|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 19, 2020 18:13:55 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOTS AVAILABILITY AS OF 1 May 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 46 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ 12 45 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 46 VMB-443
NZ-9 16 PV-1 14 15 NZ # 10 S.U.
NZ-23 19 F4U 18 25 NZ # 5 S.U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ-1J 12 44 VMB-423
VPB-53 29 PBY-5A 12 55 PATSU 1-11
2 SBD-5 1
1 TBF-1 1
NZ-3 16 PV-1 15 15 NZ # 14 S.U.
NZ-21 18 F4U-1 17 27 NZ # 30 S.U.
NZ-24 18 F4U-1D 15 26 NZ # 3 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 14 R4D-5 13 51 VMR-152
VMR-153 13 R4D-5 12 52 VMR-153
NZ-14 18 F4U-1D 14 24 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-22 18 F4U-1 13 25 NZ # 31 S.U.
NZ-26 18 F4U-1 16 25 NZ # 1 S.U.
NZ-16 18 F4U 9 17 NZ # 25 S.U.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 0:50:06 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 4 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(116 sorties-66 1/4 tons)
Black Smoke 800 Feet High Caused at Papas: At 2nd Corps request, an attack was made on half a dozen native-type huts and supply or ammo dumps on the northeast coast at Papas (374708). Ten Piva Corsairs from NZ-26 hit at 0800 with ten 650-pound depth charges. Two bombs struck on the cliff, opening up the jungle. 4 hit on top of the cliff, one raising a thick column of inky smoke to 800 feet. Three bombs landed on the cliff ledge, and one which hit the beach raised smoke to 600 foot. Six strafing runs were made on a single large hut on top of the cliff. No results were seen. Six runs were also made on the half-dozen huts under the trees on the ledge of the cliff 200 to 300 yards west from the indicated target. No results were observed. Fresh tracks were noted over the bomb craters at nearby Umum, where natives report a recent strike destroyed an ammo dump and sank a motor boat.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ-26 PAPAS 0800 dr 10x650 D.C.
Northern Bivouac Bombed: Tac/r led a dozen Piva fighters from NZ-14 with 6 half ton daisy cutters and 18 325-pound depth charges to six specific points smoked in the Ruri Bay-Ratsoa area at 0805 yesterday. 4 hits were centered around the reported headquarters at 330700, and four each fell on 337699, 302693, 304694, 286690 and 288690. Results were unobserved. Corrugated iron sheets were seen scattered around the bomb crater at 330700.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-14 RURI BAY-RATSOA 0805 dr 6x1000 G.P.
18x325 D.C.
Hongorai River Defenses Again Hit: Thirteen Piva Corsairs from NZ-22 bombed target "A" on the Hongorai at 0820 yesterday. This is a strongpoint west of the southernmost of the three river crossings. Artillery smoked the area, and all 14 650-pound depth charges fell in the target. The last hit blew five Japs 100 feet high. 24 unobserved strafing runs were made over the area.
Ten fighters from NZ-26 attacked defenses west of crossing "B" at 1205. This is the Buin Road ford. Ten 650s dropped in a line covering the east half of the target area. One was a dud.
30 strafing runs were made. Good coverage was obtained, but results were unseen. Twelve Corsairs from NZ-14 followed in with 6 half-ton stick bombs and 18 325-pound depth charges. Clouds made bombing difficult, but 13 hits were scored on the first 100 yards along the track from the west end of the target and 9 fell along the next 200 yards. Two more fell south and southeast. The undergrowth was flattened but no damage was observed. Finally, twelve Piva fighters from NZ-22 attacked Hongorai "C" at 1235. This is the northernmost strongpoint west of Martin's Crossing. A target area west of the locality bombed Wednesday was spotted by artillery smoke shells, then 12 half-ton daisy cutters were dropped. Only one overshot a bit to the southeast, and one hung and was jettisoned at sea. The area seemed well blasted, but damage was unassessed.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ-22 HONGORAI "A" 0820 dr 14x650 D.C.
10 F4Us NZ-26 HONGORAI "B" 1205 dr 10x650 D.C. (1 dud).
12 F4Us NZ-14 HONGORAI "B" 1210 dr 6x1000 G.P.
18x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 HONGORAI "C" 1235 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Kahili Activity Gets 19 1/2 Green Tons: Six Marine PBJs dropped 18 half-tonners on a personnel and supply area at Kahili at 0915 yesterday, scoring full hits in the target, and meeting meagre inaccurate heavy A/A from known locations on Kangu Hill and Kahili. At 0935, seven Venturas put 41 quarter tonners slightly south of the same target. One bomb hung and struck the north end of the Kahili runway. Meagre inaccurate heavy flak answered from south of Kahili. No results were observed from either bombing.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB-423 KAHILI #1 0915 dr 18x1000 G.P.
7 PVs NZ-3 KAHILI #1 0935 dr 42x500 G.P.
Nakaru Area Hit by Green Corsairs: Eight fighters from NZ-24 carried eight 650s and 8 quarter tonners over Nakaru at 0925. Two of each type bomb hit the target, three depth charges and four 500-pounders were near misses, and the rest were well northwest of the mark. No results were observed. At 1340 another eight Corsairs, from NZ-21 set out to add 8 half-tonners to Nakaru's troubles. One plane was forced to return early due to hydraulic trouble, jettisoning its half-tonner on Buka. The seven remaining planes were over target #27 at 1440 and dropped their bombs on or near the mark for no assessed damage. No A/A was met by either strike.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-24 NAKARU #34 0925 dr 8x650 D.C.
8x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-21 NAKARU #27 1340 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Test of Incendiary Clusters: Two Piva Corsairs dropped four century incendiary clusters on a hut half a mile west of Kikimogu at 1320 yesterday. One fell across the hut and burned fiercely for two minutes, but failed to ignite the hut. The other three bombs fell wide, causing no fires. The bombs were considered ineffective for hut destruction unless the targets are thoroughly dry.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 KIKIMOGU 1320 dr 4x100 Incend. Cl.
Able-Charlies Harass Nips: Four fighters from NZ-16 strafed three 20-foot canoes on the beach of Fauro Island, unobserved, while doing an A-C tour at 0700. Also strafed a hut at Kaviroro, unassessed and 5 Nips in gardens between Arigua and Kiriwina Plantation. They met meagre inaccurate light A/A from Porton. A pair of fighters making the rounds at 0825 saw a Nip dive for the bush at Putputun. Two planes touring at 1030 gunned two Japs in a garden between Arigua and Kiriwana, and 3 more in a garden just north of Cape Friendship. No hits claimed. However, a pair of Corsairs on A-C duty at 1215 strafed four Nips on Morgusaia Island, and possibly killed two of them. The pair testing the incendiary clusters noted that the Buin Road is again in good condition near Monoitu. Planking circles the crater in the center of the road.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ-16 Able-Charlie Searches 0700, 0825, 1030, 1215 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(33 sorties-40 1/2 tons)
Malaguna Float-Plane Park Bombed: Ten Venturas from Emirau made a medium altitude attack at 1027 on the aircraft hide at Malaguna with 60 quarter tonners. 53 bombs grouped 50 yards west of the target. Seven hang-ups were given the freedom of the seas.
For the Record:
10 PVs NZ-9 MALAGUNA 1027 dr 60x500 G.P.
Vunakanau Hit by Emirau Mitchells: Unable to hit #9B at Vunakanau because of clouds, nine PBJs put 40 quarter-tonners between Flakintel 155069 and 160080, plus nine bombs at 160064. Five hang-ups were jettisoned. Eight more Mitchells put 24 quarter tonners in the south half of the Malaguna plane hide, and 24 just south of the target.
For the Record:
9 PBJs VMB-Emirau VUNAKANAU 1017 dr 54x500 G.P.
8 PBJs VMB-Emirau MALAGUNA 1023 dr 48x500 G.P.
Six Green Corsairs Watched Rabaul: Three pairs of fighters patrolled Rabaul for negative results from 0715 to 1410. Adverse weather cancelled patrols after that hour.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL Patrols 0715-1410 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(16 sorties -18 tons)
Ventura Destroys Bohl Bridge: One PV scattered 15,000 propaganda leaflets on New Ireland Jap centers from 0930 to 1325 yesterday. This plane also destroyed the new Bohl bridge with five quarter-tonners. A sixth missed a Kaut Bay hut. Trucks at Karu and Lauan were also strafed for unobserved damage.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-9 BOHL 0930-1325 dr 6x500 G.P.
Corsairs Hit Eight Huts: The pair of fighters on afternoon sweep Wednesday dived two half-ton daisy cutters which destroyed 2 huts and damaged 5, also smoked a Medina hut by strafing.
Two Corsairs on morning sweep yesterday were turned back at Panemane by weather. They dived two half-ton stick bombs in the water near Ulunono gun sites, but damaged a rowboat.
Two fighters watching Kavieng dived 2 half-ton daisy cutters on Balus bridge, but missed.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Afternoon Sweep 2 May 1535-1740 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Morning Sweep 3 May 0850-0955 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrols 3 May 0710-0834 dr 2x1000 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 0:56:18 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 5 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(111 sorties-63 tons)
Jap HQ at Numa Numa Bombed Out: The headquarters of the 38th Independent Mixed Brigade controls all Jap activity in north Bougainville. It is believed that at least 140 Japs, including Major General Kijima, are at this Numa Numa location (813270). At 2nd Corps request, eleven Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 attacked this target at 0805 with 4 half ton daisy cutters and sixteen 325 pound depth charges. First, smoke bombs were dropped in the center of the target and 19 out of 20 hits followed in the NE two-thirds of the target. One hit 50 yards east.
Then twelve fighters from NZ-22 followed in with a dozen 650-pound depth charges. Ten hit in the southwest third of the target area, which appeared well bombed out. 36 strafing runs were made over the entire area, unobserved. Smoky Joe reports the whole target area well cleared, with remains of huts in clearings, two huts undamaged and two near then destroyed.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ-14 NUMA NUMA 0805 dr 2x30 Smoke.
4x1000 G.P.
16x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 NUMA NUMA 0820 dr 12x650 D.C.
Enemy Defenses at Oso and Uso Catch 9 Tons: Two strong forces of Japs occupy defensive positions at 993447 and 977433 which are 2 to 3 miles east of the Hongorai River. These Nips are the remnants of the 13th Infantry Regiment and have been active in patrolling the entire area. Preparatory to the air attack on these positions, artillery smoked the west end of the Oso target at 0815 and twelve Corsairs from NZ-26 put all 12 of their 650s in three lines for a 300 yard stretch east of the smoke. Twelve strafing runs were also made, unobserved. No results were viewed from the bombing either.
At 1200 a similar attack was made on Uso (the concentration at 977433). Artillery smoked the area and 12 fighters again from NZ-26 put all seven of their half ton stick bombs and all five 650s on the target for good coverage but unseen damage.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-26 OSO 0815 dr 12x650 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-26 USO 1200 dr 7x1000 G.P.
5x650 D.C.
Bivouac at West Mobiai Attacked: At 1130, eleven Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 carried 4 half ton daisy cutters and 16 325 pound depth charges over a reported large concentration of Japs camped along the north side of the east-west trail near the West Mobiai River. The reference points are 067364-071358. First the target was smoked, then all bombs fell true, opening up good patches of jungle and showing scattered oil drums. A jeep with four persons in it disappeared into the scrub. Old bomb craters and two small serviceable wooden bridges were noted, also a freshly-worked fair-sized garden. 17 strafing runs were made, but no damage seen. Twelve more fighters from NZ-22 added a dozen half-ton stick bombs at 1135, scoring six in an area 100 x 150 yards east from the center of the target. The other six undershot about 100 yards. Results were not seen.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ-14 WEST MOBIAI 1130 dr 2x30 Smoke.
4x1000 G.P.
16x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 WEST MOBIAI 1135 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Green Hits Various Bougainville Targets: At 0850, five Venturas put 30 quarter tonners into the western side of Kahili #2 for unseen damage, and met meagre inaccurate heavy A/A from known sites SW of the strip. At 0900, eight Corsairs from NZ-21 put 8 half ton daisy cutters on a Muguai truck park, unassessed. From 1325 to 1400, a PBY put 4 eighth-tonners on Yellina, Kessa and Lontis (all Buka) for unseen damage. Weathered off Nakaru at 1515, six Marine PBJs bombed Kieta with 18 half tonners, but clouds hid results.
At the same time, five Venturas also scheduled to bomb Nakaru hit the personnel and supply areas at Numa Numa, putting all 30 quarter tonners on pin-pointed positions. One large explosion was followed by billowing black smoke. At 1620, another 8 Green Corsairs (NZ-24) bombed gun positions at Kiviri and Inus on the northeast coast as second choices to clouded-over Muguai. Six 650s and 10 quarter-tonners were dropped on reference points 777317 and 633600. One depth charge fell within 50 yards of the gun position. The rest within 300 yards. Results were not observed.
Only A/A encountered by all the above strikes was by the first attack.
For the Record:
5 PVs NZ-3 KAHILI #2 0850 dr 30x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-21 MUGUAI #27 0900 dr 8x1000 G.P.
1 PBY VPB-53 BUKA 1325 dr 4x250 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB-423 KIETA 1515 dr 18x1000 G.P.
5 PVs NZ-3 NUMA NUMA 1515 dr 30x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-24 KIVIRI, INUS 1620 dr 6x650 D.C.
10x500 G.P.
Searches Keep Close Tabs on Island: Two fighters swept southern Bougainville from 0430 to 0730 looking for barge movement, but sighted none. Four Corsairs on Able-Charlie search at 0650 put two 650s in the Papss hut area and two nearby for unseen damage. They sighted a 60-foot coral jetty in Kieta Harbor, five stilted huts near Laguai, two floating mines off Fauro plus two in general vicinity.
Another pair of fighters on A-C runs at 0825 put two 650s between groups of huts on the south tip of Porporan Island. No damage. Four Japs at Teihup strafed as they dived for the brush. A 40x15 foot hut on Sao Ridge was also gunned for unobserved results.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-16 Barge Sweep 0430-0730 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-16 Able-Charlie Search 0650 dr 4x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-16 Able-Charlie Search 0825 dr 2x650 D.C.
NEW BRITAIN
(6 sorties-no bombs)
Rabaul Patrolled Intermittently: Poor weather curtailed the Rabaul watches by Green Corsairs yesterday. They flew three pairs for negative results.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ-21, 24 RABAUL Patrols 1116-1140,1315-1715 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(20 sorties-20 tons)
Ten Venturas Smack New Ireland Highway: The PBJ strike against Tobera was cancelled because of bad weather over the target, but ten Emirau PVs made a good score on their home grounds from 1910 to 1030 in a low-level attack on the east coast road between Kavieng and Namatanai with 60 quarter-tonners. The approaches to the Fessoa bridge were holed at 5 places. The approach to the south Katenbuang bridge was cratered. The road at Balus and at Mongai Bay was holed. The Fessoa and north Lamussong bridges were damaged. The road along the cliff at Ramut Bay was knocked to the base. The Libba swamp road was jellied. And six bridges at Lossuk, north Balus, Mongoi, Katenbuang, Salik and Cape Roloss were destroyed. 12,300 rounds were also expended in strafing runs. No A/A was met. These same Venturas destroyed a hut and breached the base of a jetty at Kalili on the southwestern coast.
For the Record:
10 PVs NZ-9 NEW IRELAND 0910-1030 dr 60x500 G.P.
Corsairs Make Sweeps and Stand Watch: Two fighters swept New Ireland Thursday afternoon, diving 2 half tonners on Lakuramau and Medina bridges for no damage. They were weathered off the area below Bulu. Two more Corsairs touring yesterday morning dived 2 half-ton daisy cutters for possible damage to Lossuk bridge. Weather kept the sweep above Pinikindu. The afternoon run cratered the road at Ulunono with half tonners before being weathered out early. Kavieng was patrolled Thursday afternoon by two Corsairs diving 2 half-tonners on the Katu road for misses. Yesterday morning pair over Kavieng missed Ulunono buildings with two 1000-pound stick bombs. The afternoon patrol could not reach station because of weather.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Afternoon Sweep 3 May 1510-1905 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Morning Sweep 4 May 0635-0910 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Afternoon Sweep 4 May 1500-1636 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 3 May 1700-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 4 May 0705-0840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 13:31:49 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 6 May 1945.
NEW BRITAIN
(44 sorties-36 tons)
Venturas Aim at Tobera Fuel and Supply Dump: Eight PVs from Emirau came over ten minutes after the Marines had landed their bombs. Forty-eight quarter-tonners were dropped from medium altitude and hit along the south edge, of the target between 106048 and 109059. Results were unobserved. No A/A met either strike.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ-9 TOBERA #24A 1115 dr 48x500 G.P.
Corsairs Watch Rabaul and Burn Barge: The two fighters patrolling Rabaul late Friday afternoon had nil sightings. Yesterday, five pairs of Corsairs were on station from 0710 to 1715. They strafed and burned to full destruction one 25-foot barge at Massava Point, holed a boat on the beach at Sussum Point, and burned a large native-type hut on the north coast of Utuan Island.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL Patrol 4 May 1715-1810 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-21, 24 RABAUL Patrols 5 May 0710-1715 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(9 sorties-6 tons)
Corsairs Crumple Huts: Two fighters on tour yesterday morning dived 4 quarter tonners which holed the approach to the Amba bridge and possibly damaged huts at Belik. Two Corsairs watched Kavieng from 0720 to 0830, putting one quarter tonner in Kavieng revetments, one on Kavieng buildings and two close to the But But bridge. One fighter mailed leaflets to Cape St. George at 0820 from 10,000 feet, using a 100-pound bomb for a stamp. Get it? Four Corsairs dived eight half-ton daisy cutters on the Pinikindu bivouac, destroying 6 huts and damaging others.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Morning Sweep 0645-1015 dr 4x500 G.P. (2 duds).
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 0720-0830 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 F4U NZ-23 CAPE ST. GEORGE 0820 dr 1x100 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-23 PINIKINDU 1450 dr 8x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(100 sorties-54 1/2 tons)
Green Unloads 26 1/2 Tons on Nakaru: Nine PBJs hit personnel concentrations at the north end of Nakaru at 0925 yesterday, getting 65 out of 72 eighth-tonners in the target, and the rest somewhat long. They met meagre inaccurate heavy A/A from Kangu Hill. Later on in the day, seven PVs attacked hut groups in the Nakaru area with 42 quarter tonners. At the last moment of the bombing run, a cloud obscured the target, but bombs were away on time. Results were not seen. No A/A was encountered.
At 1520, eight half-ton daisy cutters were dropped on this same target area by eight Green Corsairs from NZ-21. Results were unobserved, and no flak was met.
For the Record:
9 PBJs VMB-423 NAKARU #28 0925 dr 72x250 G.P.
7 PVs NZ-3 NAKARU #9 1425 dr 42x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-21 NAKARU #32 1520 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Muguai Huts Bombed: Eight fighters from Green's squadron 24 made an early strike at huts sheltering 200 personnel in Muguai with eight 650 pound depth charges and eight 500-pounders. Two depth charges and one quarter-tonner fell in the proper area, but the rest overshot. No results were seen. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-24 MUGUAI #33 0835 dr 8x650 D.C.
8x500 G.P.
Early Piva Corsairs Bomb Huts: Four fighters made a negative barge search around southern Bougainville from 0510 to 0740 yesterday morning. They bombed huts near Nakaru and Kara and a bridge near Kokeviko (west of Kieta) with four 650-pound depth charges. No damage was observed. One burst of inaccurate heavy A/A came from the southeast tip of Tonolei Harbor and meagre inaccurate tracered light fire came from half a mile southwest of Kara strip. Four more Corsairs did Able-Charlie searches at 0710, bombed huts west of Laguai and east of the Silibai River for unseen damage, and probably hit a group of a dozen huts about 600 to 700 yards southwest of Laguai with one of their four 650s.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-16 Barge Hunt 0510-0740 dr 4x650 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ-16 Able-Charlie Searches 0710 dr 4x650 D.C.
Nips at Tinputs Blasted: At 2nd Corps request, ten Piva Corsairs attacked a large enemy concentration in houses near Tinputs. Red native lap-laps marked the target. The lead plane smoked the huts at 0805 and eight out of ten 650-pound depth charges scored good coverage on the area with excellent blast effect. One bomb fell 100 yards east, and one was a dud. 12 strafing runs were also made. The undergrowth appeared well cleared out by this attack, but other results were not visible.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ-22 TINPUTS 0805 dr 2x100 Smoke.
10x650 D.C. (1 dud).
Guns in North Get Dozen Depth Charges: Twelve fighters led by Tac/r put twelve 650s on three gun positions at Ratsoa. Two depth charges fell on the first target, one overshot 50 yards southeast, one was about on the second target, 4 fell 20 to 100 yards north, three bombs made a close circle around the 3rd target, and one of the depth charges was a dud.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-26 RATSOA dr 12x650 D.C. (1 dud).
Road Junction Bombed: Four fighters failed to block the Unanai crossroads at 003402 yesterday at 1040. Two of the four half-tonners were duds. One more cratered the edge of the road and the last bomb cratered the off edge of the crater.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-16 UNANAI 1040 dr 4x1000 G.P. (2 duds).
Troops and Large Gun at Rusei Hit: Eleven Piva Corsairs each with a 650-pound depth charge, attacked a Nip concentration and gun position at 032375 near Rusei at 1150. Six bombs fell in line on the south portion of the target for good coverage. Three clustered on the indicated gun position. One bomb was jettisoned at sea when the plane carrying it developed engine trouble, and one fell in a garden 200 yards north of the target. A well-worn track was noted leading from the south end of this garden to the gun site. Ten fighters dropped a pair of para flare smoke bombs on the same target at 1225, then loosed ten half-ton daisy cutters. Eight fell on the south and central part of the area smoked. Two hit 50 to 100 yards west. 23 strafing runs were made. The central and south portions of the target were seen to be well cleared by the attacks. One Nip was also seen hot-footing it from the middle of the area to the northern part.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ-26 RUSEI 1150 dr 11x650 D.C.
10 F4Us NZ-22 RUSEI 1225 dr 2 Para Flares.
10x1000 G.P.
Vehicle Park at Monoitu Heavily Damaged: In the most productive strike of the day, 13 Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 put six 1000-pound stick bombs and eighteen 325-pound depth charges on a suspected truck pool and storage area just east of Monoitu Mission at 004402 yesterday at 1330. The area was well cleared along the west side of the road by 14 hits. One fell 600 yards east of the target. A truck and a large car were destroyed. One large explosion was caused, with much black smoke. Nine hits were scored on the east side of the road, but the area was not cleared as effectively as on the west side. 15 strafing runs were made over the whole target and three more on 20 by 10 foot heavy wooden stages on the east bank of the Hari River at 024406 and 025409. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from an undetermined point.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ-14 MONOITU 1330 dr 2x30 Smoke.
6x1000 G.P.
18x325 D.C.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 13:38:12 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 7 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(94 sorties-56 1/2 tons)
Mibo River Ford Bivouac Attacked: AIB reports said a bivouac of 20 Nips was located in a cluster of banana palms west of the river, so at 2nd Corps request, 13 Piva Corsairs bombed the camp at 0750 yesterday with 6 half-ton SAPs and 18 325-pound depth charges. 17 hits were scored in the area smoked, two were 10 yards off on the south side of the road, three were 25 yards east, and two about 100 yards west. Eighty percent of the banana palms were flattened. A small wisp of white smoke rose from the area after the bombing. Four unobserved strafing runs were made at a small fire in the target area. A small log-roofed dugout was noted in the center of the area, and telephone wires along the road.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ-14 MIBO RIVER FORD 0750 dr 2x30 Smoke.
6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
Huts at Tarlena Hit Next: Twelve fighters with two 1000-pound SAPs and ten 650-pound depth charges struck 4 or more huts known to be an enemy center at Tarlena. These dwellings are under heavy timber, and each one has a number of lean-tos nearby. The target was hard to locate, but all bombs fell in the proper area for good coverage. None of the huts was seen--before, during, or after the strike.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-26 TARLENA 0800 dr 2x1000 S.A.P.
10x650 D.C.
Targets on Southwest Coast Bombed: Weathered off Mosiga, 12 Piva Corsairs were directed to hit the pill-box area at Aitara (mouth of the Hongorai River). Six 1000 pound SAPs and 18 325-pound depth charges were dropped at high noon. All bombs hit the bush along the beach near the clearing. No results were seen.
Then 12 more fighters with a single half-ton SAP and eleven 650-pound depth charges bombed two groups of huts at 974335 and 975338 where much activity has been noted. These huts are near Mosiga (just east of Aitara). Eight planes hit the north group of four huts. One dud felled a tree in the center of the target area. One other target hit was scored, three fell at the extreme southern edge, and three wandered 200 yards southeast for unobserved results. The other four planes demolished two huts in the south group with two direct hits, and came close to two more huts with hits 25 and 50 yards away.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-14 AITARA 1200 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-26 MOSIGA 1215 dr 1x1000 S.A.P.
11x650 D.C. (1 dud).
Nakaru Hit Twice: An enemy concentration at 294343 was attacked at 0955 by five Green Venturas carrying 30 quarter-tonners. All bombs missed the target and fell 600 yards to the east. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from known positions north of Kara strip. Another Nakaru target at 124365 was struck at 1400 by six Green Mitchells toting 18 half tonners. 13 hit the assigned area. The others fell short. Damage was not seen. No A/A was met. Smoky Pete marked this target and encountered meagre inaccurate light A/A from the area.
For the Record:
5 PVs NZ-3 NAKARU #40 0955 dr 30x500 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB-423 NAKARU #20 1400 dr 18x1000 G.P.
Green Also Bombed Muguai: A repeat strike on 200 enemies of the RNZAF was launched at 0920 when eight Corsairs from Green struck Muguai #33, putting all eight 1000-pound daisy cutters in the target. A large orange flame was produced, with black smoke. Reminiscent of Old Nassau.
For the Record:
3 F4Us NZ-21 MUGUAI #33 0920 dr 8x1000 G.P.
East Coast Targets Battered: Eight Green Corsairs with 8 quarter-tonners and 8 650-pound depth charges were weathered off Muguai #30. They hit a gun position at Kiviri (777317) at 1500, scoring two depth charges and a 500-pounder just 15 yards from the gun, eight within 100 yards of the gun, two bombs in the sea, and three depth charges hung, then jettisoned. No A/A was met.
Clouds hid Nakaru #25, so five Venturas put their 30 quarter tonners on Numa Numa at 1510. 17 bombs hit trees on the south part of the headland, 12 fell in the sea, and one hung and was returned to base. Results were unobserved. Flak was not seen.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-24 KIVIRI 1500 dr 8x650 D.C.
8x500 G.P.
5 PVs NZ-3 NUMA NUMA 1510 dr 29x500 G.P.
Tractors on Northern Front Smacked: Four Piva Corsairs carrying four half-ton SAPs with a 9-inch extension fuse, and four 325-pound depth charges, attacked enemy tractors at 247747-247751 at 1715 yesterday. Tac/r led them in. Two SAPs and one depth charge were duds. All hits were in the assigned area, but results were not seen. 24 strafing runs were also made, with greater success. Tac/r reports: one tractor with an end blown in. Another tractor or 10-wheeled truck completely destroyed. One fire started at 247748 in an area 120 by 30 yards, with smoke rising to 1000 feet. A ship's tank 6x6x15 feet at 247751 burned out. A dump of cratered drums at 246751 blew up, with an intensely hot fire burning out rapidly.
During a negative search for a sub thought to be in Matchin Bay, a short oil slick with drum floating 5000 yards from Madehas Island on a bearing of 240 degrees was seen.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-14 CHABAI 1715 dr 4x1000 S.A.P. (2 duds).
4x325 D.C. (1 dud).
Four Pairs of Able-Charlies: Two Corsairs out at 0610 put two 325-pound depth charges near a medium-sized hut on a cliff at Hahalis (Buka) for unseen damage.
Two more fighters making the rounds at the same time destroyed two huts among trees on the west slope of a ridge southeast of Mt. Bonmartini with a pair of 325-pound depth charges.
A pair of Piva Corsairs touring at 0655 missed a possible footbridge 40 yards long over a stream half a mile from the river mouth at Teihup. Two 325s were dropped.
Two fighters with two 325-pound depth charges on Able-Charlie search at 0655 destroyed a lean-to 12 feet long built against trees 200 yards in from the coast at Kalia (east of Fauro Island). They also saw an apparently serviceable bridge about 200 yards north of Vito (central east coast).
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-16 Able-Charlie Searches 0610, 0655 dr 8x325 D.C.
NEW BRITAIN
(22 sorties-14 tons)
Vunakanau Plane Hide Peppered: Eight Emirau Venturas dropped 48 quarter tonners from medium altitude on a possible plane hide, supply and personnel area at Vunakanau yesterday. Only 12 hit the target. The others ran off to 160074.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ-9 VUNAKANAU #9B 1025 dr 48x500 G.P.
Corsairs Patrol Rabaul, Kill Nip, Smoke Hut: Two fighters over Rabaul late Saturday afternoon had nil sightings. 5 pairs of Corsairs watched the area yesterday until weathered off at 1710. They strafed and killed one Nip and smoked a hut at Mioko Island.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-24 RABAUL Patrol 5 May 1715-1835 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-21,24 RABAUL Patrols 6 May 0715-1710 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties-8 1/2 tons)
Patrols and Sweeps: Two Corsairs watched Kavieng late Saturday afternoon, diving four quarter-tonners for two probable hits on the Kavieng radio. Two fighters over Kavieng yesterday morning damaged one Kavieng building with 4 quarter-ton daisy cutters. Two Corsairs on afternoon sweep Saturday put 4 quarter tonners on Kimidan gardens and the bridge at Katendan where the road was holed. Yesterday's morning run holed the Lossuk road and damaged the Mongai bridge with 4 quarter-tonners after a late start caused by the weather.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 5 May 1640-1851 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 6 May 0935-1130 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Afternoon Sweep 5 May 1505-1830 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Morning Sweep 6 May 0840-1120 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 13:46:07 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 8 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(117 sorties-70 1/2 tons)
Chabai Camp and Supply Dump Well Covered: At 2nd Corps request, 9 Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 hit an important supply and personnel area at 268744 northeast of Chabai at 0740 yesterday. This target was bombed 25 April with few hits scored. Heavily used M/T tracks show throughout this area. After smoking the target, 4 half-ton SAPs and a dozen 325-pound depth charges were dropped on the area. Only three were wide, falling 80 yards southeast. An area 100x200 yards was completely cleared. 27 strafing runs were made, unobserved. Half an hour later, eight fighters from NZ-16 added four more half-ton stick bombs and four 650-pound depth charges in the target area for unseen damage.
For the Record:
9 F4Us NZ-14 CHABAI 0740 dr 2x30 Smoke.
4x1000 S.A.P.
12x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-16 CHABAI 0810 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4x650 D.C.
Gun at Chabai Destroyed: Tac/r took four Piva Corsairs to a suspected gun position at 264755 yesterday afternoon. Eight 325-pound depth charges were dropped. One was a dud. All hits were on target, but unassessed. An unidentified black object was seen on the north side of the road at the west end of Buka Passage. Four more Piva Corsairs, this time from NZ-22, hit the same Chabai gun at 1500, getting all four half-ton stick bombs as indicated by tac/r. 8 strafing runs were made. Tac/r reports one gun and revetment demolished, one large store hut blown up and left burning, one possible twin-barrelled gun destroyed, one flat-top trailer destroyed, and oil drums scattered over the area.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-14 CHABAI 1425 dr 8x325 D.C. (1 dud).
4 F4Us NZ-22 CHABAI 1500 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Bombs Crunch on Colonel's Crack: AIB reported that Colonel Nakamulas, commander of important Jap forces in the north, has his headquarters in a fissure on the face of a cliff at Siara (331726). Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-22 determined to blow it out with 4 half-ton stick bombs and four 650-pound depth charges. All bombs exploded in the target area from the coast to 150 yards up the colonel's crevasse, mostly on the south cheek. After one bomb, a large column of smoke was seen blowing high in the air, and lasting about two minutes. A rare sight, indeed.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-22 SIARA 1125 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4x650 D.C.
Pill-Box Disintegrated at Rakururi: Beach defenses at Aitara and Mosiga have been bombed by recent strikes, and yesterday 957334, midway between these places, was the pin-point for all bombs. The object was to destroy the strongpoint and eliminate personnel presumed quartered in the vicinity. Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-22 sighted the well-camouflaged pill-box at 0812, smoked it with para flares, then dropped eleven half-ton daisy cutters on the target, plus one maverick 50 yards to the east. An area 300 by 120 yards was completely cleared. No sign of the pill-box could be seen after the attack. Mashed to mincemeat was the unofficial verdict.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-22 RAKURURI 0812 dr 2 Para Smoke. 12x1000 G.P.
Bombs on Rusei Cause Big Flashes: AIB reported a large enemy force just north of the Buin Road at the Ogorata River crossing. 8 Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 visited this concentration at 1135 yesterday, dropping 4 half-ton SAPs and 12 325-pound depth charges on the pin-point at 045368. All hit the target, causing two big flashes and a large column of black smoke. Planks and debris were blown higher than the trees. 24 strafing runs were made for unassessed damage. Cooking fires and huts were seen at 055430 and 057432, also wrecked huts north of 057432.
At 1140 eight Piva Corsairs from NZ-16 added 4 half-ton daisy cutters and four 650s to the same target. The first four bombs completed saturation of the target, so the other four were placed on an area to the west. Meagre accurate light A/A came from two guns on the south side of the road in the vicinity.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-14 RUSEI 1135 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
12x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-16 RUSEI 1140 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4x650 D.C.
Unanai Truck Park and Gun Bombed: Tac/r led twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-26 to a suspected M/T park and gun site at 012408. Nine half-ton SAPs and three 650-pound depth charges were dropped. Eight hit the park for good coverage, clearing the area. Four fell on the gun area. Results were not seen.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-26 UNANAI 1525 dr 9x1000 S.A.P.
3x650 D.C.
Green Hits Nakaru Five Times: At 0937, six Marine Mitchells put 14 half-tonners in a large enemy concentration at 276373-276379, and four more 1000-pounders to the south for no seen damage.
Six Venturas with 36 quarter-tonners hit the same spot at 0956, getting 26 in the target, plus 10 to the west. A column of thick black smoke rose from the target, billowing 2000 feet high. No A/A was met.
At 1020, eight NZ-24 Corsairs carried 8 quarter-tonners and eight 650-pound depth charges over area 304303, scoring 6 depth charges and 3 GPs along the length of the target, 2 GPs slightly long, and the remainder hung and jettisoned. Results were unobserved. Still no flak. All 18 half tonners hit the mark, starting a fire with smoke to 1000 feet, when six Mitchells bombed camps at 278347 at 1505. Enroute to strafe Chinputts (NE coast), moderate accurate light A/A came from Inus Plantation.
Finally, at 1600, eight NZ-21 Corsairs scored four direct hits on 251289 with 4 half-ton daisy-cutters, plus four just north of the target. No A/A was encountered.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB-423 NAKARU #38 0937 dr 18x1000 G.P.
6 PVs NZ-3 NAKARU #38 0956 dr 36x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-24 NAKARU #2 1020 dr 8x500 G.P.
8x650 D.C.
6 PBJs VMB-423 NAKARU #36 1505 dr 18x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-21 NAKARU #31 1600 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Able-Charlies Burn Huts and Kill Nips: A pair of Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 on A-C tour at 0600 put four 325-pound depth charges around a Mibo River garden, then strafed in 6 runs, for unobserved results. Four gun runs were made on a 12x12x18 foot cmaouflaged object on top of a hill at Koromira Point. It faced seaward, with a small shack on the inland side. Flames rose 20 feet. The shack was fired and billowed thick white smoke. Five Nips in gardens at Rorovana #2 were strafed, and one killed. Another pair of NZ-14 Corsairs at 1000 damaged two serviceable huts at 040880 (Buka Passage) with 4 strafing runs, also two huts NE of Lemanmanu for unseen results. Thirty or more huts were noted along the coast at the base of cliffs from Tandeki to Iltapan (northeast coast of Buka). They were built into the mouths of caverns.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-14 Able-Charlie Searches 0600,1000 dr 4x325 D.C.
NEW BRITAIN
(44 sorties-44 tons)
Emirau PBJs and PVs Blast Vunakanau: Twenty-two Mitchells with 132 quarter pounders made a medium-altitude attack on the personnel and supply area a mile southeast of Vunakanau strip at 1103 yesterday. 36 centered at 188068. 54 walked from 165058 to 156065. 42 strung between 173060 and 165065. In all, fifty-seven bombs were on the target. Two other PBJs returned with their load. One had engine trouble. The other had electrical failure. Six PVs came over the suspected plane hide and storage area in the narrow strip of woods parallel with the road at Vunakanau half an hour later, putting all 36 of their quarter-tonners south west of the target in a 300-foot circle around 132066.
For the Record:
24 PBJs VMB-Emirau VUNAKANAU #9B 1103 dr 132x500 G.P.
6 PVs NZ-9 VUNAKANAU #6 1131 dr 36x500 G.P.
Rabaul Patrolled by Sharpshooting Corsairs: Two fighters from NZ-21 watched Rabaul late Sunday afternoon. They also strafed and destroyed a truck laden with timber, and another carrying produce, and damaged a third on the coast road north of Keravat. Five pairs of NZ-21 and NZ-24 Corsairs flew over the Rabaul area yesterday from 0720 to 0800 and from 0905 to 1705. At 0800, while strafing and damaging a truck at Malapau Plantation, Flying Officer Dackery of NZ-21 met meagre light fire which holed his plane in three places and wounded him in the leg. He landed at base safely. Another patrol strafed and killed a Nip on a jetty at Ataliklikun Bay.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL Patrol 6 May 1705-1900 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-21, 24 RABAUL Patrols 7 May 0720-0800 0905-1705 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(8 sorties-4 tons)
Kavieng Patrols: The late Sunday afternoon pair dived buildings at Kavieng and Ulunono with four quarter-tonners for no seen damage. The morning pair yesterday dived four 500-pounders on a fire at Bengala but claimed no damage.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 6 May 1530-1840 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 KAVIENG Patrol 7 May 0650-0845 dr 4x500 G.P.
Coastal Sweeps: Two fighters on afternoon run Sunday glided four 500-pounders at the Lauan Bay bridge, holing the bridge and the approach. The morning sweep yesterday slightly damaged the Panemansu bridge, but missed Maron and Ramut huts, with four quarter tonners.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-23 Afternoon Sweep 6 May 1500-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-23 Morning Sweep 7 May 1635-1030 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 14:00:42 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 6 May.
Major LOWELL led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight strike on target #26, Nakaru, Bougainville. The strike was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The raid was airborne by 1247 and after joining-up as described above proceeded down the west coast of Bougainville to Montupena Point. At this point the flight leader contacted a Green Corsair which preceded the formation to drop a smoke bomb on the target. The flight followed the south west coast to the south of the Hongou River and turned inland on a heading of 083º magnetic and turned into the bombing run.
The bombing run was made on a heading of 053º magnetic with the first section at 10,300 feet and the second section at 10,100 feet at an indicated air speed of 160 knots. Bombs were away at 1400 after which the flight broke away to the left and returned to Green. All planes were safely on the deck by 1505.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Due to cloud cover no photographs were obtained. However, the pilot of the F4U which dropped the smoke bomb reported 75% of the bombs in the target and 25% just west of the target.
1 F4U from NZ-24 listed as having been involved in this sortie.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 14:12:41 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 8 May.
Major LOWELL, Operations officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight attack on target number 25 Nakaru, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 0818 and proceeded down the west coast of Bougainville to Montopena Point. A Corsair from NZ-24 accompanied the formation to Montopena Point where it preceded the flight to the target and marked it with a phosphorous bomb.
From Montopena the formation went down the south coast and turned east crossing the coast at the Mibo River and turning into the bomb run at the Porror River.
Bombs were released at 0925 from an altitude of 10,300 feet on a heading of 043º magnetic at 160 knots indicated. After bombs were away the planes broke to the left and returned to base. All planes were safely on deck at Green Island by 1036.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Good coverage of the target was obtained as the bombs walked from the southwest corner to the northeast corner.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 15:06:52 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 9 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(75 sorties - 49 1/2 tons)
Hari River Huts Bombed: At 0750, twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ 22 attacked six huts of an enemy concentration at 995376. Two of these huts are only two feet high and may be M.G. posts. The two smoke bombs were duds. All twelve half-ton daisy cutters fell in the target area about 350 yards west of the Hari River, blasting and clearing it so as to bare an undamaged ramp of heavy logs.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 22 HARI RIVER 0750 dr 2x18 Smoke (both duds)
12x1000 G.P.
Troops and Truck Near Oamai River Hit: In a later strike, more to the rear, ten Piva Corsairs from NZ 16 smoked and scored full hits with 8 half-ton stick bombs on an enemy roadside resting place at 168331. The area was opened up at the north end of the target for about 45 yards. A truck was seen resting in the river, upside down, on the north side of the bridge connecting the road through the target. Eight fighters from NZ 26 came over the same target five minutes later. They found the target obscured by low smoke but dropped their 7 half-ton SAPs and single 650-pound depth charge. Six hits were made on the target, and two were placed on the approximate location of the truck, unobserved. 16 strafing runs on the whole area started a small fire at the south edge of the main target.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 16 OAMAI RIVER 1125 dr 4x100 Smoke
8x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 26 OAMAI RIVER 1130 dr 7x1000 S.A.P.
1x650 D.C.
Nakaru Attacked by Green Mediums and Fighters: NZ 21 sent 8 Corsairs to bomb the area halfway between the log bridge over the Oamai River and the main Buin Road. One plane returned early with engine trouble, jettisoning its half-tonner in the sea. Seven 1000-pound daisy cutters were spilled on the target at 0840, scoring three direct hits, 3 near misses, and a dud. Results not known.
A personnel area at 281297 and another at 285297 were the pin-points for four Venturas toting 24 quarter-tonners at 0910. A small column of white smoke rose after the bombing. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from known positions at Kangu Hill and Kara. Six Marine PBJs whacked the same places with 18 half-tonners all good hits at 0925. Results were not seen.
Scheduled afternoon strikes were cancelled because of bad weather out of Green.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 21 NAKARU #34 0840 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 PVs NZ 3 NAKARU #25 0910 dr 24x500 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB 423 NAKARU #25 0925 dr 18x1000 G.P.
Kieta Again Visited: Eight Piva Corsairs from NZ 26 with 8 half-ton SAPs failed to locate the enemy concentration at 273917 where six large huts and much track activity has been reported. All bombs were dropped on the wrong spot. Ten minutes later, another eight fighters (NZ 16) put eight 1000-pound daisy cutters somewhat closer to the mark, but no proper hits were registered.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 26 KIETA 0750 dr 8x1000 S.A.P.
8 F4Us NZ 16 KIETA 0800 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Arawa Japs Killed: A delayed report states that 13 Nips were killed by the blast of ammo dumps exploded recently at Arawa. This baker's dozen will be added to today's fat record.
Only Northern Target was Tarlena Gun: Eleven Corsairs from NZ 22 with tac/r lead-in to smoke, put four half-ton stick bombs right in the center of the smoke and seven more nearby. Tac/r reports four near misses, but the gun not budged. 22 strafing runs were made. A bit of twisted iron was seen about 35 yards north of the smoke.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ 22 TARLENA dr 11x1000 G.P.
Practice Bombings on Buka: A Green PV put six quarter-tonners on Hetau Island off the west central coast of Buka from 0800 to 0825 yesterday for unassessed results. A PBY caused an explosion at Kessa Plantation at 1040 with two 250-pounders. Two more were duds. Inaccurate small arms fire came from north of the target. This observed result breaks the spell of unassessed damage invariably tagged to these reports.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 3 HETAU ISLAND 0800-0825 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PBY VPB 53 KESSA PLANTATION 1040 dr 4x250 G.P. (2 duds)
Able-Charlies Kill Nips and Blast Huts: Four NZ 26 fighters on A-C tour at 0645 killed one of three Nips in an outrigger canoe off the east coast of Alu Island (Shortlands). The canoe was damaged. They also killed one of a pair of Japs in a garden north of Arawa. Rice paddy fields and excellent gardens were noted on the NW coast of Fauro Island.
Two Corsairs toured at 1045 with two 1000-pound SAPs. They dropped one between two groups of huts at Ruri head, causing a heavy explosion. The two western huts were destroyed and the three eastern ones badly damaged. The other bomb hit the top of the cliff and skipped 150 yards inland, bursting like a bloomin' sunflower in a garden. Four strafing runs were made on 5 or 6 huts west of the target, and 2 runs on a large hut left after the Ruri Bay strike 3 May. Other huts and Nips were strafed for unobserved results. No bogey was seen over the Shortlands.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 26 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0645 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 26 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCH 1045 dr 2x1000 S.A.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(31 sorties - 37 1/2 tons)
Corsair Patrols Hit Water Craft: The pair of fighters watching Rabaul late Monday afternoon had nil sightings. Yesterday four Corsairs were on duty from 0715 until weathered out at 1116. Strafing runs damaged 2 barges and destroyed a canoe on the north-west coast of Ulu Island (Duke of York), meeting meagre inaccurate light A/A.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 24 RABAUL PATROL 7 MAY 1710-1825 No bombs
4 F4Us NZ 24 RABAUL PATROLS 8 MAY 0715-1??6 No bombs
NEW IRELAND
(22 sorties- 19 tons)
7 Venturas Destroy Three Bridges, Damage Two: The Japs are sweating and straining to repair the damage done to their main New Ireland road, but, like Alice and the Red Queen, they aren't getting anywhere. Yesterday a lucky lot of Venturas strung 42 quarter-tonners at low level along the route. It is true they missed the Lamussong, Belik, Capo Bakan and Laminnis bridges. Yes, and they only holed the road at Fessoa, Balus and Katenbuang. But they put four bombs in repair work on the Ramut cliff road. They damaged the Mongai and north Pinis bridges. And they destroyed the bridges at Modina, Libba and South Salik. All this and damage to a Bopire truck plus 4 smoked huts at Fessoa and Mongai too.
For the Record:
7 PVs NZ 9 NEW IRELAND 0910-1020 dr 42x500 G.P.
Corsairs Sweep: Two fighters on afternoon run Monday dived 4 quarter-tonners which holed the road near Ramut bridge. Another pair out yesterday morning put 4 quarter-tonners on a Lebrechtshof fire for unseen damage. One plane developed engine trouble, so the sweep came in at 0800, then off again till 1155, diving half-ton daisy cutters which blew the planking off the Pinikindu bridge, also strafed and burned a Patlangat hut to the ground.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 AFTERNOON SWEEP 7 MAY 1500-1827 dr 4x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 23 MORNING SWEEP 8 MAY 0630-0800 dr 4x500 G.P.
0830-1155 dr 2x1000 G.P.
Corsairs Bomb: Four fighters dived four 1000-pound stick bombs on the Amba bivouac at 1730. They scored 2 direct hits, a miss and a dud, then strafed. No results were seen.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 23 AMBA 1730 dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
Corsairs Patrol: Two fighters watched Kavieng late Monday afternoon, gliding 4 quarter-tonners. Two missed a large shed on Nausen Island. One cratered the road and another damaged a hut at Nusa. Leaflets were dropped on Kavieng. Two Corsairs patrolled Kavieng yesterday morning, diving four quarter-tonners which holed the road at Lebrechtshof but missed a house nearby.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 KAVIENG PATROL 7 MAY 1655-1825 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 KAVIENG PATROL 8 MAY 0705-0820 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 17:06:25 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 10 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(104 sorties - 64 1/4 tons)
Tarlena Vehicle Park Heavily Hit: In an effort to complete the destruction at this northern tractor and truck depot a follow-up to the May 6th strike was requested by the 2nd Corps. Thirteen Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 carried 6 half-ton SAPs and 18 325-pound depth charges over the area 246740 to 246750 at 0750. A truck at 246749 was smoked, then 12 bombs fell 100 yards north and one 30 yards south, blowing the bottom out of a tractor. Also, a heavily camouflaged truck lost half its hood and its doors, and blazed and smoked as long as the planes could see. Oil fires were started, and the camouflage was blown off 10 drums within 20 yards radius of the smoke bomb.
The second smoke was a dud, so a gun-carrying tractor camouflaged as a tank was indicated by strafing. Nine bombs fell within 10 to 15 yards of the target. Two more somewhat wider. The camouflage was wrecked, and the target reduced in size. Caterpillar tracks protruded at one end. 39 strafing runs were made on the two targets. A flash 100 feet in the air was caused, also oil fires smoking 800 feet in the air, and continuing to burn after the planes left. Ten or more still-serviceable drums were dispersed on the south side of the road at 245746, and some at 246749. A circular flash from the Buka Passage area may have been a searchlight. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from about 244756.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ 14 TARIENA 0750 dr 2x30 Smoke. (1 dud)
6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
Follow-up Strike on Oamai Bivouac: Nine fighters from NZ 16 smoked a camp area 167332-169330 where the E-W trail crosses the Oamai, also strafing 200 yards on either side of the track. The target was smoked and 8 half-ton daisy cutters fell in the area, plus one 20 yards over. Results were not seen. Eight planes from NZ 22 hit ten minutes later, putting their eight half-ton stick bombs in the NW two-thirds of the target area. The whole area was thus well blasted and cleared. Three more new huts were noted. NW of the target.
For the Record:
9 F4Us NZ 16 OAMAI RIVER 0800 dr 4x100 Smoke
9x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 22 OAMAI RIVER 0810 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Billabong Bombed by Forty Fighters: The 3rd Division asked that air support be directed at a dry watercourse (known as a "billabong") 1600 yards north of the main Hongorai Crossing at 944447. The enemy’s main fields of fire were coming from this depression. At 1145 a dozen Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 started the attack with 6 half-ton SAPs and 18 325-pound depth charges. Low clouds and a DC-4 interfered with the bomb run. Smoke was requested from the artillery, but not was seen. Nevertheless, 11 bombs fell in the target area, mostly along the north edge. Three hit across the river, one to the SW, two in the dry run to the NE, and seven unobserved. No results noted. At 1155 twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ 26 set out with 12 half-ton SAPs, but one plane returned early, jettisoning its bomb in the sea. Six bombs struck the center of the billabong on the NW edge and the SW edge. Two were duds. One hung and was jettisoned in the sea. Two fell 100 to 150 yards NW. Nothing startling to report from that load. Eight fighters from NZ 22 hit at 1202 with 8 half-ton SAPs. Seven fell in the billabong. One was a dud. The south third of the target was poorly covered, but the north two-thirds was completely blasted and cleared. A possible log frame hut in the center was well blasted. 24 strafing runs were also made, with unobserved results.
Finally, eight Corsairs from NZ 16 came over the target at 1205 with eight 1000-pound daisy cutters. Seven fell in the target area, including one at the extreme south. One plane returned to base with hydraulic trouble, jettisoning its bomb at sea.
The area appeared moderately well covered by the combined strike.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 14 HONGORAI RIVER 1145 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 26 1155 dr 12x1000 S.A.P. (2 duds)
8 F4Us NZ 22 1202 dr 8x1000 S.A.P. (1 dud)
8 F4Us NZ 16 1205 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Nakaru Area Hit by Green With 30 Tons: Eight Corsairs from NZ 24 put ten 650-pounders in Nakaru #16 at 0930 for unseen damage. One hour earlier, six Mitchells put 17 half-tonners in Nakaru #9. One hang-up was dropped in the drink. At 0915 eight PVs scored 42 center hits on Nakaru #9 with quarter-tonners plus six which cut a semi-circle across Kara strip. These Venturas met meagre inaccurate heavy A/A from a known position north of Kara. At 1435, NZ 21 sent eight Corsairs over Nakaru #30 and all eight of their half-ton daisy cutters fell in the target area. Results were not assessed.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB 423 NAKARU #9 0830 dr 18x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 3 NAKARU #9 0915 dr 48x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 24 NAKARU #16 0930 dr 10x650 D.C.
6x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 21 NAKARU #30 1435 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Buka Practice-Bombed: At 1920 Tuesday evening, one Catalina dropped four 250-pounders on Tohatsi for unobserved results. Possible medium a/a came from Hanpan. Yesterday two PVs made morning runs on Buka, dropping 12 quarter-tonners on Hetau Island for unassessed damage.
For the Record:
1 PBY VPB 53 TOHATSI 8 May 1920 dr 4x250. G.P.
2 PVs NZ 3 HETAU 9 May dr 12x500 G.P.
Able-Charlies Fire Barge: A pair of Corsairs on A-C search at 0650 made two strafing runs on a barge and stores in Tonolei Harbor (080140). Both were fired. They gunned two Nips unloading the barge, but they skedaddled off into the bush. A second barge laden with stores but apparently unserviceable was seen in the harbor at 111112. Four naval guns were seen at Pupukuna on the south coast. Fires at Kieta and Cape Suhin (Buka) were strafed, unobserved. A pair of fighters on A-C duty at 1015 strafed caves along the east coast of Buka, scoring possible damage to washing outside the caves. Yep, they sure hit some pretty good socks. The track along this coast appears as well worn as the above pun.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 22 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0650,1015 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(41 sorties - 32 tons)
Venturas Wet Malaguna: The float-plane hide at Malaguna was visited at 1052 yesterday by six Emirau PVs dropping 36 quarter-tonners from medium altitude. 4 fell on the target. 32 hit the water.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ 9 MALAGUNA 1052 dr 36x500 G.P.
Rabaul Patrols See Two Planes on Rapopo, Damage One: Five pairs of Corsairs watched the Rabaul area yesterday from 0715 to 1715. They strafed and killed 2 Nips at Tawui Point, damaged a canoe at Duke of York, and smoked a hut on Utuan Island. They sighted two single-engine planes parked north of Rapopo strip. They strafed and hit one plane. Its position was 973216. Both aircraft appeared serviceable. One was a Jake. One plane was silver, and the other camouflaged. Both had engine covers. Later, two huts were strafed and smoked on Duke of York. A white flag with a vertical red strip was seen on the beaches at Lassul Bay and Kabaira Bay and on the beach just east of the Vudal River. Meaning undetermined.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 21, 24 RABAUL PATROLS 0715-1715 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(15 sorties - 10 tons)
Corsairs Destroy Huts: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol late Tuesday Afternoon dived four quarter-tonners which missed Kaut Bay huts. The afternoon sweep by two Corsairs got 2 direct hits on Bulu huts and 2 in nearby gardens with four 500 pounders. Oil on the windshield caused early return. Two fighters sweeping yesterday morning missed the Kimidan Road with two quarter-tonners, but destroyed 3 Lamernewi huts with other two bombs. The pair of Corsairs over Kavieng yesterday morning dived 4 quarter-tonners into Maiome gardens for unseen damage. Their take-off was delayed by trouble with one of the planes.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 KAVIENG PATROL 8 May 1655-1840 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 AFTERNOON SWEEP 8 May 1500-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 MORNING SWEEP 9 May 0640-1017 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 KAVIENG PATROL 9 May 0800-0925 dr 4x500 G.P.
Ventura Delivers War Extra: A PV spread 12,000 Jap language leaflets over New Ireland from low level yesterday morning. These sheets announced the capitulation of Germany. The PV also damaged the Fatmilak bridge and cratered the approach with 6 quarter-tonners.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 9 NEW IRELAND 0930-1330 dr 6x500 G.P.
Mystery: On Tuesday at 1630 an object was seen 170° true from the west tip of Emirau. It consisted of 2x3 foot metal buoys and a raft of 6 empty 50-gallon metal drums. They supported two 2x2 inch wooden spans 12 foot tall, between which was secured a 3x6 foot sheet of tin. This contraption was strafed and sunk.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 17:29:49 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 8 May 1945.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
NZ-19 18 F4U 14 25 NZ # 4 S. U.
EMIRAU
VMB-413 12 PBJ 11 46 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ 12 44 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 45 VMB-443
NZ-9 16 PV-1 14 14 NZ # 10 S. U.
NZ-25 19 F4U 18 23 NZ # 5 S. U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ-1J 12 49 VMB-423
VPB-53 29 PBY-5A 12 55 PATSU 1-11
1 TBF 0
2 SBD-5 1
NZ-3 16 PV-1 9 13 NZ # 14 S. U.
NZ-21 18 F4U-1 14 26 NZ # 30 S. U.
NZ-24 18 F4U-1D 17 26 NZ # 3 S. U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 14 R4D-5 12 51 VMR-152
VMR-153 12 R4D-5 11 52 VMR-153
NZ-14 18 F4U-D 16 24 NZ # 2 S. U.
NZ-22 18 F4U-1D 15 24 NZ # 31 S. U.
NZ-26 18 F4U-1 16 25 NZ # 1 S. U.
NZ-16 16 F4U-1 15 24 NZ # 25 S. U.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 20:46:40 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 11 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(84 sorties-52 1/4 tons)
Jap "Last Stand" Blasted: A.I.B. reported a Nip commanding officer and his staff at 425546 in the Luluai River valley of SE Bougainville, about 12 miles in from the coast. Troops, stores and ammo were said to be at 427545. Originally there were about 100 Japs in the area, but many more have been brought in for a last-ditch defense at this location. Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-26 initiated an attack on this target with 6 half-ton daisy cutters and 6 half ton SAPs. Tac/r led them in at 0810. One pilot suffered from possible monoxide poisoning and jettisoned his bomb early, returning to base. The 11 bombs fell on tac/recco's smoke for unseen damage. Four fighters from NZ-16 came over 5 minutes later and put 4 half-ton stick bombs on the SE part of the target.
Tac/r reported 10 or more large huts destroyed or damaged by the strike, and about the same number still to to demolished.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-26 LULUAI RIVER 0810 dr 6x1000 G.P.
6x1000 S.A.P.
4 F4Us NZ-16 LULUAI RIVER 0815 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Positions on Berry's Hill Bombed: The Japs have installed strong defenses at Berry's Hill, deep in the interior of central Bougainville, athwart the Numa Numa trail. The 23rd Brigade requested a strike to open up this area 683146-684151. Artillery smoked the targets and 12 Corsairs from NZ-14 put all 4 of their half-ton SAPs and 23 325-pound depth charges within the indicators. 15 strafing runs were also made. Tac/r could see no definite destruction.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-14 BERRY'S HILL 0805 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
23x325 D.C.
Bread and Bullet Dumps Hit: A POW revealed that a food dump and an ammunition depot were located just back of the enemy lines in southwest Bougainville at 959421 and 960427. These points are north of the Buin Road, near the Pororei River. 3rd Division asked for bombs. 13 fighters from NZ-22 complied with the request at 0830 yesterday. Two para flares were dropped, then 13 half-ton SAPs were strung in an east-west line for 350-yards. A fire started by the first bomb resulted in small explosions. The area was well cleared in the SE and central portions. The NE and NW sectors were still protected by woods. 13 fighters from NZ 22 returned to this target at 1145. Tac/r laid smoke and they dropped another 13 half-ton SAPs. Two fell wild about a mile NW of the target, but 11 fell in the vicinity of the target for fair coverage and further clearance of the area.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ 22 POROREI RIVER 0830 dr 2x18 Para Flares
13x1000 S.A.P.
13 F4Us NZ 22 POROREI RIVER 1145 dr 13x1000 S.A.P.
Muguai Bombed by Green Corsairs: Eight fighters from NZ 21 unloaded eight 1000-pound daisy cutters on a large concentration of huts at 366363 in the Muguai area. 5 direct hits were scored plus three long. Results were not seen. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 21 MUGUAI #16 0845 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Buka Hit by Lone Experimenters: Wednesday at 1910 a PBY from Green dropped 4 eighth-tonners on Lontis for unobserved results. Yesterday at 0810 a Ventura put 5 quarter-tonners on a clearing near Barikoa, starting a small fire, and one bomb on Hetau Island for unseen damage. At 1120 another PV put six quarter-tonners on Lontis gardens in 6 runs, cratering the patches. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
1 PBY VPB 53 LONTIS 9 May 1910 dr 4x250 G.P.
1 PV NZ 3 BARIKOA 10 May 0810 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 3 LONTIS 10 May 1120 dr 6x500 G.P.
Able-Charlies: The pair of fighters making the rounds at 0705 yesterday saw two khaki-clad Nips in a garden at Rigu Mission (central east coast), and prominent fresh tire tracks on the coastal road near Tarbut. Two more Corsairs out at 1015 had nil sightings.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 16 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0705,1015 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(4 sorties - no bombs)
Weathered Off the Gazelle Peninsula late Wednesday afternoon, two Corsairs returned to base for no bombing, strafing or sightings. Yesterday adverse weather permitted only one pair of fighters to patrol Rabaul from 0710 to 0905. All other flying was secured.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 24 RABAUL PATROL 9 May 1715-1735 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 24 RABAUL PATROL 10 May 0710-0805 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties - 13 tons)
Emirau Venturas Bomb Kavieng: Six PVs were weathered off Vunakanau, so they made a medium level attack on Kavieng Town at 0948 with 36 quarter-tonners. 24 fell on the mark. 12 hit the water. Conditions were Savannah 4 at Kavieng. Damage could not be seen.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ 9 KAVIENG 0948 dr 36x500 G.P.
Kavieng Patrols Hit A/A Position: Two Corsairs watched Kavieng late Wednesday afternoon, diving four 500-pounders on Kavieng jetty. They missed the jetty, but holed the road. Two fighters patrolled Kavieng yesterday morning. They dived four quarter-tonners on A/A positions. Two missed the gun at 126114, but the other two scored direct hits on the automatic A/A at 141106. Both locations spat meagre inaccurate medium fire.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 KAVIENG PATROL 9 May 1700-1828 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 KAVIENG PATROL 10 May 0650-0900 dr 4x500 G.P.
Corsair Sweeps Kill Three Japs: A pair of fighters on afternoon tours of the coasts glided 4 quarter-tonners at Karabin gardens, Ray Plantation huts, and a Roland Young fire. They killed three Nips by strafing. Weather turned them back at Samo. The pair on morning sweep yesterday put a dud and a live 500-pounder on Lemakot, plus two on the Libba bridge. No hits were scored. Strafing runs were also made, unobserved.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 23 AFTERNOON SWEEPS May 1455-1852 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 23 MORNING SWEEP 10 May 0620-??00 dr 4x500 G.P. (1 dud)
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 20:56:00 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 12 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(110 sorties-67 1/4 tons)
Luluai Concentration Again Hit: Thursday's strike cleared out half of the 20 huts at this SE Bougainville personnel center and supply dump (425545). Yesterday, 17 Corsairs were detailed to complete the destruction. Nine fighters from NZ-16 with nine 1000-pound daisy cutters struck at 0745. The lead plane smoked the target and all bombs fell in a good concentration around the smoke. Results were not seen. Then eight Corsairs from NZ-14 with 4 half ton SAPs and a dozen 325-pound depth charges came over at 0750 and again all bombs fell close to the smoke, getting good coverage. The huts could not be seen, but a well-worn track ran through the bombed area. Results can only be listed as unobserved at the present time.
For the Record:
9 F4Us NZ-16 LULUAI RIVER 0745 dr 2x100 Smoke.
9x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-14 LULUAI RIVER 0750 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
12x325 D.C.
50 Nips in 11 Umum Houses Bombed: Up north at Umum (377698), twelve Piva Corsairs dropped a dozen half-ton SAPs at 0800 on a concentration of Japs reported by A.I.B. Nine bombs fell on or close to the target area, one was 350 yards north, one 150 yards south, and one dud. The jungle was well flattened and three bombs lifted considerable debris. After one bomb explosion, a second blast was noted two seconds later. 12 strafing runs were made for unobserved results.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-22 UMUM 0800 dr 12x1000 S.A.P. (1 dud).
Heavy Attacks on Rumiki Defenses: Two large enemy concentrations at 967482 and 970476 west of Kindo near the Hongorai River have been contacted by forward patrols of the 3rd Division. To eliminate them, the areas were to be smoked by artillery, then tac/r would lead the bombers to the mark, and troops meanwhile would have moved into positions to ambush the enemy if he withdrew.
Eight Corsairs from NZ-14 with 4 half-ton SAPs and twelve 325-pound depth charges led the attack on Rumiki #1 at 966422-968481. Eighty Nips and guns, 3rd Bn. Hq. 13th Regiment, were said to be at that location. Smoke shells boxed the target at 1150 and all bombs were dropped in the proper area for good coverage. Trees were seen to fall, too. Then ten fighters from NZ-26 put ten 1000-pound SAPs on the same area. Three hit in line across the last smoke of the earlier drop. One fell on the west edge of the target halfway down the north side of the track. Artillery, then smoked again and 4 bombs fell in a loose cluster around the smoke, one on the SE edge of the target and the last bomb just south of the smoke. The area bombed was in the south portion of the target and was not effectively cleared.
At 1215 the second Rumiki target was bombed by 11 Corsairs from NZ-22. The location at 970476 was believed to be the headquarters of the 13th Regiment and to contain 60 Japs. Tac/r smoked the area and all 11 half-ton SAPs fell inside the target limits, running east with the apex of the ford. Several bombs hit on the bank of the stream. The largest concentration fell just east of the ford. The area was well covered and well cleared. Seven Corsairs from NZ-16 added seven more 1000-pounders of the daisy-cutter type. They fell in the target for unseen damage. One plane with engine trouble jettisoned its bombs and returned early.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-14 RUMIKI #1 1150 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
12x325 D.C.
10 F4Us NZ-26 RUMIKI #1 1155 dr 10x1000 S.A.P.
11 F4Us NZ-22 RUMIKI #2 1215 dr 11x1000 S.A.P.
8 F4Us NZ-16 RUMIKI #2 1220 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Muguai Sawmill Blasted: Seven NZ-24 Corsairs from Green dropped six 650-pound depth charges and eight 500-pounders on the Muguai sawmill at 0955. Four quarter-tonners and four 650s were in the target, one of each near missed, 2 quarter tonners and one DC undershot, and one 500-pounder hung and fell north of the target. Results were not observed. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
7 F4Us NZ-24 MUGUAI Sawmill 0955 dr 6x650 D.C.
8x500 G.P.
Venturas Bomb Kara Guns: Encountering no A/A interference, eight Green PVs put four dozen 500-pounders on gun positions at Kara. 46 exploded in a spread 50 yards from the western positions of the east guns, causing intense fire with red, short-lived flashes from the south edge of the bomb hits. One bomb fell just north of the target, and one hung and was jettisoned safe.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ-3 KARA 0940 dr 48x500 G.P.
Nakaru Also Hit: Eight NZ-21 Corsairs put a full load of eight 1000-pound daisy cutters on Nakaru #23 despite a heavy cloud over the target. Good coverage was obtained, but results could not be seen. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-21 NAKARU #23 1530 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Barges and Canoes at Tiperoi Heavily Hit: Four Piva fighters from NZ-16 with four half-ton stick bombs attacked four barge and two native canoes at 1615 in the inlet north of Tiperoi (just below Numa Numa). Tac/r indicated the targets by strafing. One bomb fell within 10 yards of the barges, one overshot 20 yards, one overshot 20 to 25 yards, and one was a dud. Seven strafing runs were also made. Then four fighters from NZ-14 came over with 2 half-ton SAPs and six 325-pound depth charges. 3 fell 100 yards east, two splashed in the water, two were near misses by a barge, but one direct hit on another barge caused a big flash of yellowish white flame and smoke. 12 strafing runs were also made. Before bombing, two oil slicks were seen coming from two of the barges probably holed by the first attack. Tac/r reported one Type-A barge probably destroyed and all the rest of the craft apparently damaged to an undetermined extent.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-16 TIPEROI 1615 dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud).
4 F4Us NZ-14 TIPEROI 1630 dr 2x1000 S.A.P.
6x325 D.C.
Able-Charlies Bomb Barge, Boat and Building: Two Piva Corsairs from NZ-14 with two 1000-pound SAPs and two 325-pound depth charges on A-C tour at 0555 attacked one apparently-serviceable barge and a 10-foot rowboat at 560669 (near Tinputs Harbor on the NE coast). The four bombs fell about 15 yards from the targets, damaging both. One strafing run was made. An oil slick was seen leading up the backwater and disappearing in the overhanging branches of trees and marsh at 602664. This marsh mark was attacked by two fighters on A-C at 1005. They carried four 325-pound depth charges. The oil slick had disappeared. Two bombs were dropped and six strafing runs made just up water from the reported position of the oil slick. Results were unobserved. Two bombs then destroyed a hut at Kalia. Two strafing runs were also made there, and two runs on Bauvo Island gardens. Nothing was seen.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-14 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCHES 0555,1005 dr 2x1000 S.A.P.
6x325 D.C.
NEW BRITAIN
(28 sorties-25 1/2 tons)
Venturas Hit Vunakanau: Seven Emirau PVs put 42 quarter tonners on a suspected plane hide and storage area in a narrow strip of rubber trees parallel to the road at Vunakanau Drome at 1125 yesterday. The bombs walked from 140078 to 145072, with 34 in the target. Weather conditions over the target were undesirable.
For the Record:
7 PVs NZ-9 VUNAKANAU #6 1125 dr 42x500 G.P.
Corsairs Watch Rabaul: Ten fighters, flying in pairs, patrolled Rabaul from 0715 to 1625 yesterday. They met no A/A. In strafing runs, a Nip was killed off the beach at Cape Gazelle, and one hut was flamed at Manwan Plantation. Weather prevented patrolling after 1625.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ-21, 24 RABAUL PATROLS 0715-1625 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(24 sorties-24 1/2 tons)
Corsairs Bomb Lemakot: Four fighters dived eight 650-pound depth charges on the Lemakot bivouac, getting all in the target. Yellow smoke rose for 20 minutes, plus flames. Strafing runs were also made.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-25 LEMAKOT #10 dr 8x650 D.C.
Corsairs Sweep and Patrol: Two fighters on afternoon coastal tour Thursday glided 2 quarter tonners at Messi gardens and 2 at Katendan. A Jap swimmer was strafed and sunk at Mumu. Two Corsairs on the morning sweep yesterday holed the Bohl bridge approach twice with 4 quarter-tonners, also strafed targets as far as Borpop. Kavieng was watched Thursday 1650 to 1828 by a pair of fighters. They destroyed a Kavieng hut with three 500-pounders, but jettisoned the 4th because of a rough engine forcing their early return. Two Corsairs watching Kavieng yesterday morning put 4 quarter-tonners on the huts east of the Kavieng strip, unobserved.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 10 May 1500-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 11 May 0640-1040 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 10 May 1650-1828 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 11 May 0705-0840 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 21:02:57 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 13 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(101 sorties; 67 tons)
Raiding Party Bases Bombed: Two bivouacs northeast of Piano Missionin SW Bougainville contain Jap Naval personnel. 40 at Kumiliogu. 60 at Palidonan. Those forces are reported to be active as combat patrols. They were last bombed on 28 April. AIB requested another attack and arranged that the target would be marked with flags by native scouts. A fighter from NZ 14 smoked Kumiliogu for 12 Corsairs from NZ 22. They attacked at 0830 with 12 half-ton daisy cutters and put all bombs in a line from near the smoke SE for 200 yards. Recco reported most of the bombs 15 to 50 yards east of the bivouac, destroying one hut. One hut remains southeast of the road junction. Smoky Joe then indicated target of six huts at Palidonan by strafing (his smoke bomb proving to be a dud), and six fighters from NZ 16 dropped six half-ton stick bombs at the target. One was a direct hit and destroyed all six huts. Nine strafing runs were made on huts to the southwest, smoking two or three. Many good huts in two and threes were noted in the surrounding jungle. Eight Corsairs from NZ 26 attacked another group of huts north of Palidonan with 8 half-ton daisy cutters. Smoky Joe indicated it by strafing. Several near misses were scored and all huts were reported damaged. No A/A was observed, but two planes were holed. One was hit by a possible 20-mm shell. The other was holed by a bullet blast.
Smoky Joe completed its flight by strafing two huts at 234403, unobserved.
For the Record:
1 F4U NZ 14 PIANO 0830 dr 2x100 Smoke (1 dud)
12 F4-Us NZ 22 KUMILIOGU 0830 dr 12x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 16 PALIDONAN 0830 dr 6x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 26 PALIDONAN 0830 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Rumiki Concentrations Again Hit: Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 with 6 half-ton SAPs and 18 325-pound depth charges returned to Rumiki #1 at 0830 yesterday to bomb the reported site of enemy forces entrenched there in pill-boxes with automatic weapons. Artillery smoked the target at 963482. All bombs fell on or near the smoke, completely clearing the area for 100 by 140 yards around the smoke. However, it was thought that the wrong target was smoked. Again, 12 fighters from NZ 14 attacked at 1205 with the same load. This time they hit Rumiki #2 (the reported regimental HQ at 969477-971476). Artillery smoke was laid from 970472 to 973470. All bombs fell in the area smoked, except three which fell 50 yards west, and one that hit 40 yards north of the east smoke. Damage to the 80 Nips and guns was unassessed.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 14 RUMIKI #1 0830 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 14 RUMIKI #2 1205 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
Motor Transport Park Attacked: Up in the north at Chabai, a suspected M/T park and large reinforced hut were smoked by tac/r and seven fighters from NZ 26 struck with 5 half-ton SAPs and 2 half-ton daisy cutters at 1115. Three hit the target for unseen damage. 4 fell about 20 yards from the hut. Twelve more fighters (from NZ 22) hit at 1120 with a dozen half-ton SAPs. Two fell in the smoked area of the M/T park, one was not noted. Three covered the hut area. One more was a dud. The remainder were dropped at quarters at 254756 for unseen damage. Meagre inaccurate medium A/A came from 660940 and 675935. Another nearby bivouac (235749) was hit by 8 Corsairs from NZ 16 with 8 half-ton stick bombs. One hit the tac/r smoke, one was 10 yards SE, one fell 10 yards south, and 4 were out. No damage noted. One bomb hung and was dropped at sea.
For the Record:
7 F4Us NZ 26 CHABAI 1115 dr 5x1000 S.A.P.
2x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 22 CHABAI 1120 dr 12x1000 S.A.P. (1 dud)
8 F4Us NZ 16 CHABAI 1205 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Venturas Blast Nakaru: At 1450, nine Green PVs hit the western enemy concentration in Nakaru #7 with 54 quarter-tonners. All bombs exploded in the area, but damage was not seen. Two flashes came from known guns NE of Kara.
For the Record:
9 PVs NZ 3 NAKARU #7 1450 dr 54x500 G.P.
Able-Charlies Sight, Strafe and Smoke: Two Corsairs on A-C tour at 0650 strafed camouflaged huts on the NW coast of Buka, smoking two. They also strafed a Nip cooking on Pukpuk Island, unobserved.
Another pair of fighters made the rounds at 1020. Two half-tonners were to be dropped on reported barges near those attacked at Tiperoi on Friday. Not finding them, the bombs will put on the source of oil slicks coming from the inlet, then strafed, unobserved. Huts on Fauro and Benana Islands were strafed for unseen damage, but two Nips on the beach south of Kekere Plantation were gunned and possibly killed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 26 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 1650,1020 dr 2x1000 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(29 sorties - 28 tons)
Rabaul Patrolled: 5 pairs of Corsairs watched Rabaul yesterday from 0725 to 1650. They strafed and killed 4 Nips, also damaged a truck at Malabunga.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROLS 0725-1650 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(20 sorties - 18 1/2 tons)
Venturas Destroy 5 Bridges: Eight PVs with 48 quarter-tonners low-leveled New Ireland targets from 0900 to 1015 yesterday. They missed the Mongai and Belik bridges, holed the approaches to the Fatmilak, south Balus, Laminnis and south Belik bridges, but destroyed the north Pinis, north Katenbuang, Libba, north Ramut and south Ramut bridges. They also removed any trace of the Libba swamp road.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ 9 NEW IRELAND 0900-1015 dr. 48x500 G.P.
A/A Pesters Corsairs: Four fighters hit the Lemakot bivouac from 1010 to 1030, gliding 8 650-pound depth charges to the center of the target area. Five strafing runs by each plane were also made. Meagre accurate 20mm fire came from the target. Two Corsairs guarding Kavieng late Friday afternoon dived three 500-pounders near trucks at Lebrechtshof for possible damage, and one close to a Kavieng house. Meagre inaccurate tracered light A/A came from a known position at Lebrechtshof. Another pair over Kavieng from 0740 to 0925 yesterday dived two 500-poundors which missed Kavieng guns at 126114 but got two direct hits on 141106. They started their patrol late because of bad weather.
Two fighters on afternoon sweep Friday dived a 500-pounder close by the Waum jetty, two which missed the Kalili jetty and one in nearby gardens. Meagre accurate 20mm fire came from Namatanai. They had crossed at Cape Sona. Two Corsairs over the coasts yesterday 0745 to 1100 put three quarter-tonners on the Fangelawa bridge, cratering the approach with one, and wrecked the Lauan Bay bridge with a fourth bomb. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from Dampit Plantation.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 25 LEMAKOT 12 May 1010-1030 dr 8x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 11 May 1650-1830 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 12 May 0740-0925 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 11 May 1455-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 12 May 0745-1100 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 21:06:07 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 13 May.
Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 in a medium altitude daylight strike on target number 4, Nakaru, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections javelin down.
The strike was airborne by 0803 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the west coast of Bougainville to Motupena Point and turned on a heading of 121° magnetic to the mouth of the Mabai River. At this point the flight leader contacted a Green Corsair which preceded the formation to drop smoke bombs on the target. The flight then took a course of 083° magnetic for three miles to check drift and then turned to a heading of 067° magnetic for eight miles and turned into the bombing run.
The bombing run was made on a heading of 083° magnetic the first section bombing from 10,700 feet and the second from 10,500 feet at an indicated air speed of 160 knots. Bombs were away at 0910 after which the flight broke away to the left and returned to Green. All planes were safely on deck at Green Island by 1024.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Seventeen bombs hit in the target area and one fell slightly to the northeast of the target. The pattern of bomb hits in relation to the target are shown on the attached photograph.
1 F4U from NZ-24 listed as having been involved in this sortie.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 20, 2020 22:12:07 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 14 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(92 sorties - 56 1/2 tons)
Huts in Southeastern Bougainville Attacked: Four large well-built camouflaged huts on the fringe of thick timber at Koromira in the southeast at 430765 were the target for 12 Piva Corsairs from NZ 26 carrying twelve half-ton daisy cutters. Tac/r led in at 0755 and eight stick bombs burst on target, destroying the four huts. The tactical reconnaissance plane then smoked the ten remaining huts at Luluai (436545), and the last four bombs obtained one direct hit and all within 20 yards. Results were unobserved.
Four fighters from NZ 16 with four half-ton daisy cutters also hit the Luluai huts, getting all bombs in the target area for unseen damage. Tac/r reported accurate bombing by both quartets.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 26 KOROMIRA 0755 dr 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 26 LULUAI 0800 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 16 LULUAI 0805 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Targets in Southwest Bougainville Hit: A number of hut groups and gun positions in the Jap defense area above and below the Buin Road were struck. The Buin Road runs east and west splitting a 15-mile-wide band of flat country bounded on the south by the ocean and on the north by the hills of the interior. The Australians have been pushing steadily along this ground in an easterly direction, probing with patrols and reducing centers of resistance as they are encountered. Air support has assisted in softening defenses and disrupting communications and supplies, as well as harassing personnel in the area. They have reached the Hongorai River. The places hit yesterday are situated, relatively, as follows:
Location Buin Road Hongorai River
Kindo 4 miles N just E of east branch
Shishigatero on Buin Road 12 miles E
Piano 5 miles N 16 miles E
Nakaru on Buin Road 24 miles E
Guns at Kindo Struck: The latest strike of the day, but the one closest to the front-line was a nine-plane attack on the suspected location of two 75mm guns near Kindo (962410). Artillery smoked the target and four Piva Corsairs from NZ 16 put 4 half-ton stick bombs on the smoke. Then five fighters from NZ 22 added five 1000-pounders, getting two on the smoke, one 20 yards north and two wide to the south. The smoked area was completely cleared, though damage to the guns could not be assessed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 16 KINDO 1820 dr 4x1000 G.P.
5 F4Us NZ 22 dr 5x1000 G.P.
Huts at Shishigatero Take 6 Tons: Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ 26 followed tac/r to this Buin Road target just west of the Mibo River. A number of well-hidden huts, probably containing stores, were smoked, and 12 half-ton daisy-cutters were dropped as shown. No results were observed.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 26 SHISHIGATERO 1130 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Huts at Piano Bombed: The Japs have a camp in the northeast corner of the garden area at 198356, said tac/r. Thirteen Piva Corsairs from NZ 22 investigated at 0825 yesterday. One plane smoked the target, then 13 half-ton daisy cutters plummetted down. All hit the area from the smoke to 100 yards east. Two were duds. An area 200 yards wide was cleared except for one clump of sturdy blasted trees. Wreckage indicated one hut destroyed. A strafing run on the garden near Aku, and one on M/T tracks backing into the jungle near the Ogorata River bridge of the Buin Road, brought no observed results. Road repairs were noted between Monoitu and Nakaru, and telephone wires along the road, ending between Rusei and Hari #2.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ 22 PIANO 0825 dr 2x18 Smoke.
13x1000 G.P. (2 duds)
Green Mediums Hit Nakaru: At 0910 six Marine Mitchells put 17 half-tonners in a line across Nakaru, plus one long, for unobserved results. No A/A was met. Six PVs put 36 quarter-tonners in the eastern part of Nakaru #12 at 1450, sending up a small column of smoke. No flak was encountered.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB 423 NAKARU #4 0910 dr 18x1000 G.P.
6 PVs NZ 3 NAKARU #12 1450 dr 36x500 G.P.
Central Bougainville Rates Two Strikes: Eleven Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 put 6 half-ton SAPs and sixteen 325-pound depth charges on enemy defenses at Berry's Hill (683146-684151) commanding the Numa Numa trail across the middle of Bougainville. Our mortars laid two smokes 100 yards apart. 15 bombs hit the target area, 1 was east, 4 south, 2 unobserved. A tree was blown over the east trenches. Meagre inaccurate LMG tracered fire came up (possibly from these trenches).
Four fighters from NZ 16 attacked huts over at Kieta on the east central coast with 4 half-ton stick bombs at 1150. All were target hits, destroying at least one hut, with greyish-white smoke rising to 1000 feet. One Nip was seen in the restricted area at Cape Nehus carrying pack and rifle, and heading south.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ 14 BERRY'S HILL 0800 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
16x325 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ 16 KIETA 1150 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Tarlena Fuel Dump and Porton Gun Hit: Strikes in the northern area started in mid-afternoon. Four Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 put two half-ton daisy cutters and six 325-pound depth charges on a reported fuel dump near Tarlena (234748). Tac/r strafed the target, and all bombs fell in an area 80 by 30 yards around the indicated pin-point. Twenty strafing runs were made for unseen damage. Tac/r reports the bombing accurate and the dump burning after the strike. Tac/r also strafed a small scrub fire near the road at the SW end of the plantation.
At 1515, four Corsairs from NZ 26 put 4 half-ton stick bombs on a suspected 47mm gun position at the southwest corner of Porton Plantation. Artillery laid smoke and tac/r directed that the bombs be dropped 50 yards south of the smoke. Two fell in the assigned area, one went NW of the smoke and one splashed in the sea. Results were unobserved. Tac/r reports near misses but gun still serviceable.
Four more NZ 26 half-tonners were added at 1730. One fell 10 yards from the gun emplacement. One hit 50 yards SW, destroying a hut. Two hit NE. Twenty strafing runs were made, unassessed. Four runs were also made on a small fire south of the target for unobserved results.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 14 TARLENA 1440 dr 2x1000 G.P.
6x325 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ 26 PORTON 1515 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 26 PORTON 1730 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Buka Visited by Black Cat and Able Charlies: One Green PBY put 4 eighth-tonners on Buka's center at 1930 Saturday night for unobserved results. Two Piva fighters from NZ 16 did an A-C tour at 0710 yesterday. They sighted three 30' x 10' huts in good condition on a ledge ten feet above the water at the foot of a 50 to 60 foot cliff about three miles above Kessa Plantation.
For the Record:
1 PBY VPB 53 BUKA 12 May 1930 dr 4x250 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 16 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCH 13 May 0710 No bombs.
Photos Show Results of Kangu Hill Bombing: Anti-aircraft positions on Kangu Hill were bombed 12 May by Green Mitchells. Photographs now show that one medium and one light gun were destroyed. Another medium gun was probably destroyed by a near miss. It is almost certain that all three gun crews were killed by the hits. These results are included in the 13 May box score.
NEW BRITAIN
(20 sorties - 7 3/4 tons)
Venturas Hit Rabaul: Striking buildings and a revetted storage area on the west side of Rabaul, eight Emirau PVs put 48 325-pound depth charges between 095092 and 101095, but none in target 3A.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ 9 RABAUL #3A 1125 dr 48x325 D.C.
Rabaul Patrols Hit Water Craft: The two Corsairs watching Rabaul late Saturday afternoon were forced by adverse weather to return to base early. Their patrol was negative. Five pairs of fighters over the area yesterday killed a Nip and sank a canoe 1/2 mile off-shore from Keravat, smoked three whaleboats and a dinghy at Watom Island, and damaged a barge in Matupi Harbor.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROL 12 May 1650-1730 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROLS 13 May 0715-1730 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(32 sorties - 35 tons)
Corsairs Dive Depth Charges on Doi Island: Four fighters put 8 650-pound depth charges on a Doi bivouac (off Roland Young), getting seven in the target and one in the sea. Huts and gardens were also strafed. No results were seen.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 25 DOI ISLAND 1040 dr 8x650 D.C.
Corsair Sweeps and Patrols: Two Corsairs watching Kavieng late Saturday afternoon dived four quarter-tonners at the Kavieng radio but missed. Two fighters on afternoon sweep Saturday put four quarter-tonners on Waum jetty, for no damage. Two Corsairs on morning sweep yesterday dived four quarter-tonners on Maritsoan huts for possible damage. Two fighters patrolled Kavieng and missed the Lossuk bridge with a pair of quarter-tonners but cratered the Balus approach with two more.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 12 May 1650-1845 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 12 May 1500-1906 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 13 May 0640-1056 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 13 May 0705-0915 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 21, 2020 10:33:31 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 15 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(102 sorties-57 1/4 tons)
Barge Hide at Teperoi Bombed: There is little doubt that the Japs have a barge staging point and likely hide deep in the inlet west of Teperoi on the central east coast somewhat south of Numa Numa. Wooden construction is visible at the water's edge. Camouflaged huts are in the vicinity. And last Friday (11 May), two large and two small barges were attacked nearby.
Yesterday at 0800, nine Piva Corsairs from NZ 16 attacked with 9 half-ton daisy cutters. They smoked at 843279, then dropped eight bombs which opened up the area. Debris resembling a packing case was thrown 1000 feet into the air. The ninth bomb was dropped on a suspected unloading point at 843282.
Eight fighters from NZ 22 bombed this unloading point at 0810 with 8 half-ton daisy cutters. All fell in the area as smoked, covering the target for 30 yards on either side. A fire was started, and was still smoking four hours later. 16 strafing runs were made, unobserved.
For the Record:
9 F4Us NZ 16 TEPEROI 0800 dr 2x100 Smoke
9x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 22 TEPEROI 0810 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Japs in Iron-Roofed Huts at Inus Attacked: AIB reports a group of Nips living in iron-roofed shelters in the Inus Plantation (693435) northwest of Numa Numa on the east coast. The huts are camouflaged by banana leaves and palm fronds, so tac/r showed the target to the 12 Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 attacking at 0800 with 6 half-ton SAPs and eighteen 325-pound depth charges. Two smoke bombs were placed 150 yards apart. Two of the bombs fell 400 yards NE, two were center hits, six bracketted the target, ten hit the inland smoke, and four hung and were jettisoned. Results were not seen.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 14 INUS 0800 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
Two Pill-Boxes at Porton Hit: Four fighters from NZ 14 with eight 325-pound depth charges made an afternoon strike at 265718 on the northwest coast, about ten yards in from Porton Jetty. A suspected barge hide was thought to be at this location. Tac/r smoked the target and four bombs fell on the smoke. Tac/r then smoked a reported pill-box at 264724. One bomb fell on the smoke, two went 65 yards east, and one was a dud. Four Corsairs from NZ 16 followed in with 4 half-ton stick bombs at 1550, dropping all bombs at the point indicated, for unseen damage. Tac/r reports one pill-box destroyed, another severely damaged, and much iron strewn about.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 14 PORTON 1545 dr 8x325 D.C. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ 16 PORTON 1550 dr 4x1000 G.P.
24 A/C Bomb M/T Park SW Taitai: Six or more huts and a likely camouflaged truck in a revetment area west of the main road to Taitai, at 006414, was again attacked after an interval of nine days.
At 0830, twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-26 with 12 half-ton stick bombs followed tac/r strafing and put 7 bombs close to a large tree in the center of the area, one also in the target, three wide to the south, and one dud. Tac/r reported one direct hit on a truck for probable destruction. One plane was holed by bomb blast. Twelve strafing runs were made with one stream of ricochets indicating a possible metal-roofed structure. Another 12-plane strike from NZ-26 attacked the same area at 1345. Tac/r indicated the target by strafing, but low clouds and rain interfered with the bombing and only one of the dozen half-ton daisy cutters hit the target. Three were about 50 yards west. No results were noted.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-26 TAITAI 0830 dr 12x1000 G.P. (1 dud).
12 F4Us NZ-26 TAITAI 1345 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Enemy Concentrations at Rusei Well Covered: Natives say that two large troop centers are at 038374 and 032374 near the Buin Road west of Hari #1. At 1125 yesterday, 8 Piva Corsairs from NZ-22 dropped on two para flare indicators, getting a line of seven half-ton stick bombs across to the east garden. One bomb was a dud. Eight more fighters, from NZ-16, followed with 8 half-ton daisy cutters all falling in the area shown for fairly good coverage but unseen damage. Fifteen minutes later, 12 fighters from NZ-14 came with six 1000-pound SAP stick bombs and 18 325-pound depth charges. One plane returned early with engine trouble, jettisoning its load. Twenty bombs gave a fairly good blanket on 038374. One fell on the south edge of the east garden, unobserved. 12 strafing runs were made over each target. A small fire burning off the target in the north center of a garden was strafed, for nil damage.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-22 RUSEI 1125 dr 2 Para Flares
8x1000 G.P. (1 dud).
8 F4Us NZ-16 RUSEI 1130 dr 8x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ-14 RUSEI 1145 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
18x325 D.C.
Able-Charlies Kill Jap: Two fighters from NZ-22 on A-C tour at 0730 strafed apparent hayricks in a garden at Nakaru, unobserved. They also strafed an apparent floating mine 900 yards off Moila Point, nil damage. They noted a concrete pill-box near Kieta at 232915. And they strafed and killed a Nip on the beach near Creper's River. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from Kangu Hill.
Another pair made the rounds at 1035. They noted well-worn tracks around the cliffs from Cape Kotopan to Cape Hanpan on Buka, numerous furnished caves, and a large hutted area near Kohiso.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-22 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0730, 1035 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(20 sorties-7 1/4 tons)
Venturas Bomb Utuan Island: Weathered off Vunakanau, seven PVs from Emirau hit Utuan, a Duke of York island, at 1140 with 42 325-pound depth charges, putting 36 in the target, 5 duds, and one hang-up which overshot.
For the Record:
7 PVs NZ-9 UTUAN ISLAND 1140 dr 42x325 D.C. (5 duds).
Rabaul Patrols Hit 3 Trucks, 2 Nips, 1 Boat: A pair of Corsairs watched Rabaul late Sunday afternoon for nil sightings. Five pairs patrolled yesterday. They strafed and killed two Nips at the mouth of the Keravat River, flamed one truck and damaged two more east of Keravat and damaged a boat at Ragaga Beach
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL PATROL 13 May 1700-1845 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL PATROLS 14 May 0705-1715 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(12 sorties-6 tons)
Corsairs Destroy Dallum Bridge: Four Emirau fighters dived 2 quarter-tonners on the Katendan bridge, leaving it unserviceable. Two more 500-pounders holed both approaches to the Katenbuang bridge. Four more destroyed the Dallum bridge.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-25 NEW IRELAND 1100 dr 8x500 G.P.
Sweeps Damage Fessoa Bridge: The afternoon sweep Sunday by two Corsairs dived 4 quarter-tonners for no damage to the bridge or huts at Cape Bakan. The morning run yesterday cratered the approach to the Bohl bridge with two of three 500-pounders, and damaged the Fessoa bridge with a fourth. Meagre inaccurate tracered light A/A came from Dunup Plantation.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 13 May 1530-1915 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 14 May 0630-1100 dr 4x500 G.P.
Kavieng Patrols Score Blast and Smoke 5000 Feet: The late pair over Kavieng Sunday missed huts and jetty at Kavieng with 4 quarter-tonners. Two Corsairs on duty yesterday morning aimed their four 500-pounders at two Kavieng buildings. An explosion was caused, and black smoke lasting 15 minutes and towered 5000 feet into the sky.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 13 May 1645-1838 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 14 May 0655-0845 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 21, 2020 10:41:03 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 16 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(93 sorties-53 1/2 tons)
Madehas Gun Hit Twice: Native guerrillas report two Jap gun positions on Madehas Island south of Buka at 133757. Tac/r led 8 Piva Corsairs from NZ 16 to this target and eight half-ton daisy cutters were dropped. Two were near misses, 3 fell 40 yards west, 1 was wild, but two were direct hits which probably destroyed one gun.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 16 MADEHAS ISLAND 0750 dr 8x1000 G.P.
7 Huts Near Ruri Head Destroyed: Another target in the north got its come-uppance yesterday. Eight Piva fighters from NZ 14 put 4 half-ton SAPs and 12 325-pound depth charges on a suspected dump and motor transport park at 361721 and seven huts at 373714, both near Ruri Head. Tac/r indicated the targets. 4 direct hits and 4 near misses demolished all seven huts. Seven bombs fell in the vicinity of the dump and M/T park, causing one large flash with brown smoke. Another bomb fell 20 yards west. 8 strafing runs fired one hut to the southeast of the 7 huts.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 14 RURI HEAD 1410 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
12x325 D.C.
Hongorai Defenses Blasted: For the second day, close air support of the Third Division was given by attacks on four points located near the Buin Road somewhat east of the Hongorai River. The enemy is known to have some 700 troops in the area bounded by the Hongorai River-Buin Hoad-Oso. Track-Kindai-Tiger Road to Martin's Crossing. Air strikes will serve a three-fold purpose: a/ Softening defenses and harassment, b/ Diversion for tactical purposes; and c/ Pinning the enemy down and hampering withdrawal, regrouping or reinforcement. The four attacks in this area yesterday were as follows:
Positions on Knoll Hit: A little hill just north of the Buin Road at 951432 commands this thoroughfare and is the site of Jap defenses manned by 120 troops. Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ 26 attacked at noon with a dozen half-ton stick bombs. Artillery smoked the target and eight scored good coverage on the west part of the knoll, while three hit the east side. One bomb hung and was jettisoned. Results were not observed. Seven fighters from NZ 16 added 7 more daisy cutters at 1210. A low cloud interfered with the bombing, but all half-tonners fell near the target for unseen damage.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 26 HONGORAI #1 1200 dr 12x1000 G.P.
7 F4Us NZ 16 1210 dr 7x1000 G.P.
Pororei River Crossing Takes Ten Tons: Half a mile southeast of the knell is the point at which the Buin Road crosses the Pororei. Japs are known to be situated on a prominent rise of ground 150 yards east of the ford astride the road. This general area was attacked at 0905 by 8 Piva Corsairs from NZ 14 carrying 4 half-ton daisy cutters and a dozen 325-pound depth charges. Artillery smoked, and 6 bombs hit west of the ford 955420, one on the river bank, and one in the ford. Results were not seen. Possible meagre inaccurate medium A/A was met over Tohu at 2500 feet.
Twelve fighters from NZ 26 struck at 0915 with a dozen 1000-pound stick bombs. This time the bombs were placed east of the ford. 8 hit as directed by artillery smoke and cleared an area 150 by 60 yards mainly on the north side of the Buin Road. Some enemy pill-boxes were disclosed. Three bombs fell in line on the south side of the road but were unsufficient to clear the area. One bomb fell just west of the river.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 14 HONGORAI #2 0905 dr 4x1000 G.P.
12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 26 0915 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Uso-Buin Road Junction Whacked: The third of the four Hongorai targets was half a mile further along the Buin Road in a SE direction to the junction with the north-pointing track to Uso at 961415. Enemy food dumps are known to be in this area, and troop movement has been seen along the Buin Road west from this point.
12 Piva Corsairs from NZ 22 with a dozen half-ton stick bombs struck at 0830, putting 10 bombs in the smoke shown by artillery, hitting a point 600 yards down the Buin Road from the junction. Two more bombs were duds. No damage was seen.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 22 HONGORAI 0830 dr 12x1000 G.P. (2 duds)
Uso Clearings Glow When Bombed: The last of the support missions for the Third Division was an active area at 961431, about a mile north of the Buin Road from target #3. Twelve Corsairs from NZ 22 dropped half-ton daisy cutters on smoke markers laid by our artillery. Ten bombs fell in the north part of the target. Two were duds. After the first few bombs, a steady glow was seen in the NE part of the target.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 22 HONGORAI #4 1245 dr 12x1000 G.P. (2 duds)
Able-Charlies: Two fighters from NZ 14 did an A-C tour at 0655, strafing gardens from East Point to Cape Friendship, a burned-out possible radar station at Koromira Point, and gardens west of Kieta. No damage seen. All gardens appeared to be in good condition and freshly worked. Two strafing runs were made inland from an oil slick and rubbish in a lagoon east of Numa Numa.
Two more Corsairs from NZ 14 ablecharlied at 1025, strafing huts north of Kara and gardens at Kiriwina Plantation. Meagre inaccurate tracered light A/A was met over Toimonapu on the southeast coast.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 14 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0655,1025 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(40 sorties - 19 tons)
Rabaul Bombed by Emirau PBJs and PVs: Twenty-one Mitchells with 233 hundred-pound GPs and 19 century Mark-4 demolition bombs hit 50 or more huts and a tunnel entrance in the Nordup area on the east coast at Rabaul at 1048 from medium altitude. 150 fell in the target. 82 walked along the shore from the target to a point half a mile to the south where an additional 20 bombs waded into the water. One plane made two good strafing runs on a 40-foot sail boat and a small launch sighted in a cove on the SW of Mioko Island.
Six Venturas from Emirau with three dozen 325-pound depth charges centered them all in a tight group on Rabaul 048062, south and east of the roads, at 1111 from medium altitude.
For the Record:
21 PBJs VMB-Emirau RABAUL #16 1048 dr 233x100 G.P.
19x100 Mk-4 Dem.
6 PVs NZ 3 RABAUL #8 1111 dr 36x325 D.C.
Corsairs Patrol Rabaul: Two fighters over the Gazelle area late Monday afternoon strafed and destroyed a truck at Talili Bay. 5 pairs of Corsairs watched Rabaul yesterday. One hiatus was occasioned by hydraulic trouble on one plane. A barge in Mamaar Bay was strafed and sunk. Three Nips at Vunapope were gunned and killed. Also, a truck at Makurapau was strafed and damaged.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROL 14 May 1715-1900 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROLS 15 May 0705-0815 0900-1720 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(8 sorties - 4 tons)
Kavieng Patrolled: Two fighters watched Kavieng Monday afternoon, diving 4 quarter-tonners on huts and the runway unobserved. Two Corsairs patrolled yesterday morning, diving the same load on Kavieng huts for no damage, but scoring one hit at the base of the Kavieng jetty.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 14 May 1710-1835 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 15 May 0705-0835 dr 4x500 G.P.
Coasts Swept Uneventfully: Neither the four 500-pounders dropped by the two Corsairs on afternoon sweep Monday nor the similar load by yesterday's morning pair did any damage to Lossuk, Lemakot, Fangelawa or Panemane.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 14 May 1500-1901 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 15 May 0635-1035 dr 4x500 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 21, 2020 10:46:45 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 17 May 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(106 sorties-69 tons)
Four Targets in Hongorai Again Hit: The next step in a planned air support campaign for Third Division operations was carried out yesterday in the Buin Road area east of the Hongorai River.
Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-22 with a dozen half-ton stick bombs attacked enemy troop positions and stores at the Uso-Buin road junction at 0750. Tac/r smoked the target, and 7 bombs fell within 50 yards of the smoke, completely clearing the area. The remaining five bombs were dropped in a line up the road for 100 yards, unobserved.
Twelve fighters from NZ-14 with 4 half-ton SAPs and 20 325 pound depth charges were led by tac/r to strong enemy defensive positions on both sides of the Pororei crossing. Ten bombs fell along the road on the west side of the river, and 13 hit the east side. One was a dud. No damage was seen. Eight Corsairs from NZ-26, carrying a half-ton daisy cutter each, followed in at 0820 and dropped all 8 bombs along the track on the east side of the river. Four fell north of the road, giving good clearance. Four hit south of the road for fair coverage.
Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-22 with 12 half-ton stick bombs made an 1140 attack on an enemy concentration around the Uso-Tiger track junction (961431). Ten bombs fell in the tac/r smoke, one was 20 yards south and one was not seen. Results were unobserved.
Eleven fighters from NZ-14 with 6 half ton SAPs and 16 325 pound depth charges attacked enemy defenses on the Buin Road knoll at 951432. Artillery laid smoke at each end of the target. 21 bombs fell between the smokes for good coverage. One bomb hung and was jettisoned at sea.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-22 HONGORAI #3 0750 dr 12x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ-14 HONGORAI #2 0815 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
20x325 D.C. (1 dud).
8 F4Us NZ-26 HONGORAI #2 0820 dr 8x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ-22 HONGORAI #4 1140 dr 12x1000 G.P.
11 F4Us NZ-14 HONGORAI #1 1130 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
16x325 D.C.
Gun Position at Runai Attacked: Four Piva Corsairs followed tac/r to a suspected gun site at Runai east of the Hongorai on the main road. At 1515 they dropped their 4 half-ton daisy cutters, getting three within 25 yards of the smoke and one 100 yards north. Results were unobserved. Four more fighters followed with another four also falling within a 25 yard radius of the smoke, unassessed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-22 RUNAI 1515 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-16 RUNAI 1530 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Buin Road Hit Further East at Porror River: Eight fighters from NZ-16 with 8 half-ton daisy cutters at 1120 set out to attack enemy huts and troops reported east of the Oamai River. Instead, they struck an area north of the Buin Road just east of the Porror River ford (195322). The eight bombs fell in a good cluster north of the road, unobserved. Flashes from apparent small arms was seen coming from west of the bombed area.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-16 PORROR RIVER FORD 1120 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Inus Plantation Bivouac and Stores Bombed: Eight fighters from NZ-16 made the lone north-island strike by Piva planes as they hit six or more Jap-type huts at Inus with eight half-ton daisy cutters. Tac/r led the way and one direct hit was scored. Two near misses were noted, and one dud. Another three bombs fell in the area of a second group of huts, plus one wild shot. Results were not assessed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-16 INUS 0830 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud).
Able-Charlies: Two fighters from NZ-26 on A-C tour at 0705 strafed a hut on the north tip of Shortland Island for unobserved results. A strong glint was noted at the north end of Ballale strip. Two Nips were strafed near a cooking fire and hut at the south end of Arigua Plantation. No damage was seen. Two Corsairs from the same squadron dropped two half-tonners while making the rounds at 1030. One bomb cratered the center of the road near Runai at 973402. The second bomb cratered the Mamagata-Taitai road at 005403. Both roads are probably blocked. A strafing attack was made on well-hidden huts in the jungle above the possible keel marks on the beach north of the Abia River. No results were seen.
Two Corsairs from NZ-22 with one half-ton stick bomb and three incendiary clusters made a recco of the Muguai area. Their half-tonners destroyed a hut at 350380. Two nearby fields of likely rice crops wore partly burned off by the fire bombs. One Jap in a garden between Kara and Malabeta was strafed and killed. Several other huts were smoked by strafing. A semi-camouflaged camp of 7 or more large huts in the Maika area was sighted.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-26 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0705,1030 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-22 MUGUAI RECONNAISSANCE dr 1x1000 G.P.
3x100 Incend.
NEW BRITAIN
(38 sorties-37 1/2 tons)
Rabaul Patrols Bag 14 Japs: The pair of Corsairs watching Rabaul late Tuesday afternoon strafed and damaged six rowboats on the south shore of Watom Island. Five pairs of fighters on station over Rabaul yesterday scored at least 10 Nips killed a mile east of Tobera, one killed at Kotua, another at Notaro and two at Kahili Bay. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL PATROL 15 May 1715-1900 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL PATROLS 16 May 0710-1700 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties-13 tons)
Ramut Cliff Road Heavily Ripped: Six Emirau Venturas low-leveled the road at Ramut's cliff yesterday morning with 36 quarter-tonners and tore it loose from its perch in the face of the precipice. Targets of opportunity received 11,700 rounds, and 12,000 leaflets were delivered. It was seen that the Libba swamp road was not yet completely repaired.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ-9 RAMUT 0925-1015 dr 36x500 G.P.
Sweeps and Patrols: Two Corsairs on afternoon sweep Tuesday glided four 500-pounders. One cratered the Fessoa bridge approach. Two missed the Katendan bridge. One other was wide at Kimidan bridge. The pair of fighters on yesterday's A.M. tour put two half-tonners on Ulunono huts for one direct hit, and a miss. Damage not assessed.
The two Corsairs guarding Kavieng Tuesday afternoon hit the junction of the Kavieng road at the jetty with 2 of 4 quarter-tonners. The pair watching Kavieng yesterday morning dived a half-tonner at Kavieng strip and another at Maiom for no damage. The patrol was cut short when one plane developed hydraulic trouble.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 15 May 1450-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 16 May 0630-0945 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 15 May 1700-1840 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROLS 16 May 0700-0850 dr 2x1000 G.P.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Sept 21, 2020 10:56:55 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 15 MAY 1945.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
NZ-17 18 F4U 17 27 NZ # 4 S.U.
EMIRAU
VMB-413 12 PBJ 12 44 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ 12 50 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 46 VMB-443
NZ-9 16 PV-1 14 15 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-25 19 F4U 18 26 NZ # 5 S.U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ-1J 12 50 VMB-423
VPB-53 18 PBY-5A 14 55 CASU 58.1
1 TBF-1 1
2 SBD-5 1
NZ-3 16 PV-1 15 15 NZ #14 S.U.
NZ-21 18 F4U-1 17 26 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-24 18 F4U-1D 18 27 NZ # 3 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 13 R4D-5 9 48 VMR-152
VMR-153 13 R4D-5 11 55 VMR-153
NZ-14 18 F4U-1D 16 24 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-22 18 F4U-1 16 25 NZ #31 S.U.
NZ-26 18 F4U-1 16 24 NZ # 1 S.U.
NZ-16 18 F4U-1 12 24 NZ #25 S.U.
|
|
