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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 21, 2020 11:14:58 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 7 February 1945.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(63 sorties-37 1/2 tons)
40 Buildings Destroyed and Two Dumps Exploded: Captured documents and prisoners' statements have identified certain buildings in the Muguai-Toburai area as bivouacs and probable supply warehouses.
Yesterday morning two Corsairs led the way with smoke bombs and marked the target. Then seven PBJs and eight Venturas from Green dropped 18 half-tonners and 76 325-pound depth charges.
Four depth charges hung and were salvoed south of the target. The area was well covered, and one dump was seen to explode, raising debris and heavy black smoke.
Another three explosions were caused and smoke from these billowed 1000 feet high. Next, twenty fighters flew in with 20 quarter-ton daisy cutters and ten 650-pound depth charges. These hit the target marked just west of Toburai. Every bomb struck in the effective area and one apparent dump blew up. In all, 37 planes dropped 29 3/4 tons and destroyed about 40 buildings in the area. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from the middle and south of Ebery's Lease, from a mile south of Malabita Hill, and from the vicinity of Kahili. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from south of Momotoro Farm and Kara strip.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Muguai 0848 dr 4x100 Smoke bombs.
7 PBJs VMB-423 Muguai 0848 dr 2x1000 G.P.
28x325 D.C.
8 PVs NZ-2 Muguai 0848 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x325 D.C.
10 F4Us NZ-21 Toburai 0900 dr 10x650
10 F4Us NZ-20 Toburai 0900 dr 20x500 G.P.
Nine Huts Smashed at Puriata: Just after noon, 8 Corsairs hit possible living quarters of the Japs in eleven huts by the Puriata River. Tac/recco spotted the target and sixteen quarter-ton daisy cutters were dropped. They all fell in the area, and now only two of the eleven huts remain standing.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-20 Puriata River 1230 dr 16x500 G.P.
Sampan Set Afire Monday: The dusk patrol fighters strafed and left burning a 20-foot sampan in a cove 400 yards south of Tarongen (NW coast).
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Feb. 5 No bombs.
Nine Barges Damaged or Destroyed: The first barge attack yesterday was shortly after dawn. The two Corsairs strafed a 20-foot barge on the beach under trees at the north tin of Soraken Peninsula.
They also strafed one 30-foot motor barge near Porton Plantation, and another a mite further south. All three were considered damaged to unserviceability. At 1145, four fighters hit three barges on the north tip of Soraken with four half-tonners. One barge was totally destroyed by a direct hit. Two others were strafed and put out of commission so that they later sank. One hut behind the barge burned furiously as though it contained oil. Two more fighters hit three more barges. A 650-pound depth charge destroyed one. A half-tonner within five yards badly damaged the second barge and it was then destroyed by strafing. The third barge was also strafed and badly damaged.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-21 Soraken 1145 dr 4x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Soraken dr 1x1000 G.P.
1x650 D.C.
Gun Position Bombed: Two fighters hit gun sites three miles south of Genga River, landing two half-tonners within five yards. Four strafing runs were also made.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 Genga River dr 2x1000 G.P.
Searches Strafe Huts and Boat Shelter: Six fighters flew two Able and two Charlie searches yesterday. They strafed two huts on Oema Island three on Masamasa, four on Piedu, and a boat shelter 100 yards from the mouth of the Mibo River.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ-21 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(36 sorties-34 1/4 tons)
Corsairs Destroy and Damage Huts: The late Kavieng patrol Monday put a pair of quarter-tonners on Kavieng Town for possible damage to some buildings. The three pairs of fighters over Kavieng yesterday dived six quarter-tonners. Two bombs probably damaged a building at Bagaterre Harbor. Two demolished three huts and cratered a road at Lossuk Bay. One fell unobserved on Nusa Island, and the sixth cratered a road at Balus Plantation.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 5 1455-1705 dr 2x500 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 6 0800-1445 dr 6x500 G.P.
Venturas Crater Road: The dusk PV Monday dropped four quarter-tonners on Patlangat at tree-top level. The dawn PV yesterday low-leveled four more quarter-tonners on Kafkaf huts.
The truck recco put its four from minimum height on Lamernewi, cratering a road. All other hits were unobserved.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 5 1530-1817 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb. 6 0501-0703 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Truck Recco Feb. 6 1255-1500 dr 4x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(26 sorties-5 tons)
Much Activity and A/A Respone at Rabaul: Early yesterday morning, a Ventura dropped two 325-pound depth charges on Vunakanau and four on Rabaul Town area for unobserved results.
Many lights and much activity was noted, particularly in the Rabaul truck park area. No A/A was encountered. The regular morning shipping count by a Ventura was negative. Twenty-four Corsairs were on patrol during the day. A possible barge hide-out in the area of Mangrove Creek (Duke of York) was bombed by four fighters with half tonners, but results were not seen. Four other fighters dropped four half-tonners on the personnel area at Jacquinot Point on Duke of York Island. One was a dud. The others fell unobserved. Considerable truck activity was noted in Rabaul Town all day long. Patrols met meagre inaccurate possibly heavy A/A from Cape St. George, meagre inaccurate medium and moderate accurate light from known positions northwest of Tobera strip, and one burst of inaccurate heavy fire from a known site near Diddiman's Corner.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Heckler 0317-0520 dr 6x325 D.C.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-16,17 Rabaul Patrols 0715-1800 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-16 Mangrove Creek dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Jacquinot Point dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud).
SEARCHES FOR FEBRUARY 6
Beefsteak searches were unproductive. With good weather, track and cover were 100 each for Tare and Uncle, but only 95/65 for Victor.
Brewer reported nothing. Full track for both. 90 percent cover for Able and 100 for Baker.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ-4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors.
GROUND SITUATION
Bougainville: Artillery activity on both sides has been the feature of the fighting over the past 48 hours and while enemy casualties are not known Australian losses total 8 killed, 12 wounded and 4 missing.
The Jap gun causing the major number of casualties was destroyed by 2 RNZAF F4U aircraft during the afternoon of 6 Feb. ........
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 22, 2020 14:22:27 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 8 February 1945
NEW BRITAIN
(58 sorties - 58 3/4 tons)
Green PVs and PBJs Bomb Tobera: Seven Marine Mitchells with 14 half-tonners and eight Venturas carrying 16 half-tonners and 48 325-pound depth charges struck the supplies and personnel area northeast of Tobera strip yesterday. All 14 of the PBJ bombs fell in the target area. 11 out of 16 half-tonners and 21 out of 48 depth charges dropped by the Venturas hit the mark. One half-tonner hung and was returned to base. The rest of the load fell northwest of the target. There was no ack-ack. All results were unobserved.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB 423 Tobera #20 dr 14x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Tobera # 20 dr 15x1000 G.P.
48x325 D.C.
Patrols Burn Huts, Kill Jap Notorcyclist: No heckler was scheduled for 6 February. Yesterday morning the shipping count was negative. Twenty Corsairs covered Rabaul during the day.
Four dropped half-tonners on huts at Mioko Island (Duke of York group) for considerable damage. Two huts there were later strafed and set afire. Four other fighters spilled 3 half-tonners on the Gilalun Plantation personnel area, causing damage. One bomb was jettisoned at sea. A Jap on a motorcycle was strafed and killed on the Keravia Bay road. A newly-camouflaged hut at Vunapope was put in flames. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from Vunapope.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Shipping Count No bombs.
12 F4Us NZ 16,17 Rabaul Patrols 0705-1545 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Mioko Island dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 16 Gilalun plantation dr 4x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(40 sorties -12 3/4 tons)
Jap HQ at Meivo Again Struck: Yesterday morning twelve Corsairs with tac/recco lead in dropped six half-tonners and six 650-pound depth charges all in the target at Meivo (near Mosigetta) where the headquarters of the 13th Jap Army is reputedly located. Results of the strike were not assessed.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 21 Meivo 0800 dr 6x1000 G.P.
6x650 D.C.
Jap Quarters Near Numa Numa Bombed: At the request of AIB, eight Corsairs led by tac/recco spilled 16 quarter-ton daisy-cutters at 0815 on a group of Kanaka houses at Tuteriopia (near Numa Numa) where a large body of Japs are said to be living. The bombs fell in the jungle fringe all around the village. Huts were also strafed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 20 Tuteriopia 0815 dr 16x500 G.P.
Huts at Taitai Also Hit: Eight more Piva fighters with tac/r lead-in placed seven half-tonners and a 650-pound depth charge on one large new hut and several smaller huts in the Taitai area (below Hongorai River). Excellent coverage was obtained.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 21 Taitai 1120 dr 7x1000 G.P.
1x650 D.C.
Patrols Strafe Huts and Water Craft: The dusk patrol Tuesday maintained a watch over the tactjcal reconnaissance plane that crashed near Genga River. Nil sightings.
The dawn sweep was also negative. Eight Corsairs on Able-Charlie sweeps strafed an 18-foot clinker dinghy under trees at Heramon Plantation (SW Buka), three huts thirty yards north of Cape Putputun (east coast of Buka) and a hut north of Tanabom (farther south on the coast); a 35-foot launch under an iron shelter and four huts east of Awa Island (west of Fauro Island), and a canoe left waterlogged between Asie and Bauvo Islands. There appeared to be a body in the bottom of the canoe.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 21 Dusk Patrol Feb 6. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dawn Patrol Feb 7. No Bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(15 sorties - 12 3/4 tons)
Corsairs Crater Roads and Destroy Huts: Two fighters on late Kavieng patrol Tuesday dived two quarter-tonners on Lemakot Plantation, cratering a road and possibly damaging huts. Six Corsairs yesterday patrolled in pairs. Each dropped a quarter-tonner. One possibly damaged Kavieng huts, three cratered a road and destroyed several huts at Lemakot Plantation (duplicating the hits of the Tuesday pair over the same spot). Two bombs fell unobserved on a truck at Lebrechtshof plantation.
For the Record:
2 F4US NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Fob 6. 1440-1700 dr 2x500 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Feb 7. 0800-1445 dr 6x500 G.P.
Venturas Get Hits on Amba Huts: The dusk sweep Tuesday low-leveled four quarter-tonners and destroyed at least one hut at Amba Plantation.
The dawn Ventura yesterday put four more on Fileba Plantation (NE coast, near Medina) for unobserved results. The truck recco PV added its quartet of 500-pounders on Lamussong huts, but no damage was reported.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 4 Dusk Sweep Feb 6. 1519-1820 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Feb 7. 0500-0713 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck Recco Feb 7. 1110-1345 dr 4x500 G.P.
SEARCHES FOR FEBRUARY 7
Beefsteak searches were negative. Tare and Uncle turned back at the Equator because of bad weather. Track and cover were 10/40 for Tare, 30/50 for Uncle and 100/100 for Victor.
Brewer had no sightings over full track and 90 percent cover.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ 4 Emirau 300-mile sectors.
2 PVs VPB 146 Admiralties 300-mile sectors.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 22, 2020 15:25:24 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 9 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(45 sorties-16 1/2 tons)
Jap HQ at Taitai Again Hit: Nineteen Piva Corsairs yesterday morning dropped 22 quarter-ton daisy-cutters and eight half-tonners on an area reported to be the focal point of the brasshats of the Nip 23rd Infantry Regiment. All but one of the 30 bombs fell in the area indicated by a tac/r smoke bomb. 16 strafing runs were also made.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ-20 Taitai 1130 dr 22x500 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-21 Taitai 1130 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Three Huts Destroyed and Two Flattened: About 100 Nips are said to live in several huts at Soraken (near Tsimba). These Japs have had some success in delaying our advance.
But yesterday at 0800 they got a good cathartic to start'em moving. Eight fighters led by tac/r dropped two half-tonners and 14 quarter-tonners. All were home-brewed daisy-cutters with wooden tent poles serving in place of the usual but unavailable metal spikes. 13 of the 16 bombs hit the area and five huts were laid low. In general, the area was well cleared.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-20 Soraken 0800 dr 2x1000 G.P.
14x500 G.P.
Barges Bombed and Strafed: Wednesday afternoon two fighters hit a barge and huts on an island east of Nufanaha (south of Fauro Island). Four quarter-tonners destroyed 4 huts and seriously damaged the barge. Yesterday two Corsairs went after a barge seen by an Able search in Ramun Bay (south Buka). One half-tonner missed by 20 yards. A 650-pound depth charge missed by 50 yards. However, the barge was made unusable by strafing. Two other fighters went for a barge reported by the Charlie sweep in the Kaukauai River (SW coast of Bougainville). Same load. Same results.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Nufanaha Feb.7 1730 dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Ramun Bay Feb.8 dr 1x1000 G.P.
1x650 D.C.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Kaukauai River Feb.8 dr 1x1000 G.P.
1x650 D.C.
Sweeps Destroy More Barges: The dusk sweep Wednesday was quiet, as was the dawn patrol. But the two Able and two Charlie sweeps added to the day's total of barge victims.
These eight fighters are credited with locating the barge in Ramun Bay later strafed, also the camouflaged barge shelter in Kaukauai River (see above for description of strikes on these targets).
A canoe was destroyed at the entrance to Nowa Inlet (SW Buka). A Jap and a native in the canoe were killed. Best of all, a barge in the northwest corner of Ti??uts Harbor, loaded with 8 or 10 cases, was
strafed and burned furiously with periodic bursts of greenish-yellow flame.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Sweep Feb. 7 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol Feb. 8 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-21 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(27 sorties-13 1/2 tons)
Corsairs Wreck Huts and Roads: The two Corsairs on late Kavieng patrol Wednesday dived two quarter-tonners at Cape Sass huts for unseen results. Four fighters yesterday morning dived a 650-pound depth charge each on huts at Balgai, destroying six and starting fires among the other huts. Six Corsairs patrolling in pairs during the day put one quarter tonner near Balus Bridge, one which blocked a road near Panapai, two which cratered a road near Lemakot Plantation, and two which wrecked several huts in Balgai Village. The first patrol was late on station due to mechanical troubles.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb.7 1500-1700 dr 2x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-22 Balgai Feb.8 0935 dr 4x650 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb.8 1010-1530 dr 6x500 G.P.
Venturas Drop Three Tons: The dusk PV Wednesday low-levelled Libba Bridge with 4 quarter-tonners for unobserved results. The dawn Ventura yesterday put four more of the same from tree-top height on a Cape Lemeris personnel area for unseen damage. The PV ship and truck recco released a final four on Lamussong gardens but did not assess the hits.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 7 1518-1828 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb. 8 0536-0918 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Ship-Truck Recco 1005-1216 dr 4x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN (24 sorties-4 tons)
Rabaul Patrols Burn Trucks and Huts: Late Wednesday four Corsairs covered Rabaul with negative results. No heckler was scheduled for night work. Yesterday twenty Corsairs flew patrols by pairs. Four fighters started raging flames by strafing a tanker truck near Vunakanau, enflamed a large timber-loaded truck at Tavilo, and destroyed a third truck of medium size near Keravia Bay. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from known positions near Vunakanau. Four of the patrolling Corsairs dropped a half-tonner each on a suspected barge hide-out at Mangrove Creek. Dense jungle prevented assessment of damage, though all four hit the mark. Meagre inaccurate light ack-ack came from the north side of Credner Island. Another four of these patrols put 4 half-tonners on the hutted area at Mioko Island, starting large fires among the huts. A following strafing run burned another hut, Strafing also set fire to a hut at Kerawara Island (southernmost of Duke of York group).
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-16 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 7 1540-1800 No bombs.
12 F4Us NZ-16,17 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 8 0710-1540 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-16 Mangrove Creek dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Mioko Island dr 4x1000 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 22, 2020 15:49:13 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 6 FEBRUARY 1945.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
VS-61 9 SB2C-4 9 18 VS-61
6 SBD-5 6
2 J2F-6 2
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 54 VMB-413
VMB-433 11 PBJ 11 53 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 52 VMB-443
VMB-611 12 PBJ 10 49 S. S.-61
NZ-22 20 F4U 17 25 NZ # 5 S.U.
NZ-4 16 PV-1 15 14 NZ #10 S.U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ 12 54 VMB-423
4 F4U 1
VPB-44 14 PBY-5A 12 51 PATSU 1-11
1 TBF-1 1
NZ-16 18 F4U-1 16 24 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-17 18 F4U-1 17 24 NZ # 3 S.U.
NZ-2 15 PV-1 15 14 NZ #14 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 17 R4D 17 67 VMR-152
VMR-153 17 R4D 15 69 VMR-153
NZ-20 18 F4U-1D 17 25 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-21 18 F4U 18 23 NZ #31 S.U.
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Post by ErrolC on Aug 22, 2020 16:16:28 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 6 FEBRUARY 1945. UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT ADMIRALTIES VS-61 9 SB2C-4 9 18 VS-61 6 SBB-5 6 2 J2F-6 2 VPB-146 7 PV-1 7 41 VPB-146 NZ-25 18 F4U 17 26 NZ # 4 S.U. I assume that should be SBD-5 (Dauntless)? |
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 22, 2020 16:25:37 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 10 February 1945
NEW BRITAIN
(42 sorties - 33 1/4 tons)
Corsairs Strafe and Damage Trucks and Dinghy: Four fighters on Rabaul patrol late Thursday afternoon spotted no targets, but the Corsairs out yesterday found several.
All flights were weathered out until 1140 yesterday. Then twelve fighters toured in pairs. Four dropped four half-tonners on a suspected dump north of Keravia Bay for unobserved results.
A large truck was strafed and burnt at Vunakanau Mission. A dinghy in Talili Bay was also strafed and sunk, and a Jap in a clearing 300 yards south of nearby Kabakada.
Four other Corsairs bombed a suspected bivouac area on the eastern side of Gilalun Plantation with 4 half-tonners. All hits were in the area, but the jungle hid any resulting damage.
A truck at Raluana point was strafed and damaged. All patrols after 1615 were called on account of rain.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 17 Rabaul Patrols Feb 8. 1540-1815 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 16,17. Rabaul Patrols Feb 8. 1140-1615 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Keravia Bay dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 16 Gilalun Plantation dr 4x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(7 sorties - 1 3/4 tons)
Strikes Weathered Out: The dusk patrol Thursday and the dawn patrol yesterday flew as usual, with negative results. One pair of Corsairs on Able search strafed three huts at Woskoaivity near Cape L'Averdy on the northeastern side of Bougainville. All other strikes were cancelled as bad weather closed in.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 21 Dusk patrol Feb 8. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dawn patrol Feb 9. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Able Search Feb 9. No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(20 sorties - 10 3/4 tons)
Corsair Patrols Flatten Huts: A pair of fighters late Thursday dropped two quarter-tonners on Kaselok Plantation bridge for possible damage. Two corsairs flew dusk sweep without bombs.
The six Corsairs over Kavieng in pairs yesterday dived five quarter-tonners. Two bombs razed four huts and half flattened a fifth near Balgai. Two bombs probably damaged huts at Katu Plantation.
The fifth fell unobserved on huts at Roland Young Plantation. The sixth plane did not carry a bomb. Meagre inaccurate heavy came from near Panapai. The late patrol and dusk sweep yesterday were weathered out.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Feb 8. 1545-1800 dr 2x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 22 Dusk Sweep Feb 8. 1610-1855 No bombs.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Feb 9. 0900-1500 dr 5x500 G.P.
Venturas Dish Out a Hole and Take One Too: The PV on early sweep yesterday lobbed four quarter-tonners from tree height on Lamussong Plantation. Three cratered the main road, also knocking down trees which further blocked the thoroughfare. The ship-truck recco put one quarter-tonner on huts at Amba for unassessed damage. Three hang-ups were jettisoned. One plane got one hole from unobserved light A/A.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Feb 9. 0633-0938 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Ship-Truck Recco 1306-1628 dr 4x500 G.P.
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Post by camtech on Aug 22, 2020 19:44:38 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 6 FEBRUARY 1945. UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT ADMIRALTIES VS-61 9 SB2C-4 9 18 VS-61 6 SBB-5 6 2 J2F-6 2 VPB-146 7 PV-1 7 41 VPB-146 NZ-25 18 F4U 17 26 NZ # 4 S.U. I assume that should be SBD-5 (Dauntless)? No, F4U is correct - remember they relinquished their SBD's back in May 1944 when they were returned to the USMC |
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Post by ErrolC on Aug 22, 2020 19:55:06 GMT 12
I assume that should be SBD-5 (Dauntless)? No, F4U is correct - remember they relinquished their SBD's back in May 1944 when they were returned to the USMC No, the 'SBB' listed for VS-61 |
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 22, 2020 21:15:18 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 11 February 1945
NEW IRELAND
(33 sorties - 35 1/4 tons)
Green Mitchells and Corsairs Bomb New Ireland: Two Marine PBJs from Green made a low-level attack on huts at the south side of Ulaputur Plantation, across from Namatanai. Three of eight 250-pounders hit the mark for unobserved results. Three fell in the sea, 1 was short and 1 hung and was returned to base. There was no A/A. Four Green Corsairs went out looking for a reported large barge at the mouth of the Ujam River above Borpop. Investigation showed no sign of it, so they dropped their three half-tonners and two 325-pound depth charges on the northern bank of the river for unobserved results, hoping though for a lucky hit if the barge were hidden there. Coming back to base they strafed and killed four Japs and flamed a hut south of Borpop.
For the Record:
2 PBJs VMB 423 Ulaputur Plantation dr 7x250 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Ujam River dr 3x1000 G.P.
2x325 D.C.
Ventura Holed Thirty Times: The early PV swept the area in normal fashion, loosing its four quarter-tonners on huts three miles southeast of Roland Young Plantation for unseen results.
The ship and truck recco was a different story. Dropping its four quarter-tonners on Panaras huts from minimum level, this Ventura caught thirty slugs from moderate light A/A south-east of Panaras, near the road. Feeling like a Swiss cheese, the PV returned home, reporting unobserved results. Three Venturas hit huts at Katharine Bay (above Koka Plantation) with 12 quarter-tonners. All hit the area, but damage was not assessed.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Feb 10. 0702-0952 dr 4x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 4 Ship and Truck Recco 1111-1340 dr 4x500 G.P.
3 PVs NZ 4 Katharine Bay 1000 dr 12x500 G.P.
Corsairs Patrol Kavieng: Four fighters covered Kavieng in pairs from nine to one yesterday, dropping four quarter-tonners. One was aimed at huts south of Kavieng, two at Mongai huts and one threw a tree across Fangelawa Road. The third patrol was weathered out. The fourth and the dusk sweep were still on station.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols 0900-1300 dr 4x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(42 sorties -26 tons)
COMAIRNORSOLS ORDERS NO BOMBING OR STRAFING OF LAND OR WATER TARGETS SOUTH OF A LINE FROM ZUNGEN POINT TO MOUNT GIVA TO THE WEST COAST OF GAZELLE PENINSULA. THIS CANCELS ALL PREVIOUS RESTRICTIONS.
Keravat Bivouac and Supply Area Bombed: Twelve Corsairs, one Marine Mitchell and eight Venturas from Green spattered halftonners and depth charges over shelters north of Keravat strip yesterday morning. The Corsairs first dropped nine half-tonners and two 650-pound depth charges on a pair of heavy A/A positions north and south of the strip, getting 3 near misses. One half-tonner and two depth charges hung up and were later dropped on Rembarr #1 where jungle growth hid the resulting damage. The Mitchell with two half-tonners led the PVs in a minute after the Corsairs struck. Each Ventura was loaded with 2 half-tonners and six 325-pound depth charges. All but ten bombs covered the target, causing fires and greyish smoke over the area. No ack-ack was met.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ Green Keravat 0919 dr 9x1000 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
11 PBJ VMB 423 Keravat 0920 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Keravat 0920 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x325 D.C.
Patrols Damage Trucks: Adverse weather secured the Charcoal flight and no heckler was scheduled for Friday night. The morning ship count was negative. Twenty Corsairs patrolled Rabaul in pairs from seven to four o'clock. Four were still on station. Strafing damaged a glass house in Ralaband (west of Kabanga), a medium-sized truck at Ramale, a large truck at Taliligap (below Keravia Bay), a car and a truck loaded with timber near Keravat. Four of these twenty patrolling F4Us dropped four half-tonners on a suspected hutted area at Taliligap, raising smoke to 300 feet with four hits. One was a dud however. Four other Corsairs dropped two half-tonners near a jetty at Garerr Point and two on a nearby group of huts for unobserved results.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count No bombs.
12 F4Us NZ 16,17 Rabaul Patrols 0700-1545 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Taliligap dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ 16 Garerr Point dr 4x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE -BUKA (40 sorties - 17 tons)
Huts Hit at Hiru Hiru: This hut concentration north of the Hongorai River in the southwest interior of Bougainville was hit yesterday morning by twenty Corsairs led in by a tactical reconnaissance plane.
The bombs dropped were 8 regular half-tonners and four half-ton daisy-cutters, 16 quarter-ton daisy-cutters, two 650-pound and two 325-pound depth charges. No results were reported.
For the Record:
20 F4Us NZ 20, 21 Hiru Hiru 0800 dr 12x1000 G.P.
16x500 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
2x325 D.C.
Henry's Hill Covered With Daisy Cutters: Eight Piva Corsairs dropped two half-ton and 18 quarter-ton daisy-cutters plus four 325-pound depth charges on an enemy defence position in the Piaterapaia area.
Because the tac/r smoke bombs hung, the exact target was not marked and the bomb load was scattered rather then pinpointed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 20 Piaterapaia Area 1130 dr 2x1000 G.P.
18x500 G.P.
4x325 D.C.
Five Nips Killed: The dusk patrol and dawn patrol carried no bombs. An oil slick 6' x 900' was seen on the west side of the entrance to Tonolei Harbor. Eight fighters flew two Able and two Charlie searches.
They strafed five huts under trees north of Cape Nehus, and killed five Japs in gardens north of Kahili.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dusk patrol Feb 9. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 21 Dawn patrol Feb 10. No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 21 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 22, 2020 22:18:59 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 12 February 1945
NEW BRITAIN
(73 sorties-53 1/4 tons)
Large Fires Started in Rabaul Truck Park: Seven Marine Mitchells and eight Venturas from Green made a medium level attack on the truck park at Rabaul yesterday morning. The Mitchells, with 26 eighth-tonners and 2 half-tonners, put one third in the target and started large fires. The rest fell northeast and southwest of the park. The 8 PVs, carrying 16 half-tonners and 48 325-pound depth charges, put ninety percent in the targets, raising two columns of black smoke a thousand feet in the air. One half-tonner was jettisoned behind Vulcan Crater. There was no ack-ack.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB-423 Rabaul #9A 0919 dr 26x250 G.P.
2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Rabaul #9A 0919 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x325 D.C.
Patrols Smoke Two Tracks: Four Corsairs patrolled the Rabaul area late Saturday afternoon with negative results. No heckler was scheduled that night and the Charcoal was grounded because of engine trouble. The morning ship count was negative. Twenty Corsairs swept Rabaul in pairs yesterday. Four of them bombed a suspected storage area near Rabaul with eight 650-pound depth charges.
All fell in the target area but dense Jungle made damage assessment impossible. A truck at Katkatai was strafed and smoked, and another truck at Taliligap was smoked and two Japs in it were killed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-Green Rabaul Patrols Feb. 10 1545-1800 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb. 11 No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-17 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 11 0715-1700 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 11 dr 8x650 D.C.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(40 sorties-14 1/4 tons)
Huts at Hiru Hiru Again Hit: 16 Piva Corsairs led by tac/r bombed a Nip concentration in the Hongoral River area with a dozen half-tonners and eight quarter-ton daisy cutters. Results were not observed.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-21 Hiru Hiru 0800 dr 12x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-20 Hiru Hiru 0800 dr 8x500 G.P.
Weapon Pits and Foxholes Bombed and Strafed: Four Corsairs led by tac/r hit Jap defence positions at Tokinoto (NW Puriata River) at the request of the 7th Brigade. Mortar smoke indicated the target for four half-tonners and four quarter-tonners, all daisy cutters. Six hit the area, one fell outside and one was a dud. These four fighters then strafed Mosigetta road 50 yards ahead of our own troops, allowing them to move in quickly and capture the defence positions before the Japs could reoccupy them.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-20 Tokinoto 0828 dr 4x1000 G.P.
4x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Camouflaged Gun Site Bared: Four more fighters with tac/r lead-in put two 650-pound depth charges and 2 half tonners on a covered gun position in the Lalum area (NW coast). The camouflage was blown off the position and it was later found to be unoccupied.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-21 Lalum area 1055 dr 2x1000 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
Concentration of 200 Nips Pounded: An AIB request sent four Corsairs to bomb a suspected center at Baniu Harbor (NE coast). Both half tonners and the two 650-pound depth charges fell in the target area. A supposed gun site was not seen.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-21 Baniu Harbor 1115 dr 2x1000 G.P. 2x650 D.C.
Patrols Smoke Trucks: Two fighters on dusk patrol Saturday, and two on dawn patrol yesterday, had no sighting. The eight Corsairs which flew two Able and two Charlie sweeps strafed two trucks on the road in Raua Plantation (NE coast) and left them smoking. However, on the return flight they were gone. Three Nips were also strafed at the north edge of Arigua Plantation (central east coast).
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dusk Patrol Feb. 10 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 11 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(21 sorties-4 tons)
Corsairs Destroy Hut and Crater Road: Bad weather hampered the late Kavieng patrol Saturday, though the two fighters put a pair of quarter-tonners on the main road south of Kavieng. Yesterday two pairs of Corsairs and one trio took turns patrolling Kavieng. They dived their seven quarter-tonners with good results. One hut at Kaut Bay was destroyed. A direct hit was scored on huts at Medina Plantation for unobserved results. Two hits also fell next to a large building in Kavieng Town. One plane returning to base with motor trouble dropped a lone quarter-tonner on Kavieng strip. The late patrol was still on station.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 10 1610-1710 dr 2x500 G.P.
7 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 11 0900-1550 dr 7x500 G.P.
Venturas Pester Huts: The PV on dusk sweep Saturday low-leveled huts at Kafkaf with four 300-pounders but did not observe the results. The dawn Ventura strafed the same targets, getting hits. This plane also strafed from Kolube Plantation up to Katharine Bay on the west central coast for undetermined damage. The ship-truck recco also strafed 3600 rounds into New Ireland targets. Two PVs dropped eight 300-pounders on Lakuramau huts at low level, but did not see the damage. A third Ventura with them had engine trouble and returned with its load unreleased.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 10 1623-1852 dr 4x300 G.P.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb.11 0630-0945 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-4 Ship-Truck Recco 1150-1426 No bombs.
3 PVs NZ-4 Lakuramau 1046 dr 8x300 G.P.
GROUND SITUATION
Bougainville: Feature of yesterday's ground operations was the co-operation of RNZAF F4Us with Australian troops in two close-support strikes. Up to 10th February, advance along the Makatowa-Mosigetta track had been tedious and relatively slow, but following strafing approximately 50 yards in front of forward troops the ground forces made almost 1000 yards yesterday. At Toko, 4 F4Us bombed an enemy strong point which had barred the Australian forces and 10 minutes after conclusion of the air attack, the position was occupied without opposition.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 13:23:56 GMT 12
In relation to assisting RNZAF aircraft to bomb targets, I found these interesting statements in a VMB-423 aircraft action report.
During the week of 28 January to 3 February, 1945, three PBJs have been used as squadron leader for the PV NZ-2 squadron of Green, on medium altitude bombing raids. Since the PVs do not carry bombsights to conduct medium altitude bombing raids, it is necessary for a PBJ to lead the strikes, to do the sighting for the squadron. This has been practiced in the past and has resulted in numerous requests, recently. This cooperation is considered as an opportunity for training VMB-423 pilots as squadron leaders in addition to it's tactical purpose.
On 28 January, Lieutenant FRIEDMAN led eight PVs on a medium altitude bombing raid on Tobera target number 35, New Britain. However, because of weather the strike flew to secondary target, Borpop, New Ireland. The formation dropped it's bombs from 11,500 feet at 1105. No anti-aircraft fire encountered. Photographs were taken, but did not record bomb hits because of cloud coverage. The bombs generally covered the target.
On 30 January, Captain DUTTENHOFER led eight PVs on a medium altitude bombing raid on Tobera target number 35, New Britain. The formation approached the target on a heading of 210° magnetic dropping the bombs at 1045 from 11,500 feet. No anti-aircraft fire encountered. No photographs were taken. All bombs were reported in the target.
On 2 February, Captain WILHITE led eight PVs on a medium altitude bombing raid on Rembarr Range target number 1, New Britain. The formation dropped it's bombs at 0810 from 10,400 feet. No anti-aircraft fire encountered. Bomb hits in relation to the target are shown on the attached photograph.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 13:36:46 GMT 12
On 4 February, Captain LEMKE led eight PVs on a medium altitude bombing raid on the Vunakanau Radio-Radar Station. The formation approached the target on a heading of 010º magnetic dropping the bombs at 0804 from 11,000 feet. No anti-aircraft fire encountered. Bomb hits in relation to the target shown on the attached photographs.
On 10 February, Captain IVERSON led eight PVs on a medium altitude bombing raid on the Keravat Personnel Area. The formation approached the target on a heading of 090° magnetic dropping the bombs at 0920 from 11,000 feet. No anti-aircraft fire encountered. Bomb hits in relation to the target are shown on the attached photographs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 14:00:43 GMT 12
From the aircraft action report from the 11 Feb.
Captain DUTTENHOFER flew as leader of the New Zealand Ventura Squadron participating in the strike.
Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs and eight PVs of NZ-2 in a daylight medium altitude raid on Rabaul truck park #9A.
The formation was composed of six PBJs of VMB-423, in two, three plane sections as the first squadron, and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections, as the second squadron. Captain DUTTENHOFER in a PBJ, flew as leader of the PVs which do not carry bombsights, so that he could do the sighting for the second squadron.
The flight was airborne by 0808 and joined up as described above. The formation then proceeded to Borpop, New Ireland, turning south on 173° magnetic for 10 miles to a point opposite Huru Point, then on 263° magnetic until opposite Tawui Point from where the bombing run was made.
The bombing run of the formation was made at 0910 on a heading of 173° magnetic. The first squadron dropped its bombs from 10,300 feet, while the second dropped from 11,000 feet.
After passing the bomb release line, the formation broke away to the left and proceeded back to Green with all planes safely on the deck by 1003.
No anti-aircraft fire encountered.
The pattern of bomb hits with relation to the target are shown on the attached photographs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 17:06:47 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 13 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(36 sorties-15 1/2 tons)
28 Corsairs Support Ground Troops: Four Piva fighters bombed a track in the Hupai River area at a spot indicated by smoke shells from our ground troops' mortars.
Eight quarter-ton daisy-cutters all fell alongside the track, and it was then well strafed. Eight Corsairs with tac/r lead-in hit a suspected Nip concentration in huts at Hiru Hiru (Puriata River area) with 6 half ton and 10 quarter-ton daisy-cutters. One was a dud and one hung and was jettisoned. The rest fell where the smoke bomb indicated. Another four fighters flew to a point at Mabis (also in the Puriata River area) where mortar smoke indicated a suspected ambush point on the trail. Five of the 8 quarter-ton daisy cutters hit the target, two undershot 200 yards, and one was a dud. Four more Corsairs, with a tactical recco plane to spot the target with a smoke bomb, dropped eight 325-pound depth charges on suspected Jap positions near Mosigetta. The target was well covered and two huts were well strafed.
A final eight fighters were detailed to bomb a group of 200 Nips centered at Chipuro in the Kieta area. There was no sign of a smoke signal, and the target was partially obscured by clouds, but the pilots think all eight half-tonners hit the correct location.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-20 Hupai 0805 dr 8x500 G.P. (1 dud)
8 F4Us NZ-20 Hiru Hiru 0815 dr 6x1000 G.P.
10x500 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ-20 Mabis 1115 dr 8x500 G.P. (1 dud)
4 F4Us NZ-20 Mosigetta 1110 dr 8x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-21 Chipuro 1105 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Patrols Sink Canoe and Three Nips: Two fighters flew dusk patrol Sunday and two swept at dawn yesterday. Four Corsairs made two Able-Charlie searches, dropping a half tonner and a 650-pound depth charge on a barge hideout at Kakuruai (south coast). Both missed. A canoe was sunk and three Japs killed at Porton Plantation on the northwest coast.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Feb. 11 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-21 Dawn Patrol Feb. 12 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-21 Able-Charlie Searches dr 1x1000 G.P.
1x650 D.C.
NEW BRITAIN
(33 sorties-18 1/2 tons)
Venturas Start Fires at Tovakundum: Eight PVs from Green made a low-level attack on a suspected supply area west of Tovakundum Plantation, getting complete coverage with 16 half-tonners and 48 eighth tonners. Fires were started, and smoke billowed to 1000 feet. Moderate inaccurate medium flak came from west of Tawui Point.
For the Record:
8 PVs NZ-2 Tovakundum 1011 dr 16x1000 G.P. 48x250 G.P.
Patrols Kill Nine Nips: Late Sunday, four Corsairs on Rabaul patrol dropped eight 650-pound depth charges on a suspected supply area at Taliligap, getting target hits but no observed results. One plane was holed by light A/A from an undetermined position. Two Nips in a canoe were strafed and killed off Mioko Island, and six more of the-er-Japs were strafed and killed at Foul Bay (Duke of York group).
No heckler was scheduled for night work, and the usual morning ship count was negative. Twenty Corsairs flew Rabaul patrols yesterday, four planes dropping a half-tonner each on a bivouac area south of Ravalue for good coverage but no observed results. Three trucks near Rapallo were strafed and holed. Other patrols strafed and killed a Nip near Kabakada Plantation. About 20 cattle were seen on Duke of York Island.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-17 Rabaul Patrol Feb. 11 1700-1800 dr 8x650 D.C.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb. 12 No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-15, 17 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 12 0700-1550 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Ravalue Feb. 12 dr 4x1000 G.P.
NEW IRELAND (26 sorties-9 3/4 tons)
Balus Bridge Demolished: Four Corsairs finally crumpled this favorite target yesterday with a dive attack, releasing 4 half-tonners at 1000 feet. Huts at Balus Plantation were also strafed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-22 Balus 0950 dr 4x1000 G.P.
Corsairs Crush Huts and Roads: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol Sunday dropped a pair or quarter-tonners on Lauan Bay huts for unobserved results. Three pairs of fighters patrolling yesterday dived two quarter-tonners near Munawei huts (above Medina), cratered roads at Balus and Lebrechtshof Plantations with two more, and demolished one hut and damaged three at North Cape.
One bomb was a dud.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 11 1600-1800 dr 2x500 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 12 0910-1545 dr 6x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Venturas Drop 1 3/4 Tons: The dusk PV Sunday strafed bivouacs on the northeast coast. The dawn sweep yesterday neither bombed nor strafed. The Ventura on ship-truck recco low-leveled huts at Ulunono and between Lamernewi and Roland Young. Three PVs hit Fessoa huts at tree-top level with a dozen 300-pounders, getting nine in the target for unseen damage.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-4 Dusk Sweep Feb. 11 1622-1922 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-4 Dawn Sweep Feb. 12 0638-0936 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-4 Ship-Truck Recco 1050-1304 No bombs.
3 PVs NZ-4 Fessoa 1011 dr 12x300 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 17:46:36 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 14 February 1945
NEW BRITAIN
(82 sorties -78 tons )
Green and Emirau send 57 planes over Tobera: Seven Marine Mitchells carrying twenty-six half-tonners joined eight Venturas loaded with 16 half-tonners and 48 325-pound depth charges in a strike from Green on a possible supply and personnel area in the rubber plantation 1 1/2 miles northwest of the Tobera strip. The Mitchells got 21 of their 26 half-tonners in the target, starting a fire in the center of the area with blackish grey smoke rising to 3000 feet. The Venturas got 45 out of 59 bombs in the target for unobserved results. 15 fell on a similar supply and personnel area nearby, causing a reddish flame 200 feet high. Four bombs missed short, and 1 depth charge hung and was jettisoned northwest of the target. There was no ack-ack. Simultaneously, thirty-three Emirau Mitchells and eight Venturas struck the same initial target at Tobera. They carried 38 325-pound depth charges and perhaps a hundred 650-pound depth charges and 16 half-tonners. About half of these hit the main target and its next-door twin. 4 of the 325s hung up and were jettisoned. One other Mitchell had engine trouble and returned early with its bombs.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB 423 Tobera #22 1058 dr 24x1000 S.A.P.
2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Tobera #22-23 1058 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x325 D.C.
34 PBJs VMB Emirau Tobera #22-23 1100 dr 100x650 D.C.*
8 PVs NZ 8 Tobera #22-23 1100 dr 42x325 D.C.
16x1000 G.P.*
*Estimated bomb loads. Dispatch garbled.
Monday Patrols See Large White Balloon: 4 Corsairs over Vunakanau late Monday afternoon saw a six-foot-wide white balloon, with a foot-square black box suspended 10 feet below the canopy, floating at 5000 feet. No attack was made. This same balloon (or one like it) had been seen at noon 9000 feet high in the same area, No heckler was scheduled for Monday night.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 15 Rabaul Patrols Feb 12. 1550-1800 No bombs.
Tuesday Patrols Hit Trucks, Huts and Nips: The shipping count was negative. 20 Corsairs patrolled Rabaul in pairs during the day, two of these returning early because of engine trouble. All patrols reported increased truck activity near Rabaul Town and Hospital Ridge. Four of these planes dropped a half-tonner each on a Jap camp in the Keravia Bay area, getting two unobserved target hits and two north of the mark. 4 other fighters strafed five trucks near Malaguna, damaging two. They also strafed and killed 7 Nips swimming, and smoked two buildings on Utuan Island. No flak was met all day.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb 13. No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ 15,17 Rabaul Patrols 0700-1550 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Keravia Bay. dr 4x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(20 sorties - 9 tons)
Huts and Pill Boxes at Kairae Bombed: Seven Piva Corsairs put all fourteen of their 4 half-ton and 10 quarter-ton daisy cutters on the Jap concentration at Kairae in the north Puriata River area. Tac/r smoked the target for them.
For the Record:
7 F4Us NZ 20 Kairae 0800 dr 4x1000 G.P.
10x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Same Load Hits Lalum Ammo Dump: Another seven fighters put another 4 half-ton and 10 quarter-ton stick bombs on Jap huts close to our ground troops at Lalum. Tac/r led the way, and all bombs hit the mark. A suspected ammunition dump was hit and produced a large explosion but little smoke.
For the Record:
7 F4Us NZ 20 Lalum 1130 dr 4x1000 G.P.
10x500 G.P.
Patrols See Mine: The dawn and dusk patrols had nil sightings but a pair of Corsairs on Able-Charlie searches sighted a mine anchored about 20 yards off the east coast of Awa Island (Fauro group).
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dusk patrol Feb 12. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dawn patrol Feb 13. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(23 sorties - 1 1/2 tons)
Corsairs Destroy and Damage Huts: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol Monday dived 2 quarter-tonners at Balgai huts, destroying one and and damaging one. Three pairs of Corsairs patrolling yesterday dived six 325-pound depth charges, damaging two huts with two at Mongai Bay, putting two more on gardens between Roland Young and Ray Plantations for unseen damage, and one unobserved on a truck at Lakurefange. One flash of inaccurate medium A/A came from Cape Sass.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Feb 12. 1550-1800 dr 2x500 G.P. (1 dud)
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Feb 13. 0900-1600 dr 6x325 D.C.
Venturas Strafe Targets of Opportunity: The dusk PV Monday strafed huts south of Roland Young Plantation. The dawn Ventura yesterday put 2400 rounds into targets between Cape Sali and Cape Sass.
The ship-truck recco sprayed Kafkaf and Polli with 2000 bullets.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 4 Dusk Sweep Feb 12. 1740-1857 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn Sweep Feb 13. 0636-0933 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 4 Ship-Truck Recco. 1200-1430 No bombs.
GROUND SITUATION
Bougainville: Although the Australian advance continues satisfactorily on the coast north of Tsimba, a strong enemy position is barring the inland advance; one mile east of Kunamatoro the Nips occupy pillboxes and are estimated to have 20-30 LMGs. South of the Pagana River Australian troops have occupied Warapa without any opposition though 9 dead Nips, probably killed in an attack on 11th Feb, were found buried with documents. Beyond Makatowa, patrols have advanced swiftly following close-support bombing and strafing by RNZAF F4Us, and at dusk last evening were within 2 miles of Mosigetta; 3 Nips were killed yesterday, in the course of moving along the track, and there were no Australian casualties.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 18:09:43 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 14 Feb.
On 14 February, 1945 Captain IVERSON led 8 New Zealand Venturas in a medium altitude daylight strike against targets on New Britain. The strike was planned to attack a personnel area in Tovakundum Plantation, New Britain with half the bombs and release the balance on an underground storage area near Keravat, New Britain.
The flight took off at 0750 and formed in three, three plane sections javelin down. Since the Venturas do not carry a bombsight, Captain IVERSON led the formation in a PBJ so that he could do the sighting for the entire formation.
The flight proceeded to Watom Island turned on to a bomb run of 196º magnetic toward Tovakundum Plantation. The leader dropped one half tonner and the Venturas released half their load at 0905 from 11,000 feet at 155 knots indicated. These bombs were seen to explode in Wangarmut Plantation east of the target area.
The formation then turned for a run on Keravat but ware unable to get lined up on the target and made a 360° turn for a new run. Bombs were released at 0915 on a course of 154° magnetic from 11,000 feet and an indicated speed of 155 knots. Only two bomb bursts were observed which were about 1,000 foot west of the target. No anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Photographs do not show target area.
ACIO COMMENT
The New Zealand Squadron in this case planned to strike two targets about 10 miles apart with the same formation. The unsatisfactory results may largely be attributed to the confusion resulting from the attempt to divide the effort of one formation and the difficulty of good bomb runs at medium altitude on targets which are near each other.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 19:00:53 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 15 February 1945
NEW IRELAND
(68 sorties - 40 tons)
Corsairs Hit Panapai Gardens: A pair of fighters patrolled Kavieng late Tuesday afternoon, dropping one 325-pound depth charge which missed Balus Bridge, and another which blasted a garden at Panapai.
Six Corsairs patrolled Kavieng in pairs yesterday, each dropping a 325-pound depth charge. Two hit huts at Fangelawa Plantation, and four fell in gardens south of Panapai.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 13 1550-1800 dr 2x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 14 0900-1540 dr 6x325 D.C.
Venturas Bomb Po Village Bridge: Three PVs from Green dropped 6 half tonners, 3 quarter-ton semi-armor piercing bombs, and 15 eighth tonners on a bridge at Po (near Namatanai), getting one possible direct hit on the bridge. All other results obscured by smoke and dust. Moderate inaccurate medium flak came from a known point near the target area.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ-2 Po Village 1533 dr 6x1000 G.P.
3x500 S.A.P.
15x250 G.P.
Venturas Start Fire in Lamernewi Huts: The twilight PV Tuesday strafed Lamernewi, Patlangat and Koka, and met meagre inaccurate light ack-ack from the last-named location. The dawn Ventura squeezed 2000-rounds into targets from Lakuramau to Medina, holing one native. The ship-truck recco pumped 2,200 rounds from Mongai Bay to Cape Sali. A trio of Venturas hit huts three miles northwest of Lamernewi with a dozen 300-pounders. Ten hit the mark, one was wide and one fell in the briny deep. A fire was started. Meagre inaccurate light A/A came from the target.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-8 Dusk Sweep Feb. 13 1623-1922 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Dawn Sweep Feb. 14 0720-0933 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Ship-Truck Recco 1303-1520 No bombs.
3 PVs NZ-8 Lamernewi 1057 dr 12x300 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(37 sorties-18 3/4 tons)
Fires and Blasts at Keravat and Wangaramut: One Marine Mitchell with 4 half-ton SAPs brought five Venturas carrying 30 325-pound depth charges and ten half ton SAPs in a medium level attack on earthworks and a supply area at Keravat. Three of the four Mitchell bombs and all ten of the Venturas half-tonners hit true, causing three explosions. Results otherwise unobserved. No ack-ack was encountered. Enroute to the target, one Marine half-tonner and the 30 depth charges carried by the Venturas were dropped on a bivouac at Wangaramut (on Liguan Bay), causing smoke columns 1000 feet high.
For the Record:
1 PBJ VMB-423 (Wangaramut 0905) dr 4x1000 S.A.P.
5 PVs NZ-2 (Keravat 0915) dr 10x1000 S.A.P.
30x325 D.C.
Rabaul Patrols Get Good Results: Four Corsairs covered Rabaul Tuesday from four to six with no results. A Ventura with six 325-pound depth charges heckled Rabaul that night. Two eggs were dropped on Kabaira Plantation, and one each on Tobera, Matupi, and Rabaul Town and Duke of York. No damage was seen. Enroute a large fire was observed in the hills west of Cape Larum (southeast coast of New Ireland). There was no A/A or searchlight play on the heckler. The PV on ship count reported no sightings. 20 Corsairs covered Rabaul yesterday. Two returned early because of hydraulic trouble. Four dropped four half-tonners on the bivouac area at Jacquinot Point (Duke of York), getting three good hits and one dud, but the jungle hid resulting damage. A truck northwest of Kalagat Mission was holed, and 2 Nips swimming near Vunaiboto Mission were killed. Another 4 Japs were killed in Marden, south of Vunakanau strip. A seventh Nip (and his horse) were killed (and the attached cart damaged) at Keravia. Three large trucks were burned at Matakabang, Tawliua Mission and Rakune. Finally, four Japs were killed at Tigetamon. Meagre inaccurate light ack-ack came from Ravalue and moderate accurate light from a known position near Vunakanau holed two Corsairs. Considerable truck traffic was seen on Tunnel Hill Road. Patrols suspect a truck park is located on the southern side of where the road reaches Talili Bay.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-15 Rabaul Patrols Feb.13 1545-1815 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Heckler Feb.13 dr 6x325 D.C.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb.14 No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-15, 17 Rabaul Patrols 0700-1605 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Jacquinot Point dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
Balloons Were Probably Radio Sondemeters: A more exact description of the two balloons sighted over Vunakanau Monday suggests that they were not aerial booby traps carrying explosive charges to trap an unwary strafer, but simply meteorological equipment.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(28 sorties - 12 tons)
Tuesday Strike on Soraken Barges: At 1600 day before yesterday, four Piva Corsairs went after barges sighted by tac/r. Three quarter-ton daisy cutters (plus a dud) hit the first barge, four (and a dud) near-missed a second barge. This craft was then strafed by the tac/r plane. The fighters were then directed by the tac/r to a target smoked by mortar at Lalum. Ten strafing runs were made by all the planes.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-20 Soraken and Lalum Feb. 13 1600 dr 8x500 G.P. (2 duds)
Great Ball of Fire at Meivo: Eight fighters dropped four half-ton and 12 quarter-ton daisy cutters along the south side of the track at Meivo, as indicated by mortar smoke. The nearby ground troops were undoubtedly assisted as a large ball of flame and explosions were caused by two of the bombs.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-20 Meivo Feb. 14 0630 dr 4x1000 G.P.
12x500 G.P.
Lalum Bombed and Strafed: Eight Corsairs led by tac/r put four half-ton and ten quarter-ton daisy cutters, plus two 650-pound depth charges, on enemy defence positions marked by infantry mortar smoke. Four bombs hit the area indicated. Then the balance were dropped nearer the sea, in answer to a request signalled from the ground. The entire area was also well strafed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-20 Lalum 1130 dr 4x1000 G.P.
10x500 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
Patrols Hit Water Craft and Nips: The dusk patrol Tuesday strafed a flat-bottomed rowboat carrying five Japs off the east coast of Salsan Island (NW coast), leaving two survivors. The dawn patrol yesterday strafed the two barges attacked Tuesday. Four fighters flew two Able-Charlie searches. They killed one Jap at Cape Lalahan, strafed a Jap in a canoe off the east coast of Asie Island, and smoked three rowboats in Teop Harbor.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dusk Patrol Feb. 13 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 14 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 20:55:15 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 22 Jan.
Major PRITCHARD, Operation's Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs and eight PVs of NZ-2 in a medium altitude daylight raid on Vunakanau target #8.
The formation was composed of six PBJs of VMB-423 in two, three plane sections as the first squadron, and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain LEMKE in a PBJ flew as leader of the PVs, which do not carry bombsight, so that he could do the sighting for the second squadron.
The flight was airborne by 0818 and joined up as described above. The formation then proceeded to New Ireland, crossing at East Cape to a point north of Watom Island. From Watom Island the planes flew to Famandu Plantation turning left on 130° magnetic until perpendicular to Vunakanau strip from where the bombing run was made.
The bombing of the formation was made on a heading of 030° magnetic. The first squadron dropped their bombs at 0930 from 11,000 feet and the second squadron at 0931 from 11,500 feet.
After the bomb release, the formation broke away to the right and proceeded back to Green with all planes safely on the deck by 1028.
No anti-aircraft fire encountered.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 23, 2020 21:18:18 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 3 Feb.
Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs and eight PVs of NZ-2 in a medium altitude daylight raid on Rabaul truck park #9A.
The formation was composed of six PBJs, of VMB-423 in two, three plane sections, as the first squadron, and one PBJ and eight PVs, in three, three plane sections, as the second squadron. Captain IVERSON in a PBJ, flew as leader of the PVs, which do not carry bombsights, so that he could do the sighting for the second squadron.
The flight was airborne by 0803 and joined up as described above. The formation then proceeded to Cape Gazelle on 270º magnetic heading, turning to 272º magnetic to a point opposite Raluana Point from where the bombing run was made.
The bombing run of the formation was made at 0909 on a heading of approximately 343º magnetic. The formation was stepped up with the first squadron at 10,500 feet and the second squadron at 11,000 feet.
After passing the bomb release line, the formation broke away to the right and proceeded back to Green with all the planes safely on the deck by 1000.
No anti-aircraft fire encountered.
The pattern of the bomb hits with relation to the target are shown on the attached photographs.
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Post by shorty on Aug 23, 2020 21:57:54 GMT 12
There seems to be a lot of depth charges being used, what was the reason for those instead of bombs? Seen a lot of photos of the Corsairs carrying bombs but can't recall seeing depth charges loaded
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