RNZAF activity in the Pacific 1945

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 2 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(68 sorties-14 1/2 tons )

17 Muguai Huts Destroyed or Damaged: Weathered off Asitavi, 20 Piva Corsairs hit huts in the Muguai area at 0925 yesterday. One plane from NZ-22 acted as Smoky Joe and directed the attack. Eight fighters from NZ-26 with 5 half-ton daisy cutters and three 325-pound depth charges put their load on huts at 355562. Eight huts were destroyed. From one hut, a quantity of paper and cloth were thrown high in the air. About ten yards from the target, H-shaped posts were seen carrying 20 or more insulators. 
Twelve Corsairs from NZ-22 with a dozen 500-pound stick bombs, and the Smoky Joe also toting 2 para smoke flares, struck Muguai huts, as directed, at 361362. Four bombs fell on the smoke marker, destroying one hut and clearing the smoked area. They then attacked huts at 343353 with seven bomb hits which destroyed four more huts and damaged three. One bomb landed 150 yards to the NW, destroying another hut. 16 strafing runs were made on two parked trucks laden with yellow crops at 350352. They were smoked, but not blazed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-26 MUGUAI 0925 dr 5x1000 G.P.
                                              3x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 dr 2 Para Smoke.
                          12x500 G.P.

Fauro Island Lean-Tos Bombed: Eight Corsairs from NZ-16, with two smokes and eight 325-pound depth charges, were also weathered off Asitavi. Their secondary target was a group of lean-tos on the NW coast of Fauro Island. It was first smoked, then three bombs were put in the target area, scoring 1 lean-to destroyed. Four bombs overshot 30 to 40 yards, and another was wild.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-16 FAURO ISLAND 0925 dr 2x100 Smoke. 8x325 D.C.

Enemy Defenses at Koriu Hit by 30 Corsairs: The 3rd Division requested bombs and straffing along the Buin Road for a distance of 600 yards, going in from the road 75 yards to the north and 25 yards to the south. Artillery would smoke the limits of the target. Eleven fighters from NZ-16 with eleven 325-pound depth charges struck at 1230. Their target was 973393 to 977389, just forward of the Australian line east of the Hongorai River. Ten bombs hit the indicated area north of the Tomoi River and on the north side of the Buin Road. One bomb hung and fell wide.
Twelve fighters from NZ-22 followed over at 1235. Of their dozen 500-pounders, 11 fell in the smoked area and patterned over the SE two-thirds of the target area. One bomb was a dud.
Finally, seven Corsairs from NZ-26 with 3 half-ton daisy cutters and five 325s completed the strike at 1240, getting all bombs in two lines covering 120 yards on the north side of the road in the east part of the target, 18 strafing runs were also made. The strike leader reports that the target area was well cleared, especially both sides of the Tomoi River. This was the first of five scheduled close support missions in the general area.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ-16 KORIU 1230 dr 11x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 1235 dr 12x500 G.P. (1 dud).
7 F4Us NZ-26 1240 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                 5x325 D.C.

Able-Charlies: At 0715 two fighters made a weather hop. Two fighters flew a negative A-C tour at 0700. Another pair of Corsairs flew searches at 1030. They strafed and killed a Nip at Lonahan, another (plus a third probable) at Kohiso, and strafed and destroyed a large canoe at Karsorila (SW Buka) after three Nips had escaped from it. They also strafed huts at Nufanaha Island, Toma Harbor and a large wooden structure halfway up the cliff at Lonahan for unseen damage. Newly-cultivated gardens at Ovau Island were also gunned, for unobserved results.
Two fighters maintained anti-artillery patrol over Mivo-Hari from 1600 to 1705, sighting three Nips on the road at 092338. The Japs scrambled into the brush as the planes came close. Another pair of fighters continued this patrol until 1800, for negative sightings.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-26 WEATHER RECCO 0715 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-26 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0700,1030 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-22 ANTI-ARTILLERY PATROL 1600-1800 No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(38 sorties-28 tons)

Mitchells Bomb Kabagada: Two Corsair Smoky Joes led 22 Emirau mitchells with 176 eighth tonners to a very large and active storage area 1 miles west of Malaguna. They struck at medium altitude at 1050. 18 bombs fell NW of the target. 150 covered the west half of the target. 8 accidentally fell in Talili Bay when the doors opened.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 KABAGADA #5 1050 dr Smoke bombs.
28 PBJs VMB-423 dr 176x250 G.P.

Venturas Whack Rabaul: 8 PVs from Emirau hit a large hut concentration in the Praed Point area where a large explosion was caused by a patrol bomb on the 28th. Forty-eight 250-pounders were dropped. They all fell 100 yards SW of the target.

For the Record:

8 PVs NZ-1 RABAUL #63 1015 dr 48x250 G.P.

Rabaul Patrols: Adverse weather over the Gazelle Peninsula yesterday hampered patrolling. Six Corsairs from Jacquinot Bay set out for Rabaul, but only two got on station for a two-hour watch until lowering clouds cancelled out further flights.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ-20 RABAUL PATROLS 0845-1045 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(8 sorties-4 tons)

Corsairs Hit 3 Nips, 2 Huts, 1 Truck: Two Emirau fighters on Kavieng patrol late Thursday afternoon dropped four quarter-tonners on the Kavieng water point and gardens, for no observed damage. They strafed and killed three Jap bathers. A pair of Corsairs on afternoon sweep Thursday dived 4 quarter-tonners. Two missed Mongai huts, but two damaged a pair of Katu huts. They also strafed and burned a truck near the Kanam Plantation.
Two Corsairs on morning sweep yesterday dived 2 quarter-tonners and a half tonner which missed a culvert but holed the road at Soubu. The pair of fighters watching Kavieng dived two 500-pounders into a Maiome garden, and two more which missed the Fessoa bridge.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 31 May 1655-1825 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 31 May 1455-1920 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 1 Jun 0630-1000 dr 2x500 G.P.
                                                                            1x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 1 Jun 0700-0840 dr 4x500 G.P.

[shorty]

Re Depth Charges- It was suggested to me that depth charges, having a thin casing were best for clearing foliage as the blast is outwards rather than upwards from a crater

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 3 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(69 sorties - 15 1/4 tons)

Bombs Win Another Bite of Buin Road: Friday marked the first of five concentrated attacks on Buin Road defenses in the Koriu area. These strongly-held positions face the advancing 58/59 Australian Battalion. In the first of the five scheduled bombings of the road a strategic support area 600 yards long was blasted. The length of this area shows as F to G on this graphical representation of the Buin Road. 1900 yards of Buin Road, heading southeast. Yesterday an area closer to our friendly forces (and northwest of the Friday bombing) was carried out in the sector shown as S to T on this diagram. The target measured 450 yards in length, and extended 75 yards north of the road and 25 yards south of it. It contained defensive positions, ammunition and stores. Its map coordinates are 964402 to 968398. Twelve fighters from NZ 26 bombed at 0800, as indicated by artillery smoke and tac/r. They dropped 6 half-ton daisy cutters and seven 325-pound depth charges. Three bombs fell on the south side of the road, one in its middle, and 8 to the north, all inside the assigned area, scoring good coverage. Just one bomb was 25 yards short.
Seven fighters from NZ 16 followed in at 0810, placing all seven of their 325s in the target area along both sides of the road for 150 yards from the NW end, 19 strafing runs were also made.
Twelve Corsairs from NZ 22 completed the strike at 0815 with a dozen 325s all in the target, mainly in the center and SE portions.
By 0900, the 58/59 Battalion had advanced to point #1 on the diagram. By nightfall they had pushed ahead 1200 yards to point #2, close to the bridge over the Tomoi River, and dug in for the night. Throughout the advance, numerous tank obstacles were encountered. The enemy position at 966402 (point #1 on the diagram) showed evidence of very accurate bombing and shelling,

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 26 RUNAI 0800 dr 6x1000 G.P.
                                             7x325 D.C.
7 F4Us NZ 16 0810 dr 7x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 22 0815 dr 12x325 D.C.

Buin Road Further Attacked at 1145: Twelve Corsairs from NZ 26 with four half-ton stick bombs and nine 325-pound depth charges struck a reported headquarters and supply dump area along the Buin Road southeast from point G on the diagram for 700 yards. Artillery laid two smokes, and all bombs fell between these markers. One depth charge was a dud. 21 strafing runs were also made. Though results were unobserved, this bombing served to soften the Jap defense effort along the road and implemented the Australian advance noted above.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 26 BUIN ROAD 1145 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                    9x325 D.C. (1 dud)

Jap "Homes" in Barbed Wire Enclosures Hit Twice: AIB reports 40 Nips snugly ensconsed in six houses on the west side of the Oamai River at 153333, They have machine guns in dug-in positions, with the whole area enclosed with protective wire. Eight fighters from NZ 16 visited them with eight 325s and a pair of century incendiaries at 1150 yesterday. Seven bombs fell in the target area, and one was wide. Results were not seen. Twelve Corsairs from NZ 22 followed in with ten 500-pound daisy cutters and two 325s. Ten bombs fell in the area smoked, one overshot and one was a dud. Two strafing runs helped mark the target. Results were not determined.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 16 OAMAI RIVER 1150 dr 8x325 D.C.
                                                    2x100 Incend.
12 F4Us NZ 22 dr 10x500 G.P.
                            2x325 D.C. (1 dud)

Recco Destroyed Two Huts: A negative A-C tour was made at 0700 by two NZ 16 fighters. Two planes out at 1035 strafed huts near Kara, for unseen damage. They sighted three or more huts at 247295 and 4 huts at 319347. Two Corsairs from NZ 22 on recco at 1635 laid two 325s at 355362, destroying two small huts and felling more trees. The four trucks near Muguai #4 are still pinned by the trees. Oil is seen leaking into the stream. These vehicles are probably permanently unserviceable. Markers for 3 June targets in the Muguai-Lagua-Mibo River areas were located.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 16 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCH 0700,1035 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 22 MUGUAI RECCO 1635 dr 2x325 D.C.

NEW BRITAIN
(33 sorties - 34 1/2 tons)

Rabaul Patrol: Ten NZ 21 Corsairs from Jacquinot roved over the Gazelle area from 0620 to 1640. Nil sightings were reported.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROLS 0620-1640 No bombs.

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

Venturas Destroy 3 Huts and a Bridge: Seven Emirau PVs with 42 eighth-tonners ranged from Balus down the northeast coast of New Ireland to Panatgin, destroying one hut at Panatgin, and the north Sali bridge. They also flattened two huts on the west coast at Ulaputur. 13,000 rounds were gunned at targets of opportunity.

For the Record:

7 PVs NZ 1 NEW IRELAND 0945-1045 dr 42x250 G.P.

Corsairs Damage Mageh Bridge: Two fighters watched Kavieng late Friday, diving 2 half-tonners on gun positions at 095117 for possible damage. One bomb was a dud. Two Corsairs on afternoon sweep Friday put a half-tonner and two 500-pounders on Mumu huts (for no damage), but made the bridge at Mageh unserviceable. Yesterday's early sweep dived a half-tonner at a Fangelawa garden, and another at a Sali garden, but the harvest was unassessed. The morning Kavieng patrol dived half-tonners at huts NNE of the strip, unobserved.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL I June 1030-1900 dr 2x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 1 June 1515-1925 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                                                                  2x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 2 June 0630-1050 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 2 June 0700-0840 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 4 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(87 sorties-17 tons)

Further Advances on Buin Road Won by Bombing: On the third day of the five-day plan to move southeast and capture the Buin-Monoitu road junction at 989381, special attention was given to an area 450 yards long and 100 yards wide NE of the Buin Road between 979390 and 983387. The ground forces would assault and occupy the position after the 8 o'clock bombing.
To visualize the problem, note the above diagram. The horizontal line represents the Buin Road. It runs from NW to SE, with the Aussies moving to the right, or southeast, toward the Buin-Monoitu road junction at "E" as their objective. At nightfall Saturday, the ground forces had dug-in at point #1. This is 2300 yards from the objective "E". The area A-B was cleared by bombing Friday, B-C was struck Saturday, and the area from C to D was the assigned area for yesterday morning at 0805
Twelve Piva Corsairs from NZ-16 with dozen 325-pound depth charges led the attack on enemy defenses 983307-988384 (C to D on the diagram), aiming their load between the smoke laid by artillery at the top and bottom limits of the area. Seven hits were grouped at the northwest end, 25 yards short of the target. 4 hit the target center. One plane jettisoned its bomb at sea, due to engine trouble.
Next to bomb were twelve Corsairs from NZ-22 with 10 quarter tonners and two 325s, They put 8 in the NW part of the target, and 4 in the center. 36 strafing runs were also made over the whole area.
Finally, eleven fighters from NZ-26, with seven 325s, a half tonner, and 4 quarter tonners, completed the strike. The target was re-smoked by artillery. The half-tonner was a dud, but three bombs fell on the south side of the smoke, and 8 got good coverage on both sides of the road in the central portion of the target. No results were observed.
Following the air strike. A Company of the 58/59 Australian Battalion, supported by tanks, moved through D Company and penetrated to 983386 (point #3) on the diagram. This was a gain of 1300 yards. Enroute, an engagement was fought at 976391 (point #2), and in a hutted area 200 yards north of the road. Further stiff opposition, including 150 mm fire, was encountered at 982386 (SW of the road at point #3), A second air strike was requested on the same target area hit at 0800.
Twelve Corsairs from NZ-22 came over at 1200. They carried 2 smoke flares, 4 quarter-tonners and 8 half-ton SAPs. The artillery smoke was inaccurate, so the flares were used, but both were duds. The leader dropped his bomb as a marker, and directed the attack by radio. 3 hits were scored just outside the target area, and nine were well inside. Results were not seen.
Twelve fighters from NZ-26 followed in with eight 325s, four 500-pounders and a half-tonner, They put 18 in the center of the target. One hung and was spilled at sea. ? strafing runs were made over the entire target.
To complete the attack, twelve Corsairs from NZ-16 put ten of twelve 325s in the target at 1215. Two were jettisoned at sea, due to undercarriage trouble. Results of the bombing were not seen.
A final infantry attack with tank support captured the 982386 position (point #3).

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-16 BUIN ROAD (KORIU) 0805 dr 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 0810 dr 10x500 G.P.
                                     2x325 D.C.
11 F4Us NZ-26 0815 dr 7x325 D.C.
                                   4x500 G.P.
                                   1x1000 G.P. (a dud).
12 F4Us NZ-22 1200 dr 2 Smoke Flares. (both duds).
                                  8x1000 S.A.P.
                                  4x500 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ-26 1205 dr 8x325 D.C.
                                   1x1000 G.P.
                                   4x500 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ-16 1215 dr 12x325 D.C.

Familiarization Hops for New Squadron Fifteen: At 0700 four fighters made an A-C tour, strafing a camp fire on Fauro Island opposite Bauvo Island for unseen damage. Four planes made the rounds at 0830, strafing five Japs under trees west of Molia Point for unknown casualties. They also strafed and destroyed a native-type canoe on the water near the NE Shortlands. They sighted a structure on stilts at Cape Dunganon. This may be an observation post. Four fighters went at at 1015. They gunned four huts a mile south of Lontis. Four Nips and two natives were seen to have ducked inside the huts. Their fate is not known. Finally, four Corsairs from the new NZ-15 Able-Charlied at 1135, strafed and destroyed two 50-foot barges under trees on the beach at Arigua Plantation. A good score for the first day.

For the Record:

16 F4Us NZ-15 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCHES 0700, 0830, 1015, 1135 No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(37 sorties-28 3/4 tons)

Venturas Strike Tobera: Seven Emirau PVs with 42 eighth-tonners hit the unfinished strip off the southwest end of the main Tobera runway from medium altitude at 1030 yesterday. The bombs fell in a good group about Tobera Flakintel 109086.

For the Record:

7 PVs NZ-1 TOBERA #4 1030 dr 42x250 G.P.

Corsairs Watch Rabaul: Six fighters from Jacquinot patrolled the Gazelle airfields and swept the coasts for nil sightings from 0645 to 1135. At that time, adverse weather forced them to return to base and cancel further patrol work.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL PATROLS 0645-1135 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(8 sorties-4 tons)

Corsairs Destroy Numerous Huts: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol Saturday afternoon dived a half-tonner at the Kapau bridge, but missed. A second 1000-pounder missed Kavieng huts, but holed a crossroad. Two Corsairs on Saturday afternoon coastal sweep put 2 half-tonners on Dunup huts, ruining two and damaging several more.
Two fighters on sweep yesterday early dived two 1000-pounders. One missed Amba huts, but the other demolished 4 Mongai huts. Two fighters patrolled Kavieng and their 2 half-tonners destroyed two huts and damaged two more at But But. The Doi Island strike, the dusk sweep, and the late Kavieng patrol were cancelled due to stormy weather.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 2 June 1700-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 2 June 1455-1900 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 3 June 0725-1100 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 3 June 0815-0920 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 5 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(2 sorties - no bombs)

Bad Weather Curtails Bougainville Operations: Two Corsairs of NZ 26 made a weather reconnaissance flight over south Bougainville yesterday and found weather unsuitable for operations in that area.
The last of a series of strikes in a five day schedule of support for Australian ground forces in the Koriu area had been planned. The troops are moving to capture the Koriu-Mamagata road junction which is well defended by Japanese installations on either side of the road. It was also planned to carry out strikes on Jap inhabited huts on the east side of the Mibo River where it joins the Wapiai River, and on a large truck park and concentration of enemy on the west Mibo River. These positions are about 7 miles east of Jap positions on the Buin Road in the Koriu area. However, these strikes as well as the regular Able-Charlie searches were cancelled due to unsatisfactory weather.
NOTE: Capture of the road junction is reported in the Ground Sit'n.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 26 WEATHER RECCO 0940 No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(6 sorties - no bombs)

Corsairs Destroy Two Canoes: 6 fighters from NZ 20 at Jacquinot Bay patrolled the Rabaul area. They strafed and destroyed two outrigger canoes. The first two morning patrols were cancelled due to unsatisfactory weather conditions.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROLS 1115-1645 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(11 sorties - 7 1/4 tons)

Seven Venturas Hit Kavieng: Seven PVs from Emirau were weathered out of a planned strike on Rabaul 37. They hit the town of Kavieng at 1000 with forty-two 250-pound bombs. Although most of this load fell in the water a few were observed to hit the beach at 071073.

For the Record:

7 PVs NZ 1 KAVIENG 1000 dr 42x250 G.P.

Corsairs Bomb Kavieng Area: Two fighters from Emirau dropped two 1000-pound bombs and achieved a direct hit on smoke at Kavieng 142069. Fighters did not patrol entire coast of New Ireland, not moving south of Koka and Soubu. Two other fighters on Kavieng patrol struck Kavieng huts with two 1000-pounders with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 0635-0945 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 0700-0835 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 6 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(82 sorties - 12 tons)

Dump and Personnel Area Near Mibo River Bombed: 24 Piva Corsairs attacked a target west of Mibo Ford (Refs 103337 to 108339) where the 2/8 Commandos and Papuan Infantry Battalion had reported a large concentration of enemy personnel and a truck park. 12 Corsairs from NZ 16 went in first at 0750 with twelve 325-pound depth charges. All these bombs fell in the east and north area of the target for good coverage, but results were unobserved. 12 more fighters from NZ 26, carrying 10 325-pound depth charges and 3 500-pound stick bombs followed the first group and put seven bombs on the south and five on the northeastern portion of the target. One 325-pound depth charge hung up and was jettisoned at sea. 36 strafing runs were made over the whole area. Results of these actions were not seen.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 16 WEST MIBO RIVER 0750 dr 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 26 0755 dr 10x325 D.C.
                                    3x500 G.P.

Mibo-Wapiai Huts Struck: AIB reported Nips in unknown strength occupying huts on the east side of the Mibo River close to the point where it joins the Wapiai River. Commando observations confirmed native guerrilla reports. 12 Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying five 1000-pound S.A.P., one 500-pound G.P. and six 325-pound depth charges struck the huts (ref: 115340-117341-117344) at 0825. Eleven bombs fell in the target with unobserved results and one 1000-pounder was jettisoned at sea due to electrical trouble.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 EAST MIBO RIVER 0825 dr 5x1000 S.A.P.
                                                              1x500 G.P.
                                                              6x325 D.C.

Omofusi Struck at Laguni: The AIB reported Jap officer Omofusi and a number of enemy troops occupying 20 huts in the vicinity of 252296, near Laguai (eight miles east of the Mibo River target mentioned above). 12 Corsairs from NZ 22 carrying 12 325-pound depth charges, 1 incendiary bomb cluster, and 1 100-pound incendiary bomb went in over the target at 1120. The hut target was marked by Smoky Joe, and all bombs fell in the south and west sectors of the area. 16 strafing runs were made. Twelve more fighters from NZ 16 followed in over the same target with 12 325-pound depth charges. All bombs dropped in the northwest section of the target area. Results of these strikes were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 LAGUAI 1120 dr 12x325 D.C.
                                                1x100 Incend. Cl.
                                                1x100 Incend.
12 F4Us NZ 16 1125 dr 12x325 D.C.

Smoking Aircraft lands at Green: Four Corsairs from NZ 15 were patrolling at 1500' altitude in the vicinity of Numa Numa, when one of the aircraft began smoking. The pilot tried to climb high enough to clear the mountains and return to Piva but was unable to get more that 2,000' altitude. As this was not sufficient to clear the mountains, the pilot was faced with either ditching or making an effort to save the aircraft by landing at another strip. He elected to try for Green, where he and his wing man arrived safely. The other two craft returned to base.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCH 1020 No bombs.

Able-Charlies Spot Submerged Plane: Two Corsairs of NZ 15 flew an aircraft escort mission as far as the Shortlands at 0845. 4 Corsairs of NZ 15 took off at 0700 and strafed a hut one mile north of Kariki (on the NE coast of Fauro Island) with unobserved results. They also sighted six huts, a garden, and a new bridge over the stream on the coast road near Iwi Plantation.
Four Corsairs from NZ 15 (at 0740) strafed a wooded hut at Lonahan, on the southeast coast of Buka, with unobserved results. Four other Corsairs from NZ 15 sighted a single engine monoplane submerged on a coral reef on a little island between the Shortlands and Saigamona Islands. These planes also reported a log slipway from the water's edge to the brush on Shortland Island opposite the west end of Piaggi Island, and a new 50' jetty in the bay on Fauro Island opposite Bauvu Island. They saw good gardens on Piedu Island. Four more fighters of NZ 15 flew an Able-Charlie at 1230 for nil sightings.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 ESCORT 0845 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE-CHARLIE SEARCH 0700 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 15 0740 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 15 1000 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 15 1230 No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(34 sorties - 36 tons)

Rabaul Roads and Buildings Hit: At 1037 six PBJs of VMB-Emirau thoroughly covered the north one-third of a target of 11 revetted buildings on the NW side of Simpson Harbor. 18 half-ton GPs were used and good fires were observed in the area 30 minutes later. At 0924 six PVs from NZ 1 struck an active road area on the west coast of Simpson Harbor with 36 quarter-ton GPs. 34 of these fell in ravines in the target area causing a flash of flame and smoke. Two hang ups were jettisoned.

For the Record:

6 PBJs VMB-Emirau NEW RABAUL #36 1037 dr 18x1000 G.P.
6 PVs NZ 1 NEW RABAUL #13 0924 dr 36x500 G.P.

Patrol Destroys Nips, Truck, and Barge: Five pairs of Jacquinot Bay Corsairs patrolled the Rabaul area from 0630 to 1635. On strafing runs two Nips were killed at Ragaga Bay, damaged a truck at Malabunga, and left a barge smoking at Put Put. Meagre accurate light A/A holed one plane at Kabanga Plantation.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 21 RABAUL PATROLS 0630-1635 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties - 4 1/2 tons)

"Sub" Search Has Unusual Ending: Four "submarines" were sighted at Lat. 03º00' S Long. 152° 00' E at 1050. They submerged shortly after being sighted and Emirau scrambled an anti-submarine patrol immediately. At 1055 the "submarines" were reported slightly NW of their original sighting. The search was secured at 1430 when, within one mile of the original Tabar Island sighting, four whales were seen. Call for Captain Ahab!

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 25 SUB SEARCH 1100-1430 No bombs.

Nips and Cattle Killed by Patrols: On patrol from 1655 to 1815 Monday two Corsairs of NZ 25 struck at a truck in a revetment at Kavieng 172105 with two 1000-pound GPs. No noticeable damage was done. Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on sweep from 1501 to 1840 struck the cliff road at Dallum with two 1000-pound GPs, causing minor damage. They also killed one Nip at Lossuk Bridge and smoked a cart at Fangelawa by strafing. Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on a dawn sweep Tuesday from 0635 to 1050 struck at the Dallum Cliff Road with two 1000-pounders, nicking the road, but not sufficiengly to block it. These aircraft strafed and destroyed several cattle at Waum. Two Corsairs from NZ 25 on Kavieng patrol from 0700 to 0830 struck Kavieng Water Point with 4 quarter-ton daisy cutters, two of which were seen to be direct hits but damage was not assessed. Meagre inaccurate tracered light flak was received from a concealed position southeast of Kavieng airstrip.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 4 June 1655-1815 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 4 June 1501-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 5 June 0635-1050 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 5 June 0700-0830 dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 7 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(101 Sorties-21 Tons)

Nine Tons Support Troops Near Unanai: Ground forces have moved beyond the Buin-Mamagata road junction. However, a pocket of enemy resistance remains to the North and slightly East of that position on the road between Unanai and Taitai. Troops requested bombing of 500 yards of this road (from 993389 to 996392). 12 Corsairs of NZ-16 led the attack at 0805. The target was marked by Smoky Joe, but there was no contact with Artillery. Of the twelve 325 pound depth charges carried in, 9 covered the SW portion of the target, two fell fifty yards wide, one hung and as jettisoned at sea. Results were unobserved. Eight more Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying seven 325 pounders and one thousand pound S.A.P. followed at 0810 and dropped all bombs in line for fair coverage. Results were unobserved.
Five minutes later, at 0815, 12 Corsairs from NZ 15 carrying twenty 325 pounders laid 16 of them in the target area with unobserved results. Four bombs were jettisoned at sea.
Five minutes later 12 more Corsairs of NZ 26 carried 5 quarter ton stick bombs and seven 325 pound depth charges over the same target. Four bombs fell in line along the North 400 yards of target and eight fell on either side of the road in the Northern section of the target. Results were unobserved.
As a result of this strike, elements of the 58/59 Bn crossed the Peperu River and secured the junction at 996392 against heavy opposition.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 16 UNANAI 0805 dr 12x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 22 0810 dr 7x325 D.C.
                                 1x1000 S.A.P.
12 F4Us NZ 15 0815 dr 20x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 26 0820 dr 5x500 S.B.
                                  7x325 D.C.

Support Advance Troops at Peperu (Hari) River Ford: Ground forces report an enemy concentration where the main Buin road fords the river (at 000381). The target was accurately marked by artillery smoke and, later, by Smoky Joe. But low clouds interferred with accurate bombing. 12 Corsairs of NZ 16 carrying twelve 500 pounders led the strike at 1200 on enemy defences East of the Ford (Reference 000381 to 003377). All bombs fell in NW sector covering about 350 yards. Results unobserved.
13 Corsairs of NZ 26, carrying five 500 pound stick bombs, seven 325 pound depth charges and 2 smokes followed on the same target. Four bombs fell North of the road and six to the South. 2 depth charges were jettisoned at sea due to engine trouble.
Eight Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying eight 325 pound depth charges concluded the strike on the same target at 1220. Smoky Joe from NZ 26 marked the target. Seven bombs fell in the East section of the target area with unobserved results and one was jettisoned at sea.
Other elements of the 58/59 Bn then advanced and crossed the Peperu River at 994380, one half mile to the west of the area bombed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-16 HARI (PEPERU) RIVER FORD 1200 dr 12x500 G.P.
13 F4Us NZ-26 1210 dr 5x500 S.B.
                                 7x325 D.C.
                                 2x100 Smokes.
8 F4Us NZ-22 1220 dr 8x325 D.C.

12 Fighters Strike Tabago Enemy: At 1140 12 Corsairs of NZ-15 carrying twenty 325 pound depth charges attacked a concentration of enemy which AIB reported to be inhabiting huts in the vicinity of Tabago, north of Mt. Boeder. All bombs fell in the target area for good coverage, but results were not seen.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-15 TABAGO B 1140 dr 20x325 D.C.

Able-Charlies Destroy Huts and Vehicles: Two Able Charlies of NZ-22 made negative patrol at 0700. Two Able Charlie Corsairs from NZ-22 dropped one 500 pounder and one 325 pound depth charges at 361354 near Muguai to destroy one hut at 1015. Three trucks loaded with produce and sacks were sighted at 362358. One truck disappeared in jungle; the other two were strafed repeatedly until all ammunition was expended, but they did not burn.
Two Corsairs of NZ-22 carrying two 325 depth charges returned to bomb the trucks at 1315. The vehicles had disappeared; the bombs were dropped on a suspected park at Reference 358358 thereby uncovered four (or more) trucks and two staff cars.
Six Corsairs of NZ-22 attacked the motor park thus disclosed at 1445 with six 325 depth charges. All bombs landed in the target area destroying three one-ton trucks, three staff cars, one 1/2 ton van, and four large huts. Twenty large cans (possibly fuel containers were scattered by the blast. Two trucks with yellow crops, which were strafed on 1 June, were noted in their same position, probably permanently unserviceable.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0700 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-22 1015 dr 1x500 G.P.
                                 1x325 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-22 1315 dr 2x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ-22 1445 dr 6x325 D.C.

NEW BRITAIN
(20 sorties-19 1/2 tons)

PBJs and Corsairs Hit Rabaul: At 1104 five Mitchells from Emirau and two Corsairs from NZ-25 hit a storage area on the northwest coast of Simpson Harbor with fifteen 1/2 ton bombs. A short time earlier, the Corsairs had dropped four smoke bombs on Vunakanau 26. 3 were duds, and the last smoke was weak, so the flight held all bombs and struck their secondary target at Simpson Harbor.
All bombs fell in the middle of the target area, but results were unobserved. One PBJ, which started out with the flight, returned to base early because of an oil leak.
10 minutes later, at 1114, six more Mitchells from VMB-Emirau put 48 eighth ton bombs on the North end of a large hut concentration in the Praed Point area.
At 1130 six more PBJs from VMB-Emirau hit the storage areas on the NW side of Simpson Harbor with 48 eighth ton bombs. All bombs fell from the edge of the target to the first wharf north of Toboi. A big fire was started near the wharf.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 RABAUL 61-63 1104 dr 4 Smoke (3 duds).
6 PBJs VMB-Emirau RABAUL 61 1104 dr 15x1000 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB-Emirau RABAUL 63 1114 dr 48x250 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB-Emirau RABAUL 61/62 1138 dr 48x250 G.P.

Rabaul Patrols: The regular dispatch from Jacquinot Bay had not been received by press time, so results of patrols are not yet known.

NEW IRELAND
(17 sorties-14 tons)

7 Venturas Strike Kavieng Jetty: At 1100 seven Venturas of NZ-1 carrying 42 quarter ton bombs struck a jetty in Kavieng Harbor. 18 of the bombs hit the jetty and walked into town up the shore;
18 struck at Reference 073045-073075; and six bombs hung up to be jettisoned at sea.

For the Record:

7 PV-1s NZ-1 KAVIENG 1100 dr 42x500 G.P.

Bathers Killed, Leaflets Dropped New Ireland: Two Corsairs of NZ-25 on patrol over Kavieng from 1650 to 1840 5 June put four 1/4 ton daisy cutters in the Kavieng Water Point area. They also killed bathers at Panapai and dropped a pair of leaflet bombs on Kavieng.
Two Corsairs of NZ-25 on a dusk sweep over New Ireland from 1450 to 1930 5 June put four 1/4 ton daisy cutters, one of which proved to be a dud, on huts at Karumut without doing any observable damage. They killed one bather at Pinikindu. Full coastal sweep was not made; the island was crossed Borpop.
Two Corsairs of NZ-25 on 6 June dawn sweep from 0625 to 1030 dropped four 1/4 ton General Purpose bombs. One was a dud; one grazed the Lossuk bridge, one cratered the Lauan approach road, and one lost its tail and was jettisoned.
Two Corsairs of NZ-2 5 on Kavieng patrol from 0715 to 0900 cratered the Lagagon approach with two 500 pound bombs. They reported that the Kavieng strip looked serviceable from 6000 feet.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 1650-1840 5 June dr 4x500 G.P.
                                                                               2 leaflet bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 1450-1930 5 June dr 4x500 G.P. (1 dud).
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 0625-1030 6 June dr 4x500 G.P. (1 dud).
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 0715-0900 6 June dr 2x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 8 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(95 Sorties - 21 Tons)

33 Corsairs Hit Tobago Japs: AIB reported strong enemy concentrations on the east bank of a stream at Tabago three miles north of Mt. Boeder. A maximum strike was requested and three groups of fighters struck the area. 12 Corsairs of NZ 15 carrying sixteen 325-pound depth charges and four 1000-pound stick bombs went in at 1135. The camp was smoked by Smokey Joe from NZ 26. One 1000-pounder fell in a garden at the south end of the target; the other 1000-pounder hung and was jettisoned at sea. The 16 325-pound depth charges all landed in the target area.
At 1140 12 more Corsairs of NZ 16 followed in with eleven
325 depth charges and one 500-pounder. All 12 bombs dropped in the smoked area. Observation indicated that at least 6 huts were destroyed and that 12 remained undamaged at the west end of the target. A considerable amount of small arms fire was received from the target area and from a nearby garden.
At 1145 the strike was completed by 9 Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying six 500-pound stick bombs, two 325-pound depth charges and two 100-pound smoke bombs. All of these bombs were dropped in the target area with unobserved results.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 TABAGO "A" 1135 dr 16x325 D.C.
                                                      4x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 16 1140 dr 11x325 D.C.
                                    1x500 G.P.
9 F4Us NZ 26 1145 dr 6x300 G.P.
                                2x325 D.C.
                                2x100 Smoke.

Repeat Strike on Hari Ford Nips: Aussie ground forces advancing along Buin Road were supported by strikes Wednesday (6 June) on enemy concentrations at Hari Ford (Ref: 008381). As ground forces moving in on the area found more enemy than anticipated, another supporting strike was called for today.
12 Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying twelve 325-pound depth charges attacked the position at 1115. The target was accurately marked by artillery smoke and all bombs fell in the area for good coverage. There were three duds. A dozen strafing runs were made. Results of the strike were unobserved, but B Company of the 58/59 BN advanced to the road bend west of the ford at 998383.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ22 HARI FORD 1115 dr 12x325 D.C. (3 duds).

Repeat Strike on Oamai Enemy: AIB recently reported forty Japs living in 6 houses on the west bank of the Oamai River at 153333 with dug in machine guns and surrounding barbed wire. The target was last hit on 2 June .
At 0755 twelve NZ 16 Corsairs carrying eight 500-pounders and four 325-pound depth charges dropped 11 bombs dropped directly in the area, completely clearing it. One 325-pound depth charge hung up and was jettisoned at sea.
At 0805 eight NZ 26 Corsairs with one half-ton stick bomb, four quarter-ton stick bombs and three 325-pound depth charges followed in over the target. Finding it to be completely bombed out, they dropped all bombs between the target area and the Oamai River, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 16 OAMAI RIVER 0755 dr 8x500 G.P.
                                                       4x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 26 0805 dr 4x500 G.P.
                                3x325 D.C.
                                1x1000 G.P.

12 Corsairs Support 11th Brigade: Defensive positions in a coconut plantation in the Ruri Bay Area (at 331726 to 331729) were hit by twelve NZ 15 Corsairs. Artillery and Smokey Joe marked the target. Of the twenty-two 325-pound depth charges dropped, twenty fell in the target area and two fell 100 yards north. The bombing was followed by 24 strafing runs. Results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 RURI BAY 0750 dr 22x325 D.C.
                                                   2x30 Smoke.

300 Nips Hit at Unanai Junction: Three hundred Japs were reported in defensive positions at Unanai-Tai Tai Road Junction (Reference 997392). 12 Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying twelve 325-pound depth
charges hit the position at 0815. Artillery smoke marked the target and all bombs fell in the marked area, mostly on the northeast side of the road. The bombing was followed by 24 strafing runs. Results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 UNANAI-TAI TAI ROAD JUNCTION 0815 dr 12x325 D.C.

Able-Charlies Strafe Nips in Cave: Two A-C Corsairs of NZ 22 at 0655 strafed and smoked what appeared to be a look-out tower with corrugated iron sides and palm thatch camouflage at Cape Dunganon (at the north tip of Queen Carola Harbor on Buka). A mine was sighted on the beach 100 yards south of the tower. Two Nips looking out of a cave at Cape Jetipan and four more eating in a cave on the shore of Hanahan Bay (NE Buka) were strafed with unobserved results. 20 freshly dug graves were sighted at Cape Tosahui (central B coast Buka) and a well worn track with fresh footprints on the beach one mile north of Luluai Point (SE Bougainville) which suggested that a large boat had been unloading there. Five Nips were sighted and circled in a Kieta Bay restricted area.
Two Corsairs on Able-Charlie search at 1040 strafed and killed one Nip two miles south of Kara, and strafed five galvanized iron tanks on Shortlands with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 ABLE-CHARLIE 0655 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 22 1040 No bombs.

Muguai-Muliko Recco Destroys 2 Huts: Two Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying two 325 depth charges made a reconnaissance flight of the Muliko River and Muguai areas at 1400. A number of well-built huts were noted at 331340, with several scattered bomb craters nearby. Three possible machine guns were noted in a garden at 332338. One bomb destroyed two huts of a group at 358364, scattering white paper. The other bomb was a dud. The truck park at 358358 which was struck 6 June was strafed again with unobserved results. Wreckage of last strike has not been moved. Six strafing runs were made on roadside stacks of possible produce at 330423 with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ22 RECCO PATROL 1400 dr 2x325 D.C. 1 dud.

NEW BRITAIN
(46 Sorties - 22 1/4 Tons)

Mitchells Hit Vunakanau Huts: Thirteen huts and track activity under the trees were observed 3 1/2 miles south of the Vunakanau strip. Two Corsairs smoked this area and 6 Mitchells went in at 0919 with forty-eight 250-pound bombs. All the bombs droppod in the target area with unobserved results.

For the Record:

6 PBJs VMB-Emirau VUNAKANAU 24 0919 dr 40x250 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 No bombs.

Rabaul Struck Again by Venturas and Mitchells: Seven Venturas of NZ 1 carrying forty-two 250-pounders struck storage areas on the northwest coast of Simpson Harbor at 1050. All bombs dropped at reference 087089. At 1012 five Mitchells struck at 33 huts in the Rataval area on the northwest coast with thirty-two 250-pounders and three 650-pound depth charges. Eighty per cent fell in the east part of the target and the balance fell out of the area to the east. At 1027 six more Mitchells of VMB-Emirau carrying forty-eight 250-pounders dropped all bombs in the center of a storage area (Rabaul 35) on the northwest coast of Simpson Harbor.

7 PV-1s NZ 1 RABAUL 61, 62, 34, 35, 1050 dr 42x250 G.P.
5 PBJs VMB-Emirau NEW RABAUL 31. 1012 dr 32x250 G.P.
                                                                     3x650 D.C.
6 PBJs VMB-Emirau RABAUL 35. 1027 dr 48x250 G.P.

Jacquinot Corsairs Destroy Cycle, Barge, Hut, Canoes: Dispatches recently received from Jacquinot Bay tell of damage done by fighters from that base on patrol missions over the Rabaul area.
On 6 June, five pairs of Corsairs patrolled Rabaul fields from 0640 to 1220 and from 1410 to 1645. They destroyed a motor cycle and side car by strafing at Vunapope. They left a food barge sinking from strafing runs, off Sussom Point. On 7 June, five pairs of Corsairs from NZ 20 covered the Rabaul area from 0820 to 1645. They destroyed one hut and damaged two canoes in strafing runs on Duke of York.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 6 June 0640-1220 1410-1645 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 7 June 0820-1645 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(20 Sorties - 6 1/2 Tons)

Drop Leaflets, Damage New Ireland Roads: Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on patrol over Kavieng from 1645 to 1840 6 June carried four 250-pounders. One was dropped in a Lossuk garden, another on a fire near Kapsu, and two dropped directly on a north Kavieng jetty.
Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on a dusk sweep from 1500 to 1900 6 June carried four 500-pounders. Three bombs cratered the Namatanai Crossroads, one was dropped on the Kimadan Bridge.
Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on a dawn sweep from 0635 to 1100 7 June dropped four 500-pounders on a bivouac area east of Fangelawa with unobserved results. They killed several cattle by strafing at Kahili.
Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on Kavieng patrol from 0700 to 0850 7 June dropped four 500-pounders on a personnel concentration in Kavieng (refer: 155074) with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 6 June 1645-1840 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 6 June 1500-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 7 June 0635-1100 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 7 June 0700-0850 dr 4x500 G.P.

New Hanover Sub Search Negative: Four Mitchells of VMB Emirau and four Venturas of NZ 1 conducted submarine searches in the New Hanover area all day with good visibility. Results negative.

For the Record:

4 PBJs VMB Emirau SUB SEARCH 7 June No bombs.
4 PV-1s NZ-1 7 June No bombs.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 9 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(92 Sorties-19 Tons)

44 Corsairs Hit Hari Again: From two to three hundred enemy firmly entrenched on Hari ridge were holding up advance of the 58/59 Aussie Battalian. A and B Companies made repeated attacks on Thursday; the artillery was apparently ineffective; they were unable to make a break through. Four groups of Corsairs struck the ridge on Friday.
At 0825 12 Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying four 500 pound stick bombs, seven 325 pound depth charges and two 100 pound smokes struck the ridge from 001380 to 997378. An artillery barrage proceded the strike and aided in marking the target. All bombs fell in the North portion of the area with unobserved results.
At 0830 eight more Corsairs from NZ 16 carrying eight 325 pound depth charges followed in over the center of the area; two hung up and were jettisoned at sea. The bombing was followed by 24 strafing runs. Results of this portion of the strike were unobserved.
At 0830 twelve Corsairs from NZ 22 carrying a dozen 325 pound depth charges dropped ten bombs in the center of the smoked area. Two bombs, one hung up and one on A/C with hydraulic trouble, were jettisoned at sea. Results unobserved.
At 0840 Twelve more Corsairs of NZ 15 carrying twenty 325 pound depth charges concluded the strike. All of these bombs fell in the smoked area for good coverage. Again results were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 26 HARI RIDGE 0825 dr 4x500 G.P.
                                                     7x325 D.C.
                                                     2x100 Smoke.
8 F4Us NZ 16 0830 dr 8x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 22 0833 dr 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 15 0840 dr 20x325 D.C.

Nip Naval Forces Hit At Muliko: It is reported by AIB that the Jap Admiral Samoshima, the Commanding Officer of all Naval forces in this area, has set up his headquarters with a large number of naval troops in the Muliko River area from 333340 to 320342. In this area the Admiral and naval personnel are said to be occupying a collection of huts about 3/4 of a mile long. Four groups of Corsairs struck the area. At 1125 13 Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying eleven 325 pound depth charges, one 1600 pound S.A.P. and three 100 pound smokes hit the area. The smokes were not satisfactory, the 1000 pounder was a dud, the other bombs fell about 50 yards from the target South of the road. Smoky Joe reported that 2 huts were destroyed at 330341. Smoky Joe strafed two 3-ton trucks that were uncovered by the bombing. Two blue blankets were sighted on a line at 331341, possibly traded from the Seabees
The first element of the strike was followed by twelve Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying three 600 pound stick bombs, one 1000 pounder, one 650 pound depth charge and seven 325 pound depth charge and one 500 pound stick bomb were jettisoned at sea by an aircraft which returned to base with his wing man
due to engine trouble. A few bombs dropped south of the road, but most of them fell in the center of the target area with unobserved results.
At 1140 eight Corsairs of NZ-16 carrying eight 325 pound depth charges put all bombs in the center of the target area as directed by Smoky Joe. Results unobserved.
At 1150 eleven Corsairs of NZ-15 carrying eighteen 325 pound depth charges concluded the strike. The target was indicated by strafing from Smoky Joe. 12 of the bombs dropped on the Kara side of the target overshooting toward Luagoa; the other six dropped nearer the river where earlier bombing had revealed several huts. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ-22 MULIKO RIVER 1125 dr 11x325 D.C.
                                                           1x1600 S.A.P.
                                                           3x100 Smokes. (1 dud).
12 F4Us NZ-26 MULIKO RIVER 1130 dr 3x500 G.P.
                                                         1x1000 S.A.P.
                                                         1x650 D.C.
                                                         7x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-16 1140 dr 8x325 D.C.
11 F4Us NZ-15 1150 dr 18x325 D.C.

Able Charlies Damage Huts Strafe Barges: At 0655 two Corsairs of NZ-16 carrying two pound depth charges on Able Charlie sweeps sighted and strafed two 2 by 16 foot barges (one steel, one wood) moored in Moisuru Bay, SE Bougainville. Shortly after they dropped their bombs, one of which was a dud, on a group of huts at 298385. One large hut was damaged. Five other huts at 316369 were strafed with unobserved results. Two Corsairs from NZ-16 carrying two 325 pound depth charges dropped their bombs on a pair of huts near Lontis at 1030. The huts were damaged by near misses.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-16 ABLE CHARLIE 0655 dr 2x325 D.C. (1 dud).
2 F4Us NZ-16 1030 dr 2x325 D.C.

NEW BRITAIN
(17 sorties -5 tons)

Seven Venturas Hit Rabaul: Finding a cloud cover over the Rabaul area, 7 Venturas scheduled to strike a vehicle park at the edge of Rabaul Town, diverted their planned strike to a concentration of huts near Praed Point. They struck the target at 1045 with forty-two 250 pounders. Six bombs fell just west of a hut in the center of the target, 35 fell at the head of the ravine along which the huts are located, and one hung up and was returned. "Poor flak" was received from Praed Point. This dispatch description is insufficient to determine intensity, accuracy, and caliber of the ack ack.

For the Record:

7 PV-1s NZ1 RABUAL 63 (Praed Pt) 1045 dr 41x250 G.P.

Jacquinot Corsairs Patrol Gazelle Negative: From 0630 to 1645 five pairs of Corsairs of NZ 20 patrolled the Gazelle Peninsula with negative results.

For the record:

10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 0630-1645 No Bombs

NEW IRELAND
(12 Sorties-6 1/4 tons)

Corsairs Hit Kavieng Rasirik, Cape Roless: On Thursday from 1650 to 1900 two Corsairs of NZ 25 hit the Kavieng area with two 500 pounders and one half tonner. All the bombs fell in a personnel area at 169076 and it is suspected may have made a hit on a searchlight position there. Two Corsairs of NZ 25 on a sweep from 1455 to 1920 Thursday dropped 3 quarter tonners to crater a road and damage a bridge near Rasirik and one 500 pounder on Cape Roless. 10 cattle were destroyed on East Cape and one Jap was killed at Panapai. Another pair of Corsairs from NZ 25 on a Friday dawn sweep from 0630 to 1020 put two 1000 pounders on a Kavieng personnel area with unobserved results. Strafing runs were made on Piro and Cape Narum results unobserved.
2 Corsairs of NZ 25 on Kavieng patrol from 0655 to 0855 Friday put a pair of half tonners just outside the Kavieng personnel area at 158072 with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 7 June 1615-1900 dr 2x500 G.P.
                                                                              1x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 7 June 1455-1920 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 8 June 0630-1020 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 8 June 0655-0855 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 10 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(119 Sorties-26 1/4 Tons)

Continued Support of Aussies at Hari Ridge: Ground forces have not yet been able to dislodge the 200-300 Japs firmly entrenched in defensive positions on Hari Ridge. Four more flights of Corsairs were sent in to soften the position. 
At 0825 12 Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying five 1000 pounders, one 650 pound depth charge and six 325 pound depth charges. The target was smoked by mortar fire and most of the bombs fell directly in the centre of the area. The entire area, with the exception of a strip in the SW portion, was well covered by this element of the strike.
At 0830 eight Corsairs of NZ 15 carrying fourteen 325 pound depth charges droppod their entire bomb load in the area for good coverage. They followed the drop with 21 strafing runs. Results were not seen.
At 0840 twelve Corsairs of NZ 16 carrying a dozen 325 pound depth charges struck the position again. Four bombs fell in the northeast end of the area and seven fell from that point to the centre of the target. One bomb was jettisoned at sea by an aircraft returning to base with engine trouble.
Three hours later, at 1130, 12 more Corsairs of NZ 16 carrying nine 325 pound depth charges and three 1000 pounders hit the Hari Ridge Nips again. The target was again smoked by mortar shells. Clouds made bombing difficult, and only five of the bombs are reported to have fallen in the target area. 33 strafing runs were made. Results were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-26 HARI RIDGE 0825 dr 5x1000 S.A.P.
                                                     1x650 D.C.
                                                     6x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-15 0830 dr 14x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-16 0840 dr 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-16 1130 dr 9x325 D.C.
                                   3x1000 G.P.

Muliko River Nips Hit Again: AIB requested another strike on the Muliko River area in an effort to destroy materials revealed after yesterday's bombing of the area. 13 Corsairs of NZ 22 hit the area with one 1000 pound stick bomb, twelve 325 pound depth charges and two 100 pound incendiary clusters at 0750. The target position at 328341 was indicated by one half tonner from Smoky Joe. All bombs fell in the area. One 325 pound depth charge was a dud. One large iron-roofed hut was destroyed and a MT track, which had been camouflaged with banana leaves, was disclosed.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ-22 MULIKO RIVER 0750 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                                       12x325 D.C.
                                                        2x100 Incend. Cl.

Enemy Personnel NE Tabago Struck: Japs in unknown strength are reported by AIB to be concentrated in islands of bush situated between all gardens North of the road in the Tabago area (from 320436 to 337417). At 1155 twelve Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying one half tonner and eleven 325 pound depth charges. All bombs fell in the target area for coverage of its full extent. Results were unobserved.
At 1200 eight more Corsairs of NZ 15 carrying fourteen 325 pound depth charges hit the area also with excellent coverage. 3 huts were destroyed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-22 NE TABAGO 1155 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                                   11x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-15 1200 dr 14x325 D.C.

Emergency Attack Supports Porton Landing: On Friday the 31/51 Bn made a successful landing and established a beachhead at Porton Plantation (Ref: 264722). The Nips were immediately contacted. At 1405 Saturday aircraft were sent in on an emergency support mission of troops engaging the enemy. 8 Corsairs of NZ 26 went in first with four 1000 pound stick bombs and four 325-pound depth charges. Smoky Joe smoked the area. All bombs fell south of the smoke. One direct pill-box hit was observed.
At 1415 eight more Corsairs of NZ 15 followed with fifteen 325 pound depth charges. Smoky Joe of NZ 26 laid smoke and indicated the target by strafing. One bomb was a dud, thirteen fell in the target area, one fell wide. Forty-eight strafing runs were made. Results were unobserved.
At 1600 eight more Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying eight 325 pound depth charges followed in and remained over the target until 1730. All bombs fell in a good group on the target. This latter flight strafed four target areas indicated by tac/r aircraft with unobserved results. Spasmodic enemy shelling of the beach and sea was observed during the time these aircraft were on station. At the request of ground station #2 an attempt was made to signal two barges lying off shore to move up to the beach. Results unknown.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-26 PORTON PLANTATION 1405 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                                 4x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-15 1415 dr 15x325 D.C. (1 dud).
8 F4Us NZ-22 1600 dr 8x325 D.C.

Possible Ruri Bay Bivouac Hit: Signs of digging, boxes and unidentified objects were reported by tac/r under very heavy timber at Ref. 312735 in the Ruri Bay area. 12 Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying one 1000 pounder, one 650 pounder, and ten 325 pound depth charges were led in over the target by a tac/r plane at 1120. Tac/r's first smoke was a dud, the second hung up, and the third was directly on the target. Tac/r directed the bombing with the exception of two dud 325 pound depth charges, all bombs appeared to fall satisfactorally where directed. One bomb raised a column of black smoke 200 foot above the ground.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-26 RURI BAY (312735) 1110 dr 1x1000 S.A.P.
                                                                1x650 D.C.
                                                              10x325 D.C.

Able Charlies Strafe Nips: Two Corsairs of NZ 15 on Able Charlie Patrol at 0705 strafed 7 Nips on the South Shore of Hanahan Bay. One was probably killed and the other six were possibly killed.
Two Corsairs of NZ 15 on Able Charlie Patrol at 1010 sighted a large fire about 200 yards inland from the South coast of Ruri Bay.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE PATROL 0705-1020 No bombs.

Mulido Recco Hit Hut Area: Two NZ 22 Corsairs on Recco of the Muliko River Area at 1415 dropped two 1600 pound A.P. at reference 358358 at 1415. An area of the jungle was cleared.
The reported MT park at 363349 showed no vehicles but there were three or more iron-roffed huts and two hut frame-works. Inspection of yesterday's Muliko target of hut area along the river showed it to be well cleared but one iron roofed hut still intact.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 MULIKO RECCO 1415 dr 2x1600 A.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(31 Sorties-19 1/4 tons)

Ventura Overdue from Rabaul Strike: 6 NZ1 Venturas struck buildings, storage tanks and barge areas on the West Coast of Simpson Harbor at 0902 with three dozen 250 pounders. One hang up was returned; the remainder of the bombs fell West of the target area at 070050 with unobserved results. One aircraft of this flight, which was dropping leaflets along the New Ireland coast while returning from the Rabaul strike, is overdue. It is presumed that the plane is down and a search is under way.

For the Record:

6 PV-1s NZ-1 RABAUL #10 0902 dr 35x250 G.P.

Jacquinot Corsairs Over Rabaul Nil Sightings: Five pairs of Corsairs from NZ 20 at Jacquinot Bay patrolled over fields in the Rabaul area from 0845 to 1645 with negative results.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 0845-1845 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(8 Sorties -4 1/2 Tons)

Emirau Corsairs Sunk Canoes: On Friday two Emirau Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 1645 to 1855. They dived one half-tonner and two 250-pounders on a personnel area with unobserved results.
Two Emirau Corsairs on a dusk sweep from 1455 to 1840 the same day put two half-tonners on a Kavieng personnel area with unobserved results. The same aircraft strafed and sank two canoes off Cape Waum. 9 enemy appear to have gone down with the canoes.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 8 June 1645-1855 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                                                              2x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 8 June 1455-1840 dr 2x1000 G.P.

Saturday Fighter Sweep Receives Kavieng Flak: Two Corsairs of NZ 25 swept from 0645 to 1135 over New Ireland. Four 650-pound depth charges were dropped in a Kavieng personnel area with unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate light tracered A/A was received from a position in the target area at reference 169068. A 3" gun emplacement was observed at Borpop (reference 138129). Two NZ 25 Corsairs on Kavieng Patrol the same day from 0700 to 0850 put four more 650-pound depth charges on the east end of the Kavieng strip. One of these proved to be a dud.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 9 June 0645-1135 dr 1x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 9 June 0700-0850 dr 4x650 D.C. (1 dud)

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 11 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(110 Sorties-29 Tons)

34 Corsairs Cover Porton Withdrawal: On Friday 8 June the 31/51 BN made a landing at Porton Plantation in North Bougainville. Unexpected enemy resistance obliged the aussie troops to withdraw.
At 0645 eight Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying 8 half ton stick bombs and two 325-pound depth charges were directed by TAC/R to bomb Jap positions on the periphery of Porton Plantation. One bomb hung up and was jettisoned at sea; the remainder fell in the target areas (264726, 265717, 269724, 269725). The aircraft also strafed the positions heavily. Results of the strike were not observed.
Later in the day, at 1510, two Corsairs of NZ 22 were scrambled to cover a barge attempting to evacuate troops from Porton Plantation. They strafed a pill box north of the plantation with unobserved results. A target area at 262733 was strafed from time to time in preparation for a bombing attack.
From 1515 to 1630 eight Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying nine 325-pound depth charges and 1 half ton stick bomb covered the Porton area. Seven of the bombs were dropped along the beach 25 to 50 yards in from the shore directly north of the plantation. Three bombs were dropped on a pill box at 262733 and caused it to cease firing. A gun position at 264717 was strafed with unobserved results.
From 1555 to 1745 eight Corsairs of NZ 15 covered the area. They carried sixteen 325-pound depth charges. TAC/R directed the bombing on enemy positions at 264716-266716-266721-265722. All
the bombs dropped on the target areas except one which fell short on the beach. One fire was started. Eighty strafing runs were made over the area and two fires were started. One fire was still burning when the aircraft left the station. Strafing was carried out in support of LCTs moving in to evacuate troops. It was noted that dinghies dropped by Beauforts had not been retrieved by ground troops.
Pres 1630 to 1800 eight Corsairs from NZ 16 covered the area. They carried six, 325-pound depth charges and 2 half tonners. All eight of these bombs were dropped on a gun position (possibly a 75MM) at 272735. The position was also strafed. The gun ceased firing and one direct hit was confirmed by TAC/R. Three fires resulted from further strafing of the Plantation area.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-22 PORTON PLANTATION 0645 dr. 8x1000 S.B.
                                                                  2x325 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-22 PORTON PLANTATION 1610 dr. No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-22 PORTON PLANTATION 1515-1630 dr. 9x325 D.C.
                                                                          1x1000 S.B.
8 F4Us NZ-15 PORTON PLANTATION 1555-1745 dr. 16x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-16 PORTON PLANTATION 1630-1800 dr. 6x325 D.C.
                                                                           2x1000 G.P.

48 Fighters Support Aussies at Hari River: A Prisoner of War taken yesterday stated that a concentration of troops comprising from 1200 to 1400 Japs, the reorganized 23rd Infantry, is deployed
along the Hari River. The Third Division requested aircraft bombing and strafing of 200 Nips dug in at 014390 with 4 heavy and 6 light machine guns and mortars. The area of attack was 100 by 50 yards along the Buin Road. At 0805 thirteen Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying six 1000-pound S.A.P., one 650-pound depth charge, and two 100-pound smokes struck the area. All bombs fell within the space indicated by artillery smoke. Thirty-two strafing runs were also made. Results of the strike were unobserved.
At 0835 12 Corsairs of NZ 26 carrying a dozen 325-pound depth charges attacked the estimated 350 Nips who are still entrenched on Hari Ridge despite efforts of A and B Companies of the 58/59 BN to dislodge them from their position (001380 to 997378). Mortar smoke marked the target satisfactorily and all bombs fell in the area for good coverage of the southwest portion. Results of the strike were unobserved. A dozen more Corsairs of NZ 15 followed in at 0840 and obtained excellent coverage of the northeast section of the target with twenty-two 325-pound depth charges. In addition to the bombing, 57 strafing runs were carried out. Results of the strike were not seen. Three hours later the Hari Ford Nips were attacked again by eleven Corsairs of NZ 15 carrying twenty 325-pound depth charges, 19 of these bombs fell in the target area; one overshot it by 50 yards. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ 26 HARI #3 0805 dr 6x1000 S.A.P.
                                               1x650 D.C.
                                               6x325 D.C.
                                               2x100 Smoke.
12 F4Us NZ 26 HARI RIDGE 0835 dr 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 15 HARI RIDGE 0840 dr 22x325 D.C.
11 F4Us NZ 15 HARI #3 1200 dr 20x325 D.C.

24 Fighters Drop 4 1/2 Tons on Iula Japs: AIB reported large numbers of enemy a mile and a half north of the Kara strip in the Iula area. At 1135 twelve fighters of NZ 16 dropped a dozen 325-pound depth charges in a target area marked by Smoky Joe at 271389 to 272381. Good coverage of the northwest section of the target area was obtained; results were not observed.
Five minutes later another 12 Fighters of NZ 26 put eight 325-pound depth charges, four 650-pound depth charges and two 100-pound smokes in the same area with good coverage.
Smokey Joe reported that six huts were destroyed and four damaged by combined strike. Two Nips were strafed east of the target with unobserved results.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 16 IULA 1135 dr 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 26 1140 dr 6x325 D.C.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  2x100 Smoke

Able Charlies Aid Porton Withdrawal: At 0645 two Corsairs of NZ-22 strafed and destroyed a canoe and four of the enemy at Moto (Center of East Coast Bougainville). They were then called by TAC/R and requested to strafe a wharf north of the Porton Plantation. (259733 and 264734). This was accomplished with unobserved results. At 1025 two Corsairs of NZ-22 on Able Charlie Patrol dropped two 325-pound depth charges on huts in the Komai area (south interior Bougainville) with unobserved results. Then, at the request and under the direction of TAC/R they severely strafed a Porton gun position at reference 253735 with unobserved results. On instructions from an Australian ground station, dinghies were dropped on the provisional air strip south of the Soraken Peninsula.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 ABLE CHARLIE 0645 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-22 KOMAI 1025 dr. 2x325 D.C.

NEW BRITAIN
(12 Sorties-12 Tons)

Roving Rabaul Patrols Destroy Nips Damage Barge: From 0645 to 1645 fire pairs of Corsairs from NZ-21 patrolled the Rabaul area. 3 Nips were strafed and killed at Mamaar Bay; 2 were killed at
Hanwan Point (Duke of York); and one was killed at Watara; and one twenty foot barge was strafed and damaged at Liguan Bay.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ-20 RABAUL PATROL 0645-1645 dr. No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(17 Sorties-8 Tons)

Two Venturas Lost: On Saturday 9 June one Ventura of NZ-1 returning from Rabaul strike and dropping leaflets on the New Ireland (NZ-4609) Coast was lost. It is presumed to be down. A second Ventura of NZ-1 (#NZ-4609) was on search for the missing aircraft when it was observed to be shot down in flames, impact at Mageh plantation. A search for survivors has proved negative. This makes two Venturas lost in the last two days.

For the Record:

1 PV-1 NZ-1 AIRCRAFT SEARCH No bombs.

Mitchells Strike Panapai Bivouac: A half dozen Mitchells of VMB Emirau were scheduled to strike a concentration of huts a mile and three quarters west of Malaguna. They were clouded off this target, however, and diverted their bomb load of seventy-two 100-pounders to a bivouac area at Panapai. Forty of the bombs fell in the western section of the target; twenty struck 50 yards wide to the west; and twelve hung up and were returned. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 PANAPAI BIVOUAC 1137 dr. No bombs.
6 PBJs VMB EMIRAU 1137 dr. 60x100 G.P.

Four Kavieng Nips Killed by Patrols: Two Corsairs of NZ-25 patrolled the Kavieng area on Saturday from 1655 to 1845. They dropped four 650-pound depth charges in a Kavieng personnel area with unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate flak of undetermined calibre was received from 169068. Another pair of Corsairs from NZ-25 on an afternoon sweep from 1500 to 1900 put four more 650-pound depth charges in a Kavieng personnel area, smoked a radar screen at Cape St. George, killed one Nip at Dolomakas and one at Kombon. On Sunday two Corsairs of NZ-25 made a morning sweep from 0625 to 1055 dropping four 650-pound depth charges on a Kavieng personnel area just east of the air strip for unobserved results. Two Nip swimmers were strafed and killed.
Two more Corsairs of NZ-25 on Kavieng patrol from 0650 to 0900 put four more 650-pound depth charges in the same area for unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate light flak was received from 151073 and meagre inaccurate medium was received from 158041.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 9 June 1655-1845 dr. 4x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 9 June 1500-1900 dr. 4x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 10 June 0625-1055 dr. 4x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 10 June 0850-0900 dr. 4x650 D.C.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 12 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(70 Sorties-16 1/2 Tons)

Four More Strikes Hit Hari Area: Enemy forces in the Hari River continue strong in two places, the ford where Buin Road crosses the river (000381) and a ridge just to the north of the ford (014-389).
POW information indicates that the Nips have one 140 mm and three 75 mm guns in reserve at the ford to defend against tanks. There are estimated to be 200 Nips dug in on the ridge.
At 0825 twelve Corsairs of NZ-15 struck the dug-in enemy on Hari Ridge with twenty-two 325-pound depth charges. Artillery smoke was accurate and satisfactory. 20 bombs fell where they were directed for good coverage; two bombs fell wide to the west and northwest of the target area. Results were unobserved.
At 0830 twelve more Corsairs of NZ-22 carried a dozen 325-pound depth charges in over the target. 8 bombs dropped on the west side of the river, 1 on the east, 2 fell 30 yards north, and one which failed to release was jettisoned at sea. Thirty strafing runs on the area were carried out. Results of the strike were unobserved.
At 1150 twelve fighters dropped a dozen 325-pound depth charges on the Hari Ford enemy (000381). Artillery smoke was accurate. Ten bombs fell on the west side of the ford in areas previously not cleared; one overshot 100 yards east of the ford; and one fell in the cleared area east of the ford. Results of the strike were not seen.
At 1155 another 12 Corsairs of NZ-15 carried twenty-two 325-pound depth charges in over the same ford target. All these bombs fell in the area marked by artillery for good coverage. A section from the ford 50 yards southeast was opened up.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-15 HARI #3 0825 dr. 22x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 0830 dr. 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 HARI FORD 1150 dr. 12x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-15 1155 dr. 22x325 D.C.

Barges Off Porton Hit: The 11th brigade requested a strike on two Australian barges abandoned off Porton Plantation. It was desired to prevent weapons and ammunition in the barges falling into enemy hands. At 1000 eight Corsairs of NZ-16 carried eight 325-pound depth charges in over the target. One close and one direct hit destroyed the larger barge; four near misses damaged the smaller one. One bomb fell wide of the target and one was a dud. As the aircraft approached the target three Nips were seen to dive into a ditch at 261781 and two entered the brush at 271781.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-16 PORTON BARGES 1000 dr. 8x325 D.C. (1 dud)

Porton Pillboxes Hit Again: At 1620 six Corsairs carried four 1600 pound A.P. and two 325 pound depth charges over a pillbox on the edge of the Porton Plantation at 253734. One bomb overshot 10 yards; one undershot 10 yards; and one fell 25 yards West; and one 1600-pounder was a dud. The strike was seen to scatter logs about and possibly damage the small pillbox.
Several huts and a fire at Lalahan Plantation (South Buka-113776) were strafed with unobserved results. Two remaining bombs were dropped on a camouflaged hut at Gohi (N.E. tip of Bougainville - 246811) with unobserved results. Motor transport tracks were sighted at this location.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 16 PORTON-GOHI 1620 dr 4x1600 A.P. (1 dud)
                                                       2x325 D.C.

4 Fighters Strike Leanto and Mt Park: At 1600 four Corsairs of NZ 16 destroyed a leanto at Moila Point (341226) with two 325 pound depth charges. One bomb was dropped to clear jungle near Malabita Hill (at 342297) where an MT park was suspected. The park was not uncovered. Huts in the Malabita area (349298) were a truck with the remaining bomb plus strafing, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 16 MOILA-MALABITA 1600 dr 4x325 D.C.

Huts and Vehicle Strafed Near Kara: Two Corsairs on Able Charlie search strafed an apparently serviceable 3-Ton truck full of green produce. The vehicle was parked at 328293 between Makaru and Malabita Hill. Results of the Strafing were not seen. A half dozen Nips were sighted near the Malabita River (385332), but they got under cover before they could be strafed.
Two Corsairs of NZ 16 on Able Charlie search strafed two groups of four and one group of two huts in the vicinity of Luagoa (2 miles East of Kara strip). Results of the strafing were not seen.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 16 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0700 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 16 1030 No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(30 Sorties-18 3/4 Tons)

12 Mediums Hit Buildings North Tobera Strip: Six Venturas of NZ 1 were scheduled to hit a Rabaul truck park. At 1040, due to bombsight trouble, they diverted their load of three dozen 250 pounders to huts about 3/4 of a mile NW of the Tobera strip. All bombs fell in the SW quarter of the target area for unobserved results. At 0947 six Mitchells of VMB Emirau hit nine revetted buildings two mile NE of Tobera strip. Their entire load of forty-eight 250-pounders fell just outside the target area to the southwest. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

6 PV-1s NZ-1 TOBERA 26 1040 dr. 36x250 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB EMIRAU TOBERA 31 0945 dr. 48x250 G.P.

Rabual Patrols Destroyed Boats and Vehicles: Five pairs of NZ-20 Corsairs from Jacquinot Bay patrolled the Rabaul area from 0645 1645. At 0815 Pilot Officer Sherning sighted a silver Bogey at 6,000' course 350 degrees in vicinity of Mt. Sinewit. Pilot Officer Sherning and his wingman made an attempt to intercept the plane which disappeared into a cloud bank. Patrol of the area of disappearance had negative results.
Strafing results for the day were 1 Dinghy in Talili Bay sunk, l boat and 1 enemy destroyed off Duke of York, 1 car, 1 truck and 3 horses destroyed at Ratabang, and 1 truck damaged at Put Put.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ-21 RABAUL PATROL 0645-1645 No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(16 Sorties-11 1/4 Tons)

RUFE Reported Near Dampit: At 0815 Pilot Officer Sherning sighted a silver bogey at 6,000 flying a course 350 degrees in the vicinity of Mt. Sinewit (see RABAUL PATROL). At 0945 the tail gunner and radioman of a VMB-?13 Mitchell on the way to a Rabaul strike sighted a RUFE at 03 degrees 30 minutes South 152 degrees East. The enemy aircraft was flying toward shore at 2,000' approximately four miles from Dampit Plantation. There was one pontoon under the fuselage and a small float under each wing. 4 Cape Sass Nip Swimmers Killed: A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs on Kavieng Patrol from 1650 to 1740 Sunday dropped four 650 pound depth charges in a hut area at 185010. Results were unobserved. The aircraft returned to base early due to rough engine.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs were on New Ireland sweep from 1500 to 1900 Sunday. They put four 650 pound depth charges on huts at Panapai (155119) with unobserved results. One hut was fired by strafing at Katu Plantation.
On Monday two Corsairs of NZ 25 were on dawn sweep from 0700 to 1115. They dropped two 1000 pound daisy cutters near a house at Logagon with unobserved results, and four Nip swimmers were strafed and killed at Cape Sass.
A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs on Kavieng Patrol from 0730 to 0900 Monday put a pair of half-tonners on a North Cape Pillbox. Although one of the bombs was observed to fall close by the target, results were not seen.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 10 June 1650-1740 dr 4x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ 25 EVENING SWEEP 10 June 1500-1900 dr 4x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 11 June 0700-1115 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 11 June 0730-0900 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 13 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(65 Sorties -15 1/2 tons)

Hari Support Strikes Continue: Ground troops in the Hari sector crossed the River North of the ridge yesterday thus enabling them to attack the strong ridge defenses from two sides. It was estimated that 400 Nips were entrenched on the ridge despite the bombing of the last five days. At 0830 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs carrying twelve 325 pound depth charges attacked Hari Ridge (997378-001381) in close support of the ground forces. Mortar smoke was accurate and all bombs fell in the target area for good coverage. Results not observed. At 0835 seven more Corsairs of NZ 16 Dropped seven 325 pound depth charges in the NW sector of the target for good coverage. Results unobserved. At 0840 eight Corsairs of NZ 15 carried in four 1000 pound stick bombs and eleven 325 pound depth charges. 14 bombs fell on the target for good coverage and one fell in the river close to the target. Five strafing runs were also made. Results were not seen.
Later in the day at 1205 twelve NZ 16 Corsairs carried three 1000 pounders and nine 325 pound depth charges over a 300 by 50 yard area just South of Hari Ford (015372 to 081369). Artillery smoked the target satisfactorily. 10 bombs opened up the target area; one was jettisoned at sea due to aircraft engine trouble; one hung up and was jettisoned at sea. 26 strafing runs were made with unobserved results.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 HARI RIDGE 0830 dr 12x325 D.C.
7 F4Us NZ 16 0835 dr 7x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0840 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                               11x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 16 HARI #1 1205 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                               9x325 D.C.

Bivouac Near Tabago Gets 4 1/2 Tons: Twelve NZ 22 Corsairs struck a Bivouac area NE of Tabago (320420-330420) at 1140. A dozen 325 pound depth charges were dropped. Eleven bombs fell on the target; one fell half a mile South due to delayed release. Observed results; one hut destroyed, one hut damaged. Two strafing runs were made to indicate the target for aircraft of NZ 15.
At 1150 eight NZ 15 Corsairs came in over the same target with sixteen 325 pound depth charges. 14 hits were made on the target. One bomb overshot; one undershot. Results of this element of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 N.E. TABAGO 1140 dr 12x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 15 1150 dr 16x325 D.C.

Nips Strafed Killed at Tahitahi and Muguai: Two NZ 15 Corsairs flew Able Charlie search at 0705 with negative results. Two more NZ 15 Corsairs flew Able Charlie searches at 1025. Three Nips at Cape Suhin (Central East Coast of Buka) were strafed with unobserved results. Another small party of Nips were strafed on a reef three miles East of Tahitahi; 2 were killed. One Nip in Forest Cap and full pack was sighted at Kombun on the Northeast coast of Bougainville. Many natives were seen in the same area. They waved at the plane and appeared to be friendly. At Ketskets a 20'x10' shed was noted under construction. Newly sawed timber was noted nearby and skid marks led up to the site.
Two NZ 22 Corsairs carried two 325 pound depth charges and 2 half tonners on a South Bougainville Recco. mission. They saw two handcarts loaded with crops near Muguai at 1400 (348385). Shortly after another similar cart was sighted near Maika (366342). A pair of bombs was dropped in a tree area North of Muguai (350385) demolishing a small store house on stilts and uncovering half a dozen vehicle tires. Two more bombs were drowned just East of Kikibatsiago (345391 and 342394) and uncovered one large hut. Four Nips were strafed and killed near Muguai (355366). Three Nips were sighted just west of Maika (346379) and machine gun fire was heard coming from unknown positions in the area.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0705 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 15 1025 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 22 S. BOUGAINVILLE RECCO 1400 dr 2x325 D.C.
                                                                      2x1000 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(8 Sorties - No bombs)

Rabaul Patrols Smoke Dinghy: 4 pairs of NZ 20 Corsairs from Jacquinot Bay patrolled Rabaul airfields from 0630 to 1435. Later patrols were cancelled due to bad weather over the area. One dinghy was strafed and left smoking at Watom Island. No A/A was sighted.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROLS 0630-1435 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(6 Sorties - 2 tons)

Bad Weather Curtails New Ireland Sweeps: From 1700 to 1830 Monday two NZ 25 Corsairs were on Kavieng patrol. A pair of half ton daisy cutters were dropped on a Mayom personnel area with unobserved results. A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs flew an afternoon sweep from 1500 to 1900 and straddled the Kimadan bridge with a pair of 1000 pounders. The sweep was shortened; the aircraft cut across the island at Mumu Island due to bad weather in the Southern sector. The Tuesday morning sweep, early Kavieng patrol and projected Ventura strike were cancelled due to bad weather. The regular afternoon sweep from 1500 to 1900 was carried out with no sightings reported and no bombs dropped.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 11 June 1700-1830 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 11 June 1500-1900 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 12 June 1500-1900 dr No bombs.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 14 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(87 Sorties-15 1/4 Tons)

12 Corsairs Hit Hari Again: The 58/59 Australian Division, who secured a defense position at Hari #3 (NE of Hari Ford) on Monday, requested further close support as they closed in on the Buin road at Hari #1 (SE of Hari #3). At 0835 twelve Corsairs of NZ 16 carried 3 half tonners and nine 325 pound depth charges over the area. Artillery smoked the limits of the target. Nine bombs fell on the target area; One aircraft crashed with a 1000 pounder, One 325 pound depth charge was jettisoned at sea by the plane covering the crash; One 1000 pounder hung up and was jettisoned at sea.
The aircraft which crashed was piloted by Flying Officer G. Howie. He was killed instantly. Reason for the crash is not established, but it is not thought to have been due to enemy action.
12 more Corsairs of NZ 15 followed in over the same area with six 1000 pounder, three 650 pound depth charges, and twelve 325 pound depth charges. Artillery smoked the target. 3 bombs fell in the NW, 7 in the SE postion for reasonable coverage. The extreme NW and central areas of the target are not yet cleared. Six 325 pound depth charges and one 650 pound depth charge were jettisoned at sea by four aircraft returning to base (two with engine trouble, two accompanying). 4 hangups were jettisoned at sea.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 10 HARI #1 0835 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                                9x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 16 0840 dr 6x1000 G.P.
                                  3x650 D.C.
                                12x325 D.C.

Jap Sixth Division Headquarters Hit: A POW reported and patrol activity confirmed that the Jap 6th Division Headquarters is located at 045360 to 043356 in a bend of the Ogarata River. The 3rd Australian Division requested a strike on a 500 by 400 yard area at that location to aid the 56/70 BN in occupying the position. At 1055 ten Corsairs of NZ 16 carried ten 325 pound depth charges over the target. Nine bombs fell in an area of Jap activity which was marked Smokey Joe of NZ 15 (045360 to 043358). One 325 pound depth charge was jettisoned at sea by an aircraft with engine trouble. Results of this element of the strike were were not observed. At 1205 another elven Corsairs of NZ 15 came in over the target with seven 650 pound depth charges, ten 325 pound depth charges and a pair of 100 pound smokes. All bombs fell on the target for good coverage. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 16 RUSEI 1055 dr 10x325 D.C.
11 F4Us NZ 15 1205 dr 7x650 D.C.
                                 10x335 D.C.
                                  2x100 Smoke.

Natives Mark Toborei Installation for 12 Plane Strike: AIB requested a strike on troops and a camouflaged coastal gun at Toborei on the SE coast of Bougainville (335869). Natives marked the target with fires. At 1135 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs carried five 650 pound depth charges, seven 325 pound depth charges, and two 100 pound incendiaries over the target. Eleven of the bombs fell in the area; one overshot and fell in the sea. The target was smoked by the incendiaries; unidentified black objects were observed after bombs were dumped; otherwise results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 TOBOREI 1135 dr 5x650 D.C.
                                                7x325 D.C.
                                                2x100 Smokes.

Corsairs Cover Barge Salvage at Porton: From 1350 to 1600 four Corsairs of NZ 22 covered salvage operations of a barge off the Porton plantation (180740). Three barges moving toward the drifting barge were sighted. There was heavy rain over the area. 12 shells were observed to land in the water at 188702. They were apparently fired from guns on the tip of Sohana Island. Permission to bomb the guns was not granted. A possible bivouac area near Siara on the NE coast of Bougainville (317739) was hit with four 650 pound depth charges. Coverage was good; results were unobserved.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 22 SIARA 1600 dr 4x650 D.C.

Tank Destroyed at Ruri Bay: At 0830 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs carrying a dozen 325 pound depth charges attacked a target area in the Ruri Bay at 312735. At 315735 a tank was hit. The turret was removed. It was considered to have been serviceable and now to be unserviceable.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 RURI BAY 0830 dr 12x325 D.C.

Eight Fighters on Familiarization Hops: 8 Corsairs of NZ 18 made familiarization hops from 0810 to 1015. Two armed Nips were sighted at Iwi plantation on the Southeast Bougainville coast. Otherwise results of the flights were negative.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 18 FAMILIARIZATION 0810-1015 dr No bombs.

Aircraft Cover Crash: One Corsair of NZ 18 covered site of the Hari crash from 0935 to 1155. Aussie patrol sighted in area otherwise results negative. One Corsair of NZ 16 covered the site from 0955 to 1045 with negative results.

For the Record:

1 F4U NZ 18 CRASH COVERAGE 0935-1155 dr No bombs.
1 F4U NZ 16 0955-1045 dr No bombs.

Able Charlie Searches Negative: Two NZ 18 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search at 0700 reported negative results. Another pair of NZ 18 Corsairs on Able Charlie search at 1055 also reported negative results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 18 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCHES 0700 and 1055 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(24 Sorties-20 1/4 Tons)

16 Mediums Hit Rabaul with 14 1/4 Tons: 6 NZ 1 Venturas carried three dozen 250 pounders over active roads in ravines in the Malaguna area at 1010. 34 bombs fell in the Southern half of the target; one fell in the water, and one hangup was returned. Results were unobserved. At 1050 five VMB Emirau Mitchells carried 15 half tonners over a truck park, building and personnel area on the Northeast edge of Rabaul town. All bombs fell just SW of the target area with unobserved results. Another five VMB Emirau Mitchells were clouded off a Vunakanau target. They hit a storage area on the Northwest shore of Simpson Harbor with fifty 100 pounders. A few bombs dropped in the West edge of the target but most of them fell to the North of the area.
One Mitchell which started out with this latter flight was obliged to return to base early, without delivering its bomb load, due to a gas leak.

For the Record:

6 PV-1s NZ 1 RABAUL 12 1010 dr 35x250 G.P.
5 PBJs VMB Emirau RABAUL 60 1050 dr 15x1000 G.P.
5 PBJs VMB Emirau RABAUL 63 0928 dr 50x100 G.P.

NEW IRELAND
(14 Sorties-7 1/4 Tons)

New Ireland Sweeps Destroy 2 Nips 3 Huts: A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs on Kavieng patrol tuesday from 1645 to 1835 dived two 1000 pounders for hits with unobserved results on a Kavieng personnel area (016077). Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs on a dusk sweep from 1500 to 1950 Tuesday put another 2 half tonners on a Kavieng personnel area. 2 Nip swimmers were killed at the South end of the harbor. No coverage of area below Kalili and Cape Lemeris was accomplished. On Wednesday morning 2 NZ 25 Corsairs on dawn sweep from 0635 to 1105 dived a pair of 1000 pounders on a Mongi Bay bivouac area. Results were unobserved.
From 0700 to 0850 a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolling Kavieng put another two half tonners on a personnel area at 169068. One was a dud; damage caused by the others was not seen.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs on dusk sweep from 1450 to 1650 dived a pair of half tonners on huts at Ululnono (NE coast New Ireland). Three huts were destroyed and one was damaged. Strafing with unobserved results was carried out between Sali (on the East coast) and Roland Young Plantation (on the West coast opposite Sali).
The late Kavieng Patrol was cancelled Wednesday due to unsatisfactory weather.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 12 June 1645-1835 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 12 June 1500-1950 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 13 June 0635-1105 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 13 June 0700-0850 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 13 June 1450-1650 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 12 JUNE 1945

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

ADMIRALTIES

NZ-17                              18 F4U                             17                         26                           NZ #4 S.U.

EMIARAU

VMB-413                          12 PBJ-1D                        12                         42                           VMB-413
VMB-423                          12 PBJ-1J                         12                         48                           VMB-423
VMB-433                          12 PBJ                             12                         39                           VMB-433
VMB-443                          12 PBJ                             12                         34                           VMB-443
NZ-1                                14 PV-1                           13                         13                            NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-25                              19 F4U                            18                          26                           NZ #5 S.U.

GREEN

VPB-53                            19 PBY-5A                        17                         55                            CASU 58.1
                                        1 TBF-1                            1
                                        1 SBD-5                           1
NZ-6                                 6 PBY-5                            6                        12                            *OWN

JACQUINOT

NZ-3                               16 PV-1                           14                         13                            NZ #14 S.U.
NZ-20                             18 F4U-1D                       16                         26                            NZ #3 S.U.
NZ-21                             18 F4U-1                         18                         26                            NZ #30 S.U.

BOUGAINVILLE

VMR-152                         11 R4D-5                        11                         52                             VMR-152
VMR-153                         10 R4D-5                        10                         53                             VMR-153
NZ-15                             18 F4U-1D                      15                         25                             NZ #2 S.U.
NZ-16                             18 F4U-1                        14                         24                             NZ #25 S.U.
NZ-18                             18 F4U-1                        19                         26                             NZ #1 S.U.
NZ-22                             18 F4U-1                        13                         25                             NZ #31 S.U.

* Minor maintenance and repair by flight echelon personnel. Squadron based at HALAVO.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 15 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(No Sorties-No Bombs)

Bad Weather Stops Operations: Due to unsatisfactory weather over the Bougainville area, no strikes or patrols were carried out on Thursday 14 June.

NEW BRITAIN
(No Sorties-No Bombs)

New Britain strikes and patrols were also cancelled due to bad weather.

NEW IRELAND
(6 Sorties-5 1/2 Tons)

Bad Weather Curtails New Ireland Patrols: A pair of Corsairs on afternoon sweep from 1500 to 1645 were obliged to return to base due to bad weather. Their 2 Half ton daisey cutters were jettisoned.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 1500-1645 dr 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 16 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(4 Sorties-No Bombs)

Able Charlies Strafe Possible Barge Hideout: Two Corsairs of NZ 18 carried out their morning Able Charlie search at 1145. A possible barge hideout was observed and strafed at (256218) along the Southern shore of Bougainville about 1 mile West of the mouth of the Roro River. The results of the strafing were not observed.
Two more Corsairs of NZ 15 on Able Charlie patrol at 1145 reported negative results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 18 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 1145 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 1145 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(No Sorties- No Bombs)

NEW IRELAND
(25 Sorties-24 Tons)

21 Emirau Bombers Strike Kavieng Area: Venturas and Mitchells scheduled to strike New Britain were weathered off the primary targets. They diverted their bombs to Kavieng and Panapai.
Six Venturas of NZ-1 bombed a personnel area at Kavieng at 0930 with thirty-six 250 pounders. All but one of the bombs fell in the target area. The results were not observed.
Five Mitchells of VMB-433 released 48 one hundred pound bombs on a bivouac area at Panapai At 0912. 24 bombs struck the South-west corner of the target, 21 were near hits and 3 were seen to hit the water. 12 bombs failed to release and were returned to base. The results were not observed.
Six Mitchells of VMB-413 dropped eighteen 1000 pounders near their assigned target at Kavieng (097118) at 0923. Results were not observed.
Three medium A/A guns were seen in gun positions. It was not certain whether or not these were dummies. The results of the bombing were not observed.
Four Mitchells of VMB-443 struck at Kavieng at 1004 releasing twelve 1000 pounders on a personnel area (070098). The results of this strike were not observed.

For the Record:

6 Venturas NZ-1 KAVIENG 0930 dr 36x250 G.P.
5 Mitchells VMB-433 PANAPAI 0912 dr 48x100 G.P.
6 Mitchells VMB-413 KAVIENG 0923 dr 18x1000 G.P.
4 Mitchells VMB-443 KAVIENG 1004 dr 12x1000 G.P.

Emirau Corsairs Destroy 7 Huts, 1 Building: From 0730 to 1120 a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept New Ireland. One half ton daisy cutter was dropped to crater road at Balus; another 1000 pounder destroyed 6 huts and a building at Lebrechtshof. Several cattle were strafed and killed at Waum; several huts at Amba were smoked by strafing. 2 more Corsairs of NZ 25 were on Kavieng patrol from 0710 to 0915. They put a pair of half tonners on huts at Kapsu. One hut was destroyed.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 0730-1120 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 0710-0915 2x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 17 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(95 Sorties-30 Tons)

31 Piva Corsairs Hit Mobiai Ford Nips: The third Australian division requested that bombing and strafing of enemy positions at Mobiai Ford be carried out. A POW has reported that the Sixth Japanese Division Engineers have been ordered to construct defenses in this area to cover the approaches to the ford. The 13th Jap Regiment has been assigned the task of assisting in construction and maintaining the defenses of the ford.
Seven NZ 22 Corsairs carried 1 half tonner, one 350 pound depth charge and five 650 pound depth charges over these enemy positions (079349-082349) at 0825. The target was indicated by the bomb of the lead plane. Very good coverage was obtained and an area 150 by 100 yards was completely cleared. Other results were unobserved.
Twelve NZ 15 Corsairs followed in over the target at 0830 with a dozen 650 pound depth charges. 11 bombs gave excellent coverage. One was jettisoned in the sea due to undercarriage trouble. Results unobserved.
Another twelve NZ 15 Corsairs brought in twenty-one 325 pound depth charges over the same target area at 0835. All those bombs fell in the Western half of the target for good coverage. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 22 MOBIAI FORD A 0825 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                                        1x350 D.C.
                                                        5x650 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 15 0830 dr 12x650 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 15 0835 dr 21x325 D.C.

18 Corsairs Bomb Strafe Nips Engaging AIB Party: At 1255 six NZ 22 Corsairs carried four 1000 pounders and two 650 pound depth charges over the target near the headwaters of the Oamai River. Smoke and flags put up by natives to mark the target were conspicuous. All bombs fell in the area for good coverage. Seventeen strafing runs were also made.
At 1300 twelve NZ 15 Corsairs followed in over the same target with twelve 650 pound depth charges and eight 325 pound depth charges. 14 of the bombs fell in the target area for good coverage; two fell 50 yards wide; and four were jettisoned at sea because the aircraft carrying them has engine trouble. This second flight over the target observed a red flame up to 100 feet caused by a bomb dropped by an aircraft of NZ 22. AIB reports that many huts were destroyed and many Nips were killed.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 22 ENEMY PERSONNEL 1255 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                              2x650 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 15 1300 dr 12x650 D.C.
                                    8x325 D.C.

Wearne's Hill Nips Hit to Support 23rd Brigade: The 23rd Brigade of Australian troops requested a strike on a Nip defensive position containing forty or fifty enemy in an area of about 250 yards from 693167 to 695165 (Central Bougainville).
At 0815 twelve NZ 18 Corsairs went in over the target with three 650 pound depth charges, four 500 pounders, one 350 pound G.P. and four 325 pound depth charges. Eleven bombs gave good coverage of the target. One 350 pounder hung up and was jettisoned at sea. Eight strafing runs which had been scheduled were called off by ground station. Results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 WEARNE'S HILL 0815 dr 3x650 D.C.
                                                          4x500 G.P.
                                                          1x350 G.P.
                                                          4x325 D.C.

Timber Clearing Strike Southwest Siar: The 11th Australian Brigade requested a strike on a heavily timbered area Southwest of Siar on the Northeast coast of Bougainville (301722-305724). The area was known to be defended and it was desired to clear the forest in support of forward patrols.
At 1155 twelve Corsairs of NZ 16 carried two 650 pound depth charges and ten 1000 pounders over the target. Artillery smoke was accurate and all bombs fell in the target area for good coverage. 36 strafing runs were made. Results of the strike were not observed. Light machine gun flashes were seen coming from the South edge of the target and from a point one mile to the West.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 61 S.W. SIAR 1135 dr 2x650 D.C.
                                                 10x1000 G.P.

Fighter Planes Take Movies: One Corsair of NZ 16 accompanied the 0825-0835 strike on Mobiai Ford solely for the purpose of taking movies of the action. A similar mission was performed by another Corsair of NZ 16 Which accompanied the 1135 Siar Strike.

For the Record:

1 F4U NZ 16 MOBIAI FORD 0835 dr No bombs.
1 F4U NZ 16 S.W. SIAR 1135 dr No bombs.

12 Corsairs Hit Huts 70 Nips NW Kanaura: A dozen Corsairs of NZ 18 carried one 650 pound depth charge, one 500 pounder, two 350 pounders, and six 325 pound depth charges over a Nip camp at Kanaura ( SW Interior Bougainville - 223361) at 1250. All bombs fell in the target area. Results of the strike were not seen.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 NW KANAURA 1250 dr 1x650 D.C.
                                                       1x500 G.P.
                                                       2x350 G.P.
                                                       8x325 D.C.

Patrols Kill Six Nips: 2 NZ 22 Corsairs on Able Charlie search at 0705 strafed a Shortland Nip with unobserved results.
Two NZ 22 Corsairs on Able Charlie search at 1020 strafed two huts on the beach near Cape Tohatsi (NE Coast of Buka). Twelve good new huts were sighted on the fringe of the jungle from Cape Tandeki to Lemanmanu mission (N Interior Buka). Two NZ 22 Corsairs carried a pair of half ton bombs on a South Bougainville Recco. mission at 1405. The bombs were dropped on a suspected vehicle park about 3/4 mile Northwest of Muguai (348380). An area of the jungle was cleared but results of the strike were not observed. Six Nips were strafed and killed in foxholes a little Southwest of Muguai (345365). Signs of truck movements were sighted between Aku and Nabaku (188325).
Another pair of Corsairs carried 2 half tonners on a Moila Point area Recco. flight. One bomb was dropped on a suspected barge hideout between Kaukauai and Moila Point (242227)
with unobserved results. One bomb hung up and was jettisoned at sea.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 MUGUAI 1405 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 22 MOILA POINT 1500 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 22 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0705 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 22 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 1020 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(12 Sorties - No bombs)

New Britain Patrols Kill Nips Destroy Vehicles: Five pairs of NZ 20 Corsairs patrolled the Rabaul area from 0725 to 1945. Two Nips were strafed and killed at Kabanga, 2 were also strafed and killed at Waitavolo (just South of C. Liguan). One 14 foot boat was sunk North of Gavit Plantation (Mamaar Bay area). No flak was encounted throughout the period.
From 1000 to 1145 a pair of NZ 20 Corsairs made a recco. flight over the area North of the Warangoi River mouth, noting a large number of trucks well camouflaged in revetted areas near Wat Wat. Three trucks were destroyed and three were damaged. Light machine gun fire was heard coming from an undetermined location.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 0725-1945 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 WARANGOI RECCO 1145 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(4 Sorties-No Bombs)

New Ireland Patrols Strafe Nips: On Friday a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 1655 to 1900. One half ton stick bomb was dropped on a personnel area at 169068 with unobserved results. Another similar bomb was jettisoned at sea due to engine trouble in the plane that was carrying it.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept New Ireland from 1450 to 1900 on Friday. A pair of half tonners were dropped on huts at Ululnono, fires were strafed at Kafkaf, and two Nips were strafed at Lamussong, all with unobserved results. Due to bad weather on the Southeastern portion of the Island the terminal point of the sweep was at Kimidan.
All sweeps, patrols and strikes scheduled for New Ireland on Saturday were cancelled due to unsatisfactory weather.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 15 June 1655-1900 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 15 June 1450-1900 dr No bombs.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 18 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(98 Sorties-40 Tons)

Mobiai Nips Hit Again: The 3rd Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of Jap defensive positions on the East side of Mobiai Ford (079350, 079349, 082349, 082351).
At 0805 12 NZ-15 Corsairs carried four 1000-pound stick bombs and sixteen 650-pound depth charges over the area. The bomb of the lead plane indicated the target. Eighteen of the bombs fell on the target area to give excellent coverage. Two bombs fell 300 yards East of the target due to delayed release. They produced large red flame and black smoke. After the strike, thirty strafing runs were made on the target area and up to the River.
At 0809 12 more Corsairs of NZ-22 brought ten 1000-pounders and two 650-pound depth charges over the target. All of the bombs fell in the target area for good coverage. Results were not observed.
At 0815 eight Corsairs of NZ-16 completed the strike. They brought in seven 1000-pounders and 1 650-pound depth charge. All of these bombs fell in the East portion of the target area. 25 strafing runs were carried out. Results of the bombing and strafing were not seen.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-15 MOBIAI FORD 0805 dr. 4x1000 G.P.
                                                       16x650 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ-22 0809 dr. 10x1000 C.P.
                                     2x650 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-16 0815 dr. 7x1000 C.P.
                                  1x650 D.C.

Corsairs Hit Estimated 300 Kevisia Nips With 9 Tons: AIB reports say that a Nip bivouac area is being established by enemy moving up from the South. Native scouts estimate 300 Japs in the area (Kevisia, near Nehus, bounded by coordinates 707467-706464-710467-710464).
At 1145 seven NZ-16 Corsairs brought seven 650-pounders and two 100-pound smokes in over the area. Smoky-Joe marked the center of the target. Good coverage was obtained with all bombs. At 1150 twelve Corsairs of NZ-15 followed in over the same target with four 1000-pounders, fourteen 650-pound depth charges, and two 325-pound depth charges. Fourteen of the bombs were concentrated in the center of the target area and six fell in the Northeast corner. The combined strike destroyed seven huts, exposed several trenches (including one large one in the shape of a Y), and scattered some white material which might have been crockery.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ-16 KEVISIA 1145 dr. 7x650 D.C.
                                               2x100 Smokes.
12 F4Us NZ-15 1150 dr. 4x1000 G.P.
                                  14x650 D.C.
                                   2x325 D.C.

12 Corsairs Strike Reported Oamai Ammo Dump: AIB reports two large huts containing a large quantity of ammunition on the road-side at 163317 in the Oamai River area. At 1150 twelve Corsairs of NZ-18 dropped eight 650-pound depth charges, and three 100-pound smokes over the target. One bomb fell 50 yards East; the remainder fell in the target area. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-18 OAMAI RIVER 1150 dr. 8x650 D.C.
                                                        3x325 D.C.
                                                        3x100 Smoke.

12 Corsairs Hit Barillo Nips: AIB reports an estimated 100 Nips occupying huts just West of Barillo Village (259435 5 mi N. Kara Strip). Flags were placed to mark the East and West extremities of the target. A single NZ-22 Corsair carrying one half ton bomb and a pair of 100-pound smokes went in over the target at 0815. The smokes fell South of the target, but the half ton bomb fell on the target with unobserved results. Directly following this plane twelve NZ-18 Corsairs dumped seven 650-pound depth charges, one 500-pound stick bomb, and four 325-pound depth charges in the target for excellent coverage. Results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

1 F4U NZ-22 BARILLO 0815 dr. 1x1000 G.P.
                                              2x100 Smoke.
12 F4Us NZ-18 BARILLO 0815 dr. 7x650 D.C.
                                                 1x500 G.P.
                                                 4x325 D.C.

Mivo Ford Nips Harassed: Eleven NZ-22 Corsairs carried one 650-pound depth charge and ten 1000-pounders in on Nips preparing defenses at Mivo Ford (114341-117341-111339-114339). One 650-pound depth charge was a dud; two bombs fell on the road Southwest of the target; two fell in the river; and six gave good coverage of the target. 22 strafing runs were made. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ-22 MIVO FORD 1120 dr. 1x650 D.C. (Dud)
                                                    10x1000 G.P.

Corsairs Film Strikes: One Corsair of NZ-16 accompanied the 1145 Kevisia strike, and another of NZ-16 accompanied the 0805 Mobiai strike for the purpose of taking moving pictures.

For the Record:

1 F4U NZ-16 KEVISIA 1145 dr. No bombs.
1 F4U NZ-16 MOBIAI 0805 dr. No bombs.

Able Charlie Corsairs Hit Makomako Huts: At 0710 two NZ-16 Corsairs struck at a collection of huts near Makomako (847270-Central East Coast Bougainville) with a single 1000-pounder. The bomb fell 10 yards from the group of huts with unobserved results. Another 1000-pounder was put on Leantcs near Cape Kori on the east end of Buka passage (185840). This bomb proved to be a dud.
Two NZ-16 Corsairs flew able Charlie search at 1020 with negative results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-16 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0710 dr. 2x1000 (1 dud)
2 F4Us NZ-16 1020 dr. No bombs.

South Bougainville Recco Flights Strafe Huts: At 1355 three NZ-18 Corsairs made a negative target reconnaisance flight over South Bougainville. At 1350 two NZ-15 Corsairs carried one 650-pound depth charge and two 325-pound depth charges on a South Bougainville Recco mission. Two bombs wore dropped between a bend of the Samiei River and a garden at 362395 (South Coast Bougainville). A section of jungle was cleared but other results of the drop were not observed. Another bomb plus strafing hit Ebery's Lease (Momotaro Farm; South Interior Bougainville) with unobserved results.

For the Record:

3 F4Us NZ-18 S. BOUGAINVILLE RECCO 1355 dr. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-15 dr. 1x650 D.C.
                          2x325 D.C.

NEW BRITAIN
(28 Sorties- 21 1/4 Tons)

Venturas Hit Rabaul With 6 1/4 Tons: Nine Venturas of NZ-1 carried fifty-four 250-pounders over an active storage area just inland from Toboi wharf on the Northwest shore of Simpson Harbor. 30 bombs fell in the Northeast corner of the target; 22 overshot into New Rabaul #10 (Toboi wharf area). The bursts were centered at 080085. 2 bombs hung up and were jettisoned. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

9 PV-1s NZ-1 RABAUL #7 0910 dr. 54x250 G.P.

Jacquinot Corsairs Patrol Rabaul for Nil Sightings: Adverse weather conditions curtailed most of the Rabaul patrols scheduled for Corsairs of NZ-20 and NZ-21. However, 10 pairs of Jacquinot Corsairs were airborne over the Gazelle Peninsula from 1420 to 1630. Results were negative.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-20, NZ-21 RABAUL PATROL 1420-1630 dr. No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(6 Sorties-2 Tons)

Patrols Hit Lebrechtshof North Cape Huts: From 0645 to 0925 a pair of NZ-25 Corsairs dropped two half ton bombs on huts at Lebrechtshof while on a New Ireland sweep. One bomb overshot and one hit the area. Results were not seen. One Nip was strafed and possibly killed at Cape Bolegila. Unsatisfactory weather prevented the sweep from covering below Cape Lemeris.
A pair of NZ-25 Corsairs guarded Kavieng from 0650 to 0905. One dud 1000-pounder was put on a searchlight position just off Kavieng strip; another half tonner was dropped on a hut at North Cape and overshot the target. Meagre inaccurate 20 MM tracered A/A was received from positions at 072069 and 152073. From 1500 to 1900 a pair of Emirau Corsairs were on Dusk Sweep patrol station over New Ireland for nil sightings.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 0645-0925 dr. 2x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 0850-0905 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 1500-1900 dr. No bombs.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 19 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(91 Sorties-36 Tons)

32 Planes Hit 150 MM Gun Defenses at Rusei: The Enemy are reported to have a 150 MM gun emplacement in the Rusei area at 054360. The position is defended. The target area was 100 yards wide from 055359 to 055363. Australian ground troops are advancing on the position. At 0830 twelve NZ 16 Corsairs hit the area with twelve 650 pound depth charges. Mortar shells marked the target satisfactorily with smoke. All bombs fell in the area for good coverage including several hits near the gun. Dense black smoke rose from the gun position.
Eight more NZ 15 Corsairs followed in over the same target area at 0840. They carried twelve 650 pound depth charges and two 1000 pound stick bombs. One bomb fell 100 yards West of the target but remainder all fell in the area for good coverage, particularly the East section of the northern half of the target where NZ 15 had been directed to bomb. One 650 pound depth charge was a dud. Results of this element of the strike were unobserved.
At 0845 the strike was completed by twelve Corsairs of NZ 22 carrying 10 half tonners and two 650 pound depth charges. One bomb fell about 75 yards to the North; the remainder gave good coverage of the target area with several hits near the gun position.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 16 E RUSEI 0830 dr 12x650 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0840 dr 12x650 D.C. (1 dud).
                                  2x1000 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 22 0845 dr 10x1000 G.P.
                                    2x650 D.C.

4 Huts Destroyed Ula Area: AIB reports enemy inhabiting huts in the vicinity of Tabago (1 1/2 miles North of the Kara strip).
Two target areas were defined as Ula A (271389-272381) 2500 yards north of the Kara strip and Ula B (273373-274367) 1200 yards north of the Kara strip.
The first flight of 12 NZ 18 Corsairs went in over the area at 0757. They carried four 1000 pounders, 2 650 pound depth charges and six 325 pound depth charges. All bombs landed in the target area (271389-272381) except one which fell about 20 yards wide. Results of this element of the strike were unobserved.
At 1150 12 NZ 22 Corsairs carried one 1000 pounder, eleven 650 pound depth charges and two 100 pound smokes over the target area. One 650 pound depth charge failed to release and dropped at 232412. The Northeast portion of target A was smoked by the lead plane; six bombs were dropped in the area; no huts were noted; and results of the bombs were not seen. Four bombs were dropped in target B. No huts were noted and results of the bombs were not seen. One bomb was dropped in the centre of a half dozen huts at 32???7. Three were destroyed and one was damaged.
One Jap was strafed and killed one half mile Southwest of Luirau #2 (333423); two others were strafed and killed near Kikibatsiago (334399). Other inhabited foxholes South of the area were strafed with unobserved results.
A number of huts were sighted just North of the ford between Luirau and Tabago (328423). Meagre medium accurate flak was received from a known position one mile Northeast of the Kara strip (061-149 KARA FLAK MOSAIC F 373). At 1210 eleven more NZ 18 Corsairs carried seven 1000 pounders and four 325 pound depth charges in over the same area. One aircraft returned to base with one 325 pound depth charge due to engine trouble shortly after take off. The target was indicated by the strafing of one NZ 22 aircraft. Seven bombs were put on target B with unobserved results. Four bombs were dropped at approximately 327428, destroying one hut and exposing two very neat foxholes.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 ULA A and B 0757 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                     2x650 D.C.
                                                     6x325 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 22 ULA A and B 1150 dr 1x1000 G.P. 11x650 D.C.
                                                                         2x100 Smoke.
12 F4Us NZ 18 ULA A and B 1210 dr 7x1000 G.P.
                                                     4x325 D.C.

Huts at Siara Bombed and Strafed: At 1125 seven Corsairs of NZ 15 carried twelve 650 pound depth charges and one half ton stick bomb over huts in the vicinity of S Chindawon on the Northeast coast of Bougainville (317739). The Australian 11th Brigade had requested a strike on several huts in a heavily forested section of the area. Ground contact was good during the strike and artillery smoked the target accurately. One bomb fell 50 yards Southeast and one fell 75 yards North; eleven bombs fell in the target area and completely cleared it. Thirty-two strafing runs were also carried out. Results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 15 S CHINDAWON 1125-1150 dr 12x650 D.C.
                                                                 1x1000 G.P.

12 Corsairs Hit Mobiai Nips Again: At 1155 twelve NZ 16 Corsairs struck Nip defense covering Mobiai Ford with eleven 1000 pounders and one 650 pound depth charge. All bombs fell in the target area (084350), which was well cleared. Eight strafing runs were made from Mobiai one mile down the Buin Road. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 16 MOBIAI FORD 1155 dr 11x1000 G.P. 1x650 D.C.

Able Charlies Sight New Buka Huts: At 0700 two Corsairs of NZ 15 were on Able Charlie search. They strafed camouflaged shelters which possibly concealed foxholes at Bitioi (South coast Shortland). They also strafed shelters at Tahitahi (Central East coast Buka) and Bekut (Central interior Buka). Results of the strafing were not observed. At 1030 a pair of NZ 15 Corsairs on Able Charlie search sighted six new native type huts at Lemanmanu Mission (North Interior Buka), one hut at Cape Hanpan (Northeast coast Buka), and another half dozen along Hanahan Bay. Each one of the latter group was set at the base of a tree and two of them had dugouts close by facing the sea.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0700 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 1030 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(32 Sorties-16 1/2 Tons)

12 Mitchells 2 Corsairs Hit Vunakanau: Latent photo coverage of the Vunakanau area shows deep revetted areas with indications of tracked vehicles hidden under the trees 4 1/2 miles due South of the strip. A new building is visible in one revetment. A pair of Corsairs smoked the target area at 1030 with four 100 pound smokes. At 1038 six Mitchells of VMB 433 bombed the target with 18 half ton bombs. All bombs fell from 500 to 1000 feet Southwest of the target with unobserved results. What appeared to be a barge was sighted at Sulphur Creek. Another 6 Mitchells struck a Personnel and storage area near Vunakanau at 1058 with seventy-two 100 pounders. 36 of these bombs fell in a train from 090105 Northeastward to 090115; 36 fell 1000 feet to the West. Results were not seen.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 VUNAKANAU # 26 1030 dr 4x100 Smokes
6 PBJs VMB-433 1038 dr 18x1000 G.P.
6 PBJs VMB-413 VUNAKANAU # 3 1058 dr 72x100 G.P.

Jacquinot Corsairs Destroy Nips and Trucks: From 0630 to 0845 five pairs of NZ 20 Corsairs patrolled the Gazelle Peninsula. Four Nips were strafed and killed at Vunapaldig; one was similarly killed at Nordup; two trucks were strafed and left smoking at Malabunga. From 1000 to 1100 two more Corsairs of NZ 20 made a target Recco. flight over the area East of Mt Varzin. One truck was destroyed by strafing and one was left smoking, no Ack Ack was encountered.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 0630-0845 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL RECCO. 1000-1100 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(20 Sorties - 12 1/2 Tons)

Venturas Hit Nama na tai Huts and Guns: At 1000 eight Venturas of NZ 1 dropped four dozen 250 pounders on Huts and Guns in the Nematanai area (Central East coast New Ireland). 18 bombs fell just South of huts at Namatanai; 12 fell just to the East of guns located NE of the Nalis plantation; two fell near a gun position at the Northwest end of Namatanai strip; and 16 fell along the road North of the strip. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

8 PV-1s NZ 1 NAMATANAI 1000 dr 48x250 G.P.

New Ireland Sweeps Kill 3 Nips Destroy 2 Huts: On Sunday Kavieng was patrolled from 1630 to 1905 by a pair of Corsairs of NZ 25. Two 1000 pounders were dropped on a gun position at Kavieng (098113). Both bombs were near misses. Meagre accurate tracered light flak was received from Kavieng. Aircraft were not hit. Two Nips were strafed and killed on Panapai Beach.
2 huts were smoked by strafing at Panapai and a pair of trucks at Pinikindu were likewise strafed and left smoking.
New Ireland Sweeps Kill 3 Nips Destroy 2 Huts (Continued): on Sunday a pair of Corsairs of NZ-25 swept New Ireland down as far as Pinikindu. The Island was crossed from Pinikindu on the east coast to Koka Plantation on the west coast. A pair of 1000-pounders were dropped on huts in the Lossuk Bay area; two were destroyed and three were damaged. The pair of Pinikindu trucks (see above) were strafed again. On Monday a pair of Corsairs of NZ-25 patrolled Kavieng from 0630 to 0915. A pair of 1000-pounders were put on Kavieng gun positions at 498113, damage unobserved. Two active machine guns at 121096 were strafed and silenced. Aircraft received no holes. Another pair of Corsairs of NZ-25 swept the full perimiter of New Ireland coast from 0630 to 1045. Two half tonners were put on the Pinikindu area. One was reported to be a hit on a workshop. The second bomb hung up and dropped in the water. The area was also strafed with unobserved results. A large number of huts were hit at Dallum. There were many Nips in the area; one was killed.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 17 June 1630-1905 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 17 June 1500-1910 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 18 June 0630-1045 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 18 June 0630-0915 dr 2x1000 G.P.