RNZAF activity in the Pacific 1945

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 13 April.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led six PBJs in a medium altitude daylight strike on Muguai target number 14, Bougainville when clouds obscured the assigned target of Muguai #10. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 0848 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Luluai Point. At Luluai Point the flight leader contacted the Piva Corsairs which were to mark the target with smoke bombs. However due to the cloud cover the formation was unable to locate Muguai #10 and for that reason hit Muguai #14 which was comparatively free of clouds.
Bombs were released from 10,900 feet at 1014 on a heading of 090° magnetic with 160 knots indicated air speed. After bombing the formation broke away to the right and returned to base. All planes were safely an deck at Green Island by 1109.
The formation encountered nine bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire partly from known positions at Ebery's Lease and partly from unidentified positions.
All bombs were in the west end of Muguai target number 14, but clouds hampered observation of results and obscured all photographs.

2 F4U from NZ-24 and 2 from NZ-20 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 14 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(78 sorties-51 1/4 tons)

Green Bombs Muguai Three Times: At 0845 yesterday, four Green Corsairs dropped eight 500-pound daisy cutters in Muguai #14 (one of two large hut groups attacked during the day). They also strafed the area north and northeast of the target. No results were seen. Meagre inaccurate medium and heavy flak came from near the target, and meagre inaccurate light fire from undetermined locations was also encountered.
At 0955 two Piva Corsairs put two smoke bombs in the center of Muguai #10 (another hut group). At 1014, six Mitchells from Green were unable to see #10 because of clouds, so they dropped their 18 half tonners on Muguai #14 but were unable to determine what hut damage had been done. They met intense inaccurate heavy A/A from Ebery's Lease. At 1530, four Green Corsairs put two half-ton daisy-cutters on the eastern edge of a hut group at Muguai #18, and a second pair of 1000-pounders slightly over the target. Results were not seen.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-24 Muguai #14 0845 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-18 Muguai #10 0955 dr 2x100 Smoke
6 PBJs VMB-423 Muguai #14 1014 dr 18x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-24 Muguai #18 1530 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Green Venturas Shift to Buka: Finding Muguai clouded over, six PVs struck Malasang on the east coast of Buka with their 36 quarter tonners. One plane returned before the others and hit Malasang at 0917. The weathered-out quintet dropped their loads at 1027. No results were seen. Intense accurate heavy A/A was met over Ebery's Lease.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ-3 Malasang 0917-1027 dr 36x500 G.P.

Troop Concentrations Hit: AIB requested bombings for two large bodies of Japs said to be at 055366 and 047367 on the Ogarata River in southern Bougainville. 16 Corsairs dropped 10 half-ton stick bombs, 4 half-ton instantaneous-fuzed bombs and six 325-pound depth charges. The 8 fighters of NZ-18 put 7 out of 8 daisy cutters in the area, and one a hit to the east. The NZ-26 quartet laid 3 in a 10-yard circle in the center of the target and the 4th just 20 yards from there. The foursome from NZ-14 put 5 of 6 in the target area, the other 100 yards east. One of these planes returned early because of engine trouble, dropping its two depth charges in the sea. No results were reported.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-18 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-26 Ogarata River 0745 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                           6x325 D.C.

Corsairs Bomb Jap Defenses, Then Troops Attack: Cooperating with the 7th Australian Brigade, 12 Piva Corsairs bombed Jap defense positions on the Hovi River (east of Rumiki at 912498) at 1005. After the bombing the ground forces planned to attack. The artillery marked the target clearly with smoke shells. Four planes from NZ-18 laid four half-ton daisy cutters in the area. 8 fighters from NZ-14 with 4 half-ton stick bombs and 12 325-pound depth charges scored 13 target hits, 2 within 50 yards, and a dud. Inspection after the bombing showed nine craters and the jungle well opened up by the river.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-18 Hovi River 1005 dr 4x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-14 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                         12x325 D.C. (1 dud)

30 Huts at Nakaru Well Bombed: A hutted area at Nakaru last bombed on April 1st was seen by tac/r to be very active with 30 buildings still serviceable. 17 Piva Corsairs struck this target at 1130 yesterday. 9 fighters from NZ-18 marked the target with two 100-pound smoke bombs and put 6 half-ton stick bombs within 40 yards of the smoke, clearing a 120-foot circle on the northeast edge of the target. A 500-pound oil incendiary was dropped near a hut just north of the previously bombed area and it burned furiously. A second incendiary was jettisoned safe in the sea by a plane returning early with engine trouble.
Four planes from NZ-20 put a half-ton stick bomb in the target area and three outside. 3 huts were destroyed. Another four from NZ-14 put 2 half-ton daisy-cutters and 6 325-pound depth charges all within a 100-yard square around the smoke, clearing that thick jungle area and most likely crushing any huts in the bombed zone (though none were seen).
Five Corsairs of NZ-18 also strafed the main road from Monoitu halfway to the Hongorai River for unseen damage.

For the Record:

9 F4Us NZ-18 Nakaru 1130 dr 2x100 Smoke.
6x1000 G.P. 2x500 Oil Incend.
4 F4Us NZ-26 Nakaru 1130 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-14 Nakaru 1130 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                              6x325 D.C.

Patrols Strafe Japs, See Burning Huts: Two Piva Corsairs did an A-C tour at 0900, strafing 6 Japs under a tree at Olava (SE coast), possibly killing two. They also gunned a Nip near the Ruri Bay tanks.
Two more Corsairs on A-C search at 1145 had nil sightings. One plane belly landed owing to hydraulic trouble. The aircraft was a write-off though the pilot walked off unhurt. A pair of fighters laid smoke bombs on Muguai #11 for Green Mitchells at 1450, but radio contact was lost and they did not appear. (They hit Ebery's Lease). A dozen recently burnt-out huts were seen 4 miles north of Kara on both sides of the N-S track. One half burnt hut still smouldering. This appeared to be a systematic burning-out of huts along the ridge.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-26 Able-Charlie Search 0900,1445 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-18 Muguai #11 1450 dr 2x100 Smoke.

NEW BRITAIN
(51 sorties-38 tons)

Emirau Venturas Hit Vunakanau: Attacking the same suspected plane hide and supply area near Vunakanau strip, six PVs from Emirau dropped 36 quarter tonners between the revetments and the southeast end of the strip but observation of results was obscured by clouds. No A/A was met.

For the Record:

6 PV NZ-9 Vunakanau #9A 1530 dr 36x500 G.P.

Patrols Destroy Boat, Smoke Huts, Kill Nip: Two Corsairs watching Rabaul late Thursday afternoon strafed and smoked four huts in the Duke of Yorks. The twilight trio relieved them. Of these, the two Corsairs shoved off at 1900, while the PV stayed until 1930 and dropped 3 quarter tonners on Duke of York targets, 1 on Ralum, 1 on Davaun (starting a fire), and 1 in the Keravia area. No other results were seen. A/A was absent.
The morning shipping count was negative. Five pairs of Corsairs patrolled the Rabaul area yesterday. Strafing sank a boat at Kerawara Island, smoked a hut and killed a Nip on Mioko Island. Both islands are in the Duke of York group. No A/A was met all day.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-24 Rabaul Patrols 12 April 1615-1809 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-24 Twilight Patrol 1800-1900 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-3 Twilight Patrol 1800-1900 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-3 Rabaul Ship Count 13 April No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1630 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(27 sorties-16 1/4 tons)

Recco PVs Destroy and Damage Bridges and Huts: The dusk Ventura Thursday low-leveled eighth-tonners on the Libba River bridge, destroying one pontoon. 1200 rounds were also gunned at cattle, gardens and fires for unseen results.
The early PV yesterday swept Cape St George and return via Green for refueling. Six 250-pounders destroyed the Belik bridge and hit a submerged ford at Lossu. Cape Narum was strafed.
The afternoon sweep destroyed one hut at Koka and damaged another with a 250-pounders. A second 250-pounder dropped on Patlangat huts, 3 on Kalili huts, and 1 on a Cape Sena fire. All those were unobserved. A truck was strafed and left unserviceable at Belik.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-9 Dusk Sweep 12 April 1620-1900 dr 6x250 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Morning Sweep 13 April 0630-1300 dr 6x250 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Afternoon Sweep 13 April 1240-1630 dr 6x250 G.P.

Corsairs Watch Kavieng: A pair of fighters patrolled the Kavieng area late Thursday afternoon, diving two half tonners on the Fangelawa bivouac area. No sighting was made of the bogie reported by K-0-Z-612. Four pairs of Corsairs watched Kavieng yesterday. They put 3 half tonners unobserved on Fangelawa gardens, 1 in the sea, but 4 direct hits on the bivouac area at Fangelawa.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 12 April 1540-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrols 13 April 0700-1550 dr 8x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 14 April.

Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer, led three PBJs on a medium altitude daylight attack on Muguai target number 16, Bougainville.

The strike was airborne by 1401 and proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Point. Contact was made with a Piva Corsair who proceeded to mark the target with a smoke bomb.
Bombs were released at 1521 from an altitude of 11,000 feet on a heading of 020° magnetic at 160 knots indicated air speed.

Eleven bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions near Kahili and Kara Airstrip.

All bombs landed in the target area with excellent coverage. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown in the attached photograph.

2 F4U from NZ-24 and 2 from NZ-20 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 15 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(65 sorties - 39 tons)

Extensive Defenses on Hongorai River Bombed: At 0830 yesterday 12 Piva Corsairs laid 10 half-ton daisy cutters and six 325-pound depth charges on Jap positions opposing the 7th Brigade along the Hongorai River by the main east-west road in southwest Bougainville. 14 out of 16 hits were scored. Results were not observed though the area was seen to be well covered. One bomb produced an unusually large flash and black smoke. Concussion was felt half a mile off. No gun flashes from enemy artillery ware seen. A log truck was strafed at 014406 (Monoitu) and hit but not burned.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 18 Hongorai River 0830 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ 14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                         6x325 D.C.

Gun Position in Northern Sector Attacked: At 0940, tac/r led 16 Piva Corsairs to Jap 75 mm and 150 mm gun sites reported at 298647 (Soraken) and 266719 (Chabai) in northern Bougainville. Four half-ton stick bombs dropped by NZ 18 all hit within 30 yards of tac/r smoke, one being a direct hit on the gun location pinpointed in briefing. NZ 14 carried 2 half-ton daisy cutters and ten 325-pound depth charges. Three hit this same gun location. Tac/r reported a direct hit. A second target was inadequately indicated and the other drops were scattered. NZ 26 put 6 half-tonners on the second gun location, bracketing the target for unseen damage.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 18 Soraken-Chabai 0940 dr 4x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                        10x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ 26 dr 6x1000 G.P.

Muguai Personnel and Supply Areas Again Blasted: At 0900, 4 Green Corsairs put 5 quarter-ton daisy cutters in a hutted area (Muguai #10), and 3 near misses, for unseen damage. No A/A was met.
At 0945 two Piva Corsairs led 6 Green Venturas over more Muguai buildings (target #24). Two 300-pound smoke bombs were laid. The PVs put 35 quarter-tonners in the target. One hung and was jettisoned just to the south. Recco showed excellent coverage but no observable results. Meagre accurate heavy A/A came from Kara strip.
At 1410 four more Green Corsairs hit Muguai #20 with 3 direct hits by 1000-pound daisy cutters. A fourth half-tonner was dropped but its hit was unobserved, due to the smoke of the other hits.
Another pair of Piva Corsairs smoked Muguai #16 for three Green PBJs attacking at 1521. Nine half-tonners all hit in the target area, but results were unobserved. 10 Japs were seen thereabouts before the bombing. Small boat noted at 345357 and 2 light machine guns at 323373.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 24 Muguai #10 0900 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 14 Muguai #24 0945 dr 2x300 Smoke (1 dud)
6 PVs NZ 3 Muguai #24 0945 dr 36x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 24 Muguai #20 1410 dr 4x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 14 Muguai #16 1515 dr 4x100 Smoke
3 PBJs VMB 423 Muguai #16 1521 dr 9x1000 G.P.

Big Bivouac on Hongorai River Bombed: Tac/r led 16 Piva Corsairs to an extensive camp area for 100 or more Japs in a 200 x 70 yard area at 961497 on the Hongorai River. The target was smoked at 1325. Twelve half-tonners and ten 325-pound depth charges were dropped. Nine hits were scored in the smoked area. The remainder fell 10 to 70 yards south and west. Low clouds and rain hampered bombing and obscured results. One plane returned early with engine trouble, jettisoning its load. Another plane was holed by bomb blast. The last pilot saw a large undamaged oblong hut in a clearing 100 to 200 yards WSW of the bombed area.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 18 Hongorai River 1325 dr 4x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                       10x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ 26 dr 6x1000 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(12 sorties - 3 1/2tons)

Patrols Mostly Weathered Out: Four Corsairs on duty over Rabaul 1610 to 1900 Friday had nil sightings. The PV on Gazelle patrol 1812 to 2000 put 39 quarter-tonners on Davaun, 1 on Tomavatur, 1 on Bulbuk and one in Rabaul Town. All unobserved. Inaccurate searchlights shone at Keravat and Talili Bay. The Saturday morning ship count was also negative. Weather cancelled fighter patrols over the area until 1325 yesterday. Four Corsairs flew negative watches until 1615. Later flights were cancelled because of the weather.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-Green Rabaul Patrol 13 April 1610-1800 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-Green Gazelle Patrol 1800-1900 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 3 Gazelle Patrol 1812-2000 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 3 Rabaul Ship Count 14 April No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 21,24 Rabaul Patrols 1325-1615 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(52 Sorties - 68 Tons)

6 Venturas Bomb Southern New Ireland: At 0900, six PVs made a tour of the south. They cratered the Lamban road with 3 quarter-tonners, missed the Salik bridge with 6 and nearby huts with 3, caused explosions in Manga buildings with one, put five unobserved on several long huts at Samo, flattened four huts east of Lamban with another, scored a dud at Kalili, damaged the Kolube jetty with 4, cratered Po Village twice with a final six quarter-tonners. Six 250-pounders damaged 3 Puk River huts. Huts, gardens and Japs were also strafed as the opportunity presented itself.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 9 Southern New Ireland 0900-1000 dr 30x500 G.P. (1 dud)
                                                                       6x250 G.P.

Corsairs Dive-Bomb Kaut Bay Bivouac: Four Emirau fighters put 6 out of 8 half-ton daisy cutters on a camp site at Kaut Bay for unseen damage yesterday afternoon. Meagre inaccurate light and automatic A/A came from the target area.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 23 Kaut Bay 1500 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Recco PVs Damage Bridges and Crater Roads: The morning Ventura yesterday swept from 0712 to 1340. 6 quarter-tonners were dropped at low level on Balik. The bridge was damaged and the road cratered. The afternoon sweep holed the Libba bridge approach with 3 quarter-tonners, cratered the Balik bridge with two and missed the Panemansu bridge with the sixth.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 9 Morning Sweep 0712-1340 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 9 Afternoon Sweep 1310-1645 dr 6x500 G.P.

Corsairs Patrol Kavieng: Two fighters over Kavieng late Friday cratered the Mongai bridge approach with one of two 1000-pounders. Four pairs of Corsairs watched Kavieng yesterday from 0720 to 1610. They dived 2 half-tonners on Globio Island huts, 4 on Fangelawa living quarters and 2 on a Lemakot fire. All were unobserved.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrol 13 April 1620-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 14 April 0720-1610 dr 8x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 15 April.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led eight PBJs on a medium altitude daylight attack on gun positions southeast of Kara Airdrone, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections and one, two plane section javelin down. The strike was coordinated with six PVs and eight F4Us of RNZAF stationed at Green.

The strike was airborne by 0749 and after joining up as described above proceeded to the rendezvous point at Empress Augusta Bay. The rendezvous with the New Zealand planes was effected at 0855. At 0900 the strike departed on a course of 118° magnetic for 45 miles, then turning to 035° magnetic to the coast west of Kangu Hill from where the bombing run was made.

The bombing run was made on a course of 014° magnetic with bombs away at 0912. The first section was at an altitude of 10,700 feet, the second at 10,500 feet and the third at 10,300 feet. The indicated air speed was 160 knots.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

All bombs hit the target with black and white smoke rising to 500 to 1000 feet into the air and was visible until the strike was out of sight. The bomb hits in relation to the target are shown on the attached photograph.

[shorty]

Eric Shorthouse was flying NZ 5317

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 16 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(70 sorties - 43 1/2 tons)

Green Attacks Kara Guns: 22 planes hit the gun positions at the south end of Kara strip at 0912 yesterday. Eight Marine Mitchells led in with 64 eighth tonners all in the target area. Then six Venturas put 36 quarter-tonners in the northern part of the target. Finally, eight Corsairs got 13 out of 16 quarter-tonners in the assigned area, and 3 just west of the target. Smoke hid the results of the Ventura and Corsair hits. No A/A was met.

For the Record:

8 PBJs VMB 423 Kara 0912 dr 64x250 G.P.
6 PVs NZ 3 dr 36x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 24 dr 16x500 G.P.

Hongorai Defenses Again Hit: 12 Piva Corsairs dropped 8 half-ton daisy cutters and twelve 325-pound depth charges on extensive Jap defenses on the track west of the Hongorai River mouth at 0750 yesterday. 18 hits were scored in the target area. One was slightly north and one in the sea. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-14 Hongorai River 0750 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                       12x325 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ-18 4x1000 G.P.

Jap Concentration and Huts at Nakaru Bombed: 16 fighters attacked a large enemy force on the north side of the east-west road at Nakaru. A group of 20-30 huts is also in this area (262298). The target was smoked at 0800. The leader sighted an apparent parade ground 50x30 yards on the south edge of the target area. Some huts were noted around its perimeter. Seven half-ton stick bombs were dropped on the target. Another overshot 10 yards. Four 325-pound depth charges also hit the assigned area. Two more were jettisoned by a plane returning early. A final 4 half tonners were dropped. One hit true, 2 fell 20 yards west and 1 was 20 yards north. Results were not seen.

For the Record:

8 F4Vs NZ-18 dr 2x100 Smoke.
                        6x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-26 Nakaru 0800 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                            6x325 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ-14 4x1000 G.P.

Kara Huts Destroyed: Weathered off a return strike at the Pora Pora gun positions in northern Bougainville, 4 Corsairs of NZ-14 jettisoned their 2 half-ton daisy cutters and six 325-pound depth charges safe in the sea after failing to establish R/T contact. Eight fighters from NZ-18 put 8 half-ton stick bombs in a group of huts on the south side of the east-west road at Kara (257296), destroying four huts and badly damaging another. Four planes from NZ-26 added another 4 1000-pounders in the same area for unseen results.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-18 Kara 15 April dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-26 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                          6x325 D.C.

Patrols Drop Oil Bombs: Two fighters on A-C search at 0700 cratered each side of the road east of Mivo River Ford with 2 half tonners. Another pair of Corsairs did an A-C tour at 1045. They dropped 2 quarter-ton oil bombs on Kara gardens at 219324 and 219328 with unidentified crops hoed up in rows. Oil burned small patches for 5 minutes. Two Nips at the tip of Moila Point were strafed. One was killed.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-26 Able-Charlie Search 0700 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-26 Able-Charlie Search 1045 dr 2x500 Oil.

Results of "Unobserved" Air Strikes Now Reported: An 8-plane raid on Kaparo 019447 the 9th of April resulted in the destruction of two 75 mm guns and a lorry. A strike April 10th on Koriu 994383 at troops south of the main road resulted in 20 Japs killed and six guns destroyed. The Mushiminoi strike on the 11th destroyed a number of houses. Jap defenses on the Hovi River were bombed April 13th. Their pillboxes were wiped out and the Australian 9th Battalion occupied the position without opposition following the strike. The results will be included in the end-of-the-month Summary.

NEW BRITAIN
(35 sorties-34 tons)

Venturas from Emirau Paste Tobera 25 Minutes Later: Seven PVs hit the same target at 1145 with 42 quarter tonners. They fell in trees at 095987. One other Ventura turned back, dropping its 6 quarter tonners on Kavieng Town.

For the Record:

8 PVs NZ-9 Tobera #1 1145 dr 48x500 G.P.

Patrols Negative: No hecklers were scheduled for 14 April. The morning Rabaul ship count was negative. Only two pairs of Corsairs watched Rabaul fields, seeing nothing of interest. At 1120 weather forced all succeeding flights to be cancelled, including the Gazelle patrol.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-3 Rabaul Ship Count 15 April No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-21,24 Rabaul Patrols 0835-1120 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(27 sorties-20 3/4 tons)

Kaut Bay Bivouac Hit by Corsairs: 4 F4Us from Emirau dived 8 half-ton daisy cutters on the Japs living at Kaut Bay yesterday afternoon. All 8 bombs fell in the target area, but results were unobserved.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-23 Kaut Bay 1440 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Recco PVs Pepper Roads and Bridges: The morning Ventura yesterday low-leveled 6 quarter-tonners on Libba bridge, cratering both approaches and possibly damaging the bridge. An explosion was also caused in the vicinity. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from Kimidan gardens and Bagaterre Harbor.
The afternoon PV dropped 2 quarter tonners which holed the road near Patlangat huts, put another bomb on Bulu Huts unobserved, and three which missed the nearby Soalaba River bridge. 1300 rounds were strafed at targets of opportunity.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-9 Morning Sweep 0630-1230 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Afternoon Sweep 1230-1620 dr 6x500 G.P.

Corsairs Patrol Kavieng: Two fighters on Kavieng watch late Saturday afternoon dropped two half-ton daisy cutters on the town for unobserved results. They also loosed leaflets over the area. Four pairs of Corsairs patrolled yesterday. They dived seven halfton daisy cutters. One fell on Kavieng strip unobserved. Two damaged 3 Kaselok huts. One possibly damaged 3 trucks near Kavieng strip. Two hit Fangelawa gardens for unobserved results. And one dud dropped on Panapai. They also strafed and possibly killed several Japs at Panapai 153092, and gunned other targets at Fangelawa, Nausen, Mane and Globio Islands, and the Roland Young Plantation.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 14 April 1620-1850 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrols 15 April 0700-1620 dr 7x1000 G.P. (1 dud)

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 16 April.

Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight strike on huts at Kieta, Bougainville, the alternate target, when clouds obscured AA target at Ebery's Lease, Bougainville. The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections javelin down.

The strike was airborne by 0838 amd after joining as described above proceeded to Koromira Point to rendezvous with New Zealand PVs and F4Us. The rendezvous was effected at 0935. From Koromira Point the formation proceeded southwesterly with the Venturas and Corsairs as the second squadron for the bombing of anti-aircraft artillery positions in Ebery's Lease as planned. Because of obscuring clouds over original bombing run and target, the formation flew south along the coastline to a point west of Moila Point from where another bombing run was attempted on the primary target without success. The PBJs then left the formation and proceeded to the secondary target, huts at Kieta, Bougainville. The bombing run was made on 230° magnetic heading and bombs were dropped at 1010. The first section was at an altitude of 10,900 feet, the second at 10,700 feet.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

One bomb landed in the water with the remaining bombs hitting south of the huts. The bomb hits in relation to the target are shown on the attached photograph.


2 F4U from NZ-21, 8 from NZ-24 and  6 PV-1 from NZ-3 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 17 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(70 sorties - 44 1/2 tons)

Guns at Pora Pora Take 9 Tons: Twelve Corsairs from NZ 18 with a dozen half-ton daisy cutters and six fighters from NZ 26 with 6 half-ton instantaneous-fuzed bombs were led by tac/r at 0800 yesterday to Jap heavy gun sites at 310684 and 266720 in northern Bougainville. These guns have been quite active and were attacked at 2nd Corps request. NZ 18 put 8 bombs on the first position, getting all in the area. Tac/r reported the target destroyed. The remaining four were dropped on the second position east of the destroyed wharf at Porton. Tac/r smoked the position before the bombs were dropped. These half-tonners hit the target. One fell 60 yards to the west.
Then NZ 26 dropped its six half-tonners on the same gun site, putting 5 in the area and one 60 yards to the west.
All planes then strafed an old AK hulk at 245730 which was suspected to be used for oil storage. One small wisp of smoke was seen.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 Pora Pora 0800 dr 12x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 26 dr 6x1000 G.P.

Aitara Pill-Boxes Again Attacked: Supporting the Army, thirteen Piva Corsairs struck Jap strong-points at Aitara yesterday at 0820. Three positions were their objective, but only #2 was found. It was estimated to be on the edge of an old crater in the northwest corner of a clearing. Smoke was dropped, then 22 bombs hit the target area. The bomb load was 18 quarter-tonners and 6 half-ton daisy cutters. Two bombs went 150 to 200 yards north of the mark. Recco after the strike showed no damage.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ 14 Aitara 0820 dr 2x30 Smoke.
                                         18x500 G.P.
                                         6x1000 G.P.

Venturas and Corsairs Cause Explosions at Kangu Hill: Six PVs carrying 36 quarter-tonners led 8 Corsairs with 16 quarter-tonners to bomb A/A positions on Kangu Hill (southwest of Kahili). All 14 planes were from Green. All 36 of the Ventura bombs, and 15 out of 16 of the Corsair bombs fell in the target area from the crest of the hill to the base on the southeastern side. Two large explosions were caused, with black smoke rising to 1000 feet. One bomb hung and fell west of the mark. No A/A was met.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 3 Kangu Hill 1000 dr 36x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 24 dr 16x500 G.P.

Huts at Moila Point Destroyed: Tac/r found supply concentrations and 10 to 12 huts west of Moila Point at 257223, 280217 and 264323 on the southernmost tip of Bougainville. Nine Corsairs from NZ 18 with three parachute flare smoke bombs and 8 half-ton daisy cutters joined six fighters from NZ 14 carrying another 6 half-ton stick bombs and an attack was made on Moila at 1150.
After smoking the target, 8 bombs were dropped by NZ 18. Recco showed 4 huts destroyed and 2 damaged. Four to six huts were still intact, mainly in the west end of the target area. A group of 5 to 6 huts were 60 to 70 yards west of this area. They were indicated by smoke and strafing for NZ 26. The six half-tonners of NZ 26 were dropped. Three fell in the target area, raising a column of black smoke and at another place producing a vivid red flash and a column of black smoke 300 feet high. Two bombs overshot 20 to 40 yards. The last bomb fell 30 yards southwest of the smoke from previous bombs.
Smokey Joe could see no damage in this area. He then strafed the bank of a lagoon at 255220 where oil was soon seeping into the water. Oil seepage increased after the gunning. More oil was seen 10 yards farther east under the trees.

For the Record:

9 F4Us NZ 18 Moila Point 1150 dr 3 Para. Flares
                                  8x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 14 dr 6x1000 G.P.

Patrols Crater Roads: Two fighters on A-C search at 0835 put 2 half-tonners near the main east-west road three miles east of Mibo River Ford. One fell in a large garden 30 to 40 yards off the road. The other hit 15 yards from the road on the opposite side. Another pair of Corsairs toured at 1140 and bracketed the road 2000 yards east of Mibo River Ford with half-tonners. They nicked the edges of the road, but the center was still passable.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 26 Able-Charlie Searches 0835, 1140 dr 4x1000 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(11 sorties - no bombs)

Patrols Negative: No heckler was scheduled for Sunday night. The shipping count at Rabaul yesterday was negative. Weather cancelled the Muguai strike. Five pairs of Corsairs watched Rabaul from 0715 to 1700 for nil sightings. Because of lowering clouds, the Gazelle patrol was cancelled.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 3 Rabaul Ship Count 16 April No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 21,24 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1700 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(21 sorties - 10 1/2 tons)

Corsairs Bomb Fangelawa Gardens: Four fighters dived 8 half-ton daisy cutters on gardens at Fangelawa for good coverage but unseen damage at 1015 yesterday. Meagre inaccurate A/A of undetermined caliber came from a known position near the road west of Fangelawa.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 23 Fangelawa 1015 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Ventura Damaged Bridge: The morning PV cratered both approaches and damaged the bridge itself at Soalaba (near Belik) with four quarter-tonners. Two more missed the Fatmilak bridge. Six Venturas were airborne from 0800 to 0930 but could not reach their New Ireland target because of weather, hence they returned to base with all bombs.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 9 Morning Sweep 0600-1340 dr 6x500 G.P.
6 PVs NZ 9 New Ireland 0800-0930 No bombs.

Corsairs Patrol Kavieng and Wreak a Modicum of Hacoc: Two fighters over Kavieng late Sunday afternoon dropped two half-tonners unobserved and were weathered off station early. Four pairs of Corsairs patrolled Kavieng yesterday until weather stopped them at 1420. They dived two 1000-pound duds on Nusalik gardens, one half-tonner on Fangelawa gardens, one which possibly damaged 3 huts at Roland Young Plantation, two which damaged the Balus south bridge, one which holed the road southwest of Kavieng strip, and one which missed the Kavieng jetty. They also strafed huts and gardens at various coastal locations and ruined a serviceable 220-foot barge beached near Metakoko.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrol 15 April 1620-1700 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrols 16 April 1000-1420 dr 8x1000 G.P. (2 duds)

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 17 April.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led six PBJs on a medium altitude daylight attack on Muguai number 24, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 0832 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Point. The formation then flew a heading of 190° magnetic, for four miles for bombardiers to figure drift and then took a heading of 204° magnetic for thirteen miles where it turned into the bomb run. Two Corsairs from Piva preceded the formation to the target area and on direction from the flight leader marked the target with a smoke bomb.

Bombs were dropped at 0942 from 10,800 feet on a heading of 190° magnetic at 160 knots indicated. The formation broke to the left and returned to Green. All planes were safely on the deck by 1044.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

2 F4U from NZ-20, 2 from NZ-21 and 3 PV-1 from NZ-3 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 17 April.

Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight raid on target number 16, Muguai, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.

The strike was airborne by 1418 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Point. At Koromira Point contact was made with two Piva Corsairs which marked the target with smoke bombs upon direction from the flight leader.

The formation flew a course of 210° magnetic for six miles from Koromira Point for bombardiers to figure drift, then turned to 134° magnetic for 14 miles. From that point the flight proceeded to Mt. Boeder where it turned into the bomb run.

Bombs were released at 1530 from 10,400 feet on a heading of 210° magnetic at 160 knots indicated.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

The bombs made a good pattern around the smoke bombs which were used to mark the target. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.

2 F4U from NZ-20 and 2 from NZ-21 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 18 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(96 sorties-59 tons)

Big Explosion and Fire at Mibo River Ford: Because of recent bombings, motor transport has been unable to cross this ford on the main east-west road. Stores are carried across the river in hand-carts and then reloaded into trucks on the far side of the river. Storage huts and dumps have been established near the river bank. 13 Piva Corsairs went down to disrupt this system yesterday morning. Another 11 Corsairs struck at 1535.
The first attack was made by 5 fighters from NZ-18 carrying two 100-pound smoke bombs and 4 half-ton daisy cutters. They dropped all four stick bombs into the target area, causing 2 vivid white flashes and black smoke to 800 feet. Great concussion accompanied the flashes. Then 8 more fighters (NZ-14) dropped four half ton and 12 quarter ton daisy cutters, getting 10 of the 16 stick bombs in the target area. One bomb fell on the east bank of the river at a point 30 yards east of the river and 10 yards south of the road. It hit an oil dump there. Another bomb dropped on this dump. It burned for 45 minutes. Two planes strafed this same area. The Smokey Joe from NZ-18 strafed scattered stores and possible A/A sites by the road south of the target. Two red flashes and black smoke came from an area 100 yards east of the ford and 40 yards south of the road.
At 1535, 5 Corsairs from NZ-18 and 6 from NZ-14 returned to Mibo River Ford. First, 4 half ton daisy cutters were put in the target for unseen results. Smokey Joe then strafed two reported light A/A positions east of the river, causing a column of light blue smoke rising 50 feet for 30 minutes. Twelve more runs were made, but results were unobserved. Then six Corsairs from NZ-14 came in with ten 325-pound depth charges and two quarter-ton daisy cutters. Four hits were scored in the target area just bombed. Two fell 10 to 35 yards northeast. Four fell in the area assigned to this group of bombs. Two landed 20 yards to the north. No results were observed.

For the Record:

5 F4Us NZ-18 Mibo River Ford 0745 dr 2x100 Smoke.
4x1000 G.P. 8 F4Us NZ-14 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                          12x500 G.P.
5 F4Us NZ-18 1535 dr 2x100 Smoke.
                                4x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-14 dr 10x325 D.C.
                           2x500 G.P.

Enemy Defenses at Rumiki Attacked: 12 Piva Corsairs led by tac/r bombed Rumiki below Horinu on the Hongorai River front at 0840 yesterday. Eight fighters from NZ-26 put 5 half-ton daisy cutters in the target area. One plane returned early with engine trouble and jettisoned its bomb safe in the sea. Two more fell 300 yards northwest of the target, demolishing two huts. Then four Corsairs from NZ-18 dropped 4 half-ton stick bombs in the center of the target area. Results were not immediately seen.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-26 Rumiki 0840 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-18 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Oamai River Personnel and Storage Area Bombed: A Smokey Joe from NZ-14 spotted the wrong area with his first 100-pounder, and the second was a dud. He then marked the target by strafing, and ten more Corsairs from NZ-14 attacked. They aimed 300 yards north of Oamai River bridge. The bomb drop was 4 half-ton and 2 quarter-ton daisy cutters plus 14 325-pound depth charges. One hit was 200 yards north of the mark, one fell 200 yards southeast, and 18 ranged from 80 yards east to the east edge of the target. A burnt-out truck was strafed for unobserved results. Four fighters of NZ-18 then put 4 more half-ton stick bombs in the target area. Results were not seen.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ-14 Oamai River 1115 dr 2x100 Smoke (1 dud)
                                                     4x1000 G.P.
                                                     2x500 G.P.
                                                   14x325 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ-18 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Hongorai River Artillery Observation Posts Hit: Eight Piva Corsairs put 5 half-ton daisy cutters on an O.P. north of the Hongorai River mouth, one on the beach, one in the sea, and one dud. Results were unobserved. Four Piva fighters led by tac/r struck an O.P. east of the river at 941347 and put four half-ton stick bombs within 10 yards of the mark, then made 16 strafing runs. Damage was not assessed.

For the Record

8 F4Us NZ-26 Hongorai River dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-18 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Green Hits Muguai and Vicinity: At 0900 four Corsairs from NZ-24 dropped 3 quarter-ton daisy cutters on Muguai huts and supplies (#18), had 3 slight overshoots, one short, and one hung bomb which fell east of the target. No results were observed. Meagre inaccurate medium was met over the target. Two Piva Corsairs smoked for the Green medium at 0945. Three smoke bombs were duds but one marked the target at Muguai #24. Six Marine Mitchells dropped 18 half tonners on the target, getting a tight group in the area, though results were unobserved. No A/A was met.
Weathered off Muguai #24, 3 Green Venturas put all 18 of their quarter tonners in the target area #9 at a point northeast from the Kara strip. Clouds partly hid the results, but one large explosion with a vivid flash was seen. Again, no flak was encountered.
Two more Piva Corsairs smoked for six Green Mitchells at 1530 and they put their full load of 18 half tonners in the central and western part of Muguai #16. Results were unassessed. A/A was not met.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-24 Muguai #18 0900 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-14 Muguai #24 0945 dr 4x100 Smoke (3 duds)
6 PBJs VMB-423 Muguai #24 0945 dr 18x1000 G.P.
3 PVs NZ-3 Muguai #9 1000 dr 18x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-14 Muguai #16 1530 dr 4x100 Smoke.
6 PBJs VMB-423 Muguai #16 1530 dr 18x1000 G.P.

Green Corsairs Bomb Buka: Weathered off Muguai #25 at 1540, four NZ-24 fighters put their 8 quarter tonners in a hutted area at Lemanmanu for unobserved damage.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-24 Lemanmanu 1540 dr 8x500 G.P.

Depth Charge Test a Triple Dud: Two Piva Corsairs with three 325-pound depth charges made test drops from 1000, 700 and 400 foot. All three failed to explode. The matter is being investigated.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-18 Depth Charge Test 1040 dr 3x325 D.C.

Corsairs Block Road and Bomb Rice: Two fighters made an A-C search at 0840. They aimed to crater the road between Hari #1 and Hari #2 (you'd have thought they would name the other one Tom or Dick) as a former crater had the road built around it, thus keeping the way passable. One direct hit felled a tree athwart the road. These patrol planes also strafed six good huts near Laguai on four runs for unseen damage. They strafed a truck northwest of the Ruri Bay tanks, but again the damage was not seen.
Another pair of Piva Corsairs destroyed a garden of rice 80 yards square, as instructed, south of Monoitu with a 500-pound fire bomb. A second bomb fell in a green patch for no results. They also strafed a hut at Tenekau.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-18 Able-Charlie Search 0840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-18 Able-Charlie Search dr 2x500 Fire Bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(40 sorties-29 tons)

Emirau PVs and PBJs Thump Tobera: Seven Venturas struck a suspected plane hide and personnel area 2000 feet south of the south end of the Tobera strip at 1050 yesterday from 10,000 feet. 28 out of 42 eighth tonners fell in the target area. 14 more hit on the southwest corner. Then 24 Marine Mitchells came over at 1106 and put 68 eighth tonners in the same target area, 8 centered at 100059, and 44 at 100070. Nine planes clouded out of Tobera went on to Kavieng revetments at 127098. No results were seen.

For the Record:

7 PVs NZ-9 Tobera #24 1050 dr 42x250 G.P.
24 PBJs VMB-Emirau Tobera #24 1106 dr 190x250 G.P.

Weather Hampered Patrols: The morning Rabaul shipping count was negative. 4 pairs of Green Corsairs watched Rabaul from 0905 to 1715 yesterday for nil sightings or A/A.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-3 Rabaul Ship Count 17 April No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-21,24 Rabaul Patrols 0905-1715 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(36 sorties-29 1/2 tons)

Recco PVs Destroy Bridge: The afternoon sweep Monday missed Cape Roloss and North Puk bridges with 2 eighth tonners and 4 more were duds. They also strafed 2000 rounds into huts, gardens, trucks and Japs when and where the chance offered. Yesterday's morning run put 4 quarter tonners on Cape Reis huts, but missed, and 2 more on the Bohl Bridge, but missed.
The afternoon PV low-leveled 4 eighth tonners which missed the north Balus bridge, but two bombs did destroy the south Salik bridge.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-9 Afternoon Sweep 16 April 1240-1620 dr 6x250 G.P. (4 duds).
1 PV NZ-9 Morning Sweep 17 April 0640-1040 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Afternoon Sweep 17 April 1500-1640 dr 6x250 G.P.

Corsairs Patrol Kavieng: Four fighters dived 8 half ton daisy cutters for direct hits on Fangelawa bivouacs at 1415 yesterday. Damage was not assessed. 4 pairs of Corsairs watched Kavieng from 0710 to 1610. They got 4 good hits with half-ton stick bombs in Fangelawa gardens, put a pair in a suspected barge hide southeast of Metakoko, and two on Nusalik huts for unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-23 Fangelawa 1415 dr 8x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrols 0710-1610 dr 8x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 18 April.

Captain BEAIRD led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight attack on Muguai target #14, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.

The strike was airborne by 0803 and after joining as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Oema Island. At Oema the formation flew a heading of 139º magnetic for three miles for bombardiers to figure drift, then turned right to Oavu Island and then west to Popotala Island where the flight turned into the bomb run.

Bombs were released at 0917 from 10,100 feet on a heading of 320º magnetic and at 160 knots indicated.
After bombing the planes returned to base without incident and were all safely on deck by 1018.

Two bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in Ebery's Lease.
The bombs fell north and east of the target. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.

2 F4U from NZ-21 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 19 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(78 sorties - 51 1/2 tons)

Robikai River Huts 90% Destroyed: At 0810 yesterday, 16 Piva Corsairs attacked a hutted area by the Robikai River in southwest Bougainville at 175312. Tac/r showed a dozen fighters from NZ 18 where to strike. They laid 12 half-ton stick bombs close to various specific hut groups. Then 4 planes from NZ 26 added 4 more half-ton daisy cutters. 16 strafing runs were also made. Tac/r reports that this area of about 20 well-built buildings grouped in ones and twos over 300 yards has been 90% liquidated. The report claims 18 huts destroyed, two storage trenches and 12 slit trenches opened up.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 Robikai River 0810 dr 12x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 26 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Koriu Defenses Bombed: A prisoner of war told the 7th Brigade of a defensive position at the road junction of Koriu. Captured documents told more about its pillboxes, trenches, foxholes and possible gun and tank sites. 13 Piva Corsairs bombed this target at 0820 yesterday. The first plane smoked the area, then 6 halfton daisy cutters and 18 325-pound depth charges were dropped. The record shows 1 on the roadway south of the junction, 2 duds, 1 just northwest, 20 in the south end of the target area. Half fell north of the bend. Half fell south of it. Aside from thinning out the jungle, results were not observed.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ 14 Koriu 0820 dr 2x30 Smoke.
                                        6x1000 G.P.
                                        18x325 D.C. (2 duds)

12 Huts Destroyed at Kikimogu: A concentration of 16 or more huts is located midway between Piano Mission and Kara. Or rather was. 13 Piva Corsairs attacked this target at 1130 yesterday. Four fighters from NZ 26 put 4 half-ton daisy cutters in the target area. A NZ 18 Corsair smoked for eight more from his squadron and they poured 8 more 1000-pound stick bombs into the target. Smokey Joe reported 80% destruction of the huts in the area, leaving only 3 or 4 of what was at least 16 to start with. Twelve strafing runs were also made on the main road east to the Mobiai River Ford. No damage was seen.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 26 Kikimogu 1130 dr 4x1000 G.P.
9 F4Us NZ 18 dr 2x100 Smoke
                         8x1000 G.P.

Bivouac at Taitai Hit: 13 Piva fighters put all but four of a mixed load of 6 half-ton daisy cutters and eighteen 325-pound depth charges on a Jap camp site near Taitai yesterday noon after their lead-in plane had smoked the target. 30 strafing runs were also made on the huts. Only observed result was 1 fired and 1 smoked from the strafing.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ 14 Taitai 1220 dr 2x30 Smoke.
                                            6x1000 G.P.
                                           18x325 D.C.

Green Corsairs Hit Nakaru: Four fighters put three half-ton daisy cutters in Nakaru #21 and one short in the jungle for obscured results on the personnel and supplies at that target.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 21 Nakaru 0945 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Guns at Ebery's Lease Well Covered: Weathered off Muguai #14 Green Venturas claimed 35 out of 42 quarter-tonners all within 100 yards of the gun sites at Ebery's Lease. Five bombs hung and overshot to the south. Two hung and were dropped near the Luluai River. No results were observed. Intense accurate heavy A/A came from the target.

For the Record:

7 PVs NZ 3 Ebery's Lease 0945 dr 42x500 G.P.

Patrol Corsairs Bomb Road and Barges: A pair of fighters on A-C search at 0755 straddled the main road between the Aku bridges with 2 half-tonners which hit on opposite sides of the track, each 15 yards off. Another two Corsairs on A-C at 1120 hit three sunken barges with 2 half-tonners at an inlet 275704 near Chabai, then strafed. Artillery observation posts Torokori Island were not found, so four strafing runs were made on the southernmost tip of the island. A little blue-grey smoke was seen, signifying nothing.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 26 Able-Charlie Search 0755 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 26 Able-Charlie Search 1120 dr 2x1000 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(8 sorties - 1 1/4 tons)

Only 6 Corsairs Patrolled Rabaul: Adverse weather interrupted cover of Rabaul, and though a number of planes tried to reach the area, only six fighters succeeded in reaching their station. No sightings were made. All other patrols and hecklers were secured.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 21, 24 Rabaul Patrols 0915-1155, 1545-1630 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(49 sorties - 52 tons)

Venturas Drop 42 Eighth-Tonners: Covering both coasts from 9 to 11, seven PVs low-leveled three 250-pounders destroying a building at Maritsoan, two on a Dampit fire, two destroying two huts at Kalili, two cratering the road at Belik, six destroying 2 huts at Samo, nine damaging a Cape Dinga building and starting a large fire, six putting three craters in the road near Po, three damaging a hut at Cape Lemeris and nine more unobserved. Moderate medium A/A from Ulaputur (central west coast) put two holes in aircraft. Meagre inaccurate medium A/A came from Po Village. The PVs also strafed 10,500 rounds.

For the Record:

7 PV NZ 9 New Ireland 0900-1100 dr 42x250 G.P.

Recco PVs Crater Road, Damage Bridges: The dawn PV yesterday low-leveled 4 quarter-tonners at the Soalaba bridge, cratering the road, put two more unobserved on Katanu huts.
The afternoon sweep dropped an eighth-tonner on Laminnis, but missed the huts; put two on the Poli bridge, holing the approach; one at Kanam huts, for a miss; and two at the Belik bridge, holing the approach. 1750 rounds were also gunned at coastal targets.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 9 Morning Sweep 0620-0950 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 9 Afternoon Sweep 1310-1630 dr 6x250 G.P.

Kavieng Patrolled by Ten Corsairs: A pair of fighters over Kavieng late Tuesday afternoon dived a pair of half-tonners for possible damage to the Mongai Bay bridge. Four pairs of Corsairs watched Kavieng yesterday, putting two half-tonners on fires near Kavieng strip (unobserved), two which damaged several huts near Fangelawa, and four damaging 4 huts at Roland Young Plantation.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 23 Kavieng Patrol 17 April 1620-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 23 Kevieng Patrols 18 April 0710-1620 dr 8x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 19 April.

Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer, led six PBJs on a medium altitude daylight attack on anti-aircraft positions in Ebery's Lease, South Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.

The strike was airborne by 0832 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Oema Island. From Oema the flight took a heading of 220° magnetic for twelve miles to Oavu Island. From Oavu the flight flew to Popotala Island, a distance of 12 miles on 263° magnetic and turned into the bomb run.

The bombing run was made on a heading of 320° magnetic. The first section bombing from 11,200 feet and the second from 11,000 feet at 0935 with 160 knots indicated air speed.

The formation broke right after the bombing and returned to base all being safely on deck by 1042.

Fourteen bursts of accurate and inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were received from known positions in Ebery's Lease.

Bombs fell to the east of the AA positions. The pattern of bomb hits in relation to the target are shown on the attached photograph.

2 F4U from NZ-24, 8 from NZ-24 and 8 PV-1 from NZ-3 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 17 APRIL 1945.

UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT

ADMIRALTIES

NZ-19                                                       18 F4U                     16                  25                 NZ #4 S.U.

EMIRAU

VMB-413                                                   12 PBJ                     12                  48                 VMB-413
VMB-433                                                   12 PBJ                     12                  45                 VMB-433
VMB-443                                                   12 PBJ                     12                  44                 VMB-443
NZ-9                                                         16 PV-1                   16                  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-53                                                     15 PBY-5A                15                 49                 PATSU 1-11
                                                                 1 TBF-1                    1
                                                                 2 SBD-5                   2
NZ-3                                                        16 PV-1                   15                  15                 NZ #14 S.U.
NZ-21                                                      18 F4U-1                 14                  27                 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-24                                                      18 F4U-1D               16                  27                 NZ #3 S.U.

BOUGAINVILLE

VMR-152                                                  15 R4D-5                15                   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                                                      17 F4U-1                17                   27                 NZ #25 S.U.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 20 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(66 sorties-44 1/2 tons)

Activity at Hari River Bombed: The 2nd Corps requested an attack on a group of six or more camouflaged buildings at the Hari River crossing of the main east-west road. Recco reported consistent activity throughout that area. Eight NZ-26 fighters carried 8 half-ton stick bombs, putting 3 in the target area, 4 on the edge of the target and one 300 yards south which may have damaged some huts there on the other side of the river. Eight planes from NZ-14 scored good coverage with all four half-ton daisy cutters in the target area plus full hits with six 325-pound depth charges. Fifteen strafing runs were also made for unobserved results.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-26 Hari River 0805 dr 8x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-14 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                          6x325 D.C.

Vehicle Parking Areas at Mobiai River Hit: Another 2nd Corps request was an attack on medium-sized buildings at 086347 on the Mobiai River. This point is close to the main east-west road. Well-worn tracks have been noted. Also, three vehicle parking areas are in the vicinity. 16 Piva fighters attacked at 1140. First eight Corsairs from NZ-14 smoked the target, then dropped 4 half-ton daisy cutters and six 325-pound depth charges. All ten bombs hit the proper area, destroying five buildings and leaving the entire area a shambles.
8 Corsairs from NZ-26 put three of eight 1000-pounders in the area and one 150 yards south alongside the road, then Smokey Joe directed them to a motor-park where three half-tonners hit the area plus another dud. Results were not seen. Twelve strafing runs were then made on the original target, noting one hut blown over and one damaged. The rest were destroyed. A possible slit trench was noted running NE from the road 10 yards east of the first target.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-14 Mobiai River 1140 dr 2x30 Smoke.
                                                  4x1000 G.P.
                                                    6x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-26 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)

Green Planes Struck Ebery's Lease: Six Marine PBJs salvoed 48 eighth tonners at 0935 over Ebery's Lease. They landed east of the gun positions. Intense accurate to inaccurate heavy A/A was met.
At 0958, seven Green Venturas laid 41 out of 42 quarter-tonners on the same area, covering two-thirds of the A/A positions to the western edge of the target. Eight Green Corsairs meanwhile put most of their 16 quarter tonners in the same area. One PV bomb hung and was jettisoned to the NW unobserved. Damage done to the Ebery's Lease guns was not immediately assessable. The Venturas and Corsairs encountered moderate inaccurate to heavy flak from the target area.

For the Record:

6 PBJs VMB-423 Ebery's Lease 0935 dr 48x250 G.P.
7 PVs NZ-3 0958 dr 42x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-24 dr 16x500 G.P.

Mitchells Hit Nakaru in Afternoon: At 1525, two Piva Corsairs dropped 4 century smoke bombs 100 yards southeast of the ford at Nakaru, and 6 Marine Mitchells from Green put 18 half tonners in the eastern end of the target area for two large explosions and dark brown smoke rising to 1000 feet.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-14 Nakaru #11 1525 dr 4x100 Smoke.
6 PBJs VMB-423 1530 dr 18x1000 G.P.

Able-Charlie Searches: A pair of Piva Corsairs on tour at 0920 yesterday sighted three or four bursts of blue-grey smoke from a light machine gun from the north shore of Komaliai Bay (north-west Shortland). They strafed the position, but the gun continued firing. They also strafed a hut at the base of a cliff at Cape Lemankoa (NW Buka) for unobserved results. An empty 18-foot canoe was destroyed 200 yards south of Poporan Island (Buka). Another two fighters made an A-C search at 1455. They strafed 3 huts at Lemanmanu unobserved, saw log skids running up from the beach into thick undergrowth in two inlets just NW of the mouth of the Hito River in the Shortlands (denoting possible barge hides), and observed a large puff of white smoke 150 feet in the air, and a small smoke nearby, at 345625 (Baniu) at 1520 hours.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-14 Able-Charlie Searches 0920, 1455 No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(41 sorties-41 1/4 tons)

Emirau Venturas and Mitchells Pound Rabaul: Little damage has been done recently to an important personnel and supply area in the northeast end of Rabaul Town. At 1052 yesterday, six PVs put 36 eighth tonners in the area from 11,000 feet. One more PV returned early with engine trouble, jettisoning its six 250 pounders. This same area was visited by 23 Emirau Mitchells carrying 138 quarter tonners. 80 hit the target. 22 scattered nearby. One plane turned back with prop trouble 15 minutes after take-off and jettisoned 6 quarter-tonners. One squadron failed to drop on the run, so tried Vunakanau #11, stringing 36 bombs from #5 NE for 300 yards.

For the Record:

7 PVs NZ-9 Rabaul #10A 1052 dr 42x250 G.P.
24 PBJs VMB-Emirau Rabaul, Vunakanau 1027 dr 144x500 G.P.

Corsairs Cover Rabaul: Five pairs of fighters watched Rabaul fields during the day for nil sightings.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ-21, 24 Rabaul Patrols 0745-1715 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(31 sorties-29 1/2 tons)

Corsairs Dive-Bomb Huts and Bivouac: Three fighters struck Ulunono huts at 1615 Wednesday with 6 half-ton daisy cutters, destroying two and damaging eight buildings. Four Corsairs dive-bombed the Lemakot bivouac at 1450 yesterday with 7 half-ton stick bombs, but results were not seen.

For the Record:

3 F4Us NZ-23 Ulunono 18 April 1615 dr 6x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-23 Lemakot 19 April 1450 dr 7x1000 G.P.

Recco PV Destroys Laminnis Bridge: The dawn Ventura yesterday returned to Emirau after engine repairs at Green, arriving at home base at 1515. Six 250-pounders had been dropped on Pire Village, damaging 4 huts. 1700 rounds had also been strafed at various targets. The afternoon PV yesterday dropped six 250-pounders at low level, destroying the bridge at Laminnis Plantation, cratering the road at the south Belik bridge, and destroying one hut and damaging another at Cape Dinga.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-9 Morning Sweep 0640-1515 dr 6x250 G.P.
1 PV NZ-9 Afternoon Sweep 1303-1704 dr 6x250 G.P.

Kavieng Guarded by Corsairs: The two fighters watching Kavieng late Wednesday afternoon damaged the Mongai Bay bridge slightly by the blast of 2 half tonners. 8 fighters on duty yesterday dropped 8 half tonners which obliterated a truck at Kapsu, destroyed 3 huts and damaged 4 at a settlement three miles south of the Roland Young Plantation, and damaged two huts at Ulunono. 5000 rounds were also gunned at a Panapai truck and 6 Nips in a Nanawaul hut.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 1610-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrols 0700-1600 dr 8x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 19 April.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight strike on Nakaru target #11, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.

The raid was airborne by 1433 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the west coast of Bougainville to Montopena Point. From this location the flight leader contacted the Piva Corsairs which preceded the formation and marked the target with a smoke bomb. The planes then flew down the south coast of Bougainville to the Silibai River where they turned into the bomb run.
The bombing was done at 1536 from an altitude of 9,400 feet on a heading of 010° magnetic with 160 knots indicated air speed. Following the bombing the formation broke away to the left and returned to base. All planes were safely on deck at Green Island by 1645.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

All bombs fell in the east end of the target causing two large explosions and columns of smoke. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.

2 F4U from NZ-20 and 2 from NZ-24 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 20 April.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight raid on the anti-aircraft positions south of Kara Airdrome. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections Javelin down.

The strike was airborne by 0823 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the west coast of Bougainville to Empress Augusta Bay. The flight turned to a heading of 122º magnetic from Montopena Point to the Hongoroi River and then flew a course of 098º magnetic for 18 miles where it turned into the bomb run.

Bombs were released from 8,500 feet at 0942 hours on a heading of 065° magnetic at 160 knots indicated. After bombing the formation returned to base and all planes were safely on deck by 1048.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

All bombs were in the target area causing two large smoke columns. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.

2 F4U from NZ-20 and 2 from NZ-24 are listed as having been involved in this sortie.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 21 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE- BUKA
(65 sorties-42 1/2 tons)

40 Nips and 3 Guns Bombed: AIB reported two score Japs with three machine guns covering the track which native patrols normally used to reach the northeast coast from Tetekuts (reference 408633). To spot their position a sergeant of the Coastwatcher party flew with tac/r, and 16 Piva Corsairs followed. At 0710, the eight planes from NZ-18 put all eight of their half-ton daisy cutters within, 30 yards of the smoke for unobserved results. Just west of the target was a T-shaped yellow lap-lap prominently displayed as an additional guide to the Corsairs. The eight bombs and all fourteen 325-pound depth charges in the target area except for 4 which were just outside. Again, results were unobserved.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-18 Tetekuts 0710 dr 8x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                        14x325 D.C.

12 Corsairs Bomb Artillery Positions: At 1025 eight fighters from NZ-26 put 5 out of 8 half-ton daisy cutters in an area near Pororei Ford (east of Nakaru) where Japanese artillery positions are located. Another bomb fell at the west edge of the target, one on the river bank, and one in the middle of a nearby garden. Results were not known though the jungle was seen to be cleared for 50 yards around the pinpoint. 32 strafing runs were also made for unseen damage. Four NZ-14 Corsairs dropped two 1000-pound stick bombs and four 325-pound depth charges in the area, flattening the jungle. Two more 325-pounders were jettisoned in the sea.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-26 Pororei Ford 1025 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-14 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                          6x325 D.C.

Green Corsairs Hit Muguai: Eight fighters put all 8 half-ton stick bombs at huts and supplies in the northern part of Muguai #11 at 0915 yesterday. The jungle prevented assessment of damage. No A/A was met.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-21 Muguai #11 0915 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Green Venturas Plaster Ebery's Lease: Unable to sight Kara, five PVs put their 30 quarter tonners in an area between the gun positions at the south end of Ebery's Lease and the bend in the river. No results were observed. No A/A was met.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ-3 Ebery's Lease 0938 dr 30x500 G.P.

Piva Corsairs Fly Able-Charlies: A pair of fighters did a very early tour at 0555, searching southeastern Bougainville, the Shortlands and Fauro for a possible Emily. No sighting was made. They noted that the road crater between the Mibo and Mobiai Rivers has been filled in and the tree blocking the road has a section cut away to permit traffic through the opening. Half a mile south of Cape Friendship (SE coast) there was an oil slick stretching half a mile across the inlet, and on the beach a mile north of the Cape was what appeared to be a black cable 1 1/2 miles long. Possible light A/A came from Little Tonolei Harbor. A second pair of Corsairs flew around at 1145, bombing a hut concentration at Cape Friendship with 2 half-ton daisy cutters for two direct hits which destroyed four huts and damaged at least one more. The whole area was wiped clean as a virgin's conscience. They also strafed suspected hut hides north of the target, but could see no damage.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-18 Able-Charlie Searches 0555, 1145 dr 2x1000 G.P.

Mitchells, PBYs and PVs Over Buka: In accordance with Operations Memo 7-45 from CANS, four Green PBJs swept the eastern off-shore area of Buka and a Navy Black Cat watched between Buka Passage and Bougainville Straits Thursday night for negative results. After leaving station, the PBY dropped 4 quarter-tonners on Tsundawan at 0700 for no observed results. Yesterday at 0945 another Catalina practice-bombed with 4 quarter-tonners on Hanpan Mission for unseen damage. Weathered off Muguai at 1550, four Green Venturas put 23 out of 24 quarter-tonners on Lonahan Mission for unobserved results. One bomb hung and was jettisoned. No A/A was met.

For the Record:

4 PBJs VMB-Green Buka April 19/20 No bombs.
1 PBY VPB-53 Buka April 19/20 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PBY VPB-53 Hanpan 0945 dr 4x500 G.P.
4 PVs NZ-3 Lonahan 1550 dr 24x500 G.P.

Black Smoke Columns Raised at Ammo Dump: Finding their Muguai target closed in, four Green Corsairs dropped their eight 650-pound depth charges on the ammunition dump at Chindawan (NE coast of Bougainville), scoring a long and a short and six hits which left three columns of greyish-black smoke billowing to 1500 feet from the dump. No A/A fire was met.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-24 Chindawan 1455 dr 8x650 D.C.

NEW BRITAIN
(8 sorties-no bombs)

Corsairs Watch Rabaul: From 0720 to 0752 a pair of Green Corsairs patrolled the Rabaul fields, returning early when the weather closed in. They resumed work at 1120. Three pairs were on station during the period 1120 to 1715. No sightings were made. No flak was encountered.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-24, 21 Rabaul Patrols 0720-0752, 1120-1715 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(27 sorties-27 1/4 tons)

Six Venturas Rake the Island: Half a dozen PVs struck targets of opportunity on New Ireland for an hour yesterday morning with 36 eighth tonners dropped from medium altitude. Two plastered the Bohl River Ford. 4 holed the road north of the Bohl River. 6 destroyed the bridge and cratered the road at Libba. 12 cratered the road destroyed 3 huts and damaged others at Samo. Two damaged a hut at Pire. 4 were direct hits in a Pire garden. 6 cratered the road at Cape Roloss. 8800 rounds were poured on these same targets for some damage.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ-9 New Ireland 0920-1015 dr 36x250 G.P.

Recco PVs Strafe 4600 Rounds: The morning Ventura yesterday dropped no bombs but gunned huts and gardens with 1900 rounds. Moderate accurate light A/A came from Namatanai 178142.
The afternoon PV put two 250-pounders right on a camp-fire at Cape Lemeris from low level, also cratered the road near North Pinis River with four more. 2700 rounds were poured into various hutted areas for damaging results. Meagre light A/A from Libba River scored one hole in the plane.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-9 Morning Sweep 0630-1030 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-9 Afternoon Sweep 1230-1540 dr 6x250 G.P.

Corsairs Destroy Many Huts: The pair of fighters watching Kavieng late Thursday afternoon put 2 half-ton daisy cutters on Lakurefange huts, destroying three and damaging several more. Three fighters dropped 6 half-ton stick bombs on the Lemakot bivouac at 1030 yesterday for good hits but unobserved results. They strafed Lemakot, Cape Sass and Lakurefange for unseen damage. Three more Corsairs dived another 6 half-ton stick bombs on a possible bivouac area south of Lakurefange, blasting a large forest area and destroying an undetermined number of huts. Three pairs of Corsairs policed Kavieng from 0700 to 1400 yesterday, putting 2 half-ton daisy cutters near Fangelawa huts for unobserved results, two on a camouflaged structure on the NW tip of Nusa Island, and two which destroyed a pair of Ulunono huts and damaged two more.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrol 19 April 1510-1820 dr 2x1000 G.P.
3 F4Us NZ-23 Lemakot 20 April 1030 dr 6x1000 G.P.
3 F4Us NZ-23 Lakurefange 20 April 1440 dr 6x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-23 Kavieng Patrols 20 April 0700-1400 dr 6x1000 G.P.