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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 29, 2020 12:58:05 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 24 February 1945
NEW BRITAIN
(66 sorties-58 3/4 tons)
Emirau Planes Hit Tobera Buildings: Twenty-six Marine Mitchells carrying 23 full-tonners and 6 half-tonners combined with six Venturas toting 36 eighth-tonners struck at buildings, supplies and personnel 1 1/2 miles north or the Tobera runway yesterday morning. From medium altitude, bomb hits were made as follows: 9 of the 2000-pounders in the target area, the others wide east and west. One 250-pounder hung up and was returned. An additional PBJ returned early with its bombs because of engine trouble. Nine bursts of inaccurate heavy flak came from known positions northwest of Vunakanau. Clouds prevented the taking of strike photos, so assessment of damage was impossible.
For the Record:
27 PBJs VMB-Emirau Tobera 450 D 1106 dr 23x2000 G.P.
6x1000 S.A.P.
6 PVs NZ-8 Tobera 450 D 1106 dr 35x250 G.P.
Rabaul Bombed by Green PBJs and PVs: Six Marine Mitchells and 8 Venturas put a good load of bombs on buildings and the revetted storage area on the west side of Rabaul early yesterday. All of the Mitchells 20 half-ton SAPS and 2 half-ton GPs hit the proper area. Two of the Venturas put 4 half-tonners and 12 eighth tonners in the target. The other six PVs got near misses with their total of 12 half-tonners and 36 250-pounders. Results were unobserved. There was no A/A fire.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB-423 Rabaul 3A 0937 dr 20x1000 S.A.P.
2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Rabaul 3A 0937 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x250 G.P.
Rabaul Patrols Cause Titanic Explosion: The pair of Corsairs patrolling late Thursday afternoon had nothing to report. The ship count yesterday morning was also negative. 16 fighters watched over Rabaul yesterday. Four with a half-tonner each started a small fire in the center of Matupi Island and destroyed a jetty on the western shore of the island. Another four of the fourteen Corsairs bombed a hulk north of Praed Point. One half-tonner hung and was returned. One hit the jungle, and one was a near miss. But the 4th bomb hit on the west shore 100 yards from the wreck and caused a terrific blast with black smoke billowing 3,000 feet high. These patrols also strafed and burnt a truck near Tobera Plantation and two staff cars under trees at Matanatar (north of Tobera). The last patrol returned early because of adverse weather.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 17 Rabaul Patrol Feb 22 1605-1800 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb 23 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 15,17 Rabaul Patrols Feb 25 0710-1630 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Matupi Island dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 15 Praed Point dr 3x1000 G.P.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(37 sorties 15 1/2 tons)
Large Warehouses Hit at Maika: Thirteen Piva Corsairs dropped two preliminary smoke bombs on the target, then placed all 6 half-ton and 18 quarter-ton daisy cutters within the markers. Only one was a dud. The target was one of the main enemy concentrations in southeast Bougainville, and consisted of both warehouses and troop quarters. The warehouses are half again as large as a standard Quonset hut. Six were destroyed and four more were damaged.
For the Record:
13 F4Us NZ 20 Maika 0740 dr 6x1000 G.P.
18x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Reported Concentration at Teop Gets Four Tons: Scouts have passed the word that a large number of Japs from Numa Numa and the northeastern area have gathered at Teop on the northeast coast. Eight Corsairs bombed this center yesterday with 8 half-ton stick bombs. Four hit the water, three hit 250 yards up the Adurni River on the east side, and one overshot 100 yards into the plantation on the west side.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Teop 0755 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
Gardens Hit in Psychological Strike: A pin-point plan has been laid down for the destruction of gardens in and around the Puriata River. This is being done to scare the pro-Japanese natives who are tending these gardens into deserting their yellow-bellied masters. Eight fighters, working in pairs, started on gardens at Horinu with 16 quarter-ton daisy cutters. Two bombs hit gardens ticketed 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7. Three more struck gardens 3 and 4.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 20 Horinu 1030-1400 dr 16x500 G.P.
Patrols and Barge Cover: The dawn sweep yesterday was uneventful, as was the cover of four fighters for friendly natives being shifted by canoe convoy from the now restricted Petat Island (west of Puka) down to Puto. Two fighters made Able-Charlie searches. They strafed a possible shelter or dumps on the south tip of Teop Island, leaving one hut smoking. They smoked and damaged a 12' x 6' bridge at Tiaraka (east coast), strafed a red-roofed hut in a garden between Numa Numa and Tiaraka, and noted a possible oil slick in Teop Bay.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 18 Dawn Patrol Feb 23 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 18 Petat to Puto 0650-1000 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Searches 1035 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(38 sorties - 32 1/4 tons)
Corsairs Hit Balus Bridge and Northern Islands: A pair of fighters patrolling Kavieng late Thursday afternoon possibly damaged Balus Bridge with two 325-pound depth charges. Three pairs of fighters over Kavieng yesterday dived a 325-pound depth charge near huts off the Kavieng runway, another which missed the Balus bridge, two on huts at Globio Island, and two which destroyed several huts on Lissinung Island (south of Globio).
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Feb 22 1545-1801 dr 2x325 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Feb 23 0859-1536 dr 6x325 D.C.
Venturas Strafe Coastal Targets: The dawn PV yesterday put 1200 rounds into huts and gardens at Koka, Patlangat and Panaras. The ship-truck recco strafed 1500 rounds at Polli, then up the coast to Penipol, and from Lamernewi to Panaras. Dusk PV 22nd same task.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 8 Dusk Sweep Feb 22 1630-1921 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 8 Dawn sweep Feb 23 0631-0938 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 8 Ship-Truck Recco 1252-1535 No bombs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 29, 2020 13:33:41 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 23 Feb.
Captain LEMKE led seven PBJs and eight PVs of NZ-2 from Green Island in a medium altitude daylight raid on target #3A Rabaul, New Britain. Captain DUTTENHOFER flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections as the second squadron. The flight was airborne by 0838 and after join-up proceded to Cape Sena on the east coast of New Ireland. Captain WILHITE was forced to return early due to an oil leak, pancaking at 0900. From Cape Sena the formation turned to a course of 263° magnetic passing north of the Duke of York Islands and turning south on a course of 173° magnetic to pass over Watom Island. At Liguan Bay a turn was made to 083° magnetic for the bomb run.
The PBJs bombed from 10,500 feet at 155 knots indicated on a course of 083° magnetic as bombs were released at 0934. The PVs at the same speed and heading dropped their bombs at 0936.
After bombs were released the formation broke to the left and returned to base without incident all being safely on deck by 1035.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
The pattern of the bombs with relation to the target are shown in the attached photographs, all bombs hit the target.
(All times in this narrative are love).
ACIO COMMENT
While over Rabaul on this strike two crews heard what they thought was Japs talking on 4475. This is the second time this circumstance had been noticed.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 29, 2020 13:55:51 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 24 Feb.
On 24 February, 1945, Captain GRAVES led eight PVs of NZ-2 on a medium altitude bombing raid on Runai, Bougainville. The formation was composed of three, three plane sections javelin down. Captain GRAVES served as flight leader so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
The flight was airborne by 0904 and joined up as described above and proceeded to Motupana Point on a heading of 128 degrees magnetic. At 1003 bombs were released from 10,000 feet at 153 knots indicated.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
The pattern of the bombs with relation to the target are shown in the attached photograph.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 29, 2020 14:20:33 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 25 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(37 sorties-16 1/4 tons)
Repeat Strike on Enemy Center at Maika: Twenty-one Corsairs again hit the important Jap concentration at Maika in southeastern Bougainville, carrying 16 half-ton and 12 quarter-ton daisy cutters. One plane with engine trouble returned early with its half-tonner. The target was first smoked by one of the fighters, then all bombs were laid in the area except one overshooting and one which hung and was later jettisoned at sea. Several huts were considered damaged and some destroyed. An additional eight large huts were seen just off the target area. Also a compound surrounded by huts, with a well-worn road leading to it, was noted at Muguai.
For the Record:
(12 F4Us NZ-18) Maika 0800 dr (2x100 Smoke)
( 9 F4Us NZ-20) Maika (15x1000 G.P.)
(12x500 G.P.)
Puriata Gardens Again Bombed: Eight Corsairs dropped 8 half-ton daisy cutters in the gardens of pro-Jap natives near the Puriata River in a continuation of the effort to dissuade these Bougies from serving the Japs. Strafing accompanied the bombing. Results were not observed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-18 Puriata River Area 1135 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Patrols Destroy Huts at Cape Lalahan: The dusk patrol Friday and the dawn sweep yesterday were negative, but four fighters did two Able-Charlie searches and bombed to boot. Four quarter-ton daisy cutters and 4 325-pound depth charges were the load. Five were dropped at a barge at Soraken, one falling within six yards of the target. The other three were aimed at huts on Cape Lalahan (south tip of Buka), one direct hit demolishing two huts and a third was caved in.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-18 Dusk Patrol Feb. 23 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 24 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches dr 4x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches dr 4x325 D.C.
NEW IRELAND
(16 sorties-4 tons)
Corsairs Destroy Nusa Archipelago Huts: Two fighters on Kavieng patrol late Friday afternoon dived two 300-pounders on Lissinung Island, burning two huts. Six Corsairs patrolling in pairs yesterday added another six quarter-tonners to this area. Two fell unobserved on Enuk Island, one missed and one hit Lissinung, and two fell in the sea off Globio. A special foursome of Corsairs hit Globio with 4 700-pound depth charges, destroying two huts and damaging two.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 23 1540-1759 dr 2x300 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 24 0859-1610 dr 6x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-22 Globio Island 0925 dr 4x700 D.C.
Venturas Harass Coastal Targets: The evening PV Friday strafed gardens at Paruai, Sali and Fessoa on the east coast. The dawn patrol yesterday gunned 2000 rounds on Katanu, Koka, Patlangat, Sicacui and Korabin, all on the west coast. The ship-truck recco did no bombing or strafing. One Ventura dropped 6 eighth tonners at medium altitude on huts in a clearing near Sicacui in practice runs and sightings.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-8 Dusk Sweep Feb. 23 1627-1908 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Dawn Sweep Feb. 24 0635-0924 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Ship-Truck Recco 1053-1258 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Sicacui 0930 dr 6x250 G.P.
GROUND SITUATION
Bougainville: Yesterday was a quieter day on all fronts, and in the SW sector of Toko-Mosigetta-Makapeka only 1 Nip was killed, though several dead were found in the vicinity of a garden on the south side of the Puriata River below Darara -- this site had been attacked by 8 RNZAF F4Us on 20th February 45, and the patrol reported that 7 huts in the area had been either destroyed or badly damaged as a result of the bombing. A half-mile south of Mosigetta another patrol unearthed a buried Nip 75 mm gun with primer shells, and documents were also found.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 29, 2020 19:41:46 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 26 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(49 sorties - 32 3/4 tons)
Taitai Again Hit: Twelve fighters hit three targets reported to be troop centers in Taitai. Tac/r led the way, and 6 half-ton plus 10 quarter-ton stick bombs were dropped, also 6 325-pound depth charges. All bombs were on the target. Two brought up a quantity of milled timber and one sent up a 200-foot column of black smoke. Another eight Corsairs hit the same area shortly thereafter with eight half-ton daisy cutters. All bombs (including one dud) fell in the location indicated by tac/r. Five or six huts were destroyed and five more damaged. One sedan was destroyed and one damaged. Eight trucks were holed, burned or overturned. Two 44-gallon drums exploded. Five Japs were killed in and around the slit trenches and log-covered holes.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 20 Taitai 1125 dr 6x1000 G.P.
10x500 G.P.
8x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ 18 Taitai 1125 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
Five Tons Planted in Gardens at Horinu: Eight Piva Corsairs bombed garden areas bordering the Puriata River in a further effort to scare off any pro-Jap natives lingering in the area. These gardens were also well strafed. Daisy cutters were used, in half and quarter-ton weights.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 20 Horinu 0730 dr 4x1000 G.P.
12x500 G.P.
Patrols Strafe Huts and Arouse a Pig: Four fighters took off at 1325 to hit taitai, but because of impending storms dropped the 4 half-ton stick bombs on gardens near Aku. The dusk patrol Saturday and the dawn patrol yesterday had nil sightings. Four Corsairs flew two Able-Charlie searches yesterday, strafing camp fires at Urata, Taki and Arawa. They also strafed seven native-type huts on piles at the south end of a garden at Kumilogo in the south interior. A pig ran out of one hut. Three large iron tanks at Baniu were also strafed.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 18 Aku 1325 dr 4x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dusk Patrol Feb 24 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Dawn Patrol Feb 25 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
Green Bombs Jap Concentration: One Marine Mitchell with 2 half-tonners led 8 Venturas with 16 half-tonners and 48 eighth-tonners in a medium level attack Saturday on a personnel and supply area at Runai in the Hongorai River area of southwestern Bougainville. 90% of the bombs fell in the target area starting a small fire. One half-tonner hung but was released near the mark on a second run. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
1 PBJ VMB 423 Runai Feb 24 1003 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Runai Feb 24 1003 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x250 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(89 sorties - 74 3/4 tons)
Saturday Patrols Start Fire and Damage Canoe: The shipping count Saturday morning was negative. The first patrol was cancelled because of bad weather. Six Corsairs were over Rabaul from 0930 to 1330 when storms stopped all sweeps. Four of these fighters dropped a half-tonner each on huts and trenches west of Raluana Point, putting all bombs in the area and starting a small fire. One canoe was strafed and damaged north of Waira Point on Duke of York Island. Another four Corsairs resumed patrolling as the weather cleared later in the afternoon.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb 24 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 17 Rabaul Patrols 0930-1330 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 15 Raluana Point 0930-1330 dr 4x1000 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ 15 Rabaul Patrols 1400-1615 No bombs.
Mitchells From Emirau Attack Vunakanau: Yesterday 29 Marine PBJs carrying 18 full-tonners, 2 half-ton SAPs, 2 quarter-ton GPs and 56 quarter-ton incendiary clusters joined with 5 Venturas toting 30 eighth-tonners to hit a possible plane hide-out, personnel and supply area one mile southeast of Vunakanau strip. They bombed from medium altitude through 5/10s undercast. All the 250-pounders, all the incendiaries, and not less than 4 of the full-tonners fell in the assigned area.
For the Record:
5 PVs NZ 8 Vunakanau #9 1042 dr 30x250 G.P.
29 PBJs VM-Emirau Vunakanau #9 1042 dr 18x2000 G.P.
2x1000 S.A.P.
2x500 G.P.
56x500 Incend. Cl.
Mitchells and Venturas Raid Rabaul: Yesterday 7 Marine PBJs and 8 Venturas from Green dropped heavy bomb loads on a group of 34 buildings and revetted stores and trucks east of Sulphur Creek. The Mitchells put all 24 eighth-tonners and 4 half-tonners in the target area, plus 8 half-tonners west of the mark but in the Sulphur Creek plane park area. The Venturas placed their 16 half-tonners, 42 300-pounders and 6 eighth-tonners in a line 200 yards west and parallel to the truck park. Results were not observed. There was no A/A.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB 423 Rabaul #101 1038 dr 12x1000 S.A.P.
24x250 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Rabaul #101 1038 dr 16x1000 G.P.
42x300 G.P.
6x250 G.P.
Patrols Destroy Huts and Damage Barges: Four Corsairs patrolled the Rabaul area late Saturday afternoon for negative results. Nil sightings for the ship count yesterday, too. 16 fighters patrolled Rabaul in pairs yesterday. Four dropped 2 half-tonners which destroyed 4 huts in the Kurakakaul area, and damaged several others at Vunakamalama. Two more half-tonners fell among nearby group of huts for unobserved results. After bombing, the planes strafed and burned 1 hut east of Vunakanau, and killed a Jap at Kurakakaul. Another four fighters dropped 4 half-tonners which damaged a barge in Keravia Bay and near-missed a jetty. One was a dud.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ-Green Rabaul Patrols Feb 24 1605-1810 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb 25 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 15,17 Rabaul Patrols Feb 25 0730-1600 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Kurakakaul dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ 15 Keravia Bay dr 4x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
NEW IRELAND
(22 sorties - 12 1/2 tons)
Corsairs Hit Globio Island Huts: Two fighters over Kavieng late Saturday afternoon dropped 2 quarter-tonners on huts at Globio Island for undetermined damage. Three pairs of Corsairs on Kavieng patrol yesterday dived six quarter-tonners, putting four on Globio and two in the sea. One hut was destroyed and others damaged.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrol Feb 24 1545-1800 dr 2x500 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols Feb 25 0930-1320 dr 6x500 G.P.
Venturas Strafe Huts: The dusk PV Saturday put 1000 rounds on Amba Point. The dawn Ventura yesterday gunned 2500 rounds on Koka and Panaras. The ship-truck recco strafed huts at Sicacui, Koka and Patlangat.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 8 Dusk Sweep Feb 24 1625-1923 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 8 Dawn Sweep Feb 25 0639-0928 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 8 Ship-Truck Recco 1221-1445 No bombs.
GROUND SITUATION
Bougainville: Australian troops of 9th Infantry Battalion report that Mariga, in the Puriata sector has been cleared, showing signs of recent occupation, and at the same time, forces who entered Pikei (1 mile SE of Mosigetta) found an evacuated hospital of 15 huts; documents and medical equipment were found. No contacts were reported throughout the whole SW area on 25th February 1945.
AIB patrols operating further east in the enemy's L of C area around Monoitu report that in a raid by 20 RNZAF "Corsairs" on 22nd February 1945, a mobile gun was destroyed and 30 Nips killed.
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Post by chinapilot on Aug 30, 2020 0:11:12 GMT 12
Aircraftclocks - ‘strike’ photos are mentioned several times - did any survive with the reports?
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 0:40:33 GMT 12
There are some photos but due to the originals having been microfilmed, the end result is a very poor quality image without much detail.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 12:58:09 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 27 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA (44 sorties-16 tons)
Three Attacks on Rusei: Reports have been received that a group of 13 huts at Rusei in southwestern Bougainville near the Mobiai River contains a headquarters with high-ranking officers, a large number of troops and a wireless station. Two 105 mm guns are also said to be in this locality. Twelve Piva Corsairs attacked this target yesterday morning, getting ten out of twelve half-ton daisy-cutters in the area, one over and one dud. Then eight more fighters added 4 half-ton stick bombs and a dozen 325-pound depth charges, all on the mark which was cleared of undergrowth. Finally, eight Coreairs struck with 8 half-ton daisy cutters, but cloud cover caused seven to overshoot 50-100 yards. One bomb produced an unusually large flash and black smoke 100 feet high.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-18 Rusei 0750 dr 12x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
8 F4Us NZ-20 Rusei 0800 dr 4x1000 G.P.
12x325 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-18 Rusei 1125 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
Chipuru Troop Center Bombed: A reported concentration of Jap troops at Chipuru in the Kieta area invited a visit by Piva Corsairs. Eight went with 8 quarter-ton stick bombs, and placed them as indicated by fire markers and red lap-laps. Good coverage of the target was obtained.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-20 Chipuru 1140 dr 8x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Patrols Strafe Camouflaged Barges: The dusk patrol Sunday and the dawn sweep yesterday were uneventful. Four Corsairs made two Able-Charlie searches, looking around Fauro for a reported unidentified vessel, but saw nothing. They strafed two 40-foot barges covered and beached under a tree in a small inlet due west of Little Tonolei Harbor. Hits were claimed. They also strafed a quickly-doused fire near Porton Plantation and a hut (half the size of a Quonset hut) two miles up the Rorovana River (east central Bougainville).
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-18 Dusk Patrol Feb. 25 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 26 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
CHOISEUL
(15 sorties-27 tons)
Poro Poro Jap Concentration Well Hit: Seven Marine Mitchells and eight Venturas from Green attacked what is said to be the main grouping of Japs on Choiseul Island yesterday morning. The Marines dropped 24 half-ton SAPs and two half-ton GPs. The Venturas loosed 16 half-tonners and 48 eighth-tonners. All bombs fell in the target area, but results were unobserved. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB-423 Poro Poro 1045 dr 24x1000 S.A.P.
2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Poro Poro 1045 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x250 G.P.
NEW IRELAND
(65 sorties-53 1/4 tons)
Belik Bombed by Green: At A.I.B. request from Lihir Island, four (?) Green fighters bombed Belik Plantation on the central east coast of New Ireland. Weight of bombs not specified. The target was Jap dugouts on the coast. One near miss was scored, the remainder falling in a 100-yard radius of the dugouts. No damage was reported, though heavy strafing accompanied the attack.
For the Record:
4(?) F4Us NZ-15 Belik 1530 Bomb load not given.
Three Venturas Strike Same Target: A trio of PVs from Green fired the same spot an hour later with bombs and bullets. Hits were scored with 2 out of 4 half-tonners, 10 of the 11 260-pound fragmentation bombs and 4 out of 5 100-pound incendiaries. The remainder splashed in the sea. No flak was encountered.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ-2 Belik 1630 dr 4x1000 G.P.
11x260 Frag.
5x100 Incend. cl.
Corsairs Crater Road: Two fighters over the Kavieng area late Sunday afternoon dived 2 650-pound depth charges on Globio Island for unseen damage. Three pairs of Corsairs patrolled Kavieng yesterday diving quarter-tonners at various targets. Two fell unobserved in a bivouac area between Kavieng Town and the airstrip. One hit a garden in Balgai, and one cratered a road nearby. Two hit Lemakot gardens. Another four Corsairs hit Libba Plantation with four full-tonners. All fell just south of the bivouac.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 25 1540-1810 dr 2x650 D.C.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 26 0900-1548 dr 6x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-22 Libba Plantation 1604 dr 4x2000 G.P.
Venturas Bomb and Strafe: Three PVs attacked the bivouac at Amba from tree-top height yesterday with 18 quarter-tonners, getting good coverage. The jungle concealed possible damage. The area was also well strafed. The dusk sweep Sunday gunned Fessoa, Lamernewi and Nusalemon Island. A single burst of accurate medium A/A came from a known site south east of Balgai Bay. The dawn sweep yesterday strafed gardens at Amba and Katendan. The ship-truck PV patrolled but did not strafe.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ-8 Amba 1535 dr 18x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Dusk Sweep Feb. 25 1620-1923 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Dawn Sweep Feb. 26 0641-0942 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Ship-Truck Recco 1302-1524 No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
(20 sorties-4 3/4 tons)
Ventura Heckles Rabaul: One PV was over Rabaul Sunday night with 2 650-pound and 4 325-pound depth charges, plus 2 eighth-tonners. Two of each size depth charges hit Rabaul, the other two 325-pounders were split between Keravat and Rapopo, and the two eighth-tonners struck Vunakanau. No results were assessed. The following A/A was encountered:
Vunakanau Meagre Inaccurate Medium A/A.
Vunakanau Moderate Inaccurate Light.
Hospital Ridge Moderate Accurate Medium.
Raluana Point Moderate Inaccurate Medium.
Rapopo Moderate Inaccurate Medium.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Heckler Feb. 25 2202-0005 dr 2x650 D.C.
4x325 D.C.
2x250 G.P.
Corsairs Patrol Rabaul: Two fighters covered Rabaul Sunday afternoon until thickening weather forced their recall. While returning, they strafed and burnt a truck at Ratongor, and exploded another at Wunawutung Creek. The shipping count yesterday was negative. Sixteen fighters patrolled Rabaul yesterday. Four dropped a half tonner each on huts in the Kurakakaul area, and another four put eight 325-pound depth charges there, too. One half-tonner cratered a road. Other results were not observed. A canoe was destroyed at Ulu Island, and another damaged at Utuan Island (Duke of York group). Four Japs were killed in Keravat gardens. Meagre inaccurate light ack-ack came from Vunakanau.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-15 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 25 1600-1655 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb. 26 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ-15,17 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 26 0700-1600 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-15 Kurakakaul dr 4x1000 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-17 Kurakakaul dr 8x325 D.C.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 13:27:01 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 25 Feb.
Major LOWELL, Executive Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs and eight PVs of NZ-2 from Green Island in a medium altitude raid on target number 101 Rabaul, New Britain. Captain IVERSON flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections as the second squadron. The flight was airborne by 0837 and after the join-up proceeded on a course of 280 degrees magnetic to Cape Sena, crossed New Ireland on a heading of 263 degrees magnetic for thirty minutes toward Tawui point. One mile from Tawui point the formation turned on a course of 173 degrees magnetic for the bomb run. At 0932 the PBJs bombed from 10,500 feet at 155 knots indicated on a course of 173 degrees magnetic. The PVs at the same speed released their bombs from 11,000 feet on a course of 160 degrees magnetic at 0941.
After bombs were released the formation broke away to the left and all planes were safe on deck at Green Island by 1032.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
The pattern of the bomb hits with relation to the target are shown in the attached photographs.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 14:06:25 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 26 Feb.
Major PRITCHARD, Operations Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs eight PVs of NZ-2 in a medium altitude daylight strike against Poro Poro, Choiseul. The formation was composed of six PBJs 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 GRAVES in a PBJ led the second squadron so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight. The formation was airborne by 0922 and after the join-up proceeded on a course of 133 degrees magnetic to Oema Atol.
The formation left Oema Atol on a heading of 083 degrees magnetic for the bomb run but due to cloud cover made an "S" turn around the clouds and handed for the target on a course of 133 degrees magnetic. The PBJs bombs were away at 1038 from 8,500 feet on a course of 133 degrees magnetic at 160 knots indicated. The PVs at the same speed dropped their bombs from 8,000 feet on a course of 083 degrees magnetic at 1046.
After bombs were released the formation broke left and returned to base without incident all being safely on deck by 1223.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
The relation of the bomb hits with the target area are shown in the attached photograph. All bombs hit the target.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 14:41:19 GMT 12
Chinapilot you can have a look at the photo's on the following link: catalog.archives.gov/id/138932372Select load all, and then you will see which thumbprint frame of the microfilm are photo's and which are reports etc. |
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 18:28:37 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 28 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(34 sorties - 16 1/2 tons)
Concentration of 15 Buildings Hit at Monoitu: Twelve Piva Corsairs bombed this target in the Taitai area yesterday morning with 6 half-ton and 18 quarter-ton daisy cutters, getting all but two in the target. Later reconnaissance showed that at least two Quonset-sized huts were destroyed and the whole area had been cleared down to bare stumps.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 20 Monoitu 0745 dr 6x1000 G.P.
18x500 G.P.
More Huts Bombed and Strafed: Eight fighters dropped 8 half-ton stick bombs on huts along the Koriu-Mamagata Road, putting four in the exact area where huts are suspected to be hidden. The road was strafed for 500 yards. Eight more corsairs hit the same area later in the morning with 4 half-ton and 12 quarter-ton daisy cutters, putting all in the roadside area. Eight strafing runs were also made. One 10' x 20' hut was destroyed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Mamagata Road 0815 dr 8x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ 20 Mamagata Road 1130 dr 4x1000 G.P.
12x500 G.P.
Corsair Patrols Strafe Nips: The dusk patrol Monday was cancelled, but the dawn patrol yesterday flew as usual, sighting nothing. Four fighters flew two Able-Charlie searches yesterday morning. They strafed a rowing boat and a bridge at Cape Puipui (central east coast), strafed five Nips and killed one on the beach 300 yards south of the Wariki cemetery. They strafed a cave from which blue smoke and an oil slick were issuing, and left it with smoke pouring out. Nips and huts at other places on the northeast coast were strafed with unobserved results. However, it is evident that new gardens are being planted at Numa Numa. A well-defined heavy-traffic road was seen at Tapsadawata on the northeast coast. At Cape Tosahui (east coast of Buka) 12 natives disappeared into a hut under a cliff 10 feet above the water line.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 18 Dawn Patrol Feb 27. No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Searches No bombs.
NEW BRITAIN
( sorties -
Vunakanau Plane Hide-out Bombed: Yesterday morning seven Marine Mitchells with 14 half-tonners and 8 Venturas carrying 16 half-tonners plus 42 eighth-tonners and 6 300-pounders attacked the plane park in the westernmost revetment area at Vunakanau. Two of the PBJ's half-tonners hung and were dropped northwest of the target. The other 12 fell in the area for unobserved results. Two of the PV's half-tonners also hung, and were jettisoned at sea. The other 14 half-tonners, 37 eighth-tonners and all six 300-pounders struck the plane park, causing a white explosion. The other five 250-pounders hung and were dropped northwest of the target near a heavy gun position. Moderate to intense accurate heavy A/A came from a known position northwest of Vunakanau strip, but no damage to our planes was reported.
For the Record:
7 PBJs VMB 423 Vunakanau #10 0935 dr 14x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ 2 Vunakanau #10 0935 dr 16x1000 G.P.
42x250 G.P.
6x300 G.P.
Patrols Burn Many Huts: The Corsairs over Rabaul late Monday afternoon killed one Jap in a garden at Keravat, and met intense inaccurate light ack-ack from a known site north of Tobera. The ship count over Rabaul yesterday was negative. 16 Corsairs patrolled Rabaul in pairs yesterday. 4 of these fighters bombed Tobera personnel and supply areas with two half-tonners (and two 650-pound depth charges which overshot). No results were seen. Another half-tonner hung and was dropped over Vunapope. Two huts at Urukuk, one at Baretapupuar, and one at Waria (all on Duke of York Island) were strafed and left in flames. Another four of the patrolling Corsairs dropped four 650-pounders on Kahiljokana (Duke of York) for direct hits which crumpled at least seven huts. A hut at Urukuk was strafed and left in flames, two trucks near the mouth of the Bulup River (north of Keravat) were strafed and burnt, and a staff car at Matakabang was damaged.
Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from Vunakanau strip.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 17 Rabaul Patrol Feb 26 1600-1815 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb 27 No bombs.
8 F4Us NZ 15, 17 Rabaul Patrols Feb 27 0710-1605 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 17 Tobera dr 3x1000 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ 15 Duke of York dr 4x650 D.C.
New Bomb Line: No attack may now be made south of a line extending from Cape Archway along the coast to Marupa (679516) to river junction (594592) on the Henry Reid River, thence west to the coast north of Cooper's Clearing (667627). Line extends seaward in both directions.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 19:39:42 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 1 March 1945
NEW BRITAIN
(64 sorties-47 tons)
Tobera Took Thirty-six Tons Tuesday: Six Emirau Venturas with 36 quarter-tonners and 26 Marine PBJs carrying 16 full-tonners, 19 half-tonners and 6 quarter-tonners bombed a suspected supply and personnel area 3/4 of a mile southeast of the west end of the Tobera strip Tuesday morning. Fair coverage was seen in the post-strike photos. This is the attack on which the two Mitchells collided (reported in yesterday's summary). These PBJs were in addition to the 26 listed above. One crashed near the east tip of Emirau. A lone survivor was picked up. The second plane crashed about five miles east of Cape Thilenius. No personnel were found. Search of both areas continue. Three of the 26 planes did not reach the target. One dropped a life raft to the crash victim. Two others returned early to base.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ-8 Tobera #24 Feb. 27 1015 dr 36x500 G.P.
26 PBJs VMB-Emirau Tobera #24 Feb. 27 1015 16x2000 G.P.
19x1000 G.P.
8x500 G.P.
Tobera Personnel Area Well Covered: 12 Corsairs planned to dive two 650-pounded depth charges each on a suspected bivouac area 1 1/2 miles south of the Tobera strip yesterday morning. Two planes with engine trouble returned early, jettisoning their load at sea. 18 depth charges landed in the target for unseen damage. One overshot and the final one hung and was dropped at sea. No A/A was met.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-17 Tobera #27 0904 dr 24x650 D.C.
Patrols Damage Floating Crane: Two fighters were over Rabaul late Tuesday afternoon, but had no sightings. Neither did the ship count yesterday morning. 14 Corsairs patrolled the area yesterday. 7 of them each carried a 650-pound depth charge and bombed a floating crane and barges in Keravia Bay. The barges were alongside the crane which was being raised out of the water for repairs from the damage done on Washington's Birthday. Near misses were scored and one direct hit on the crane, causing debris flung high in the air. A Jap was strafed and killed at Mioko (Duke of York).
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-15 Rabaul Patrol Feb. 27 1600-1800 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count Feb. 28 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ-15,17 Rabaul Patrols Feb. 28 0715-1600 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ-15 Keravia Bay dr 4x650 D.C.
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(49 sorties-39 1/2 tons)
Huts and Bivouacs Feel Rain of Daisy Cutters: At 0800 yesterday 8 Piva Corsairs led by tac/r struck huts and Japs in the Hongorai River area with 8 half-ton stick bombs. Three bombs overshot, and one was wide, but the remainder demolished five huts in the target area. At 0820 another 8 fighters with tac/r guidance placed all four half-ton and 12 quarter-ton daisy-cutters in the assigned target at Kindo. 14 huts in good condition were reported to be there. Five were destroyed, and others were damaged by this strike. At 1125 a full dozen Piva fighters hit a reported Nip force from Buin camped in heavy timber on the north side of the Mibo River ford. Twelve half-ton daisy cutters were dropped. All hit the mark, but results were not seen.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-18 Hongorai River Area 0800 dr 8x1000 G.P.
8 F4Us NZ-20 Kindo Area 0800 dr 4x1000 G.P.
12x500 G.P. (3 duds)
12 F4Us NZ-18 Mibo River Ford 1125 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Green Hits Monoitu Concentration: A heavily-depended Jap center at Runai in the Monoitu area of southwest Bougainville was attacked yesterday morning by a Green Mitchell and 8 Venturas. 17 out of 18 half-tonners and 47 out of 48 quarter tonners fell in the target area, starting fires. Damage was otherwise unassessed. One 500-pounder fell south of the target, and 1 half-tonner hung and was jettisoned at sea. There was no A/A.
For the Record:
1 PBJ VMB-423 Monoitu Area 1000 dr 2x1000 G.P.
8 PVs NZ-2 Monoitu Area 1000 dr 16x1000 G.P.
48x500 G.P.
Barges at Porton Bombed to Uselessness: Two Corsairs on A-C searches bombed and strafed barges reported Tuesday at Porton on the northwest coast very early yesterday morning with 4 325-pound depth charges. Near misses swamped one serviceable barge and damaged two under repair and beached near the Porton jetty. The barges, and a sampan and rowing boat, were also strafed (as were three-lean-tos at Numa Numa). Four fighters went out to bomb and strafed these Porton barges again at 1025. Three quarter-tonners further damaged the three barges with near misses. The other five quarter-tonners were drooped on five huts 400 yards south of Tarlena jetty. Four huts were destroyed, and the fifth was damaged and then strafed. A second pair of Corsairs on Able-Charlie runs put another four quarter-tonners on these same Porton barges at 1230. They overshot by 30 yards. The barges were now assessed as unserviceable. This pair of fighters also strafed and holed a hut half a mile from the mouth of the Rorovana River, strafed three huts at Koromira Point (SE coast), and smoked three huts at Kalia on Fauro Island. The dusk sweep Tuesday was uneventful. The dawn sweep yesterday heard a suspected Jap speech on 6200 kilocycles near Motupena Point.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-18 Dusk Patrol Feb. 27 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol Feb. 28 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Search 0555 dr 4x325 D.C.
4 F4Us NZ-20 Porton Plantation 1025 dr 8x500 G.P.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Search 1230 dr 4x500 G.P.
AIB Reports Additional Results from Bombings: Coast-watcher reports and interrogation of natives establish further results from air attacks during February, as follows: 19 Japs killed Feb. 8 at Horinu, lower part of camp at Kieta destroyed Feb. 15, 2-day burial required for numerous Japs killed at Hiru Hiru Feb. 18, a 155 mm gun destroyed and many Nips killed Feb. 21 at Taitai, another large gun destroyed and 10 Japs killed Feb. 22 in the same locality, a 155 mm gun probably destroyed and 20 instead of 10 vehicles destroyed Feb. 25 at Taitai. These results have been included in the February Summary in this issue, but are not included in today's box score.
NEW IRELAND
(46 sorties-29 3/4 tons)
Tuesday Corsair Patrols Crater Road: Two late patrols Monday afternoon dived 2 half-tonners on a hut and buildings near the Kavieng compartment wharf for unseen damage. Three pairs of fighters patrolled Kavieng Tuesday, dropping six quarter-tonners on various targets. Two missed Kavieng buildings. One dud hit a building. Another was dropped on a Balgai hut. One cratered the Panapai-Kavieng road. The last bomb fell unobserved at Lumis River bridge. Light inaccurate A/A came from a known position at Kavieng.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 26 1545-1830 dr 2x1000 G.P.
6 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 27 0915-1540 dr 6x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Tuesday Venturas Report Barge Traffic: The dusk PV Monday patrolled but neither bombed nor strafed. The dawn Ventura Tuesday put three 500-pounders on a Sicacui hut but the Jungle hid the result. AIB was told of increased barge traffic into the Nusa Archipelago area since the recent strikes. The ship-truck recco put three quarter-tonners on Koka huts for unobserved results.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-8 Dusk Sweep Feb. 26 1623-1927 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-8 Dawn Sweep Feb. 27 0643-1055 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Ship-Truck Recco 1057-1312 dr 3x500 G.P.
Corsairs Destroy Huts and Large Building: Two fighters on late patrol Tuesday afternoon missed Mongai Bay huts with a pair of quarter-tonners. Four Corsairs hit Lemakot with 4 half-tonners and two 650-pound depth charges plus one 700-pound depth charge. Trees hid the results, though debris was thrown up by good hits. 4 pairs of fighters flew Kavieng patrol yesterday until bad weather forced them to secure at 1055. Two quarter-tonners were dived on Panapai and Kavieng for unseen damage. Two started a small fire in the town. One destroyed a large iron-roofed building north of the west end of But But Plantation. One crumpled three huts north of Kavieng strip. And two cratered a road and possibly damaged a detour bridge over the Lumis River.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol Feb. 27 1540-1800 dr 2x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-22 Lemakot Feb. 28 0940 dr 4x1000 G.P.
2x650 D.C.
1x700 D.C.
8 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols Feb. 28 dr 8x500 G.P.
Venturas Drop Quarter-Ton Triplets: The dusk PV Tuesday released three 500-pounders from tree-top level on the Libba bivouac area for unobserved damage. The dawn Ventura yesterday low-leveled three more quarter-tonners on Kafkaf huts without determing the results. The ship-truck recco put its three quarter-tonners on Lamussong gardens, but the jungle hid the damage. A lone PV practice bombed with four 250-pounders on huts in a clearing at Panaras but could not assess its hits.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-8 Dusk Sweep Feb. 27 1623-1931 dr. 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Dawn Sweep Feb. 28 0631-0925 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Ship-Truck Recco 1156-1408 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Panaras 1020 dr 4x250 G.P.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 20:18:55 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 27 FEBRUARY 1945.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPFORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
VS-61 15 SB2C4 15 19 VS-61
NZ-25 18 F4U-1 12 24 NZ # 4 S.U.
EMIRAU
VMB-413 11 PBJ 11 56 VMB-413
VMB-433 9 PBJ 9 54 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ 12 55 VMB-443
VMB-611 12 PBJ 11 54 S. S.-61
NZ-22 19 F4U 16 24 NZ # 5 S.U.
NZ-8 16 PV-1 15 14 NZ #10 S.U.
GREEN
VMB-423 12 PBJ 12 66 VMB-423
3 F4U 0
VPB-44 14 PBY-5A 11 51 PATSU 1-11
1 TBF-1 1
1 SBD-5 1
*NZ-15 18 F4U-1 18 21 NZ #30 S.U.
NZ-17 18 F4U-1D 16 25 NZ #3 S.U.
NZ-2 15 PV-1 13 13 NZ #14 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMR-152 14 R4D-5 13 65 VMR-152
VMR-153 13 R4D-5 13 60 VMR-153
NZ-20 18 F4U-1D 17 25 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-18 18 F4U-1 18 25 NZ #31 S.U.
* As of 20 February. (No current report received)
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 21:37:55 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 27 Feb.
Captain LEMKE led seven PBJs of VMB-423 and eight PVs of NZ-2 in a medium altitude daylight attack on Vunakanau target number 10. The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections as the second squadron. Since the PVs do not carry a bombsight, Captain DUTTENHOFER flew as leader of the PVs so that he could do the sighting for the second squadron. The strike was airborne by 0837 and after joining up as described above proceeded to New Ireland on a course of 276º magnetic. Over New Ireland the flight proceeded to Watom Island, where a turn was made to 198º magnetic to Urara Island, then south across Atiliklikun Bay where a turn was made to 083º magnetic for nine miles where the formation turned into the bomb run. The bomb run of the PBJs was made on a heading of 030° magnetic at 160 knots and bombs were released at 0930 from 12,000 feet. The PVs were on 030° magnetic and dropped from 10,900 feet at 0932 with an air speed of 155 knots.
After bombs were released the formation broke to the left and proceeded back to base. All planes were safely on deck at Green by 1100.
Over Vunakanau the formation encountered twenty-three bursts of accurate heavy anti-aircraft fire from known positions 1000 yards northwest of the north-west end of Vunakanau Strip. The AA fire was low and trailing on the first squadron but was accurate on the leader of the second squadron whose plane was rocked. All bombs were in the target area with the exception of two which were salvoed and fell north of the target. The pattern of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown by the attached photograph.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 22:07:25 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 28 Feb.
Captain IVERSON, in a PBJ, led eight PVs of NZ-2 on a medium altitude bombing raid on Monoitu, Bougainville. The formation was composed of three, three plane sections in column stepped down. Captain IVERSON served as flight leader so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
By 0834 the flight was airborne and joined up as described above and proceeded to Montupena Point. From Montupena Point, the bombers approached the target on a course of 120 degrees magnetic and due to difficulty in picking up the target bombs were not released on this run. The formation made a 360 degree turn for the bomb run. At 1002 bombs were released on a course of 120 degrees magnetic from 9,500 feet at 155 knots indicated.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
All bombs hit the target and three fires were sighted with smoke to 1000 feet over the target. No photographs were taken.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 30, 2020 22:38:12 GMT 12
From the VMB-423 aircraft action report from the 1 Mar.
Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer of VMB-423, led ten PBJs of VMS-423 and eight PVs of NZ-2 in a medium altitude daylight attack on target number 30 Tobera, New Britain. The formation was composed of nine
PBJs in three, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections as the second squadron. Major TAYLOR in a PBJ flew as leader of the New Zealand squadron as that he could do the sighting as the PVs do not carry a bombsight.
The formation was airborne by 0838 and after joining up as described above departed for New Britain on a course of 256º magnetic. Crossing the coast at 0918, the flight proceeded west for twelve miles where a turn was made to 032º magnetic for six miles for bombardiers to stabalize bombsights and figure drift. The formation then flew toward Vunakanau for nine miles turning right into a bomb run of 032º magnetic. Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, leading the first squadron, was not satisfied with the start of the run and made a 360º turn to make his run behind the second squadron. The PVs with their PBJ leader made their bomb run on a heading of 060º magnetic at 155 knots indicated releasing at 0932 from 10,000 feet. The PBJs bombed at 0938 from 10,500 feet on a course of 035º magnetic and a speed of 160 knots. The formation broke away to the right and proceeded to base without incident. All planes pancaked safely at Green by 1038.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Sixty percent of the bombs were in the target while the others were within 200 yards northeast of the target. One bomb caused a large explosion near the edge of the cocoanut plantation northeast of the target. The pattern of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown by the attached photograph.
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Post by chinapilot on Aug 31, 2020 0:20:27 GMT 12
Chinapilot you can have a look at the photo's on the following link: catalog.archives.gov/id/138932372Select load all, and then you will see which thumbprint frame of the microfilm are photo's and which are reports etc. Thanks - great link👍😀 |
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 31, 2020 10:20:33 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 2 March 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(53 sorties - 32 1/2 tons)
Monoitu Huts Completely Demolished: Twelve Piva Corsairs attacked a group of Jap-occupied huts at Monoitu in the Taitai area yesterday morning with 6 half-ton and 18 quarter-ton daisy cutters. Ten bombs completely cleared the area west of the road, destroying all ten huts. The rest of the bombs were dropped east of the road, severely damaging all six huts in that area. Both targets may be considered "a clean sweep".
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 20 Monoitu 0745 dr 6x1000 G.P.
18x500 G.P.
Attack Damaged Huts Near Monoitu: Eight fighters dropped 8 more half-ton stick bombs at another group of huts in the vicinity of Monoitu. Led by tac/r, three bombs fell in the smoked area and one undershot. Moving then to a second indicated target, four bombs fell on four huts, damaging all of them.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Monoitu 1100 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Kara Gardens Bombed and Shanties Strafed: Eight Corsairs, originally scheduled to follow with a second attack on the Monoitu huts cleaned out by the 0745 strike, dropped 8 half-ton daisy cutters on a garden area and bonfire four miles south of Kara strip, getting full coverage for unobserved results. Lean-to bivouacs were strafed on the road north of this target. A large truck was seen facing west, 200 yards north of the crossroads towards Moro. Strafing was impossible because of the tall trees.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 18 Kara 0800 dr 8x1000 G.P.
Patrols Kill Nips: The dusk patrol Wednesday was uneventful. The final Charlie sweep late in the afternoon made ten strafing runs that water-logged a 30-foot wooden barge with a square bow ramp heading for Shortland Island from Gumoi Island to the northeast. All six Jap occupants were killed. An empty canoe on the west coast of Fauro was strafed and swamped. Early yesterday, the two fighters on Able-Charlie search strafed five or six new huts at the edge of a garden on the northwest side of Piedu Island and on a hut suspected of covering a tunnel entrance into a ridge on the northeast side of Piedu. A second search at 1120 by two more Corsairs caught a Jap running into the woods near Mibo River Ford, smoked two native-type huts at the base of the cliff at Hanahan Bay (NE Buka), and strafed one Jap on the beach at nearby Putputun. The road from Ruri Bay to Sorum and Manob shows fresh vehicle tracks and appears to be in good repair.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 20 Dusk Patrol Feb 28 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 20 Charlie Search Feb 28 1815 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Search March 1 0700 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 18 Able-Charlie Search March 1 1120 No bombs.
Green Hits Monoitu HQ and Bivouac: 10 Marine PBJs with 9 full tonners and 2 half-tonners plus 7 Venturas carrying 14 half-tonners hit Monoitu at 0935 yesterday. The Mitchells put both half-tonners and four 2000-pounders in the target, two more tonners north of the target, and three in a cocoanut plantation north of the target. One bomb caused an explosion sending a sheet of orange flame skyward. The Venturas put 11 bombs on the mark and three near the east edge, starting a fire with smoke billowing 1000 feet in the air. No flak was met.
For the Record:
10 PBJs VMB 423 Monoitu 0935 dr 9x2000 G.P.
2x1000 G.P.
7 PVs NZ 2 Monoitu 0935 dr 14x1000 G.P.
NEW IRELAND
(28 sorties - 21 3/4 tons)
Corsairs on Kavieng Patrol: Three pairs of fighters covered the area from 0850 to 1620, diving a quarter-tonner each. Two fell unobserved on a Balgai hut, two dropped on Lemakot gardens for unassessed damage, and two landed in a bivouac area at Fangelawa Bay for unseen results.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 22 Kavieng Patrols March 1 0850-1620 dr 6x500 G.P.
Venturas Hit Huts but Results Unobserved: The dusk PV Wednesday dropped 3 quarter-tonners on huts at Nemasalang in a low-level attack. The dawn Ventura yesterday loosed three quarter-tonners at tree-top height on Lamernewi huts. The ship-truck recco placed its trio of 500-pounders on a Lossuk Bay hut. No damage was assessed on any of these bombings.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ 8 Dusk Sweep Feb 28 1628-1915 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 8 Dawn Sweep March 1 0606-0930 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ 8 Ship-Truck Recco 1251-1522 dr 3x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(43 sorties - 22 3/4 tons)
Vunakanau Bombed by 20 Planes: 6 Venturas carrying 36 quarter-tonners and 14 Marine Mitchells with 12 full tonners and 4 half-tonners hit a new suspected personnel and supply area at Vunakanau yesterday morning. Two quarter-tonners hung up and were returned to base, the others hitting the northwest end of the target area. Eight of the 12 full tonners fell on the mark. All others were west of the assigned area. Five tenths undercast hampered observation of results. An additional 5 PBJs carrying a one tonner each, held their bombs when their leader's bomb hung. Four of these were dropped on the west end of Kavieng strip from 13,000 feet. (Bombs credited to New Ireland total). One which still hung was returned home. Four other Mitchells turned back because of mechanical trouble, jettisoning one of their four 2000 pounders.
For the Record:
6 PVs NZ 8 Vunakanau #3 1030 dr 34x500 G.P.
18 PBJs VMB-Emirau Vunakanau #3 1030 dr 13x2000 G.P.
5 PBJs VMB-Emirau Kavieng 1115 dr 4x2000 G.P.
Corsairs Destroy 14 Huts: Four fighters over Rabaul late Wednesday afternoon had nil sightings and returned early because of approaching storms. The ship count yesterday was negative. 14 fighters patrolled yesterday from 0655 to 1600. 4 with four 650-pound depth charges destroyed fourteen huts with direct hits on Obai Mission. Strafing destroyed a truck at Kurabambangul Plantation and damaged three more at Kurakakaul and the Vunakanau area. Three Japs were killed near Waitavalo Plantation. A small boat was holed at a coastal plantation. One plane was holed by meagre accurate light A/A from Vunakanau.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 15,17 Rabaul Patrols Feb 28 1600-1705 No bombs.
1 PV NZ 2 Rabaul Ship Count March 1 No bombs.
10 F4Us NZ 15,17 Rabaul Patrols March 1 0655-1600 No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 15 Obai Mission dr 4x650 D.C.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Aug 31, 2020 11:07:13 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 3 March 1945
BOUGAINVILLE-BUKA
(43 sorties-28 3/4 tons)
14 Tons Hit Jap HQ at Monoitu: Two Piva fighters smoked the assigned target for seven Marine Mitchells from Green carrying 2 full tonners each. A half hour reconnaissance at tree-top level before the drop failed to locate any sign of activity. The bombs fell on the target and bared the area, but no damage could be found.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-20 Monoitu #73 0915 dr 4x100 Smoke
7 PBJs VMB-423 Monoitu #73 0918 dr 14x2000 G.P.
Japs in Hongorai Gardens Hit: Eight Corsairs made an early attack on enemy activity in the Hongorai River area yesterday with 4 half ton and 12 quarter-ton daisy cutters. One half-tonner and two 500-pounders fell on garden #1, One half-tonner hung and was returned to base. Four quarter-tonners were scored as direct hits on garden #2. Three out of four 500-pounders then smacked on garden #4, one overshooting 50 yards. Two half-tonners and two quarter-tonners were direct hits on the bivouac area. One half tonner and one quarter tonner were duds. All targets were well strafed. No sign of life showed in the area either before or after the strike.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-20 Hongorai River area 0850 dr 3x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
12x500 G.P. (1 dud)
Kindai Huts Not Spotted: Twelve Piva fighters carrying a halfton stick bomb apiece put five of their 12 bombs in the target area said to contain huts. The rest fell in an area marked on the photo of the locality. However, at no time did the pilots actually see a shelter, building, hut or lean-to, and they request tac/r guidance for similar strikes in the future.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ-18 Kindai 0800 dr 12x1000 G.P.
Huts and Stores at USA Take Punishment: Eight Corsairs with 8 half-ton daisy cutters hit a group of huts at USA. This was not the good old U.S.A., but a smallish village a mile and a half north of Kindai in southwest Bougainville. Four bombs fell inside the area smoked, 3 overshot 30 yards (one proving to be a dud). White smoke rose to 80 feet from the target area. Later recco confirmed that two huts were destroyed, and another badly damaged, of the seven huts there. Five or six cases of stores were scattered near the burning hut. One plane returned early because of undercarriage trouble, jettisoning its bomb safe in the sea.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ-18 USA 1120 dr 8x1000 G.P. (1 dud)
Patrols See New Huts: The dusk patrol Thursday and the dawn sweep yesterday were uneventful. Two fighters on Able-Charlie searches strafed two new lean-tos at Cape Teopasuna (NE coast), and four native-type huts (two of them new) 300 yards inland from previous target. Hits were observed on all of these huts.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-18 Dusk Patrol March 1 No bombs,
2 F4Us NZ-20 Dawn Patrol March 2 No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ-20 Able-Charlie Searches 1135 No bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties-11 3/4 tons)
Corsair Patrols Damage Bridge: The two fighters over the Kavieng area late Thursday afternoon damaged the detour bridge at Lumis with two 500-pounders, The first pair of Corsairs on station yesterday put two quarter-tonners on the North Cape bivouac area for unobserved results. The next two Corsairs turned back early because of bad weather, and jettisoned their bombs. The subsequent patrols were cancelled.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrol March 1 1545-1759 dr 2x500 G.P.
4 F4Us NZ-22 Kavieng Patrols March 2 0930-1150 dr 4x500 G.P.
Venturas Visit Lamussong and Pinikindu: The dusk sweeps Thursday dropped three 500-pounders at tree-top level on the Lamussong bridge for unseen damage. Meagre inaccurate medium A/A came from a known position at Roland Young Plantation. The dawn Ventura yesterday put three quarter-tonners on huts at Pinikindu from low level, but results were unobserved. The PV on ship-truck reconnaissance laid its trio of quarter-tonners on a target specified by AIB, but damage was not assessed.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-8 Dusk Sweep March 1 1625-1925 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Dawn Sweep March 2 0635-0952 dr 3x500 G.P.
1 PV NZ-8 Ship-Truck Recco 1105-1402 dr 3x500 G.P.
NEW BRITAIN
(20 sorties-1 3/4 tons)
Rabaul Heckled by Venturas: One PV over Rabaul Thursday night dropped a mixed load of four "century" parafrags, 2 quarter-ton incendiary clusters and 2 half-ton armor-piercing bombs. The two half-tonners hit Rabaul, the incendiaries fell on the coast near Keravat, and the four parafrags splashed in the sea nearby. All results were unobserved. No A/A or searchlights were met.
For the Record:
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Hecklers March 1 2244-2345 dr 4x"100" Parafrags.
2x500 Incend. Cl.
2x1000 A.P.
Patrols Smoke Truck: Two fighters covered Rabaul late Thursday afternoon for negative sightings. Same report from Friday morning PV on ship count. Same report from sixteen fighters over Rabaul yesterday, except that one truck at Vunakanau Mission was strafed and left smoking.
2 F4Us NZ-17 Rabaul Patrol March 1 1600-1800 No bombs.
1 PV NZ-2 Rabaul Ship Count March 2 No bombs.
16 F4Us NZ-15,17 Rabaul Patrols March 2 0815-1600 No bombs.
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