RNZAF activity in the Pacific 1945

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 06 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(58 Sorties-18 Tons)

Myata Nips Hit to Support Aussies: The 3rd Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of a target area extending 400 yards along the Buin Road and 50 yards on either side of it, near Myata River, Aku area (174324-178323). Australian commando forces, unable to penetrate to the road at this location, report considerable enemy activity in the area.
At 0856 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs carried three half tonners, three 650 pound depth charges, and five 250 pounders over the the target. Two smoke bombs carried by the flight were duds; the target was indicated by the leaders bomb. The remaining bombs gave good coverage of the target, with the majority falling on the North side of the road. Scattered piles of cut logs were seen in the Southwest corner of the target after the strike. A disabled staff car was also noted (166324). It was not possible to strafe the target due to the presence of low clouds.
Immediately following the first element of the strike were 12 Corsairs of NZ 23 carrying four 1000 pounders, four 650 pound depth charges and four 250 pound general purpose bombs. The entire load fell on the East and West ends of it. Results were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 MYATA RIVER 0856 dr 3x1000 G.P. (2 dud smokes)
                                                       3x650 D.C.
                                                       5x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 23 0857 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  4x250 G.P.

Score Corsairs deliver 7 Tons to Maika: AIB reported a strong concentration of enemy near Maika approximately five miles North Northwest of Kahili strip (373347). The second Australian Corps requested a strike on the area. At 0849 twelve NZ 18 Corsairs took four half tonners, four 650 pound depth charges, and four 250 pounders over the target. Smokey Joe smoked the target. One smoke bomb was a dud; the other was satisfactory. One bomb undershot the target by 50 yards; the remainder fell in the target area (principally in the Southwest) for good coverage. Results were unobserved.
From 0900 to 0905 eight NZ 15 Corsairs hit the same target with eight 250 and three 1000 pounders plus a single 650 pound depth charge. One bomb undershot into a garden just West of the target; the remainder fell in the prescribed area, Mainly in the Northwest half. The blast effect of the 250 pound general purpose bomb was insufficient to give good clearance of the jungle. Results were unobserved.
One aircraft was holed by A/A (probably 7.7mm) from unobserved locality.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 MAIKA 0850 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                             4x650 D.C.
                                             4x250 G.P.
                                             2x100 Smokes (1 dud).
8 F4Us NZ 15 0900 dr 1x650 D.C.
                                3x1000 G.P.
                                8x250 G.P.

Fire Started at Chabai: At 1234 twelve NZ 23 Piva Corsairs with four 1000 pounders, three 650 pound depth charges and five 250 pounders attacked an MT park reported by a POW and checked by TAC/R in the Chabai area (251738). Three 250 pounders and one 650 pound depth charge failed to explode, cause unknown. One bomb overshot the target by about 60 yards; the remainder gave good coverage. A 200 foot column of black smoke was produced. Three good huts were noted in the Tarlena plantation directly West of the target area.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 23 CHABAI 1234 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                              3x650 D.C. (1 dud)
                                              5x250 G.P. (3 dud)

Jetipan Putputun Huts Hit: A pair of NZ 15 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search from 0700 to 0945. They dropped a pair of 250 pounders on a new hut on the cliff at Cape Putputun and another pair, one of which was a dud, on a similar hut at Cape Jetipan. Both huts were also strafed; both were damaged by the combined bombing and strafing. Further Able Charlie searches and strikes were cancelled by unsatisfactory weather conditions.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0800 dr 4x250 G.P. (1 dud)

Notes on Jap Bougainville Organization: An interesting report of interrogation of an extremely intelligent POW has just come to hand. This POW was captured near Rusei on the 22 June. The following data are derived from interrogation report:
Number one Base force, C.O. Rear Admiral Machida, was the main Naval Force in South Bougainville and Machida controlled all other coutigous Naval units including the 8th fleet. POW thought that Machida had been senior Naval Officer on Bougainville for the past two years.
In April (1945) a two-engine flying boat arrived at Shortlands directly from Yokahama. It brought medical supplies and departed with high ranking officials. Another such plane was due to arrive 10 June. but PW did not know whether or not it had turned up.
By the April flying boat the following officers were returned to Japan:
Major Gen. Yoshimura, former C.O. of shipping Engineers, S. Bougainville.
Naval Capt. Samejima, former C.O. of 8th Fleet.
Col. Nakamura, former C.O. of 59 Field A/A BN.
Lt. Gen. Hyakutake did not return; was still at 17 Army HQ.
The POW stated that lack of food was sapping power of resistance of S. Bougainville personnel. Antipathy was harboured against the officers, who got more food than the troops. He also gave excellent information concerning targets which will be referred to in later issues.

NEW BRITAIN
(23 Sorties-28 Tons)

Rabaul Patrols Curtailed by Weather: Due to adverse weather conditions only one pair of Corsairs took off from Jacquinot Bay to patrol the Gazelle Peninsula from 1250 to 1445. Results negative. Being unable to sight base on returning to Jacquinot they pancaked at Piva.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ Jacquinot Rabaul patrol 1250-1445 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(16 Sorties-13 Tons)

Patrols Bag Balik Nip: On Wednesday, from 1705 to 1855 a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng with 4 quarter ton bombs. Bridge at Balus and Huts at Ululnono and Balus were bombed and strafed. One bomb was a dud. The bridge was missed but the road was cratered. Other damage was not observed.
From 1535 to 1900 Wednesday another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the coast with six quarter tonners (they returned early to re-load). One direct hit on a building at Katunu was obtained. One bomb was jettisoned. Two were dropped on Balus bridge; results negative. One hung up; and the last one missed huts at Kolube. The sweep was carried out as far as Mumu.
From 0710 to 1100 Thursday a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the coast carrying 2 quarter tonners. The full route was covered. One Nip was strafed to death at Balik. The two bombs were dropped at Robert Young Plantation for unobserved results.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs were on guard over Kavieng from 0710 to 0855 Thursday. Four quarter tonners were dumped on coastal huts (155139). Two huts were destroyed. Two bombs overshot the target for unobserved damage.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 4 July 1705-1855 dr 4x500 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 4 July 1535-1900 dr 6x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 5 July 0710-1100 dr 2x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 5 July 0710-0855 dr 4x500 G.P

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 07 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(50 Sorties-13 Tons)

Corsairs cause two Piano Explosions: The second Australian Corps requested a strike on an area 100x100 yards in extent at Piano mission (184356). TAC/R reported the presence of 17 huts in the jungle on the side of a small valley; a pair of 40'x20' huts in the center of the group; three huts under construction and nearly completed. All huts said to be in good order, being used, with well worn tracks in the area.
At 0845 eight NZ 18 Corsairs carrying two 1000 pounders, two 260 pound depth charges and four 250 pounders hit the hut concentration under direction of TAC/R. One bomb overshot 100 yards to the South raising a large white flash and smoke. One bomb fell 40 yards to the East; the remainder were in the area for good coverage. 24 strafing runs were also carried out. TAC/R said the bombing was very good but damage was not assessed.
At 0848 another 12 Corsairs of NZ 15 took a pair of 1000 pounders and twenty 250 pounders in over the same target. A pair of 250 pounders were released in the sea; the remainder of the bombs fell in the target area. One bomb raised reddish brown smoke to 100 feet.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 18 PIANO MISSION 0845 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                                         2x650 D.C.
                                                         4x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 15 0848 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                 20x250 G.P.

East Mivo Hit Again: A recently captured POW has stated that his headquarters were situated at 123332 in the East Mivo River district. He also said that the Jap 6th Field Artillery Battery was located nearby (125335) and a food dump in the same vicinity (at 128330). The Second Australian Corps requested a bombing of the area based on this information.
At 0755 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs took three 250 pounders six 650 pound depth charges and three 1000 pounders over the area. Two aircraft returned to base early due to hydraulic and engine trouble. Their bomb load of one half tonner and one 250 pounder was jettisoned at sea. Artillery smoke appeared to be slightly North of the target; all bombs fell in the target area with the majority in the Northern sector. One bomb caused a large flash and the area blasted by it was completely blackened, having an altogether different appearance from the results of a normal bomb blast.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 E. MIVO FORD 0755 dr 3x250 G.P.
                                                        6x650 D.C.
                                                        3x1000 G.P.

Oamai River Gun Hit: TAC/R reported seeing several muzzle flashes coming from (169319) a position in the Oamai River area. A POW corroborates this data, saying that a 150mm gun is located at the above reference. The second Australian Corps requested a strike on the position.
At 0850 twelve NZ 23 Corsairs carried four half tonners, three 650 pound depth charges, and five 250 pounders over the area. TAC/R lead in over the area and directed the strike. All bombs fell within 50 yards of the smoke laid down by TAC/R. Results were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 23 OAMAI RIVER 0850 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                       3x650 D.C.
                                                       5x250 G.P.

Able Charlies Strafe Buka Huts: A pair of NZ 18 Corsairs, on Able Charlie search from 0705 to 0930, noted a keel mark in the mud in the inlet at Bei Point (central West Coast Buka). Scattered huts were strafed at Bei Point, Olava (Southeast Coast Bougainville) Lontis (Northwest Buka Coast), and (at 556330) in the Tonolei Harbor area. Results were not observed.
Another pair of NZ 18 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search from 1005 to 1240. They noted six medium-sized huts hidden under trees on the coast near Cape Friendship (Southeast Bougainville Coast).
A pair of NZ 18 Corsairs were scrambled at 1005 to cover a Whirraway aircraft which had crashed in the sea off Motupena Point (South tip Empress Augusta Bay). There was no sign of wreckage or survivors. The aircraft were recalled at 1155.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 18 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0705-0930 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 1005-1240 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 A/C CRASH COVER 1005-1155 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(14 Sorties-1 Ton)

Jacquinot Corsairs Locate Gazelle Targets: Five pair of Jacquinot Corsairs Guarded the Gazelle Peninsula for nil sightings from 0630 to 1645.
A pair of Corsairs of NZ 20 made target recco flights over Northeast Gazelle Peninsula for two hours. Excellent targets were destroyed by strafing in the Waitavolo Mission Area (Southwest of Rabaul). A barge hideout was discovered, with the barges drawn up into revetments.
At 1500 a pair of NZ 20 Corsairs went after these barges with two quarter tonners and two 325 pound depth charges. One G.P. bomb blew the bow of a barge; one was short in the water. One depth charge scored a direct hit on the second barge, breaking it in two and flinging timber and other debris to 100 feet. The remaining depth charge overshot and burst on the roadway. Four strafing runs were made. No flak was received.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ-Jacquinot RABAUL PATROL dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 GAZELLE TARGET RECCO dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 GAZELLE TARGET RECCO dr 2x500 G.P.
                                                             2x325 D.C.

NEW IRELAND
(12 Sorties-8 Tons)

Corsair Patrols Hit Mamarod Gun Position: A pair of Emirau Corsairs were on patrol over Kavieng from 1710 to 1800 on Thursday. They dumped four quarter tonners on Kavieng and Panapai personnel areas, (121096 and 150120). No damage was observed. Weather forced an early return of the patrols.
Another pair of Emirau Corsairs swept the coast of New Ireland from 1630 to 1855 on Thursday. A pair of 500 pounders were dumped on huts at Mongai. Three Nips were strafed and killed at Cape Reis. The sweep was carried out as far as Borpop.
On Friday from 0725 to 1100 another pair of Corsairs swept New Ireland. They dropped two 500 pounders on a bridge and missed, but made a direct hit on a gun position at Cape Mamorodu. Strafing was also carried out along the route with unobserved results.
A pair of Emirau Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 0710 to 0905 on Friday. Four 500 pounders were dropped (no hits) on bridges at Lossuk and Balus. Huts were strafed at Nusalamon Island with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ Emirau KAVIENG PATROL 5 July 1710-1800 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ Emirau AFTERNOON SWEEP 5 July 1630-1855 dr 2x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ Emirau MORNING SWEEP 6 July 0725-1100 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ Emirau KAVIENG PATROL 6 July 0710-0905 dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 08 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(50 Sorties-14 Tons)

Heavy Maika Strike Does Much Damage: The Headquarters of the Japanese 17th Army is located in a semicircular pattern (357358 to 359356) in a hutted area 250 yards in width near Maika. AIB reports and air recco flights have outlined the headquarters; targets within the area were accurately pin-pointed by an extremely cooperative POW captured at Rusei 22 June. This strike was scheduled on the 5 and 6 June but was weathered out both days. Following a report that the ceiling was 3,000 over the target area aircraft took off to strike it at 0730 on Saturday (7 June).
At 0820 twelve NZ 15 Aircraft carried four half tonners and sixteen 250 pounders over the area. The target was accuratedly smoked, 11 bombs fell within 20 yards of the smoke and six more fell South of the smoke on instructions from Smokey-Joe. One half tonner and a pair of 250 pounders were jettisoned at sea by aircraft returning to base early with magneto trouble.
At 0822 twelve NZ 18 Corsairs carried 4 half tonners, four 250 pounders, and four 650 round depth charges over the area. Three bombs dropped South of the target (as instructed) and the remainder fell in the area for unobserved results.
At 0823 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs (including one Smokey Joe) carried 4 half tonners, a pair of 250 pounders, a single 700 and half dozen 650 pound depth charges plus 2 smokes over the area. All but two 250 pounders fell in the target area. Much damage was done (see below).
At 0824 eight NZ 23 Corsairs completed the strike with a pair of 1000 pounders, two 650 pound depth charges and four 250 pound general purpose bombs. A single 650 pound depth charge was jettisoned at sea due to electrical trouble; the remainder of the bombs fell in the target area near the smoke.
The combined strike destroyed twenty (plus) huts. Much paper was scattered about. Air raid shelters were disclosed. Four bodies were noted outside one shelter. A staff car was seen wedged in between two trees after the bombing (356356 between Maika and Muguai). The blast effect of the bombs tore the camouflage from many huts that were not destroyed. It is considered that at least 20 are left intact. A platoon of 16 Nips were marching down the road. They hit the deck on the approach of the aircraft and were strafed with unobserved results. This was 1 1/2 miles North of Luirau (333452). One Nip was strafed and killed in a garden at Muguai.
A single aircraft made a target recco flight after the strike dropping a pair of 250 pounders near Maika (364348) and destroying 3 huts.
A single bomb was seen to cause a tree-top high flash and smoke in the 17th Army HQ target area.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 MIKA 0820 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                         16x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 18 0822 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  4x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 22 0823 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  2x650 D.C.
                                  1x700 D.C.
                                  6x250 G.P.
                                  2x100 Smoke.
8 F4Us NZ 23 0824 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                 2x650 D.C.
                                 4x250 G.P.

Able Charlies Bag Nips: A pair of NZ 23 Corsairs made an Able Charlie search from 0640 to 0825 with negative results. Another pair of NZ 23 Corsairs were on Able Charlie Search from 1015 to 1235. A single 250 pounder was dropped on huts at Maiki with unobserved results. One Nip was strafed and killed on the coast near Luluai Point. Another was strafed and killed near Tolotapaka (i.e. Totopako Point southeast Coast Bougainville). Others were strafed and probably killed at Reboine Bay.
Another pair of NZ 23 Corsairs scrambled at 0945 for a weather check. Moderate light accurate flak was received from an unobserved position between Erventa Island and Pupukuna Point.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 23 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0640-0825 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 23 1015-1235 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 23 WEATHER RECCO 0945 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(2 Sorties-No bombs)

Jacquinot Fighters Scored 7 Nip Trucks Destroyed: On Friday (6 July) Jacquinot Corsairs destroyed seven Nip trucks and damaged five-in addition to the two barges that were demolished on the Gazelle Peninsula. On Saturday weather hampered Rabaul Patrol activity. Only one pair of Corsairs were up, from 1440 to 1600, for negative results. Other strikes scheduled for the Peninsula were weathered out.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROL 1440-1600 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(42 Sorties-41 Tons)

Emirau Corsairs Crater New Ireland Roads: On Friday from 1705 to 1900 a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng. Four quarter ton bombs were dropped on a hut area at Lebrechtshof. Results were unobserved.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the New Ireland coast from 1610 to 1900 Friday. Four 500 pounders were dropped on Soubu Bridge. The bridge was not damaged; the roadway was cratered.
On Saturday a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the coast from 0700 to 0855. 4 quarter tonners were put on Ululnono and Kapsu hutted areas, negative results. Weather precluded sweeping beyond Dallum.
Another pair NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 0710 to 0905. A pair of quarter tonners were dived on two boats at a Kavieng jetty for possible damage. 2 more 500 pounders were directed at huts on the Panapai strip but missed, and cratered the roadway. Intense light accurate A/A was received from (122094) in the Pananai district. Trucks in the area were strafed with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 6 July 1705-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 6 July 1610-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 7 July 0700-0855 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 7 July 0710-0905 dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 09 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(91 Sorties-26 Tons)

Corsairs Support Troops Strike Astills Crossing Start Fire: The 3rd Australian Division requested a strike on an enemy defended area 50 yards West of the Mivo River extending 100 yards Northeast and Southwest generally parralel to the River (104402). Ground forces attacked this position a week ago, when there were believed to be 70 naval troops present. The enemy sent in reinforcements and there are now believed to be from 150 to 200 naval troops manning 30-40 revetted strong points. The strike was coordinated with movement of Australian Troops.
At 0805 twelve NZ 15 Corsairs carried three half tonners and a dozen and a half 250 pounders over the target. Contact with the ground station was unsatisfactory; artillery smoke was South of the target. One bomb overshot 300 yards; the remainder fell in the target area for good coverage. 24 strafing runs were accomplished. Results of this element of the strike were not observed.
At 0810 a dozen NZ 18 Corsairs, carrying four 1000 and four 250 pounders plus four 650 pound depth charges, followed in over the area. One bomb fell 30 yards South; ten were in the target area for good coverage. One bomb raised a column of brownish-black smoke to 300'. One bomb was apparently lost by aircraft on way to strike; pilot has no recollection of the load leaving the plane.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 ASTILL'S CROSSING 0805 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                                                18x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 18 0810 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  4x250 G.P.

Luirau Huts Destroyed: Two flights of Corsairs were weathered off their scheduled target at Bogisago and the planned secondary at Umbo. As an alternative they hit a hutted area at Luirau (349430).
At 1135 nine NZ 23 Corsairs carrying a pair of 1000 pounders, three 650 pound depth charges, four 250 pounders and two 100 pound smokes, hit the area.
At 1140 ten more NZ 15 Corsairs followed in with three 1000 and fourteen 250 pound general purposed bombs. All bombs fell in the vicinity of smoke laid down by the first flight over the target (NZ 23).
The combined strike destroyed five huts, damaged 2, and killed two Nips. Meagre light accurate flak was received from Erventa Island. Two Nips were sighted in a dugout on Erventa Island (at 433266).

For the Record:

9 F4Us NZ 23 LUIRAU 1135 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                            3x650 D.C.
                                            4x250 G.P.
                                            2x100 Smokes.
10 F4Us NZ 15 1140 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                14x250 G.P.

Maika-Muguai Huts Destroyed Explosions Caused: At 1145 Twelve NZ 18 Corsairs (weathered off scheduled Palido strike) hit a hutted area at Maika with two 1000 and six 250 pounders plus four 650 pound depth charges (Ref. 364373). One smoke laid down by NZ 22 was a dud. The target was indicated by strafing. Two bombs fell 100 yards Northwest of the target to destroy two huts. The remainder fell in the target area, destroyed five huts and, disclosed a line of unidentified objects which might have been ammunition piles.
Eight NZ 22 Corsairs, part of the planned Palido strike, indicated the Maika huts for NZ 18 (see above). They carried four 1000 and four 250 pounders plus three 650 pound depth charges and a single 100 pound smoke. Nine of these bombs were dropped in a target area adjacent to the one hit by NZ 18 and just Southeast of Muguai. Eight huts were destroyed; at least twenty 40-gallon drums were scattered about the place; and ten seconds after the bombs dropped a white flash was observed, accompanied by a tall column of white smoke. The fire burned feircely for a few minutes; then all smoke vanished. 16 strafing runs were carried out with unobserved results.
After the strike, strafing runs were made and one 250 pounder was dropped for a near miss on a truck about 1 1/2 miles Southeast of Kikibatsiago (355388). One Nip was strafed and killed in gardens 1/2 mile East of Kikibatsiago. A car park 1/2 mile Southeast of Muguai was seen to have two ruined staff cars, which have not previously been claimed as destroyed.

12 F4Us NZ 18 MAIKA 1145 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                             4x650 D.C.
                                             6x250 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 22 1155 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                3x650 D.C.
                                4x250 G.P.
                                1x100 Smoke (dud).

Chabai Cookhouse Struck: On July TAC/R located what appeared to be a large food dump and cookhouse North of Chabai (255745). Signs of considerable activity were observed in the area. A POW states that the location is a supply point for all troops in the Tarlena-Chabai-Porton region.
From 0830 to 0845 eight NZ 22 Corsairs carried two 1000 and four 250 pounders plus a pair of 650 pound depth charges over the area. TAC/R led in and smoked. The corsairs were directed to drop their bombs 100 yards North of the smoke. All bombs fell within a 50 to 100 yard radius of the smoke with unobserved results.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 22 N. CHABAI 0840 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                                 4x250 G.P.
                                                 2x650 D.C.

Troops Supported at Piano-Buin Junction: The 3rd Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of an area 400 by 100 yards lying 50 yards on either side of the Buin Road. A patrol from Raffles Force was unable to reach the Buin Road in this sector due to the presence a large force of enemy in the area. TAC/R has reported that many trees have been cut down in the area and there is evidence that defenses are being constructed, (186323-190322).
At 0820 twelve NZ 23 Corsairs went in over the target with four 1000 and four 250 pounders plus four 650 pound depth charges. Two bombs undershot the target from 50-100 yards; the remainder fell in the target area for fair coverage. Eight strafing runs were made. Results of the strike were unobserved.
After the strike one Corsair, piloted by Flying Sergeant P.O. Trim, crashed and burned about 2 3/4 miles South of Shishigatero (116292). The pilot was seen to bale out. Both Nip and Allied patrols are in the area. At the moment of going to press it is beleived that Australian patrols are within 1 1/2 miles of the downed pilot, but no report of his recovery has been received as yet.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 23 PIANO BUIN ROAD 0820 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                              4x650 D.C.
                                                              4x250 G.P.

Downed Aircraft Covered; Parachute Sighted: At 0920 a pair of NZ 22 Corsairs were scrambled to cover downed NZ 22 Corsair 1 1/2 miles South of Shishigatero. The downed plane was orbitted and the parachute was sighted but no movement was observed.
Another pair of NZ 23 Corsairs took off at 1220 to search for the downed pilot. The parachute was noted but no sign of the pilot was seen.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 DOWNED PLANE COVER 0920-1130 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 23 1220 dr No bombs.

Able Charlies Shoot Up Buka Nips: From 0650 to 0940 a pair of NZ 22 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search. 3 Nips in foxholes at Muguai were strafed with negative results. 2 Nips were strafed, one was probably killed at Lemankoa (NW Coast Buka). Another pair of Tohatsi Nips were strafed with unobserved results. A hut at Tadeki was strafed with unobserved results (NW Coast Buka).
Another Pair of NZ 22 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search from 1005 to 1045. They returned to base early due to engine trouble in one aircraft. The search was continued from 1115 to 1305. One Nip was strafed in a garden near Lontis (NW Coast Buka). Two were strafed and killed in the Bonis area. Another was killed at Tohatsi and a fourth near Bonis. A hut under construction was noted at Hagus (NE Coast Buka).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0650-0940 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 22 1005-1045 dr No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(15 Sorties-23 Tons)

Weather Curtails Jacquinot Operations: Dispatch received from Jacquinot Bay reports that all planned patrols were grounded due to unsatisfactory weather conditions.

NEW IRELAND
(27 Sorties-32 Tons)

Corsairs Patrols Destroy Ireland Huts: A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 1705 to 1732 on Saturday. Four 500 pounders were dropped. 2 bombs hit on the shore (205075); one was dived at a hut (178109); and one was aimed at Kapsu bridge. Results of the bombing were unobserved.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the entire Periphery of New Ireland from 1525 till 1909. Four 300 pounders were put on Karu plantation with unobserved results. Huts were strafed along the route of the sweep with unseen damage. An explosion was seen in the water off North Cape; cause unknown.
From 0705 to 1055 on Sunday a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the New Ireland coast. Three 500 pounders were aimed at huts near Mumu Island and one was dived on a bridge at Rasirik. No damaged was observed.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 0710 to 0925. Two quarter tonners were dived on Ululnono and Kapsu huts; three were destroyed. Two similar bombs were dived on a bridge at Kapsu; they missed the bridge and cratered the road.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 7 July 1705-1732 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 7 July 1525-1909 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 8 July 0705-1055 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 8 July 0710-0925 dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOTS AVAILABILITY AS OF 10 JULY 1945.

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

ADMIRALTIES

NZ-17                                                18 F4U                       12                             26                NZ #4 S.U.
NZ-6FB                                                2 PBY-5                      2                              4                 *OWN

EMIRAU

VMB-413 %                                       12 PBJ-1D                  12                             44                 VMB-413
VMB-423 %                                       12 PBJ-1J                   12                             45                 VMB-423
VMB-433 %                                       12 PBJ                       12                             46                 VMB-433
VMB-443 %                                       12 PBJ                       12                             46                 VMB-443
NZ-4 % $                                          15 PV-1                     15                             14                 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-25 %                                           18 F4U                      17                             25                 NZ #5 S.U.
NZ-6FB %                                           2 PBY-5                     2                              4                  *OWN

JACQUINOT

NZ- 2                                                15 PV-1                    12                              15                 NZ #14 S.U.
NZ-19                                               18 F4U-1                  14                              27                 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-20                                               18 F4U-1D                13                              25                 NZ # 3 S.U.
NZ-6FB                                               3 PBY-5                    3                                6                 *OWN

BOUGAINVILLE

VMR-152                                           11 R4D-5                  10                              50                VMR-152
VMR-153                                           13 R4D-5                  13                              50                VMR-153
NZ-15                                               18 F4U-1D                15                              23                NZ #2 S.U.
NZ-18                                               18 F4U-1                  15                              26                NZ #1 S.U.
NZ-22                                               18 F4U-1                  15                              22                NZ #31 S.U.
NZ-23                                               18 F4U-1                  15                              22                NZ #25 S.U.

* Minor maintenance and repair by flight echelon personnel. Squadron based at HALAVO.
% Status as of 3 July 1945.
$ Secured operations and enroute ADMIRALTIES.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 10 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(93 Sorties-31 Tons)

Porror Ford Hit in Support Troops: The third Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of a Jap defended section in the Aku area along the Buin Road. A triangular target was defined (from 192323 along N side road to 194322 S along Porror River to log crossing at 195320 then NW to Buin Road at 192323).
At 1150 eight NZ 15 Corsairs went in over the area with four 1000 pounders, four 650 pound depth charges, and four 250 pounders. An NZ 22 Smokey Joe accurately smoked the target. All bombs fell in the area for reasonable coverage. 32 strafing runs were also carried out.
At 1155 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs carrying 4 half tonners, half a dozen 250 pounders, four 650 pound depth charges and a pair of 100 pound smokes dumped their entire load in the area. The whole target was well covered except for the Southeast portion which was generally neglected.
One 250 pound depth charge failed to explode due to low level of release. A possible pillbox was noted (at 188323) near Aku (i.e. Taku) along the Buin Road. About 400 yards West of this reference are catwalks leading off the Buin Road to the North and South. One of these catwalks ends in a clearing about 30 yards North of the road and is considred a possible dumping point.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 W. PORROR FORD 1150 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                            4x650 D.C.
                                                            4x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 22 1155 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  6x250 G.P. (1 dud)
                                  2x100 Smokes.

Maika Huts under Construction Hit: The Australian 2nd Corps requested air attack on a 300 by 150 yard target on either side of the main road at Maika. Reconnaissance by aircraft of NZ 22 indicates much activity and huts under construction in this area near Maika. POW information corroborates A/C Recco. (map reference: 363350-364347).
At 1140 ten NZ 23 Corsairs carried four 1000 pounders, three 250 pounders, three 650 pound depth charges and a pair of 100 pound smokes over the area. All the bombs (with the exception of one 250 pounder) fell in the target area for good coverage in the West half. Another 12 Corsairs of NZ 18 took 4 half tonners, four 650 pound depth charges, and four 250 pounders over the target at 1145. All these bombs were put in the area, mainly in the Western sector. The combined strike raised a thick column of smoke lasting about five minutes, destroyed four and damaged one hut.
Smokey Joe made a target Recco flight after the strike and destroyed a hut in a Muguai garden with a single 250 pounder. A bridge in that vicinity was strafed with unobserved results. A great many indications of MT activity were noted between Ebery's Lease and Kikibatsiago.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 23 MAIKA 1140 dr 4x1000 G.P
                                             3x650 D.C.
                                             3x250 G.P.
                                             2x100 Smoke.
12 F4Us NZ 18 1145 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  4x250 G.P.

Umbo Huts Attacked: TAC/R reports a concentration of about 22 huts near Umbo approximately five miles North of Muguai (356444). Two flights of Piva Corsairs, weathered off Bogisago, struck the area from 0915 to 0922.
At 0915 twelve NZ 23 Corsairs carried four 1000 pounders, four 650 pounders, and four 250 pounders over the area (1 mile NW Old Umbo-356444). Four bombs overshot the target about 50 yards South; the remainder gave good coverage of the area with unobserved results. Debarked logs were noted lying flat on the ground in a U-shape.
At 0920 the second flight, consisting of eight NZ 15 Corsairs, smoked the target area and delivered two 1000 pounders plus one dozen 250 pounders within a 100 yard radius of the smoke for good coverage. Results were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 23 UMBO 0915 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                            4x650 D.C.
                                            4x250 G.P.
8 F4Us 0920 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                     12x250 G.P.

Suspected Buin Road Bend Gun Hit: The Third Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of a suspected gun position between the Wapiai and Oamai Rivers. A triangular target area was defined on the basis of air recco and POW information (144338-144337-144335).
At 0803 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs hit the area with three 650 plus one 700 pound depth charges, five 1000 and seven 250 pounders. The strike was unable to contact the ground station; the first eight aircraft released on the leader's bomb; then artillery smoke was put down and the remaining aircraft bombed on it. Good line coverage was obtained with the bombs mainly on the Northwest side of the road. 24 strafing runs were also carried out. Results of the strike were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 BUIN ROAD BEND 0803-0808 dr 3x650 D.C.
                                                                      1x700 D.C.
                                                                      5x1000 G.P.
                                                                      7x250 G.P.

Nip Tobago Bivouac Hit: AIB reports a large number of Japs camped in an area about 3 1/2 miles Northwest of Muguai near Tobago (316410-316415). At 0810 thirteen NZ 18 Corsairs struck the area with four 1000 pounders, four 650 pound depth charges, four 250 pounders and a pair of 100 pound smokes. Four bombs overshot 100 yards to the South. The remainder fell in the target area for fair coverage. A recco flight over the area later in the day reports observation of damage done extremely difficult due to very dense jungle. Two huts were probably destroyed and three were noted apparently still in tact at the South end of the runway.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ 18 TOBAGO 0810 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                4x650 D.C.
                                                4x250 G.P.
                                                1x100 Smoke.

Able Charlies Destroy Nip and Hut: From 0700 to 0920 a pair of NZ 15 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search. They made a weather check of South Bougainville. A couple of gardens near Olava (SE Coast Bougainville) were strafed with unobserved results. Two Nips were strafed in a garden near Kikibatsiago; one was probably killed.
From 1020 to 1230 a pair of NZ 15 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search with a pair of 250 pound general purpose bombs. One destroyed a camouflaged native type hut just North of Maika (361356). One dropped in a 10' deep ravine containing possible foxholes; results negative. A hut was strafed in the same area with negative results.
A small white cloth, approximately the same size as a piloting chute was noted on a large tree between the Pirias and Abia rivers on the Southeast Bougainville coast. A road on the East coast just above Luluai was observed to be in good repair and showing signs of recent use.
A water craft (possibly a barge) drawn up on the beach near Arigua plantation under bushwood behind two trees was strafed and smoked.
Meagre light inaccurate A/A was received from the Maiki Area (448328).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARITE SEARCH 0700-0920 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 15 1020-1230 dr 2x250 G.P.

Target Recco Corsairs Locate Good Huts: From 1320 to 1505 a pair of NZ 18 Corsairs made a target reconnaisance of the Kikibatsiago area several groups of good huts were noted in the area, with one particularly good bunch between Kikibatsiago and Muguai (343389). A truck was noted on the left side of the road at Kikibatsiago (339396). The Tobago area was inspected to determine the results of morning bombing of huts in the vicinty. It appeared that two were destroyed and tree remained intact.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 18 TARGET RECCO FLIGHT 1320-1505 dr 2x250 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN

NEW IRELAND
(8 Sorties-4 tons)

Bad Weather Curtails New Britain and New Ireland Flights: Aircraft at Jacquinot Bay were grounded all day due to unsatisfactory weather. Sunday's late Kavieng Patrol was cancelled due to bad weather. A pair of VMB 413 Mitchells heckled Kavieng with two dozen 100 pound incendiaries that night from 2030 to 2130. One small fire was started. No A/A or searchlight opposition was encountered. Weather forced an early return. On Monday a pair of Emirau Corsairs swept the New Ireland coast from 0750 to 0945. Four quarter tonners were dived on Soubu Plantation bridge. 2 of the bombs missed; two cratered the road. Strafing with unobserved results was carried out at Lossu and Pinis. Bad weather caused a late start and early return. Another Pair of Emirau Corsairs patrolled Kavieng, dumped four quarter tonners for unobserved damage at 165130.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 8 July 1535-1730 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 PBJs VMB 413 KAVIENG HECKLERS 8 July 2030-2130 dr 24x100 incend cl.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 9 July 0750-0945 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 9 July dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 11 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(97 Sorties-31 Tons)

Four Flights Give East Mivo Ground Support: The Japs were developing an offensive yesterday against forward Buin Road Positions which are just east of the Mivo River Ford.
An Australian Brigade, supported by tanks, is deployed along the road between the Mobiai and Mivo Rivers, with forward elements as far east as the vicinity of Shishigatero.
The Nips appeared to be developing several flanking movements, consisting of relatively independant separate units of a few hundred troops. Coloured smoke was laid down by ground forces to define the target, which consisted of the enemy assembly area from which the defensive was developed (127340 to 124342). The north portion of the target, designated section "A", was covered by NZ Squadrons 15, 18, and 23, The south portion of the target, designated section "B", was covered by NZ 22.
At 1140 twelve NZ 15 Corsairs put four half ton stick bombs and eighteen 250 pounders in the "A" sector, as briefed. The target was marked satisfactorily by the coloured smoke. All bombs fell in the eastern portion of the target for unobserved results. 24 strafing runs were also carried out.
At 1147 twelve NZ 23 Corsairs followed over the same area with three half ton stick bombs, four 650 pound depth charges, and five 250 pounders, Ten of these bombs fell in the centre of the target for good coverage; two fell on the west edge of the target. One bomb caused a large column of white smoke.
At 1154 eight NZ 18 Corsairs came in over the same sector with a single half tonner, one 650 pound depth charge, and half a dozen 250 pound general purpose bombs.
This entire load landed in the target area for good coverage. 24 strafing runs were also carried out. Results of this element of the strike were not observed.
At 1201 the twelve NZ 22 Corsairs went in with four half tonners, a single 700 pound depth charge, another single 650 pound depth charge and eight 250 pound general purpose bombs, with which they completed the strike. The "B" sector of the over-all target was indicated by the bomb of the leader of the flight. The entire load fell in the area with unobserved results. One yellow flash, which could be seen from five miles away, was reported as resulting from this element of the strike.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 E. MIVO 1140 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                              18x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 23 1147 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                  4x650 D.C.
                                  5x250 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 18 1154 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                 1x650 D.C.
                                 6x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 22 1201 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                  1x700 D.C.
                                  1x650 D.C.
                                  8x250 G.P.

Score Piva Corsairs Crush Iula Huts: The 2nd Australian Corps requested attack on a group of from 30 to 40 huts located by NZ 22 recco aircraft about 2 1/2 miles northeast of Piarino (253435).
At 0755 twelve NZ 22 Corsairs carried four 1000 pounders, one 650 pound depth charge, seven 250 pounders and two 100 pound smokes over the target. A low cloud base and general very hazy conditions caused some confusion in runs over the target. The marker bombs exploded, but gave off very little smoke. Most of the bombs fell about 50 yards to the west and the effect of the blast was shielded off by the banks of a small stream. One 650 pound depth charge hung up and was jettisoned at sea. Four huts were reported to be destroyed and many were blasted to varying degrees by this element of the strike. At 0800 eight NZ 18 Corsairs followed over the same target. Their entire bomb load of two half tonners, two 650 pound depth charges and four 250 pounders was placed in the northern end of the target area. Two of the bombs overshot slightly to the north. The area near the river bank was well cleared; specific damage done could not be observed and assessed due to low lying cloud cover.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 22 W. IULA 0755 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                               1x650 D.C.
                                               7x250 G.P.
                                               2x100 Smokes.
8 F4Us NZ 18 0800 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                2x650 D.C.
                                4x250 G.P.

Suspected Oamai Gun Position Bombed and Strafed: Air reconnaissance and POW information indicate the presence of a Nip 150mm gun supported by troops emplaced just west of the Oamai so as to cover the Buin Road. A triangular target area including the position and defenses was defined (146337 to 144337 to 143337).
At 0807 twelve NZ 15 Corsairs struck the suspected gun position with three 1000 pound stick bombs and eighteen 250 pounders. One aircraft had some mechanical difficulties and returned to base early, escorted by wingman. One 1000 pounder and two 250 pounders were released at sea. Air to ground communication was good but ground to air laison was unsatisfactory. Artillery smoked the target accurately; bombs fell in the target area for good coverage. Fair clearance was obtained from the west end to the centre of the target on both sides of the road. The whole target area was thoroughly covered by thirty strafing runs. Fresh MT tracks were noted leading down the track to the east (from the junction at 144337).

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 W. OAMAI 0807 dr. 3x1000 G.P.
                                                 18x250 G.P.

Muguai Equipment Supplies Hit: The 2nd Australian Corps requested a strike on a suspected MT park or fuel dump located just south of Mugnai by an NZ 22 air recco on the 3rd of July. A POW states that there are small infantry units located in the area (357371).
At 0816 eleven NZ 23 Corsairs carried four 1000 pound stick bombs, three 650 pound depth charges, four 250 pounders and one 100 pound smoke in over the target. One bomb overshot 75 yards southeast of the target, which was marked by Smokey-Joe. The remainder of the load covered the area well except for a small strip in the southwest portion.
One truck was left burning with a large black smoke column. Another column of grey smoke was noted in the area. It was strafed, and turned into a fire 12 feet in diameter with flames up to 10'. The fire increased in size when strafed several times by smokey-Joe.
Two new huts west of the target on the northern edge of the plantation were strafed with unobserved results. Roads in the area were noticed to be much used since the last rain. The main Kahili-Kikibatsiago road appeared to have been used most of all.
On the way back to base one aircraft noted what appeared to be a rectangular-shaped pillbox with a sloping earthen roof about 2 1/2 miles north of Tobago (322456). It was situated at the end of a valley in a position covering the valley.
A villiage with many new huts and two bright green leantos was noted about 4 miles north of Lukanau (203472). Smoke coming from the villiage was extinguished when the aircraft passed overhead.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ 23 W. MUGUAI 0816 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                    3x650 D.C.
                                                    1x250 G.P.
                                                    1x100 Smokes.

Able Charlies Damage Hut and Rice Field: From 0700 to 0935 a pair of NZ 18 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search. Scattered new huts were observed under trees between East Cape and Cape Friendship. A new bridge was noted crossing the Netang River (near Iwi plantation ) with a new hut fifty yards to the west. At Iawan (near Inus) many camouflaged huts and signs of activity were noted. A pair of good camouflaged huts at Tobago were strafed with unobserved results.
Another pair of NZ 18 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search from 1015 to 1308. They bombed a group of huts about four miles northeast of Siroi (932172) with one 1000 pounder. The bomb overshot 15 or 20 yards, landed in a rice field, and destroyed half of it. One hut was damaged by a second bomb (650 pound depth charge) dropped on another trio of huts in the same area. 3 strafing runs were carried out on a hut at the southern tip of Kiriwina plantation. It smoked for two minutes. Five or more huts in good condition were noted in the same area (931171).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 18 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0700-0935 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 1015-1308 dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                         1x650 D.C.

Target Recco Flights Bag Huts: A pair of NZ 18 Corsairs were scrambled for a weather check at 0945. At 1335 a pair of NZ 23 Corsairs took off on a Buka Recco flight with a pair of 250 pounders. One hut at Hagus was damaged by bombing many gardens were noted in Central Buka.
A pair of NZ 18 Corsairs made a target recco flight over the Maiki area from 1400 to 1605. A group of huts just east of Ebery's Lease, north of the mouth of the Ambutuai River were hit with two 250 pounders. One large hut was destroyed. A large punt on the river bank 3/4 of a mile west of Takasago was strafed with unobserved results (415308). A suspected vehicle park just northeast of Ebery's Lease was strafed (396338). A suspected ammo dump (400 309) 1 3/4 miles north of Yame Plantation was also gunned with unobserved results. Two large dumps covered with sheets of what appeared to be iron were sighted under trees just north of the mouth of the Muliko River (407298). The road to Emery's Lease shows signs of much use. The road from Nakaru to Kangu is also well worn. Four large punts were seen on the river bank under trees north and a bit inland from the mouth of the Muliko (408302).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 18 WEATHER CHECK 0945 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 23 BUKA RECCO 1335 dr 2x250 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 18 MAIKI RECCO 1400-1605 dr 2x250 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(No Sorties-No Bombs)

Bad Weather Again Curtails New Britain Operations: Emirau Bombers were scheduled for training operations in their own area. Dispatches from Jacquinot say that constant rain cancelled all flying.

NEW IRELAND
(8 Sorties- 4 Tons)

Patrols Destroy New Ireland Vehicles: On Monday a pair of Emirau Corsairs swept the New Ireland coast from 1530 to 1900. They dived four quarter tonners on the bridge at Kapsua. Near misses and possible damage were scored. The entire periphery of the coast was swept; huts were strafed along the way with unobserved results. The regular afternoon Kavieng patrol was carried out on Monday by a pair of Emirau Corsairs from 1655 to 1900. Four 500 pounders and strafing were directed at trucks near Panapai. One truck was damaged.
On Tuesday morning from 0735 to 1045. A group of huts on Lelet Plateau were hit by four 500 pounders plus strafing. One hut was destroyed and three were damaged.
A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 0735 to 0925 on Tuesday morning. 4 quarter tonners were released on a personnel area with unobserved results (168118). A truck was strafed and destroyed at Panapai.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 9 July 1530-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 9 July 1655-1900 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 10 July 0735-1045 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 10 July 0735-0925 dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 12 July 1945.

(BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA)
(37 Sorties-9 Tons)

Sasejima's Reported Headquarters Hit Huts Smashed: The Second Australian Corps requested a strike on a 200 by 100 yard area about 3 1/2 miles west of Maika on the Muliko River (329344-329342). AIB reports that Rear Admiral Sasejima, commanding all naval forces in this area, has his Headquarters in the area. A POW confirms the existence of naval units in the area.
At 0820 twelve NZ-15 Corsairs carried 3 half tonners and eighteen 250 pounders over the target. A Smokey Joe from NZ-23 smoked the target. All bombs fell on the target area, tending too overshoot the smoke slightly.
At 0822 eight NZ-23 Corsairs followed in with a pair of half tonners, half a dozen 250 pounders and two 100 pound smokes. This flight found that the briefed target had already been well covered by bombs from the preceding NZ-15 flight, so their bomb load was off-loaded on an area slightly to the northwest half way on a line between Luagoa and the Muliko River (328347). 15 strafing runs were also carried out. Two huts were destroyed and a track from huts to a garden south of the target was revealed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-15 MULIKO RIVER 0820 dr. 3x1000 G.P.
                                                         18x250 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-23 0822 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
                                  6x250 G.P.
                                  2x100 Smokes.

Piva Corsairs Strike at Moila Point Guns: At 1050 thirteen NZ-18 Corsairs carried three 1000 pounders, nine 250 pounders and a pair of 100 pound smokes over Maiki. However, they were weathered off their scheduled target there and preceded to attack apparent gun positions at Moila Point (304193). Smokey Joe marked the target with smoke and all bombs were seen to fall in the general area.
The gun position struck appeared to contain a six inch peice. After the strike another gun was noted about 100 yards to the west, and between the two there was what appeared to be a canvas-covered machine gun pointing out to sea. Ground in the vicinity of the target was well worn. The guns were not damaged by the bombing. Four strafing runs were carried out and the bullets appeared to ricochet off the guns. They may be dummy guns but Smokey Joe is of the opinion that they are real.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ-18 MOILA POINT 1050 dr. 3x1000 G.P.
                                                        9x250 G.P.
                                                        1x100 Smoke.

Able Charlies Bomb Buka Huts: From 0700 to 0905 a pair of NZ-23 Corsairs were on Able Charlie Search. Results negative. From 1010 to 1240 another two NZ-23 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search. Four large huts in the bush were bombed near Bekut (Buka). One near miss, with unobserved results. One of these two 250 pounders carried hung up and was jettisoned at sea.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-23 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0700 to 0905 dr. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-23 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 1010 to 1240 dr. 2x250 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(6 Sorties-No bombs)

Jacquinot Corsairs Bag Trucks: From 1045 to 1420 two pair Jacquinot Corsairs from NZ-20 patrolled the Rabaul area. Bad weather prevented most of the (regular) patrols from reaching the target area.
A pair of NZ-20 Corsairs patrolled the Wato Wat area of the Gazelle Peninsula. They sighted some possible targets. With strafing runs one three-ton truck loaded with petrol drums was destroyed near Rainau Plantation. One 6-wheeled truck was strafed and damaged at Togoro. No flak was encountered by the above patrols.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-20 RABAUL PATROL 1045-1420 dr. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 WAT WAT PATROL dr. No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(4 Sorties-2 Tons)

Corsair Patrols Drop Two Tons North New Ireland: On Tuesday afternoon patrol of the New Ireland area was secured due to unsatisfactory weather conditions. From 0715 to 1000 on Wednesday a pair
of NZ-25 Corsairs swept the New Ireland coast as far southeast as Cape Sena. Four quarter tons bombs were dropped with unobserved results on huts at Bopire plantation. The target was also strafed with unobserved results. From 0715 to 0905 a pair of NZ-25 Corsairs were on patrol over Kavieng. Four 500 pounders were dropped with unobserved results on hutted area near Kavieng. Baudissin huts were strafed. Damage was not noted.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-25 MORNING SWEEP 0715-1000 dr. 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-25 KAVIENG PATROL 0715-0905 dr. 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 13 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(67 Sorties-15 Tons)

Piva Corsairs Destroy Half Dozen Maiki Huts: The Second Australian Corps requested bombing and strafing of a reported ammunition dump about 2 miles northeast of Kahili strip near Maiki (400309) and nearby living quarters (401308).
At 0817 a flight of 13 NZ-18 Corsairs went in over the Maiki area with 2 half tonners, nine 250 pounders, a single 650 pound depth charge and one 100 pound smoke. They were unable to find the briefed target, so Smokey Joe marked a hutted area slightly to the northeast of where the target was supposed to be. All bombs were put in the vicinity of the smoke (406318).
At 0821 seven NZ-15 Corsairs took in three half ton stick bombs and eight 250 pounders. Eight bombs were dropped in the area, as directed by Smokey Joe of NZ-18. A pair of 250 pounders were released at sea. One 1000 pound stick bomb was jettisoned at sea. The combined strike destroyed six huts. It was noted that the two large dumps covered with probable iron sheets reported in NZ-18 recco flight of 10 July have been removed. The possible machine gun reported at Moila Point 11th July has been removed, and one of the large guns in the locality has been thoroughly covered with camouflage greenery. One strafing run was made over the area of the guns with unobserved results. Possible mortar fire smoke was noted near the Yame Plantation (396286-398287).

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ-18 MAIKI 0817 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
                                             1x650 D.C.
                                             9x250 G.P.
                                             1x100 Smoke.
7 F4Us NZ-15 0821 dr. 3x1000 G.P.
                                  8x250 G.P.

Piano-Buin Gun Position Hit: The Third Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of a target area near Aku which is believed to contain two enemy 150 MM guns commanding the junction of the Piano Mission Track-Buin Road crossing (188324-189328).
At 1145 eight NZ-15 Corsairs carried two 1000 pound stick bombs, five 325 pound depth charges, six 250 pounders and a pair of 100 pound smokes over the target. Both smokes were duds. All the bombs fell in the target area for good coverage of the north portion. 24 strafing runs were carried out. A well worn foot track was opened up about one mile northwest of Aku (171325). A dead tree with a ladder up against it and a camouflaged foxhole at the foot was strafed. The camouflage was cleared; a pair of Nips jumped out of the foxhole and bolted for the jungle after the strafing.
At 1150 twelve NZ-23 Corsairs followed in with a single 1000 pound stick bomb, a pair of 650 pound depth charges and nine 250 pound general purpose bombs. All of these bombs fell in the target area for very good coverage. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-15 PIANO MISSION TRACK 1145 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
                                                                     5x325 D.C.
                                                                     6x250 G.P.
                                                                     2x100 Smoke. (dud)
12 F4Us NZ-23 1150 dr. 1x1000 G.P.
                                    2x650 D.C.
                                    9x250 G.P.

Corsairs Support Aussies at West Oamai: The Third Australian Division requested bombing and strafing of Jap defended positions along the Buin Road in the West Oamai area (144337 to 140337).
From 0800 to 0807 eleven NZ-23 Corsairs attacked the target area with two half ton stick bombs, a single 650 pound depth charge, eight 250 pounders plus strafing. Artillery smoked the target accurately and all bombs fell in the area for good coverage, mainly in the centre with a pair on the western edge. Twenty-four strafing runs were carried out. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ-23 W. OAMAI 0800-0807 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
                                                            1x650 D.C.
                                                            8x250 G.P.

Mt. Gulcher and Uguimo Huts Hit: Twelve NZ-18 Corsairs orbited an enemy hutted area near Mt. Gulcher for 30 minutes with a load of two 1000 and nine 250 pounders plus one 650 pound depth charge waiting for the weather to clear. At 1220 conditions were satisfactory and they went in to strike three Nip huts (299503). The target was well marked by three flags and a smoke smudge. Four bombs and strafing were loosed on the target with unobserved results. The remaining bombs were then drooped on Karuru Nip garrison (Uguimo River, 2 miles south of Kara, 29003195-29203205). Good coverage was obtained but results were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-18 MT. GULCHER-KARURU 1220 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
                                                                      1x650 D.C.
                                                                      9x250 G.P.

Able Charlies Bag More Buka Huts: From 0900 to 0920 a pair of NZ-15 Corsairs, carrying three 250 pounders, were on Able Charlie search. One bomb destroyed one of a group of huts half way on a line between Hanahan and Carola Plantation (143116). The two other bombs damaged a hut slightly to the north of the first one destroyed (half way on a line between Cape Kotopan and Carola Plantation-135155). It was noted that the track on the east coast of Buka to Cape Dunganon is well used. A fire was sighted in a shelter just off the beach near Inus Plantation.
Another pair of NZ-15 Corsairs were on Able Charlie search from 1015 to 1230. They also carried three 250 pounders. Three huts half way up the cliff at Lontis were bombed without effect. One of the huts smoked after being strafed. Apparent practice A/A firing was noted over Sohana Island. Three or four black bursts were seen at 1000 feet. They were not aimed at the aircraft.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0900-0920 dr 3x250 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 15 1015-1230 dr 3x250 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(43 Sorties-44 Tons)

Ventura Practices on Duke of Yorks: From 0905 to 0940 a single NZ 2 Ventura, carrying half a dozen 325 pound depth charges, practice bombed over the Duke of York Islands. The entire bomb load was released; results were unobserved; no Flak was received.

For the Record:

1 PV-1 NZ 4 DUKE OF YORK 0905-0940 dr 6x325 D.C.

Jacquinot Corsairs Hit Gazelle Peninsula Gun Positions: A pair of NZ 20 Corsairs made a morning reconnaissance flight over the Liguan area. Each plane carried a pair of 1000 pound general purpose bombs. Japanese quarters in the Wat Wat area were bombed. One half tonner hit a gun position. A column of white smoke up to 300' was caused. Debris was flung 200' from the target. The position was completely destroyed. 
One 1000 pounder was directed at a pillbox and cave. The cave was collapsed and the pillbox was destroyed.
The third 1000 pounder destroyed other gun positions and collapsed and the pillbox was destroyed.
The third 1000 pounder destroyed other gun positions and collapsed the entrances to two other caves.
The fourth half tonner landed on top of a tunnel in the Polia area. A Jap body was seen flying high in the blast.
After the bombing the aircraft strafed and destroyed a hut near Keravat, and another, which was loaded with fuel, was destroyed at Tomboina. No flak was encountered.
From 0615 to 1645 five pair of NZ 20 Corsairs patrolled the Gazelle Peninsula. With strafing runs a track was destroyed at Cocoal Plantation and two canoes were damaged in Mangrove Creek. No Anti-aircraft opposition was encountered.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 20 LIGUAN TARGET RECCO dr 4x1000 G.P.
10 F4Us NZ 20 RABAUL PATROLS 0615-1645 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(8 Sorties - 4 Tons)

Emirau Corsairs Destroy Kapsu Jap Huts: From 1655 to 1915 on Wednesday a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng with four 500 pounders. The bomb load was dropped on Nip huts at Kapsu. Two were destroyed; one was damaged. The bombing was followed by strafing, the effect of which was not seen.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the New Ireland Coast from 1630 to 1915 on Wednesday. Four quarter ton bombs were put on huts at Medina. Three of the huts were destroyed. The coastal route was covered as far as Cape Sena. Two Nips were killed by strafing at Kimidan.
On Thursday morning from 0800 to 1105 a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs covered the entire periphery of New Ireland. Four quarter tonners were put on huts at Panemane with unobserved results. Huts were strafed for unseen damage at Namarodu. One Jap was strafed and killed at Halis.
Two Corsairs of NZ 25 were on Kavieng patrol from 0730 to 0915 on Thursday. Four quarter tonners were put on three huts (at 202073). One of these huts was destroyed; damage to the others was not observed. The fourth bomb was dived at a red house in Kavieng Town but missed.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 11 July 1655-1915 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 11 July 1630-1915 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 12 July 0800-1105 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 12 July 0730-0915 dr 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 14 July 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(72 Sorties-13 Tons)

Maiki Huts Destroyed Fire Started: The Second Australian Corps requested air attack on living quarters and POW reported ammunition dump about 2 mile northeast of Kahili strip (401308). The existence of much activity in the area was confirmed by photo reconnaissance on 10 July.
At 1140 twelve NZ 18 Corsairs went in over the target with a pair of 1000 pounders, one 650 pound depth charge, nine 250 pounders and a single 100 pound smoke. As on 10 July, the flight was again unable to locate the target and diverted its bomb load to a hutted area about 1 1/2 miles north of Yame Plantation (399308). Smokey Joe marked the target. This target was struck at 1146. The load landed mainly in the western portion of the target area. One bomb raised a column of black smoke from 300-400 feet. Several huts were destroyed and several were damaged. A strafing run was made over the area with negative results. A large group of huts were noted hidden under the trees about 1 1/2 miles west of Takasago. Several stacks of wood were noted just north of the mouth of the Muliko River.
From 1150 to 1154 eleven NZ 23 Corsairs carried three 350 pound depth charges and eight 250 pound depth charges over the same target. All these bombs fell in the target area for good coverage. Results of this element of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 MAIKI AREA 1146 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                                     1x650 D.C.
                                                     9x250 G.P.
                                                     1x100 Smokes.
11 F4Us NZ 23 1150-1154 dr 3x350 D.C.
                                           8x250 G.P.

Erventa Island Gun Struck: On Erventa Island, due south of Maiki, at approximately 436273, is A/A gun of light or 20mm calibre. This gun is in the line of retirement of aircraft striking targets in both the Maika and Maiki areas. At 0845 twelve NZ 23 aircraft carried three 1000 pounders and nine 250 pounders over the target. Ten bombs gave good coverage of the gun pits. Two undershot onto the beach. Results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 23 Erventa Island 0845 dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                                        9x250 G.P.

Bombs and Strafing hit Wearne's Hill Defenders: The Seventh Australian Battalion requested bombing and strafing of Japanese defending a Wearne's Hill position (694179). The target was defined as an area with 70 to 80 yards radius around the pinpoint reference (above). The strike to be coordinated with troop attempt to occupy the position.
From 0850 to 0910 twelve NZ 18 Corsairs were over the area with two 1000 pounders, one 650 pound depth charge and nine 250 pounders. Ground contact was good and artillery smoke was satisfactory. One bomb fell 70 yards south of the target; the remainder were scattered about in the target area. 52 strafing runs were carried out under the direction of the ground station which reported that the strike was a good one.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 WEARNE'S HILL 0850-0910 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                                                   1x650 D.C.
                                                                   9x250 G.P.

Corsairs Cause Robikai Explosion: In the Robikai area a troop concentration is reported about 1 1/2 miles due east of the Mivo River Ford (140338-140341). Five leanto structures were located in the target area.
From 0810 to 0825 twelve NZ 15 Corsairs were over the target with a pair of half tonners and twenty one 250 pounders. Artillery smoke was not altogether satisfactory, the coloured and the white smokes being widely separated and scattered. One bomb prematurely released fell to the southeast; the remainder fell in and about the target area. One bomb caused a bright flash followed by a column of thick black smoke. 24 strafing runs were carried out. Other results of the strike were not observed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 ROBIKAI 0810-0825 dr 2x1000 G.P.
                                                       21x250 G.P.

Recco and Patrol Aircraft Destroy "Floating" Jetty: Four NZ 24 Corsairs flew an Able Charlie Search from 0705 to 0905 with negative results.
Another four NZ 24 Corsairs were on Able Charlie Search from 1025 to 1220. One Nip was sighted in the water at Koro Mira Bay (southeast coast Bougainville). A pair of canoes were noted in between Cape Friendship and East Point. A pair of NZ 24 Corsairs were scrambled for a weather check from 1000 to 1105.
A trio of NZ 18 Corsairs, carrying three 250 pounders, made a target recco flight in the Tabago area from 1410 to 1600. One bomb was dropped slightly north of three huts which were one mile west of Takasago (416308). One bomb was dropped fifty yards west of five huts near Maiki. And one bomb dropped about 10 yards northwest of a group of huts 1 1/2 miles north of Yame Plantation. No observable damage was done by these three 250 pounders.
What appeared to be a small jetty floating on drums between the mouths of the Muliko and Abutuai Rivers (410305) was strafed and destroyed. Six Nips seen in the same area were strafed with negative results. In the same region a punt covered with greenery was strafed (415308) with unobserved results. Four punts in the mouth of the Muliko River were also strafed with unobserved results.
A rice garden near Kikibatsiago, with rice drying in racks was strafed. Many huts were noted in the Tobago area. A suspected MT park was spotted about a mile north of Maika (365355), where a track with many alley ways branching off it leads into the bush. Huts were noted in the same vicinity.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 24 ABLE CHARLIE SEARCH 0705-0905 dr No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 24 1025-1220 dr No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 24 WEATHER CHECK 1000-1105 dr No bombs.
3 F4Us NZ 18 TOBAGO RECCO 1410-1600 dr 3x250 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(47 Sorties-50 Tons)

Venturas Hit Manuan, Put Put, and Sum Sum: At 0900 an NZ 2 Ventura dropped six 325 pound depth charges on Manuan Plantation (in the Duke of York Group). At 1345 another Ventura of the same squadron bombed a sawmill and jetty at Put Put Plantation with half a dozen 325 pound depth charges. A third Ventura similarly loaded, put five depth charges on Sum Sum Plantation at 1055. One hangup was returned to base. Results of these three bombings were not observed.

For the Record:

1 PV-1 NZ 2 MANUAN 0900 dr 6x325 D.C.
1 PV-1 NZ 2 SUM SUM 1055 dr 5x325 D.C.
1 PV-1 NZ 2 PUT PUT 1345 dr 6x325 D.C.

Huts Down Explosion Caused Adler Bay: At 0930 a quartet of Jacquinot Corsairs bombed Jap huts and personnel area at Adler Bay (central east coast Gazelle Peninsula) with eight 1000 pound daisy-cutters. Two of the bombs landed in a trench system; two fell slightly beyond the target; three landed among huts and destroyed three of them; and the last bomb caused an explosion with white columns of smoke up to 800 feet.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 20 ADLER BAY 0930 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Gazelle Patrols Bag Nips & Truck: From 0630 to 1645 ten NZ 20 Corsairs patrolled the Gazelle Peninsula. They strafed and damaged one truck and killed one Jap. No Flak was encountered by the patrols.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 20 GAZELLE PATROL 0630-1645 dr No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(8 Sorties-4 Tons)

Corsair Patrols Destroy Katembugun Bridge: from 1655 to 1855 on Thursday a pair of NZ 25 Corsairs were on patrol over Kavieng. Four quarter tonners were dived on Kavieng huts (175122) with unobserved results. A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the New Ireland coast from 1525 to 1905 on Thursday. Huts were strafed and bombed at Namatanai. Four were destroyed; two were damaged. The sweep was made as far as East Cape. Huts were strafed along the route with unobserved results.
Another pair of NZ 25 Corsairs swept the coast from 0655 to 1020 on Friday. Two quarter ton bombs fell in the sea due to mechanical failure. One quarter tonner hit and destroyed the bridge at Katembugun. The entire periphery of the coast was swept. A pair of NZ 25 Corsairs patrolled Kavieng from 0655 to 0905 on Friday. One half tonner was dived in a hutted area (173118) with unobserved results. A pair of quarter tonners were dropped on a smoke column (113132) with unobserved results. Meagre medium inaccurate A/A fire was received (from 097114).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 1655-1855 dr 4x500 G.P. (12 July)
2 F4Us NZ 25 AFTERNOON SWEEP 1525-1905 dr 4x500 G.P. (12 July)
2 F4Us NZ 25 MORNING SWEEP 0655-1020 dr 2x500 G.P. (13 July)
                                                                   1x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 25 KAVIENG PATROL 0655-1905 dr 2x500 G.P. (13 July)
                                                                   1x1000 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Well that's all there is.

[Dave Homewood]

Thank you for sharing this valuable resource.

[baz62]

Oct 4, 2020 22:47:52 GMT 12 aircraftclocks said:

Well that's all there is.

Thanks for your efforts to share this. You'll need a rest now!

[clint]

Was a great thread to follow, interesting to see what kind of sorties my Great Uncle would have been involved in. Looking forward to the 1944 thread.

[chinapilot]

Many thanks for taking the trouble to scan all this from the originals.

It would be great to see some input from other knowledgable members on the pilots especially whoever it was lost at Kavieng.

The excellent narrator probably went on to a career scriptwriting in Hollywood - anyway what ever he did I hope he had a good life.

Dave - if you see this maybe some consideration about making it a ‘sticky’?

[davidd]

Yes, this is a most valuable resource and should be archived for all members for the centuries to come. You will notice that the NZ PV-1 squadrons have been notable for their absences in the more recent posts. This was because of movements of these squadrons to new locations, and also, to an extent, lack of bombs available at some of the bases, as well as difficulty of shipping the servicing units (including all their heavy equipment) forward to the new bases. Readers will also have noticed frequent references to detached Flights of No. 6 FB Squadron (Catalinas) in the weekly summaries of the resources available to the theatre commander. The reason these aircraft are not otherwise mentioned is that their main role was support, particularly Dumbo duty and supply of distant outposts, none of which could in any way be considered offensive (guns and bombs). The prime operational purpose of the theatre air forces was the conduct of operations against the enemy, wherever he might be hiding, which tends to deny any mention of the normally inoffensive Cat crews who were usually engaged elsewhere on more humanitarian duties. I am also intrigued by the presence over the last few months (in the chronological record) of the two USMC R4D (Dakota) squadrons at Piva Uncle (Bougainville); what was their purpose within the theatre? Seems to be a moderately large force, although they could have been responsible for routine intra-theatre passenger and freight services, and shuttling of the USMC Mitchell units to new bases I guess.

Congratulations to aircraftclocks for his prodigious efforts in keeping up this solid work ethic for months and months (at least it has seemed that way, but I see it started as recently as late July, so not that long), but it is pretty intensive stuff, a campaign of constant pressure against everything Japanese that moved or was spotted in the theatre.

David D

[davidd]

Chinapilot, what was the date that the pilot was lost at Kavieng? I remember reading about P/O D H Trim earlier today on this thread, who was subsequently rescued. There is a photograph of him in one of Geoffrey Bentley's books on the RNZAF, taken just after he was returned to, I think, Emirau, still in his flying suit. By this stage of the war, Allied losses in the theatre were generally pretty light, but always a present danger.
David D

[Dave Homewood]

Now stickied. I am beginning to wonder if, with all the stickied threads in this Wartime RNZAF board, do I need to create a sub-board specifically for RNZAF research resource material threads like this and some of the others? A bit like the all time popular threads in the Preserving New Zealand Aviation board..

[buzzrick]

(Apologies in advance for the long post)

I just discovered this thread a couple of weeks ago, and it has been a fantastic read, thank you aircraftclocks!. It has been absolutely thrilling to read through this and cross reference my grandfather's flight log book (Vance Kevin Russell, 18th Squadron RNZAF), matching his flights with the daily reports the next morning. Often I can see direct matchups in the daily reports with my grandfathers notes (eg: in the first reference below, the daily log mentions a plane jettisoning it's bomb, and seeing the exact note in his logbook).

Some thoughts from reading through this:

- The daily reports end on th 14th of July, however Vance's last flight was on July 27th, nearly 2 weeks later. VJ Day wasn't for another 2-3 weeks after that. I'm curious about how that end of the war in the Solomons ended. Were the japanese pushed out of the region at this point?
- Vance flew out of Bougainville back to New Zealand about a month later on August 25th.
- I always naively assumed (until I had read my grandfather's logbook a few years back) that every pilot had their own individual airplane, however it is clear that each pilot is allocated an airplane for each sortie. Each squadron had more pilots than aircraft, and there were often many more sorties per day per squadron than they had aircraft.
- NZ-18 Squadron is absent in the daily reports from late April 1945 until later in mid June. This was when Vance's first tour of duty ended and he went on leave back in NZ for a month, then performed various training flights back in Ardmore (Auckland NZ) for around a month, before heading back to Bougainville. I had assumed that this end of tour date would have been specific for each pilot, but it appears that the entire squadron was rotated back to NZ at the same time.
- Vance had multiple notes addended to his mission logs about the downed pilot (PO D Trim) in July:

VKR NOTE July 8 - PO D Trim bailed out 1 1/2 miles south east of Mivo R. in jap territory
VKR NOTE July 9 - PO Trim seen in clearing near Mibo R. Supplies dropped.
VKR NOTE July 10 - PO Trim still unrescued in clearing
VKR NOTE July 12 - PO Trim rescued yesterday

It was fascinating to match up the daily reports with Vance's flight log entries. I've copied a handful of interesting (to me at least) daily report sections below, where I could map directly his flights with further details from his log book, marked with a VKR

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Day Ending 0800 3 March 1945

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA

12 F4Us NZ-18 Kindai 0800 dr 12x1000 G.P.

Huts and Stores at USA Take Punishment: Eight Corsairs with 8 half-ton daisy cutters hit a group of huts at USA. This was not the good old U.S.A., but a smallish village a mile and a half north of Kindai in southwest Bougainville. Four bombs fell inside the area smoked, 3 overshot 30 yards (one proving to be a dud). White smoke rose to 80 feet from the target area. Later recco confirmed that two huts were destroyed, and another badly damaged, of the seven huts there. Five or six cases of stores were scattered near the burning hut. One plane returned early because of undercarriage trouble, jettisoning its bomb safe in the sea.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-18 USA 1120 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)


VKR Mar 2 - F4U-5228 - Bombed USO.? returned to base. - U/C doors failed to shut. Jettisoned bomb.

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Day Ending 0800 4 March 1945

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA

Three Tanks Attacked: Two fighters made an uneventful A-C search early yesterday morning, strafing camp fires and huts at Kariki on Fauro Island, and a hut on the south end of Poporan Island off Buka for unobserved results. Two Corsairs on A-C search at 1050 saw two Jap tanks facing south on the coast road in a clearing 1000 yards northwest of the north tip of Ruri Bay on the northeast end of Bougainville. Four strafing runs caused light smoke. When ammunition was expended, flight leader returned to base, leaving wing man to orbit tanks. One tank moved south 100 yards and hid 30 feet inside the tall timber, leaving one Jap dead on the road. Two fighters resumed the attack at 1230 with two half-ton daisy cutters. RAAF planes took photos before the bombing. One half-tonner scored a very near miss on the tank in the jungle, cleared away the undergrowth and covered the tank with debris. The other bomb fell thirty yards away from this same tank. Five strafing runs were then made for unseen damage. Eight fighters then came up with 8 half-ton stick bombs. One plane returned early because of oil pressure trouble, dropping its bomb safe in the bay. A third tank was now seen ten yards from the tank under cover. The seven Corsairs put their bombs on these two tanks, gutting one within 5 yards, three within 10 yards, one forty yards away, and two duds. Both tanks were badly damaged. Five strafing runs each were made from all angles on the one tank out in the clearing since the first attack. Heavy black smoke and red oil flames were followed three minutes later by a series of large and small explosions. The tanks were 18 feet long and seven feet high of undetermined type. Only one Jap was seen.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Search 0620 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Search 1050 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Ruri Bay 1230 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 18 Ruri Bay dr 8x1000 G.P. (2 duds)


VKR: MAR 3 - F4U-5245 Located 2 tanks in jungle. Bombed same. Jungle cleared around tanks. Probably damaged both. Strafed tank in open with 14000 rounds. Fire consumes tank. Explosions.

I also have 3 photos of the tanks tucked in Vance's log book:


3-March-1945 Bougainville - Tank in jungle
Notes on back of photo:

Tank in jungle bombed by red and white with 1000lb "Daisy Cutters".
Jungle was cleared all around tanks by very near misses but no damage was visible from air
Next day green section bombed and straffed thse tanks.
Most probably destroyed 1 of them. Other tank not located.

3-March-1945 Bougainville Tank in open Kunai Grass
Notes on back of photo:

Tank in open Kunai Grass
Set on fire by white and red sections using approximately 14000 rounds .5mg fire
Flame reached 12' to 15' high and ammunition large and small calibre exploded inside for well over 1/2 an hour
Completely burnt out.
1 tank destroyed
P.S. Note dead jap on road in front of tank
Tanks identified as medium tank type 2594
Weight 16 tons. Length 21' width 8'4". Armour .43""-67"

3-March-1945 Bougainville General view of tank strike
Notes on back of photo:

General view of tank strike
Tank seen burning in centre of clear road
Ruri bay in background and showing high steep cliffs

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Day Ending 0800 13 March 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(37 sorties-16 tons)

New Mamagata Supply Area Bombed: Twelve Piva Corsairs led by tac/r bombed a possible supply dump and personnel concentration at a group of huts along the Mamagata track in southwest Bougainville yesterday. Ten of the 12 half-ton daisy cutters hit the target area, and two fell in the north end of a garden 50 yards to the southeast. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-18 Mamagata 0800 dr 12x1000 G.P.


VKR: Mar 12 F4U-5314 - Bombed MAMAGATA & MINOITU area - More good bombing, except my effort, which was 20 yards short, plonking jap carrot patch

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Day Ending 0800 2 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(28 sorties-13 1/4 tons)

Gun Positions Near Kara Heavily Hit: 13 Piva Corsairs hit guns located by the Muliko River in south Bougainville yesterday morning with a mixture of half and quarter ton, stick bombs and instantaneous fused. Three automatic guns without covers were seen 200 yards east of the reported position. Bombing destroyed 2. The third was still active and firing. Three huts were destroyed. Moderate inaccurate automatic fire came from the target and Ebery's Lease.
13 more Corsairs hit guns on Ebery's Lease at the same time. Smoke showed the target. Four planes low-leveled from northwest and dropped 5 delay-fused bombs on the target. Four planes ran in from the north, undershot 2 stick bombs 20 yards, one by 10 yards and one unobserved. Four Corsairs made the same run with instantaneous fused bombs, getting one 15 yards short, 3 just off to the northwest. One plane then strafed a heavy gun position and figures were seen running. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from Kahili and possibly from Malabeta Hill. About 24 bursts in all. The squadron leader saw bursts of medium A/A leading him when he was still a quarter mile from the target.

For the Record:

13 F4Us NZ-20 Muliko 1020 dr 2x100 Smoke
                            3x1000 G.P. Inst.
                            2x1000 G.P. Stick
                            8x500 G.P. Inst.
                            10x500 G.P. Stick
13 F4Us NZ-20 Ebery's Lease1020 dr 3x100 Smoke
                                  4x1000 G.P. 4/5 Delay
                                  4x1000 G.P. Stick
                                  4x1000 G.P. Inst.


VKR: APR 1 - F4U-5347 - Dive bombed Ebreys Lease Ack-Ack - Well executed attack by 26 a/c on heavy. med, and light Ack-Ack guns. Heavy Ack-Ack encountered. Too close for comfort.

(interestingly no note of NZ-18 in daily report?)


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Day Ending 0800 6 April 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(60 sorties-36 1/2 tons)

Patrols Strafe Flotsam: Two fighters on A-C search at 1045 strafed a ridge-roofed hut under trees at Nakaru, three nativetype huts with washing hung near Tobago, a derelict barge and empty drums * at the mouth of the Samiri River, also a heavy log construction 18' x 8' x 2' with a two-foot opening in the roof at the north end of Arawa Plantation. A second search at 1305 strafed a large grey packing case* near a jetty in Kieta Bay.
(*Flotsam is of course cargo or goods found floating offshore, as opposed to normally jettisonable ballast on a vessel which is called jetsam. Perhaps those drums and the packing case came from the shore and not from a ship. In that event they should be called flotage.)

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-18 Able-Charlie Searches 1045, 1305 No bombs.


VKR: APR 5 - F4U-5253 - Charlie Search - Serached MONITU, NAKARU area. Straffed large hut. Straffed barge on slipway and oil drums which proved to be empty.

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Day Ending 0800 16 April 1945.

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

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

For the Record:

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


VKR: APR 15 - F4U-5253 - Bobmed enemy huts at NAKARU - Went to strike more artillary guns at PORPORO. Target weathered out. Flew 120 miles(?) South to NAKARU. Bombed group of huts. 4 huts demolished, 1 partly.

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Day Ending 0800 22 June 1945.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(89 Sorties-40 Tons)

67 Corsairs Strike Uguimo River Personnel Concentration: The Australian 2nd Corps reported a concentration of Jap Naval units recently arrived from Shortland Island in the Uguimo river area. The units were dispersed 100 yards on both sides of a road from gardens at 284317 to road junction at 294316. The heaviest possible strike was requested.
At 0835 nine Corsairs of NZ 16 opened the attack on the concentration dropping fourteen 650 pound depth charges, and two 700 pound depth charges. Smoky Joe of NZ 22 had marked the target and all bombs fell in the area except two which failed to release and were safely jettisoned at sea. Results unobserved. At 0837 twelve Corsairs of NZ 18 toting twelve 1000 G.P. followed up putting eleven bombs on the target. One plane crashed on the strip during take off. The results were not observed. At 0840 thirteen Corsairs of NZ 22 including one Smokey Joe completed the early strike with seven 1000 pound stick bombs, four 1000 pounders, one 650 depth charge, and two 100 pound smokes. All bombs fell in the target area, and 23 strafing runs were also made. However, Smokey Joe reported that the bombs dropped were not sufficient to completely clear the entire area. Otherwise the results of the strike were not seen. At 1100 thirty-three Corsairs of NZ 18, NZ 22 and NZ 15 took off to attack a Jap camp South of Barillo. Low clouds prevented the identification of the target, and the strike was diverted to the Uguimo River target.
At 1145 twelve Corsairs of NZ 18 loosed eight 1000 pounders and four 700 pound depth charges on the West half of the target which was marked by Smokey Joe. The results of strike were not observed.
At 1150 thirteen Corsairs including a Smokey Joe sortied with twelve 650 pound depth charges and three 100 pound smokes to follow NZ 18 over the target. All bombs were dropped near the smoke as directed by Smokey Joe. The results of the combined strike as reported by Smokey Joe were as follows: six straw huts and one iron hut 30x20 were destroyed; one large straw hut undamaged; 3 Nips strafed and killed in adjoining garden area; plus others strafed with unobserved results.
At 1155 eight Corsairs of NZ 15 completed the strike on the Eastern end of the target as marked by Smokey Joe (Ref 294315) dropping eight 1000 pounders and four 700 pound depth charges. Eleven of the bombs hit near the smoke marker with one bomb over shooting the area. The results were not observed.
Smokey Joe reported a large number of Japs in the surrounding gardens and other signs of recent activity such as Motor Transport tracks.

For the Record:
9 F4Us NZ 16 UGUIMO 0835 dr 14x650 D.C.
                           2x700 D.C.
12 F4Us NZ 18 0837 dr 12x1000 G.P.
13 F4Us NZ 22 0840 dr 7x1000 S.B.
                     4x1000 G.P.
                     1x650 D.C.
                     2x100 Smoke.
12 F4Us NZ 18 UGUIMO 1145 dr 8x1000 G.P.
                            4x700 D.C.
13 F4Us NZ 22 1150 dr 12x650 D.C.
                     3x100 Smoke.
8 F4Us NZ 15 1155 dr  12x650 D.C.
                     2x700 D.C.


VKR: JUNE 21 - F4U-5270 - Bombed UGUIMO R. area 1000 GP - 32 a/c bombed 1200yds of jungle containing several hundred nip naval personal. P/O McCABE pranged during takeoff, only injury sprained ankle.

Corsairs Attack Staff Cars near Mobiai Ford: TAC/R reported sighting five staff cars and quite a few Japs just East of the Mobiai river ford. An enemy gun was also spotted at the same place (088344).
At 1500 eight Corsairs with two 700 Pound depth charges and twelve 650 pound depth charges attacked the E Mobiai target, dropping on the smoke markers as directed by TAC/R. 7 bombs fell on the first smoke, and 7 remaining bombs on a target south of the road. The results of the bombing were not seen. At 1510 eight more Corsairs of NZ 18 followed up on this target with eight 1000 pounders. All bombs were dropped 100 yards East of last smoke marker used by the previous strike as was directed by TAC/R. The results were not observed. After the strike two of the NZ 15 Corsairs made a Recco flight over the Maiki area (East of Kahili) before returning to base. Huts were reported at the following reference points: eight at 431 329; twelve at 433329; six at 428319; and six at 439328. Well worn tracks indicated activity in the vicinity.

For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 15 E MOBIAI 1500 dr 12x6350 D.C.
                             2x700 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 18 1310 dr 8x1000 G.P.


VKR: JUNE 21 - F4U-5309 - Bombed MOBIAI R. area 1000 GP - Several staff cars sighte by Tac-R machine. Bombed by directions of Tac-R. F-LT Smart & myself went and located targets at MAIKI after bombing

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Again, thank you aircraftclocks for your excellent work in transcribing these daily reports!

If anyone is interested in looking at Vance's log book, it can be downloaded here
(It is in a cbz, or comic book file format, so you might need a comic book reader application like CDisplayEx to view it. Otherwise just rename it as a zip file and extract all of the images within)