pound depth charges on a Jap camp (location not given), getting all in the target and causing an explosion with smoke to 500 foot. Four more of those fighters put 8 quarter-tonners on huts at Keravia Bay for full coverage but unseen damage. Strafing destroyed a truck at Kurakakaul, one at Ralum and exploded a third on the Linguan Bay road. Three Japs were killed at Vunapope and another was gunned to death at Talili Bay.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 Rabaul Ship Count 8 April No bombs.
2 F4Us) No bombs.
4 F4Us) NZ 15,24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1115 dr 8x500 G.P.
4 F4Us) dr 2x1000 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(2 sorties - no bombs)
Two Corsairs Flew an Able-Charlie search at 0710 for negative results. All other missions were weathered out.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 14 Able-Charlie Search 0710 No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 14:39:29 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 10 April 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE- BUKA
(22 sorties-8 tons)
Suspected HQ Bombed: Delayed by the weather, no strikes were made until early afternoon yesterday. At 1415 a dozen Piva Corsairs attacked the suspected headquarters of the 6th Division at a location between the Puriata River and Horinu. Two dozen 325-pound depth charges were dropped. 19 covered the target. 5 were a bit to the northeast. The area was also well strafed. Results of the strike were not immediately ascertainable.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-14 Puriata River 1415 dr 24x325 D.C.
100 Japs in 2 Large Houses: Corsairs created cacophonous conditions and caused considerable cachexy in this Kingorai concentration. Eight fighters spilled all 8 of their half ton daisy cutters in the area smoked by tac/r, then made 12 strafing runs. The only visible report was heavy bluish smoke on the south side of the target.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-18 Kingorai 1505 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Muguai Strike Cancelled: The Mitchells from Green were again held back, so the two Piva Corsairs on station to smoke the Muguai target of the day went on a Charlie-Able search and returned to base. Nil sightings.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-18 Charlie-Able 1450 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(18 sorties-11 tons)
Venturas Blast Tobera: Weathered off Muguai, five PVs laid 6 quarter tonners each on the possible supply and personnel area in the rubber plantation a mile east of Tobera runway. 23 of the 30 bombs hit in the target area. Six fell in the Raniola Plantation. One hung and was jettisoned near Tobera strip. No A/A was met. Results have not been assessed.
For the Record:
5 PVs NZ-3 Tobera #21 1220 dr 30x500 G.P.
Patrols Destroy Ten Huts: Sunday night heckling was weathered out. The shipping count over Rabaul yesterday morning was negative. 12 Corsairs watched the area until cancelled because of lowering weather at 1250. Four destroyed ten huts on Utuan Island (Duke of York) with 8 quarter tonners. Another four put two 650-pound depth charges in the bivouac area of "Japanese Camp" (is this a place name?) but missed with 2 half tonners. Results were unobserved. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from a known position at Talili Bay.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-3 Rabaul Ship Count 9 April No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-15,24) (No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-24 )Rabaul Patrols 0715-1250 (dr 8x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-15 ) (dr 2x1000 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
NEW IRELAND
(4 sorties-2 1/2 tons)
Poor Weather cancelled yesterday's dawn sweep, PBJ strike schedule, and first two Corsair patrols.
Recco PVs Destroy Lossuk Bridge: The dusk sweep Sunday dropped six quarter tonners which holed the road near the Fatmilak bridge and scored direct destruction to the span at Lossuk. An oil truck at Fangelawa was also strafed.
The ship-truck recco yesterday carried no bombs, but strafed 1000 rounds into huts and gardens at Amba and Atkumbak bridges to the southeast.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-9 Dusk Sweep 8 April 1630-1900 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Ship-Truck Recco 9 April 1210-1500 No bombs.
Corsair Patrol Bombs Kavieng: The first two Kavieng patrols were held to the deck, but the third patrol was on station from 1345 to 1520, dropping two half tonners unobserved on Kavieng strip.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 1345-1520 dr 2x1000 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 19:32:50 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 11 April 1945.
NEW BRITAIN
(5 sorties-no bombs)
Patrols Smoke Truck: Weather cancelled the hecklers Monday night. The Rabaul ship count yesterday was negative. Four Corsairs watched the Rabaul area from 0715 until weather stopped further flying at 1030. A truck at Matakabang (west of Rabaul) was strafed and left smoking. No sightings of interest were reported. One plane with hydraulic trouble made a successful belly landing.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-3 Rabaul Ship Count 10 April No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-15, 24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1030 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(7 sorties-4 1/2 tons)
Ship-Truck Recco Craters Road: The Ventura out from 1100 to 1417 low-leveled three quarter tonners which missed Dallum road. One of three more holed the road near the Karmiraba bridge (just north of Dallum, on the central east coast). Weather prevented the usual dawn and dusk sweeps.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-9 Ship-Truck Recco 1100-1417 dr 6x500 G.P.
Corsairs Damage Balus Bridge: Three pairs of fighters patrolled Kavieng as weather permitted yesterday. They dive-bombed two half tonners which damaged the Balus south bridge, one which missed the Lossuk Bay bridge, one which fell unobserved on a hut at Kaselok and two which missed huts on Globio Island. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from an undetermined location. Also, what may have been inaccurate mortar fire.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrols 0920-1420 dr 6x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(109 sorties-50 1/2 tons)
Defenses at Horinu Bombed Late Monday: At 1710 nine Corsairs dropped 7 half ton stick bombs in the area indicated by their Smokey Joe. One hung and was jettisoned at sea. 16 fighters followed in with 32 small depth charges (325-pounders) and put 29 in the target area. Three were off to the southwest.
Six Corsairs returned at 1845 and put 6 more half ton daisy cutters in the area. One was a dud. The flight leader estimated that after the three strikes, an area of 400 by 150 yards had been 80% effectively covered. Resultant damage was not yet known.
For the Record:
1 F4U NZ-18 1710 dr 3x100 Smoke.
8 F4Us NZ-18 Puriata-Horinu 1710 dr 8x1000 G.P.
16 F4Us NZ-14 9 April 1715 dr 32x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ-18 1845 dr 6x1000 G.P. (1 dud).
Monoitu Target Hit Early Tuesday: A large enemy force was reported to be located on the bank of the Peperu River between 011419 and 009417. This is near Monoitu. Strikes against this concentration were weathered out for four successive days. Yesterday morning 8 Piva Corsairs attacked at 0800 with sixteen 325-pound depth charges. Extreme haze and difficult light made the target hard to define. 6 hits were scored. 6 fell 400 yards northwest of the mark (on a creek of similar appearance). 4 hit between these two creeks. All planes strafed the east-west road from Koriu west to the Hongorai River.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-14 Peperu River 0800 dr 16x325 D.C.
Troops South of Main Road Catch 5 1/2 Tons: In an effort to eliminate the remaining enemy force south of the main road, 12 fighters hit the Koriu area at 0745 with 11 half ton daisy cutters. One Corsair smoked the first target and four bombs hit north of the road and just south of the area bombed April 4th. Five bombs were dropped on the second target smoked, south of the road. The last two bombs hit on the edge of a garden on the south boundary. Only fair coverage of a 300x100 yard area was obtained by the five bombs dropped on the second target. Both target areas were heavily strafed.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-18 Koriu 0745 dr 3x100 Smoke.
11x1000 G.P.
Troop Center Near Horinu Well Blasted: Ground forces ringed an enemy area in the jungle near Horinu with 6 smoke shells and 8 fighters dropped 8 half ton stick bombs inside the ring, clearing the jungle in an east-west line. The 8 planes also made six strafing runs. Four more Corsairs followed in with eight 325-pound depth charges, putting four in the target area, and the others fairly close for unobserved results.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-18 Horinu 1145 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-14 dr 8x325 D.C.
Bivouac Area at Amio Bombed and Strafed: Six fighters put eight 325-pound depth charges in a camp site along the Matu River near Amio (east of Monoitu) at 1220 yesterday. One more 325-pounder fell 40 yards north of the target, and three hit 15 to 30 yards south of it. A bomb on the west side of the bivouac area seemed to raise more smoke than normal. The area was strafed and the road was also strafed from Amio west to the Hongorai River (beyond Koriu). A 60' x20' hut was noted 15 yards east of the road and level with the north end of the Amio target area.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ-14 Amio 1220 dr 12x325 D.C.
Green PVs, Corsairs and Mitchells Mangle Muguai: At 0925, five PVs put all 30 of their quarter tonners in the central to western part of an assigned target area at Muguai #9 causing a large volume of smoke. Three flashes of A/A fire came from known positions by the Muliko River. Fifteen minutes later a quartet of Green Corsairs dropped eight quarter-ton daisy cutters on Muguai #19, getting five in the target, two slightly over, and one at the edge of the area. Smoke covered resulting damage. No A/A was met.
At 1500 two Piva Corsairs smoked Muguai #5 for 6 Green PBJs, scoring one center hit. The other was a dud. For some reason, the Mitchells did not respond when signalled to come in.
Green reports that six Marine Mitchells hit Muguai #5 at 1514, putting 32 of 48 eighth tonners in the target and 8 short. Results were unseen. One PBJ's eight bombs hung and were returned to base. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from known positions between Kara and Ebery's Lease. Intense inaccurate heavy flak also came from south of Ebery's Lease.
Four more Corsairs from Green laid 4 half ton stick bombs on Muguai #20 at 1513, raising black smoke to 500 feet. They also strafed the north Buka coast at Lemawkoa and Hagus for unobserved results.
For the Record:
5 PVs NZ-3 Muguai #9 0925 dr 30x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-24 Muguai #19 0940 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-18 Muguai #5 1500 dr 2x100 Smoke (1 dud)
6 PBJs VMB-423 Muguai #5 1514 dr 40x250 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-15 Muguai #20 1513 dr 4x1000 G.P.
40 Nips at Namkario in the North are Knocked: A group of Japs in from Baniu Harbor were hit by 13 fighters at AIB request yesterday afternoon. The target was smoked on the east and west boundaries. The 18 Squadron quartet laid 4 half ton daisy cutters in a north-south line from the western smoke bomb to 40 yards south. The eight Corsairs from 26 Squadron placed their first four half tonners across the target on the eastern side (one on the smoke), and their second four across the western side. No results were seen.
For the Record:
1 F4U NZ-18 dr 2x100 Smoke.
4 F4Us NZ-18 Namkario 1450 dr 4x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-26 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Patrols Strafe Huts: Two Corsairs on ship search at 0705 were hampered by the weather, but sighted a 3-ship convoy consisting of one Liberty ship, a smaller vessel and a small armed escort. They also saw a barge heading northwest along the coast off Cape Moltke.
A pair of fighters on A-C search at 0850 strafed huts at Bakaulonai Point, Tarbut and Katsinkoveri, temporarily firing one at the last named place.
Another duo of Corsairs at 1505 strafed a large red-roofed hut at Raua Harbor, three huts at Watakwasela, a jetty in a large bay west of Fauro, gardens at Kalia and huts and gardens at Muhu.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-14 Ship Count 0705 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-14 Able-Charlie Search 0850 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-14 Able-Charlie Search 1505 No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 19:55:32 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 10 April.
Lieutenant HOPPER led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight strike on Target No. 5, Muguai, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 1353 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Buka and Bougainville to Koromira Point. At Koromira Point contact was made with the two Piva Corsairs which were to mark the target with smoke bombs.
From Koromira Point the formation flew a heading of 170° magnetic for six miles for bombardiers to figure drift and stabalize bombsights, then flew 195° magnetic toward Kara Airdrome for 18 miles then turned into the bombing run. Since the Corsairs had not marked the target it was necessary to make a 360° turn at the initial point before doing the bombing.
Bombs were released at 1514 from an altitude of 10,300 feet on a heading of 170° magnetic at 160 knots indicated. When bombs were away the formation broke to the left and returned to base all planes being safely on deck by 1628.
Eight bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in Ebery's Lease.
Forty 250 pound general purpose bombs were in the target area while eight of the same bombs hung and were returned to base. The location of the bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.
2 F4U from NZ-20 are listed as having been involved in this sortie
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 23:15:01 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 10 APRIL 1945.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
NZ-19 18 F4U 17 25 NZ # 4 S.U.
EMIRAU
VMB-413 12 PBJ 12 47 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ 12 51 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 45 VMB-443
NZ-9 16 PV-1 13 15 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-23 19 F4U 18 25 NZ #5 S.U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ-1J 12 45 VMB-423
VPB-44 14 PBY-5A 14 48 PATSU 1-11
1 TBF-1 1
2 SBD-5 2
NZ-3 16 PV-1 15 15 NZ #14 S.U.
NZ-15 18 F4U-1 18 22 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-24 18 F4U-1 18 27 NZ # 3 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 15 R4D-5 14 55 VMR-152
VMR-153 13 R4D-5 12 53 VMR-153
NZ-14 18 F4U 18 27 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-18 18 F4U 18 27 NZ #31 S.U.
NZ-26 18 F4U 18 27 NZ # 2 & 31 S.U.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 12, 2020 23:30:37 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 12 April 1945.
NEW IRELAND
(3 sorties - 3/4 tons)
More Bad Weather limited yesterday's operations to a PV dawn sweep and one Corsair patrol over Kavieng. The Ventura flew until 1000 and dropped 6 eighth-tonners at low level. Four holed the road by Logagon Bridge. Two fell unobserved on the north Lamussong bridge. At dusk a pair of fighters made a try for patrol duty over Kavieng but were turned back by the weather before getting there.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 9 Dawn Sweep 11 April dr 6x250 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 11 April No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(11 sorties - No bombs)
Patrols Kill Two, Sink Boats, Burn Truck: The morning ship count over Rabaul was negative. Ten Corsairs patrolled the area until weather stopped the flights at 1615 and cancelled succeeding patrols. In strafing runs the Corsairs burnt a truck at Vunapope, destroyed an outrigger canoe, a boat and killed two Nips near Mualim Island (Duke of York).
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 Rabaul Ship Count 11 April No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 15,24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1615 No bombs.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(109 sorties - 59 3/4 tons)
Yesterday's Strike Schedule in southwestern Bougainville was as follows:
13 Piva Corsairs 0820 Aku
4 Green Corsairs 0915 Nabaku
4 Piva Corsairs 1015 Muguai
6 Green Mitchells 1015 Muguai
5 Green Venturas 1036 Muguai
12 Piva Corsairs 1145 Aitara
4 Green Corsairs 1455 Muguai
6 Green Mitchells 1522 Muguai
10 Piva Corsairs 1610 Hongorai River
8 Piva Corsairs 1620 Mushiminoi
Bivouac Area at Aku Bombed and Strafed: At 0820 yesterday, thirteen Piva Corsairs hit a suspected camp site at Aku situated north of the main east-west road and about midway between the front lines (16 miles west at the Hongorai River) and the rear supply area (12 miles east at Muguai). AIB requested this strike to supplement native warfare on the Japs in force thereabouts. They bombed an area 400 x 200 yards, near an old bomb clearing, getting 18 of 22 325-pound depth charges in the target, one on the edge of the bomb clearing, one 100 yards west. Also, a single half-tonner was a dud. The undergrowth was fairly well flattened by the blasts, and was subjected to maximum strafing. A narrow foot track crossed the area from north to south about 400 yards west of the Porror River.
One plane returned to base early, jettisoning its two 325-pounders in the sea.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ 14 Aku 0820 dr 2x100 Smoke
1x1000 G.P. (a dud)
22x325 D.C.
Green Corsairs Daisy-Cut Nabaku Troops: Four fighters laid four half-ton stick bombs on a reported Jap concentration south of Nabaku (near Aku), and for the next hour strafed that area and along the coast from Moisuru to Tonelei. Results were not observed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 15 Nabaku 0915 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Piva Corsairs Smoke Muguai for Green Planes: Two fighters dropped three 100-pound smoke bombs (2 of which proved to be duds) on target #24 at Muguai. This is a group of 15 buildings housing personnel and supplies. Obstructed by clouds, six Green Mitchells were unable to sight on target #24, but could see target #9 (a group of 100 huts). 12 half-tonners hit in this area for unseen damage. 6 half-tonners hung and were jettisoned at sea. Twenty minutes later, five Green Venturas found target #24 still partly covered by clouds. Their 30 quarter-tonners missed this mark and fell a mile from Okama on a bearing of 160 degrees for unobserved results. No A/A was met. Two Piva Corsairs (a continuation of Smokey Joe) strafed a large command car 300 yards east of Robikai. They also saw 4 Japs and 5 natives strolling east on the main road near Nakaru. The soldiers were fully equipped. They seemed tired. In fact, they didn't bother to take cover as the Corsairs flew over. Two trucks were seen. One was near the Silibai River. The other was by the road near Nalaru. No damage was claimed from the strafing.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 18 Muguai #24 1015 dr 3x100 Smoke (2 duds)
6 PBJs VMB 423 Muguai #9 1016 dr 18x1000 G.P.
5 PVs NZ 3 Muguai #24 1036 dr 30x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Robikai No bombs.
3 Pill-Boxes Attacked at Aitara: Twelve Piva Corsairs smoked and bombed Jap defenses inland from the beach at Aitara (near the Hongorai River) at 1145 yesterday morning. Twenty-two 500-pounders were dropped. Hits were hard to see because of the smoke. No direct hits were observed, though two fell within 3 or 4 yards of the pill-box nearest the beach. Two splashed in the sea. Two sanded the beach. The rest hit within 50 to 100 feet of the targets. Ten planes then strafed the area. One pill-box was smoked. Two other fires were started. One was 15 yards west of the inland strong-point, producing blue-grey smoke.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 14 Aitara 1145 dr 2x100 Smoke
22x500 G.P.
Green Corsairs Destroy Muguai Huts: Four fighters dived 8 quarter-ton daisy cutters on Muguai from 1455 to 1505. Five bombs destroyed 6 huts and damaged 3 more. One bomb hung, then fell for unseen damage.
Flight Sergeant Crosby was not seen to bomb. When last observed (about 1505), he was diving from 3000 feet. Between 1500 and 1000 feet he was still in a vertical dive, in the vicinity northeast of Kara strip. The other three planes searched the area for half an hour but saw no sigh of the missing Corsair or pilot.
Moderate accurate heavy A/A came from north of Kara strip, and meagre inaccurate light fire come from the same area.
At 1625 two Piva Corsairs scrambled to look for F/Sgt. Crosby. First they made a high-level search of the Kara area, then a low-level search. Also a high-level search over the sea was made. Results were negative.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 24 Muguai 1455 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Special Search 1625 No bombs.
Piva Corsairs Hit Road Defenses: Ten fighters bombed the Jap positions along the road from the Hongorai River Fork at 1610 yesterday. Six half-ton daisy cutters and four instantaneous-fuzed bombs were dropped. Squadron 18 led in with the stick bombs, putting 5 in the target. One hung and was jettisoned safe in the sea. One hit caused a column of greyish-black smoke 1500 feet high. Squadron 26 put one of their four north of the road, as directed. Two undershot, landing on the west side of the river bank. One hung and was jettisoned safe in the sea. Owing to haze, results were unobserved.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 18 Hongorai River 1610 dr 6x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 26 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Huts at Mushiminoi Well Covered: At 1620 eight Piva Corsairs bombed a group of huts near Rusei on the main road about eight miles east of the front-line positions. Tac/r indicated the target. Fourteen 325-pound depth charges hit the target area. One fell 30 yards north. One hit 50 yards south. Light smoke rose from the west side of the area. Tac/r reported good coverage but haze prevented accurate assessment of results. The eight planes also strafed the area.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 14 Mushiminoi 1620 dr 16x325 D.C.
Explosion Caused at Chindawan Ammo Dump: Twelve Piva Corsairs made an early strike on an ammunition depot reported by escaped Javanese to be in the Porton Plantation area 200 yards NW and SE of the road junction. 8 planes from Squadron 18 hit first. They dropped a century smoke bomb which was a dud, so strafing indicated the target and 7 half-ton daisy cutters (also one dud) were put in the area marked. They then strafed the area. 4 fighters from Squadron 26 put four 1000-pound stick bombs in the target area (one being a dud). The third bomb fell on the southeast corner, producing a vivid flash and large explosion. A big column of white smoke rose to 400 feet. The blast was felt by one plane 500 feet high and a quarter-mile off. Another area just to the SE was considered a likely position for the main dump.
At 1155 another 12 Corsairs hit areas 30 yards on each side of the road over a distance of 100 yards. One smoke and seven half-tonners produced only one flash larger then usual. Then two of the last four half-tonners hit in the area and two fell outside for no observed results. Four planes also made two strafing runs each.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Chindawan 0745 dr 1x100 Smoke (a dud)
7x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ 26 0745 dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
8 F4Us NZ 18 1155 dr 1x100 Smoke
7x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 26 1155 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Patrols Strafe Huts: Two fighters made the first A-C search at 0810. Nil sightings. Two more made a C-A search at 0815. Machine gun fire passed under and just missed the lead plane when flying at 200 feet a thousand yards off shore just south Puriata River. The wing-man also saw the fire and splashes along the coast as though the gun were engaged by fire from north of the Puriata River. An oil slick was soon off Saposa Island.
Two fighters did an A-C search at 1140, strafing a small group of native-type huts and gardens between Kessa Plantation and Cape Lemankoa and several native-type huts at Tahitahi (Buka). At the same time, two more Corsairs on another A-C round strafed two tin huts with open sides 10 feet square containing a possible motor or generator. They also strafed a Jap at the south end of the Kieta strip where one plane was holed.
At 1300 two Corsairs did a C-A tour, dropping two half-ton stick bombs on a group of ten huts south of Cape Friendship. Three huts were damaged. Four strafing runs were also made. Many huts in good condition were seen between the target and Cape Friendship. Bomb craters that hit the road where the tanks were located at Ruri have been corduroyed for about a mile to the SE and a half mile to the NW. One tank appears to be in the process of dismantling.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 26 Able-Charlie Search 0810 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 26 Charlie-Able Search 0815 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 26 Able-Charlie Search 1140 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Charlie-Able Search 1300 dr 2x1000 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 13, 2020 0:42:39 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 12 April.
Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led six PBJs in a medium altitude daylight strike on Kara Airdrome personnel area, scheduled to hit Target #14 Muguai, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 1448 and proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Oema Island. A course of 139º magnetic was flown over Oema Island for bombardiers to figure drift. The flight then went south and west to Popotala Island where it turned into the bomb run.
South Bougainville was hidden beneath nine tenths of low clouds and it was impossible to bomb target #14.
A clear spot was located at Kara Airdrome and the formation lined up for a bombing run on the Kara personnel area.
Bombs were released at 1615 from 10,600 feet on a heading of 310° magnetic at 160 knots indicated air speed. The formation broke away to the right and returned to base. All planes were safely on deck at Green Island by 1718.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
The pattern of bomb hits with relation to the Kara Airdrome personnel area is shown on the attached photograph.
2 F4U from NZ-24 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.
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Post by shorty on Sept 13, 2020 11:08:39 GMT 12
F/S William Crosby was flying NZ 5473
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Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 13, 2020 12:44:47 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 13 April 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(71 sorties - 46 1/2 tons)
Piva Corsairs Hit Heavy Guns at Hongorai: The leadoff strike yesterday against the Jap concentration in southwest Bougainville was made by 20 Corsairs from the three squadrons at Piva. Eight half-ton daisy cutters were dropped by eight planes of Squadron 18. They scored excellent coverage on the target, and one produced a sheet of flame. Four half-tonners dropped by the Squadron 26 quartet all fell in the northeast end of the target area, as directed. The 8 fighters from Squadron 14 put 13 of their 16 325-pound depth charges in the northeast corner of a clearing, as directed. Three more went somewhat to the northeast of this grouping. Results were unobserved but the whole system of gun defenses at this Hongorai River crossing was well cleared.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Hongorai River dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 26 dr 4x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 14 dr 16x325 D.C.
Green Bombers Devastate Muguai Area: Two Piva Corsairs rendezvoused with six Green Mitchells and six Green Venturas over Lake Lahala at 0910. The first target (Muguai #5) was smoked by a fighter and at 0914 PBJs put all 18 half-tonners in the area, completely devastating it. Before the bombing, 4 good huts were seen there. There were doubtless many more. All were wiped out by bombing. 11 rounds of inaccurate to accurate heavy flak came from Ebery's Lease. At 1000 a second smoke bomb was dropped 45 yards north of the first target. The PVs overshot, landing their 36 quarter-tonners in the area hit by the Mitchells. Results were obscured by the trees. The Corsairs reported 5 puffs of heavy A/A aimed at the Venturas from Ebery's Lease, but the PVs themselves rated the fire as intense inaccurate heavy. The bursts were at 4-8000 feet. The planes flew at 10-12000 feet. Only one puff reached the height of the medium bombers.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 18 Muguai #5 0910 dr 2x100 Smoke
6 PBJs VMB423 0914 dr 18x1000 G.P.
6 PVs NZ 3 1000 dr 36x500 G.P.
Green Corsairs Then Bomb Nearby Target: While the PVs were hitting Muguai #5, four Green Corsairs were coming down to Muguai #4 (a hut concentration) which they hit at 1010 with 4 half-ton daisy cutters. They destroyed an undetermined number of huts, started a fire, then strafed and smoked another dozen huts. No ack ack disturbed them.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 15 Muguai #4 1010 4x1000 G.P.
Return Visit at 1500: Four Green Corsairs spilled 8 quarter-ton stick bombs on huts at Muguai #8 later in the day. Six fell in the target area. Two were held and dropped on Koromira huts. Results were not seen. Again, flak was conspicuous by its absence.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 24 Muguai #8 1500 dr 8x500 G.P.
Piva Corsairs Blast Nakaru: A large Jap troop concentration was reported to be along the north edge of the main east-west road awaiting orders to go into action in Siwai (the Hongorai area). They got their action then and there. Twenty-one Piva fighters hit them at 1150. Tac/r first smoked three targets. Three Corsairs of Squadron 13 put 3 half-ton daisy cutters within a 25-yard radius of the first smoke. Their hits cleared the jungle for an area of 40 yards across.
A dozen fighters of NZ 14 laid eight 325-pound depth charges on one target and 16 on another. All but four were target hits.
Finally, six Corsairs from Squadron 26 put 3 half-tonners on each of the two target areas for two hits and one 50 yards out of the first target, and all within 30 yards of the second smoke. These six planes then strafed the area.
For the Record:
3 F4Us NZ 18 Nakaru 1150 dr 3x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 14 dr 24x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ 26 dr 6x1000 G.P.
Green Mitchells Attack Personnel Area at Kara: Weathered off Muguai #14 at 1615, six Marine PBJs put 15 half-tonners on living quarters west of the north end of Kara strip for unseen damage. Three bombs hung and were returned to base.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB 423 Kara 1615 dr 15x1000 G.P.
Parachute Sighted: Two Corsairs flew a negative A-C search at 0710. Strike sightings yesterday included a new-looking parachute-like supply chute on top of a tall tree at 237332 (Kara). This could have been a pilot chute. Also, a khaki-colored command car was noted moving west on the east-west road between the Mobi and Oamai Rivers. It disappeared into the scrub on the north side of the road where huts were hidden under the trees. Strafing started a small fire on the north edge of the road.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 26 Able-Charlie Search 0710 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(16 sorties - 2 tons)
Patrol Plane Crashes Near King Point: Ten Corsairs watched Rabaul by pairs from 0715 to 1620 yesterday for negative results. Coming to base, Flying Officer Shorthouse of NZ 15, accompanied by his wingman, had engine failure over New Ireland at 1240. Although he turned back toward the western coast of New Ireland, his plane was seen to crash and explode near King Point on the southern west coast of New Ireland. One PV searched the area from 1435 to 1630 for negative results.
The morning shipping count was negative. Two Corsairs also covered Australian barges from 1300 to 1425.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 Rabaul Ship Count 12 April No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 15,24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1620 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 24 Barge Cover 1300-1425 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 3 Special Search 1435-1630 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(17 sorties - 17 3/4 tons)
6 Venturas Hit Bridges and Roads: A half-dozen PVs dropped 35 quarter-tonners on New Ireland yesterday in a three hour tour at low level. 6 bombs missed the Kapsu bridge. 2 missed the Lumis bridge. 2 of 3 made two holes in the south Balus bridge approach. 1 of 6 cratered the Pinikindu road. 6 at Libba destroyed 3 bridge pontoons. 6 missed Kaut Bay huts. 3 holed the approach to the Katenbuang bridge. 3 blew up the decking to the Kimidan bridge. 1 hung and was returned to base. 2750 rounds were also gunned at huts, gardens and viaducts.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ 9 New Ireland 0800-1100 dr 35x500 G.P.
Recco PVs Destroy Truck and Hut: The dusk PV wednesday missed the Kapsu bridge with four 250-pounders but possibly destroyed a truck at Ulunono with two more eighth-tonners. The early run yesterday put 2 eighth-tonners on Lossu, destroying a hut; 3 on Ray Plantation, damaging a hut; and 1 on Malapai for no damage. Weather cancelled the truck recco. Another PV holed the Bulu and Belik Plantation roads (also smoked a truck) with 2 quarter-tonners, blocked the Panomane road with another, but missed the Dallum road with 3. Intense accurate light A/A came from Namatanai 130092 and 118089.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 9 Dusk Swoop 11 April 1630-1900 dr 6x250 G.P
1 PV NZ 9 Dawn Sweep 12. April 0650-0940 dr 6x250 G.P.
1 PV NZ 9 Southern New Ireland 0630-1000 dr 6x500 GP.
Corsairs Destroy Bridges and Damage Huts: Four fighters struck Nusalik Island at 1000 with 8 half-ton daisy cutters which fell into the center of a bivouac area, damaging an uncounted number of huts.
Two pairs of Corsairs watched Kavieng from 0900 to 1320, diving four half-tonners, one of which destroyed the Lossuk bridge. They also strafed targets west and southwest of Kavieng. The third patrol was weathered out.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 23 Nusalik Island 1000 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 0900-1320 dr 4x1000 G.P.
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