RNZAF activity in the Pacific, 1944

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 5 DECEMBER 1944.

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

ADMIRALTIES:
VS-61              15 SBD        15 18 VS-61
                         2 J2F-6       2
VPB-33            NO DATA AVAILABLE VPB-33
VPB-146          11 PV-1        10 39 VPB-146
NZ-23             18 F4U          8 25 NZ #4 S.U.

EMIRAU:
VMSB-142       25 SBD-6    25 40 VMSB-142
VMSB-243       25 SBD-5    25 47 VMSB-243
VMB-413         11 PBJ-1D  11 49 VMB-413
VMB-433         12 PBJ-1D  12 36 VMB-433
VMB-443         12 PBJ-1D  12 39 VMB-443
VMB-611         11 PBJ-1D  10 28 S.S. 61
NZ-19             22 F4U-1D  17 27 NZ #5 S.U.
NZ-4               16 PV-1      14 16 NZ #10 S.U.

GREEN:
VMF-222         21 F4U        21 39 VMF-222
VMSB-244      25 SBD-5     25 40 VMSB-244
VMSB-341      24 SBD-6     24 44 VMSB-341
VMB-423        11 PBJ-1D    11 53 VMB-423
VPB-44          15 PBY-5A    13 56 PATSU 1-11
NZ-18            18 F4U-1D   18 23 NZ #3 S.U.
NZ-1              14 PV-1       14 15 NZ #14 S.U.

BOUGAINVILLE:
VMO-251       23 F4U-1D   23 45 VMO-251
VMF-212        21 F4U        21 39 VMF-212
VMF-223        22 F4U        22 35 VMF-223
VMSB-133     24 SBD-6     24 50 VMSB-133
VMSB-236     24 SBD-6     24 48 VMSB-236
VMSB-241     24 SBD-6     24 47 VMSB-241
VMR-152       16 R4D-5     12 68 VMR-152
VMR-153       16 R4D-5     14 70 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO   5 F5A           5 8 17TH PHOTO
                     1 RA-24B     1
                     1 UC-64A     1
NZ-15          18 F4U-1D    18 26 NZ #2 S.U.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 9 December 1944.

Bad weather in all areas severely curtailed air activity yesterday. One strike in Bougainville reached its target—huts and buildings at Aawaraka—but to a large extent the attack was ineffective because of low cloud. In southern New Ireland two bivouac areas were hit by Green PBJs.
Patrols were limited in all areas. Only the dawn sweep was flown over northern New Ireland. The Bougainville patrols had to be abandoned after 1045, and the Rabaul patrols were on station for less than two hours. The two afternoon sweeps of the Gazelle peninsula were cancelled, and the morning sweeps were flown in unfavourable weather.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(36 sorties-6 1/2 tons)

Mawaraka Building Area: Huts and buildings at Mawaraka (W. coast Bougainville) were attacked by 28 Piva F4Us each of which carried a quarter-tonner. The target was marked by smoke bombs.
The first flight in (NZ 15) reported good coverage, with nine bombs in the target area. Results were unobserved. The second flight (VMF 212) found the target covered with low cloud (9/10 cumulus, base 800 feet) and had difficulty in dropping instantaneous bombs. Several planes felt their own bomb blast. Results were reported as completely negative.

For the Record:

28 F4Us NZ 15 (12) 0930 load 1x500 dr 26x500.
         VMF 212 (16) 0948

Tavena Weathered Out: Seven F4Us of NZ 15 took off from Piva to hit the Nip concentration in the neighbourhood of the Tavena river. They were forced to return with their bombs, however, and landed at Torokina.

NEW IRELAND
(9 sorties-8 tons)

North New Ireland Patrols: The Kavieng patrols and the shipping and truck reconnaissance and dusk sweep of north New Ireland were all weathered. A single Emirau PV flew the dawn sweep, dropping 6 quarter tonners—with unobserved results—at Panemansu plantation.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 0645-0844 load 6x500 dr 6x500.

NEW BRITAIN
(16 sorties-2 tons)

SEARCHES FOR 8 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in unfavorable weather. Tare track and cover were 80 and 70, Uncle accomplished full track and cover, whereas Victor had full track but 95 cover. Brewer searches were negative, Able sector having full track with 85% cover amidst scattered showers and 7/10 cloud cover. The Baker sectors got 230 miles track only, as the plane returned early with engine trouble but accomplished 75% cover in fair weather.

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile searches.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 10 December 1944.

The heaviest attack by NorSols planes for some weeks was directed yesterday against a suspected plane hideaway in a gully to the east of Vunakanau strip. This area was hit by 42 Emirau and Green PBJs with more than 48 tons of bombs and depth charges. Results were partially obscured by cloud, but good area coverage was reported. Nip bivouac areas at Kaino and near the Tavena river (Bougainville) and at Tambakar point (New Ireland) were the targets for the other three strikes.
Under the new and reduced operations scheduled which came into effect yesterday, the Gazelle peninsula sweeps and daylong Bougainville patrols were eliminated, and the Rabaul patrols alone were maintained from dawn until cancelled by weather at 1500 hours. Patrols over Kavieng and northern New Ireland are now flown to the extent that Emirau F4Us are available.

NEW BRITAIN
(59 sorties - 49 tons)

Rabaul Patrols: The Rabaul area was covered from 0540 till 1500 by F4U patrols from Green. Weather cancelled the last patrol. Bombs were not carried, and results were reported as negative. A large explosion was seen off shore from Waitavalo.

For the Record:

16 F4Us NZ 18 0540-1500 No bombs carried.

Rabaul Heckler: Lakunai, Vunakanau and the Rabaul town areas were bombed by a Green PV which heckled this region on the night of 8/9. Low clouds over the target prevented observation of results.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 1 2330 (8th)-0130 (9th) Load 4x500 dr. 4x500

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(22 sorties - 7 tons)

12 Huts Destroyed at Kaino: A Nip bivouac and headquarters area at Kaino (S. of Arawa Bay, E. coast Bouganville) was the target for 8 Piva F4Us, each of which carried 2 quarter-ton daisy-cutters.
Three groups of huts were bombed, and a total of 12 were destroyed. The daisy-cutters were reported very effective.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 1130 load 2x500 dr. 16x500

Tavena River Bivouac: A bivouac and garden area near the Tavena river (S. of Jaba river, W. coast Bougainville) was attacked by 8 Piva F4Us. Four of the planes carried thousand-pound daisy-cutters with a 2 1/2 foot stick. All of the quarter-tonners and 2 of the half-tonners landed in the area, destroying one hut. The other 2 half-tonners failed to explode.
The attack was made in collaboration with ground forces, and RAAF Boomerangs marked the target with tracer.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 0820 load 1x500(4) dr. 4x500
                                  1x1000(4) 4x1000

Bougainville Patrols: Two Piva F4Us patrolling south Bougainville strafed Nips at Lakuruai and at the mouth of the Puriata river, killing one in the latter place.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.

For the Record:

                     0545-0745(2) Dawn patrol.
6 F4Us NZ 15 1440-1650(2) Bougainville patrol.
                    1655-1810(2) Dusk patrol.

NEW IRELAND
(15 sorties - 8 tons)

Tambakar Point: Huts and buildings at Tarabakar point (SW coast of New Ireland) were bombed by 6 Green PVs with 4 3/4 tons of 500-pounders and frag. clusters.
The majority of bombs were reported in the target area, with undetermined results.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 1 0930 load 3x500 dr. 15x500
                               3x120 frag. cl. 16x120 frag. cl.

North New Ireland Patrols: Four quarter-tonners were dropped on the Kavieng barracks area, with unobserved results, by 4 of 6 Emirau F4Us on the Kavieng patrols. One patrol returned with its bombs because of weather, which was poor.
Three Emirau PVs carried out dawn and dusk sweeps of north New Ireland and the usual shipping and truck reconnaissance. They dropped six 250-pounders and six quarter-tonners on opportunity targets at Malapai and elsewhere with unobserved results.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 19 0820—load 1x500 dr. 4x500
3 PVs NZ 4 0622-0930(1)
                 1050-1309(1) load 6x250(1) dr. 6x250
                 1547-1749(1) 6x500(1) 6x500

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 9
Beefsteak searches were negative in fair weather. Planes in all three sectors accomplished 100% track and cover.
Brewer searches were negative in fair weather interspersed by rain squalls. Full track was accomplished in both sectors, Able with 90% cover and Baker with 85%. All additional searches were negative.
"Black-Cat" cooperation flights for the night of December 8-9 was as follows: Charcoal and Sambo bombed Huru point, Koromira, Kieta, and Tambakar in fair weather. Results were unobobserved.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) "Black-Cat" cooperation 2159-0018, 2205-0015, (8x250 G.P.)

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 11 December 1944.

Minor strikes were carried out yesterday in Bougainville and New Ireland. Targets in Bougainville were a suspected Nip radio station on Teop Island, a group of newly-constructed huts at Teopasino, and the Hari bivouac area. In New Ireland, Karu and Maritsoan plantation bivouac areas and Medina village were attacked. Very few results of the bombings were observed.
Patrol activity was light. Rabaul was covered from 0915 till 1550 and Kavieng from 1145 till 1745, though in the latter case dawn and dusk sweeps and a shipping and truck reconnaissance were made by PVs. Over Bougainville 2 patrols were flown in addition to the dawn and dusk patrols.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(16 sorties-6 tons)

Reported Radio Station On Teop: A reported Nip radio station, (believed to be manned by about 20 personnel) on the NE tip of Teop Island was attacked by 4 Piva F4Us with 8 quarter-ton daisy cutters.
Two near misses of 10 and 15 yards were reported, and the area was well strafed. Results were not observed. Two of the 4 planes went on to fly the Able-Charlie search, in the course of which they strafed 5 Nips in a new 25 ft. canoe off the south-west tip of Teop Island. Three of the Nips were killed, one was probably killed, and the canoe was holed. A canoe, a hut and 3 Nips at Tanamala (NW coast Buka) were strafed with unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 0905 load 2x500 dr 8x500.

Teopasino Huts: Six or seven newly constructed huts on a ridge at the south tip of Teopasino plantation were the target for 4 Piva F4Us, each of which carried 2 quarter-ton daisy cutters.
Four bombs landed near the huts, but results were unobserved. Subsequently 2 of the 4 planes flew a patrol of south Bougainville, smoking one hut at Koromira Bay.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 0905 load 2x500 dr 8x500.

Hari Bivouac Area: The Nip bivouac area at Hari and adjacent huts were bombed by 4 Piva F4Us which had been weathered out of their primary target, Lontis. They dropped seven quarter-ton daisy cutters. Results of the bombing were unobserved. The area was well straffed.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 1100-1310 load 2x500 dr 7x500.

Bougainville Patrols: In addition to two patrols flown after Bougainville strikes, dawn and dusk patrols were carried out by 4 F4Us of NZ 15. Both were negative.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 0605-0710(2)
                   1655-1810 (2) Dawn and dusk Patrols.

NEW IRELAND
(22 sorties-15 tons)

Plantation Areas Hit: Plantation bivouac areas in New Ireland were hit by 6 PBJs and 6 PVs from Green and 3 PVs from Emirau. The PBJs dropped 26 quarter-tonners on Karu plantation. The majority of bombs were reported in the target area, with unobserved results.
Maritsoan plantation was the target for 6 PVs which covered the target with 36 parafrags. Meagre, inaccurate medium fire was received from known positions at East Cape.
The 3 Emirau PVs dropped all their bombs on Medina village, but results were again unobserved.

For the Record:

6 PBJs VMB 423 1010 load 4x500 (5) dr 26x500.
                                       6x500 (1)
6 PVs NZ 1 1410 load 6x69 dr 36x69. parafrags
3 PVs NZ 4 1058 load 2x100. 6x100. incend cl dr
                                4x500 12x500.

North New Ireland Patrols: Patrolling Kavieng from 1145 till 1745, 4 Emirau F4Us dropped 3 of their quarter-tonners on the Kavieng barracks area, cratered a road with the fourth, and strafed and smoked a large camouflaged building 2 miles SE of Balgai. Meagre, inaccurate light fire was received from the south end of Kavieng strip.
On dawn and dusk sweeps and a shipping and truck reconnaisance, 3 PVs bombed huts at Cape Lemeris, the Luburua plantation and a bridge at Lossuk Bay - all with unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 19 1145-1745 load 1x500 dr 4x500.
                 0804-1047(1)
3 PVs NZ 4 1307-1515(1) load 6x500 dr 13x500.
                 1600-1817(1)

NEW BRITAIN
(6 sorties-0 tons)

Rabaul Patrols: Patrols over Rabaul were maintained from 0915 till 1550 by 6 Green F4Us with negative results.
The planes did not carry bombs.
Weather cancelled the first patrol and forced the last patrol back before it reached its target.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 18 0915-1550 No bombs carried.

SEARCHES FOR 10 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in poor weather. Track and cover were as follows: Tare 95 and 90; Uncle 75 and 45; Victor 90 and 80.
Brewer searches were negative in below average weather.
Able had 23% track and 20% cover, returning early with a fuel line leak, and was weathered out thereafter. Baker had 80% cover but track was not reported. Additional searches were negative.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-148) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 12 December 1944.

A Zeke was sighted, pursued and fired on by a Rabaul patrol of F4Us at 1740 yesterday when it was flying at 8000 ft. over Vulcan Crater, but it disappeared in cloud. Sighted again three minutes later it again escaped into cloud and further patrol of the Rabaul fields was negative.
Com Air Admiralties reports tracks picked up on December 6, 7 and 8 60 to 90 miles southwest and on December 11 three tracks were recorded 80 to 120 miles south. Investigations are being made, but it is considered the planes were possibly friendlies on reconnaissance. Main strikes yesterday were by 31 Emirau PBJs against the Tobera rubber plantation and by eight Piva F4Us against Lakuruai, Bougainville. In both cases results were unobserved.
F4Us were active over Bougainville, among their successes being the destruction of ten huts.

NEW BRITAIN
(58 sorties-17 1/4 tons)

Zeke Pursued And Fired On By Rabaul Patrol: Sixteen F4Us maintained patrols over Rabaul from 0630 to 1835.
At 1740 one patrol, when at 9000 ft, sighted a bogey, identified as a Zeke, 3000 yards away and 1000 ft. lower over Vulcan Crater, headed toward Lakunai. The bogey entered a large cloud which covered the area from Keravat to Vunakanau. The patrol followed firing, closing to 1000 yards but the bogey escaped. The patrol climbed, circled and again made a sighting three minutes later. The patrol dived but the Zeke again entered cloud. A further search for one hour over all fields was negative.
The only activity of the other patrols was that one strafed a 12-foot boat on the east shore of Kabakon Island.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 18 0630-1835 Rabaul patrols, no bombs carried.

BOUGAINVILLE BUKA
(24 sorties - 9 tons)

Lakuruai Personnel and Supply Area: The Nip personnel and supply area at Lakuruai, on the south-west-coast of Bougainville, was hit by eight Piva F4Us. Four F4Us dropped eight 500 pounders, with four to five second delay, in the target area without being able to observe results. Four more F4Us on the South Bougainville patrol and the Able-Charlie search bombed the same area, dropping six 500 pounders and two 1000 pounders, also with unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 0830 load 2x500 dr. 8x500
4 F4Us NZ 15 0830-40 " 2x500(3) " 6x500
                                  2x1000(1) 2x1000

Huts Destroyed at Lemanmanu Mission: Four Piva F4Us destroyed five huts at Lemanmanu Mission (Buka) with seven 500 pounders. One bomb hung up.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 1035-1215 load 2x500(4) dr. 7x500

Shortland Island Hits Destroyed and Bridge Damaged: Four Piva F4Us destroyed five huts with five 500 pounders at Sirukiai (S. Shortland Island) and with three 500 pounders left sagging the foorbridge at the mouth of the Haleta River (Shortland Island). Pilots claimed that one bomb hit a Pylon at one end of the bridge, which was strafed as well as bombed.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 1225-1355 load 2x500(4) dr. 8x500

Bougainville Patrols and Searches: After bombing the Lakuruai area two Piva F4Us made the Bougainville patrol and two more the Able-Charlie search.
A Nip was strafed at ? South of Shortland Island, a foot-bridge was strafed at the mouth of the Haleta River, Shortland Island, a Nip was strafed in Tonekau plantation and a large hut was strafed at Lontis (N/W Buka), all with unobserved results.
The dawn and dusk patrols by F4Us were negative. A South Bougainville patrol missed the bridge over the Silibai River (S Bougainville) with one 500 pounder and the other 500 pounder hung and was returned to base. Strafing killed a Nip at Nakaru (S Bougainville).
Two F4Us on the Able-Charlie search in the afternoon dropped two 500 pounders on huts at Lontis (N/W Buka) without result and then strafed the huts. Strafing killed a Nip and holed a whale-boat at Hanahan Bay (Buka).

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 0800-1035 Bougainville patrol.
2 F4Us NZ 15 0800-1015 Able-Charlie search.
2 F4Us NZ 15 0555-0718 Dawn patrol.
2 F4Us NZ 15 1700-1800 Dusk patrol.
2 F4Us NZ 15 1500-1715 S. Bougainville patrol. dr. 1x500
2 F4Us NZ 15 1500-1700 Able-Charlie search. " 2x500

NEW IRELAND
(12 sorties - 11 tons)

Attack on Katherine Bay Area: Three PVs attacked the Katherine Bay area with six 100 incendiary clusters and 12 500 lb. GP. All bombs were in the target area but results were unobserved.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 0953-1200 load 6x100 incend cl. dr. 6x100
                                         6x500 (2) 12x500

New Ireland Patrols: Six Emirau F4Us flew patrols over northern New Ireland, dropping six 1000 lb GP in the Kavieng-Panapai area with unobserved results. One burst of inaccurate light fire was received from south of Panapai strip.
Dawn and dusk patrols were flown by four PVs. They cratered the road near a bridge at Katenguang plantation and bombed Fessoa plantation and Juno Village with unobserved results.
One PV in a shipping and truck reconnaissance dropped six 500 pounders on Kimidan and Dallum plantations with unobserved results.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 19 1145-1820 load 1x1000(6) dr. 6x1000
2 PVs NZ 4 0623-0922 " 6x500 (2) " 12x500
                 1609-1823
1 PV NZ 4 1517-1725 " 6x500 (1) " 6x500

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 11
Beefsteak searches were negative in good weather with the following track and cover Tare both 80 - Uncle and Victor both 100. Brewer searches were negative, both sectors covered by full track and 85% cover. Weather throughout Able was good, Baker average.

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 13 December 1944.

Thirty-six of 70 sorties flown and 28 1/2 of 39 1/2 tons dropped yesterday were over New Ireland. Main strikes were against Lakurumau Village, Panaras Mission and Fatmilak Village, where the Nips have personnel, supplies and equipment.
On Bougainville the Lakuruai Nip personnel and supply area was bombed again and damage was done in the area around the suspected radio station on Teop Island.
Nadzab heavies had Gazelle Peninsula, so that there was only patrol activity over New Britain.
Two Green PBJs on a training flight over Buka were holed by heavy anti-aircraft fire from Sohana Island and an Emirau PV riddled itself with its own frags, dropping them from 400 ft. It will take two weeks to repair the plane.
Com Air Admiralties reports two further tracks of unidentified planes picked up at 0330 on December 12 south of the Admiralty Islands.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(22 sorties-8 tons)

Suspected Radio Station At Teop: Two direct hits on the two trees which marked the site of a suspected Nip radio station on the beach at the NE tip of Teop Island were reported by 8 Piva F4Us which returned to the attack on this target with 16 quarter-tonners. Six other bombs landed within 20 to 30 yards of the trees.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 1155 load 2x500 dr 16x500.

Lakuruai Concentration: The Nip personnel and supply area at Lakuruai was hit for the second day in succession by 8 Piva F4Us. Fourteen of their 16 quarter-tonners were reported in the target area, but results were unobserved.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 1000 load 2x500 dr 16x500.

Bougainville Patrols: Piva F4Us made dawn and dusk patrols with negative results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 0600-0715 Dawn patrol.
                    1700-1800 Dusk patrol.

NEW BRITAIN
(12 sorties-3 tons)

Rabaul Hecklers: The Rabaul area was heckled by a Green PV and a PBJ on the night of 11/12.
The two planes dropped 12 quarter-tonners on Raluana, Rabaul town, Sulphur Creek, Vunakanau, Lakunai and Tobera with unobserved results.
Meagre, inaccurate heavy A/A was received from Vunakanau.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 1 2330(11th)-0050(12th)
1 PBJ VMB 423 0100(12th)-0300 load 6x500 dr 12x500.

Rabaul Patrols Negative: Ten Green F4Us flew patrols over Rabaul from 0540 to 1805, without bombs. All patrols were negative. One received meagre, inaccurate heavy fire from an undetermined position in Keravia Bay.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 18 0540-1805 Rabaul patrols.

NEW IRELAND
(36 sorties-28 1/2 tons)

Panaras Mission Area Attacked: Three Emirau PVs dropped six 120 lb. frag clusters and 12 500 lb. GP on the Panaras Mission area, partly destroying a house and causing smoke to rise to 800 ft. Three GP bombs failed to explode.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 load 6x120 frags(1) dr 6x120 frags
                 load 6x500 GP (2) 12x500 GP

Lakurumau Village Blitzed: Lakurumau Village huts and buildings were left damaged and smoking by eight Emirau F4Us which dropped 14 1000-pounders. Two bombs hung up and were jettisoned.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 19 1110 load 2x1000(8) dr 14x1000.

Selik River Bridge Destroyed: Six Green PVs destroyed the Selik River bridge with 15 500-pounders and 15 parafrag clusters.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 1 1030 dr 15x500
                             15x120.

New Ireland Patrols: Two Emirau PVs made dawn and dusk sweeps over north New Ireland. They dropped eight 500 pounders on huts at KOKA Plantation and six 120 lb frags among 20 huts in KAPSU Plantation. Results were unobserved.
The dusk PV was riddled by its own frags, which were dropped from 400 ft. The plane is repairable in two weeks. The gunner suffered a slight wound in a leg.
A PV on recco dropped six 500 lb bombs to destroy the bridge at BALUS and two huts north of KAPSU Plantation.
Six F4Us carrying thousand pounders maintained patrol over Kavieng from 1905 to 1830. A building on the west coast road northwest of the north end of Panapai strip was straddled with two bombs, one bomb landed near a building on the waterfront at Kavieng and one landed near a building on the road south-west from the south end of Kavieng strip. Two other bombs failed to explode.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 0627-0850 Dawn patrol dr 6x500.
1 PV NZ 4 1555-1830 Dusk patrol dr 6x120.
1 PV NZ 4 1051-1308 Recco patrol dr 6x500.

6 F4Us NZ 19 0900-1630 Kavieng patrols dr 6x1000.

SEARCHES FOR 12 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in good weather. Track and cover for sector Tare were both 100, Uncle 100 and 95, and Victor both 100.
Brewer searches were negative with full track and cover in both sectors. Also a special search for 2 green flares was reported with negative results. Two F4Us were scrambled to intercept
2 bogies approaching from north, also negative results. A Green PBY flew PGM cooperation, bombing Nakudukudu Bay area with unobserved results.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors. Special Search for green flares.
2 F4Us (NZ-23) Bogey search (1430-1505).
1 PBY (VPB-44) PGM cooperation 4x250 GP Frags (2240-0053).

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 14 December 1944.

Main activity yesterday was over New Britain. Thirty PBJs and six PVs from Green and Emirau made another strike on the plane hide at Vunakanau, dropping 28 1/2 tons. After-strike photos showed part of the target area, well covered but no change in the two planes parked in the west part of the area. Feature of this strike was the intensity of the anti-aircraft fire, eight planes being holed.
F4Us on patrol in the Rabaul area area returned a report of two possibly serviceable planes in the revetment area at the south end of the Rapopo strip. This strip has been for a long time unserviceable.
New Ireland patrol planes had a productive day, destroying two bridges with a third possible. Main activity on Bougainville was that RNZAF F4Us and RAAF Boomerangs co-operated in a strike against Nip ground forces opposing Australian ground forces along the Numa Numa trail.
The danger potential of Cape St. George was proved again. Dumbo flew close to the cape and was holed by heavy fire, four of the crew being wounded.

NEW BRITAIN
(27 sorties - 29 1/2 tons)

Vunakanau Plane Hide Hit Again: Twenty-three Emirau PBJs, seven Green PBJs and six Green PVs hit the Vunakanau plane hide where two possibly serviceable planes have been revealed by photographs. The Emirau planes struck at 0950 and the Green PBJs and PVs at 1000.
Emirau PBJs dropped 258 120 lb. frag., jettisoned 10 and returned two to base. Green planes dropped 40 100 lb. incendiary clusters, 18 120 lb. frag clusters and 39 500 pounders. One 500 pounder was returned to base.
After-strike photos showed eight definite new craters in a pattern at approximately a 60 degree angle with the target area. The E part of the target is well covered, but the planes in the W part of the target were not in the cratered area and there is no change in their condition.
Emirau planes received moderate, accurate heavy A/A, including fire from two guns west of the northwest end of the runway, and five planes were holed. Green planes were met by intense, accurate heavy fire from known positions northwest of the strip and three were holed.

For the Record:

23 PBJs VMB 413 0950 load 12x120 frags(22) dr. 258x120
                            VMB 433 6x120 frags(1) frags.
          VMB 443
7 PBJs VMB 423 1000 load dr. 40x100 incend frags
6 PVs NZ 1 18x120
                39x500 G.P.

Possibly Serviceable Planes at Rapopo: Green F4Us maintaining patrol over Rabaul from 0545 to 1800 reported sighting two possibly serviceable planes in revetments at the south end of Rapopo strip.
Four outrigger canoes were strafed near Ulu Island one being destroyed and one sunk.
Dumbo, flying close to Cape St. George, was holed by intense, accurate heavy fire and four of the crew were wounded.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 14 0548-1800 No bombs carried.

Rabaul Heckler: One PV heckled Rabaul from 2030 to 2230 dropping four quarter-tonners on Rabaul town, Rapopo and Vunakanau, with undetermined results. Meagre, light inaccurate A/A came from Rabaul town and two searchlights, one from Vulcan Crater and one from Rabaul town, were operating.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 1 2030-2230 load 4x500 dr. 4x500

NEW IRELAND
(14 sorties - 6 1/4 tons)

Two Bridges Destroyed by Patrol Planes: Patrolling northern New Ireland from 1130 to 1825 Emirau F4Us, carrying thousand pounders, reported possible damage on buildings north of Kavieng strip, thick smoke being seen after bombing. Results of bombing in the Panapai area were unobserved.
A PV on recco destroyed a bridge at Lossuk Bay and PVs on the dawn and dusk patrols destroyed a bridge south of Katendan Plantation and probably destroyed another near Konobin. Meagre, inaccurate light fire was received from Kolube Plantation.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 19 1130-1825 load 1x1000(6) dr. 6x1000.
3 PVs NZ 4 New Ireland Patrols 6x500(2) dr. 12x500

Nip Obervation Post Hit: Three Emirau PVs dropped 18 250 pounders on a Nip observation post at Amba Point, central New Ireland. They were unable to observe results.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 1350-1600 load 6x250(3) dr. 18x250

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(12 sorties - 3 1/4 tons)

Air Support of Ground Forces on Numa Numa Trail: Eight Piva F4Us, led to the target by RAAF Boomerangs, achieved good coverage of an enemy troop concentration ahead of Australian forces on the Numa Numa trail. They put eight 325 lb depth charges and five 500 lb bombs in the target area (on the ridge, down the slope and in the gully of a hill position). The area was also given an intense strafing. Two quarter-tonners fell wide and one was dropped safe.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 0850-0910 load 2x500(4) dr. 8x500
                                            2x325(4) 8x325

Negative Bougainville Patrols: Piva F4Us flow negative dawn and dusk patrols round Bougainville.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 Dawn and dusk patrols. No bombs.

SEARCHES FOR 13 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in good weather. Track and cover were as follows: Tare both 90, Uncle both 100, Victor 95 and 85.
Brewer searches were negative in excellent weather with full track and cover for both sectors. One Green PBY flew gunboat cooperation in area Uncle. Dunup plantation, New Ireland was bombed and strafed with unobserved results.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors.
1 PBY Gunboat cooperation (2206-0055) 4x250 GP
                                                          12x ? Frags.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 15 December 1944.

NorSols air activity was very light yesterday, with only 41 sorties. Emirau had a training day and weather curtailed patrols from Green and Piva. The only strikes were an eight-plane one from Emirau and another eight-plane one from Piva. It was the lightest day since October 1, when only 25 sorties were flown.

NEW IRELAND
(16 sorties-13 1/4 tons)

Katu Huts Wiped Out: Eight Emirau F4Us wiped out previously damaged huts at Katu (N. New Ireland) with 16 1000 pounders.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 19 0950 load 2x1000(8) dr 16x1000.

North New Ireland Patrols: Emirau PVs making dawn and dusk patrols over northern New Ireland dropped six quarter-tonners near a bridge at Karmiraba Bay and six eighth-tonners on huts between Malapai and Kaut Bay, with unobserved results.
Six F4Us patrolled in pairs, from 0830 to 1830, carrying 1000 pounders. They damaged buildings near the road at the south end of Kavieng strip and partly damaged a building at the north end of Kavieng strip. Their other bombs were dropped in the Kavieng area, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 PVs NZ 4 0603-0924 6x500(1) 6x500
                1553-1805 load 6x250(1) dr 6x250.
6 F4Us NZ 19 0830-1830 load 1x1000(6) dr 6x1000.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(16 sorties-3 1/4 tons)

Lakuruai Hit Again: Lakuruai (SW Bougainville), where the Nips have supplies and troops concentrated, was hit with 13 quarter-tonners by eight Piva F4Us. Three bombs hung and were jettisoned in the sea. Pilots reported no personnel or buildings observable but gardens nearby appeared to have been worked recently.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 0850 2x500(8) dr 13x500.

Chinputts Strike Weathered Out: Six Piva F4Us sent to bomb a Nip personnel and supply area at Chinputts (NE Bougainville) were weathered out and jettisoned all except one of their bombs, which hung and was returned to base.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 24 1300-1355 load 2x500 dr None.

Bougainville Patrols: The dawn patrol by Piva F4Us was negative and the dusk patrol was not flown.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 24 0600-0720 Dawn patrol. No bombs.

NEW BRITAIN
(4 sorties-No bombs dropped)

Only Two Rabaul Patrols: Weather cancelled three of the standard patrols over Rabaul and interfered with the other two. Four Green F4Us, in pairs, were on station from 1515 to 1800. They sighted a barge off shore in west Simpson Harbour but did not attack, partly because of the weather and partly because of known A/A.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 14 1515-1800 Rabaul patrols. No bombs carried.

SEARCHES FOR 14 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in good weather. Track and cover were as follows: Tare both 90, Uncle 100 and 95, Victor both 100.
Brewer searches were negative and accomplished full cover in average weather.
A Green Dumbo flew PGM cooperation with negative results in foul weather. Bombs were jettisoned.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile searches.
1 PBY5A (VPB-44) PGM cooperation 4x250 GP. 12x120 Frags.

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 12 DECEMBER 1944.

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

ADMIRALTIES
*VS-61            15 SBD      15 18 VS-61
                        2 J2F-6      2
*VPB-33          NO DATA AVAILABLE VPB-33
*VPB-146        11 PV-1     10 39 VPB-146
*NZ-23           18 F4U        8 25 NZ #4 S.U.

EMIRAU
VMSB-133      24 SBD-6   24 26 VMSB-133
VMSB-142      25 SBD-6   25 39 VMSB-142
VMSB-236      24 SBD-6   24 26 VMSB-236
VMSB-241      24 SBD-6   24 25 VMSB-241
VMSB-243      25 SBD-5   25 47 VMSB-243
VMB-413        11 PBJ-1D  11 55 VMB-413
VMB-433        12 PBJ-1D  11 45 VMB-433
VMB-443        12 PBJ-1D  12 55 VMB-443
VMB-611        11 PBJ-1D  10 27 S.S. 61
NZ-19            22 F4U-1D  17 27 NZ #5 S.U.
NZ-4              16 PV-1      16 16 NZ #10 S.U.

GREEN
VMF-222        22 F4U       22 39 VMF-222
VMSB-244     25 SBD-5    25 40 VMSB-244
VMSB-341     24 SBD-6    24 44 VMSB-341
VMB-423       11 PBJ-1D  11 52 VMB-423
VPB-44         15 PBY-5A  13 45 PATSU 1-11
NZ-14           18 F4U-1D 18 26 NZ #3 S.U.
NZ-1             15 PV-1     15 14 NZ #14 S.U.

BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251      23 F4U-1D 23 42 VMO-251
VMF-212       24 F4U      24 39 VMF-212
VMF-223       22 F4U      22 38 VMF-223
VMR-152      17 R4D-5   12 68 VMR-152
VMR-153      16 R4D-5   14 70 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO  5 F5A         5 8 17TH PHOTO
                    1 RA-24B    1
                    1 UC-64A    1
NZ-15         18 F4U-1D   17 24 NZ #2 S.U.

*As of 5 December 1944.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 16 December 1944.

Emirau having a training day and weather being changeable throughout the area, Nor Sols air activity was again light yesterday, only 58 sorties being flown.
Twenty-four of these were over New Ireland, Green planes making strikes on targets in southern New Ireland. New Britain activity was confined to patrols over Rabaul and a strike by Piva F4Us on the floatplane at Malaguna. Nadzab heavies hit a reported radar station at Takis. One strike and routine patrols were flown over Bougainville.

NEW IRELAND
(24 sorties - 25 1/2 tons)

Belik Bridge Damaged: Six Green PVs damaged the Belik River Bridge (central New Ireland) with 36 quarter-tonners.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 1 1025 load 6x500(6) dr. 36x500

New Ireland Patrols and Sweeps: Emirau F4Us, on patrol over northern New Ireland, dropped seven 1000 pounders on targets of opportunity, destroying two buildings and damaging three others. One plane returned early because of hydraulic trouble. A PV making the daily truck and shipping recco was hit by meagre light and medium accurate fire from Kimidan Plantation and returned to base with its hydraulic system damaged and its bombs still on board.
Dawn and dusk patrol PVs dropped 12 quarter-tonners with unobserved results on Katendan and Lossuk Bay. Meagre light inaccurate fire came from south of Katendan.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 19 0830-1640 load 1x1000(7) dr. 7x1000
1 PV NZ 4 1200-1437 load 6x500 (1) dr. None.
2 PVs NZ 4 0600-0937 load 6x500 (2) dr. 12x500
                 1612-1814

NEW BRITAIN
(18 sorties - 3 3/4 tons)

Malaguna Floatplane: The Jake floatplane photographed north of the seaplane ramp at Malaguna on 2 December and apparently not present when the area was bombed on 5 December but apparent again in photographs on December 6 was the target for a strike of eight Piva F4Us.
They dropped three quarter-tonners in the target area in two runs. Three bombs undershot and nine overshot and one was returned to base.
Pilots were positive that the floatplane was not there at the time of their attack. After-strike photos, however, showed the floatplane undamaged. The photos were taken between 1015 and 1030, the strike being at 1010.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1010 load 2x500(8) dr. 15x500

Rabaul Patrols: Ten F4Us, flying in pairs, maintained patrol over the Rabaul area from 0515 to 1800, with negative results except for sighting two oil slicks near Praed Point.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 14 0515-1800 Rabaul patrols, no bombs carried.

Radar Station Hit: Combat Replacement Training Centre (Nadzab) Heavies (type not clear in garbled message) dropped 24 300 pounders and used 14,000 rounds in strafing a reported radar station at Takis, near Cape Lambert. They reported two direct hits on a building in the target area, from which smoke was rising when the planes left.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(11 sorties - 3 1/2 tons)

Nip Troop Position Hit: Seven Piva F4Us dropped 14 quarter-tonners at Leuss (NE Bougainville), where there is a pocket of Nip forces. Results were unobserved. They also strafed three red drums on a promontory on the south side of Raua Harbour.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 24 1810 load 2x500(7) dr. 14x500

Bougainville Patrols: Two Piva F4Us on the Able-Charlie search strafed huts on Gomai Island and Morgusiai Island (Shortland Island area), Chiverunia (SE Bougainville) and Hanahan Bay (Buka) and an open boat at Mawara Bay (near Kieta).

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 24 0600-0700 Bougainville patrols, no bombs carried.
                    0800-1030

SEARCIES FOR DECEMBER 18TH
Beefsteak searches were negative in good weather with 100 percent track and cover in all sectors. Brewer searches were negative in favorable weather. The two 300 mile sectors reported the following cover: Able 100% cover in excellent weather and Baker 85% with stratus clouds over most of sector. Searches instituted from Green for submarine and merchantship (position 07°26'S - 150°39'E) were reported negative.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 17 December 1944.

Lakunai (which has been serviceable since May 30) and Vunakanau (which has been serviceable since June 24) were both made unserviceable yesterday by strikes of Emirau and Green PBJs and PVs.
New Ireland villages and plantations were again hit extensively with damage to buildings and huts.
Main Bougainville strikes were against Chinputts (NE Bougainville) and Shortland Island, but results generally were unobserved.

NEW BRITAIN
(56 sorties-61 3/4 tons)

Lakunai And Vunakanau Unserviceable: Lakunai airstrip was left u/s by a strike of 10 PBJs and six PVs from Green. They dropped 95 500 pounders, distributed practically equally between the strip and the taxiway and revetments. After-strike photos showed 33 hits on the runway from its center to the north-west end. One bomb was jettisoned.

For the Record:

10 PBJs VMB-423 1100 load 6x500(10) dr 95x500.
6 PVs NZ 1 6x500(6)

Rabaul Patrols Negative: Ten Green F4Us kept patrol over Rabaul in pairs from 0630 to 1810 with negative results.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 14 0630-1810 Rabaul patrols. No bombs carried.

NEW IRELAND
(20 sorties-9 1/4 tons)

Kavieng Buildings Suffer: Kavieng buildings suffered from the bombs of seven patrolling Emirau F4Us. One was extensively damaged, one was directly hit and one was demolished. Five half-tonners were dropped, two being jettisoned.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 19 0840-1845 load 1x1000(7) dr 5x1000.

Villages Bombed: Villages holding Nip personnel and supplies were hit by Emirau PVs on dawn and dusk patrol and the truck and shipping reconnaissance. Five quarter-tonners were dropped on Nemasalang with unobserved results, four with damaging hits on huts on Koka and four more with unobserved results on Koka.

For the Record:

                  0625-0925 4x500
3 PVs NZ 4 1200-1425 load 6x500(3) dr 5x500
                 1601-1825 4x500.

Huts Destroyed And Damaged: Several huts were destroyed and others damaged by six thousand-pounders dropped in Panemansu Plantation (North-Central New Ireland) by Emirau F4Us. Two more bombs were dropped on Kavieng, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 19 1050 load 1x1000(8) dr 8x1000.

BOUGAINVILLE
(20 sorties-8 tons)

Chinputts Village Hit: Ten quarter-tonners were dropped on Chinputts Village (NE Bougainville), where the Nips have forces quartered, by eight Piva F4Us. Results were not observed. Three bombs went into the sea, one hit gardens near the village and two landed in Baniu Plantation. Meagre inaccurate machine-gun fire came from a mile and a half north of Ruri Bay.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1300 load 2x500(8) dr 16x500.

Shortland Island Huts Hit: Eight Piva F4Us dropped 14 500 pounder on a garden and adjacent huts on the west extremity of Shortland Island, opposite Gomai Island. Results were not observed. Two bomb fell outside the hut area.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 0915 load 2x500(8) dr 16x500.

Bougainville Patrols: Bougainville dawn and dusk patrols and an Able-Charlie search by Piva F4Us were negative.

For the Record:

           0600-0710 Dawn patrol
6 F4Us 1230-1500 Able-Charlie search No bombs carried.
           1700-1805 Dusk patrol

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 17
Beefsteak searches were negative in fair to bad weather. Percentage track and cover were as follows: Tare both 100, Uncle both 85, Victor both 90.
Brewer searches were negative with full track and cover for the Able sectors. Baker encountered scattered heavy showers but flew full track with 95% cover.
1 Green PBY flew gunboat cooperation but was unable to reach station because of unfavorable weather. Bombs were dropped on Muliama Harbor with unobserved results. All other flights cancelled.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors.
1 PBY (VPB-44) Gunboat cooperation. 2105-2255 4x500 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 18 December 1944.

Main strike yesterday was against the Sulphur Creek plane park, which was hit by 38 PBJs from Green and Emirau with frag clusters and quarter-tonners. Most of the bombing was through overcast but good coverage was reported and one large fire was started.
New Ireland village and plantation areas used by the Nips for personnel and stores concentration were again well worked over by F4Us and PVs.
Nadzab heavies hit the west coast road on New Ireland, recording 27 hits with quarter-tonners. A Nadzab B-24 weather plane over Vunakanau on 16 December dropped two bombs on the runway and reported two planes on the ground there.

NEW BRITAIN
(48 sorties - 17 1/2 tons)

Rabaul Patrols: Ten Green F4Us patrolled Rabaul with negative results.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 14 in A.M. Rabaul patrols, no bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(21 sorties - 24 tons)

Two Bridges Destroyed: Four Green PVs destroyed the Salik River Bridge and the Soalaba River Bridge, with 24 quarter-tonners. They also strafed nearby huts and buildings.

For the Record:

4 PVs NZ 1 1015 load dr. 500(4) dr. 24x500

Taron Village Bombed and Strafed: Taron Village, in the south interior of New Ireland, reported to be occupied by Nips, was hit with 12 quarter-tonners by two PVs, which also strafed. Results were not observed.

For the Record:

2 PVs NZ 1 ???0 load 6x500(2) dr. ?x500

Kaf Kaf Village Bombed: Four Emirau F4Us dropped eight half-tonners on Kaf Kaf Village with unobserved results and killed a Nip with strafing at Lossuk Bay.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 19 1050 load 2x1000(4) dr. 8x1000

PVs Start Fire: Three Emirau PVs started a fire with smoke to 1000 ft by hitting Lakurafanga Village with 16 325 lb depth charges. Meagre light inaccurate fire came from known positions.

3 PVs NZ 4 1000 load 6x325 depth charges (3) dr. 16x325

North New Ireland Patrols: Four Emirau F4Us, on patrol over north New Ireland, partly demolished a large building in Kavieng and bombed others with unobserved results.
A PV on truck and shipping recco dropped six 250 pounders on a detour between the main road and Lamussong Plantation, with unobserved results.
The PV on dawn patrol also recorded unobserved results from four 500 pounders and two 250 pounders dropped on Katherine Bay. The dusk patrol was weathered out.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 19 0905-1515 load 2x1000(2) dr. 4x1000
2 PVs NZ 4 1156-1427 load 6x250 (1) dr. 8x250
                 0640-1000 4x500 4x500
                                 2x250

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(12 sorties - 3 3/4 tons)

Nip Concentration Bombed: Ramandata, on the north tip of Bougainville, site of a reported heavy concentration of Nips, was struck by eight Piva F4Us, which dropped 15 quarter-tonners in and around the garden and hut area with unobserved results. One bomb hung and was returned to base.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 0845 load 2x500(8) dr. 15x500

A/A Fire From Teop Island: Two Piva F4Us, on an Able-Charlie search, strafed Teop Island with unobserved results and received meagre inaccurate probable 20MM fire, with tracer, from the northeast tip of Teop. The dusk patrol was negative and the dawn patrol was not flown because of plane unserviceability.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 2 4 0700-0900 Able-Charlie search.
                     1655-1805 Dusk patrol. No bombs.

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 18
Beefsteak searches were negative with broken low clouds and the following track and cover: Tare 95 and 90; Uncle both 100; Victor 90 and 85. Brewer searches made only friendly sightings in bad weather. Able accompplished 50 and Baker 60% cover both sectors with full track.
A Green Black-Cat flew PGM cooperation. Fourteen lights were observed on both sides of Buka passage which were extinguished when the Cat approached and re-lighted as it withdrew. Otherwise search negative.
The search for the missing TBM last seen over the chain of mountains N of Pusupa Sunday morning, was negative. The search covered from Ruri Bay to Numa Numa, one aircraft searching the shoreline at 1000' and the other 3-4 miles off shore at 1000'. Visibility 20 miles.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors.
1 PBY (VPB-44) PGM Co-operation (2300-0015) 4x250 G.P. jettisoned.
2 F4Us (NZ-24) Search for missing TBM (1425-1555).

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 19 December 1944.

The Nip floatplane under camouflage near the ramp at Malaguna was the target for nine Piva F4Us yesterday. Two of the attacking plane went down low after the bombing and strafed the floatplane, reporting that they put seven-second bursts into it.
On New Ireland the harassing of villages and plantations where the Nips have personnel and stores was kept up by PVs and F4Us from Green and Emirau.
In the Bougainville sector the main strike was by eight Piva F4Us on the Nip headquarters on Fauro Island. Patrol planes strafed extensively, but with unobserved results, on Buka.

NEW BRITAIN
(17 sorties-4 tons)

Malaguna Floatplane Hit By Strafing: The camouflaged floatplane at Malaguna was attacked again by nine Piva F4Us. Because of low clouds and consequent short time for recognition of the target, the pilots mistook the area and dropped their bombs in the vicinity of jetties at Walaur. Eleven quarter-tonners landed round the jetties and on the road, and five went into the sea. One plane returned to base with its bombs because of engine trouble.
After the bombing two planes returned to the target area and strafed the floatplane. Each reported putting a seven-second burst right in, but there was no sign of smoke, burning or any of the other signs expected from a serviceable plane after strafing.
The floatplane had grey camouflage draping four feet long from the wing but it looked delapidated and bleached. The only sign of anti-aircraft fire was that two white puffs were observed in the vicinity of "The Mother".

For the Record:

9 F4Us NZ 24 1010 load 2x500 (9) dr 16x500.

Negative Rabaul Patrols: Eight Green F4Us covered Rabaul from 0830 to 1600, without bombs and without incident.
A Green PBJ sent out to heckle Rabaul on the night of 17-18 December lost its exhaust stack and returned and a relief plane was forced home by weather. One plane jettisoned its six quarter-tonners and the other returned its six quarter-tonners to base.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 18 0630-1600 No bombs carried.

Strikes From Nadzab: A delayed report from the Combat Replacement Training Centre at Nadzab says that five B-24s dropped 60 500 pounders from 9000 ft. on Tobera airfield without observing results on December 14. One twin-engine apparently serviceable plane was seen in a revetment.
On December 18 six B-25s dropped 24 300 pounders from minimum altitude between Cape Gazelle and Kabanga Bay on Nip defense positions, and used 14,000 rounds in strafing. Results were not observed.

NEW IRELAND
(15 sorties-8 1/2 tons)

Depth Charges on Nip Occupied Village: Sixteen depth charges were dropped, on Nemasalang Village (S/Central New Ireland) by three Emirau PVs. The hut area occupied by Nips was the objective of the attack but results were unobserved. Two depth charges were jettisoned.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 1500 load 6x325 D.C. (3) dr 6x325.

Parafrags on Borpop: Six Green PVs dropped 36 120 lb. parafrags in a low level attack on Borpop with unobserved results. Moderate inaccurate medium and possible meagre inaccurate light fire was encountered.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 1 6x120 parafrags (6) dr 36x120.

New Ireland Patrols: Four Emirau Corsairs, on patrol over north New Ireland from 1205 to 1805, dropped one thousand pounder near Nuslik Island, one on Kavieng and two at a house on the coast road a mile north-west of Panapai, all with unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate light fire was experienced over Kavieng.
An Emirau PV on dawn patrol dropped six 325 lb, depth charges on huts in Katu Plantation, leaving columns of smoke rising from the target area. The PV on dusk patrol bombed Nip positions at Cape Lemeris with six depth charges with unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate heavy fire was received from Kavieng.
A PV on truck and shipping reconnaissance had to jettison its depth charges, owing to defective release gear.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 19 1205-1830 load 1x1000 (4) dr 4x1000.
2 PVs NZ 4 0645-0924 load 6x325 D.C. (2) dr 12x325.
                1548-1854
1 PV NZ 4 1224-1500 load 6x325 D.C. (1)

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(14 sorties-4 tons)

Nip Island Headquarters Hit: Kalia, reported to be the headquarters of the Nips on Fauro Island, with about 200 personnel there, was bombed by eight Piva F4Us, which dropped 14 quarter-tonners on gardens and surroundings with good coverage, the other two bombs falling into the sea.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1430 load 2x500 (8) dr 16x500.

Bougainville Patrols And Search: Piva F4Us made negative dawn and dusk patrols. On the Able-Charlie search, two F4Us strafed a red-roofed house at Kessa Plantation (Buka), one hut at Lontis (Buka), 12 huts at Yegits (Buka) and a hut and gardens at Rorovana Bay (E. Bougainville), all with unobserved results.

For the Record:

                     0635-0708 Dawn patrol
6 F4Us NZ 24 0640-0839 Able-Charlie search No bombs.
                    1700-1752 Dusk patrol

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 18
Beefsteak searches were negative in bad weather. Track and cover for all three sectors was as follows; Tare 75 and 60; Uncle both 100; Victor 30 and 100.
Brewer searches were negative in poor weather with 75% and 100% cover for Able and Baker respectively.
A Green Black Cat flew PGM Cooperation (Sambo) but was forced back early. Charcoal was canclled. Bombs were dropped on northwest Buka with unobserved results.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors.
1 PBY (VPB-44) PGM Cooperation (2200-2230) 4x250 GP.
 
The search for the TBM lost the morning of the 17th in the vicinity of Pusupa, continued with two Corsairs covering the Pusup area, Ramusian River valley, Uruai valley and Aita valley. A white sheet was noticed in the Pusupa area but no personnel. However, near the head waters of the Ramusian valley six native were waving a white sheet and gesticulating wildly. Another search by two Corsairs extending as far as Vella Lavella was negative.

For the Record:

2 F4Us (NZ-24) Search for missing TBM (0935-1135).
2 F4Us (NZ-24) Search for missing TBM (1150-1330).

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 20 December 1944.

A co-ordinated strike by Emirau PBJs and SBDs against Lakunai yesterday was upset by weather. Thirty-three PBJs got through, dropping 42 1/2 tons in the strip area. However, 108 SBDs were diverted by weather and hit Kavieng instead, dropping 54 tons and damaging the strip as well as huts and buildings and starting numerous fires.
Nip positions at Balgai and Borpop were bombed, the first by eight Emirau F4Us and the second by four Green PBJs.
On Bougainville Piva F4Us hit Nip concentrations at Moroni and Kupei.

NEW BRITAIN
(40 sorties - 44 tons)

Negative Rabaul Patrols: Six Green F4Us patrolled Rabaul in pairs from 0650 to 0850 and from 1045 to 1555, weather preventing patrols between 0850 and 1045. Results were negative except for the observation of trucks on the move at Vunakanau and on the Tunnel Hill Road.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 14 0650-0850 Rabaul patrols. No bombs.
                    1045-1555

Rabaul Hecklers: A Green PV heckled Rabaul from 2200 to 2400 on December 18, dropping three quarter-tonners on Vunakanau, two on Rabaul and one on Tobera, all with unobserved results.

1 PV NZ 1 2200-2400 6x500 (1) dr. 6x500

Strike From Nadzab: Six A-20s from Nadzab dropped 21 300 lb bombs and used 11,000 rounds in strafing targets of opportunity in the Put Put-Matala area. Meagre accurate light fire from a hill in Put Put plantation holed one plane.

NEW IRELAND
(128 sorties - 68 3/4 tons)

Balgai Fuel Dump Bombed: Eight Emirau F4Us bumbed the Balgai fuel dump with sixteen half-tonners. Intense inaccurate heavy and moderate inaccurate medium fire was received from known positions.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 19 1100 load 2x1000(8) dr. 16x1000

North New Ireland Patrols: Six Emirau F4Us patrolled Kavieng from 0640 to 1540, dropping four half-tonners on Kavieng and two half-tonners south of Panapai, possibly damaging two huts. The Emirau PV on dawn patrol dropped six depth charges on the road at Katanu plantation with unobserved results and the PV on ship and truck recco dropped six more on Fatmilalk plantation, also with unobserved results. The dusk patrol and the last Kavieng patrol are not reported.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 19 0640-1540 load 1x1000 (6) dr. 6x1000
2 PVs NZ 4 load 6x325 (2) dr.12x325

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(22 sorties - 7 tons)

Strikes on Moroni And Kupei: Moroni (SW Bougainville), site of a reported Nip concentration, was hit by Piva F4Us, six of which dropped two quarter-tonners each into the target area, with unobserved results. One plane had engine trouble and jettisoned its bombs and its escort did the same, both returning to base.
Kupei (SE Bougainville) and Moroni were also hit by eight more Piva F4Us, carrying quarter-tonners. They dropped six on huts in a clearing and two in adjacent huts, destroying one and damaging two, at Kupei and four on huts, destroying four, and four in the jungle area at Moroni. Both areas were also well strafed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 0900 load 2x500(8) dr. 12x500
8 F4Us NZ 24 1045 load 2x500(8) dr. 16x500
                    1100

Negative Bougainville Patrol: The Bougainville patrols and the Able-Charlie search were negative.

For the Record:

                     0600-0715
6 F4Us NZ 24 0715-0915 One patrol. No bombs carried.
                    1725-1820

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 19
Beefsteak searches were negative with the following cover and track. Tare 60 and 60; Uncle both 80 and Victor both 75.
Brewer searches were negative with full track for both sectors 95% cover for Able and 80 for Baker.
A special search conducted by one plane for a sub sighted in Wewak area was negative.
Weather forced Sambo to return without contacting PGM in Oboe-Easy, Charcoal covered Uncle for LCI. Bombs were dropped on Sambakar and Hunter Points. A blinker light was observed near Rapopo which changed to steady red when approached.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile sectors.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors.
1 PV-1 (VPB-146) Special search.
2 PBJ (Green) (2024-2335) 4x250 G.P.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 21 December 1944.

Main activity in the NorSols area yesterday was over New Ireland. Fifty-six sorties over that island included a strike by 32 PBJs on Balgai, another PBJ strike on Namatanai and a combined PBJ and PV strike on Borpop.
Gazelle Peninsula sweeps were reinstituted yesterday and one caught a car apparently containing five Nip officers and killed two and possibly the other three. Main activity over New Britain, however, was provided by B-24s, B-25s and A-20s from Nadzab.
Both Piva F4U squadrons co-operated in extensive patrolling over Bougainville and in strikes on Monoitu vehicle park and Toberei personnel and supply area.
Four F4Us were scrambled from the Admiralty Islands at 1630 yesterday to intercept two bogeys approaching from the south-east at 20,000 ft. The bogeys retreated out of range without being intercepted or identified.

NEW IRELAND
(56 sorties-61 1/4 tons)

Strike on Borpop: Two Green PBJs and three Green PVs cooperated in a low level strike on Borpop after finding Namatanai closed in. They dropped ten quarter-tonners with 8-11 sec delay and 12 quarter tonners inst., for undetermined results. Six bombs were returned to base.

For the Record:

2 PBJs VMB 423 5x500 (2)
3 PVs NZ 1 load 6x500 (3) dr 22x500.

Belik River Area Bombed: Two Green PVs missed the Belik River bridge with quarter-ton bombs but two others destroyed a building at the mouth of the river in a low level attack.

For the Record:

4 PVs NZ 1 1032 load 6x500 24x500.
1047

New Ireland Patrols: An Emirau PV on dusk patrol on 19 December dropped five quarter-tonners on Lamernewei Plantation, causing an explosion, with smoke and debris.
Two F4Us patrolling Kavieng between 1445 and 1815 on 19 December cratered a road and damaged a building near Kavieng strip. Meagre inaccurate light fire came from Kavieng.
An Emirau PV on the dawn patrol dropped one live and two dud depth charges on Patlangat Plantation with unobserved results.
Six Emirau F4Us in three patrols over Kavieng from 0905 to 1630 dropped five half-tonners, two on Balgai, two on Panapai and one on Kavieng, the last damaging a house.
The PV on truck and shipping recco dropping one dud and one exploding depth charge on Katherine Harbour, without observing results.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 Dusk patrol (19 Dec) load 6x500 dr 5x500.
2 F4Us NZ 19 1445-1815 (19 Dec) load 1x1000(2) dr 2x1000.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn patrol (20 Dec) load 6x325 dr 3x325.
6 F4Us NZ 19 Patrols (20 Dec) load 1x1000(6) dr 5x1000.
1 PV NZ 4 Recco (20 Dec) load 6x325 dr 2x325.

NEW BRITAIN
(19 sorties-3 1/2 tons)

Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Four Piva F4Us on the Duke of York-Cape Archway sweep caught a khaki-coloured command car on the main road at Talili Bay. Five occupants in uniform, evidently officers, leapt out as the planes began to strafe. Two were killed. The other three scrambled into the undergrowth at the side of the road. This was strafed also and the pilots consider they probaby killed the Nips. The car was left burning. A truck in the same vicinity was left burning and another was damaged and a punt was holed at the mouth of the Warangoi River. Four quarter-ton bombs were dropped on the supply area at Rataval.
The Watom Island-Pondo sweep planes got two direct hit with quarter-tonners on the crossroads at Talili Bay and strafed huts on the coast of Palangumar Bay.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 21 0840-1130 load 1x500(8) dr 8x500
0715-1230

Rabaul Patrols Negative: Eight Green F4Us patrolled Rabaul from 0620 to 1555 with negative results.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 14 0620-1555 Rabaul patrols. No bombs.
2 F4Us NZ 14 1550-1800 (19 Dec) Rabaul patrol. No bombs.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(37 sorties-11 tons)

Vehicle Park Hit: A Nip vehicle park near Monoitu received ten quarter-tonners from seven Piva F4Us. Three more bombs fell on the fringe of the target. One quarter-tonner hung and was returned to base. Meagre inaccurate light fire was received from Runai.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 24 0735 load 2x500 (7) dr 13x500.

Depth Charges on Nip Positions: Nip personnel and stores in Toberei Plantation were hit by 12 Piva F4Us dropping depth charges and quarter-tonners. Eight depth charges and two quarter-tonners went into the assigned area, which was also well strafed. Others fell just west and south-east of the area, with one depth charge in the sea.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 24 1030 2x325 D.C. (7) 14x325
                              2x500 G.P. (5) 10x500.

Bougainville Patrols and Searches: Six Piva F4Us in pairs flew the dawn and dusk patrols and an Able-Charlie search with negative results, except that the Able-Charlie search planes strafed undergrowth at Moila Point where two Nips wearing white loin cloths took shelter when they saw the planes approaching.
On a second Able-Charlie search two planes strafed a 15 ft. boat with an outboard engine east of Moisuru Bay, damaging the boat and killing three of four Nips swimming beside it. Strafing on the shore started a fire. Meagre inaccurate medium fire came from Kangu Hill.
Six Piva F4Us flew patrols of south Bougainville, each plane carrying two quarter-tonners. One patrol dropped its bombs on huts inland of Cape Piupiu and destroyed a hut with strafing east of Kaisiara. Another bombed huts near Kupei and the third bombed gardens west of Ruisei.
Four Piva F4Us on a sweep for targets of opportunity bombed a bridge at the mouth of the Moisuru River with four 500-pounders but missed it, all the bombs overshooting into the sea.

For the Record:

                     0610-0715 Dawn patrol.
                     1045-1230 Able-Charlie search.
8 F4Us NZ 21 1732-1825 Dusk patrol. No bombs.
                    1425-1600 Able-Charlie search.
                    1325-1500
6 F4U's NZ 24 1350-1510 S. Bougainville patrols dr 12x500 1400-1515
4 F4U's NZ 21 1415 Load 1x500(4) dr 4x500

SEARCHES FOR DECEMBER 20
Beefsteak searches were negative with 100 track for all three sectors. Cover was 90 for Tare, 90 for Uncle and 100 for Victor.
Brewer searches were negative, with 80% cover for Able in clouds and showers and 85% cover for Baker in average weather.
Four planes were scrambled at Manus to identify two bogeys approaching from SE at 20,000ft., but the bogeys retreated without being intercepted or identified.
The scramble search for the PV-1 downed in the vicinity of Pusupa (Bougainville) was negative. The entire Aita river valley was combed. The country is precipitous with mountains rising to 8000ft surrounded by dense jungle.

For the Record:

3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sectors
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sectors.
2 F4U's (NZ-21) Scramble search for downed PV. 0935-1102.

[aircraftclocks]

WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 19 DECEMBER 1944.

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

ADMIRALTIES
VS-61              15 SBD       15 18 VS-61
                        2 J2F-6       2
VPB-33             9 PBY-5       7 VPB-33
VPB-146         14 PV-1       14 39 VPB-146
NZ-23            18 F4U        18 23 NZ #4 S.U.

EMIRAU
VMSB-133      24 SBD-6   23 26 VMSB-133
VMSB-142      25 SBD-6   25 43 VMSB-142
VMSB-236      24 SBD-6   23 26 VMSB-236
VMSB-241      24 SBD-6   24 24 VMSB-241
VMSB-243      25 SBD-5   25 40 VMSB-243
VMB-413        11 PBJ-1D  11 60 VMB-413
VMB-433        12 PBJ-1C  11 48 VMB-433
VMB-443        12 PBJ-1D  12 49 VMB-443
VMB-611        12 PBJ-1D  11 50 SS-61
NZ-19            21 F4U-1D 15 26 NZ #5 S.U.
NZ-4              17 PV-1     16 16 NZ #10 S.U.

GREEN
VMF-222        24 F4U 24   45 VMF-222
VMSB-244      25 SBD-5   25 25 VMSB-244
VMSB-341      24 SBD-6   24 24 VMSB-341
VMB-423        11 PBJ-1D  11 51 VMB-423
VPB-44          15 PBY-5A  12 56 PATSU 1-11
NZ-14           18 F4U-1D  18 26 NZ #3 S.U.
NZ-1             15 PV-1 14 13 NZ #14 S.U.

BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251      25 F4U-1D  25 39 VMO-251
VMF-212      25 F4U 25   42 VMF-212
VMF-223      24 F4U 24   39 VMF-223
VMR-152      16 R4D-5    13 68 VMR-152
VMR-153      16 R4D-5    14 70 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO  5 F5A         5 8 17TH PHOTO
                    1 RA-24B    1
                    1 UC-64A    1
NZ-21         18 F4U-1D  18 27 NZ #31 S.U.
NZ-24         18 F4U-1D  18 26 NZ #2 S.U.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 22 December 1944.

A report from the Admiralty Islands records farther bogeys in that area. At 1510 Item on 21 December two plus bogeys were reported coming in from the direction of Rabaul at 20,000 ft. Four F4Us were scrambled to intercept. The bogeys approached to within 20 miles of Manus and then turned and retired at high speed in the direction of Rabaul. The F4Us closed to within eight miles but were unable to overtake the bogeys.
Following the report that two unidentified planes approached the Admiralty Islands from the southeast at 1630 on 20 December and retired before they could be intercepted or identified, comes a report from Green that F4Us on patrol over Rabaul from 1600 to 1815 on 20 December saw two possible enemy planes (exact time of sighting not given) six miles away. The bogeys made for cloud before they could be identified and were not seen again.
An Australian Army report says that at 0900 Item on 20 December a Dinah was over Jacquinot Bay, New Britain, the report saying it was sighted at 25,000 to 20,000 ft. Another report from the same source says that a single-engine plane flying southwest over Cape Orford, between Jacquinot Bay and Wide Bay, at 1106 Item on 18 December fired three burst into a platoon position without causing casualties.
Main offensive activity yesterday was over New Britain, where Vunakanau was hit with 20 3/4 tons of frag clusters and 22 1/2 tons of quarter-tonners.

NEW BRITAIN
(79 sorties - 51 1/4 tons)

Possible Enemy Planes Sighted: Two Green F4Us covering Rabaul from 1600 to 1815 on 20 December sighted two possible enemy planes approximately 4000 ft. above and about six miles distant when they were flying near Tobera. The bogeys turned into clouds before identification could be established and no other contact was made, (At 1640 on 20 December two bogeys approached the Admiralty Islands but retreated when four F4Us were scrambled to intercept them.)

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 14 Dusk patrol 20 December. No bombs.

PBJs and PVs Hit Vunakanau: Thirty-three Emirau PBJs caused fires with smoke to 800 ft. at Vunakanau, after dropping 341 120 lb. frags, through haze. Five clusters fell safe and two were jettisoned. Heavy A/A holed one plane and slightly damaged another (position of origin not stated.)
Ten Green Mitchells and seven Green PVs dropped 90 500 lb G.P. on Vunakanau at 1143 with unobserved results. Intense accurate heavy A/A was received from Vunakanau and Vulcan Crater. The target was a Nip supply and building area.

For the Record:

33 PBJs 1135 dr. 346x120 frag. cl.
10 PBJs VMB-423 1143 ) dr. 90x500
7 PVs NZ 1

Attack on Nip Radio Station: A Nip radio station at Tomavatur (SE of Vunakanau) received 12 quarter-tonners from 12 Piva F4Us. Eight of the bombs were duds. The others fell on or near the target but results were unobserved.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 21 0905 load 1x500 (12) dr. 12x500

Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Light Piva F4Us flew the Watom Island-Pondo and Duke of York-Cape Archway sweeps, carrying 500-pounders. They dropped four on the floatplane slipway at Malaguna, four on jetties at Walaur, five on personnel and garden areas near Wangaramut, one ten yards from a hut at Lassul Bay and two (which blew out the approach) on a bridge east of Keravat.
They also strafed a truck at Talili Bay, killing ten Nips, a ferry raft at Budal River, a stationary truck at Liguan Bay and Nips at Praed Point and Keravia Bay.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1100-1200 load 2x500 (8) dr. 16x500
                    1150-1230

Rabaul Patrols: Six Green F4Us patrolled Rabaul from 0630 to 1600. They strafed a truck and a small boat, with unobserved results. Otherwise the patrols were negative.
A Green PV night heckling over Rabaul from 2100 to 2300 on 20 December dropped one quarter-tonner on Vunakanau and two on Lakunai. One quarter-tonner was a dud.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 24 0630-1600 Rabaul patrols. No bombs.
1 PV NZ 1 2100-2300 (20 Dec) load 4x500 dr. 4x500

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(17 sorties - 2 tons)

Tinputs Plantation Strike: Tinputs Plantation (NE Bougainville) was the target for eight Piva F4Us. Owing to poor visibility six pilots lost contact with the leader and dropped six bombs in Baniu plantation. The other two put their bombs into the target area at Timputs.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 21 1020 load 1x500 (8) dr. 8x500

Bougainville Patrols: Piva F4Us on the dawn patrol returned a negative report. Two Able-Charlie searches strafed huts in various positions and killed one Nip.
A PV of NZ 1 made two trips to drop supplies in the Aita River area, escorted by two F4Us.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 1 Two supply dropping missions.
2 F4Us NZ 24 Escort supply dropping missions.
2 F4Us NZ 24 Dawn patrols. No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 24 Able-Charlie searches.

NEW IRELAND
(9 sorties - 4 1/2 tons)

New Ireland Patrols and Hecklers: The Emirau PV on the dusk patrol over Kavieng on 20 December dropped three depth charges in Lamussong plantation. The plane received one burst of inaccurate medium fire from the north end of Panapai and another from south of Kavieng.
Two Emirau PBJs heckling Kavieng from 2005 to 2029 on the night of 20 December put 11 120 lb frag clusters on gun positions at Kavieng, and one on gun positions at Panapai. Moderate, inaccurate heavy A/A came from Kavieng.
On the dawn patrol on 21 December, the PV dropped three 325 lb depth charges and three 120 lb frag clusters on a group of 33 huts at Suma Plantation, smoke rising to 1000 ft. Meagre inaccurate light fire was received from a small island near Lolulu island.
The PV on truck and shipping rocco dropped three depth charges and three frag clusters on Panaras plantation. Results were not observed.
Four F4Us flew Kavieng patrols from 0830 to 1340, dropping two half-tonners on huts and two on buildings with unobserved results. Inaccurate light A/A was received from Kavieng.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 4 Dusk patrol (20 Dec) dr. 3x325
2 PBJs Night heckling. dr. 12x120
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn patrol. dr. 3x325 D.C.
                                       3x120 frags.
1 PV NZ 4 Truck and ship recco. dr. 3x325 D.C.
                                                   3x120 frags.
4 F4Us NZ 14 0830-1340 dr. 4x1000

SEARCHES FOR 21 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in good weather with 100 per cent track in both sectors. Cover was 90 per cent in Tare and Uncle, and 100 per cent in Victor.
Brewer searches also went full track in average weather with the following percentages of cover, Able 80 and Baker 85.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 23 December 1944.

Bougainville was the centre of the main NorSols activity yesterday, strikes being made on Sohana Island A/A and the Nip radio station on Teop Island.
Army and RAAF planes being scheduled to strike the Rabaul area, operations over New Britain were restricted to patrols, sweeps and night heckling. New Ireland operations included a strike on the fuel dump at Balgai.
Four F4Us which patrolled Rabaul on 21 Dec. after a report from the Admiralties that unidentified planes were returning toward Rabaul reported no sightings.
A new strip at Cape Hoskins is operational. It is situated 150° 24" E. and 5° 30" S.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(34 sorties—11 1/4 tons)

Teop Island Radio Station: Eight Piva F4Us attacked the radio station on the north-east tip of Teop Island with eight quarter-tonners and eight depth charges. Five quarter-tonners and four depth charges hit the last chain of the tip of the island, three quarter-tonners fell about five chains inland and four depth charges landed on the coral or in the sea. The whole area was well strafed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1045 dr 8x500 GP
                                8x325 DC.

Bougainville Patrols and Searches: Piva F4Us flew a negative dusk patrol on 21 Dec. Four Piva F4Us did two-plane searches at 0715 and 1115 on 22 Dec. They strafed five Nips north of Moila Point and killed one on the east shore of Lake Lahala.
Eight Piva F4Us in pairs patrolled for targets of opportunity between 1230 and 1500. They dropped 12 quarter-tonners one at Nips on the beach at Motupena Point, three at a ten-foot bridge east of Kieta Harbour, two on huts in Numa Numa Plantation, two on the coast road (with a direct hit) at Ruru Bay and three on and around a garden south of Monoitu Mission. They also strafed the edge of Numa Numa Plantation.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 24 Dusk patrol 21 Dec.
4 F4Us NZ 21 Bougainville patrols 0715-1115.
8 F4Us NZ 21 & 24 Bougainville patrols 1230-1500 dr 12x500.

Sohana Island A/A: Twelve Piva F4Us hit Sohana Island A/A positions, dropping 14 quarter-tonners and 10 depth charges. Five bombs landed close to medium positions on the north tip of the island, one on the reported position of three medium weapons, six were well spaced over the wooded part of the island and one fell in the sea. Two depth charges landed near four medium positions, seven were in the wooded area and one was in the sea.
M/G positions on the western end of Buka Island airstrip were strafed, moderate inaccurate fire being returned. Moderate, inaccurate heavy fire was received from apparently new positions south of those plotted and moderate, accurate 40 mm from norther positions on Sohana Island. One plane was holed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 24 0800 dr 14x500 GP
                                  10x325 D.C.

NEW IRELAND
(25 sorties-13 tons)

Balgai Fuel Dump Hit: Eight Emirau F4Us, striking the fuel dump at Balgai, dropped eight half-tonners, damaging several buildings. Intense, inaccurate medium and intense, accurate light fire were received from known positions north of the strip and one plane was holed. Four planes strafing knocked out a M/G post east of Balgai. They also chased a truck into a ditch but ground fire prevented strafing.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 19 0655 dr 8x1000.

Huts Destroyed at Pinikindu: Pinikindu Village received eight half-tonners from four Emirau F4Us. Three huts were destroyed and others damaged.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 19 1445 dr 8x1000.

Bombs Returned: Six PVs failed to pinpoint their correct Namatanai target before committing themselves to their run. As they had no secondary target they did not drop, returning all bombs to base.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 1 No bombs dropped.

New Ireland Patrols: Two Emirau F4Us on patrol on 21 Dec. dropped two half-tonners, with unobserved results, near a house in Kavieng. A PV on dusk patrol dropped three 325 lb depth charges and three 120 lb frags on the Katu Bay area with unobserved results.
The dawn patrol PV on 22 Dec. dropped the same load on huts in Panemansu Plantation, without observing results. A PV on truck and shipping recco dropped two depth charges and three frag clusters on Panatgin Village with unobserved results.
Four F4Us in pairs patrolled Kavieng from 0900 to 1500 and possibly damaged two houses in Kavieng with half-tonners. Strafing damaged a truck near Panapai and set fire to another, plus a hut, at Lossuk Bay. Meagre inaccurate heavy A/A came from Balgai and moderate (type and accuracy unspecified) from the south end of Panapai.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 19 1435-1825 21 Dec. dr 2x1000.
1 PV NZ 4 Dusk patrol 21 Dec. dr 3x325 D.C.
                                                 3x120 Frags.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn patrol 22 Dec. dr 3x325 D.C.
                                                 3x120 Frags.
1 PV NZ 4 1130-1335 22 Dec. dr 2x325 D.C.
                                                3x120 Frags.
4 F4Us NZ 19 0900-1500 22 Dec. dr 4x1000.

NEW BRITAIN
(20 sorties-5 1/4 tons)

Rabaul Patrols: Two Green F4Us covering Rabaul from 1600 to 1855 on 21 Dec. strafed and probably killed several Nips in a party of 30 working with four trucks to fill craters on Tobera. They were joined by two more on routine dusk patrol following the report from Manus of bogeys headed toward Rabaul. The patrol was negative. Intense inaccurate light fire was received from Tobera.
Six F4Us in pairs maintained patrols over Rabaul from 0605 to 1700 on 22 Dec. They destroyed two canoes and damaged three.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 14 21 Dec. 1600-1855 No bombs.
6 F4Us NZ 14 22 Dec. 0605-1700 No bombs.

Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Jetties at Rabaul and the crossroads at Talili Bay were bombed by eight Piva F4Us on the Watom-Pondo and Duke of York-Cape Archway sweeps. Two direct hits with quarter-tonners were scored on the crossroads.

For the Record:

                     0735-0820
8 F4Us NZ 21 0755-0845 load 1x500 dr 8x500.

Rabaul Hecklers; One PBJ heckled Rabaul from 2035 to 2208 on the night of 21 Dec., dropping two 500 lb GP bombs on the Sulphur Creek plane park, one on Vunakanau and one on Toboi wharf. All results were unobserved.
A PV continued heckling from 2145 to 2400, dropping three 500-pounders on Lakunai and two on Rapopo, returning one to base. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

1 PBJ VMB 423 2035-2208 21 Dec. dr 4x500.
1 PV NZ 1 2145-2400 21 Dec. dr 5x500.

SEARCHES FOR 22 DECEMBER
Brewer searches were negative with 100 percent cover for Able and 90 percent for Baker.
Charcoal co-operated with PGMs in Apple from 2120 to 2400 on 21 Dec. dropping two 250 pounders on Kahili Plantation and two on Komalu Plantation.

For the Record:

3 PVs VPB-146 Admiralties 300 mile sectors. No bombs.
1 PBY VPB-44 PGM co-operation dr 4x250.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 24 December 1944

Fifty-one Green and Emirau PBJs and PVs co-operated yesterday in a strike on Vunakanau strip, dropping 68 tons. Results were unobserved. A/A was intense and seven planes were holed.
Other Green and Emirau operations were restricted to patrols and heckling missions. Piva planes made strikes on Nip concentrations at Tinputs and a Nip ammo dump at Essosopaia, both with unobserved results, and conducted Bougainville patrols and Gazelle Peninsula sweeps.

NEW BRITAIN
(84 sorties - 73 1/2 tons)

Co-ordinated Strike on Vunakanau: Thirty-five Emirau PBJs dropped 95 1000 pounders on Vunakanau strip and ten Green PBJs and six Green PVs dropped 40 500 pounders and 21 1000 pounders, all from medium altitude. Cloud conditions interfered with the estimation of results.
Intense accurate heavy fire holed six Green PBJs, killed one tail gunner and wounded a turret gunner. Emirau planes reported meagre to moderate, inaccurate to accurate heavy fire, one plane being holed.

For the Record:

35 PBJs Emirau dr. 95x1000
10 PBJs VMB-423 dr. 21x1000
6 PVs NZ 1 dr. 40x500

Patrollers and Hecklers Over Rabaul: Four Green F4Us on patrol over Rabaul from 1705 to 1835 on 22 December reported probably killing one Nip by strafing.
Twenty F4Us maintaining patrols from 0610 to 1750 on 23 December killed three Nips and set fire to four trucks. The PBJ heckler over Rabaul on the night of 22-23 December dropped four quarter-tonners on the Duke of York Islands and two on Raluana point, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 14 Dusk patrol, 22 December. No bombs.
20 F4Us NZ 14 Rabaul patrols 0610-1750. No bombs.
1 PBJ VMB-423 Night heckling, 22-23 December. dr. 6x500

Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Eight Piva F4Us on the Watom Island-Pondo and Duke of York-Cape Archway sweeps dropped 16 quarter-tonners on targets of opportunity, destroying five huts at various points and a foot-bridge at Keravat. Five bombs were duds.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1220-1330 dr. 16x500
                    1215-1330

RAAF Strike: Eight RAAF Beauforts bombed the building and hut concentration on Matupi Island on 22 December. They reported an unidentified plane flying along the coast of New Ireland at 0817 on 22 December, turning east opposite Cape Gazelle.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(30 sorties - 12 tons)

Tinputs Plantation Concentrations Bombed: Twelve half-tonners were dropped on Nip concentrations in Tinputs Plantation by 12 Piva F4Us with unobserved results.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 21 0730 dr. 12x1000

Reported Nip Ammo Dump Hit: A reported Nip ammo dump at Essospaia near Numa Numa, received eight half-tonners from eight Piva F4Us. The target area was well covered but results were not observed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 21 1000 dr. 8x1000

Bougainville Patrols: Two Piva F4Us flew a negative dusk patrol on 22 December. Two Bougainville patrols of two F4Us each put five quarter-tonners in and around a garden near Maigi and three near the bridge (destroying the approach) over the Hongorai River.
Two Able-Charlie searches were flown by Piva F4Us which strafed various villages and personnel areas with unobserved results.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 21 Dusk patrol, 22 December. No bombs.
4 F4Us NZ 24 Bougainville patrols, 23 December. dr. 8x500
4 F4Us NZ 24 Able-Charlie searches, 23 December. No bombs.

NEW IRELAND
(8 sorties -4 1/2 tons)

New Ireland Patrols: Emirau F4Us patrolled over Kavieng from 1500 to 1800 on 22 Dec., dropping two thousand pounders with unobserved results and strafing a truck and a footbridge.
An Emirau PV on dusk patrol dropped three 120 lb. frag clusters and three 325 lb depth charges, on the Bagaterre Bay area with unobserved results.
The PV on dawn patrol on 23 Dec. reported good coverage with the same load dropped on Panaras Plantation. Meagre, inaccurate medium fire was received from Panaras and intense, inaccurate medium from Kavieng.
Four Emirau F4Us patrolled north New Ireland from 0830 to 1520 dropping four half-tonners on buildings on the coast road near Panapai, cratering the road and probably damaging a house.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 19 New Ireland patrol 22 Dec. dr 2x1000.
1 PV NZ 4 Dusk patrol 22 Dec. dr 3x120 Frags.
                                                3x325 D. C.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn patrol 23 Dec. dr 3x120 Frags.
                                                 3x325 D. C.
4 F4Us NZ 19 New Ireland patrols 23 Dec. dr 4x1000.

SEARCHES : 23 DECEMBER
Only friendly sightings were made by 3 NZ PVs on the Emirau (Beefsteak) searches. Percentages track and cover were Tare 70 and 70, Uncle 60 and 40, Victor 90 and 90.
The two Brewer (Admiralties) searches went full track but both had only 80 percent cover on account of haze. The weather was good.

For the Record:

3 PVs NZ-4 Beefsteak Searches.
2 PVs VPB-146 Brewer Searches.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 25 December 1944.

Main strike in the NorSols area yesterday was against the Nip garrison at Amun (N. Bougainville). Twenty Piva F4Us covered the area with quarter-tonners, half-tonners and depth charges.
New Britain and New Ireland operations were confined mainly to patrol and heckling missions. Namalanai was struck by Green PVs and Emirau F4Us bombed the personnel area at Panapai.

BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(32 sorties-12 tons)

Nip Garrison Hit: A Nip garrison in jungle-covered positions at Amun were hit by 20 Piva F4Us, dropping eight half-tonners, twelve quarter-tonners and twelve depth charges, achieving good coverage. They were led to the target by RAAF Boomerangs. The F4Us returned after the bombing and gave the whole area a good strafing. After strike photos showed the whole area marked by bomb hits.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 24 0637 dr 8x1000 GP.
6 F4Us NZ 21 dr 12x500 GP
                        12x325 DC.

Kieta Garden Area Hit: Eight Piva F4Us hit a garden at Kieta with quarter-tonners, dropping five in the garden and three on the south fringe. One hung and was returned and five were duds.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 24 1100 dr 13x500.

Bougainville Patrols: Two Piva F4Us made an uneventful dusk patrol on 23 December. Two F4Us on an Able-Charlie search on 24 December killed a Nip north of Luluai Point. A second Able-Charlie search was cancelled.

For the Record:

2 F4U NZ 24 Dusk patrol 23 Dec. No bombs.
2 F4U NZ 21 Able-Charlie search No bombs.

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

Namatanai Hit: Five Green PVs dropped 29 quarter-tonners on Namatanai with excellent cover. Two planes were holed by 20 mm fire from northwest of the strip.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 1 1025 dr 29x500.

Panapai Personnel Area Hit: Four Emirau F4Us hit the personnel area at Panapai with eight half-tonners without observing results. The despatch covering this mission says the leader was picked up out of the sea five hours later 20 miles from base but gives no indication as to how or why he came to be in the sea.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 19 10?5 dr 8x1000.

New Ireland Patrols: Two Emirau F4Us on patrol over northern New Ireland on 23 Dec. dropped two half-tonners at a house near Panapai with unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate light fire was received from Panapai. The PV on dusk patrol dropped three 120 lb. frag. clusters on huts at Cape Lemeris.
The PV on dawn patrol on 24 Dec. jettisoned its load of frags. after release failures. Weather caused the cancellation of the F4U patrols except for one which dropped two half-tonners on Kavieng.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 19 1425-1827 23 Dec. dr. 4x500
1 PV NZ 4 Dusk patrol 23 Dec. dr. 3x120 frags.
1 PV NZ 4 Dawn patrol 24 Dec. None
2 F4Us NZ 19 0920-1200 24 Dec. dr. 2x1000

NEW BRITAIN
(29 sorties - 2 tons)

Successful Gazelle Peninsula Sweep: Four Piva F4Us making the Watom Island-Pondo sweep destroyed a truck on the Tunnel Hill Rd. with one quarter-tonner, destroyed another at the crossroads in the Talili Bay area with two quarter-tonners and demolished a footbridge a mile south of the Tunnel Hill Rd. with a fourth quarter-tonner. With strafing they destroyed a car and two trucks and caused another truck to roll into a ditch and killed two Nips. Meagre inaccurate light fire was received from Tawui Point.
The Duke of York-Cape Archway sweep was weathered out.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 21 1430-1545 dr. 4x500

Patrollers and Heckler Over Rabaul: Four Green F4Us, patrolling over Rabaul on 23 Dec., killed two Nips in small boats at the mouth of the Ramandu River. A PV heckled Rabaul from 2340 to 0130 on the night of 23-24 Dec., dropping four quarter-tonners with unobserved results.
Twenty F4Us in pairs patrolled Rabaul on 24 Dec. They destroyed a raft with strafing and one of four trucks loaded with belly tanks between Vunakanau and Tobera. One plane failed to pull out of a strafing run and crashed in flames.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 14 1750-1910 23 Dec. No Bombs.
1 PV NZ 1 2340-1030 23-24 Dec. dr. 4x500
20 F4Us NZ 14 0650-1720 24 Dec. No Bombs.

SEARCHES : 24 DECEMBER
The three Emirau searches were all negative, percentages of track and cover being : Tare 85 and 75, Uncle 100 and 100, Victor 100 and 85.
The two Admiralties search planes went full track, but both encountered fronts and recorded 80 (Able) and 70 (Baker) per cent coverage.

For The Record:

3 PVs NZ 4 Beefsteak Searches
2 PVs VPB146 Brewer searches.