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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 17, 2020 12:55:06 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 19 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(73 sorties - 29 tons)
NEW IRELAND
(47 sorties-29 tons)
Plantation Areas: Huts and bivouac areas in New Ireland were attacked by PBJs and F4Us from Emirau and Green. Four Green PBJs dropped 16 quarter-tonners on Nauwaum plantation with unobserved results. Muliama harbour was attacked by a second flight of 4 Green PBJs with an equal tonnage.
Five Emirau F4Us bombed Ulunono plantation with half tonners and damaged a bridge there.
Three Green F4Us, sweeping southern New Ireland with quarter-tonners, scored 2 direct hits on a garden at Kombon plantation.
For the Record:
4 PBJs VMB 423 1000 load 4x500 dr 16x500.
4 PBJs VMB 423 1445 load 4x500 dr 16x500.
5 F4Us VMF 211 1400 load 1x1000 dr 5x1000.
3 F4Us NZ 20 1400 load 1x500 dr 3x500.
North New Ireland Patrols: On patrol over north New Ireland from 0540 till 1920, 14 Emirau F4Us reported 2 near misses on a bridge at Libba plantation and hits on bridges at Kimidan plantation, Lossuk Bay and Pinikindu point. Two hits were scored in the personnel area at Nemasalang plantation.
Much livestock was noted near well-kept farms and ricefields south of Dallum plantation.
Dawn and dusk sweeps were made by 2 PVs which destroyed 2 huts and damaged one S. of Patlangat, destroyed huts N. of Cape Lemeris and bombed a village S. of Cape Lemeris.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 313 0540-1920 load 1x500 dr 14x500.
0558-0851(1)
2 PVs NZ 3 1552-1855(1) load 6x500 dr12x500.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(41 sorties-9 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Five South Bougainville patrols, incorporating the Able-Charlie search, were flown by NZ 15. In strafing attacks, the 10 F4Us killed 2 Nips, fired a hut and holed a 16 ft. canoe on Morgusiai Island; smoked huts at Asitavi and Cape Dunganon; probably killed a Nip on Shortland Island; smoked a hut on Farumo Island and a shelter at Komaliai point (Shortland Is.); and holed a canoe at Teop and sank an outrigger canoe off Nusakoa Is. They sighted a mine about 1 1/2 miles S. of Taurato Island and strafed it without effect.
One F4U was holed by intense, accurate medium fire from the SE tip of Buka. Meagre, inaccurate light fire was received from S. of Cape Friendship, and intense, inaccurate heavy from Ballale.
The dawn patrol was negative. The dusk patrol sank two canoes at Ratsoa.
An FMAW TBM dropped a further 46,000 propaganda leaflets in the areas of Nip concentrations.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 15 0610-1715 Bougainville patrols. Strafing.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0600-0715(4)
1700-1800(4) Dawn dusk patrols. One plane damaged.
SEARCHES FOR 18 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative except for friendly shipping. Tare and Victor went full distance with 100 percent cover. Uncle had 95 percent track with full cover, All three sectors reported good weather. Brewer searches were also negative with full track and cover in excellent weather. Charcoal bombed Borpop (where many lights were observed), Kimidan, and Cape Lemeris besides strafing three trucks at Cape Lemeris, Tarbaby dropped its bombs on Sum Sum. Sambo was weathered out of its assigned areas.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
3 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT cooperation, 2155-0110
dr. 6x500 G.P.
2x500 Incend.
20x20 frags.
(3x500 G.P. and 1x500 Incend. jettisoned).
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:05:23 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 20 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(87 sorties- 48 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: The 6 Gazelle peninsula sweeps were flown by 24 F4Us of NZ 15, each carrying a quarter-ton bomb. The 4 F4Us on the morning Cape Gazelle-Lemingi sweep bombed buildings in a ravine off Malapau plantation and strafed a 60 ft. by 20 ft. building in the same area. The building had power-lines, boilers and tanks outside it. It burned furiously, with black smoke to 1000 ft. A serviceable metal punt on the beach at Parkinson point was holed, and after a strafing attack on buildings at Merai explosions were heard.
The other two morning sweeps bombed gardens near Napapar and excavations at Keravat. They burned an articulated gas truck, from which flame and smoke rose to 300 ft.
In the afternoon 8 F4Us bombed huts on a knoll near the Malapau ravine, destroying at least 2 of them. The remaining 4 planes attacked the Keravat excavations, scoring 2 direct hits and starting a fire with the aid of a dropped belly-tank.
Three of 4 trucks strafed while parked on the Napapar-Keravat road burst into flames, and the fourth smoked. A fire was started in Rakada plantation (Duke of York Is.) and huts in other parts of the island were strafed.
Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from the mouth of the Warangoi river and from Waira Point (Duke of York); meagre, accurate light from south of Rapopo; intense accurate light from Rakada plantation (Duke of York); and meagre, inaccurate medium (20mm) from Kabanga Bay. Two planes were holed.
For the Record:
24 F4Us NZ 15 0600-1600 load 1x500 dr 24x500. Two planes damaged.
NEW IRELAND
(31 sorties-13 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: A bridge was destroyed and several sheep killed at Dallum plantation by 12 F4Us on yesterday's north New Ireland patrols. Other results were unobserved.
Two PVs on dawn and dusk sweeps demolished a large red building at Patlangat plantation. Results of their bombing at Cape Lemeris, Kaut and Lelet were unobserved.
For the Record:
12 F4Us VMF 115 0630-1745 load 1x500 dr 12x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 0603-0936(1) 3x500 6x500
1558-1857(1) load 3x100 dr 6x100. (parafrags)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(19 sorties-0 tons)
SEARCHES FOR 19 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches sighted only friendlies. The weather was excellent and all three sectors attained full track and cover. Brewer searches likewise reported only friendly sightings. In excellent weather both sectors went full distance and averaged 93 percent cover.Charcoal, cooperating with PTs the night of 18/19 November, bombed Lamernewi and Panaras, area Foyle. Tarbaby dropped its bombs on Sum Sum and Merai, area Peter. Communications and cooperation were reported good. Sambo was weathered.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ 3) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT Cooperation 2223-0042, 2305-0115, 5x500 GP
dr 2x500 Incend.
40x20 Frags.
(1x500 GP dud; 3x500 GP and 1x500 Incend. jettisoned).
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:08:26 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 21 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(66 sorties-25 1/2 tons)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(18 sorties-0 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Four Bougainville patrols, the Able-Charlie search and the dawn and dusk patrols were flown by 18 F4Us of NZ 15. In strafing attacks they killed a Nip at Pui Pui, probably killed two more at Kupala Bay, and killed another two in a canoe SW of Kahune (SW Buka). They sank this canoe, and sank another canoe and holed a third in Kupala Bay. Huts were strafed at Mibo river, Toma, and Olava. At Tsimba one hut emitted puffs of white smoke to 30 feet for 5 minutes after being strafed, and another was smoked; in a plantation on the E. side of Madahas Island a hut was burned; 3 huts were damaged at Lemankoa; and a stationary truck was fired near Kieta's Chinatown.
The dawn patrol strafed and damaged one automobile and 2 trucks between Karolingar and Merok; strafed and damaged a 25 ft. flat-bottom boat on Saposa Island and strafed and smoked a hut at Ratsoa. The dusk patrol strafed a hut on Madehas Island.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 15 0606-1645 Bougainville patrols.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0604-0742(4)
1713-1828(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
NEW IRELAND
(33 sorties-19 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The north New Ireland patrols were maintained from dawn till dusk by 16 Emirau F4Us, and 2 PVs carried out the usual dawn and dusk sweeps.
The F4Us dropped their quarter-tonners, with unobserved results, on Dallum plantation, Panapai strip, Medina, Sicacui and Koka plantations, Kavieng, and on a bridge at Amba.
The PVs bombed the Cape Lemeris area with unobserved results.
For the Record:
16 F4Us VMF 211 0540-1931 load 1x500 dr 16x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 0607-0931(1)
1550-1905(1) load 6x500 dr 12x500.
SEARCHES FOR 20 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches reported sighting friendly warships as well as an unidentified cargo vessel and an oiler. Tare had full track and cover, Uncle and Victor attained 95 percent track and cover in fair weather. Brewer searches were negative with full track and cover in excellent weather.
A ditched PBM was reported at 01-02 North 155-11 East, Dumbo, Cats, and the YMS 259 were dispatched for search and rescue. The downed plane using one engine was taxiing toward Kapingamarangi under the direction of a cover plane. The latest dispatch from Emirau indicated that a destroyer had the PBM in tow and was proceeding toward Emirau.
Tarbaby was weathered out of its assigned areas, but Charcoal cooperated with PT's the night of 19/20 November by bombing Kimidar Plantation and a bridge at Lossu Plantation, areas Dublin and Orange. Sambo dropped its bombs over Kieta Harbor, Koromira Mission and Cape Friendship, areas Easy and Oboe, as well as on Taro Island and Cape Alexander, area Queen. Results were unobserved. Enroute to its target Charcoal observed 8-10 fires along the coast at Borpop and only one on the return trip. In spite of the clouds cooperation and communication were good.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT Cooperation, 2202-0325, dr 8x325 DB, (4x325 DB returned).
3-4(?) PBY (Emirau, Green) Special search for downed plane.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:11:47 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 22 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(63 sorties - 27 tons)
19 Trucks Attacked on Gazelle Sweeps: Nineteen vehicles were attacked during the course of yesterday's sweeps of Gazelle peninsula by 24 F4Us of NZ 15. Two of these were destroyed, 13 others were fired or were left burning, and another three were reported damaged.
The Duke of York-Pondo sweeps set fire to 5 trucks (3 of them were loaded with drums and burned furiously) at Parkinson point and damaged another at Mokurapau. The Put Put-Keravat planes destroyed a truck and an automobile and damaged a truck and an automobile at Wangaramut plantation, fired a loaded truck South of Talili Bay, and strafed a truck under trees at Talili Bay. F4Us on the Cape-Gazelle-Lemingi sweeps burned 2 trucks at Ralum, 4 on a road one mile inland from Keravia (these produced a series of explosions and black smoke), and another half a mile inland from Tamilili Bay.
Dropping quarter-tonners the F4Us scored a direct hit on huts at Kabagada point, destroyed a hut at Mokurapau plantation and 2 huts and a large warehouse at Ralum.
One Nip was killed on the beach at Mope and 2 others at Tovanakuss Bay. A 12 ft. boat was sunk at Malapau plantation, and huts at Matanatar and other plantations and a bridge over the Kabanga river were strafed with unobserved results.
One F4U was holed by meagre, accurate light fire from Vunakamb pltn. Intense, accurate light A/A was received from Rainau and Wunawutung plantations; inaccurate, light fire from 4 positions near Napapar and one in Keravat gardens; moderate, accurate light and medium from Cape St. George; and one burst of accurate heavy from between Ralum and Bitalobo.
For the Record:
24 F4Us NZ 15 0600-1630 load 1x500 dr. 22x500 1 plane damaged
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(51 sorties -8 tons)
NEW IRELAND
(32 sorties -16 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: A building was demolished and fired and garden plots on Lelet plateau were cratered by 8 Emirau F4Us on the North New Ireland patrols. Weather was good in the morning but poor in the afternoon, and the last patrol landed at 1528 hours.
The PV dawn sweep destroyed 1 hut, damaged several and started a fire at Waum plantation. The dusk sweep took off but was recalled because of bad weather.
For the Record:
8 F4Us VMF 313 0540-1528 load 1x500 dr. 8x500
1 PV NZ 3 0610-0913 " 6x500 " 6x500
SEARCHES FOR 21 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches sighted only friendly shipping. The weather was fair to poor and the percent of track and cover for the three sectors averaged as follows 92 and 77. Brewer searches likewise reported only friendly shipping. Both sectors had good weather with full track and 90 percent cover.
At 1100L 21 November an Emirau Ventura made contact with the DD Thomas towing the ditched PBM at 00-15N 153-31E on course to Emirau at a speed of 8 knots. Heavy weather forced the cover to return to base. CNB Emirau has directed YMS 259 to take over towage.
Charcoal, cooperating with PTs bombed Maramakas and Kimidan plantations, areas Dublin and Orange. Tarbaby struck Cape St. George. Weather prevented Sambo from reaching its assigned areas; so it proceeded to drop its load on Cape Putputun and on Buka strip, where an unusual number of lights were observed. Radar revealed a bogey following Tarbaby, but there was no visual contact.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-3, 4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
3 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT Cooperation, 2250-0315
Dr. 3x500 G.P. Inst.
8x325 D.B.
1x500 Incend.
47x20 Frags.
1 PV-1 (NZ-3?) Emirau cover for destroyer towing PBM.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:21:37 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 23 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(133 sorties-49 1/2 tons)
Eighteen Tons On Ulamona: Ulamona village, in the Open Bay area, where a coastwatcher reported an unknown number of Nips who were threatening his position, was the target for a special late afternoon strike by 47 Piva F4Us. Eighteen tons of bombs were dropped in the target area.
The first flight of 11 F4Us (VMO 251) dropped 10 bombs on the village, demolishing or blowing down most of the huts in it. A strafing run after the bombing started fires in the debris. One bomb was a direct hit on a wharf at Ulamona.
The second flight (VMF 223) attacked the E. and S. side of the village with unobserved results. Fifteen of the 16 F4Us strafed Ulamona and Ubili villages. They reported that VMO 251 had started a large fire in Ulamona.
VMF 212 (15 F4Us) bombed and strafed the S. and W. sides of the village. Six F4Us of NZ 15 destroyed at least 4 huts with the four half-tonners they dropped on the target.
At least 30 canoes were sighted moored off Lolobau Island, and a large barge was seen on the beach at a point 4 miles S. of Ulamona.
For the Record:
47 F4Us VMO 251(11) 1610
VMF 223(15) 1621 load 1x1000(32) dr 29x1000.
VMF 212(15) 1640 1x500 (15) 13x500.
NZ 15 (6) 1645
Rabaul Patrols and Barge Hunts: The Rabaul patrols were maintained from 0630 till 1800 by 19 Green F4Us, each of which carried a thousand-pounder.
They reported 4 area hits among gun positions at Tawui point, 2 area hits in Tovakundum plantation and the cratering of Tobera strip. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from Tawui point and intense, inaccurate light from Tobera strip.
Eight Green F4Us on barge hunts strafed, bombed and destroyed a 35 ft. barge in North-west passage, Duke of York. They killed 5 to 10 Nips in the barge, which was also strafed by one of the Rabaul patrols. Meagre, accurate A/A of undetermined calibre was received from Praed Pt. and Raluana Pt. A patch of oil was seen half way between Raluana point and Matupi Island.
A Green PV on a Torokina-Open Bay sweep sighted at a distance an unidentified single-engine plane just west of Cape Deschamp at 1649 hours.
For the Record:
19 F4Us VMF 218 0630-1800 load 1x1000 dr 18x1000.
8 F4Us VMF 222 1735-1810(4)
NZ 18 1700-1715(4) load 1x1000 dr 4x1000.
1 PV NZ 1 1534-1835 Torokina-Open Bay sweep.
NEW IRELAND
(33 sorties-20 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: A bridge at Lossu plantation was bombed a building at Kimidan was destroyed, A/A positions at Cape Bolegila were strafed and numerous cattle at Dallum were strafed and killed by 8 Emirau F4Us which flew the north New Ireland patrols from 0530 till 1500. Weather cancelled the late afternoon patrols. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from Cape Bolegila. Two Emirau PVs on the dawn and dusk sweeps both caused explosions with white smoke at Lamerika.
For the Record:
8 F4Us VMF 115 0530-1500 load 1x500 dr 8x500.
2 PVs NZ 3 (1) 0600-0831 load 6x500 dr 12x500.
NZ 4(1) 1610-1840
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(12 sorties- 0 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Three Bougainville patrols and the dawn and dusk patrols were flown by NZ 15. The first patrol, investigating reports of blinking lights at the Puriata river mouth during the night, found signs of activity on the beach, 300 yards N. of the river mouth, where 3 Nips were moving a few boxes inland. These Nips were strafed as they took to the bush. Two huts were smoked at the bend of the Puriata, and a third at Tonu. At Lakuruai the pilots saw 2 separate rows of 3 tracks or furrows leading inland from the beach as though a sledge had been dragging supplies.
The other two sweeps smoked several huts at Kieta, destroyed 2 huts at Takiau, smoked 2 huts at Komaliai point (Shortland Is.) and burned a hut S. of Toko.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
A further 40,000 leaflets were dropped by an FMAW TBF.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 15 0615-0835(2) Bougainville patrols.
1020-1240(2)
1215-1435(2)
6 F4Us NZ 15 0603-0717(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1700-1840(2)
SEARCHES FOR 22 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and cover in fair weather. Brewer searches likewise reported negative. Able went out 275 miles and attained only 70 percent cover due to squalls and haze throughout the sector. Baker went full distance in good weather with 90 percent cover.
All the Blackcats on PT cooperation were weathered out of their assigned areas, and so they dropped their bombs on Cape St. George, Buka Passage, and Cape Lalahan.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-3) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
3 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT Cooperation, dr 12x250 GP
14x20 Frags.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:39:17 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 21 NOVEMBER, 1944.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES:
VF-79 (RAAF) 10 SPIT-5 10 18 VF-79
VS-61 15 SBD 15 17 VS-61
2 J2F-6 2
VPB-52 15 PBY-5 13 52 VPB-52
VPB-137 15 PV-1 9 38 VPB-137
NZ-23 22 F4U 22 25 NZ # 4 S.U.
EMIRAU
VMF-115 20 F4U 20 44 VMF-115
VMF-211 22 F4U-1D 22 35 VMF-211
VMF-313 21 FG-1A 21 29 VMF-313
VMSB-142 22 SBD-6 22 37 VMSB-142
VMSB-243 25 SBD-5 25 39 VMSB-243
VMB-413 11 PBJ-1D 11 45 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ-1D 12 42 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ-1D 12 41 VMB-443
VMB-611 11 PBJ-1D 11 28 SS-61
NZ-3 16 PV-1 15 8 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-4 0 0 8 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-19 22 F4U 22 27 NZ # 5 S.U.
GREEN
VMF-218 19 F4U 19 28 VMF-218
VMF-222 17 F4U 17 32 VMF-222
VMSB-244 25 SBD-5 25 40 VMSB-244
VMSB-341 21 SBD-6 21 44 VMSB-341
VMB-423 10 PBJ-1D 10 42 VMB-423
VPB-44 15 PBY-5A 15 57 PATSU 1-11
NZ-18 18 F4U-1D 18 24 NZ # 3 S.U.
NZ-1 14 PV-1 0 13 NZ #14 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251 23 F4U-1D 23 38 VMO-251
VMF-212 21 F4U 21 28 VMF-212
VMF-223 22 F4U 22 32 VMF-223
VMSB-133 23 SBD-6 20 38 VMSB-133
VMSB-236 23 SBD-6 23 45 VMSB-236
VMR-152 16 R4D-5 12 65 VMR-152
VMR-153 16 R4D-5 13 67 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO 5 F5A 5 8 17TH PHOTO
1 RA-24B 1
NZ-15 18 F4U-1D 18 27 NZ #2 S.U.
MUNDA
VMSB-241 22 SBD-6 22 47 VMSB-241
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:42:48 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 24 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(75 sorties-47 1/2 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: Only the two morning sweeps reached Gazelle peninsula. In the afternoon the sweep planes were weathered out and hit targets in Buka.
Four F4Us on the Watom Island-Pondo sweep dropped their quarter-tonners on the Keravat supply area. They strafed and killed 5 Nips in gardens at Napapar, and strafed a stationary loaded truck at Natava plantation. The Duke of York-Cape Archway planes bombed huts and a supply area in a ravine inland from Ralum. They strafed 4 possible serviceable type A barges camouflaged with coconut palms at Kokopo, holed a punt at Kokopo, killed 2 Nips in a skiff at Talilis plantation and burned 3 huts at Sumsum plantation. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from Kanduon (Duke of York).
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 15 0630-1020 load 1x500 dr 8x500.
NEW IRELAND
(38 sorties-15 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Quarter-ton bombs were dropped on Kavieng, on bridges at Balgai and on Pinikindu, Libba, Balus and Medina plantations by 16 Emirau F4Us on the Kavieng patrols yesterday.
Results in each case were unobserved.
Dawn and dusk sweeps were made by 2 PVs, one of which dropped 6 quarter-tonners on Cape Lemeris.
For the Record:
16 F4Us VMF 211 0540-1910 load 1x500 dr. 16x500.
2 PVs NZ 4 0605-0915(1) load 6x500 dr 6x500.
1610-1856(1)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(27 sorties-2 tons)
Lemankoa Huts Destroyed: Eight huts south of Lemankoa were destroyed by 4 F4Us which had been weathered out of the Watom Island-Pondo sweep. They strafed huts N. of Lemankoa with unobserved results. The second flight of 4 F4Us which was weathered out of the Gazelle peninsula dropped their bombs on a dam on a small stream inland from Raua harbour. They reported no results.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 15 1135-1455 load 1x500 dr 8x500.
SEARCHES FOR 23 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in fair weather with full track and cover. Brewer searches were likewise negative going full distance. Able attained only 90 percent cover because of the cloudy haze prevailing beyond the first 100 miles out. Baker reported full cover in excellent weather.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:47:04 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 25 November 1944.
BOUGAINVILLE
(50 sorties-10 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Five Bougainville patrols (incorporating the Able-Charlie search) and the dawn and dusk patrols were flown by NZ 15. Thousand-pound bombs were carried by 4 F4Us on the dusk patrol, and were dropped on gun positions at Moila point. A near miss was reported on a 5 in. gun. One long burst of accurate light A/A was received from the point.
The Bougainville patrols set fire to an underground shelter at the rear of a gun position at Moila point; strafed and holed a 25 ft. whaleboat on the beach at Nusave Island; sank a 20 ft. raft 2 miles W. of the Tavera river; strafed huts at Nusave Island, Kariki (Fauro Island), Morgusiai and Harapa (Shortland Island); killed 2 Nips on a raft off Gomai Island; strafed 10 to 12 Nips and smoked a hut at Koliai (E. Shortland Island); holed a rowboat on a beach of a small island off NW Fauro Island; and holed a 20 to 30 ft. launch under a thatched shelter at the SW tip of Fauro.
The dawn patrol was negative.
Numerous tracks inland from the beach at the Puriata river mouth were observed by one of the patrols. The dawn patrol reported 3 oil slicks in Matchin Bay which appeared to be coming from an old freighter off the pier at Chabai.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 15 0610-1700 Bougainville patrols.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0600-0725(4) load 1x1000(4) dr 4x1000.
1615-1850(4)
NEW IRELAND
(42 sorties-20 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Huts were fired at Panaras plantation, a building was damaged at Koka plantation, and Kimidan, Logagon and Ulunono plantations and Kavieng strip were hit by 14 Emirau F4Us which patrolled northern New Ireland with quarter-tonners. from 0540 till 1700. Activity was observed at Kimidan, where bridges and roads have been repaired.
Two PVs on dawn and dusk sweeps dropped 12 quarter-tonners on Amba and Kaut Bay with unobserved results.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 313 0540-1700 load 1x500 dr 14x500.
2 PVs NZ 4 0611-0858(1) load 6x500 dr 12x500.
1600-1850(1)
NEW BRITAIN
(23 sorties-10 tons)
SEARCHES FOR 24 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches reported only friendly shipping with full track and cover in good weather. Brewer searches were likewise negative with full track. Able attained 70 percent cover, meeting broken cumulus clouds with a few rain showers. Visibility was below 12 miles. Baker had 90 percent cover in good weather.
Tarbaby, cooperating with PTs, in area William bombed Toko Mission and started a fire there. Charcoal was weathered out of Foyle and returned early. Sambo bombed Aropa plantation and Koromira Mission, area Easy. The weather was cloudy to closed in. Only 1 1/4 tons were dropped on the target areas.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
3 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PT Cooperation, 2135-0045 dr 7x250 GP.
39x20 Frags, (5x250 jettisoned).
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 12:53:04 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 26 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(48 sorties-23 tons)
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: All four sweeps of Gazelle peninsula were flown yesterday. Seven F4Us on the two Duke of York-Cape Archway sweeps destroyed 4 huts E. of Tobera pltn. and, with a near miss, collapsed the roof of a large tin shed in Adler Bay. They strafed 20 Nips in a field with unobserved results.
Two planes were holed by meagre, accurate light A/A from one mile inland S. of Raluana. The Watom Island—Rondo sweeps (7 F4Us) bombed huts and gardens at Kabagada and destroyed a hut at Rakumkumbur. They strafed and smoked a large 2-storied building at Nambung point, killed 5 Nips in gardens NE of Vunakambi plantation, damaged a whale boat at Lassul Bay and destroyed a 20 ft. canoe at Kabaira Bay. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from E. of Natava plantation and from Keravat strip.
For the Record:
14 F4Us NZ 15 0610-1625 load 1x500 dr 14x500. Two F4Us dam.
NEW IRELAND
(50 sorties-25 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: A moving truck was blown up and several huts were damaged at Kimidan plantation by 14 Emirau F4Us on the Kavieng-North New Ireland patrols.
Twelve cows were killed at Kolube plantation, a bridge at Katendan was damaged and bombs were dropped on Lamussong, Ulunono and Fatmilak plantations and on Amba and Kavieng.
Two PVs on dawn and dusk sweeps dropped their bombs on Kono, Amba and Panapai with unobserved results.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 115 0615-1915 load 1x500 dr 14x500.
2 PVs NZ 4 0607-0900(4) load 6x500 dr 12x500.
1551-1911(4)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(51 sorties-8 tons)
Attack On Hahela Buildings: The area between Hangan and Hahela mission (SE Buka), which contains a number of undamaged buildings and has been the scene of recent Nip activity, was attacked by 31 Piva F4Us each carrying a quarter-ton bomb.
Twenty-seven bombs were reported to have fallen in the target area, with undetermined results. The second flight in reported an explosion in the northern portion of the target area which produced black and yellow smoke up to 600 ft. and fires which were still burning as the planes retired.
VMO 251 reported continuous, moderate, inaccurate MG fire from a position 100 to 200 yards N. of the target. After-strike photos showed 7 blast marks in the Hangan area, with 5 buildings now revealed under the trees. Three new medium positions are visible. At Hahela, 2 buildings appear wrecked, 3 damaged and 4 serviceable.
Two F4Us of NZ 15 dropped one quarter-tonner on a gun position at Moila point. They strafed and holed a 30 ft, whale boat and 2 10 ft. punts, and burned a 25 ft. launch. They reported meagre, inaccurate light A/A from Bei.
For the Record:
31 F4Us VMO 251 (16) 0810 load 1x500 dr 30x500.
VMF 212 (15)
2 F4Us NZ 15 0730 load 1x500 dr 2x500.
SEARCHES FOR 25 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and cover in fair weather. Brewer searches were likewise negative going full distance. Able attained 90 percent cover in good weather, except for scattered rain showers and haze. Baker was reduced, however, to 50 percent cover due to heavy scattered showers and high cumulus clouds to 15,000 ft.
Two Cats from Green were scheduled to make a Pondo to Lolabau search. Their search area being closed in, they dropped their bomb between Condor Point and Cape St. George, with unobserved results.
Tarbaby, on PGM cooperation the night of 24/25 November, bombed Hunter and Condor Points. The Cat's antenna was hit by meagre, accurate, probably medium A/A from Hunter Point.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
1 PBY-5A (VPB-44) PGM Cooperation, 2205-0245, dr 3x250 GP.
(1x250 jettisoned).
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Pondo-Lolobau search, dr 4x325 DB.
(4x325 jettisoned).
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 14:08:02 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 27 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(66 sorties-21 1/2 tons)
Rabaul Patrols: In addition to the usual Rabaul patrols, carried out by 20 Green F4Us, a special dusk patrol was flown over the Rabaul fields from 1825 till 1857. No activity was seen at any of the five fields. Dropping half tonners, they reported a direct hit on a possible oil storage hulk at Keravia Bay which produced flames to 300 ft, and smoke to 8000 ft. They cratered a road at Kabanga plantation and scored area hits on guns at Tawui point where they started a large fire. Meagre, inaccurate medium fire was received from Keravia.
For the Record:
20 F4Us VMF 218 0600-1830 load 1x1000 dr 20x1000.
4 F4Us NZ 18 1825-1857 Dusk patrol.
NEW IRELAND
(47 sorties-27 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Patrolling north New Ireland with quarter tonners from 0550 till 1950, 16 Emirau F4Us damaged huts at Katu, Roland Young and Lamernewei plantations and at Balgai. Other targets were Lossuk Bay, Fessoa plantation, Mongai Bay, Lauan and Ulunono. Two PVs on dawn and dusk sweeps attacked targets at Young and Lamernewei plantations, Korabin and Kaut Bay.
For the Record:
16 F4Us VMF 211(12) 0550-1950 load 1x500 dr 16x500.
NZ 19 (4)
2 PVs NZ 4 0617-0911(1) load 6x500 dr 12x500
1656-1930(1)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(26 sorties-1 ton)
Canoes on Poporan Island: Between 16 and 20 canoes of the single outrigger type on the beach under trees from the N. to the W. tip of Poporan Island (W. coast of Buka) were strafed and apparently damaged by 4 F4Us of NZ 15. Exact results were unobserved. Huts on the NW coast of Poporan were strafed and 2 were burned. A khaki-clad figure was seen to run into one of the huts, which was then strafed. Two F4Us of VMF 223 which followed the first flight said they saw 8 of the 18 canoes thoroughly strafed and 2 huts burned. They did not attack.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 15 (4) 1135-1300 4 Planes strafed.
VMF 223 (2) 1200-1300
Bougainville Patrols: Four Bougainville patrols, and the dawn and dusk sweeps, were flown by NZ 15. The 16 F4Us strafed and holed 4 single canoes at Taurapiro, Tamos, Rigu, and Hitau respectively. They killed a Nip on Ovau Island and another on Fauro Island. They burned 2 huts at Hanahan. Other targets for strafing were Moila point, an apparent gun position at Aropa, and huts at Cape Tosahui.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 15 0616-1035(4) Bougainville patrols.
1240-1708(4)
8 F4Us NZ 15 0613-0729(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1713-1856(4)
SEARCHES FOR 26 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches sighted only a friendly CVE at 00-12 S 150-12 E, course 030 true, speed 15 knots at 0817 L. Sectors Tare and Victor had full track and cover, sector Uncle 90 percent track and 70 percent cover in fair weather. Brewer searches were negative with full distance and averaging 98 percent cover in both sectors. Excellent weather was reported except for a slight occasional haze.
The first Pondo-Lolobau search was weathered out, but the second covered the run with negative results.
Two Green Cats, Falcon One replaced by Falcon Two, made a continuous search for the submarine whose periscope was sighted at 0825 L in the position 04-51 S and 154-22 E, speed 12 knots, course 160 degrees. The first Cat sighted and bombed a possible periscope camouflaged by reeds. An oil slick which resulted soon dissipated and the search continued. A special Emirau PV search for the submarine was also negative, except for sighting the same friendly CVE mentioned above. Six Piva SBDs joined in the hunt from 1115 to 1845, patrolling Soraken Harbor and Matchin Bay. Results were negative, but the Dauntless on station from 1545-1710 observed a 60'-75' wharf in a small cove NE of Tarlena, inland about 50 yards from which there was a structure which could possibly be a radio station with upright poles giving the impression of an antenna.
The 2 SBD's on station from 1710-1845 observed a boat, possibly a PT, 17 miles from Petat Island at 1825 L, speed 10 knots, course 175. An oil slick was also observed at the inboard end of the old hulk in Soraken Harbor.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
1 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Pondo-Lolobau search, 0205-0620.
1 PV-1 (NZ-4) Special submarine search, 0817-1244.
2 PBY-5A(VPB-44) Special submarine search, dr 1x325 DB.
6 SBDs (VMSB-133) Special submarine search, 1115-1300, 1230-1410, 1355-1540, 1545-1710, 1710-1845.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 14:46:34 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 28 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(114 sorties - 78 tons)
40 planes Attack Ralum: A personnel and supply area at Ralum was attacked by a co-ordinated strike of 24 Emirau and 16 Green F4Us, each of which carried a half-ton bomb.
The Green planes reported their bombs all area hits with good coverage. Of 24 bombs dropped by the Emirau F4Us, 15 were on the target, 8 were wide and 1 fell in the water.
Seventeen ground explosions in the Ralum area were seen after 1100 hours by Green F4Us on the Rabaul patrols. They reported that smoke in most instances rose to 1500 ft, with bright orange flame at the base. Photos taken at 1058 showed 2 buildings destroyed and many bomb hits in the target area.
For the Record:
40 F4Us VMF 218(16)
VMF 115 1023-1026 load 1x1000 dr 39x1000
VMF 211
NZ 19
Gazelle Peninsula Sweeps: The four Gazelle peninsula sweeps, flown by 16 F4Us of NZ 15, produced some good targets. Eight planes on the Watom Island-Pondo sweeps destroyed 5 huts 2 miles W of Napapar; felled a tree across a stationary truck at Tovakundum plamtation; set fire to one, and damaged 2, trucks loaded with logs at Natava plantation; and killed a Nip in Liguan Bay.
Meagre, inaccurate light fire was received from between Cape Liguan and Natava plantation.
The early morning Duke of York-Cape Archway sweep destroyed 3 huts 3 miles inland from Vunapope. In strafing attacks they killed 2 and probably many more, of 20 Nips who jumped out of a troop-carrier truck moving along the Bitalobo-Varzin plantation road. The truck was burned out. When the planes returned 15 minutes later, no fires were visible and 3 Nips on horseback were investigating the remains of the truck. The Nips were well strafed as they ran for shelter, and the three horses were killed. The same sweep holed 4 canoes at Mioko Island. They encountered moderate, inaccurate medium (40MM) fire from the N end of Tobera strip.
The afternoon sweep in the same region destroyed 2 of a group of 12 drum-laden trucks bombed S of Ulatawa plantation, one hut in the same place, 2 huts at Toma plantation; and smoked one truck at the N tip of Varzin plantation and another, loaded with green vegetables, travelling W at Nangminga (1 1/2 miles SE of Davaun).
For the Record:
16 F4Us NZ 15 0600-1610 load 1x500 dr 16x500
Rabaul Patrols: Carrying half-ton bombs, 19 Green F4Us maintained patrols over Rabaul from 0630 to 1750. They destroyed a 50 ft. bridge at Keravat farm and a cave on Mulim Island (Duke of York group); and reported area hits on huts on Mioko Island, the eastern most revetments at Vunakanau and the Tobera supply area. Twenty Nips were strafed at Gunanur plantation, with an undetermined number killed, and 2 trucks were holed at Keravat.
Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was reported from Raulavat pltn. A dusk patrol of Rabaul was to have been flown by 2(?) F4Us without bombs, but those were unable to reach the area and strafed and smoked a boathouse at Kokola plantation beach.
For the Record:
19 F4Us VMF 222 0630-1750 load 1x1000 dr. 19x1000.
2(?) F4Us NZ 18 Dusk patrol without bombs.
NEW IRELAND
(28 sorties - 11 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Patrols over the Kavieng area were maintained from dawn till dusk by 14 Emirau F4Us, each of which carried a 500-pounder.
One hit was reported on a gun position on the coast at Fessoa, and 8 in the area of Kavieng strip. Other targets were Logagon, Kapsu and Lossu plantations and Balgai strip. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from the vicinity of Balgai strip, and 2 bursts of accurate medium (40MM) from North Cape.
Dawn and dusk sweeps were flown by 2 PVs which dropped their 12 quarter-tonners, with unobserved results, on Sicacui and Ray plantations. An equal load was dropped by 2 more PVs on Karmiraba plantation.
For the Record:
14 F4Us VMF 313 0540-1930 load 1x500 dr. 14x500
2 PVs NZ 4 0641-0938(1) " 6x500 " 12x500
1645-1845(1)
2 PVs NZ 4 1445 " 6x500 " 12x500
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(18 sorties - 0 tons)
SEARCHES FOR 27 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches reported only one friendly tanker sighted in fair to poor weather in all three sectors. Uncle and Tare attained full track and cover, Victor 60 percent. Brewer searches were likewise negative with full track and 90 percent cover in good weather, except for a few scattered showers.
ANTI-SUB SEARCHES
The Pondo-Lolobau searches were negative, but the Green Cats dropped their bombs on Cape Siara and the Sae River mouth, SE New Ireland, with unobserved results. The VMB-423 Mitchell on the Soraken Harbor search also reported negative. Nine PBYs from Green operated as Jasasa patrol around Buka Passage with negative results, except for dropping two depth charges on some palm trees in NW Buka.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Pondo-Lolobau search, 2100-0615, dr. 6x325 D.C. (2x325 returned)
1 PBJ (VMB-423) Soraken Harbor search, 0550-0755, (4x325 D.C. returned)
9 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Jasasa, 1625-0008, 0008-0635, 0600-2115, (8x325 D.C. and 2 mark 24 mines returned), dr. 2x325 D.C.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 15:13:17 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 29 November 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(41 sorties - 15 tons)
Rabaul Patrols: Patrols over Rabaul were maintained from Green throughout the day, and a special patrol, by 4 F4Us without bombs, was flown from 1800 to 1900.
Dropping half-tonners, the F4Us destroyed a bridge at Kabanga, and hit two of 3 tin-roofed structures built close to the ground at Bitalobo, causing them to explode. They strafed and holed 4 trucks.
Meagre, accurate medium fire was received from Keravat; meagre, inaccurate light from the intersection of Talili Bay and Tunnel Hill roads. Eight bursts of heavy were seen directed from Vunakanau against the Nadzab B-24s.
The late patrol was negative. White smoke rising to 1000 ft. was seen at Ravalue.
For the Record:
VMF 222(20) 0635-1800
24 F4Us NZ 20 (4) 1800-1900 load 1x1000(20) dr 20x1000.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(48 sorties-7 1/2 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Opportunity targets were strafed by 10 Piva F4Us on the Bougainville patrols and Able-Charlie search.
They holed a punt at Nusave Island and a 25 ft. canoe at Fauro; killed 2 Nips at Kiviri, one at Rorovana, one at Niellei Island and a fifth at Kombun; and strafed huts near Olava.
Barge marks and tracks on the sand were observed at an inlet south of the Puriata river.
At Poporan Island (W. of Buka) pilots saw 4 or 5 25 ft. thatched huts, and a village and 3 groups of huts on the south coast. There was evidence of much track activity, but no indication whether the people living there were natives or Nips. The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 15 0605-1640 Bougainville patrols.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0603-0745(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1700-1740(4)
NEW IRELAND
(39 sorties-20 1/2 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: One hut was destroyed and 2 others damaged at Bolegila, and a hut was damaged at Fessoa by 14 Emirau F4Us on the north New Ireland patrols.
They dropped other bombs, with unobserved results on Lamernewsi plantation, Lossu, Balgai and Kavieng town.
Meagre, inaccurate medium (20mm) fire was received from Lebrechtshof plantation, from near Balgai and from the Panapai strip area; and meagre, inaccurate light from Kaselok and Fangelawa plantations. One F4U was holed.
Making dawn and dusk sweeps 2 PVs dropped 12 quarter-tonners on Karmiraba, Patlangat, and Sicacui plantations and at Kaut Bay.
For the Record:
14 F4Us NZ 19 0700-1930 load 1x500 dr 14x500. One plane dam.
2 PVs NZ 4 0613-0913(1) load 6x500 dr 12x500.
1700-1925(1)
SEARCHES FOR 28 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in fair to good weather. Victor and Uncle went full distance, but Tare went only 95 percent of the way. The three sectors averaged a coverage of 95 percent. Also negative were the Brewer searches which went out full distance and averaged 88 percent cover, with good weather in Able and scattered showers and cumulus clouds at 1600 feet in Baker.
Anti-Submarine Searches: The fourth report from Jasasa One, involving two Green Cats, was negative during the night of 27/28 November. The communication with surface craft in cooperation was very poor.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Jasasa, 2037-0425, bomb load returned.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 15:26:28 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 30 November 1944.
NEW IRELAND
(50 sorties-28 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: The north New Ireland patrols were flown by Emirau F4Us for only three hours in the morning, the weather closing in at 1100 hours. Six quarter-tonners were dropped on Kavieng town and Ulunono plantation with unobserved results. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from Panapai strip.
One PV flew a dawn sweep and dropped its bombs, with unobserved results, in the Kaut Bay region. The dusk sweep was cancelled.
For the Record:
6 F4Us VMF 115 0800-1100 load 1x500 dr 6x500.
1 PV NZ 4 0603-0826 load 6x500 dr 6x500.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(50 sorties-8 tons)
Opportunity Targets Hit: Opportunity targets in Bougainville and Buka were hit by 16 F4Us of NZ 15 which were prevented by weather from carrying out the Gazelle peninsula sweeps. They dropped 500 pounders. One hut was destroyed and 2 were strafed and smoked near Tulean plantation; one hut was destroyed at Yegits; 2 huts were destroyed and 3 were damaged N. of Lemanmanu; and a jetty was demolished at Bauvo Island. At Awa Island a 30 ft. half-deck schooner on blocks was strafed and damaged. A bomb was dropped on an MG position on Japaru Island with unobserved results.
Other strafing targets included 2 tractors or small tanks in a shelter E. of Komaliai, a possibly serviceable barge at Porton plantation, and 8 or 9 sacks of potatoes on jetties at Porton (the potatoes were reported damaged). Several parachutes were observed between the Puriata and the Mibo rivers. Four quarter-tonners were dropped on the S. side of the Puriata with unobserved results.
For the Record:
16 F4Us NZ 15 0600-1400 load 1x500 dr 16x500.
NEW BRITAIN
(9 sorties-5 tons)
SEARCHES FOR 29 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and averaging 90 percent cover in fair weather. Brewer searches were likewise negative with full track and 95 percent cover in good weather; except for a few scattered showers.
Submarine search: One Green Catalina reported its sub search negative and returned to base with its bombs.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
1 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Sub search, 1343-1751, bombs returned.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 16:22:46 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 1 December 1944.
NEW IRELAND
(39 sorties-21 tons)
Logagon, Fangelawa, Katu and Ulunono: A reported Nip bivouac and supply area at Logagon village was the target for 17 Emirau PBJs and 8 F4Us. One flight of PBJs was unable to find the target because of undercast and hit Fangelawa. Good coverage was reported at Logagon, but results were unobserved. A small fire was started at Fangelawa.
Three Emirau PVs which were to have hit Fangelawa found this target closed in and dropped their bombs on Katu and Ulunono plantations. A road was cratered at Ulunono; other results were unobserved.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 19 load 1x1000 dr 7x1000.
17 PBJs VMB 413 0958 6x250 (15) 92x250.
VMB 433 4x250(2)
3 PVs NZ 3 1030 load 6x500 dr 18x500.
North New Ireland Patrols: The north New Ireland patrols were flown in poor weather from 0555 till 1321 by 10 Emirau F4Us. The other patrols were cancelled.
Two flights returned with their bombs, and only 6 quarter tonners were dropped on Kavieng town, on Balus pltn. and on a bridge E. of Medina.
Meagre, inaccurate heavy A/A was received from Kavieng and from Nausen Island. A dawn sweep was flown by an Emirau PV which dropped 2 quarter-tonners on Malapai and Lamernewei pltn.
For the Record:
10 F4Us VMF 211 0555-1321 load 1x500 dr 6x500.
1 PV NZ 4 0613-0834 load 6x500 dr 2x500.
NEW BRITAIN
(15 sorties-5 tons)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(22 sorties-1 ton)
Bougainville Patrols: Targets in the Shortland-Fauro region were given special attention by yesterday's 5 Bougainville patrols which carried out the Able-Charlie search and were flown by 10 F4Us of NZ 15.
One hut was smoked at Kalia, another at Halold, and two more at Aliang. A large camouflaged white dinghy on the beach at Sirukiai and two canoes on Fauro Island were strafed and holed.
Five of 12 Nips bathing on the NW coast of Kieta peninsula were killed, and a sixth was killed at Kobuan Bay.
Shelters and huts at Rigu and Komaliai plantation and a new bridge being built over the Kauwau river at Koromire were strafed with unobserved results.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 15 0610-1645 Bougainville patrols.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0604-0732 (4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
1706-1835 (4)
SEARCHES FOR 30 NOVEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative, except for friendly shipping. The Sector Uncle PV was grounded. The percentage of track and cover for the other two sectors was; Tare 80 and 60, Victor 100 and 80. The visibility was good in fair weather. Emirau received a report that an unidentified float fighter was seen on the water at 154-46 E 01-05 N (Kapingamarangi) and despatched two PVs to investigate. These reported finding three old, totally unserviceable, wrecked aircraft on a beach and no other activity other than a canoe full of natives in the lagoon. Request was made to make further search.
Brewer searches were likewise negative with full track and averaging 63 percent cover. Numerous showers and 5 tenths cloud cover were reported.
Four NZ F4Us reported their anti-submarine patrol as negative yesterday afternoon. The search covered the area from the mouth of the Torokina River to the Reini River and seven miles out to sea. Green sent three Cats to cooperate on the Munda Jasasa search.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
4 F4Us (NZ-15) Anti-sub patrol, 1250-1545, 1520-1635.
3 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Jasasa cooperation with Munda.
2 PV-1 (NZ-3 or 4) Special search.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 16:44:54 GMT 12
WEEKLY REPORT OF AIRCRAFT AND PILOT AVAILABILITY AS OF 28 NOVEMBER, 1944.
UNIT AND LOCATION TYPE AND NO. OF PLANES AVAIL. PLANES OPERATIONAL PILOTS AVAIL. GROUND SUPPORT UNIT
ADMIRALTIES
VF-79 (RAAF) 10 SPIT-5 10 18 VF-79
VS-61 15 SBD 15 18 VS-61
2 J2F-6 2
VPB-52 15 PBY-5 13 52 VPB-52
VPB-137 15 PV-1 10 38 VPB-137
NZ-23 18 F4U 18 24 NZ #4 S.U.
EMIRAU
VMF-115 20 F4U 20 44 VMF-115
VMF-211 22 F4U-1D 22 35 VMF-211
VMF-313 21 FG-1A 21 28 VMF-313
VMSB-142 22 SBD-6 22 37 VMSB-142
VMSB-243 25 SBD-5 25 43 VMSB-243
VMB-413 11 PBJ-1D 11 47 VMB-413
VMB-433 12 PBJ-1D 12 40 VMB-433
VMB-443 12 PBJ-1D 12 42 VMB-443
VMB-611 11 PBJ-1D 10 28 S.S. 61
NZ-4 16 PV-1 16 16 NZ #10 S.U.
NZ-19 22 F4U-1D 18 27 NZ # 5 S.U.
GREEN
VMF-218 22 F4U 22 32 VMF-218
VMF-222 22 F4U 22 33 VMF-222
VMSB-244 25 SBD-5 25 40 VMSB-244
VMSB-341 24 SBD-6 24 48 VMSB-341
VMB-423 10 PBJ-1D 10 45 VMB-423
VPB-44 15 PBY-5A 13 56 PATSU 1-11
NZ-18 18 F4U-1D 18 24 NZ # 3 S.U.
NZ-1 14 PV-1 13 14 NZ #14 S.U.
BOUGAINVILLE
VMO-251 23 F4U-1D 23 35 VMO-251
VMF-212 22 F4U 22 32 VMF-212
VMF-223 22 F4U 22 37 VMF-223
VMSB-133 24 SBD-6 24 55 VMSB-133
VMSB-236 24 SBD-6 24 47 VMSB-236
VMSB-241 24 SBD-6 24 47 VMSB-241
VMR-152 16 R4D-5 13 65 VMR-152
VMR-153 16 R4D-5 14 67 VMR-153
17TH PHOTO 5 F5A 5 8 17TH PHOTO
1 RA-24B 1
1 UC-64A 1
NZ-15 18 F4U-1D 18 27 NZ # 2 S.U.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 20:45:18 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 2 December 1944.
NEW IRELAND
(66 sorties-49 1/2 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: Patrols were maintained over Kavieng and north New Ireland by 8 Emirau F4Us from 0725 till 1930.
All of their 8 half-tonners were dropped in the Kavieng area, but 5 bombs appeared duds. In strafing attacks, the F4Us destroyed a truck at Balus plantation and fired another at Lossuk Bay.
Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from the south end of Panapai strip, and one burst of undetermined calibre was seen at 12,000 feet.
Two PVs on dawn and dusk sweeps dropped 12 quarter tonners on a target north of Kabien, causing an explosion with gray smoke. A third PV on a shipping and truck reconnaissance dropped its bombs in the neighbourhood of Katenbuang plantation with unobserved results.
For the Record:
8 F4Vs NZ 19 0725-1930 load 1x1000 dr 8x1000. 0750-1014(1)
3 PVs NZ 4 1503-1710(1) load 6x500 dr 18x500.
1645-1905(1)
NEW BRITAIN
(22 sorties-5 1/2 tons)
Bogey Sighted by Rabaul Patrol: A sighting of an unidentified twin-engine plane was made during yesterday's patrols of the Rabaul area by 12 F4Us of NZ 18 (Green).
At 1800 one pilot sighted the bogey, 600 yards distant, 2 miles N. of Keravat. He advised his leader over VHF. The leader did not received the message, but, happening to turn in to the bogey, gave the impression that he had received it. The bogey increased the distance and was lost in haze in the general area of Lakunai. At 1810 all 4 F4Us saw a flare about 1000 yards E. of Walaur, which lies on Simpson harbour almost due north of Vunakanau. In strafing attacks, the patrol planes strafed and holed a type Charlie barge in Matupi harbour and a loaded camouflaged truck at Vunakanau.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 18 1155-1815 Strafing only.
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(18 sorties-2 3/4 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Piva F4Us carried bombs on the dawn patrol and on four of the five Bougainville patrols.
They bombed, unsuccessfully, a bridge over the Porro river and another near Rigu. Other targets were bivouac areas on Kororaka Island, in the jungle north of Sirukiai, and in Komaliai plantation.
In strafing attacks, they killed a Nip south of the Bovi river and 4 Nips at Asitavi; holed a probably unserviceable barge and a dinghy on the beach at Komaliai Bay.
The dusk patrol was negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us NZ 15 0610-1635 load 1x500(7) dr 7x500.
8 F4Us NZ 15 0550-0755(4) load 1x500(4) dr 4x500.
1700-1800(4)
SEARCHES FOR 1 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and averaging 93 percent cover in fair weather. Brewer searches reported no sightings. Both sectors went full distance, Able attaining 100 percent cover in excellent weather, whereas Baker was limited to 75 percent cover because of meeting the edge of a strong front in the southern portion of the sector.
Two Green NZ-1 PVs investigated the reported unidentified float plane fighter at Kapingamarangi and found nothing to report other than the same three old, wrecked aircraft seen on the beach the day before.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (NZ-1) Plane search, 0820-0830.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 21:21:55 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 3 December 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(56 sorties-9 1/2 tons)
Raluana Point Guns: A/A guns at Raluana point, where 5 heavy, 3 medium and 2 MG positions are concentrated were the target for 26 Piva F4Us each of which carried a quarter-tonner.
NZ 15 (11 F4Us) reported 3 bombs direct on the 5 heavy positions, and the other 8 bombs in the area. VMO 251 (15 F4Us) found the target obscured by a broken layer of cloud, and 14 of their bombs were misses. The 15th landed north of the north medium positions, short of the coastal road.
For the Record:
26 F4Us NZ 15(11) load 1x500 dr 26x500.
VMO 251 (15) 1020
Rabaul Patrols: Flying without bombs, 18 Green F4Us maintained patrols over Rabaul from 0610 till 1815.
They strafed and holed 9 canoes in Foul Bay, sinking 3, and 3 canoes in Mioko harbour, sinking one. A Nip was killed near the Warangoi river mouth.
At 0710, off Watom, the patrol sighted a B-25 which immediately dived towards Namatanai. The fighters closed to 100 yards and positively identified the plane as a B-25 with Army colour and marking. No aggressive action was taken by the patrol which did not observe any attempt at identification by the B-25. (It is regarded as almost certain that the B-25 was a weather reconnaissance plane flying in advance of the later CRTC bombing mission).
For the Record:
18 F4Us NZ 18 0610-1815 Strafing only.
NEW IRELAND
(19 sorties-12 1/2 tons)
Borpop Plantation: The Borpop plantation area was to have been hit by 5 Green PBJs and 5 PVs; but low clouds obscured the target for the second division and a second run by this division was prevented by bomb sight failure. Twenty-six quarter-tonners were dropped on the target, and bomb smoke was the only observed result.
For the Record:
5 PBJs 1100 load 6x500(3)
4x500(2) dr 26x500.
5 PVs NZ 1 6x500
North New Ireland Patrols: The Kavieng patrols were maintained from 0700 till 1845 by 6 Emirau F4Us. Four of the 6 quarter-tonners carried exploded in the barracks area east of Kavieng strip. Huts and buildings were strafed between Kavieng and Cape Lemeris, and 10 Nips were strafed in a garden near Pinikindu point.
Three PVs carried out dawn and dusk sweeps and a shipping and truck reconnaissance over north New Ireland. They destroyed a large hut at Bagaterre harbour. Other results of their bombing were not observed.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 19 0700-1845 load 1x500 dr 6x500.
3 PVs NZ 4 0550-0850(1) load 6x500 dr 18x500.
1649-1910(1)
1400-1700(1)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(26 sorties-2 tons)
Bougainville Patrols: Huts at Hanahan, huts and fires at Cape Jetupan, Piano and Monoitu mission areas, and huts and gardens at Aku and Nakarae were the targets strafed by 10 F4Us of VMO 251 on the 5 Bougainville patrols. One hut was probably smoked. Two additional Bougainville sweeps were flown by 8 F4Us of NZ 15, each of which carried a quarter-ton bomb (4 incend., 4 GP).
A large hut was destroyed at Komaliai point (N. Shortland Island), and other targets were a footbridge at Monoitu, huts near Kinirui, and camp fires at Lakuruai. As a result of strafing attacks at hut was damaged at Komaliai Bay, another was burned at Potai Bay, and one Nip was killed.
Probable meagre MG fire was received from a garden N. of Aku. The dawn and dusk patrols were negative.
For the Record:
10 F4Us VMO 251 0605-1755 Bougainville patrols.
8 F4Us NZ 15 1420-1615 load 1x500 dr 8x500.
8 F4Us VMF 212 Dawn and dusk patrols.
SEARCHES FOR 2 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and averaging 77 percent cover in fair weather. No Brewer searches were reported.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 18, 2020 21:54:59 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 4 December 1944
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(54 sorties - tons)
Tavena River Concentration: A Nip hut and supply concentration reported by Army observers South of the Tavena river and West of Siriruai Mission (SW Bougainville) was the target for 28 Piva F4Us, each of which carried a quarter-ton bomb. Twelve F4Us of NZ 15 reported that the target was well covered, especially in the vicinity of the gardens. The 16 F4Us of VMF 223 also reported a good concentration of bombs, but observers said their bombs fell to the right, or NW., of the target. Both flights strafed the target. Results were unobserved.
For the Record:
28 F4Us NZ 15 (12) 0820 load 1x500 dr. 27x500
VMF 223(16)
Bougainville Sweeps and Patrols: Three huts at Hanpan were fired and a grass and bush fire was started at Koromira mission by 10 F4Us of VMO 251 on yesterday's Bougainville patrols. They strafed opportunity targets in many areas. Two sweeps of South Bougainville were flown by 8 F4Us of NZ 15 carrying quarter-ton bombs. They destroyed 2 huts at Komaliai point; killed a Nip at Rorovana Bay and another at Anewa; and attacked a bridge at Koromira mission with unobserved results.
One plane failed to return after the section encountered a heavy front. A search was made by 8 F4Us, but the plane and its pilot are still missing.
The dawn and dusk patrols were negative. Moderate, accurate heavy A/A was received from 2 positions on Sohana Island by 2 Green PBJs on a training flight.
For the Record:
10 F4Us VMO 251 0615-1800 Strafing only.
8 F4Us NZ 15 1015-1250 load 1x500 dr. 8x500 One plane lost (operational).
8 F4Us VMO 251 0600-0700(4)
1730-1830(4) Dawn and dusk patrols.
NEW BRITAIN
(25 sorties - 5 tons)
Rabaul Patrols: Patrols over Rabaul were maintained by 16 Green F4Us from 0630 till 1520, the first patrol being delayed on station by poor weather and the last being cancelled. Only 8 of the planes carried bombs. Two huts were destroyed in the course of the patrols. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from the vicinity of Bitalobo hospital. Considerable truck activity was noted along Malaguna road, Tunnel Hill road and Talili Bay road.
For the Record:
16 F4Us NZ 18 (8) 0630-1520 load 1x500(8) dr. 8x500.
VMF 222 (8)
NEW IRELAND
(3 sorties - 2 tons)
North New Ireland Patrols: One patrol only was flown over New Ireland, the others being weathered. The 2 Emirau F4Us on the patrol dropped one of their quarter-tonners 100 yards from a light A/A position three-quarters of a mile NW of the centre of Kavieng strip. The other bomb overshot into the sea. Meagre, inaccurate fire was received from the position described above.
An Emirau PV on the dawn sweep dropped 6 quarter-tonners in the area of Masisa with unobserved results.
For the Record:
2 F4Us NZ 19 0900-1235 load 1x500 dr. 2x500
1 PV NZ 4 0610-0900 " 6x500 " 6x500
SEARCHES FOR 3 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in fair weather. The percentage of track and cover for the three sectors was reported as follows: Victor 100 and 90, Uncle 100 and 100, Tare 90 and 90.
Brewer searches encountered only friendly shipping. Both sectors went full distance and had 95 percent cover in good weather except for a few scattered rain squalls.
Eight F4Us made a fruitless search yesterday afternoon for the Corsair which failed to return from the late morning South Bougainville sweep. The plane disappeared in a weather front.
Charcoal bombed Hunter Point, SW New Ireland, while Sambo operating over area Queen dropped its bombs on camp fires on the west aide of Cape Alexander, northern coast of Choiseul.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-137) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
2 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Black Cat Cooperation, Charcoal 2150-2212 Sambo 2220-2250 dr. 8x250 G.P.
8 F4U (NZ-15) Missing plane search, 1425-1605, 1630-1835.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 19, 2020 0:45:45 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 5 December 1944.
NEW IRELAND
(42 sorties-29 1/2 tons)
Kafkaf Plantation: Kafkaf plantation area was bombed and strafed by 3 Emirau PVs. Dropping 18 quarter-tonners, all into the target area, they caused a small explosion with fire and black smoke.
Six Green PBJs and 6 PVs set out to attack Po village, but were unable to identify the target because of weather and returned to base with their bombs.
For the Record:
3 PVs NZ 4 0930 load 6x500 dr 18x500.
North New Ireland Patrols: The Kavieng patrols were maintained from 0955 till 1825 by 6 Emirau F4Us. They hit opportunity targets with 6 quarter-tonners, of which 5 were duds. The sixth exploded in the barracks area at Kavieng. Trucks were strafed south of the Kavieng strip with unobserved results.
Three Emirau PVs flew the dawn and dusk sweeps and a truck reconnaissance. Each dropping 6 quarter-tonners, they destroyed a bridge at Ulunono plantation with a direct hit, demolished 2 huts, and cratered a road near Kapsu plantation.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 19 0955-1825 load 1x500 dr 6x500.
3 PVs NZ 4 0612-0917(1) load 6x500 dr 18x500.
1404-1624(1)
1618-1853(1)
NEW BRITAIN
(28 sorties-10 1/2 tons)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(28 sorties-3 tons)
Hari Village Area: The Hari village area in SW Bougainville, where about 300 Nips are reported to be concentrated, was attacked by 8 Piva F4Us carrying quarter-tonners. Another 16 F4Us were to have hit the same target but found it obscured by clouds and returned to base with their bombs. The attacking planes reported 3 of their bombs in the Hari area, which they strafed, and 4 more one mile north of Runai. Results were unobserved.
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 15 0815 load 1x500 dr 7x500.
SEARCHES FOR 4 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and averaging 90 percent cover in fair to poor weather. Brewer searches were likewise negative with full track and 95 percent cover in good weather.
Twelve NZ Corsairs yesterday searched unsuccessfully throughout northern Bougainville for the F4U lost in the weather front the day before.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
12 F4Us (NZ-15) Missing plane search. 0600-0805, 0855-1105, 1225-1445.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Oct 19, 2020 10:31:08 GMT 12
Day Ending 0800 6 December 1944.
NEW BRITAIN
(68 sorties-21 tons)
The Malaguna Floatplane: The Nip twin-float plane JAKE which was reported on December 2nd to be under camouflage alongside a seaplane ramp at Malaguna (W. Simpson harbour) was the target for 12 Piva F4Us, each of which dropped a quarter-ton bomb. Four of the 12 bombs were reported as hits in the target area. Results were unobserved, but it was estimated that the floatplane, if present, would probably be damaged or destroyed. The leader of the flight strafed during his dive.
Photos taken after the strike showed one bomb hit north of the seaplane ramp, which was covered with earth and 2 more hits 44 and 68 yards respectively south of the ramp. The floatplane was not present in the area north of the ramp, and there were no signs of debris indicating that it had been destroyed.
Moderate, accurate medium (20mm) A/A with tracer was received from a position on the shore south of the target, and meagre, inaccurate medium fire from the Lakunai area and Praed Pt.
For the Record:
12 F4Us NZ 15 1030 load 1x500 dr 12x500.
Rabaul Patrols: Patrols over Rabaul were maintained by 20 Green F4Us from 0605 till 1815 hours. Eight of the planes carried half-tonners, and with these they destroyed 3 or 4 huts on Mioko Island and 2 large huts on Mualim Island. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from Keravat.
1st Lt. Danger (VMF 222), second section leader in the fourth patrol, collided with the first section wing man near Ataliklikun Bay. His plane spun in and burned, but the pilot bailed out and apparently landed safely about 2 1/2 miles inland on the east bank of the Vudal River (SW of Keravat, flowing into Ataliklikun Bay). The fifth patrol was diverted to this area and saw a parachute under trees at the position where the pilot was reported to have landed. Two F4Us on a later search saw a thin column of smoke 500 yards east of the Vudal river mouth and a man on the beach apparently waving his arms 500 yards further east. A life raft was dropped just off shore from the smoke column.
For the Record:
20 F4Us NZ 18(12) 0605-1815 load 1x1000(8) dr 8x1000.
VMF 222(8) One plane lost (operational).
Rabaul Hecklers: Twenty-four quarter tonners were dropped in the Rabaul area with unobserved results, by 2 Green PBJs and 2 PVs on the night of 4/5. At 2305, over Vunakanau, one of the hecklers sighted an unidentified single-engine plane at 6000 feet. The heckler, then at 10,000 feet, made a full turn and began to lose altitude. The pilot again sighted the unidentified plane, still below him and also apparently losing altitude. Contact was lost over Vunakanau, with the bogey on an NW course. Meagre, accurate heavy A/A was received from Keravia Bay. One inaccurate searchlight was in action.
For the Record:
2 PBJs VME 423 1858-2017(1)
2300-0100(1)
2 PVs NZ 1 0315-0500(1) load 6x500 dr 24x500.
0455-0605(1)
NEW IRELAND
(46 sorties-36 1/2 tons)
Plantation Areas Hit: Lossu plantation was the target for 18 Emirau PBJs, each of which carried four 250-pounders. Cloud cover required a change in the approach route to the target, which caused confusion and resulted in some planes dropping on Fangelawa and Libba plantations. One building was destroyed at Cape Bolegila and 2 huts in the Lossu area. Other results were unobserved.
Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from the Fangelawa plantation area. Patlangat village was bombed by 3 Emirau PVs, which claimed a direct hit on an A/A position and reported that smoke was rising to 300 feet as the planes retired. Seventeen of 18 quarter-tonners were reported in the target area.
For the Record:
18 PBJs VMB 433 1301 load 4x250 dr 72x250.
VMB 443
3 PVs NZ 4 0943 load 6x500 dr 18x500.
Attack On Borpop: Personnel and supply areas in the neighbourhood on Borpop strip were attacked by 6 PBJs and 6 PVs from Green with 13 tons of bombs. The assigned areas were reported well covered, but results were not observed. Meagre, inaccurate light and heavy fire was received from known positions at Borpop.
For the Record:
6 PBJs VMB 423 load 5x500 dr 30x500
6 PVs NZ 1 1100 load 4x120 frag. cl.
23x120 frag. cl.
2x500 dr 11x500.
North New Ireland Patrols: The bivouac area near Kavieng strip was bombed, with unobserved results, by 6 Emirau F4Us on the north New Ireland patrols. They dropped 6 quarter-tonners, of which 3 were duds. Three Emirau PVs on dawn and dusk sweeps and a truck reconnaissance cratered a road at Dallum plantation, hit a garden 3 1/2 miles south of Cape Lemeris and destroyed one of a number of new huts at Kolube plantation. Light A/A from Dallum holed one PV, and light and heavy fire was received from Kavieng.
For the Record:
6 F4Us NZ 19 0830-1830 load 1x500 dr 6x500.
3 PVs NZ 4 0723-1001(1) load 6x500 dr 18x500.
1452-1713(1)
1538-1935(1)
BOUGAINVILLE AND BUKA
(44 sorties-10 tons)
Hari Village Again Bombed: The Hari village area, which was hit by only part of the scheduled strike on 4 December, was the target for another 8 Piva F4Us yesterday. They dropped 8 quarter-tonners (of which 2 were reported duds) on bridges north of Hari. Results were negative. The Hari bivouac area, on the north side of the road, was given an intense strafing. Meagre, inaccurate light A/A was received from Hari bivouac area. One plane was holed in the aileron. A delayed report from Piva states that Hari village was hit on December 4 by a further 16 F4Us of VMO 251. (These planes found the target obscured by clouds as reported in yesterday's Summary, but returned later and dropped 8 tons into the area, producing two 100 ft. columns of black smoke).
For the Record:
8 F4Us NZ 15 1430 load 1x500 dr 8x500. One plane damaged.
16 F4Us VMO 251 1015-1115(4th) load 1x1000 dr 16x1000.
SEARCHES FOR 5 DECEMBER
Beefsteak searches were negative in fair weather. The percentage of track and cover for all 3 sectors were reported as follows: Tare both 95, Victor both 80, and Uncle both 100.
Brewer searches were negative in fair to poor weather. The percentage of track and cover for both sectors were reported as follows: Able 100 an 95, Baker 100 and 90.
Special Scramble Search for unidentified small craft off Kiviri Point was negative due to adverse weather conditions. Charcoal was prevented from reaching its assigned area because of the weather and dropped its half ton on Cape Sena. Sambo was cancelled.
For the Record:
3 PV-1 (NZ-4) Emirau 300 mile sector searches.
2 PV-1 (VPB-146) Admiralties 300 mile sector searches.
1 PBY-5A (VPB-44) Blackcat cooperation, dr. 4x250 GP.
2 F4Us (VMF 223) Scramble Search, 0900-1045.
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