RNZAF activity in the Pacific, 1944

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February 20

37 SBDs and 23 TBFs struck the Monoitu Mission area, bombing and strafing bridge and gun positions. The attack was made in two waves between 1040 and 1200. The SBDs carried 1x1000 inst. and 2x100 inst. per plane while 12 TBFs carried 1x2000 inst. and 1 x 2000 1/10 nose and tail. No aerial interception was encountered, however, meagre automatic, inaccurate AA and moderate machine gun fire was experienced. SBD # A-19 crashed after takeoff while plane # A-13 was hit by shrapnel (probably from own bomb) on underside near right wing root. TBF # 103 crashed after pullout in jungle in Monitu Mission area while the gunner in plane # 126 was injured in the arm. The SBDs report that due to overcast they were unable to locate the assigned targets, so they dropped on buildings in vicinity getting 10 estimated effective hits. The remainder were unobserved. 2x1000 hung up. The TBFs owing to closed cover dropped on targets of opportunity getting one confirmed and five misses on bridge over the Puriata River. One confirmed direct hit on bridge over Hongorei River. One confirmed direct hit and 5 reported direct hits on buildings and bivouac area in Monoitu Mission. Eight bombs unobserved. One bomb a dud. One bomb not dropped. Weather was 7-9 tenths from 1000-6000 feet over Monoitu Mission and 5/10 at Puriata River.
Routine searches were run and were negative.

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February 21

47 SBDs and 24 TBFs struck Lakunai gun positions. TO: 1045. OT 1235, TA 1400. 30 SBDs carried 1x1000 inst, 17 carried 1x1000 1/10. 15 TBFs were loaded with 1x2000 1/10 while 9 had 4x500 1/10. The SBDs suffered the following damage: Plane # 126 received shrapnel in the horizontal stabilizer and plane # 120 shrapnel in the left wing. TBF # 13 got shrapnel in the leading edge of the right wing. The attack was intercepted by 3 Zeros one of which made a pass. The TBFs claimed the following results. One near miss (2000 lb.) on 4.7 gun position Sulphur Creek with 9 unobserved (5x2000 and 4x500). One estimated effective hit (1x2000), one wild miss, 9 unobserved (4x500 and 5x2000) on 4.7 positions on Matupi Island. The SBDs claim three estimated effective hits, one confirmed effective hit, one hit in area, one wild miss, one unobserved on 4.7 position Matupi Island. One hit in area, 2 wild misses, 1 unobserved on 5 machine guns on Matupi. Two hits in area on 2 Autos on peninsula SE of runway, and three heavies just N of Autos above received 2 estimated effective hits and 1 unobserved. One estimated direct hit, two confirmed effective hits, two hits in area on three heavies 1 1/2 mile SE of runway, 2 confirmed effective hits, 1 hit in area on 4.7 south of Sulphur Creek. One hit in area, one unobserved, one estimated direct hit on Auto south of Sulphur Creek. Two estimated effective hits, 2 hits in area on 2 Autos east of runway. One near miss, five wild misses on gunboat.

Observations: The AA decreased after the attack. 4.7 fired on approach, but not when planes were in their dives. One F4U down off Taioff Island. A raft 30-40 miles from Taioff. Two Zeros were seen to go in the water. Three silver Zekes and 3-4 Bettys observed in revetments NW of runway.

Searches: 4 TBFs sent to destroy shipping at Pau Plantation. Observed no shipping. Eight rockets were carried by each plane and were used to destroy a pier. 40x100 lb bombs were dropped in the cove. 2 SBDs each carrying 1x1000 4-5 second and 2x100 inst. missed target # 2, a ford on the Mibo River.

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February 22

STRIKE - Shipping in Keravia Bay, the secondary target, was hit by 48 SBDs and 23 TBFs when Lakunai was found to be closed in by weather at 1020/L. Two divisions of SBDs, plus one plane in each other division, were loaded 1x1000# 1/10 second delay; other SBDs were loaded 1x1000# instantaneous. TBFs were loaded 1x2000, 1/10 second delay.
Together, the SBDs and TBFs got 15 hits on eight ships, plus one hit among five or six PTs , plus 12 hits among 15-20 barges along the south shore of Keravia Bay, plus one hit among warehouses in Keravia Village and three hits among buildings on Raluana Point. Immediately observed results were one 300 foot AK and one 250 foot AK afire.
By type of plane, the hits were:
SBDs - Six hits on six different ships; one hit among five or six PTs; 12 hits among 15-20 barges; three hits among buildings on Raluana Point.
TBFs - Eight hits on a 300 foot AK; one hit on a damaged AO; one hit among warehouses in Keravia Village.
There was no interception by enemy aircraft; AA was described as moderate to intense, of all types, and from known positions. In addition, a gunboat along shore west of Praed Point was also firing. Minor damage to several planes was sustained.
Two planes were lost: one SBD made a water landing 60 miles off Torokina enroute back, the pilot and gunner being rescued, and one TBF was seen to water land in Keravia Bay. The pilot and crew of the TBF, Lt. W.K. Harris and Cpls. J.V. McDonald and A.A. Altfillisch, respectively, are missing.

Other Missions: Two SBDs, without bombs, acted as artillery spotters; two SBDs loaded 1x1000 instantaneous were ordered to bomb the Mibo River ford; two SBDs loaded 1x1000 4-5 second delay, bombed the Puriata River bridge. The latter four planes were ordered to their targets as cooperation with ground forces; the first two missed their objective, the last two knocked out at least 60 feet of the bridge.
Four Navy PV-1s, loaded 6x500, 4-5 second delay, were sent out to attack an AK reported to make a daily "ferry" run between Babaserre Bay, southwest coast of New Ireland, and Rabaul. The planes did not sight the AK, but destroyed or damaged buildings, and three barges at Babaserre Bay, with 6x500, strafed all buildings in the area and south along the coast, and dropped 18x500 in the Cape St. George radar area. Several buildings were set on fire and AA was intense.
One PV, probably hit by AA, water landed 27 miles off Cape St. George, bearing 134 degrees.

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February 23

The scheduled Strike of 60 SBDs and 24 TBFs took off for the VUNAKANAU Airdrome, but ran into a solid front 30 miles east of New Ireland and returned to base.
A ground support mission was sent up to KURAIA with 20 SBDs taking off at 1740. Twenty 1000 pounders were dropped in the Mission area and good coverage was obtained. Fire was received from one machine gun but none of our planes were damaged. It ceased as the attack was begun. One parachute flare was observed before the pushover was made on the target.
Six TBFs were sent to search the area around Cape St. George for the crew of a PV-1 reported down. This search was negative.
Two PV-1s were sent on the above search and with the aid of a Baker 35 search plane located 5 of the seven men. These were picked up by the CONVERSE. Search for the remaining two men is continuing.

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February 24

STRIKES: 60 SBDs (1x1000 inst.) of VMSB 241, VC-38, VB-98, VMSB 244 led by Major Feeley and 22 TBFs (1x2000 1/10) VMTB 233 led by Lt. Sloan struck Vunopope (secondary) at 0935, Vunakanau (primary) being closed in.
All planes and personnel returned undamaged except that 3 SBDs received minor damage and 1 SBD was damaged in horizontal stabilizer from AA. One SBD water landed on way up when engine cut out, but crew was rescued.
Enemy shipping sighted in addition to the usual hulks and barges included 1 SS 45° bearing Cape Gazelle which was strafed by VFs and submerged, and 1 AK in Keravia Bay.
There was no enemy interception, but 9-10 Zekes were seen in distance and one enemy plane was seen to go into water off Cape Gazelle. AA from Cape Gazelle, Rapopo, Tobera, Vunakanau and Lakunai was generally meagre and inaccurate.
Direct hits blew up an ammo dump, what was probably a power plant, and Mission labor quarters. 40 direct hits were scored on buildings of various sizes and a confirmed direct hit was scored in Takular building area. Of 9 bombs not dropped 8 were jettisoned. One was brought back.

Weather - Vunakanau, Keravia Bay and Tobera covered cumulus, 1000-18000 feet. Target .5 covered by cloud layers 2000-15,000 ft. Coming home three white towers 100 feet high (possibly radio) were observed on Cape Gazelle.

Special Missions: 12 TBFs from VMTB-145, and VC-38 led by Lt. Bishop and loaded (12x100 inst. each) bombed and strafed Kuraio Mission at 1325. No planes or personnel were lost. There was no AA or interception. Radio contact with ground troops was excellent. Smoke shells were fired to mark target and ground troops reported excellent coverage of target. There was no visual record of damage, however, 1 bomb was jettisoned. Weather was good with .7 scattered clouds, east of target closed.

Two SBDs piloted by Lt. Manning and Wallace destroyed bridge between Taioff and Tanreoa Island at 1545 with a 1000 lb. 4/5 delay direct hit. One 1000 lb. proved a dud, but 2x100 were dropped near ford on Rava River., and 2x100 on hut in vicinity of Woskow.

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February 25

Ground Support Mission; target north reverse slope of Hill 1111 (approximately 2500 yds. NE of Torokina River). Eighteen SBDs (1x1000 1/10) (2x100 inst.). Eleven TBFs (12x100 1/10 and inst. alternating). Of 132 TBF bombs, 17 hung up of which 16 were jettisoned over water, one brought back. Attack at 1050. Good coverage of entire area. Of SBD bombs 3x100 hung and were jettisoned.
Second ground support mission. Same target. Eighteen SBDs (1x1000 inst.) (2x100 inst.) Twelve TBFs (12x100 inst., 1/10 inst.). Attack: 1100.
SBD: 16 x 1000 in target area with fairly good coverage along south side. One 1,000 dud, one 1,000 hung up approximately 15x100 hung. Considerable strafing, no results observed.
TBF: All TBFs scored hits in area. Of 144 bombs carried, 20 hung, eighteen of these jettisoned; 2 returned. One other bomb fell out unarmed. Results unobserved.

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February 26

22 TBFs, 1x2000x4-5 sec. and 52 SBDs, 34x1000 inst and 18 x 1000x1/10 strafed and bombed the Vunopope supply area at 1030. SBD squadrons VMSB 244, and VB 98 led by Major Reed. The TBF squadrons were VMTB 233, VMTB 134 and VC 38 led by Major Robertson. The SBDs suffered the following damage. Plane piloted by Capt. Porterfield # 121 (Bu.# 28372) hit by AA and went in 3 miles east of Cape Gazelle. Dumbo rescued crew uninjured. Shrapnel in wing of planes # A-14 and # 179, hole in aileron # A-13. TBFs no damage. No enemy interception. Over and east and west of the town moderate heavy AA was received from 6000-9000 feet. Rapopo, Tobera and Vunakanau heavy inaccurate AA through the clouds. Vunopope general area automatic and machine gun fire meagre and inaccurate with two positions in the center of Vunopope accurate intense automatic AA. Results of SBD attack: 3 misses on AK tied up just off north of Vunopope. 2 damaging hits among barges along shore. 2 hits on pier back of 225' hulk, one direct confirmed, 1 damaging. 2 hits on mission labor quarters, 3 bombs hung up and one dropped unarmed. 37 bombs fell in target area giving extensive coverage of buildings and warehouse. Numerous buildings hit but no fires observed. Results of TBFs: 3 confirmed direct hits, one reported damaging hit, 3 confirmed damaging hits and eleven unobserved hits in Vunopope supply area. 1 reported damaging and one unobserved hit Rapopo area. 2 bombs not dropped. All hits in concentrated area, but individual results impossible to ascertain.
Ground Support: Six TBFs carrying 12x100 inst. bombed Jap concentrations east of the Sava River "Target 5" All planes laid their strings in assigned target area at 1025 and observed black columns of smoke and 2 white puffs. Artillery spotter reported target well hit. Area from target to beach was thoroughly strafed by both fixed and free guns.
Six TBFs carrying 12x100 inst. bombed Jap concentrations east of Sava River "Target 6" at 1115. All bombs dropped in assigned area Artillery spotter reported the target well covered. No enemy activity noted.
2 TBFs carrying 2x500x4-5 sec. and 8 HE rockets each struck at the burning friendly PT at Mawaraka between 0750-0850. All bombs missed the PT while one plane missed with rockets. The other plane expended its rockets on a crater on the beach mistaking it for a machine gun emplacement. Both planes strafed beach.
6 SBDs carrying 1x1000 inst. bombed and strafed enemy force at Mawaraka (near benched friendly PT) at 0750. All bombs fell and exploded in area 500 yds. up and 500 yds. down from point (covering 100 yds inland), considerable strafing in area.

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February 27

STRIKES - Twenty-six damaging hits on Lakunai gun positions were scored by 48 SBDs and 24 TBFs in today's Strike which was over the target at 1150/L. Of these hits, six were on the dual purpose 4.7 naval gun position on Matupi Island, which was reported knocked out. Partial corroboration of the report was furnished later by Photo Intelligence, which said that the gun positions could not be seen on a photo taken immediately after the Strike, the one doubtful feature being that the photo was slightly light-blasted and it is possible that the gun positions remain in place, but were not visible.
The SBDs were loaded 1x1000#, 24 with 1/10 delay fuses and 24 with instantaneous; TBFs carried 1x2000# 1/10 delay.
In general, AA was moderate and inaccurate, although three SBDs suffered minor damage from shrapnel, and Capt. Henry V. Thomas, an SBD pilot was wounded in the face and legs. In addition to known AA positions, seven new positions of all types were reported, and one AK in northeast Simpson Harbor was credited with intense, but inaccurate fire.
As has been the case in the past few Strikes over the Rabaul area, no interception was encountered, and all planes returned to base.
Ships sighted in Simpson and Matupi Harbors and Keravia Bay included one barge, two medium and one small AK, one SS, eleven barges and a number of small unidentified craft.

PT, BARGES DESTROYED: Three SBDs and two rocket TBFs were sent out on separate missions to destroy a damaged friendly PT off Mawaraka; the SBDs, the first to go out, sunk the PT with 3x1000# and 6x100# bombs. TBFs found the PT destroyed and expended their 500# and 100# bombs and rockets on barges along the coast from the Puriata River to Motupena Point, destroying two of them, and on buildings just north of the Toko Mission. A total of 12 barges were sighted.

Artillery Spotter: Two SBDs on air artillery spotting mission reported what appeared to be two telephone lines running from the mouth of the Koiari River to the Moy River. The lines were later brought under artillery fire, with unreported results.

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February 28

At 1055, 48 SBDs and 24 TBFs scheduled to hit the Lakunai area, had to drop their 48 tons of bombs on the secondary target Vunapopo instead. Two fires were started in the north end of Vunapope and the telephone exchange, the labor quarters and warehouses behind the breakwater were hit. On their return to base they strafed barges at the Duke of York Islands. Meagre and inaccurate AA fire damaged one SBD.
On the home front, 15 TBFs attacked troop concentrations near the SAVA River. Coverage was good, but the results were generally unobserved.
Two Venturas searched the east coast of New Ireland for barges, but proved negative. On their return to base they searched Buka Island and the Bougainville coast, but this was also negative.
Another Ventura searching the east coast of New Britain in the vicinity of Cape Gazelle to Cape Borgen sighted a well traveled road near INDUNU Point, received M/G fire from Cape Borgen and spotted a truck, gun positions, a bridge and some wrecked planes along the shore. Two other Venturas sweeping from Adler Bay to Cape Gazelle reported trenches south of the WARANGOI River and a possible pill box. They were attacked by 2 of 6 Zekes near Cape Palliser which soon lost interest and flew off. They sighted a man in the water in khaki gear 100 miles WNW of Torokina. A few minutes later a Dumbo was seen searching this area.
A PV-1 got obliques of the Duke of York Island, Rapopo, Tobera, and NW Vunakanau. Two AKs were spotted in Simpson Harbor and one submarine just west of Matupi Island.

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February 29

STRIKES - At 1115 15 SBDs (1x1000 inst and 1/10) led by Major Feeley, VMSB 241 and 9 TBFs (4x250x8x100 inst and 1/10) led by Major Robertson struck Jap concentrations at the mouth of Reini River. All planes and personnel returned without damage. One machine gun was observed firing from north bank of river, 400 yards from beach. Results: SBD: area A, on coast 1700 yards from Reini river mouth — 8 planes assigned, 7 hit in area, one overshot. Area B, construction, 3000 yards from Reini river mouth - 7 planes assigned, six hit in area, one off shore.
TBF: Of 36x250 2 hung and returned. Of ?
TBF: Of 36x250# 2 hung and returned. Of 72x100, 1 hung and returned.
All other bombs dropped in target area east and west side of Reini river mouth. Weather was good.
At 1125 15 SBDs (1x1000 inst. and 1/10) led by Capt. Sebroider VMSB 241 and 9 TBFs (1x2000, 1/10 sec.) led by Lt.(Jg) Marshall hit Jap concentrations on Mawaraka river. All planes returned without damage. AA: one machine gun slightly south of mouth of Mawaraka river one machine gun on beach near Mawaraka river, meagre and inaccurate. All bombs landed in target area. Bridge over creek North of Mawaraka hit and destroyed. Two parachutes seen in trees south of Mawaraka and one east of Mawaraka.
At 1200 15 SBDs (1x1000 inst.) led by Lt. Tappant, VC-38, and 9 TBFs (1x2000, 1/10 sec.) led by Lt.(Jg) BiBshop hit Jap concentrations at mouth of Jaba River. All planes and personnel returned without damage. 14x1000 in target area, 1x1000 hung and jettisoned. 8x2000 in target area, 1x2000 dud. Target area well covered, AA: None.
At 1230 15 SBDs (1x1000 inst and 1/10 ) led by Lt.(Jg) Maerki and 9 TBFs (1x2000 1/10) led by Lt. Takacs hit Jap concentrations at mouth of Mameiregri river. All planes and personnel returned without damage. AA: None. All bombs landed in target area, except 1x2000, 30 yards offshore.
At 1340 15 SBDs (1x1000 inst., 1/10) led by Major Feeley and 9 TBFs (4x250 1/10 inst, and 8x100 1/10 and inst.) led by Major Robertson again hit Jap concentrations at mouth of Reini river. One SBD had two machine gun holes in tail, otherwise all planes returned undamaged.
All SBD bombs landed in target area, except 1x1000 in water. Of TBF's 36x250 three hung and were jettisoned, one returned. Target area was well covered.
At 1355 15 SBDs (1x1000 1/10 inst) led by Capt. Schroeder and 9 TBFs (4x250 and 8x100 inst and 1/10) led by Lt.(jg) Neuhall hit Jap supply area at mouth of Reini river. All planes and personnel returned without injury except for 2 SBDs which received several machine gun bullet holes. AA: 2 guns were observed to fire one burst each from position on the north beach of Mawaraka river.
The TBFs returned with all bombs because of weather. All 13 SBD bombs dropped in target area scoring one damaging hit (confirmed) on huts in village slightly north of Makatowa.
No enemy interception was made on any of the above flights. SEARCHES: Searches were negative except as follows: 2 SBDs from VMSB 241 on artillery reconnaissance mission saw numerous new pill boxes and dugouts between Jaba river and Motupena Point and on Sava River.
2 PV-1s, # 2 RNZAF at about 1330 dropped 6x500 on radar station 152° 21' 25" E - 4° 50' 15" S and strafed partly destroying same. AA was light, accurate and intense. Machine gun fire from buildings was also encountered. Both planes were hit many times, but easily repaired.
One PV-1 #2 RNZAF at about 1400-1450 dropped 2x500 among huts in Elizabeth Bay. Results were unobserved. Dropped 4x500 on huts and 3 large buildings. At Borpop the AA from 8 or 9 light guns and two heavies was medium and inaccurate. Six destroyed aircraft were seen on the ground there.
One PV, VB-138, at about 1450-1550 dropped 1x500 on lookout station at Adler Bay, 2x500 on machine gun nest and huts in cove in Adler Bay behind lookout station with unobserved results. Dropped 1x500 on bridge on Warangoi river without damage, 1x500 on three trucks on beach at Warangoi with probable damage, and 1x500 on two trucks on road north of Warangoi - results unobserved. One 7.7 hole in wing.
1 PV - VB 138 at about 1455 dropped 6x500 on various targets in Cape Archury area. Results could not be observed.

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March 1st

STRIKES: Eight waves of SBDs and TBFs carried out Bougainville ground support missions on Jap supply area 2200 yards north of Torokina river fork and north of hill 1111 as follows:
(1) 15 SBDs (1x1000#)(2x100#)-2x100# hung. 9 TBFs (8x100#)(4x250#)-8x100#, H&J., 2x250# H.&J.
(2) 13 SBDs (1x500#)(2x100#)-1x500 a dud, 6x100# hung. 9 TBFs (4x250#)(8x100#)-1x250# returned, 1x100# jett., 2x100# returned.
(3) 14 SBDs (1x500#)(2x100#) 9 TBFs (8x100#)(4x250#) - 20x100# H.&J., 11x100# returned. 7x250# H.&J., 4x250# returned.
(4) 14 SBDs (1x500#) 13 of them carried also (2x100#)-5 hung of which 2 were jettisoned and three returned. 8 TBFs (8x100#)(4x250#)-7x100# returned, 2x100# H.&J., 2x250# returned.
(5) 15 SBDs 4(1x500#)(2x100#), 4(1x1000#), 7(1x100#)(2x100#) 2x100# hung and jettisoned. 9 TBFs 6(8x100#)(4x250#), 3(12x100#)-9x100# hung and jettisoned, 4x100# returned. 2x250# hung and jettisoned.
(6) 13 SBDs 6(1x500)(2x100#), 3(1x1000#), 4(1x1000#)(2x100#) 1x100# returned. 9 TBFs 7(4x500), 1(12x100#, 8 HE rockets), 1(12x100#) 3x500# returned, 2x100# returned.
(7) 13 SBDs 8(1x1000#), 5(1x500#)(2x100#)-1x100# H.& J. 9 TBFs 8(4x500#), 1(8x100#, 4x250)-1x100# H.&J., 2x500# H.&J., 1x500# returned.
(8) 13 SBDs 8(1x500#), 5(1x1000#)-1x500# H.&J. 9 TBFs 1(8x100#)(4x250#), 8(4x500#) Because of the jungle, observations were negative, except to report that the two areas were well covered.

Local Reconnaissance: At 1350, 2 SBDs (1x500#)(2x100#) dropped on buildings near the mouth of Reini river. Results unobserved. At about 1500 2 SBDs (1x100, 4/5)(2x100, 4/5) knocked out southern half of bridge 125'x10' located at the mouth of Arapa river. All bombs expended.
At about 1600 2 SBDs (1x1000#)(2x100#) made direct hits on a group of buildings at the mouth of the Reini river. One 1000# missed.
One PBY5A, on a passenger hop, flew to Green Island landing in the Lagoon at 1417. Reported that he could have used the strip.

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March 2

47 SBDs led by Major Reed comprising planes from squadrons VMSB 244 and VB-98 plus 24 TBFs led by Capt. Gerard M. Roy comprised of units of VMTB 134 and VMTB 232 struck shipping in Keravia Bay, Rabaul and 4.7's SW of Vulcan Crater. The mission was to bomb and strafe and the SBDs carried 1x1000, 1/10 while the TBFs were loaded 1x2000, 4-5 sec. delay with 6 of the TBFs each carrying 8 rockets additional. Many barges, small landing craft and cargo craft were sighted plus a damaged OP. Our planes received the following damage SBDs; Plane # 107 (1st Lt. Foster, VMSB-244) hit in tail by shrapnel just before dive, controls put out of commission and rudder jammed. Emergency landing at Piva "U" hitting tail of parked and empty TBF with SBD's wing. No personal injuries to pilot or gunner. Hole in wing of planes 108, 118, 122, 151, 152. TBF: damage to plane # 8, 20 mm in starboard wing root hydraulic system and 20 mm through turret. One plane of squadron 233 had machine gun hole in wing. No enemy interception. Weather clear up, back and over target. AA was for the most part heavy with automatic and machine gun. The AA varied but on the whole it was intense and accurate, ranging to moderate and inaccurate.
Results of the mission were TBFs: One reported direct hit on 150-200 foot cargo craft. Two confirmed direct hits on 150-175 foot cargo craft. One reported direct hit and three confirmed direct hits on some 30 barges and landing craft along SE shore. One reported direct hit on 10 barges and landing craft along NW shore of bay. One reported direct hit and 8 rocket hits on the buildings at Raluanai Point.
SBD results: One confirmed direct hits on a barge. Nine confirmed direct hits on 2 of 30 bargee along SE shore, plus 8 reported hits. Four reported damaging hits on buildings at Raluana Point. Seven reported hits on large gun emplacement at Raluana Pt. Two damaging hits on a 4.7 gun position SW of Vulcan crater. Observations: left gun of 2x4.7 SW of Vulcan Crater presumably stopped firing. Coast at lower Rapopo strafed, small amount of smoke resulting. Considerable strafing of barges, machine gun along ridge,
light beacon and surrounding buildings at Cape Gazelle (later seen to burn fiercely). Large ammunition dump observed in cocoanut grove, well inland west of Vunapope. Large emcampment sighted under trees along coast south of Cape Gazelle.
12 SBDs, 1x1000, 1/10, 6 TBFs 1x2000x1/10, and one PV, 6x500# bombed the Adler Bay Radar station at 1630. Leaders and squadrons were, SBD, Major Parris, VMSB 241; TBF, Capt. Melzlans, VMTB 232, and PV, Lt. Oliver, RNZAF #2. No damage to planes was received and there was no interception or enemy ship sightings. AA was received from position just east of group of huts and also from beach below cliff on which radar stands. Weather over the target was 8/10 overcast with a ceiling of 5000 feet. Small front encountered east of New Britain. The SBDs scored 8 damaging hits in clearing around radar station and 2 direct hits on huts. The TBFs could not observe the radar tower, but dropped their bombs on markers from the PV. 5 bombs hit close to the marker resulting in damaging hits.
The PV dropped 2 bombs to pinpoint target resulting in one damaging hit. Dropped three bombs on group of huts scoring two damaging hits. After TBFs and SBDs left the PV dropped sixth bomb for a further damaging hit. The screen was still standing, but it was obviously seriously damaged and non-operational.
Two PVs, 6x500 each made a barge sweep between Cape St. George and Kalru Harbor. Dropped bombs on wooden bridges-all missed. TO: 1030, TA: 1430.
Two SBDs, 1x1000 and 2x100, 4-5 sec. delay local bombing mission. TO: 1320, TA: 1500. 2x1000 dropped as damaging hits on Ford of Mibo River.
Two SBDs, 1x500x2x100 4-5 hit target 33 on command post on hill near Sava River. TO: 1710, TA 1900. Missed target with bombs.
Two SBDs, 1x500x2x100 4-5. TO: 1505, TA: 1700. All bombs dropped as misses on target 33 Sava River.
Two SBDs, 1x500 and 2x100 4-5. Bombs fell as near misses on target 33 Sava River. TO: 1245, TA 1515.
Two SBDs, 1x500 and 2x100 4-5. Target 33 Sava River. TO: 1100, TA: 1305. All bombs near misses.
Two SBDs, 1x500 and 2x100 4-5. Target 33 Sava River. TO: 0915, TA: 1020. All bombs near misses. Capt. Wallace, VMSB 241 and observer shot down. Tech. Sgt. Ott, VMSB 244 bombed after Capt. Wallace and in his pullout observed smoke on one of the tributaries of the Torokina River which has been pinpointed as 139.3-220-3. He circled the area and observed wreckage of plane.
1st Lt. Cole led 6 TBFs of VMTB 134, 8x100 inst. and 4x250, 1/10 in a ground support mission directed at crest of hill east of Sava River, 7000 yards from beach. TO: 1000, OT: 1045, TA: 1100. No interception, damage to own planes, or enemy ship sightings. Meagre, inaccurate machine gun fire was received from east side of ridge. Weather clear. Results of 48x100, six were duds, one returned, one jettisoned. Of 24x250, two were duds. All the remaining bombs dropped in the target area covering it well from release point of 1500 feet.

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March 3

STRIKES: Weather closed in Lakunai, the target for the day so 48 SBDs loaded 24x1x1000# 1/10 delay and 24 x1x1000# instantaneous and 24 TBFs, loaded 1x2000# 1/10 delay, racked off their bombs from 11,000 to 13,000 feet through the overcast, with results unobserved. The planes encountered no AA, nor interception and all returned to base.

SBD ARTILLERY SPOTTER, GROUND SUPPORT: Four flights of two SBDs each, loaded 1x500# and 2x100#, 4-5 second delay, acted as artillery spotters and in addition, took as their target a house on a hill east of the Sava river and approximately five miles upstream from the mouth. Three of these flights reported misses, the fourth damaged the house.
Three SBDs loaded 1x1000# and 2x100#, 4-5 second delay bombed the Kara road fords over the Mobiai and Mibo Rivers, reporting destruction of both.
One SBD, loaded 1x1000#, bombed a Jap concentration east of the Sava river, with unobserved results.
Two SBDs, empty, acted as spotters for a destroyer bombardment of the Jaba river mouth and along the coast from the Reini river to Koiari Village. They reported the target areas well covered.

TBF GROUND SUPPORT: Two flights of six TBFs each, loaded 4x4x250# and 2x12x100# bombed and strafed a Jap concentration east of the Sava river, reporting the target area well covered., but no specific observations.

PVs: One Navy PV, on a barge sweep from Cape St. George to Namatani, reported sighting no barges. He also reported that the weather was very bad.
A second Navy PV, on a photographic mission over Rabaul, reported that the area was closed in and no photos were taken.
Two New Zealand PVs, loaded 6x500 4-5 second delay, searched from Cape Gazelle to Adler Bay, sighting no barges, so they dropped 9x500 on the Adler Bay radar installation, reporting that it appeared inoperative. The remaining three 500 pounders were dropped at a bridge on the Warangoi Plantation over the Warangoi River, but missed. The bridge was reported out, however.

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March 4

In spite of unfavorable weather 48 SBDs and 24 TBFs, escorted by 27 fighters attacked gun positions on the ridge north and east of Rabaul Town. Two direct hits on a heavy AA position northeast of the hospital, one direct hit on three heavy guns and two direct hits on 4 heavies just north of them on the ridge were reported. Entire results of this attack and exact pin pointing of AA that was firing was impossible because of cloud formations. The TBFs report that an SBD dropping through a cloud scored a hit on a AO in the harbor. Intense and accurate AA slightly damaged one TBF. A 150 foot AK was spotted north of Praed Point, a sub in the harbor and 12-15 barges near the Hirstein Hulk in Greet Harbor.
Two special TBF shipping strikes were dispatched to follow up earlier sightings. At 1115, three TBFs came in immediately after the main strike and made mast head attacks with 2000 pounders on a hulk in Keravia Bay and a 150' AK just north of Vulcan Crater, as no ships were found outside of the harbor. The bomb was seen to explode under the ship north of Vulcan Crater and it was thought to have been badly damaged if not sunk. Eight F4Us assigned as escort reported only intense AA. At 1600, 9 TBFs accompanied by 25 F4Us found four medium sized AKs in Mauders Bay, and sank two of them with 2000 pounders. A fifth AK was observed at the east end of Ataliklikau Bay, tied up together with 3 barges at a pier at Vanarima. The remaining TBFs (four) hit supply areas along the shore of Rabaul Harbor and the ATAGO MARU hulk in the harbor. A lighthouse on Cape Gazelle was also hit. The lighters saw one sub going down St. George's Channel at 1515 and a small one going into Blanche Bay. Both were strafed and crash dived immediately.
At Torokina 12 TBFs and 10 SBDs flew ground support missions against Japs on the perimeter, chiefly in the area east of the Saua River, where they started one fire. Others dropped pamphlets, spotted for artillery, and hit pill boxes at the mouth of the Jaba River.
2 PV-1s searching for barges in St. George's Channel dropped eight bombs on Vunalama Plantation (West Ataliklikau Bay, Gazelle Peninsula) damaging construction along the point. Three bombs dropped close by at Moudus Plantation were misses. Later while strafing buildings along the coast of New Ireland, they received intense AA fire near Namatanai. Two other PV-1s searching this area later reported negative.

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March 5

STRIKES - At 0910 58 SBDs (1x1000 Inst, 1/10) and 36 TBFs (8x100, 4x250 inst., 1/10) led by Majors Flickenger and Smith respectively, bombed target # 1a, Jap bivouac area, in the fork and west of Torokina perimeter. All planes returned, one SBD receiving one .50 caliber in left wing. The very small amount of AA was scattered and inaccurate. 57x1000, 347x100 and 128x250 were dropped in area. 1 -1000, 34x100, 8x250 were hung and jettisoned. 23x100, 8x250 were returned. Two TBFs returned with full bomb loads which in part accounts for large numbers not dropped. Coverage of target was good. Weather, high heavy overcast, .8 broken clouds at 5000 feet.
At 1500, 60 SBDs (1x500, 2x100, 1/10 sec.) and 24 TBFs (8x100, 4x250 inst., and 1/10) led by Majors Reed and Smith respectively bombed target # 2, a Jap supply area on north fork of Torokina river. All planes returned, two TBFs receiving some damage due to own bomb bursts. The small amount of AA was meagre and inaccurate. 57x500, 274x100 and
95 x 250 were dropped in area. 3x500, 29x100 and 1x250 were hung and jettisoned. 9x100 were returned. Target was well covered. Weatherheavy overcast closing in fast.
Special Mission: At 0845 6 TBFs (1x2000, 4-5 sec.) led by Capt. J.T. Dougherty scored 3 damaging hits on 2 small ships (100') in small inlet 2500 yards SE of Ragaga Bay. Both ships were washed up in shore by blasts and were then strafed as well as 2 barges in Kabaira Bay. Debris from yesterday's sinking was still plainly visible. All planes returned undamaged. No AA fire encountered.
At 1330 12 TBFs (8x100, 4x250 inst and 1/10) led by Capt. C.R. Metzlaars attacked enemy supply area just north of House Kiapi. All planes returned undamaged. AA consisted of only 1 machine gun. 92x100 and 48x250 all landed in area. 3x100 were jettisoned and 1x100 was returned. Area was marked by smoke bomb dropped by cub and was well covered.
27 TBFs (4x325# depth charges) had a negative sub search north of Feni Island except for oil slick observed at 3°45'S and 154°E and smoke bomb dropped by PV.
3 TBFs (4x325# depth charges) led by Major Robertson at 1715 dropped 2 depth charges in sub area in Simpson Harbor, and 6 within effective range of Atago Maru hulk. Results unobserved. All planes returned, one with 2x7.7 holes in wing and tail.
One PV-1 (RNZAF) (4x325 # D.C.) at 1735 sighted enemy sub fully surfaced at 03°45'S, 153°50'E, course 035° T, speed 6 knots. Sub crash dived at 8-10 miles from plane. Plane dived from 1500 to 50 feet, saw sub under water and released DC, 2 hung and 2 straddled sub, one fully within 15' of silhouette under water. No signs of damage. Plane remained in area 1/2 hour more. Sub not seen again.
Local patrols of SBDs bombed various local targets when on artillery reconnaissance mission.

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March 6

48 SBDs, 38(1x1000# inst), 10(1x1000, 1/10), 24 TBFs (1x2000 1/10) found Lakunai completely covered at 1225 so racked then off at 13,000 feet. No observations as to resultant damage. One 400' and six smaller AKs and numerous barges reported in Simpson Harbor. AA was generally moderate and inaccurate.

Special Missions: Two SBDs (1x500/ 4/5) 2(1x100, 4/5) hit target no. 43 at about 0730. Results negative. Two more with same bomb loading, but same target at 0930. One 500# a dud; all the rest of bombs hit in area.
At 0945 one PBY5A, spotted for a Can shelling target No. 44. One hundred and fifty rounds hit in the area. Several fires started.
One PV-1, made a photographers hop for Rabaul Town, the harbor, Vunapope, Malapu Plantation, Tobera, Vunakanau, Keravat, and Lakunai. Two AKs and 5-10 100' barges sighted in Simpson Harbor.
Two SBDs (1x500#), 2(1x100, 4/5) dropped all bombs in Target No. 45 area at about 1245 without observed results. Two SBDs (1x500/ 4/5) 2 (1x100, 4/5) dropped all but one 100# bomb (which hung) on target No. 43. No observations.

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March 7

47 SBDs (29x1000 inst. 18x1000, 1/10), Major Reed, 22 TBFs (12x100 inst), Capt. Johnson, target Lakunai, 0900, bomb gun position revetments, and supply areas. Usual hulks sighted in Simpson Harbor plus 4 float planes and an unidentified small craft. On return 1 sub was sighted.
Plane #117 (SBD) hit by AA. 4 TBFs damaged by small calibre AA in wings and fuselage. No interception. AA was mainly intense and accurate coming from automatic and heavy positions. Some new positions were noted.

SBD results: Machine guns, 6 confirmed direct hits. Machine gun, auto north of Sulphur Creek, 1 reported direct hit; 2 autos and machine gun east of strip, 1 confirmed direct hit; machine gun and auto SE of strip, 1 confirmed direct hit; Atago Maru, 1 confirmed direct hit.

TBF results: SE side of runway one Betty and numerous buildings damaged; NE side of runway direct damage on group of buildings; SW side of runway 4 planes burning in revetment area, NW side of runway, 2 buildings burning and damaged.

Observations: Fire and smoke from SBD bombing visible for 40-50 miles; Rufe offshore destroyed by strafing; fire near machineguns SW Matupi Island; Atago Maru observed sinking stern first.
Photo interpretation of the strike notes a large building SW of runway demolished, no visual damage to gun positions, and oil around the stern of the Atago Maru.
37 TBFs (4x500x4-5) bombed and strafed shipping in Simpson Harbor, TO: 1527, OT: 1707, TA: 1847. Sightings - 5 small ships 150-175' in western part of Simpson Harbor. 1 large ship west of Vulcan Crater. No damage to our planes. No interception, AA moderate inaccurate, heavy and automatic.

Results: 2 direct hits on 2 ships, one on each. 1 ship observed to sink, the other left listing.

Artillery spotting and ground support missions consisted of (1) 3 missions of 2 SBDs each carrying 1x500x2x100, 4-5). Flown against target # 37 - bivouac area between Reini and Saua river. All bombs fell in area. (2) 2 missions of 2 SBDs each carrying 1x500x2x100, 4-5) hit target # 38 between Saua and Reini rivers. All bombs fell in target area. (3) 2 SBDs, 1x1000x4-5) struck target # 7, ford on Hongorai river. 2 direct hits were scored on ford destroying it. (4) 6 TBFs, 8x100, 4x250 inst.) bombed and strafed clearing and Jap concentration area on the Maririci river north of Mawaraka. All bombs hit area except 1 hung and jettisoned.

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March 8

Against enemy perimeter operations 120 sorties were flown and nearly 60 tons of bombs were dropped. The two biggest strikes directed against Hills 1111, 250 and 600 occurred at 1110 and 1730. Good coverage was obtained despite low clouds which made pin pointing the results difficult. 5 TBFs turned back from an afternoon shipping strike on Rabaul, dropped their bomb load on probable gun positions in this area. Twenty four SBDs and 12 TBFs took part in the strike at 1110 carrying 1x1000 and 12x100 and 4x250, 8x100 respectively. The second mission at 1730 was flown by 45 SBDs and 27 TBFs with 1x1000 and 12x100 respectively. The missions were dispatched out at intervals throughout the day and were flown as two plane attacks.

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March 9

Practically all strike activities were directed against enemy positions to the north and east of the perimeter. 107 bombing sorties and 14 spotting sorties were flown during the day.
On the first artillery spotting mission one of the SBDs was hit during its dive and exploded in mid-air. Lt. Gilbert, pilot and the army observer, Brooks, were killed.
A total of approximately 65 tons of bombs were dropped in two strikes against the Jap positions north and east of the perimeter. The first strike of 18 SBDs and 18 TBFs hit at 1315. The second strike of 45 SBDs and 26 TBFs hit at 1500 to 1600 and all planes then proceeded to the Munda area for the night.
Late in the afternoon 4 TBFs flew a shipping strike to Simpson and Keravia Harbors. They attacked barges in Keravia Bay at masthead height, 3 barges were sunk by two confirmed direct hits and 2 barges were damaged by damaging hits.
At 1000 on the 9th it was reported that 4 TBFs were damaged on the 8th and 3 TBFs damaged and 1 TBF destroyed on the 9th by enemy shell fire. No SBDs have been damaged by shell fire.

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March 10

SBD's flew 29 special sorties besides participating in other Strikes coordinated with TBFs. The results of these sorties, many without bombs resulted in 6x1000 and 5x100 being dropped on targets of gun positions and buildings in the Reine-Saua River areas. One of these resulted in a claim of a direct hit on a gun position. The main Strike of the day occurred at 1600 when 28 TBFs and 55 SBDs struck the same targets of hills 500 and 1501 on the west bank of the Saua river where they dropped between them 113,400 pounds of bombs. They achieved particularly close coverage of the targets assigned. The TBFs dropped 100 and 2000 lb. bombs while the SBDs carried 1x1000 each aircraft.