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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 14, 2021 14:40:00 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 19 October 1944.
The main weight of yesterday's attacks was again directed against New Britain, where 104 planes dropped 46 tons of bombs. Twenty-seven F4Us and 20 SBDs from Piva attacked Nip concentrations in the Henry Reid Bay area, where photographs confirmed the destruction of six buildings. The full schedule of sweeps and patrols in this area was flown, and 12 SBDs went from Green to attack a suspected barge near Raluana Point which some pilots thought was not a barge. The TDR strike against Cape St George lighthouse resulted in one TDR exploding only 30 feet from the target.
Thirty-six F4Us and SBDs in addition to the regular patrols joined in the search for the two NZ F4Us missing in the Bougainville area since the previous night. Results of the search were negative, but pilots brought back the interesting report that Kara strip is covered with barrels spaced at intervals.
NEW BRITAIN
(104 sorties-46 tons)
NEW IRELAND
(18 sorties-5 tons)
Cape St George Lighthouse: The lighthouse at Cape St George was the target for 3 TDRs. One TDR exploded 30 ft. from the target, one failed to explode when it hit 200 feet north of the target, and the third was lost because of material failure. The time of these attacks has not been reported. Photos taken at 1015L yesterday did not disclose any damage to the lighthouse.
BOUGAINVILLE
(21 sorties-1 ton)
Bougainville Patrols: Six two-plane Bougainville patrols were flown by NZ 17 and NZ 22. All the patrol planes joined in the search for the two F4Us of NZ 17 which were missing the previous night, but their reports were negative. The planes strafed huts and gardens around the coasts of Bougainville, Buka and Shortland Island. They probably killed a number of Nips, Four planes carried quarter-tonners, but results of the bombing were unobserved. The dawn and dusk patrols, and the Torokina-Rabaul sweep were negative.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 17(6) 0624-1740 load 1x500(4) dr 4x500.
NZ 22(6)
8 F4Us NZ 17(4) 0610-0735
NZ 22(4) 1700-1800 Dawn and dusk Patrols.
1 PV NZ 3 0811-1130 Torokina-Rabaul sweep.
In addition to the Bougainville patrol planes, a total of 24 F4Us and 12 SBDs made searches for the missing planes during the day. Bougainville, Buka and surrounding areas were thoroughly covered. All reports were negative. A number of the search planes made strafing attacks and reported killing one Nip, sinking a barge from which a Nip was fishing, and firing two huts at Harapa.
The runway at Kara was reported to be covered with barrels spaced at intervals.
Meagre, inaccurate MG fire was received between Kara and Kahili.
SEARCHES FOR 18 OCTOBER
Beefsteak searches 1, 2, 3 Baker 31 were reported negative. One hundred percent track and fifty percent cover was reported in sector Victor, eighty percent track and fifty percent cover in sector Uncle, and ninety percent track and forty five percent cover in sector Tare. Weather was unreported except that in Victor there was 6 tenths cloud cover north of equator, in Uncle 10 tenths nimbus and 3 tenths cumulus cloud cover and in Tare cumulus cover from 6 to 10 tenths.
Brewer searches 1 Baker 32 sector Able reported eighty percent cover and 2 Baker 32 sector Baker one hundred percent cover, track was unreported and weather was good. It was also reported that the sector Able search plane was fired upon by 3 AK and 2 DD all unidentified but the report of their position was garbled.
In cooperation with Green PTs Charcoal bombed Kanam causing fire and large explosions, reported possibly occuring in an ammunition dump. Charcoal also bombed Maramakas and Katendan
plantations and Tarbaby bombed Dunup plantation, Hurter and Sperber points all with unobserved results. The Sambo search Cape Lambert to Pondo point was reported negative.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ 3 ) Emirau 300 mile search sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile search sectors.
3 PBY5A (VPB-44) Green PT Cooperation: Charcoal (1935-0115)
Tarbaby (2220-0340) dr 9x500 GP Inst.
Sambo (2305-0245) 3x500 Incend.
60x20 Frags.
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Post by davidd on Mar 15, 2021 10:16:44 GMT 12
In case anyone interested, the two missing F4Us of 17 Squadron referred to above were NZ5221 (F/O A E Kilner) and 5336 (F/Sgt J B McDonald); both departed Piva North (Bougainville) @ 1615, for a bombing/strafing sweep around coasts of Bougainville and Buka, scheduled to return to base @ 1815; Lost without trace. See Errol Martyn's "For Your Tomorrow, Vol 3, p 286.
Also interesting to see the entries covering operational use of the US Navy's TDR "drones" (remotely TV-controlled by a specially trained "pilot" in a following TBF or TBM so far as I know). As can be seen, their successes in operational use were rather "spotty". A whole new world was opening up before their eyes! Main problem was the relatively low performance of the drones (which made the twin-engine aircraft rather easy to shoot down by A/A fire), plus continuing technical problems with the control systems, including enemy jamming I believe. Apparently somebody at Rabaul was familiar with remote controlled aircraft, and twigged to what was going on.
David D
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 15, 2021 11:05:40 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY FOR WEEK ENDING TUESDAY, 17 OCTOBER, 1944.
UNITS AND LOCATIONS TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
VF-79 14 SPIT 10 17 VF-79
VS-61 14 SBD-5 14 18 VS-61
1 SB2C-1C 1
1 J2F 1
VPB-130 9 PV-1 9 22 VPB-130
FAW-10 11 PBY-5 6 17 HEDRON-10
EMIRAU
VMF-115 20 F4U 19 30 VMF-115
VMF-211 22 F4U-1D 22 33 VMF-211
VMF-313 19 FG-1A 19 21 VMF-313
VMSB-142 19 SBD-6 18 35 VMSB-142
VMSB-243 22 SBD-5 22 46 VMSB-243
*VMD-254 0 0 11 VMD-254
VMB-433 11 PBJ-1D 11 43 VMB-433
VMB-443 11 PBJ-1D 11 46 VMB-443
VPB-148 14 PV-1 13 40 PATSU-1-9
NZ-3 17 PV-1 12 16 NZ #10 S.U.
GREEN
VMF-218 20 F4U 20 34 VMF-218
VMF-222 20 F4U 20 46 VMF-222
VMSB-244 21 SBD-5 21 40 VMSB-244
VMSB-341 22 SBD-6 22 37 VMSB-341
VMB-423 11 PBJ-1D 11 41 VMB-423
VPR-44 15 PBY-5A 15 57 PATSU-1-11
VPB-52 15 PBY-5 12 51 PATSU-1-11
BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251 21 F4U 21 41 VMO-251
VMF-212 22 F4U 22 29 VMF-212
VMF-223 21 F4U 21 32 VMF-223
VMSB-133 22 SBD-6 21 31 VMSB-133
VMSB-236 22 SBD-5 22 41 VMSB-236
VMR-152 17 R4D-5 14 57 VMR-152
VMR-153 15 R4D-5 13 56 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO 5 F5A 5 8 17TH PHOTO
1 RA-24B 1
NZ-17 18 F4U-1 18 23 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-22 18 F4U-1 18 26 NZ # 4 S.U.
MUNDA
VMSB-241 21 SBD-5 21 41 VMSB-241
VMB-413 13 PBJ-1D 13 43 VMB-413
* Awaiting transportation to U.S.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 15, 2021 11:11:10 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 20 October 1944.
Two serviceable Zekes in the southerly extension of the SE taxiloop at Tobera were revealed by photographs of this strip taken at 1115 hours yesterday. They were the first serviceable planes to be seen on Tobera since May 12.
Targets in New Britain were again heavily hit yesterday by a total of 152 planes with 73 1/2 tons of bombs. The main attacks were directed against areas of Nip concentration in Open Bay, supply areas at Rataval, and the NE section of Rabaul town. The Henry Reid Bay concentrations also come in for some attention. The Gazelle peninsula sweeps were curtailed by weather. Activity over New Ireland and Bougainville was light. A bomb-dropping attack on Ballale gun positions was made by a TDR.
NEW BRITAIN
(152 sorties - 73 1/2 tons)
Henry Reid Bay Concentrations: Nip concentrations in the Henry Reid Bay area were attacked yesterday for the third successive day. Twelve F4Us of VMF 223, carrying half-tonners, bombed and strafed the Kalai plantation area. They reported good coverage, but results were unobserved. Another 8 F4Us of NZ 17 swept the area between Kanakdran and Waitavalo bivouac area and on Kanakdran village. Thick foleage prevented observations.
For the Record:
12 F4Us VMF 223 0810 load 1x1000 dr. 12x1000
8 F4Us NZ 17 0805-0825 " 1x1000 " 8x1000
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Only three of the six scheduled sweeps reached the Gazelle peninsula. Of the other three, one was cancelled one was recalled, and the third, weathered out, attacked a target in Buka.
Planes on the two Put Put-Keravat sweeps dropped two quarter-tonners on huts at Ralum, two on MG positions at the end of the Ralum pier and three on huts south of Vunakanau. Possible damage was done to the MG positions; other results were unobserved.
The morning Duke of York-Pondo sweep destroyed one hut and damaged one hut on Lili-Na-Kaia Island, and destroyed three huts and damaged others on Makada Island. A large drying shed was smoked by strafing just off the base of the pier at Pondo.
Muzzle flashes were observed in the scrub 100 yards inland from Pondo.
For the Record:
11 F4Us NZ 22 (7)
NZ 17 (4) 0745-1510 load 1x500 dr. 11x500
NEW IRELAND
(16 sorties-6 1/2 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The regular patrols over north New Ireland were flown by 14 F4Us and 2 RNZAF PVs from Emirau. The F4Us started two fires in Amba village, with smoke rising to 1500 feet, and caused smoke to rise to 50 feet in Ray pltn. The PVs destroyed three huts at Koka, damaged buildings at Bolegila and killed one Nip swimming at Balus. Meagre, inaccurate fire was received from a dual-purpose gun at Panapai.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 115 0605-1825 load 1x500 dr. 14x500
2 PVs NZ 3 load 6x500 dr. 12x500
Four Green PBJs (VMB 423) were unable to locate the TDR which failed to explode when it hit 200 feet north of the Cape St. George lighthouse the previous day. They dropped 56 centuries, all of which fell in the water.
TDR Strike on Ballale Guns: A bomb-dropping attack on the west Ballale guns was made by a TDR. The TDR was opposed by meagre medium A/A fire from Ballale which possibly holed the gas tank. The plane crashed three miles west of Shortland Island about 20 minutes after the attack. Another TDR was lost 14 miles SE of Ballale because of a materiel and personnel failure during the run on the target.
Bougainville Patrol: Because of TDR activity in the Kahili area, only one Bougainville patrol was flown, incorporating the Able-Charlie search.
The F4Us strafed a fire at Monoitu mission, revetments at Moila Pt. and a garden at Gomai Pt. Results were unobserved. Weathered out from the Gazelle peninsula, 4 F4Us of NZ 17 dropped their quarter-tonners on huts at the base of a cliff near Hahalis, in Buka. Three bombs were believed to be direct hits, but results were unobserved. The dawn patrol was negative.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 22 0710-0920 Bougainville patrols. Strafing.
4 F4Us NZ 17 1325-1545 load 1x500 dr. 4x500
4 F4Us NZ 22 0600-0710 Dawn Patrol.
SEARCHES FOR 19 OCTOBER
Beefsteak Baker 31 searches were reported negative with 100 percent track and cover and weather good. Brewer search 1 Baker 32, sector Able, reported 260 mile track and 90 percent cover while search 2 Baker 32, sector Baker, reported 260 miles track and 95 percent cover. Weather was unreported except that scattered showers prevented full track and all sightings were friendly.
In cooperation with Green PT's in area Uncle Charcoal bombed Huru, Tambakar, Hunter Condor and Sperber Points, and Nakudukudu Bay and Tarbaby bombed Iur Plantation and strafed Hoirinore Rock all with unobserved results except for reported small fire and flashes suggestine ammunition at Condor point.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 miles search sector.
2 PV-1 (VPB-130)Admiralties 300 mile search sector.
2 PBY5A (VPB-44) Charcoal ) 2145-0248 6x500 G.P.
Tarbaby ) 2x500 Incend.
36x20 Frags.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 16, 2021 11:04:56 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 21 October 1944.
The centre of yesterday's activity was Bougainville, where 79 planes dropped 34 tons on a wide variety of targets. Twenty-four Piva SBDs went out with a new bomb load—one quarter-tonner and 6 centuries each—and reported satisfactory results. Two TDRs dropped two quarter-tonners and eight centuries on gun positions at Ballale, ana one of them, with a century still on board, was subsequently crashed into the Kahili Maru hulk. The hulk was set on fire.
New Britain was reserved for Nadzab heavies in the morning, and in the afternoon it was protected by weather. Only the Kavieng patrols were flown over New Ireland. Emirau had a training day, and all strikes and patrols from Green were cancelled.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(79 sorties-34 tons)
Kahili Maru Hit: Gun positions at the SW end of Ballale strip and the Kahili Maru hulk were targets for yesterday's attacks by TDRs. One TDR dropped two quarter-tonners on the SW Ballale gun positions after receiving A/A fire from these positions and from Poporang. This TDR was lost while on its way to attack the Kahili Maru.
A second TDR dropped two clusters of four centuries each on the Ballale guns. The target area was reported still burning 20 minutes after the attack. This TDR was then headed for the Kahili Maru, and a hit was effected on the hulk at the deckline slightly forward of amidships. The ship was still burning when the control plane departed from the area. On its run on the Kahili Maru, the TDR drew fire from the vicinity of Kahili airfield.
A third TDR was lost before making any attack.
After the Ballale drop, one century was retained on each TDR for the Kahili Maru attack.
Gardens And Hut Areas: Gardens at Motupena Point and on Manualiai Island (S. of Shortland Island) and huts and gardens along the Puriata river were attacked by 24 SBDs and 8 F4Us which were weathered out of their primary target area, Ruri Bay.
The SBDs carried for the first time a load of one 500 lb. and 6 100 lb. bombs. Pilots reported that the new loading seemed to impair the speed and performance of the SBD, but said that the bombs dropped in a nice train about 10-20 feet apart. The steeper the dive the greater was the concentration of bombs.
Nine SBDs (VMSB 236) hit Motupena gardens, and 15 (VMSB 133) hit huts and gardens along the Puriata river 3 miles inland. One hut was destroyed and three were damaged.
Four F4Us hit Manualiai Island, where they cratered gardens; and strafed a barge at Nunu, probably killing the Nip who was fishing from it. Four more F4Us scored hits in the Puriata gardens 5 miles inland.
For the Record:
9 SBDs VMSB 236 0810 load 1x500 dr 9x500
6x100 54x100.
15 SBDs VMSB 133 0850 load 1x500 dr 15x500
6x100 90x100.
4 F4Us NZ 22 0915 load 1x1000 dr 4x1000.
4 F4Us NZ 22 0852 load 1x1000 dr 4x1000.
Ruri Bay Bivouac Area: A Nip bivouac area at Ruri Bay (NE Bougainville) was attacked by 28 F4Us carrying thousand pounders. Another 32 SBDs and F4Us, which were to have joined in the attack were weathered out. The F4Us put the majority of their bombs into the assigned target area about half a mile inland from Ruri Bay. Results were obscured by trees.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 22 0827 load 1x1000 dr 4x1000.
12 F4Us VMF 212 0840 load 1x1000 dr 11x1000.
12 F4Us VMO 251 0845 load 1x1000 dr 11x1000.
Attacks On Huts: Targets in Bougainville and Buka were hit by 12 F4Us which were prevented by weather from carrying out the Gazelle peninsula sweeps.
Four of the planes attacked Maigi Mission, where they smoked one hut and received meagre, inaccurate MG fire. Four more dropped their bombs on Togiu village, where they cratered a roadway running through the centre of huts. The last flight reported one hit among 12 huts at the base of a cliff at Lemankoa, and one near miss (5 to 10 yds.) on a group of 8-10 huts 3 miles SW of Lemankoa. In both cases results were unobserved.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 17 1335-1530 load 1x500 dr 12x500.
Nips and Trucks: The Bougainville patrols were again cancelled because of projected TDR activity.
Two F4Us on the Able-Charlie search strafed a Nip in a canoe off Rokuoi Island, NE of Shortland Island. They knocked pieces off the canoe, and probably off the Nip. They strafed 20 Nips in khaki uniform, some with rifles, at Toimonapu Pltn; 2 Nips at Lakuruai, possibly killing them; 3 or 4 huts at Komaliai point; and a "long-barrelled naval gun", believed to be a dummy, near Moila Point.
An FMAW TBF, searching for targets for its four quarter-tonners, found two trucks under camouflage on a road west of Porro river. The first bomb tore the camouflage off the trucks revealing two rows of oil drums. The next two bombs, 25 yard misses, apparently damaged the trucks and covered them with debris. The fourth, a 50 yd. miss, cratered the centre of the road.
The dawn patrol was negative; the dusk patrol was cancelled.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 17 0655-0925 Able-Charlie search.
1 TBF FMAW 0948-1116 load 4x500 dr 4x500.
4 F4Us NZ 17 0623-0734 Dawn patrol.
NEW IRELAND
(18 sorties-6 3/4 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Fourteen Emirau F4Us and 2 NZ PVs maintained patrols over north New Ireland. They dropped 24 quarter-tonners with no observed results. The weather was fair to poor and one flight was forced to return to base. Intense, accurate medium (40mm) fire was received from Kavieng, and meagre, inaccurate medium (20mm) from Balus.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 211 , load 1x500 dr 12x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 0540-1840 load 6x500 12x500.
SEARCHES FOR 20 OCTOBER
Beefsteak searches 1, 2, 3 Baker 31 reported 100 percent track and cover, no sightings and weather good. Brewer searches 1, 2 Bakor 32 were also reported negative with 100 percent track and cover and squalls over base and 300 miles out. Both Tarbaby and Charcoal were prevented by weather from carrying out their scheduled cooperation with Green PTs.
For the Record:
2 PV-1 (VPB 130) Admiralties 300 mile search sectors.
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile search sectors.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 16, 2021 11:07:32 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 22 October 1944.
One hundred and twenty-six sorties were flown yesterday, the majority of them over New Britain. One of the Rabaul patrols caught between 20 and 30 barges loaded with personnel and supplies in Keravia Bay. The F4Us sank five of the barges and probably killed many personnel on the others. The main strike was against the Tawui Point guns, which were hit by 41 Green SBDs and F4Us with apparently good results. The Gazelle peninsula sweeps also had a more productive day than usual. Activity over Bougainville and New Ireland was light. The only strike in the Bougainville area was one by 15 SBDs against buildings and emplacements on Teop harbour.
NEW BRITAIN
(69 sorties-24 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Only the three afternoon sweeps got through to Gazelle Perinsula.
The F4Us on the Gazelle-Lemingi sweep destroyed one hut and damaged three at the W. end of Bulung plantation; cratered the coastal road one mile N. of Warangoi; and knocked out the middle of a 40 ft. bridge over the N. mouth of the Warangoi.
The Put Put-Kerevat destroyed one and damaged 2 other large buildings 2 miles S. of Malabunga; destroyed 3 of a group of 4 or 5 huts in a coconut plantation midway between Rapitok and Malabunga; and, in a strafing attack, caused an explosion (with a large white flash and a big puff of brown smoke) in a pile of camouflaged stores in Wat Wat plantation. Heavy squalls and low cloud prevented a search for Zekes reported at Tobera.
Six bursts of heavy and medium inaccurate A/A were encountered when the planes were flying at 3500' just south of Kurrajong between Tobera and Warangoi. Three muzzle-flashes were seen from a known heavy position at Bitapaka, but it was impossible to tell whether the bursts originated at this point.
The Duke of York-Pondo planes dropped all their bombs on Marrer village, Duke of York Island, causing a violent explosion with flames to the tops of the trees and black smoke 200 ft. high. When visited an hour later, the site of this explosion appeared burned out.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 17 1110-1510 load 1x500 dr 12x500.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(41 sorties-10 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Five Bougainville patrols were flown by NZ 22 and in addition the three morning Gazelle peninsula sweeps, weathered out of New Britain, bombed and strafed opportunity targets on Bougainville and Buka. The first patrol holed a 30' canoe in Pirumeri channel and sighted two large oil slicks between Bauvo and Fauro Islands. These slicks were investigated and reported to be about 100 yards in diameter. An object described as a rusty-looking mine was seen floating near the surface between the slicks.
The patrols strafed huts, gardens, camp-fires and Nips, of whom at least three were killed. A 20' to 30' outrigger canoe was sunk.
The 12 F4Us of NZ 17 which were weathered out of New Britain destroyed three huts and damaged one at Cape Tandeki; scored a direct hit in the area of 7-8 native huts on the beach at Moigusiai Island; and dropped other bombs on huts in the Shortland Island are with unobserved results.
The dawn patrol was negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 22 0620-1530 Bougainville patrols. Strafing.
12 F4Us NZ 17 0707-0923 load 1x500 dr 12x500.
4 F4Us NZ 22 0615-0740 Dawn patrol.
NEW IRELAND
(11 sorties-4 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The North New Ireland-Kavieng patrols were flown, in the morning only, by 6 F4Us and one PV from Emirau. The F4Us hit Ray plantation and Mane Island and strafed two launches and one barge docked at Nusalik Island. The PV fired a hut at Lemakot, and strafed gardens.
For the Record:
6 F4Us VMF 313 load 1x500 dr 6x500
1 PV NZ 3 0540-1335 6x500 dr 6x500.
SEARCHES FOR 21 OCTOBER
Beefsteak searches 1, 2, 3 Baker 31 reported 100 percent track and cover in sectors Tare and Uncle and 90 percent track and 100 percent cover in sector Victor. Weather was reported good north of Mussau and bad between base and Mussau. At 0945 Love at 03° north and 152° 34' east a tanker was sighted which failed to give any recognition signal.
Brewer searches 1, 2 Baker 32 reported 100 percent track and cover with negative sightings and good weather except for scattered thunder showers.
The scheduled Cat cooperation with PTs was cancelled on account of the weather.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 17, 2021 10:37:41 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 23 October 1944.
Weather brought activity over Bougainville and New Britain yesterday to a complete stand-still. Except for a minor escort mission, Piva planes were grounded throughout the day; and Green was able to get off only a small strike by PBJs. Emirau maintained the north New Ireland patrols and launched two strikes against plantation areas—one of which had to bomb through cloud.
NEW IRELAND
(47 sorties-17 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: North New Ireland patrols were flown by 14 Emirau F4Us and two PVs. The F4Us damaged a house at Koka and started large fires on Kavieng strip. Weather prevented damage assessment at Patlangat, Balus, Kavieng, Lebrechtshof and Bolegila. The PVs destroyed two huts at Panaras. Results of their bombing of the bivouac area south of Roland Young plantation were unobserved.
Pilots reported that the Pinikindu bridge was being rebuilt, and that the Balgai strip was being enlarged.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 115 load 1x500 dr 12x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 0630-1715 load 6x500 dr 12x500.
SEARCHES FOR 22 OCTOBER
Beefsteak searches 1, 2, 3 Baker 31 reported 100 percent track and cover, weather fair and no sightings.
Brewer searches 1, 2 Baker 31 also reported 100 percent track and cover and no sightings with a front from 25 to 75 miles out and heavy rain with visibility 0 to 3 miles.
The scheduled Cat cooperation with PTs was cancelled on account of the weather.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile search.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 17, 2021 10:42:14 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 24 October 1944.
The weather yesterday again prevented activity over New Britain. Projected strikes against Praed Point and Keravia Bay had to be cancelled, and none of the sweeps or patrols was able to get through to its assigned area. A TDR strike against the hulks in Kahili harbour resulted in three direct hits. The usual Bougainville patrols were suspended because of this activity, but 16 Piva F4Us which had been weathered out of the Gazelle peninsula attacked targets in Buka. Patrols were maintained over Kavieng, and two minor attacks were made on plantation areas.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(35 sorties-5 1/2 tons)
Three Direct Hits on Kahili Hulks: Six TDR aircraft were expended yesterday in a further attack on hulks in Kahili harbour. Three direct hits were scored on the hulks. One TDR missed its target by only 15 feet, and another by 200 feet—in both cases because of personnel failure. The sixth TDR was lost on the way to the target because of material failure. One TDR drew light, inaccurate medium fire from Kangu Hill.
Buka Huts Destroyed: Targets in Buka and N. Bougainville were hit by 16 F4Us which had been weathered out from their assigned sweeps in New Britain. Dropping quarter-tonners, they destroyed three huts and damaged two S. of Lontis; possibly damaged 7-8 huts midway between Lontis and Cape Dunganon; scored direct hits on gardens at Pau Pltn. and W. of Ruri Bay; and bombed—with unobserved results—huts S. of Tahitahi and huts at Tanamala. One burst of inaccurate, medium A/A seen at 3000' at the NE tip of Sohana Island.
For the Record:
16 F4Us NZ 17(12) 0730-1010 load 1x500 dr 14x500.
NZ 22(4)
Reduced Patrol Activity: The usual Bougainville patrols were cancelled on account of TDR activity. The dawn patrol planes sank a 25 ft. out-rigger canoe at Merok and killed the Jap who was sailing it. They strafed 8 other Japs with unobserved results. The dusk patrol was negative. Two F4Us on the Able-Charlie search strafed huts, gardens and a pontoon barge 4 ft. wide and 10 ft. long at Tenwa on Katitj Island.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 22 0620-0850(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1710-1757(4)
2 F4Us NZ 22 0630-0835 Able-Charlie search.
Ruri Bay Supply Area: The reported Nip supply area at Ruri Bay. was attacked by 8 F4Us of NZ 22. The planes reported 7 hits in the area, with good coverage.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 22 1325-1330 load 1x500 dr 8x500.
NEW IRELAND
(21 sorties-11 tons)
Plantation Areas Hit: Lemakot and Fangelawa bivouac areas were targets for three PVs from Emirau. They dropped four tons in the target area with unobserved results.
Four PBJs from Green attacked huts at Maritsean pltn. with 24 parafrags. Results were again unobserved.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ 3 1130 load 6x500 dr 17x500.
4 PBJs VMB 423 1430 load 6x100 dr 24x100. (parafrags)
North New Ireland Patrols: Patrols were maintained over the Kavieng area for the greater part of the day by 12 F4Us and 2 PVs from Emirau. Weather was bad to fair. The planes dropped a total of 22 quarter-tonners, the only observed result being a 3000 ft. column of black smoke from Kavieng.
For the Record:
12 F4Us VMF 211 load 1x500 dr 10x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 0710-1915 load 6x500 12x500.
NEW BRITAIN
(1 sortie-3/4 ton)
SEARCHES FOR 23 OCTOBER
Beefsteak searches reported 100 percent track and cover in sectors Uncle and Tare, 2, 3 Baker 31 and 60 percent track and 40 percent cover in sector Victor 1 Baker 31. All searches were reported negative and weather was fair to poor.
Brewer searches 1 and 2 Baker 32 reported 100 percent track and 95 and 85 percent coverage respectively and all sightings were friendly. Scattered showers and poor visibility were responsible for the reduced coverage.
The scheduled Cat cooperation with PT's was again weathered out.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 17, 2021 11:22:48 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 25 October 1944.
Activity yesterday was restored to something like a normal scale, with 73 sorties over New Ireland, 63 over Bougainville and 21 over New Britain. Eight Green F4Us made an unsuccessful bombing and strafing attack on the two Zekes on Tobera strip (photographed on October 19), and 4 of them were holed by intense and accurate A/A. Confirming the photo interpretation, pilots reported the Zekes appeared serviceable. SBDs, F4Us, PBJs and PVs were all engaged in the New Ireland strikes, which covered a wide area. On Bougainville a heavy attack was made against a suspected Nip concentration at Panga.
NEW IRELAND
(73 sorties - 40 tons)
Buildings, Bridges and Bivouacs: Assigned and opportunity targets in New Ireland were attacked by 36 SBDs, 8 PBJs, 8 F4Us, and 3 PVs from Green and Emirau.
Four Green PBJs and 8 F4Us put all their bombs in the area of buildings near the Gereu river with unobserved results. The 3 PVs attacked the Fangelawa Bay area and Ulunono plantation, reporting near misses on the Lumis bridge and damage to the main road at Ulunono. Another 4 PBJs dropped 24 parafrags on buildings in Dampit plantation.
Attacking opportunity targets, the SBDs reported direct hits on three huts in Konebio plantation, on one hut in Langobut plantation, and on a bridge over a river between Kandaus and Kombom plantation. Damaging hits were reported on a hut and a building in Pummalum pltn. and on the south Salik river bridge.
For the Record:
4 PBJs VMB 423) 0940 (load 6x100(parafrags) dr 24x100
8 F4Us VMF 222) ( " 1x500 " 8x500
3 PVs NZ 3 1005 " 6x500 " 18x500
4 PBJs VMB 423 1600 " 6x100 " 24x100
36 SBDs VMSB 244 1005 and 1500 load 1x1000 dr 36x1000
2x100 72x100
North New Ireland Patrols: Patrols over Kavieng and north New Ireland were maintained throughout the day by 14 F4Us and 2 PVs from Emirau. The F4Us reported a near miss on a bridge at Lossu plantation, the destruction of a building near Kavieng strip, and the bombing of Kimidan, Roland Young, Kapsu and Ulunono plantation areas. The PVs destroyed four huts and cratered a highway near Panatgin plantation, and bombed the Cape Lemeris area. They encountered meagre, inaccurate light from Lemeris.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 313) (load 1x100 (8) dr. 8x1000
) 0640-1855 ( 1x500 (6) 6x500
2 PVs NZ 3 ) (load 6x500 dr.12x500
NEW BRITAIN
(21 sorties - 7 1/2 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: The Gazelle Peninsula sweeps were flown in the afternoon only, and one of these was weathered out from its assigned area. All activity in the morning was suspended on account of projected strikes by New Guinea heavies. Planes on the Put Put-Keravat sweep demolished three huts at the SE end of Keravat experimental farm, and barely missed a glass-house in the same area. The Cape Gazelle-Lemingi sweep attacked a large camouflaged tractor moving on a road in the SE corner of Tokua plantation. They missed it with two quarter-tonners, but probably damaged it by strafing.
The Duke of York-Pondo sweep was weathered out. The F4Us dropped their bombs in the area of huts and gardens at Tongol. They strafed and probably damaged a truck on the coast road at Talili Bay; and riddled two huts and a large row boat at Solasola. One plane was hit in the engine by a rifle bullet while strafing the truck.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 22 1340-1710 load 1x500 dr. 11x500 one plane damaged
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(63 sorties - 26 1/2 tons)
Heavy Attack on Panga: A suspected Nip concentration at Panga, South of Arawa Bay, E coast Bougainville, was hit by a force of 13 SBDs and 40 F4Us from Piva with a total of 26 1/2 tons of bombs.
All flights reported good coverage of the area. Results generally were obscured by trees, but by the time the last flight of F4Us reached the target the bomb smoke had cleared and they saw that many gardens and villages had been hit. The area was thoroughly strafed.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 22 0655 load 1x1000 dr. 8x1000
8 F4Us NZ 17 0700 " 1x1000 " 8x1000
12 F4Us VMF 212 0725 " 1x1000 " 11x1000
12 F4Us VMO 251 0745 " 1x1000 " 12x1000
13 SBDs VMSB 133 0800 " 1x500 " 13x500
6x100 78x100
Bougainville Search: The Bougainville patrols were again suspended because of projected TDR activity.
Two F4Us on the Able-Charlie search strafed huts on the NE coast of Buka and at Tsundawan, and killed 3 Nips at Butchkombo.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
Another 10,000 propaganda leaflets were dropped by an FMAW TBF.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 16 0915-1150 Able-Charlie search.
8 F4Us NZ 17 0617-0714 (4) Dawn and Dusk patrols.
1730-1825 (4)
SEARCHES FOR OCTOBER 24
(7 sorties - 2 1/2 tons)
Beefsteak searches 1,2,3 Baker 31 reported only friendly sightings. Weather was reported as follows: in sector Victor 6 tenths cumulus cloud cover and visibility 25 miles, in sector Uncle 3 tenths cumulus cloud cover with 25 miles visibility and in sector Taro scattered showers, 4 to 7 tenths cloud cover and 20 miles visibility. Track and cover were not reported.
Brewer searches reported 100 percent track and cover, sightings negative and weather good with scattered light showers.
Sambo operating in cooperating with Treasury PTs bombed Kieta strip on Bougainville, sector Easy, and Nukiki, Choiseul, sector Queen. Tarbaby was not airborne and Charcoal, weathered out of its assigned sectors in New Ireland worked Tarbaby's sectors Uncle and Peter on Southwest New Ireland and Northwest Gazelle peninsula.
For the Record:
2 PV-1s (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PV-1s (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PBY5As (VPB-44) Green PT cooperation 6x500 G.P. inst.
15x100 Mag. Cluster.
26x20 Frags.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 18, 2021 10:52:32 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 26 October 1944.
With all strikes and patrols from Green and Emirau cancelled by weather, yesterday was again a day of light activity in the NorSols area. The only sizeable strike—by 31 Piva F4Us—was weathered out of Panga (Bougainville) and hit a secondary target in the reported bivouac area at Ruri Bay. Four F4Us on the Put Put-Keravat sweep made an unsuccessful search for the two Tobera Zekes, which later photographs showed to be still in the same place. These Zekes were first photographed on October 19 and have apparently not been moved despite the attack made on them by 8 F4Us on October 24. A photograph of Lakunai airfield showed that a Zeke previously considered unserviceable had been moved from the SW dispersal loop to the centre of the SW side of the runway, and now appeared serviceable.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(52 sorties-16 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: The Bougainville patrols were resumed after a two days' break. Five patrols were flown, the fifth having to return early on account of weather. The planes strafed huts, gardens and Nips in many localities, especially in the Shortland area. One Nip was claimed killed with 10 "probables". Four to five huts on Farumo Island, W. of Shortland Island, were reported probably damaged.
Four F4Us, weathered out from the Cape Gazelle-Lemingi sweep, cratered two gardens near Gohi and Chabai. They scored a direct hit on huts at Wariki, but the bomb failed to explode.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 22 0605-1640 Bougainville patrols.
4 F4Us NZ 17 0620-0900 load 1x500 dr 4x500.
7 F4Us NZ 22 0610-0725(3) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1712-1805(4)
NEW BRITAIN
(8 sorties-2 tons)
Search for Zekes on Tobera: An unsuccessful search was made yesterday by 4 Piva F4Us for the two Zekes which were photographed in the SE taxiloop at Tobera and which were attacked there the previous day by 8 Green F4Us. The F4Us searched the airfield from 1500' without finding any aircraft in the SE revetment.
However, a photograph taken at 1010—after this search-showed the Zekes in the same place as before.
The F4Us carried out the morning Put Put-Keravat sweep. They dropped their four quarter-tonners on huts on Watom Island, scoring a direct hit in the middle of the huts with one bomb (damage
unobserved) and destroying three detached huts with another. They strafed a 3-ton truck in Tobera plantation, riddling it and leaving it smoking.
Four F4Us on the morning Duke of York-Pondo sweep strafed and smoked huts near Lassul Bay and fired a parked truck between Keravat and Tavilo pltn. Black smoke from the truck rose to 700 ft.
The third morning sweep failed to reach New Britain. The afternoon sweeps were cancelled.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 17 0615-1010 load 1x500 dr 8x500.
NEW IRELAND
North New Ireland Patrols: Two Emirau F4Us and one PV set out on the Kavieng patrol at 0700 but were forced back by weather. All other patrols and all strikes from Emirau were cancelled.
SEARCHES FOR 25 OCTOBER
(8 sorties, 2 tons dropped)
Brewer, Baker 32 searches were 100 percent track and 80 percent cover. All sightings were reported friendly and weather reported as a 60 mile front 130 miles out with thunderstorms. Beefsteak 31 searches reported 65 percent track and cover in area Victor, 1 Baker 31 and 70 percent track and cover in areas Uncle and Tare, 2, 3 Baker 31. Weather was reported as poor.
Tarbaby bombed Kulu Plantation and Makiki in sector Easy, east coast of Bougainville and then jettisoned remaining bombs to escort a crippled PT to base.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PBY5A (VPB-44) PT cooperation dr 6x500 GP.
2x500 Incend.
36x20 Frags.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 18, 2021 17:22:32 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY FOR WEEK ENDING TUESDAY, 24 OCTOBER, 1944.
UNITS AND LOCATIONS TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
VF-79 (RAAF) 13 SPIT 10 15 VF-79
VS-61 15 SBD-5 14 18 VS-61
1 SB2C-1 1
1 J2F-6 1
VPB-130 15 PV-1 15 36 VPB-130
FAW-10 5 PBY-5 2 0 HEDRON 10
EMIRAU
VMF-115 22 F4U 22 34 VMF-115
VMF-211 22 F4U-1D 22 32 VMF-211
VMF-313 22 FG-1A 20 29 VMF-313
VMSB-142 21 SBD-6 20 33 VMSB-142
VMSB-243 22 SBD-5 22 47 VMSB-243
*VMD-254 0 0 11 VMD-254
VMB-413 10 PBJ-1D 9 26 VMB-413
VMB-433 11 PBJ-1D 11 45 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ-1D 12 42 VMB-443
VPB-137 6 PV-1 6 8 PATSU-1-9
VPB-148 8 PV-1 8 21 PATSU-1-9
NZ-3 17 PV-1 15 16 NZ # 10 S.U.
GREEN
VMF-218 20 F4U 20 31 VMF-218
VMF-222 19 F4U 19 52 VMF-222
VM8B-244 21 SBD-5 21 36 VMSB-244
VMSB-341 22 SBD-6 22 49 VMSB-341
VMB-423 11 PBJ-1D 11 42 VMB-423
VPB-44 15 PBY-5A 15 57 PATSU-1-11
**VPB-52 15 PBY-5 12 51 PATSU-1-11
BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251 21 F4U 21 30 VMO-251
VMF-212 22 F4U 22 29 VMF-212
VMF-223 22 F4U 22 30 VMF-223
VMSB-133 22 SBD-6 21 43 VMSB-133
VMSB-236 5 SBD-5 5 25 VMSB-236
VMR-152 17 R4D-5 15 64 VMR-152
VMR-153 15 R4D-5 14 59 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO 5 F5A 5 8 17TH PHOTO
1 RA-24B 1
NZ-17 18 F4U-1 18 20 NZ # 2 S.U.
NZ-22 18 F4U-1 17 22 NZ # 4 S.U.
MUNDA
VMSB-241 21 SBD-5 21 49 VMSB-241
* Awaiting transportation to U.S.
** As of 17 October. (No current report received)
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 18, 2021 17:45:37 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 27 October 1944.
New Britain was still shielded by weather yesterday, and only 16 sorties were flown in that area. In a strafing attack, F4Us hit one of the two reportedly serviceable Tobera Zekes. Two of the F4Us, however, were holed by intense, accurate medium A/A, and one had to make a water landing. A TDR attack resulted in two hits on buildings near the Rabaul Club and one direct hit on the Cape St. George lighthouse. The single Gazelle peninsula sweep that was flown was more than usually productive.
In Bougainville another sizeable attack was made on the Panga area, and F4Us which were weathered out of New Britain hit Shortland and Fauro Islands. Varied targets in New Ireland were hit by a total of 44 planes.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(76 sorties-25 tons)
Shortland-Fauro Area: Targets in the Shortland-Fauro area were attacked by 12 F4Us of NZ 22 which were prevented by weather from carrying out their assigned sweeps of Gazelle peninsula.
The F4Us placed one quarter-tonner among buildings near a jetty on Fauro Island opposite Bauvo Island; scored a hit and a near miss on the land end of the. jetty; demolished two of three large bamboo huts S. of Kalia (Fauro Is.); and dropped three quarter-tonners on Poporang ridge, with unobserved results.
In strafing attacks, they sank an outrigger canoe off Tauno Is., smoked one hut of a number attacked along the coast between Kokonai and Aliang, and hit huts and gardens from Komaliai point to Fosiai Bay. One flight received rifle fire from a Nip whom they strafed at Hiru Hiru. A fourth flight of 4 F4Us bombed and strafed the Ruri Bay supply area. Results were unobserved.
For the Record:
16 F4Us NZ 22 0700-1220 load 1x500 dr 15x500.
Bougainville Patrols: Many encounters with small parties of Nips were reported by the 5 Bougainville patrols and the two Able-Charlie search planes. At least 6 Nips were killed, and probably more.
The first patrol smoked a tin hut at Kieta harbour and made two low strafing runs on a native hut with a lean-to near Kobuan Bay. The second patrol strafed huts on the south coasts of Shortland and Fauro Islands, and a garden on the S. tip of Farumo Is. The third pair of F4Us killed three Nips fishing in a 12 ft. wooden dinghy between Sanai and Boiluputu Islands (NE of Shortland Is.), blew the dinghy to pieces, and killed two other Nips on Fauro Is.
The Able-Charlie search, which was flown at midday, killed a Nip at Lakuruai, smoked the dummy wooden naval gun at Moila Pt. and strafed huts on the S. coast of Morgusiai Is.
The last two patrols smoked a hut in Halold village (SW Shortland), which was later confirmed as destroyed; destroyed two canoes off Rokuoi Island and attacked the Nips in them; and strafed three other groups of Nips with unobserved results. One group of 3 Nips caught near Kieta ran out and with 9 or more others got into a large log-revetted dug-out. Bullets entered the dug-out door and caused a small explosion. The dawn patrol was negative.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 17 0610-1811 Bougainville patrols. Able-Charlie search.
4 F4Us NZ 17 0??5 Dawn patrol.
NEW IRELAND
(44 sorties-18 tons)
Huts and Plantation Areas: Huts and plantation areas in N. and S. New Ireland were attacked by 32 planes from Green and Emirau-15 F4Us, 8 PBJs, 6 SBDs and 3 PVs.
Four PBJs and 7 F4Us destroyed 4 huts and one 20' x 60' building at Metlik plantation. Moderate, inaccurate light and medium fire was received 2 miles inland from Metlik.
Four PBJs dropped 24 parafrag clusters on huts at Cape Siara with unobserved results.
The Fangelawa plantation area was attacked by 3 PVs. They put all their bombs on the target, but heavy smoke obscured results.
Another 8 F4Us accompanied by 6 SBDs dropped their bombs on the Kapsu plantation—Lossuk Bay area. They cratered a road and started an oil fire.
Meagre, accurate light A/A between Lossuk and Mongai Bays holed one SBD.
For the Record:
4 PBJs VMB 423 load 6x100 dr 24x100.
7 F4Us VMF 218 load 1x500 dr 7x500.
4 PBJs VMB 423 1450 load 6x100 dr 24x100.
3 PVs NZ 3 1026 load 4x500 dr 12x500
2x100 6x100. (incend)
8 F4Us VMF 115 1300 load 1x1000 dr 8x1000.
6 SBDs VMSB 142 load 1x1000 dr 6x1000. One plane dam
North New Ireland Patrols: The Kavieng patrols were carried out by 10 F4Us and 2 PVs from Emirau. The F4Us destroyed three buildings in the Kavieng bivouac area and bombed the Roland Young and Logagon plantation areas and huts at Malapai. The Mane Island barge hide-out was the target for the two PVs, which dropped 4 quarter-tonners and two incendiary centuries in the area. They strafed and fired a loaded truck in Katu plantation.
For the Record:
10 F4Us VMF 211(8) 1x500 dr 8x500.
VMF 115(2) 0625-1730
2 PVs NZ 3 4x500 dr 4x500
2x100 2x100.
NEW BRITAIN
(16 sorties-6 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweep: The only sweep which reached the Gazelle peninsula covered the Cape Gazelle-Lemingi track as far as the Mango river. With 3 of their bombs the 4 F4Us overshot three stationery motor trucks on a road between Wat Wat and Gilalum plantations. They then riddled the trucks with bullets, but failed to flame them. The fourth quarter-tonner was a direct hit on a stationary truck loaded with lumber under trees in Ralabang pltn. The truck was left a mass of flames, with a large column of black smoke.
The planes then strafed a motor car about 1 1/2 miles from Rapopo on the Bitapaka road. The car ran off the road and turned over against coconut trees. Other strafing attacks killed two Nips on the beach near the Mango river mouth and two on the beach opposite Talilis pltn.
For the Record:
4 F4Us NZ 17 1205-1510 load 1x500 dr 4x500.
Cape St. George Lighthouse Reported Hit: Two hits in the close proximity of the Rabaul club and one direct hit on the Cape St. George lighthouse were reported after yesterdays TDR attack.
All the TDRs exploded. The two which reached the Rabaul target area drew inaccurate medium A/A fire from Hospital Ridge. A fourth TDR was lost at the SW tip of Duke of York Island.
SEARCHES FOR 26 OCTOBER
(5 sorties)
Brewer Baker 32 searches reported 100 percent track, 85 percent cover, only friendly sightings and rain and thunderstorms. Beefsteak Baker 31 searches reported an average of 90 percent track, 100 percent cover, only friendly sightings and slightly overcast weather with 30 mile visibility.
For the Record:
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 18, 2021 18:19:58 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 28 October 1944.
Yesterday was Truck Day on the Gazelle Peninsula. A total of 31 trucks and one tank were attacked and hit by F4Us on the regular sweeps and patrols. One truck exploded, and 11 others were burned, smoked or more or less badly damaged. In addition one truck was destroyed by a New Ireland patrol.
The major strike of the day was made by 54 Emirau PBJs, F4Us and SBDs against buildings and gun positions at Praed Point. Photos showed 12 buildings and an observation tower destroyed and many hits in the A/A area.
The two Tobera Zekes—one of which had its tail damaged apparently in the attack on October 26—came in for their share of attention yesterday. Further hits were reported on one of the Nip planes. One F4U was damaged over Tobera, and 7 other planes were damaged in attacks during the day.
NEW BRITAIN
(90 sorties-41 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Another attack was made on the Tobera Zekes by 4 F4Us of NZ 17 which strafed the two Nip planes in line abreast in a dive from 4000 to 1500 ft. Tracers were seen entering one Zeke but results were unobserved.
Flying the Put Put-Keravat sweep, these 4 F4Us strafed a parked truck loaded with boxes N. of Kabaira pltn. The truck exploded and burned for 45 minutes, with smoke rising to 500 feet. The planes also strafed and hit another truck and a pile of boxes SE of Waitavalo, and probably hit 6 Nips near Keravat.
An earlier sweep over the same track sighted a Nip tank with a turret 1 1/2 miles NW of Vunapit on the Napapar-Tavilo road. One quarter-tonner was a 15-yard miss, and strafing proved ineffective against the tank which returned fire with its turret. The F4Us strafed and hit nine trucks, of which three were left smoking. Two Nips were killed, and a fire was started from which white smoke rose to 200 feet. A second quarter-tonner was a direct hit on a stack of about 100 44-gallon drums. The drums were scattered and a billow of blue smoke arose.
MG flashes were seen from 4 guns in pits along the top of a ridge near Vunadia.
In bombing attacks, eight F4Us on the two Duke of York-Pondo sweeps destroyed 7 and damaged 4 huts and cratered a garden near Cape Liguan; and caused a bridge over the Keravat river to sag. They strafed and hit a total of 11 trucks, of which two were smoked another two were described as "riddled", and a fifth was splintered. They also strafed 40 huts on Utuan Is., two possibly serviceable barges, and three Nips; and smoked a jetty and a building.
Three F4Us were holed; one felt the impact while over the Tobaule river, one while over the Bulup river; and the third was hit by MG from a position near Napapar which was subsequently strafed and silenced. Only one flight carried out the Cape Gazelle-Lemingi sweep. With their bombs the planes badly damaged three of 6 large native huts at Korai (near Karanga Bay) and an undetermined number of huts in Mokurapau pltn. One plane was holed by MG fire which was encountered from a number of positions around Tobera while the flight was investigating the Zekes.
For the Record:
20 F4Us NZ 17 0700-1545 load 1x500 dr 19x500. 4 planes damaged.
NEW IRELAND
(50 sorties-23 tons)
Buildings and Plantation Areas: Assorted targets in New Ireland were hit by 23 SBDs, 8 PBJs and 4 F4Us from Green and by 3 PVs from Emirau. The SBDs destroyed 4 buildings at Maget pltn., one possibly serviceable barge in a cove S. of Chinese pltn., 3 huts in King Bay and 2 huts in Kombon pltn. They damaged huts S. of the UJam river, a barge ramp S. of Chinese pltn. and three huts at Cape Semalu. Moderate, inaccurate light A/A was received from Kianbi pltn. Eight PBJs dropped 48 centuries in the Maron pltn. and Condor point areas with unobserved results. An unsuccessful attack was made on the Salik river bridge by F4Us with quarter tonners. Fires were started at Fangelama by 3 PVs which dropped 12 quarter tonners and 6 incendiary centuries on their target. The area was left burning fiercely with columns of smoke.
For the Record:
23 SBDs VMSB 244 1255-1535 load 1x1000 dr 23x1000.
8 PBJs VMB 423 1105 & 1530 load 6x100 dr 48x100.
4 F4Us VMF 222 1150-1210 load 1x500 dr 4x500.
3 PVs NZ 3 1030 load 4x500 dr 12x500
2x100 6x100. (incend.)
North New Ireland Patrols: The north New Ireland patrols were flown by 10 F4Us and 2 PVs from Emirau. The PVs started two fires in Sicacui pltn. The F4Us destroyed a truck in Kapsu plantation, started a fire in Kafkaf supply area, damaged a bridge at Logagon pltn., and bombed the Mane Island barge hide-out. Meagre, inaccurate light MG was encountered N. of Panapai strip.
For the Record:
10 F4Us VMF 313 1x500 dr 10x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 0640-1850 4x500 dr 8x500
2x100
4x100. (incend)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(20 sorties—1 ton)
Bougainville Patrols: Three Bougainville patrols and the Able-Charlie search were flown yesterday by NZ 22. In addition, targets in Buka were hit by 4 F4Us which had been weathered out from New Britain.
The patrols strafed huts on Farumo Is., Fauro Is., Komaliai Pt. and near Kieta strip; and observation post at Fosiai Bay; a row of boxes 50' x 6' x 6' and two garden shelters at Komaliai Pt.; guns at Moila Pt.; a clearing at Tokuaka; a jetty at Kupala Bay; and guns at Moila Pt. In each case results were unobserved. Four Nips were killed in the surf.
Weathered out from the Cape Gazelle-Lemingi sweep, 4 F4Us unsuccessfully bombed jetties on the N. and S. sides of Buka Passage and strafed through the channel twice. One plane was holed by meagre, accurate A/A from the N. tip of Sohana Island.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 22 0610-1455 Bougainville patrols.
4 F4Us NZ 17 0910-1040 load 1x500 dr 4x500. One plane dam.
8 F4Us NZ 22 0623-0720(4)
1712-1800(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
RAAF BEAUFORTS HIT TOBERA
Two flights each of 6 RAAF Beauforts from New Guinea hit Tobera at 2013-2035 on the night of 26/27. They dropped a total of tons on the area and started fires.
SEARCHES FOR 27 OCTOBER
(7 sorties-1 ton of bombs dr.)
Beefsteak searches reported 90 percent track and cover in sectors Tare, 3 Baker 31 and Victor, 1 Baker 31, and 85 percent track and 60 percent cover in sector Uncle, 2 Baker 31. Cloud cover was reported as 5 tenths with visibility 25 miles. Brewer searches reported 100 percent track and 50 percent cover in sector Able, 1 Baker 32 and 100 percent track and 95 percent cover in sector Baker, 2 Baker 32. It was also reported that all sightings were friendly and that in sector Able thunder-storms were encountered.
During the night of 26/27 October Sambo bombed Nukiki Plantation sector Queen, N.W. Choiseul and bombed and strafed a possible personnel concentration 1 mile NE of Kieta strip, sector Easy, Bougainville. Charcoal was turned back by weather.
Far the Record:
2 PV-1 (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT cooperation dr 3x500 GP Inst.
1x500 Incend.
20x20 Frags.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 19, 2021 10:37:58 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 29 October 1944.
Bougainville was the centre of yesterday's activity. Eighty-eight sorties were flown in the area and 28 tons of bombs were dropped — mostly on the reported Nip supply area at Panga (Rumba) North-west of Kieta. The Bougainville patrols had a good day with the Nips, bringing back a score of 13 certain kills.
Emirau planes were on training, and activity over New Ireland was therefore only moderate. The Gazelle peninsula was reserved for the New Guinea heavies in the morning, and in the afternoon it was closed in by weather. None of the scheduled sweeps and patrols reached the Rabaul area.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(88 sorties - 28 tons)
Panga Supply Area: The reported ammunition dump and supply area at Panga (or Rumba), south of Arawa Bay, was hit - for the third time in 5 days - by 47 Piva F4Us with 23 tons of bombs. Good coverage was reported, but results were unobserved except for white and brown smoke. The targets were thoroughly strafed. One flight reported possible inaccurate heavy A/A from the neighborhood of a bridge between Guaba and Musinau, near Arawa Bay.
For the Record:
16 F4Us VMO 251 0715-0730 load 1x1000 dr. 16x1000
12 F4Us NZ 22 0735 " 1x1000 " 12x1000
15 F4Us VMF 212 0745 " 1x1000 " 14x1000
4 F4Us NZ 17 0755 " 1x1000 " 4x1000
Minor Bougainville Targets: A stack of boxes at Komaliai, 50 ft. long and 8 ft. high, was obliterated in an attack by 8 F4Us with two tons of bombs. Nine SBDs put 14 centuries on to a garden at Karolingar, south of Buka Passage. Considerable activity was reported in this area.
Two FMAW TBFs made a bombing and strafing attack on a truck containing 8 Nips and towing a howitzer W. on Kahili road by Aku. Two craters in the road were the only observed results.
Another FMAW TBF dropped 10,000 leaflets between Mosigetta and Monoitu and at Kieta, Ibu and Sisivie.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 22 1010 load 1x500 dr. 8x500
9 SBDs VMSB 133 0950 " 2x100 " 18x100
2 TBFs FMAW 1430 " 4x500 " 5x500
Bougainville Patrols: At least 13 Nips were strafed and killed by the Bougainville patrol planes yesterday. Nine of these were caught in a pontoon boat about 16 ft long and 8 ft wide near the shore of a bay on the W side of Toma harbour (Fauro Is.)
Two F4Us strafed the boat, and only one out of the 10 Nips in it got ashore. The other nine were left dead in the water, trailing blood; and the boat sank stern first. Four other Nips were killed near Halold (1), at Cape Friendship (2), and on Morgusiai Is. (1).
Additional targets for strafing were a cooking fire at Komaliai a cook-house near Kieta harbour (the roof was riddled); 5 to 6 huts at Fosiai Bay; a large native hut near Kariki (smoked); and 4 blankets near Cape Suhin.
Weathered out of New Britain, 4 F4Us bombed huts at Marowa Pt. and destroyed the approach to a bridge at Iwi plantation and damaged the bridge. The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 17 0605-1755 Bougainville patrols and Able-Charlie search.
4 F4Us VMF 223 1500 load 1x500 dr. 4x500
8 F4Us NZ 17 0800-0720 (4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1730-1840 (4)
NEW IRELAND
(37 sorties - 17 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The north New Ireland patrols were flown by 14 F4Us and 3 PVs from Emirau. The F4Us, dropping quarter-tonners, damaged a road at Pinikindu killed 3 Nips in gardens at Panapai, damaged buildings at Fessoa, and reported hits at Balus, Ulunono, Kavieng, Sicacui, Koka and Cape Bolegila with unobserved results. The PVs damaged huts and a road at Kimidan, and huts at Patlangat. Meagre, accurate light A/A from Kimidan holed one PV.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 211) 0730-1710 (1x500 dr. 14x500
(4x500 " 8x500
2 PVs NZ 3 ) (2x100 4x100 (incend) One plane damaged.
SEARCHES FOR 28 OCTOBER
During the night 27/28 October in cooperation with PTs Sambo bombed Toimonapau Pltn. on Kieta Peninsula East coast Bougainville while Charcoal bombed Pinikindu Pt. and Penipol Pt. in area Dublin, North East New Ireland.
Brewer searches reported 100 percent track and only 50 percent cover because of rain and thunderstorms in sector Able, 1 Baker 32, and 100 percent track and cover in sector Baker, 2 Baker 32. Only friendly sightings were reported in both sectors.
Beefsteak Baker 31 searches reported 100 percent track and cover, negative sightings and good weather in all sectors.
For the Record:
2 PBY-5As (VPB-44) PT cooperation dr. 4x325 depth charges
3x500 G.P.
1x500 Incend.
33x20 Frags.
2 PV-1s (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PV-1s (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 19, 2021 10:46:53 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 30 October 1944
Yesterday's main strike was directed against buildings and a reported radio station in the Pondo area (New Britain), which were attacked by 40 Emirau planes with 20 tons of bombs. For the first time in several days the full schedule of sweeps and patrols was flown over the Gazelle peninsula, but they proved less productive than usual.
In Bougainville 31 Piva F4Us and SBDs (aided by an FMAW TBF) hit buildings and a truck park near Aku. With 16 tons they destroyed a number huts and a bridge, and burned a fuel dump. The Bougainville patrols were also uneventful. In New Ireland a total of 41 planes (including the Kavieng patrols) attacked plantation areas.
NEW BRITAIN
(82 sorties - 34 tons)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(46 sorties - 16 tons)
Bougainville patrols: Five Bougainville patrols, incorporating the Able-Charlie search, were flown by NZ 17. The F4Us strafed Nips in a number of areas, and killed one at Cape Tanabom. They sank a 15 ft. pontoon boat with a square stern and bow 20 yards off the E tip of Nusave Is. The pontoon contained 8 Nips who moved into the jungle at a smart pace. The jungle was strafed. Other strafing targets were; huts at Tonu and along the E shore of Farumo Is; a native canoe drifting empty off Luluai point (damaged); and a fire near Rorovana Bay. The last Bougainville patrol and the dusk patrol were cancelled. The dawn patrol was routine.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 17 0610-1630 Bougainville patrols.
4 F4Us NZ 17 0610-0715 Dawn Patrol.
NEW IRELAND
(41 sorties - 18 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Patlangat, Ulunono, Roland Young, Koka and Ray plantation areas were bombed by 12 Emirau F4Us and 2 PVs during their patrols of north New Ireland. Results were unobserved. The last two patrols were cancelled.
For the Record:
12 F4Us VMF 115) 0600-1600 (load 1x500 dr. 8x500
2 PVs NZ 3 ) 0600-1600 ( " 4x500 " 8x500
2x100 4x100(incend)
SEARCHES FOR 29 OCTOBER
During the night of 28/29 October in cooperation with PT's Charcoal bombed Kimidan and Kanam on the northeastern coast of New Ireland, sector Orange while Sambo bombed Cape Alexander and Nukiki in Northwest Choiseul sector Queen.
Beefsteak Baker 31 searches reported 100 percent track and cover, only friendly sightings, 3 to 4 tenths cloud cover, ceiling unlimited and 30 mile visibility Brewer Baker 32 searches reported 100 percent track only 80 percent cover on account of numerous showers and only friendly sightings.
For the Record:
3 PV-1s (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1s (VPB-130) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
2 PBY5As (NZ-3) Blackcat cooperation with PTs 6x500. G.P.
2x500 Incend.
35x20 Frags.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 20, 2021 18:32:32 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 1 November 1944.
Buildings and stores at Ralum and in the eastern section of Rabaul Town were the targets for yesterday's largest strikes, both of which were flown from Emirau. Twenty seven PBJs, 20 F4Us and 18 SBDs dropped a total of 36 tons on the two areas, destroying buildings and hitting gun positions.
The Gazelle peninsula sweeps and patrols were curtailed by bad weather. Piva planes were on training, and apart from one New Ireland mission and a limited number of Rabaul patrols Green planes were grounded by weather.
NEW BRITAIN
(79 sorties-42 tons)
NEW IRELAND
(22 sorties-12 tons)
Miscellaneous Targets: Targets in New Ireland were hit by 12 SBDs from Green and 3 PVs from Emirau. The PVs started two large fires in the Fangelawa supply area. Attacking opportunity targets, the SBDs damaged a float wharf S. of Chinese plantation, a pier at Ulaputur pltn. and buildings at Pummalum pltn.; and destroyed a building at Maritsoan pltn.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ 3 1115 load 4x500 dr 8x500
2x100 4x100.
12 SBDs VMSB 244 0945-1115 load 1x1000 dr 11x1000
2x100 22x100
North New Ireland Patrols: No results were observed of the bombing of opportunity targets in N. New Ireland by 6 Emirau F4Us and one PV. Weather was fair in the morning but poor in the afternoon, and after 1350 all patrols were cancelled.
For the Record:
6 F4Us VMF 115 load 1x500 dr 6x500.
1 PV NZ 3 0540-1350 1oad 4x500 dr 4x500
2x100 2x100.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(20 sorties-1 ton)
SEARCHES FOR 31 OCTOBER.
Beefsteak Baker 31 searches reported poor weather negative sightings and 100 percent track in all sectors, 80 percent cover in sector Tare, 60 percent in sector Uncle and 100 percent in sector Victor.
Both Brewer Baker 32 searches reported 100 percent track negative sightings. Sector Able reported only 70 percent cover because of a front 140 miles out while sector Baker reported 85 percent cover because of rain 70 to 100 miles out.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 20, 2021 18:35:01 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 2 November 1944.
Yesterday's strikes were directed against the Pondo and Tobera areas in New Britain, and Takasago farms in SE Bougainville. Results in the two latter targets were mostly obscured, but photographs showed good coverage of the Nip headquarters and bivouac area near Pondo, where 42 Green SBDs and F4Us dropped 19 tons. The Tobera target was a rubber plantation SE of the strip where the Nips are believed to hold stores. At Takasago farms 13 tons were dropped on a building area.
The New Britain sweeps and patrols were more than usually productive: 18 F4Us on the Rabaul patrols reported destroying 18 huts and buildings as well as a truck and an unserviceable aircraft. Two F4Us were holed—one of them 17 times—by light and medium A/A over Ralabang.
NEW BRITAIN
(89 sorties-39 tons)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(38 sorties-13 tons)
Takasago Farms Area: Huts and buildings in the area between Ebery's lease and Takasago farms, SE Bougainville, were attacked by a force of 15 Piva SBDs and 11 F4Us with 13 tons of bombs.
The SBDs reported their bombs well grouped on the target area, with 3 huts destroyed. They strafed the target with unobserved results. Moderate, inaccurate medium A/A was encountered at 2000 feet.
The F4Us bombed and strafed the area with unobserved results. One plane was hit on the windscreen, but whether by A/A or by a bomb fragment was not known. SBD pilots declared that there were many huts in the area in good condition.
For the Record:
15 SBDs VMSB 133 0900 load 1x500 dr 15x500
2x250 27x250.
11 F4Us NZ 23 0920 load 1x1000 dr 11x1000.
NEW IRELAND
(10 sorties-4 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The Kavieng patrols were flown, in fair to bad weather, by 9 Emirau F4Us and 2 PVs. The last two patrols were cancelled. A variety of targets were attacked but results were unobserved.
SEARCHES FOR 1 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak Baker 31 searches were negative with weather fair in all sectors. Sector Tare reported full track and cover, sector Uncle 85 percent track and cover, and sector Victor full track and 95 percent cover.
Brewer Baker 32 searches reported 100 percent track negative sightings and squalls. In sector Able coverage was only 50 percent while in sector Baker coverage was 85 percent.
For the Record:
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 20, 2021 18:43:58 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY FOR WEEK ENDING TUESDAY, 31 OCTOBER, 1944.
UNITS AND LOCATIONS TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
VF-79 (RAAF) 12 SPIT-5 11 17 VF-79
VS-61 15 SBD 14 18 VS-61
1 J2F-6 1
VPB-130 15 PV-1 14 38 VPB-130
VPB-137 15 PV-1 10 38
FAW-10 7 PBY-5 6 13 HEDRON-10
10 PBM 7
EMIRAU
VMF-115 22 F4U 22 46 VMF-115
VMF-211 24 F4U-1D 24 35 VMF-211
VMF-313 22 FG-1A 22 27 VMF-313
VMSB-142 21 SBD-6 21 38 VMSB-142
VMSB-243 25 SBD-5 25 47 VMSB-243
*VMD-254 0 0 11 VMD-254
VMB-413 10 PBJ-1D 9 51 VMB-413
VMB-433 11 PBJ-1D 11 41 VMB-433
VMB-443 11 PBJ-1D 9 41 VMB-443
VMB-611 11 PBJ-1D 11 22 SS-61
NZ-3 16 PV-1 14 13 NZ #10 S.U.
GREEN
VMF-218 19 F4U 19 33 VMF-218
VMF-222 19 F4U 19 44 VMF-222
VMSB-244 25 SBD-5 25 45 VMSB-244
VMSB-341 22 SBD-6 22 50 VMSB-341
VMB-423 11 PBJ-1D 11 50 VMB-423
VPB-44 15 PBY-5A 15 57 PATSU 1-11
**VPB-52 15 PBY-5 12 51 PATSU 1-11
NZ-20 18 F4U-1D 18 25 NZ #3 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251 5 F4U-1D 5 35 VMO-251
VMF-212 22 F4U 22 30 VMF-212
VMF-223 22 F4U 22 32 VMF-223
VMSB-133 22 SBD-6 21 18 VMSB-133
VMSB-236 24 SBD-6 24 41 VMSB-236
VMR-152 17 R4D-5 15 66 VMR-152
VMR-153 15 R4D-5 15 71 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO 5 F5A 9 8 17TH PHOTO
1 RA-24B 1
NZ-17 18 F4U-1 18 20 NZ #2 S.U.
NZ-22 18 F4U-1 18 0 NZ #4 S.U.
MUNDA
VMSB-241 22 SBD-6 22 49 VMSB-241
* Awaiting transportation to U.S.
** As of 17 October. (No current report received).
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Post by davidd on Mar 21, 2021 9:08:11 GMT 12
Note, first time that a NZ (Corsair) squadron located on Green Island has appeared in these statements.
David D
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Post by aircraftclocks on Mar 21, 2021 13:48:32 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 3 November 1944.
Weather heavily curtailed activity in the NorSols area yesterday, and only 61 sorties were flown—mostly over Bougainville and Buka. Targets hit in these islands included suspected Nip personnel areas at Tabago and near Taki, and huts in Buka. Only one flight of 4 F4Us reached the Gazelle peninsula during the day, and these made an unsuccessful search for the camouflaged plane photographed the previous day in a revetment W. of the N. end of Vunakanau. The Kavieng patrols were maintained during the morning. One minor strike was carried out in New Ireland.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(42 sorties-12 1/4 tons)
Tabago and Taki Huts: Huts in suspected Nip personnel areas at Tabago and 4 miles inland from Taki (SE Bougainville) were attacked by 9 F4Us and 12 SBDs which were weathered out of Kurakakaul, New Britain, their primary target. Results at Tabago, where the F4Us dropped 9 half-tonners, were unobserved because of cloud.
At Taki the SBDs reported the confirmed destruction of 6 huts. They observed in the area seven to eight groups each of four to eight huts.
For the Record:
9 F4Us NZ 23 1105 load 1x1000 dr 9x1000.
12 SBDs VMSB 133 1015 load 1x500 dr 12x500
2x250 22x250.
Bougainville Patrols: Four Bougainville patrols only were flown by VMF 223. The 8 F4Us on these patrols strafed and possibly killed one Jap at Cape L'Averdy. They strafed a road Junction N. of Malabita hill, Mabiri point, Ebery's lease, and huts in NE Bougainville and on the west coast, in each case with unobserved results.
The dawn patrol and the Torokina-Rabaul sweep were negative. The dusk patrol and the last two Bougainville patrols were cancelled on account of weather.
For the Record:
8 F4Us VMF 223 0616-1505 Bougainville patrols.
4 F4Us VMF 223 0605-0750 Dawn patrol.
1 PV NZ 3 0847-1131 Torokina-Rabaul sweep.
NEW IRELAND
(9 sorties-3 1/4 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The usual Kavieng patrols were maintained only till 1145, when the weather closed in. With quarter-tonners 4 Emirau F4Us sank an empty 30 ft. barge in Balgai Bay and reported near misses on buildings at Kapsu and Ulunono plantations. The PV hit Katanu plantation with unobserved results. Weather was poor.
For the Record:
4 F4Us VMF 313 load 1x500 dr 4x500.
1 PV NZ 3 0540-1145 load 4x500 dr 4x500
2x100 2x100.
NEW BRITAIN
(4 sorties-0 tons)
SEARCHES FOR 2 NOVEMBER
In cooperation with PT boats during the night of 1/2 November Charcoal bombed Borpop in area Fox east New Ireland while weather cancelled Sambo and Tarbaby.
Beefsteak Baker 31 searches for 2 November reported negative sigthings and poor weather with 75 percent track and cover in sector Uncle, 60 percent in Victor and Tare sector weathered.
Brewer Baker 32 searches for 2 November reported full track, very bad weather and only friendly sightings in both sectors with only 50 percent cover in sector Able and 30 percent cover in sector Baker.
For the Record:
1 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT cooperation dr 1x500 Mag. cluster.
18x20 Frags.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile searches.
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