RNZAF activity in the Pacific 1945

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 27 January 1945.

One Marine PBJ showed seven Venturas where to place their half-tonners and 300-pounders. As a result, 53 of the 56 bombs hit the personnel area at Namatanai. Puk Puk is outa luck. Today another dozen half-tonners were dropped on this Jap concentration off the east coast of Bougainville and good hits were noted.
Fuel supplies on Parama Island (off the northern tip of Choiseul) were set afire and exploded by Piva fighters.

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

Marine Leads New Zealanders to Namatanai: One Leatherneck Mitchell carrying 2 half-tonners led seven PVs from NZ 2 in a medium-level attack on the Namatanai personnel area.
Twelve of the fourteen half-tonners and 41 out of 42 300-pounders fell in the target area. No ack-ack was accosted.

For the Record:

1 PBJ VMB 423 Namatanai 1134 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
7 PVs NZ 2 Namatanai 1134 dr. 12x1000 G.P.
                                              42x300 G.P.

Corsairs Destroy Barracks: A pair of fighters on Kavieng patrol Thursday dive-bombed Lebrechtshof Plantation with one quarter-tonner each, and destroyed two 30'x80' barracks.
Meagre inaccurate 20mm fire came from the target. Four Corsairs yesterday morning hit Lemakot gardens with eight 650-pound depth charges, but the trees prevented observation of damage.
Six fighters patrolling in pairs during the day dive-bombed and damaged buildings at Lebrechtshof with two 500-pounders, put two more near buildings northeast of Kavieng strip and plunked two in gardens at nearby Cape Siwusat.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Jan 25 1615-1815   dr. 2x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 22 Lemakot Jan 26 0900 dr. 8x650 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Jan 26 0900-1530  dr. 6x500 G.P.

Venturas Wallop Warehouse: The Thursday dusk PV dropped six quarter-tonners at low level on Roland Young huts for unobserved results.
The dawn Ventura Friday reported no damage seen from its drop of six quarter-tonners. strafing on a low-level bomb-run, three Venturas struck a mile north of Lamernewi at 0955, dropping eighteen quarter-tonners, hitting one 20'x60' warehouse, and blanketing huts with heavy smoke with the rest of the bomb load.
The truck recco PV released six quarter-tonners on a hut east of Patlangat but did not assess the damage done.

1 PV NZ 4 Dusk Sweep Jan 25 1632-1921 dr. 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Jan 26 0642-0926 dr. 6x500 G.P.
3 PVs NZ 4 Lamernewi Jan 26 0955 dr. 18x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck Recce Jan 26 1245-1535 dr. 6x500 G.P.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(32 sorties - 9 1/2 tons)

Puk Puk Gets Six More Tons: Twelve Piva fighters, doubting the value of bombing an abandoned village at Wida, hit their secondary target which was the village on the south of Puk Puk Island.
Tactical recco showed them where to place their twelve half-tonners, and excellent coverage was reported.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 21 Puk Puk 0815 dr. 12x1000 G.P.

Mosigetta Huts Bombed: Tactical reconnaissance had re-ported six medium-sized huts in the tall timber near Mosigetta. Led by tac/recco, eight Corsairs dropped six half-tonners and two 650-pound depth charges at the target. Unfortunately, the smoke bombs hung up, so it was impossible to tell whether the bombs fell near the desired location.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 21 Mosigetta 1135 dr. 6x1000 G.P.
                                                  2x650 D.C.

Patrols See New Huts: Eight fighters flew two Able and two Charlie searches by pairs. A barge was strafed on the shore in Nowa Inlet (SW Buka), and six new huts were seen in the jungle near Lake Lahala (se Bougainville). The coastal side of the garden area at Puk Puk seemed burnt out. Two new huts were noted on the south edge of Tenekau Plantation (NE Bougainville). The dusk patrol Thursday and the dawn patrol Friday reported no sightings.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 21 Dusk patrol Jan 25 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dawn patrol Jan 26 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Able and Charlie Searches Jan 26 No bombs.

CHOISEUL
(8 sorties - 4 tons)

Fuel Dump Set Afire: An AIB report said that barges and a likely fuel dump were located under the mangroves on the northeast tip of Parama Island.
Eight Piva fighters put 5 of their 16 quarter-tonners in the indicated area. Two more were dropped in the center of the island, producing considerable flash and black smoke. Two falling 150 yards inland started a fire with more black smoke. One went still farther inland and six bombs splashed in the sea.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 20 Parama Island 0945 dr. 16x500 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(25 sorties - 2 tons)

Patrols Crater Road at Raluana: No heckler was scheduled for Thursday night, and the Friday morning shipping count was negative, but four of the 24 Corsairs on Rabaul patrol yesterday did some damage with their half-tonners. Two planes bombed the hutted area at Raluana point for unobserved results. One plane bombed a serviceable barge south of Raluana Point and got a near miss. But one plane did crater a road at Raluana with its 1000-pounder.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
24 F4Us NZ 16,17 Rabaul Patrols 0710-1800 dr. 4x1000GP

SEARCHES FOR JANUARY 26

Beefsteak searches were mucho negato. Full track and cover for Tare and Uncle: Victor was 100/75. A storm was heading northwest from Kapingamarangi.
Brewer ran full track with 95 percent cover for Able and 80 for Baker. Sightings were beaucoup de rien.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB 146 Admiralties 300 mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 28 January 1945.

Here is a new wrinkle, and a highly successful one. Natives from Isina on the western slopes of the Crown Prince Range of Bougainville had boxed the Japs in that area into a strong-point of huts and emplacements at Marova. They asked for air support. "Soften'em up a bit and we'll do the rest." Twelve Piva Corsairs, guided by red cloths and smoke, scored 18 out of 20 hits, flattened all but one of the eleven huts, and strafed the remaining one. So the natives spent the rest of the day fishing.
Not to be outdone, the next Piva strike scored a direct hit on a jetty and crushed five huts at Fauro Island. Finally, the noon attack on Koromira destroyed five more huts and damaged four.
Storms put the quietus to Green and Emirau plans.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(40 sorties-14 tons)

Natives Get First Air Support: Natives in the Isina area of central east Bougainville have been successful in surrounding a body of Japs and forcing them to hole up in a cluster of houses and pill-box defences in a clearing of the woods at Marova. At the request of the natives, relayed by a coastwatcher, twelve Piva fighters were detailed to bomb this position with quarter-tonners and depth charges, and so soften it that the natives might attack and wipe out the Japs, thereby liberating the whole surrounding area. The target was boxed with red cloths and smoke by natives. The fighters were also preceded by a tactical reconnaissance plane.
Enroute to Marova, two planes developed engine trouble and had to return to base after jettisoning their bomb load. The other ten planes scored 18 hits and only two misses on the strong-point.
Eleven huts were counted before the strike. Only one could be seen after the smoke cleared away. That lone refuge was well strafed before leaving.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-20 Marova 0810 dr 8x325 D.C. 16x500 G.P.

Jetty Demolished and Huts Destroyed: Not so long ago there were 30 new huts and much track activity reported at Kalia on Fauro Island. Bombing had reduced some of these buildings but at least 7 were still standing one mile west of Kalia. Eight Corsairs dropped four half-tonners on the seven huts yesterday morning. Five huts were destroyed and one damaged. The other four half-tonners scored a direct hit on the jetty opposite Bauvo and reduced it to kindling wood.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-21 Fauro Island 0830 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Nine Huts Hit at Koromira Mission: A group of camouflaged wooden huts at Koromira on the southeast coast were reported by our air patrol Wednesday. Yesterday eight Piva fighters put 14 out of 16 quarter-tonners and depth charges in the area. Five huts were blown to bits and four more were holed and heeled.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-20 Koromira 1200 dr 14x500 G.P.
                                                 2x325 D.C.

Searches Strafe Barge and Hand Cart: The fighters on dusk patrol Friday ran into no excitement. The dawn sweep yesterday strafed nine Japs and probably killed two of them in a garden on Shortland Island. Eight Corsairs on two Able and two Charlie searches put one half-tonner on a barge at Katsinkoveri (NE coast) and another on huts fifty yards south. Results were not observed.
The barge was then well strafed and was considered by the pilots to have been rendered unserviceable. A Jap hand-cart, heavily loaded and covered with greenery was strafed and ruined five miles south of Hongorai River. The two Japs pushing the cart ran into the jungle. A gun-pit was seen on the beach along the west coast of the peninsula opposite Rorovana #1 (CE coast). Green camouflage and tracks indicated recent activity at this point.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Jan. 26 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol Jan. 27 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-21 Able and Charlies Searches dr 2x1000 G.P.

NEW IRELAND
(11 sorties-6 1/2 tons)

Corsairs Pepper Nusalik Island: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol Friday dive-bombed huts at Nusalik Island (near Kavieng). One of the two quarter-tonners dropped may have destroyed a number of the huts.
Yesterday six Corsairs patrolling the Kavieng area in pairs from 1115 to 1600 missed these same Nusalik huts with two quarter-tonners, possibly damaged a building at Kavieng with two more, and jettisoned two because of the heavy weather.
The dusk sweep was cancelled.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Jan. 26 1615-1800 dr 2x500 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Jan. 27 1115-1600 dr 6x500 G.P.

Venturas Bomb Katu, Lakurefange and Nemasalang: The dusk patrol Friday low-leveled huts at Katu Plantation with six quarter-tonners. The dawn patrol yesterday did the same to Lakurefange gardens. And the truck recco likewise on a village west of Nemasalang. No results were observed.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Jan. 26 1625-1918 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Jan. 27 0640-0845 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Jan. 27 1050-1344 dr 6x500 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(7 sorties-no bombs)

All Strikes Cancelled because of adverse weather.

Patrol Reports: No hecklers were scheduled for January 26. The shipping count yesterday was negative. Six Corsairs covered Rabaul from 0930 to 1700, The last patrol was kept on the ground because of bad weather. All patrols were uneventful. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from Tauwanlik Point (south New Ireland), and known positions on Matupi Island (Rabaul Harbor).

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
6 F4Us NZ-16, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0930-1700 No bombs.


SEARCHES FOR JANUARY 27
Beefsteak searches uncovered no bogies in the billows. Track and cover was 90/66 for Tare, 100/100 for Uncle and 80/90 for Victor. A full course was not flown in Tare and Victor because of time used to identify shipping as friendly. Very bad weather lopped off half the possible cover for Brewer searches. Flying full track, their report was all negative.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 29 January 1945.

The three main strikes of of the day were aimed at personnel areas. Balgai at the northern end of New Ireland suffered 24 tons in 1000-pounders and 300-pounders from Emirau. Borpop, down the east coast, took 14 tons of the same weight bombs from Green. Tobera on New Britain quaked as 20,000 pounds of half and quarter tonners from Piva fell on huts and airstrip.

NEW IRELAND
(40 sorties - 44 3/4 tons)

Balgai Bivouac Hit by 24 Tons: In a coordinated strike on this personnel area at the northern end of New Ireland, eight Emirau Corsairs first blasted gun positions with 16 half-tonners, then 15 Mitchells came in at tree top level with one hundred and twelve 300-pounders. Four half-tonners fell among the gun sites, and the area was well covered by the 300-pounders. One third of the total load fell short and eight were jettisoned. The fighters received meagre inaccurate light A/A over the target.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 22 Balgai 0937 dr. 16x1000 G.P.
15 PBJs VMB-Emirau Balgai 0938 dr. 112x300 G.P.

Green Greets Borpop With 14 Tons: One Marine PBJ with a pair of half-tonners led seven Venturas carrying 14 half-tonners and 42 300-pounders in a medium-level strike at Jap living quarters near Borpop. Two dozen bombs fell in the target area, 20 overshot and 14 fell in the sea. Results were unobserved. Meagre inaccurate heavy flak came from a known position at Borpop.

For the Record:

1 PBJ VMB 423 Borpop 1105 dr. 2x1000 G.P.
7 PVs NZ 2 Borpop 1105 dr. 14x1000 G.P.
                                         42x300 G.P.

Patrols Bomb Uneventfully: The dawn sweep put six quarter-tonners on Katharine Bay gardens. The truck recco laid six 300-pounders near Libba plantation.
The early Kavieng patrol dropped six more 300-pounders in a plantation south of Medina. The second patrol put its half dozen 300-pounders on huts west of Lauan Bay. All results were unobserved.
A pair of Corsairs followed on patrol and dropped ono 300-pounder among huts at North Cape and another near the pier south of Kavieng.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep 0607-0915 dr. 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck Recco dr. 6x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Kavieng Patrol 0845 dr. 6x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Kavieng Patrol dr. 6x300 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol dr. 2x300 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(45 sorties - 12 tons)

Piva Plasters Tobera Buildings: Twenty Corsairs from Bougainville attacked eighteen serviceable huts near Tobera yesterday morning with twelve half-tonners and sixteen quarter-tonners.
Four of the quarter-tonners were dropped on the Tobera strip. The target was obscured by 8/10ths cloud cover, but the area appeared to be well covered.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 21 Tobera 0910 dr. 12x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Tobera 0910 dr. 16x500 G.P.

Patrols Damage Crane and Trucks: No Rabaul heckler was scheduled for Saturday night. The shipping count Sunday morning was negative. Twenty-four fighters covered Rabaul during the day.
Four from NZ 16 got three close hits out of four at a floating crane in Keravia Bay. Their half-tonners hoisted debris high in the air and a later patrol saw severe damage done to the crane.
Other patrols strafed and damaged a medium-sized truck on the Talili Bay Road and left a loaded truck smoking at the west end of Tunnel Hill Road.
Two bursts of accurate light A/A came from Hospital Ridge and the same from a known position at Talili Bay.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
24 F4Us NZ 16,17 Rabaul Patrols 0710-1818 dr. 4x1000 G.P.

BOUGAINVILLE - BUKA
(12 sorties - no bombs)

Huts Strafed by A-C Searches: Eight Corsairs flew two Able and two Charlie sweeps yesterday. They strafed eight huts southwest of Mt. Bei on Buka and three huts about a mile south of Hangan on the southeast coast of Buka. A possible camouflaged barge hideout was seen on Kieta peninsula near Rapi Point. The dusk sweep Saturday and the dawn flight yesterday were negative.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 20 Dusk Patrol Jan 27 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dawn Patrol Jan 28 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 20 A-C Searches Jan 28 No bombs.

SEARCHES FOR JANUARY 28
Beefsteak saw many friends yesterday, with track and cover 70/100 for Tare, 40/100 for Uncle and 95/50 for Victor. Bad weather was found at the rim of the pie sectors flown.
Brewer was negative over full track and 85 percent cover.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB 146 Admiralties 300 mile sectors.

[davidd]

"Beefsteak" was the official US Navy code name for Emirau Island. "Brewer" was likewise the code name for the Admiralty Islands, where the RNZAF also located aircraft (specifically at Mokerang strip, Los Negros, although at this time only one NZ F4U squadron was there, purely for local defence, so normally no offensive use, and therefore no inclusion in the above summaries). US Navy Squadron VPB-146 was also located at Mokerang. As the RNZAF's 4 Squadron was also flying 300 mile sectors from Emirau, with its PV-1s, this would seem to be the normal radius of action for this type in the theatre on Sector patrols. At the end of January 1945 (actually on 30th) on strength at Mokerang strip (Los Negros), VPB-146 had on strength 13 PV-1s, although normal strength of such squadrons at time was 15, same as RNZAF. VPB-146 came under Fleet Air Wing 17 (FAW-17), a formation with HQ at Morotai which had squadrons located in a swathe across SWPA, including Morotai, Manus (also in Admiralties), Leyte (Philippines), Owi (ditto), Green Island, Hollandia, and Mokerang. Squadrons included one of PB4Y-1s (VPB-101), two of PBY-5/5A (VPB-33, 44), three of PV-1s (VPB-128, 130, 146), and one of SBDs (VS-61, which also had one SB2C and two J2Fs). The VS-squadrons at this time were in effect short range patrol squadrons, leaving the twin and 4-engined larger aircraft to get on with the long range work.

David D

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 30 January 1945.

21 Mitchells from Emirau and 6 Venturas with 7 Mitchells from Green landed half-tonners and 300-pounders all over the plane, supply and personnel area southeast of the Vunakanau runway. No anti-aircraft was encountered, but one fighter covering the Dumbo on this strike was foroed by engine trouble to ditch off Cape Liguan, He was picked up unhurt.
A Piva Corsair on patrol yesterday at dawn was seen to go down not far from Torokina Field. The pilot bailed out but was not located by later searches.

NEW BRITAIN
(60 sorties-49 tons)

Vunakanau Hit by Green and Emirau: At 1125 yesterday a coordinated strike was made on a possible plane park, supply dump and personnel area southeast of the east end of the airstrip at Vunakanau.
Twenty-one Mitchells from Emirau dropped 160 300-pounders, all but 12 falling in the target area.
One of the New Zealand Corsairs providing cover for the Dumbo on this strike was forced to ditch ten miles north of Urara Island (off Cape Liguan) because of engine trouble.
Flight Sergeant Bennett was rescued by the Dumbo and returned to Emirau uninjured. A few minutes after the Emirau PBJs had hit the target, seven Marine Mitchells and eight Venturas arrived from Green. In a medium level attack on the same target, the PBJs put 3 of 16 half-tonners in the area. Ten fell south of the mark, and three were dropped on Hunter Point, New Ireland.
The Venturas carried 16 half-tonners and 48 300-pounders. All bombs struck the target, though results were unobserved. No A/A was encountered.

For the Record:

21 PBJs VMB-Emirau Vunakanau #9 1125 dr 160x300 G.P.
7 PBJs VMB-423 Vunakanau #9 1131 dr 16x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Vunakanau #9 1131 dr 16x1000 G.P.
                                                    48x300 G.P.

Patrols Hole Three Trucks: No Rabaul heckler was scheduled for Sunday night. Twenty-four Corsairs swept the area yesterday from 0710 to 1815.
Four fighters with a half-tonner each bombed a suspected fuel dump near the bay south of Vulcan Crater. Three hits and a close miss were recorded, but results were not observed.
A truck south of Keravat was strafed and left smoking as meagre inaccurate medium A/A was met. A parked car south of Kurakakau Plantation (SW of Rabaul) was strafed and holed.
A third truck, loaded with timber, was strafed and smoked at nearby Malagunan.

For the Record:

24 F4Us NZ-16, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0710-1815 dr 4x1000 G.P.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(51 sorties-14 3/4 tons)

Huddle of Japs at Kariauria Catch 6 Tons: A coastwatcher had reported that a group of Japs returned to huts at Kariauria (Ref. #689299) every afternoon about 1630.
A strike was scheduled, but twice weathered out. Meanwhile, the Japs were closing in on our friend the coastwatcher. "Help!" he cries. So yesterday twelve fighters hustled over and dropped two dozen quarter-tonners, half on and half around the spot shown by the tactical recco plane. AIB reports all the local folk were much impressed and morale is now at a peak.
NOTE: Another report says that Saturday's strike in support of the native ring around the Nips at Marova was highly successful. Only 6 Japs escaped before the bombs struck.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-20 Kariauria 0650 dr 24x500 G.P.

Smith's Hill Denuded of Japs: Helping the ground troops uproot Japs located on Smith's Hill in the Piaterapaia area twenty Corsairs followed a tactical reconnaissance plane to the spot and placed all but 3 or their 32 bombs and depth charges on the target. The crown of the hill was cropped like a G.I. haircut.

For the Record:

20 F4Us NZ-20, 21 Smith's Hill 1240 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                        18x500 G.P.
                                                         4x650 D.C.
                                                         6x325 D.C.

Corsair Spins at Mavavia: Flight Sergeant Wakeman was seen to ball out of his fighter about a half mile north of the Mavavia River mouth on Empress Augusta Bay at approximately 0640 yesterday.
Seven fighters maintained lone patrols over the area during daylight. Eight fighters on two Able and two Charlie searches reported two fresh barge marks with fresh tracks at Dio Dio on the south coast.
Yesterday's dusk patrol was negative.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Jan. 28 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol Jan. 29 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-21 Able and Charlie Searches No bombs.
7 F4Us NZ-21 Special Patrols No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(16 sorties-7 tons)

Corsairs Hit Huts and A/A Position: Four fighters patrolled Kavieng Sunday and put four 300-pounders on buildings northwest of the strip for slight damage.
Six Corsairs over Kavieng yesterday dived a 300-pounder on an A/A position west of the Balgai personnel area, and one fell 60 yards south of it.
Two 300-pounders were dropped west of Panapai. Two more destroyed a pair of huts and damaged three at Lebrechtshof Plantation. Meagre inaccurate 20mm fire came from Lebrechtshof and Kavieng Town.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Jan. 28 1540-1730 dr 4x300 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Jan. 29 0900-1540 dr 6x300 G.P.

Venturas Bomb Huts: The dusk sweep Sunday low-leveled huts at Dallum (below Borpop) with six 300-pounders. The dawn PV put six 300-pounders on the Kaut Bay bivouac area with a tree-top attack.
The truck recco dumped its half dozen 300-pounders on the huts at Cape Lemeris. No results were seen for any of these bombings. Three PVs hit Fatmilak huts with 18 300-pounders and at least three huts were destroyed. Three bombs were duds.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Jan. 28 1610-1825 dr 6x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Jan. 29 0539-0934 dr 6x300 G.P.
3 PVs NZ-4 Fatmilak Jan. 29 0945 dr 18x300 G.P. (3 duds)
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Jan. 29 1059-1349 dr 6x300 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR JANUARY 29

Beefsteak was negative. Track and cover ware 85/50 for Tare, 100/100 for Uncle and Victor.
Brewer was also negative. Track and cover were 100/85 for both Able and Baker.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 31 January 1945.

The supply area at Tobera 35B was hit by one Mitchell and seven Venturas from Green carrying a total of 18 half-tonners and four dozen 300-pounders.
Four PBJs and later twelve Corsairs, all from Green, shook up the personnel area at Borpop with a total of nine and a half tons.
Corsairs from Bougainville blasted sheds and barges and accounted for at least six dead Japs and others wounded.
Flying Officer Davies of NZ 17 was seen to crash after strafing a truck near Vulcan Crater. Flight Sergeant Wakeman of NZ 21 returned to our lines safely after crashing yesterday near Mavavia on Bougainville.

NEW BRITAIN
(34 sorties - 18 tons)

Tobera Supply Area Gets 16 Tons: One Marine Mitchell carrying two half-tonners escorted eight PVs in a medium altitude attack on stores and dumps near Tobera Drome.
The PVs were loaded with 48 300-pounders and 16 half-tonners. Seven half-tonners and 18 300-pounders struck the target, and the remainder fell south of it. No A/A was encountered.

For the Record:

1 PBJ VMB 423 Tobera dr. 2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Tobera dr. 16x1000 G.P.
                                48x300 G.P.

Patrols Start Fires, Damage Huts, Kill Nips: The shipping count yesterday was negative. 24 Corsairs flew Rabaul patrol during the day. Four with half-tonners bombed the personnel area at Gilalun Plantation. One bomb damaged several huts, one cratered a road, and the last two started fires in the jungle. Also during the day, two Japs were strafed and killed, and a truck was damaged three miles west of Vulcan Crater. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from a known position at Ralum.
Note: At 1045 Flying Officer Davies from NZ 17 made the strafing run on the above-mentioned truck. The section leader saw Davies had made a very low run and that the truck flared up vividly after the plane flew over. On looking back, the section leader saw fire 500 yards further on from the truck. It was the Corsair. F/O Davies is missing, and believed killed.

For the Record:

1 PV-2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
24 F4Us NZ 16, 17. Rabaul Patrols 0710-1824 dr. 4x1000 G.P.

BOUGAINVILLE - BUKA
(41 sorties - 15 3/4 tons)

Five Metal Sheds Blasted at Ratsoa: Twenty Corsairs, led by tactical reconnaissance, put all but three of 36 bombs on a concentration of partly-camouflaged huts near Ratsoa in the northern interior.
The load consisted of twelve half-tonners, 22 quarter-tonners and two 325-pound depth charges. Three huts were destroyed, one caved in, and one just plumb disappeared.
The tac/recco led eight of the fighters to a serviceable barge at the north end of Soraken on the northwest coast and four strafing runs were made.
Five or six wireless masts were seen 200 yards inland, half way down Soraken Plantation.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 21 Ratsoa 0840 dr. 12x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Ratsoa 0840 dr. 22x500 G.P.
                                              2x325 D.C.

Taiof Stone Jetty Again Bombed: The approach to this jetty was damaged by a previous attack, but it still offered a good landing site for enemy craft. Eight Corsairs dropped eight half-tonners on it yesterday. All fell near, but no damage was done.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 21 Taiof Island 1130 dr. 8x1000 G.P.

Patrols Bedevil Barges and Nips: Two fighters on barge patrol Monday strafed and blew up a large barge loaded with supplies and manned by five Japs on the inland side of Asie Island (west of Fauro).
On the seaward side of the island, a small barge with ten Nips was strafed. The Nips fancy-dived at the first burst, and the barge was left water-logged.
A beached barge in good condition was strafed just north of Harapa (northwest Shortland Is.). It seemed ready for loading.
Also, this patrol sank a canoe between Puk Puk and Tautsina killing one and wounding another Jap. Two Corsairs also flew dusk patrol Monday.
One fighter flew dawn patrol yesterday over the downed pilot. A report has just been received that Flt/Sgt. Wakeman got ashore, walked to his own lines, and is now in the hospital, recovering from the effects of immersion. Eight corsairs on Able and Charlie searches strafed and probably killed one Jap near Cape Hanpan (NE Buka), strafed two dinghies under trees west of Kobuan Bay (CE coast), and gunned three long and three short huts at Nakaru (south interior). A 30-foot planked bridge was seen on the beach at Kaukauwateri Point on the central east coast. Oil slicks were noted between Torokori Island and the creek west of Ratsoa.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 20 Barge Patrol Jan 29 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 21 Dusk Patrol Jan 29 No bombs.
1 F4U NZ 20 Dawn patrol Jan 30 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Able and Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(32 sorties - 16 3/4 tons)

Borpop Hit Twice by Green: At 2104 on Monday four Marine PBJs got eighty percent coverage on the Borpop personnel area with two dozen 250-pounders.
Results were not observed. Moderate inaccurate medium A/A came from the target area. (Note: This is the strike which reported an unidentified bogie travelling southeast of Borpop, as mentioned in yesterday's Intelligence Summary). At 0955 yesterday, twelve Corsairs with nine half-tonners and six 650-pound depth charges struck the personnel area north of Borpop.
Eight of the big bombs and two depth charges fell in the target area. A large column of black smoke hid the results.
The rest of the bombs undershot or fell west of the mark. One half-tonner hung up and was dropped over Kandaus. Three bursts of accurate heavy A/A came from a known position at Borpop.

For the Record:

4 PBJs VMB 423 Borpop Jan 29 2104 dr. 24x250 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ 16 Borpop Jan 30 0955 dr. 9x1000 G.P.
                                                         6x650 D.C.

Patrols Hit Many Targets: Two fighters dive-bombed Balus Plantation and cratered the road north of Kavieng runway with one 300-pounder each Monday evening.
Three pairs of fighters yesterday dropped 300-pounders each. One hit the southeast end of the Kavieng runway and another hit the revetments. Two fell unobserved on gardens at Lemakot Plantation, and two were seen to hit gardens there.
A pair of Marine Mitchells heckled Kavieng late Monday night, dropping two photo flash bombs, ten hundred-pound incendiaries each. Nine runs were made. A small fire was started east of Kavieng strip. Four searchlights spasmodically and unsuccessfully followed their runs. No A/A came up.
The Monday dusk sweep PV raised grey smoke over Lossu with six 300-pounders. The dawn Ventura put six more near the bridge and gardens at Koka Plantation for unobserved results.
The truck recco scattered three 500-pounders and three 300-pounders on gardens near Kapsu Plantation for unobserved results.
And in the afternoon, three Venturas put 18 300-pounders on the garden area at Amba. Good coverage was obtained, but results were not seen.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Jan 29 1615-1800 dr 2x1000GP
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Jan 30 1000-1445 dr 6x300 GP
2 PBJs VMB-Emirau Kavieng Hecklers Jan 30 0001-0130 dr. 2 photo flash 10x100 incend.
1 PV NZ 4 Dusk Sweep Jan 29 1619-1924 dr. 6x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Jan 30 0623-1000 dr. 6x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck Recco Jan 30 1147-1410 dr. 3x500 G.P.
                                                                  3x300 G.P.
3 PVs NZ 4 Amba Jan 30 1334 dr. 18x300 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR JANUARY 30
Beefsteak saw only friends. Track and Cover was 100/66 for Tare, 100/66 for Uncle, and 100/60 for Victor.
Brewer ran full track with 90 percent cover for both Able and Baker. No sightings.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB 146 Admiralties 300 mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 30 JANUARY 1945

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

ADMIRALTIES

VS-61                     8     SBD-5                                     8               18                                    VS-61
                              6    SB2C-4                                    6
                              2    J2F-6                                       0
VPB-146                  7    PV-1                                        7              41                                    VPB-146
NZ-25                    18    F4U                                       17              26                                    NZ #4 S.U.

EMIRAU

VMB-413               12    PBJ                                        12              53                                     VMB-413
VMB-433               11    PBJ                                        11              53                                     VMB-433
VMB-443               12    PBJ                                        12              52                                     VMB-443
VMB-611               12    PBJ                                        10              49                                       SS-61
NZ-22                   20    F4U                                        17             25                                     NZ #5 S.U.
NZ-4                    16     PV-1                                      15              16                                    NZ #16 S.U.

GREEN

VMB-423              9      PBJ-1D                                     8             55                                     VMB-423
VPB-44               15      PBY-5A                                   12            56                                      PATSU 1-11
                           1      TBF-1                                      1
NZ-16                15      F4U-1D                                  15              24                                    NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-17                18      F4U-1D                                  17              25                                    NZ #3 S.U.
NZ-2                  15      PV-1                                      14              14                                    NZ #14 S.U.

BOUGAINVILLE

VMR-152            17      R4D                                       17             67                                     VMR-152
VMR-153            16      R4D                                       15             69                                     VMR-153
NZ-20                18      F4U-1D                                  16             26                                     NZ #2 S.U.
NZ-21                16      F4U                                       16             22                                     NZ #31 S.U.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 1 February 1945.

NEW BRITAIN
(62 sorties-51 tons)

Vunakanau Plane Park Struck by Green: At 0930 yesterday seven Marine Mitchells carrying 14 half-tonners and eight Venturas with a full burden of 16 half-tonners and 48 300-pounders dropped on the possible plane park near Vunakanau Drome. The Mitchells put all bombs west and north of the target. One Ventura hit the edge of the target. All the rest undershot and straddled the strip to the south of the target area. No A/A was encountered.

For the Record:

7 PBJs VMB-423 Vunakanau #8 0930 dr 14x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Vunakanau #8 0930 dr 16x1000 G.P.
                                                    48x300 G.P.

Heckler Drops Depth Charges: The PV over Rabaul Tuesday night put two 325-pound depth chargee on Rabaul Town; two on Lakunai, one within 100 yards of a searchlight five miles inland from Rapopo, and the last one on Vunakanau. Other results unobserved. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from near Keravat, and meagre inaccurate light ack-ack was encountered near Rapopo.
The PV on shipping count Wednesday saw no Japs.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Heckler Jan. 30 2143-2330 dr 6x325 D.C.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Shipping Count Jan. 31 No bombs.

Corsairs Bomb Malapau and Tovakundum: Twenty-four fighters patrolled the Rabaul area yesterday. Four dropped half-tonners each in the bivouac area near Malapau (east of Raluana Point).
Four other fighters put a half-tonner and six quarter-tonners in the Tovakundum Plantation area. No results were observed.

For the Record:

16 F4Us NZ-16, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0710-1800 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-16 Malapau dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Tovakundum dr 1x1000 G.P.
                                              6x500 G.P.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(32 sorties-11 1/2 tons)

Virgin Scrub is Attacked: A.I.B. reported Japs camped along the banks of a stream under virgin scrub near Toborei. It was suspected that a Nip headquarters was located there.
Twelve fighters with tactical recco spotted the area identified by the natives with flags and fire, and hit it well with four 325-pound depth charges and twenty quarter-tonners.
Four fell in the plantation and the rest in the jungle with good effect. One dugout was seen blown apart.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-20 Toborei 0815 dr 4x325 D.C.
                                              20x500 G.P.

Nip Concentration at Barnu Also Hit: A bivouac area at Barnu (near Mosigetta) was bashed by eight Corsairs carrying 16 quarter-tonners. Tactical recco put smoke bombs on the bivouac locations.
Four bombs fell on the first indicator and twelve covered the second smoke bomb.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-20 Barnu 1210 dr 16x500 G.P.

Gun Position at Tsimba Gets Half Tonners: Known active gun locations at Tsimba were marked by tactical recco and bombed by four fighters at 1445.
A 300-foot ceiling hampered the attack, but two half-tonners fell on the target and the other two were within 50 yards. It was seen that the blasts uncovered two huts with flat tops.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ-21 Tsimba 1445 dr 4x1000 G.P.

Patrols Smoke Huts at Hannan: Four fighters flew two Able-Charlie searches, strafing six new huts at Hanpan and leaving some smoking.
A large oil slick was noted at the entrance to Samel River beside a half-sunken barge. The coast road from Sorum to Ruri Bay seems to have been extensively used since the last rain.
The dusk patrol Tuesday and the dawn sweep yesterday were unproductive.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Jan. 30 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol Jan. 31 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-21 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(17 sorties-5 1/2 tons)

Venturas Patrol the Island: The dusk sweep PV low-leveled a road near Cape Lemeris with six quarter-tonners Tuesday.
The dawn Ventura yesterday unloaded six 300-pounders near a bridge at Libba Plantation, one cratering the road. The truck recco PV carried no bombs and saw nothing of interest.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Jan. 30 1616-1922 dr 6x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Jan. 31 0608-0852 dr 6x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Jan. 31 1302-1536 No bombs.

Corsair Patrols Catch A/A at Kavieng: Tuesday afternoon a pair of fighters dropped two 300-pounders on a large building northwest of Kavieng runway, Results were not seen.
Yesterday six Corsairs patrolled Kavieng in pairs from 0905 to 1546. Each plane dived a 300-pounder, The first two got one direct hit on the same building bombed Tuesday, and one bomb 50 yards off.
Accurate A/A of undetermined calibre stripped half of the port aileron off one plane. Its replacement hit gardens at Kaselok Plantation on the northeast coast.
The next pair of Corsairs put one 300-pounder on huts at Mongai Bay. The other plane returned because of engine trouble. Its replacement carried no bombs.
The third pair of fighters overshot a building near Cape Nuan with their two 300-pounders, encountering meagre inaccurate medium (?) A/A from a known position at Kapsu Plantation.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Jan. 30 1615-1800 dr 2x300 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Jan. 31 0905-1546 dr 6x300 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR JANUARY 31

Beefsteak Track Cover Sightings
T              100%  100%  Nil
U             100%  100%   Nil
V             100%  100%   Nil
Brewer A 100%   100%  Nil
           B 95%    100%   Nil

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 2 February 1945.

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

Twenty Huts Destroyed: Twenty Corsairs got a hut a-piece yesterday with a mixed bomb load on 30 huts and six pill-boxes in the Wairiki River area (near Mosigetta).
Led by tactical recco, they dropped sixteen 500-pounders, four 650-pound depth charges and eight half-tonners. Only one bomb fell outside the hut concentration.
It caused a column of black smoke rising to 1500 feet. The tactical reconnaissance plane estimated that the main bomb hits destroyed at least twenty huts.

For the Record:

20 F4Us NZ 20, 21. Wairiki River 0745 dr. 8x1000 G.P.
                                                            16x500 G.P.
                                                              4x650 D.C.

Aim Not as Good at Neighboring Huts: Eight more fighters later in the morning bombed a huddle of buildings in the next-door Horinu area with eight half-tonners.
Though the tactical recco put a smoke bomb on the target, only fair coverage was obtained with the 1000-pounders.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 21 Horinu area 1125 dr. 8x1000 G.P.

Patrols Tip a Canoe and Nail a Nip: Following the dusk Corsairs Wednesday, two fighters on barge patrol sank an outrigger canoe and its Jap paddler in Baniu Harbor.
The planes were mystified at seeing several smoke signals precede them up the east coast. Two fighters on dawn patrol yesterday reported the Kara airstrip appears to be serviceable.
Eight Corsairs flew two Able and two Charlie searches. They strafed a small raft on the shore at Puk Puk, and two Japs in Yellina Bay (NE Buka).
Meagre inaccurate A/A of undetermined calibre came from three positions on Ballale Island (NE of Shortland).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 21 Dusk patrol Jan 31 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Barge patrol Jan 31 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dawn patrol Feb 1 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Able and Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(23 sorties - 18 1/2 tons)

Fires Started at Hilalon Plantation: A bivouac area near Hilalon (up the east coast from Borpop) was struck by eight Venturas from Green yesterday.
Sixteen half-tonners, twelve 300-pounders and 36 eighth-tonners were dropped at low level. Thirteen half-tonners, all the 300-pounders and 30 of the 36 eighth-tonners hit the target area.
The rest hung and were jettisoned at sea. One hut got a direct hit, but other results were not seen. The area was well strafed and fires were started, with black smoke billowing to 1200 ft.
Moderate accurate light A/A from a position S of the target holed one plane.

For the Record:

8 PVs NZ 2 Hilalon 1051 dr. 16x1000 G.P.
                                           12x300 G.P.
                                           36x250 G.P.

Corsair Quartet Capsizes Kapau Quarters: Four Emirau fighters dived eight 650-pound depth charges on huts at Kapau, collapsing several. On the pull-out, bursts of .50 calibre were poured into the buildings.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 22 Kapau 0741 dr. 8x650 D.C.

Later Patrols Re-visit Kapsu Huts: Though the two fighters on Kavieng patrol Wednesday evening missed a building at Beno Harbor with two 300-pounders, the six Corsairs patrolling in pairs
yesterday had somewhat better luck with the same weight bombs. Two 300-pounders possibly damaged huts at Kapsu, two raised some smoke near gardens a mile southeast of Kavieng strip.
One burst of accurate heavy ack-ack came from Kavieng.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng patrol Jan 31 1615-1800 dr. 2x300G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng patrols Feb 1 0800-1450 dr. 4x300G.P.

Venturas Lightly Loaded: The dusk PV Wednesday carried no bombs, but strafed huts at Korabin (NW coast), Sicacui and Lamernewi. The dawn Ventura yesterday had no bombs either.
The smoke over Lihir (near Lemussong) appeared to be caused by clearance of gardens. The truck recco dropped three quarter-tonners on huts at patlangat for unobserved results.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 Dusk patrol Jan 31 1716-2027 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn patrol Feb 1 0558-0831 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck Recco Feb 1 1100-1345 dr. 3x500 G.P.

NEW BRITAIN
(39 sorties - 10 1/2 tons)

Tobera Strike by Green: Twelve Corsairs loaded up with 12 half-tonners and sallied forth yesterday morning to hit 18 serviceable buildings in the Tobera Drome area.
One plane developed hydraulic trouble and with his wingman jettisoned their bombs at sea and returned to base within the hour. All but one of the remaining 10 half-tonners hit the target (the 10th overshooting) for unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from a known position north of the target.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 17 Tobera # 36 0920 dr. 8x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 16 Tobera # 36 0920 dr. 4x1000 G.P.

Patrols Cause Explosions at Tovakundum: The shipping count yesterday was negative as usual. Two of the twenty Corsairs on Rahaul patrol during the day were forced to return to base because of hydraulic trouble. Four fighters dropped half-tonners on the bivouac area at Tovakundum, getting all four on the target and causing one large explosion and then white billowing smoke.
There was no A/A. Two huts were strafed and damaged in the northwest area, and one Jap was killed at Neinduk Plantation. Meagre inaccurate automatic-weapons fire came from Garerr Bay and meagre inaccurate light flak from Tawui Point.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
20 F4Us NZ 16, 17. Rabaul Patrols 0705-1800 dr. 4x1000 G.P.

Sub Sighted: At 1840L the dusk patrol saw a conning tower and periscope 20-30 miles on a 340° bearing from Green. Speed undetermined. Course possibly northerly.
This sighting was made while intercepting bogie (which later proved friendly), so no action was taken to secure positive identification.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ Green Dusk patrol No bombs.

SEARCIES FOR FEBRUARY 1

                             Track Cover Sightings
Beefsteak: Tare   100% 100%    Nil
               Uncle   100% 100%    Nil
              Victor    100% 100%   Nil
Brewer:    Able    100%  90%    Nil
             Baker    100%  90%    Nil

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB 146 Admiralties 300 mile sectors.

[davidd]

aircraft clocks, thanks for the detailed survey of the units/aircraft, numbers of aircraft, and ground support units as for 30 January 1945. However the ground support unit for 4 Squadron at Emirau should read 10 SU, not 16 SU (the RNZAF never had a No. 16 SU.) With regard to the heading "Pilots available", this is very problematic, and confusing. The numbers stated seem to be correct for RNZAF fighter squadrons, but for RNZAF PV squadrons the figure would seem to be for number of crews. For the USMC/USN transport and patrol squadrons it appears that total numbers are for all aircrew members, and not number of crews (and certainly not number of pilots!) For VS-61, the number would also appear to represent number of crews rather than just pilots. Otherwise, keep up the excellent work.
David D

[aircraftclocks]

Looking at other weekly reports, 10 SU is listed, so 16 SU is a typo on that report. Would you like to see these weekly reports as well?

[chinapilot]

Typos aside this is a great thread and thanks again for taking the trouble to post the reports.

I certainly didn’t realise they were so active and the Rabaul night heckler missions were new to me.

It looks like the islands off the east coast of New Ireland got sporadic attention as well with Lihir mentioned.

Have to say that it appears that the accuracy of the bomb dropping wasn’t so great 😀

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 3 February 1945.

NEW BRITAIN
(38 sorties-22 tons)

Rembarr Ammo and Fuel Dumps Hit: One Mitchell with two half-tonners and eight Venturas carrying 16 half-tonners and forty-eight 325-pound depth charges made a medium level attack yesterday on a reported concentration of ammunition and fuel at Rembarr Range. Three half-tonners fell north of the target, but the rest plastered the area and started fires with smoke towering 1500 feet in the air. No A/A was met. Two planes returned early because of engine trouble, jettisoning two half-tonners at sea.

For the Record:

1 PBJ VMB-423 Rembarr Range #1 0811 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Rembarr Range #1 0811 dr 16x1000 G.P.
                                                           48x325 D.C.

Trucks Smoked by Rabaul Patrols: Twenty-seven Corsairs monitored Rabaul fields yesterday. Six carrying a half-tonner each got five hits (and one dud) on the bivouac area at Tovakundum.
Four other fighters carrying three half-tonners and two 650-pound depth charges blasted the hutted area south of Malapau Plantation. Hits were noted, but results could not be determined.
The day's patrol also strafed two trucks in the Malabonga area south of Vunakanau, smoking one and holing the other. Another well-camouflaged truck at Ravalien (on the coast, east of Raluana Point) was strafed and set afire. Also a large dinghy at Waira on Duke of York was gunned and left smoking. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from Ralum. The morning ship count was negative.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
17 F4Us NZ-16, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0720-1800 No bombs.
6 F4Us NZ-17 Tovakundum dr 6x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ-16 Malapau dr 3x1000 G.P.
                                      2x650 D.C.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(28 sorties-9 1/4 tons)

Jap Supply Center 25% Destroyed: Captured documents and prisoner of war statements report that the Jap 17th Army has its headquarters in a concentration of about 40 huts at Muguai near the south coast. This area was bombed yesterday morning by twelve Piva Corsairs carrying 16 quarter-tonners and eight 325-pound depth charges. One overshot and caused considerable black smoke.
The other 23 all hit the target and destroyed ten to twelve of the buildings. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from the north end of Kara (east of Muguai)

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ-20 Muguai 0800 dr 16x500 G.P.
                                               8x325 D.C.

Horinu Hut Concentrations Also Hit: Eight fighters, led by tactical recco, bombed two other hut centers at Horinu (farther west).
Eight quarter-tonners were dropped on the first target and seven on the second. One overshot by 100 yards. Results were not observed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-20 Horinu 1140 dr 16x500 G.P.

Patrols Damage Hut and Kill Jap: The dusk patrol Thursday and the dawn patrol yesterday were negative.
Four fighters flew two Able-Charlie sweeps, killing one Jap and wounding another in Orowere Bay (SE coast), and smoking one of several huts strafed near Muguai.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Feb. 1 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol Feb. 2 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-21 Abie-Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(39 sorties-29 tons)

Corsairs Concentrate on Huts: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol Thursday afternoon dived one 300-pounder each, damaging huts at North Cape. Six F4Us yesterday put two quarter-tonners near Nusalik huts, two on Katu Plantation huts, one dud and one which destroyed two huts at Lossuk Bay, raising blue-black smoke a full 700 feet high.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 1 1450-1640 dr 2x300 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 2 0800-1440 dr 6x500 G.P. (1 dud)

Venturas Bombings Unobserved: The dusk PV Thursday low-leveled Amba gardens with four quarter-tonners. The dawn Ventura put four more quarter-tonners in the Roland Young Plantation area.
The truck recco placed four quarter-tonners on huts at Fatmilak. No results were reported for any of these attacks.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 1 1530-1830 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb. 2 0516-0821 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Feb. 2 1249-1504 dr 4x500 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR FEBRUARY 2

                             Track     Cover Sighting
Beefsteak   Tare       100      100      Nil
                 Uncle      95       100      Nil
                Victor     100       100      Nil
Brewer      Able       100        95       Nil
                Baker     100        95       Nil

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors.

[Dave Homewood]

Aug 18, 2020 17:04:11 GMT 12 chinapilot said:

Typos aside this is a great thread and thanks again for taking the trouble to post the reports.

I completely agree, and although there is not much I can do with them right now I am sure these posts and the whole thread will become an invaluable and searchable reference for future research. Thanks again.

Aug 18, 2020 17:04:11 GMT 12 chinapilot said:

and the Rabaul night heckler missions were new to me.

The night heckler raids go all the way back to 1943 for the RNZAF when No. 3 (GR) Squadron started flying a solo Hudson every night to drop a stick of bombs around a Rabaul airfield, just to disturb the Japanese' sleep. Exactly what the Japanese "Washing Machine Charlie" was also doing to the Allies at Guadalcanal.

[davidd]

Dave H, not aware of 3 Sqdn Hudsons doing nocturnal trips to "a Rabaul airfield" at any time in 1943, it may have been technically possible, but I have no knowledge of this. You are perhaps thinking of the nocturnal visits by our Hudsons in earlier months of 1943 to Munda airfield (New Georgia), where they dropped various loads of bombs on/around the airfield, including 100 pounders. Guadalacanal to Rabaul and return was about 1100 nautical miles if my memory is to be believed.
David D

[davidd]

Chinapilot, possible reason for poor bombing accuracy (medium level strikes only) was lack of bomb sights for the NZ PV-1s, which is why they practically always flew with the USMC PBJs, which DID have good M/L sights. I think it was early April 1945 before the theatre commander finally made available to the RNZAF a very few well-used (and abused) M/L bomb sights, which then had to be cannibalised and overhauled, after which they could carry out formation bombing on their own if desired (dropping on the leader's visual release). In fact formation dropping was the standard method of area bombing by the PBJs all through this period - if you had a good man, you only needed one good sight! However sometimes things just did not go according to plan. Many aircraft of this era had "bombing lights" (mounted on rear fuselage somewhere I think) which could be seen and used by following aircraft, presumably on night (or dull day) missions for formation bombing. For low altitude bombing, I think simple bomb sights were available, although how good they were, I have no idea!
Incidentally, an earlier report happened to mention some "Gunboots" which got me excited, thought it was a misspelling of "Gumboots", but that is even sillier, so concluded they must have been common, garden variety "gunboats". Sorry I have not remembered which day this was on.
David D

[Dave Homewood]

Yes you're right there David, I posted that too early in the morning before I'd had some coffee. It was not initially to Rabaul for the night heckle raids, they came later.

Yes regarding the PV-1 crews, they did formation bombing and dropped when the lead PBJ gave the order on most raids. So if anyone was inaccurate it would be the USMC crew in that lead ship.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 4 February 1945.

NEW BRITAIN
(63 sorties-59 3/4 tons)

Green Mitchells and Venturas Visit Rabaul: Seven Marine PBJs carrying 14 half-tonners and eight Venturas with 16 half-tonners and 46 325-pound depth charges dropped on a truck park north of Rabaul.
The Mitchells put two bombs in the sea and the rest northwest of the target. Five of the Venturas bombs also went northwest of the mark and the rest met a watery grave. There was no A/A encountered.

For the Record:

7 PBJs VMB-423 Rabaul #9A 0910 dr 14x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Rabaul #9A 0910 dr 16x1000 G.P.
                                                 48x325 D.C.

24 Corsairs Patrol Rabaul; A/A Holes Two: Two dozen fighters kept an eye on Rabaul yesterday. Four dropped a half-tonner each on defensive positions west of Raluana Point, getting one hit, two close misses, and a dud. Four other fighters put two half-tonners on huts at Urukukur (Duke of York Island) and two on Kokopo, east of Raluana Point. Results were unobserved.
Five Japs at Malabonga Junction were strafed. Three were killed on a truck strafed and damaged in the Tobera area.
While strafing a water tower north of Vunakanau strip, two planes were holed by meagre inaccurate heavy A/A from the Tomavatur Plantation area.
Meagre inaccurate light also came from a revetment at Vunakanau and another known position nearby.
Two Japs were killed while strafing the Karu Bay area, and a medium sized truck was smoked on the coast road along Keravia Bay.
There was increased traffic of covered trucks in the Tobera area throughout the day. However the Rabaul ship count was negative as usual.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-16, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0700-1800 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Raluana Point dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ-16 Urukukur, Kopopo dr 4x1000 G.P.

Life Rafts Sighted: A Catalina from VPB-44 enroute to Green from Piva saw two empty, badly-worn life rafts two miles south of Green at 1510.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(40 sorties-13 tons)

More Muguai Huts Destroyed: Following up the Friday strike, eight Piva Corsairs yesterday dropped twelve quarter-tonners and four 325-pound depth charges on one section of 15 huts reported to be the headquarters of the Jap 17th Army. At least four huts were destroyed and three more were damaged. These planes also strafed an apparent oil dump and left it smoking. Meagre inaccurate A/A of all calibres came from north of Kara. Twelve more fighters struck the other half of this Muguai hut area with eight half-tonners and four 650-pound depth charges. All but two of these 12 heavies were on the target, destroying 22 huts. Only 6 to 8 huts were left standing at the end of this twelve plane strike. There were about 40 huts here before Friday.

For the Record:

                                             4x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-20 Muguai 0650 dr 12x500 G.P.
12 F4Us NZ-21 Muguai 0700 dr 8x1000 G.P.
                                              4x650 D.C.

Tsimba Gun Position Blasted: Eight fighters put seven out of eight half-tonners on a suspected gun position at Tsimba. One undershot by 50 yards. After the fourth bomb, a quantity of wood and debris was tossed skyward. One strafing run was also made.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-21 Tsimba 1020 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Corsair Crashes on Reef: Eight fighters flew two Able and two Charlie searches yesterday, strafing two huts and a garden on the west coast of Gomai, and noting four huts under trees on the southeast coast of Onua (east of Shortland). At about 1015 Flight Sergeant Hallet crashed on a reef off Onua Island while making a strafing run on a Jap.
The dusk and dawn patrols were uneventful.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-21 Dusk Patrol Feb. 2 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 3 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-20 Able and Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties-9 1/2 tons)

Venturas Crater Two Roads: The dusk PV Friday low-leveled Koka huts with four quarter-tonners. No results seen. The dawn plane yesterday put four quarter-tonners on Lagagon huts, but results were again undetermined. The truck recco Ventura cratered a road at Cape Lemeris with three quarter tonners and cratered another road at Pinikindu with a fourth bomb.
Three Venturas also hit Pinikindu, dropping all 18 quarter-tonners in the hutted area, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 2 1519-1813 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb. 3 0456-0827 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Feb. 3 1245-1505 dr 4x500 G.P.
3 PVs NZ-4 Pinikindu Feb. 3 0950 dr 18x500 G.P.

Corsairs Crater Two Roads and Damage Huts: Two fighters on patrol Friday dropped a quarter tonner on a garden south of Kavieng runway, and possibly destroyed several huts at Kavieng With the second quarter-tonner. A dozen bursts of inaccurate 20 mm fire came from a possible smoke-baited trap north of Kavieng strip. Six Corsairs patrolled Kavieng in pairs yesterday, and dive-bombed two quarter-tonners into Kavieng Town, one near a Kavieng revetment, one which damaged huts at Lossuk Bay, and two which cratered roads at Lauan Bay and North Cape.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 2 1445-1700 dr 2x500 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 3 0800-1500 dr 6x500 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR FEBRUARY 3

Beefsteak found a storm north of 002° N—150° E. Track and cover were 100/100 for Tare, 80/50 for Uncle, and 80/60 for Victor. Nil sightings.
Brewer saw nothing on full track with 95 percent cover.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300 mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 5 February 1945.

NEW BRITAIN
(42 sorties - 24 tons)

Vunakanau Guns and Direction Finder Bombed: Eight Corsairs dropped seven half-tonners and two 650-pound depth charges on gun positions north and west of Vunakanau strip. Half a minute later, a Mitchell and seven Venturas struck the radio direction finder station west of the northern plantation with 17 half-tonners and 42 325-pound depth charges.
The Corsairs encircled a heavy A/A position near Diddyman's Corner with four half-tonners, and got one direct hit and two near misses on another heavy A/A position west of the strip.
The two depth charges hung and were later dropped on Tovakundum Plantation for unobserved results. The three half-tonners carried by the Mitchell fell on the target, and all but one of the 14 half-tonners and depth charges toted by the PVs were good hits. The hung half-tonner was later dropped on Rapitok. The Corsairs observed fires and high-flung debris from the radaio direction finder target. There was no ack-ack.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 16 Vunakanau 0804 dr 7x1000 G.P.
                                                   2x650 D.C.
1 PBJ VMB 423 Vunakanau 0805 dr 3x1000 G.P.
7 PVs NZ 2 Vunakanau 0805 dr 14x1000 G.P.
                                                 42x325 D.C.

Heckler and Day patrols do Unassessed Damage: A variety of bombs were dropped, but results were unobserved in all but one instance. The Marine Mitchell bothering Rabaul Saturday night dropped two 250-pounders on Vunakanau, one on Vunapopo, and one was jettisoned at sea after hanging. The shipping count was negative. Twenty-four Corsairs patrolled Rabaul all day Sunday. Four bombed huts on Credner Islands (off Rapopo) with half-tonners, getting two in the area, one at sea and one dud. Four other fighters dropped two half-tonners on huts at Wangaramut Plantation off of Rabaul), one unobserved through clouds, and one which was seen to crater and block a road at Talili Bay.

For the Record:

1 PBJ VMB 423 Rabaul Heckler Feb 3 2150-2350 dr 4x250 G.P.
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb 4 No bombs
16 F4Us NZ 16,17 Rabaul Patrols 0745-1810 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Credner Islands dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ 16 Talili Bay dr 4xl000 G.P.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(38 sorties - 12 1/4 tons)

Hupai River Defenses Successfully Hit: Pill-boxes on the far side of a crossing of the Hupai River (Mawaraka area) were impeding the advance of our troops, so air support was requested.
Nineteen Corsairs were led in by tactical recco. They carried four 650-pound depth charges, four half-tonners, and twenty-two quarter-ton daisy-cutters. All the bombs struck true and tac/recco reports a very successful strike.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ 20 Hupai River 0850 dr 22x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 21 Hupai River 0850 dr 4x1000 G.P.
                                                4x650 D.C.

Two Large Huts at Lalum Survive Bombing: Two native-type huts, twenty by thirty feet each, in a clearing near Lalum, remained standing after seven fighters, led by tac/ recco, dropped 14 quarter-tonners nearby. Damage was hard to estimate.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 20 Lalum 1120 dr 14x500 G.P.

Canoes Sunk and Hut Smoked: The dusk and dawn patrols had no luck, but the eight fighters on searches yesterday strafed and destroyed two canoes at Raua Harbor (NE coast) and fired one of six huts at Tiperoi.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 20 Dusk Patrol Feb 3 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 21 Dawn patrol Feb 4 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 21 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(21 sorties - 13 1/2 tons)

Corsairs Destroy Huts and Crater Road: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol Saturday afternoon dived two quarter-tonners at Kavieng huts. The live one missed, and the hit was a dud.
Three Corsairs yesterday morning damaged five huts at Balgai with six half-tonners dropped at 600 feet. Three pairs of fighters patrolling Kavieng yesterday dived six quarter-pounders with good results.
Two destroyed three huts at Balgai and set a flaming, smoking fire that lasted a full half hour. One bomb cratered a road at Ulunono, and another hit a nearby garden.
The last two of the six quarter-tonners fell unobserved at Butbut Bay and north of Panapai strip. Meagre accurate light A/A holed the canopy of one Corsair near Panapai.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Feb 3 1500-1700 dr 2x500 G.P. (1 dud)
3 F4Us NZ 22 Balgai Feb 4 0930 dr 6x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Feb 4 0740-1450 dr 6x500 G.P.

Venturas Crater and Block Road: The dusk PV Saturday put four quarter-tonners on Bolegila Plantation for unobserved results. The dawn sweep yesterday low-leveled four more in the jungle area at Lomakot for unseen damage. The truck recco dropped its four quarter-tonners at tree-top level and got three cratering hits which blocked the road south of Panatgin.
Three Venturas spilled a dozen quarter-tonners on Roland Young plantation huts from low altitude, but results were not determined.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 Dusk Sweep Feb 3 1510-1825 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Feb 4 0524-0805 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck Recco Feb 4 1108-1320 dr 4x500 G.P.
3 PVs NZ 4 Roland Young Plantation 0945 dr 12x500 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR FEBRUARY 4

Beefsteak made only friendly sightings. Track and cover was 100/100 for Tare and Uncle, 100/90 for Victor. Brewer not reported.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 6 February 1945.

NEW BRITAIN
(56 sorties-45 1/4 tons)

Fire Started Near Rabaul Truck Park: Seven Marine PBJs carrying four half-ton semi-armor-piercing bombs and 12 general-purpose half-tonners joined with eight Venturas loaded with 16 half-ton SAPs and 48 325-pound depth charges. Together they aimed at a truck park near Rabaul yesterday morning. The Mitchells put two half-tonners north of the target and the balance south of the mark, starting a fire with black smoke rising to 400 feet. All the Venturas' bombs fell slightly east of the target with unobserved results. Enroute to Rabaul, meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from known positions at Borpop.

For the Record:

7 PBJs VMB-423 Rabaul 9A 0906 dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
                                                   12x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Rabaul 9A 0906 dr 16x1000 S.A.P.
                                                   48x325 D.C.

One Plane Holed as Patrols Smoke Truck: No heckler was over Rabaul Sunday night, and the ship count yesterday was uneventful. Hampered by bad weather, only 16 Corsairs flew patrols during the day.
One truck was strafed midway between Vunakanau and Keravat. It was left smoking. Moderate accurate light A/A from near Keravat holed one fighter.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb. 5 No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-16, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1120 1325-1515 No bombs.

BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(38 sorties-12 tons)

Meivo Targets Successfully Hit: This locality near Mosigetta harbors a headquarters and installations of the 13th Jap Regiment according to a captured map, prisoner-of-war interrogation and our own reconnaissance. These two centers were chosen as targets yesterday, as well as the job of clearing the Jungle from the road junction area.
Eighteen fighters, led by tactical recco, flew over at 0800 with six 650-pound depth charges, five half-tonners and fourteen quarter-tonners with home-made daisy-cutter spikes
plugged in their noses. These daisy-cutters were nothing more nor less than ordinary tent poles.
But they did the trick. All bombs fell in the three areas indicated. The bivouac area was completely destroyed. The hut area was well covered. The road junction, too, was well strafed.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ-21 Meivo 0800 dr 6x650 D.C.
                                            5x1000 G.P.
7 F4Us NZ-20 Meivo 0800 dr 14x500 G.P.

Ten Hanpan Huts Destroyed: Able-Charlie searches on 31 January noted and strafed new huts at Hanpan on the north tip of Buka. Yesterday eight Corsairs took eight half-tonners up there and knocked their spots off. Ten scattered huts were destroyed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ-20 Hanpan 1135 dr 8x1000 G.P.

Patrols Sink Canoe and Hole Three Japs: Two fighters flew dusk patrol Sunday and two more made the rounds at dawn yesterday. Eight Corsairs completed two Able and two Charlie searches, destroying one canoe and probably killing three Japs at Assino Bay north of Kieta. Several good targets were spotted at Muguai.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-21 Dusk Patrol Feb. 4 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 5 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(11 sorties-5 1/2 tons)

Corsairs Destroy One Building and Damage Another: A pair of fighters Sunday afternoon missed a large building south of Kavieng Town with two half-tonners.
But two quarter-tonners dropped by Corsair patrols yesterday flattened one building in the same spot, and damaged another. Two quarter-tonners fell unobserved near a truck north of Panapai, one missed a hut south of Kavieng, and one blasted a garden at Balgai. Five shells of inaccurate heavy flak came from an undetermined spot south of Kavieng.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 4 1445-1700 dr 2x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 5 0800-1410 dr 6x500 G.P.

Venturas Loose Twelve Quarter-Tonners: The dusk sweep Sunday low-leveled the Kaut Bay bivouac area with four quarter-tonners, but results were unobserved.
The PV out at dawn yesterday dropped three quarter-tonners from tree-top level on gardens at Lamussong, but again the damage, if any, was unseen. The fourth bomb hung up
and was jettisoned. The truck recco Ventura placed four quarter-tonners on huts at Panatgin from minimum altitude, but the damage was unassessed. Three bursts of inaccurate light A/A came from Lakurefange Bay.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 4 1530-1815 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb. 5 0452-0821 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Feb. 5 1200-1445 dr 4x500 G.P.

SEARCHES FOR FEBRUARY 4 AND 5

Beefsteak sighted only friendlies. The weather was good, but engine trouble curtailed the Tare and Victor flights. Track and cover were 80/100 for Tare, 100/100 for Uncle and 55/80 for Victor.
Brewer now reports Sunday's searches as full track and 95 percent cover for Able and Baker, with nil sightings. Yesterday track and cover was 100/90 for both, with no bogies.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors Feb. 5
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors Feb. 4
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors Feb. 5

TAC/RECCO PLANES STRAFE BARGE

Usually the tactical reconnaissance planes of the Australian Air Liaison Section at Bougainville merely lead the way for bombing Corsairs. Yesterday at dusk, ground troops in the forward area near Taiof Island reported a barge moving north. Two Boomerangs were sent to strafe it. After the second pass it stopped dead. Explosions were noted during the sallies of both planes. Many machine gun hits were recorded until failing light concluded the attack.