RNZAF activity in the Pacific, 1944

[chinapilot]

Thanks Errol!

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 5 July 1944

TOROKINA F4Us: Nine NZ planes, in two missions, carried out sweeps general Rabaul area. The morning sweep fired one truck N of Mioko Hbr. raised a little smoke from sacks in Foul Bay. The afternoon sweep had something of a field day, with results adding up as follows: One truck fired, 3 smoked, caterpillar tractor fired, six tracks damaged, thatched hut fired.

For the Record:

9 F4Us NZ 15, NZ 18 load 1x1000 drop. 9x1000

Green Island fighter patrols were weathered out. Working from Emirau 20 F4Us dropped 10 quarter tonners on the Kavieng area.

BOMBERS OVER BOUGAINVILLE
With Rabaul targets weathered out yesterday morning, some of the scheduled strikes attacked secondary targets in the general Bougainville area which, with the addition of strikes originally planned for these parts, received 96 tons of bombs with 10 more tons dropped by fighter sweeps.
NZ TBFs located the long-sought coastal guns about 2 miles S of Cape Friendship. The first mission put 12 2000 bombs into the area. They saw five revetments. Later, armed with quarter-tonners, another dozen planes report definitely destroying two revetments end probably knocking out a third. In addition they caused an explosion with a flash to 300 ft. which left a smoke column 2000' high. Flying at about 500 ft. over the target area to strafe, the TBFs then saw 3 guns (apparently 4-inchers) in undamaged well-concealed rectangular revetments. They could even see the canvas covers on the muzzles of the guns.
Two squadrons of B-25's, turned back south-west of Buka, dropped ? quarter-tonners on Erventa Island. Three-fifths of the bombs found the island, the rest made splashes in the water. Results were observed. Meagre, inaccurate heavy AA came from Ballale Island. Photos showed bombs sprayed across the W side of the Island.
P-38's hit Korovo Peninsula, Shortlands, (not as a secondary). Three quarters of their bombs hit the target, with one small fire the only observed result. Heavy and medium AA was moderate and inaccurate.
Torokina-based P-38's put almost all their bombs among enemy installations at Korovo with otherwise unobserved results. They received intense and accurate heavy and medium fire, the latter from Poporang Island. Photos showed one building destroyed, another damaged, and a stretch blasted out of the main road.
Eleven F4U's, bound for Rabaul AA targets, were turned back by weather and presented their bombs to Bougainville. Seven half-tonners exploded in the Tsimba Mission area without visible damage and the remaining four released at targets in the neighbourhooh with the same results.
Another 4 F4U's, also turned back from Rabaul, aimed their bombs at buildings at Tsimba Mission without visible damage.

For the Record:
24 B25s 42nd Gr. 1210 load 6x500 drop. 144x500 from 9700' (Erventa)
16 P38s 339th 1045 load 2x1030 drop. 32x1000 from 5000' (Korovo)
12 TBFs NZ 31 0955 load 1x2000 drop. 12x2000 (C. Friendship)
12 TBFs NZ 31 1405 load 4x500 drop. 47x500 (C. Friendship)
15 F4Us NZ 14, 18 1055 load 1x1000 drop. 15x1000 (Tsimba area)
15 P38s 68TH 1040 load 2x500 drop. 28x500 from 6500' (Korovo)

BOUGAINVILLE SWEEPS
Twenty Torokina F4Us were engaged on bombing and strafing missions over Bougainville. The only visible result was a small amount of smoke from Inus Pltn. buildings. Other targets were: a gun position and huts on the N part of Choiseul, huts near the mouth of the Hongorai R, gardens NE of Monoitu Mission and Kapara, a bridge over the Kraiowa R., and huts in the centre of Inus Pltn.
AA fire was experienced as follows: probable MG from 2 miles S of heavy moderate inaccurate from 4 miles NE of Kahili, MG from opposite Emerald Entrance, Choiseul. One F4U was holed by fire from the last named place.

For the Record:

20 F4Us NZ 14, 15, 18 load 1x1000 drop. 20x1000

In addition the poop sheet plane to Green Island dropped 2 half-tonners on native huts under trees between Malasang and Cape Totabu, the blast exposing the mouth of a cave.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 drop. 2x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 4TH
Beefsteak searches all negative with 100% track and 85% cover. Squarepeg searches all negative with full distance and 95% cover.
The previously unreported Beefsteak searches for July 3rd were negative with 100% track and 80% cover.
The local Able and Charlie searches were cancelled.
The Rabaul - Torokina sweep was negative.
The shipping count was negative.

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Day Ending 0800 6 July 1944

GREEN ISLAND FIGHTERS: At 1445 a submarine was reported between Vulcan Grater and Lakunai and headed toward Lakunai. The sub submerged and was not seen again. In addition a barge carrying personnel was smoked in Keravia Bay and another barge moving away from a hulk near Vulcan Crater was also strafed. Three more loaded and camouflaged barges were seen just offshore in Escape Bay, where the fighters were unable to attack. The last patrol dropped ? century bombs.

OVER KAVIENG: Six Emirau F4Us dropped a quarter-tonner each in the area.

TOROKINA F4Us: Six planes carried out a bombing and strafing sweep over the Rabaul area. One bomb hit the base of Lyttelton pier, Kabaira Bay, throwing debris over a radius of 100 yards. Four barges, of which three were considered derelict, were seen in the area. One of two bombs aimed at the Keravat sawmill exploded in the main part of the mill "which is now a crater and not a building". Three trucks on the W side of Liguan Bay which had been unsuccessfully bombed were strafed. One was left smoking and the other two were hit. At a Point about 500 yds W of Lyttelton pier fire from 50 calibre or 20mm guns caused 5 or 7 splashes on the water.
Four other F4Us on the Cape Gazelle - Cape Archway sweep strafed huts, also trenches in the Kabanga Bay area.

For the Record:

10 F4Us NZ 14, NZ 18 load 1x1000 drop, 6x100

TARGET RABAUL AA
AA target Jig, west of Tobera, was hit by several strikes which were rewarded by the destruction of two auto AA guns, according to afterstrike photos. 16 Piva F4Us claimed 14 hits in the area of 4 gun positions. Buildings and piers in the Ralum area were strafed on the withdrawal. One pilot reported 2 AA flashes from gun positions in the W part of the target.
Green Island SBDs, 33 strong, reported one or more damaging hits on the northermost position and other bombs in the target areas. The only AA was meagre and inaccurate auto or MG fire from 2 positions in target King.
Ten minutes later 8 PBJs put 90 percent of their bombs in the target area. They confirmed the SBDs' claim to have hit the emplacement. Two other planes bombed huts midway between Tobera and Vunakanau. There was no AA. Incidentally, of the two P38 strikes on Korovo on July ? was carried out by the 68th Sq, not both by the 339th, as reported in yesterday's summary.
Emirau fighter-bombers, scheduled for the same target, were weathered out.
Target King, NW of Tobera, was hit by 21 Torokina F4Us, One direct hit on a gun position was claimed. Four bursts of heavy and four of medium AA, both inaccurate, were seen. Photos showed no visible damage to the guns but some very near misses.

For the Record:

16 P38s 339th 0935 load 2x1000 drop. 30x1000 from 6000'
16 F4Us VMO 251 0950 " 1x1000 " 16x1000
33 SBDs Green Is. 1000 " 1x1000 " 32x1000
                       " 2x100 " 64x 100
8 PBJs VMB(M)423 1010 " 14x100 " 112x 100 1 dam.
21 F4Us NZ 15, NZ 18 0953 - 1007 " 1x1000 " 20x1000 from 3500'

TARGET: TOVAKUNDUM PLTN.
Ten TBFs report that excellent coverage of the plantation, on the Liguan Bay area, resulted in 2 fires, one with grey smoke to some hundreds of feet. Many buildings were seen inland of the plantation. Two MGs fired at the TBFs from the shore W of the target.

For the Record:

12 TBFs NZ 31 1040 load 4x500 drop. 47x500

TARGET: CAPE ROLOSS - NAMATANAI
Ranging between the above two points 4 PVs built up the following record:
Five huts burnt in Po village, one exploding with smoke to 400 ft. Seven hits on road between Namatanai and Ulaputur, damaging 3 ? Bridge destroyed at Mageh Pltn. Hut destroyed and building damaged in Labur Bay area. It is reported that roads in the area which were damaged two days ago have been repaired and show signs of intense use.

For the Record:

4 PVs NZ 9 0945 - 1015 Load 6x300 drop. 17x500

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Only one F4U sweep was run over Bougainville. Four bombs failed to damage a bridge over the Uguimo River 2 miles SW of Kahili but one which landed among nearby trees sent up a cloud of black smoke. Moderate and inaccurate light AA came from the top of Kangu Hill and at least 40 splashes from an unknown cause were observed a mile E of the target. Four hundred yards inland seen from the beach at Mawaraka a possible anti-tank ditch was seen across the eastern trail.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 14 1020 load 1x1000 drop. 4x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 5TH
Beefsteak searches were all negative with 80% track and cover. Squarepeg searches were all negative with full track and 94% cover. Local Able search by New Zealand Ventura dropped 2x500 on Gogohe, 1x500 on Tahi Tahi, and 3x500 on Lemankoa for a total of 7 huts destroyed. All areas were strafed. The local Charlie search by New Zealand Ventura dropped 2x500 firinf several huts at Kaisiaros, 4x500 on huts at Taropa with unobserved results, and thorughly strafed 50 to 60 Japs who were dispersed in the grass in vicinity of Luluai Point.
The Rabaul - Torokina sweep was negative.
The shipping count was negative.
The Beefsteak morning anti-sub search was negative.

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Day Ending 0800 7 July 1944

GREEN ISLAND FIGHTERS: Green Island fighter patrols dropped 6 quarter-tonners on the Rabaul & Cape St George areas. They sighted six barges in the Vulcan Crater inlet & 5 more underway in Simpson Hbr. A special 4-plane dusk sweep was also negative.

OVER KAVIENG: Eight 2-plane F3U patrols from Emirau dropped 4 quarter tonners on Kavieng and 10 on Mane Island.

TOROKINA F4U SWEEPS: In the afternoon 4 F4Us on the Duke of York-Cape Lambert sweep concentrated on the collection of buildings round another Keravat area sawmill, this one 6 miles up the river, where there were many signs of activity. The first bomb knocked the roof off a large garage, esposing two trucks. The next bomb completely destroyed the main sawmill building, hurling planks and debris into the air. The other two bombs landed among huts & small buildings, flattening several.
No fewer than 11 heavy trucks were found parked within a 200 yard radius of the sawmill site. Six were loaded, mostly with lumber, & five were empty. Two Japs were making desperate efforts to cover one of the trucks with foliage. After pilots had expended all their ammunition 2 of the trucks had gone up in flames, six were smoking heavily & another had smoked briefly.
Rope netting camouflage was noted hanging from trees in the sawmill area but what it concealed could not be determined.

The Cape Archway - Cape Gazelle sweep also went to the Rabaul area and wrought havoc among trucks on the S. shore of Blanche Bay. In the general Malapau - Kokopo - Rapopo area they exploded a truck loaded with possible oil drums (black smoke to 200 ft), fired two empty trucks and a gasoline tanker -type truck, smoked another slightly & damaged 2 more, Four half-ton bombs raised a thick column of black smoke to 150 ft from a roadside 200 yards inland from Raluana Point.

Large concentrations of cases, tarpanlin - covered piles & several serviceable trucks were seen scattered under trees between Vunapope and Kokopo. In a parking area 100 yards inland from the coast at Vunapope were 20/30 trucks, most of vhick appeared damaged. In hills a mile inland from the coast midway between Kokopo and Vunapope were two tunnels but no track activity was observed. Several partially camouflaged concrete emplacements were seen along the Kokopo - Vunapope shoreline.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15, NZ 18 load 1x1000 dr 8x1000

TARGET: KABANGA BAY.
The only strike to bomb New Britain yesterday morning consisted of T? which, finding Tovakundum Plantation closed in, bombed the shore of Kabanga Bay. Weather obscured observation of results except for one fire sending smoke to 300 ft. Possible MG flashes were seen from the S. side of the Kabanga River.

For the Record:

10 TBFs NZ 31 1020 load 4x500 dr 38x500.

WEATHERED OUT STRIKES HIT BOUGAINVILLE
Three strikes weathered out from Rabaul hit Bougainville targets. P-38s bombed Korovo Peninsula, receiving intense & fairly accurate medium AA from Poporang Is. The pilot of a plane which had an engine cut out was rescued from the water eight miles from Stirling.
Twelve F4Us bombed the vicinity of the Pororei River mouth, SW of Kahili with unobserved results. Moderate auto and meagre heavy AA, mostly inaccurate, came from the top of Kangu Hill and more heavy fire, bursting at 7000 ft, from the S. end of the hill-top. Meagre and inaccurate auto fire came from just N of the Pororei R. mouth.
Another dozen F4Us aimed at the Kangu Hill guns. Two bombs possibly hit the hill, with the remainder reaching towards Patupatuai. Three bursts of heavy AA, accurate for height and direction, came from Kangu Hill and there was also meagre but accurate 20mm fire, possibly from the beach at the S. end of Kahili. Two long, and meandering oil slicks were seen off shore at Kahili.

For the Record:

11 P38s 339th 1010 load 2x1000 dr 21x1000 from 6500'
12 F4Us NZ 14 1030 " 1x1000 dr 12x1000
12 F4Us NZ 18 1100 " 1x1000 dr 12x1000

TARGET: LAKURAFANGE PLTN.
Fourteen F4Us from Emirau, weathered out from Rabaul, dropped 13 half-tonners on Lakurafange Pltn.

For the Record:

14 F4Us Emirau load 1x1000 dr 13x1000

BOUGAINVILLE SWEEPS
Eleven F4U's conducted the usual bombing and strafing sweeps round Bougainville.
Results Were: Destinction of 4 native - type huts at Teop. One Jap killed at Tsimba Mission. Hole knocked in Taiof - Katitj Island bridge and rest of structure left leaning.
Three or 4 huts demolished in village one mile E. of Panga (Kieta area). In addition, to make a good finish for the day, the two poop sheet planes to Green Island discovered three serviceable barges 250-300 yards up the Nova stream. One was left smoking slightly. Following this sighting the dusk patrol, increased to six planes, went up with bombs and wrecked all three barges, which were 20-30 ft long, with three hits. Large quantities of oil floated downstream. A fourth barge was located about 30 yards farther up the stream.

For the Record:

19 F4Us NZ 15 - NZ 18 load 1x1000 dr 16x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 6TH
Beefsteak searches all negative with 100% track and 80% cover.
Squarepeg searches all negative with full distance and 100% cover.
Local Able and Charlie searches by 2 TBFs dropped 1x500 demolishing 4 hits on Teep Island, 1x500 on huts south of Papas, 1x500 damaged 5 to 6 huts at T? observed new huts on water edge 2 to 3 miles south of Ruri Bay, and demolished a 30x60 foot camouflaged building 1 1/2 miles south of Kobuan Bay with 4x500. Iwi and Kekere plantation were strafed.
The Rabaul-Torokina sweep was negative.
The shipping count was negative.
The Emirau anti-sub search was negative.

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Day Ending 0800 8 July 1944

TWO CONDITIONS RED
After a long freedom from alerts, Torokina had two conditions red last night. The first, between 2209 and 2220 turned out to be a PV.
The second alarm was sounded at 0441 after a bogey had been picked up approaching from the west at a range of 6-8 miles. The bogey was tracked to about 4 miles south-east of Torokina where it appeared to orbit before heading to the NW. The all-clear was sounded at 0511. Because of the close range of the bogey a night fighter was not scrambled. Earlier, at 0330. Green Island had had 5 plots on a bogey headed east toward the N tip of Buka.

GREEN ISLAND FIGHTERS: The first F4U patrol over Rabaul strafed and sunk a possible type C barge and also damaged buildings at Tomavatur with a bomb. Other patrols wore negative.

TOROKINA F4U SWEEPS: Sixteen planes took part in Cape Archway - Cape Gazelle and Duke of York - Cape Lambert sweeps. In the former area one bomb hit a jetty at the mouth of the Kamnorei River, putting it out of commission. One of several huts strafed at Rainau and Tokua Pltn. was left smoking. One F4U was holed by a 30 calibre bullet. Six puffs of smoke but tracers were seen from a hill a mile inland between Eber Bay and Cape Archway.
The fuselage of a plane reported as an SBD or F4U was seen at the high water mark Just N of the Warangoi River mouth. The fuselage insignia was reported as light red with a white border. The aircraft looked in new conditon.
The two sweeps between Duke of York Island and Cape Lambert bombed buildings at Torukuadum Pltn. and near the mandres sawmill without visible damage. Buildings and several trucks were strafed without apparent damage. Fires were seen in the Kabagada Pt. and Tovakundum area; which had just been attacked by strikes, and SW of Vunakanau, about 1/2 way to the Keravat River, two fires were seen sending white smoke to 3000'.
Apparently as a result of fire from 2 or 3 possible 40mm or larger guns at Vunalama Pltn, numerous slow smoke trails appeared behind the aircraft.

For the Record:

16 F4Us NZ 14 - NZ 18 load 1x1000 drop. 16x1000

KAVIENG PATROLS: Over the N New Ireland area seven 2-plane F4U patrols dropped 13 quarter tonners as follows: Lakurafange 2, Cape Sali 2, Panapai 2, Mane Island 3, Kavieng 3, Balgai 1.

For the Record:

14 F4Us Emirau load 1x1000 drop. 13x1000

TARGET: RABAUL AA
Principal target for yesterday's strikes was AA target Dog, S of Vunapope. All told 113 planes dropped 77 1/2 tons of bombs in 45 minutes.
Fourteen P-38's put about half their bombs near the gun positons. Three which hung up were dropped on Rapopo and the Duke of York Islands. There was no AA. A small fire smoking to 200 ft. was seen at Cape Bun Bun.
Of 24 B-25's one squadron reports good coverage of the E gun positions with quarter tonners. The other squadron, carrying centuries, hit Matupi Island and reported causing 2 fires smoking to 500 ft. AA fire over Matupi was heavy meagre and generally inaccurate. There was no AA over target Dog.
Two squadrons of Torokina F4Us followed, some of their bombs falling E of the target area. One bomb demolised a large hut in the SE corner of the Vunapope supply area. One squadron reported 7-8 puffs of AA fire over the target, the other none.
Green Island's contribution was an attack by 35 SBD's which reported good coverage without any direct or damaging hits. There was no AA.
Fifteen Piva F4Us reported five damaging hits on two gun positions. Intense inaccuarte tracer and meagre inaccurate heavy fire as received.

For the Record:

14 P38s 339th 0955 load 2x1000 drop. 28x1000 fr. 4500'
12 B25s 42nd Gr. 1001 " 6x 500 " 72x 500 " 9700'
23 F4Us NZ 14 - NZ 18 1015 " 1x1000 " 22x1000
15 F4Us VMO 251 1040 " 1x1000 " 14x1000
35 SBDs Green 1020 " 1x1000 " 35x1000
                               " 2x 100 " 70x 100
16 F4Us Emirau 1020 " 1x1000 13x1000
12 B25s 42nd Gr. 1014 " 12x100 " 127x100 fr. 9200' (Matupi)

Thirteen half-ton bombs were dropped by 16 Emirau F4Us which reported 2 confirmed and 7 reported damaging hits.

TARGET: TOVAKUNDUM PLTN.
Twelve fires sending black white smoke to 3000 ft. were observed after 10 TBFs had dropped 40 quarter-ton GP and incendiary bombs and had strafed buildings in Tovakundum Pltn. A group of 4 buildings was seen to receive two direct hits and two or three others were observed to be fired by near misses. Moderate heavy AA, bursting at 13/15,000', was seen shooting at other planes over Talili Bay and also above hospital Ridge and Lakunai.
In the afternoon 7 PVs also hit the plantation area. They report starting 7 fires and destroying three buildings and 45 huts. In strafing they expended 21,000 round of ammunition.
A dummy coastal gun several camouflaged trucks and trenches with a few occupants (who were strafed) were seen. Several large mounds with big doors were believed to be possible fuel or ammo dumps. There were also several large structures with oval roofs, possibly of concrete, on a ridge at the S side of the Pltn.
Photos after the TBF strike (also covering results of a strike by TBFs on July 5) showed three sizeable buildings destroyed, a 25'x60' building on fire, several smaller buildings demolished and eight bomb hits in the Nip trench system along the shore.

For the Record:

10 TBFs NZ 31 1040 load 4x500 drop. 40x500
7 PVs NZ 9 1430 - 1500 " 6x500 " 42x500

TARGET: FANGELAWA
Ninteen Emirau SBDs in the afternoon hit enemy installations at Fangelawa with 10 tons of bombs. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

19 SBDs Emirau - VMSB 243 1430 dropped 10 tons.

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Nine F4Us, including the poop sheet planes to Green Island, bombed and strafed Bougainville targets. The morning mission reported possible damage to several huts in Toma Village, Fauro Is. At Totavi the pilots saw 7 fully-equipped Japs heading south along the beach. The 4 afternoon planes bombed without visible results large huts under trees in the Tobago area and also reported the killing of one of a pair of Nips on the coast near Lake Lahala. They reported a 40 ft. mast at Pauroku, where a number of big huts was seen.
The poop sheet planes again made a contribution to the day's score by destroying 10/12 huts at Hanahan Mission and possibly killing a Jap in an outrigger canoe off Pororan Island.

For the Record:

9 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 drop. 7x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 7
Beefsteak searches were negative averaging 98% track and 90% cover. Weather was scattered cumulus from 800 to 1200 feet, intermitent showers, with average cloud cover of 7/10ths.
Squarepeg searches were negative with full track and 99% cover. The weather was good.
The local Able search by a New Zealand Avenger strafed huts at Tinputs Hbr. and caused a good fire in a plantation on Matzungan Island.
The local Charlie search by a New Zealand Avenger dropped 3x500 in the area of coastal defense gun emplacements south of Cape Friendship (originally located on June 26 by a NZ PV) damaging 1 revetment, blowing off the camouflage and leaving exposed a 4 inch naval gun of grey black color with a circular shield. This gun appears to be serviceable. From a height of 60 ft there was observed 3 or 4 coastal defense guns in 8 revetments in this area.
The Rabaul - Torokina sweep was negative.
The shipping count was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 9 July 1944

EMIRAU FIGHTERS: Seven 2-plane F4U patrols dropped 13 500 pounders in the Kavieng area.

For the Record:

14 F4U Emirau load 1x500 drop. 13x500

STRIKES FOR JULY 8
All ComAirNorSols strikes for 8 July were originally scheduled against the supply area stretching for roughly 8 miles from Kabagada Pt. to Cape Liguan, west of Rabaul. Two events, however, intervented to alter the plan: (1) 4 F4U's sweeping between Keravia Bay and Cape Liguan from 0800 to 0850 reported four serviceable possible Torpedo boats and a floating crane at 0815, in Keravia Bay southwest of Raluana Point; (2) Treasury B-25's and P-38's were weathered in. Accordingly, strikes for the 8th were divided between the four boats sighted, and the initially scheduled target, but the latter claimed most attention.

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY BOATS
Twenty-six F4Us concentrated on Keravia Bay, the first four strafing and bombing. A 100 ft. craft was left sinking at the stern after 3 near misses with 4-1000 GP bombs; 12-15 serviceable barges, 50 feet long, were reported on the southwest shore of Keravia Bay. In addition 3 50 ft. barges were smoked slightly and two trucks fired and two more smoked. Twelve possible rocket trails were also reported by the F4Us 2 miles west of Vunakanau.
Eight additional F4Us made an east-west run on the boats and crane, at 1355. All these bombs missed but one raised a sheet of yellow flame from the foot of a cliff. AA was inaccurate. At 1350-1400, 8 F4Us diving from west to east, dropped 4-1000 pounders on the boats and floating crane. One bomb squarely hit, but bounced off the dock of the eastermost of the boats; the remainder were near misses. Four other 1000 pounders were dropped from 2000 feet on 3 automatic AA positions 1 mile SE of Raluana Point, with no observed results. These planes then strafed barges and trucks in the surrounding area smoking a 100 ft. boat and a 50 ft. barge. A truck was smoked and another riddled. The 100 ft. boat hit in the morning was seen lying on its side.
Between 1410 and 1430, 6 more F4Us dropped a total of 6x1000 pounders from 100 feet, on a SW/NE run, on these boats or large barges. One of the targets was possibly damaged. Strafing runs therafter produced no visible damage but no MG firing near Vulcan Crater was silenced. The last plane over Keravia Bay reported the 4 main targets were still floating, apparently undamaged. AA fire was generally inaccurate, although 1 F4U was hit by 7.7 calibre fire from the contral shore of Keravia Bay.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 drop. 4x1000
8 F4Us NZ 15 " 1x1000 " 14x1000
8 F4Us NZ 14 " 1x1000 " 8x1000
6 F4Us NZ 18 " 1x1000 " 6x1000 1 dam.

TARGET: KABAGADA - CAPE LIGUAN

At 0820, 4 F4Us dropped their 4000 pounds of GP 8-11 sec. delayed action bombs in the target area, with no apparent results. At 0815 the pilots saw a 100 foot fire 1500 yards SE of the Liguan - Kabaira Junction. Seven other F4Us had no better results with 1000 pounders dropped between 0745 and 0820. Both groups of planes strafed target of opportunity after completing their runs.
Ten TBFs each carrying 12x100 GP instantaneously fused bombs, dropped 9000 pounds on scattered huts and buildings at 1145. Piva PVs caused one large and two small fires with their 18x500 lb GP and their 9x500 lb incendiaries. TBFs saw one of their fires smoking to 1000 ft. AA holed 1 PV.
Fifteen F4Us at 0844 left one small fire in the area and reported three damaging hits on buildings,
Afternoon strikes were more successful. 15 F4Us at 1420 scored a direct hit on a building at Kabagada Point. This was the only positive result from a total of 12x1000 pounders dropped in the target area.
Green Island SBDs, concentrating on the same target, attacked in two flights of 18 planes each. The first struck between 1229 and 1235, the second from 1230-1245. Each plane carried 1x1000 pounder and 2x100 pounders. All bombs fell in the area, producing 7 direct and 17 near hits on various buildings. Several fires were started, with a particularly large one in a group of buildings at Liguan Bay. The entire area was thoroughly strafed. Three huts were burned on Uraro Island.
A dozen Emirau F4Us at 1015 and 19 SBDs at 1045 dropped their half tonners on the same area with unobserved results and without receiving any AA. In the afternoon (1500) 11 more F4Us reported two damaging hits on AA positions. One, hit by AA (MG and 20m fire was seen) crashed into Talili Bay. No Survivor was seen.

For the Record:

7 F4Us NZ 18 load 1x1000 drop. 7x1000
4 F4Us NZ 14 " 1x1000 " 4x1000
15 F4Us VMO 215 " 1x1000 " 15x1000
15 F4Us VMO 215 " 1x1000 " 13x1000
10 TBFs NZ 31 " 12x100 " 90x 100
5 PV's NZ 9 " 6x500 " 27x 500 1 dam
36 SBDs VMSB 235 " 1x1000 " 36x1000
Green VMSB 341 " 2x 100 " 72x 100
12 F4Us Emirau " 1x1000 " 11x1000
19 SBDs Emirau VMSB 243 " 1x1000 " 13x1000
11 F4Us Emirau " 1x1000 " 11x1000 1 lost

OVER BOUGAINVILLE

4 F4Us dropped 4x100 pounders in ran attack on a supposed barge hide-out in northern Ramun Bay. No barges were seen. Later strafing runs were negative.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 14 load 1x1000 drop. 4x1000

CAPE GAZELLE - CAPE ARCHWAY SWEEPS

16 F4Us dropped their 1000 pounders on assorted target in the area, with no significant observed results. However, strafing fired a thatched house and smoked a hut. The plane fuselage reported in yesterday's summary as an SBD or F4U, as the high water mark just north of the Warangoi River mouth, was identified as a blue-grey Zeke. The fuselage is fairly broken up, although the wings are in fair condition.
Four F4Us on a Rabaul bombing sweep demolished 3 and damaged 2 huts 5 miles W of Kulon Pltn., fired a 40'x20' thatched hut W of Mokurapau Pltn. and fired a heavy truck south of Bita Paka. Four Japs in an open foxhole were apparently killed by strafing.

For the Record:

20 F4Us NZ 18 load 1x1000 drop. 20x1000

TARGET: NAMATANAI BARGES

One PV ordered to investigate and attack barges at Nanatanai, New Ireland could locate no barges but dropped 6x500 pounders on 2 bridges and huts near Mageh Plantation between 1145 and 1200. AA over Namatanai was ligt to medium, moderate and accurate.

For the Record:

1 PV (NZ 9) 1145 - 1200 load 6x500 drop. 6x500

SEARCHES FOR JULY 8

Beefsteak searches negative with 100% track and 95% cover. There was an average of 4/10 cloud cover at 15,000 feet. A frontal area was building East and West along the equater and moving northward.
Squarepeg searches negative with full track and 97% cover. Weather was average.
Local Able and Charlie searches by New Zealand Avengers dropped 6x500 and strafed Numa Numa. 1x500 damaged huts on Pororan Island. A small parachute similar to a guide chute was observed in the trees just south of Teop harbor, and some camouflaged huts were observed at Tanamala on the NW coast of Buka. No barges were observed in the Nowa stream NW of Buka Passage.
The Torokina - Rabaul sweep was negative.
The shipping count was negative.
The Emirau anti-sub search was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 10 July 1944

RABAUL BLOCKADE

TOROKINA F4Us: Only one sweep was flown. These four planes found 10 trucks within a radius of 50 yards along a road leading to the beach at the SE of Livuan Pltn. (1 1/2 miles S of Mope). Five of these were fired and that five seen to be hit, though they did not smoke. In addition 2 huts were smoking 4-5 miles SE of Rapopo.

WEATHER CURTAILS STRIKES

A good many of yesterday's strikes were affected by bad weather to the north of Bougainville. There was no flying from Green Is. and the Emirau morning strike on the Rabaul area was weathered out. Several Torokina and Treasury - based strikes were unable to penetrate to Rabaul and bombed Solomons targets on thier return journey. B-25's returned with their bombs.

TARGET: KABAGADA FT - CAFE LIGUAN
Of five PVs which took off early, only one penetrated bad weather to reach the target, where it destroyed two buildings with 6 half tonners, two of them incendiaries.
The other 4 planes turned back but 6 bombs wore dropped on East Cape, destroying several huts.
Results of a later strike by 16 F4Us were mostly obscured by cloud but flame and smoke followed one bomb burst. Roads, buildings, piers and probably u/s barges were strafed. One truck was also damaged by strafing.
Ten TBFs report 96 centuries in the target area at Kabagada Pt. destroying some buildings and causing one good fire. Light, moderate, inaccurate AA came from the point.
In the afternoon 14 Emirau F4Us reported 7 damaging hits, with the results of the other six bombs not observed. Light AA fire was received. The pilot of a plane which made a water landing W of Tench Island was rescued by Dumbo.

For the Record:

1 PV NZ 9 0805 - 0825 load 6x500 drop. 6x500
16 F4Us VMO 251 1105 - 1120 " 1x1000 " 14x1000
10 TBFs NZ 31 1145 " 12x 100 " 96x 100
14 F4Us Emirau 1150 " 1x1000 " 13x1000
4 PVs NZ 9 " 6x 500 " 6x 500 (East Cape)

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY SHIPPING
Torokina F4Us returned to the attack on barges or other craft in Keravia Bay.
Arriving at 0815, 10 planes report sinking a floating crane with ? and leaving one corvette type vessel smoking profusely. Strafing drew white smoke to 70 feet from a craft reported as 200 ft. long and sightly smoked two more corvette ot torpedo-boat type vessels moored side by side. The planes for once also found plenty of human targets, strafing an estimated 500 Japs along the shore of the bay. Many of those appeared to have been unloading the craft which was left smoking profusely, as a truck carrying boxes was seen to drive away. Many Japs were also seen on the ship itself. Pilots estimated there were 24 serviceable barges along the bay.
AA fire, all of it inaccurate, came from a number of positions in the general Raluana Pt. area. One MG was silenced by strafing.
The next strike to arrive drew a large oil slick from a vessel NE of the crane after a near miss. The crane itself was seen to be resting with one corner on the bottom. Pilots on this strike counted 12 barges they considered serviceable. They saw a line of mines extending from Parkinson Point and on a ridge behind cliffs on the E side of Keravia Bay, saw a large building with a Red Cross painted on the roof. Meagre light AA come from S of Vulcan Crater and the ridge behind the bay.
The final four F4Us, operating in bad weather, missed a 50 ft barge.

For the Record:

20 F4Us NZ 14, NZ 18 load 1x1000 drop. 20x1000

BOUGAINVILLE AREA

Enemy targets in the northern Solomon suffers because four strikes scheduled for the Rabaul area were weathered out.
Thirteen P38s divided their 26 half tonners almost equally between orang Is. and Korovo Peninsula (Shortlands), causing a column of black smoke to 200 ft. from Nila village. Heavy AA from Poparang and light fire from Korovo was meagre and inaccurate
Piva F4Us bombed Sohana Island, reporting 5 hits in the area of gun positions. There was no AA.
Eight NZ F4Us bombed without observed results huts near Gagan, the Chabai area and Sarime Pltn. Another 12 planes destroyed 2 huts south of Lemankoa, 2 under cliffs at Lontis and completely demolished a new white-washed building a mile S of Hanahan Mission. There was a large orange flash when the building was hit, clouds of black smoke rose to 1000 ft. and flames were seen to spread along the ground through the trees.

For the Record:

13 P38s 339th 0920 load 2x1000 drop. 26x1000
7 F4Us VMO 251 1430 - 1635 " 1x1000 " 7x1000
8 F4Us NZ 14 1415 - 1710 " 1x1000 " 8x1000
12 F4Us NZ 15 1600 - 1650 " 1x1000 " 12x1000

CHASE AFTER BOGEY
At 1700 hours two F4Us, which were later joined by 2 others, were scrambled from Torokina in a fruitless search for a bogey which was tracked from Motupena Pt. to Kitaru Mission.

SEARCHES FOR JULY 9
Beefsteak searches were all negative with 100% track and 95% cover. A small front extended East and West for 50 miles north of Beefsteak.
Squarepeg searches were all negative with full track and cover. The weather was fair to good.
Local Able - Charlie searches by New Zealand Avengers dropped 2x500 missing Dewau Plantation, 2x500 of Sarime and 4x500 on Tanamala huts with unobserved results. Foot tracks were observed mear Siar.
The shipping count was negative.
Special floatplane search of New Ireland by New Zealand PV dropped 2x500 destroying a serviceable barge at Tambakar River mouth, and get a direct hit with 2x500 on 3 barges at Nakudukudu Bay.
Rabaul - Torokina sweep was negative.
The Emirau anti-sub search was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 11 July 1944

RABAUL BLOCKADE

GREEN ISLAND F4Us: Patrols during the day were generally negative e? that seven quarter-ton bombs started 1 small fire among Wunawatung Pltn. buildings and hit other buildings at Ravalue and Kabagada Pt.

OVER KAVIENG: 22 Emirau F4Us dropped 18 quarter tonners on Kavieng on Fangelawa Pltn. with unobserved results.

For the Record:

22 F4Us Emirau load 1x500 dr. 20x500

TOROKINA F4Us: On a Cape Archway-Cape Gazelle sweep 4 F4Us destroyed a hut in Londip Pltn. and smoked another at Adler Bay. On a Duke of York-Cape Lambert sweep four more F4Us aimed their bombs at buildings 800 yds N of Vunakanau. The bombs fell on a road 30 yards short but blew a big truck 20 ft. into the air.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 dr 8x1000

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY BARGES.

Between 0835 and 0900 38 Torokina and Piva F4Us attacked this target, followed a little later by 12 P38s and in the afternoon by 23 more Torokina F4Us.
With thier first two bombs the opening strike of 11 Torokina planes scored direct hits on an MTB-type craft causing smoke to rise to 300 ft. A later hit on another boat caused a 100 ft. sheet of flame, after which all the targets became obscured by smoke, through which the remaining bombs dropped.
Arriving immediately after the previous strike finished bombing, more Torokina F4Us found a cloud of smoke to 4.500' which made observing difficult. However, with a hit alongside another MTB-type vessel with bow resting on the shore, they scattered debris and caused a column of ? smoke to 100-150 ft. A 40 ft. barge was also hit and smoke rose to 100 ft.
The first strike encountered only meagre fire, mostly auto and MG, but the Nip gunners had warmed to their work by the time the next planes arrived. Intense fairly accurate light and medium fire was put up. One F4U received three small shrapnel holes and another, after escaping the fire over the target, was holed by a 30 clibre bullet over Tamalili Bay.
Sixteen Piva F4Us reported a direct hit on an ammo dump and three hits among 3 medium AA guns. (The second Torokina strike confirmed this by, reporting seeing 2 or 3 bombs, one apparently a direct hit, explode among AA positions, after which 2 or 3 guns ceased firing). MG emplacements were all along the cliffs on the W side of Raluana Pt. and what looked like small doors were seen at the base of the cliffs.
Intense accurate AA fire of all calibres, mostly from Raluana Pt. one plane.
With 23 half-tonners 12 P38s scored a direct hit among a cluster of barges at the northwest corner of the bay, and from near the shore in that locality smoke rose to 500 ft. A second fire nearer Vulcan Crater sent smoke to 300 ft. Another 3 planes hut heavy AA positions in the Keravia-Vunakanau area, one battery west of the bay ceasing to fire.
AA of all calibres was intense and accurate along the entire coastline of the bay.
Another 12 Torokina F4Us at 1500 put two bombs among a cluster of 40 ft. barges, producing sheets of red flames and clouds of smoke as though ammunition had exploded. Strafing damaged a truck and a car. AA opposition was less determined than earlier.
Photos taken at 1025 covering results of several day's attacks show:
1 100' gunboat-type craft sunk
1 90' craft missing
1 floating crane sunk
1 175 unserviceable AK gutted
5 barges beached

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 14 1500 load 12x1000 dr, 12x1000 from 150'
12 F4Us NZ 18 0835 - 0855 load 1x1000 dr. 11x1000 from 100'
12 F4Us NZ 14 0855 load 1x1000 dr. 12x1000 from 250' 2 dam.
15 F4Us VMO 251 0900 " 1x1000 " 13x1000 1 dam.
15 P38s 339th 0911 " 2x1000 " 29x1000 " 500'

No report has yet been received on a final attack by 12 F4Us which spent the night at Green Island.

TARGET: CAPE LIGUAN - KABAIRA BAY

Results of a bombing and strafing attack by 5 PVs added up as follows: Three large and 2 smaller fires started; a launch and several canoes destroyed near a jetty; 2 large buildings and 7 huts destroyed. Japs who ran from some of the huts attacked were strafed with 10,000 rounds. Small supply dumps were seen 1 1/2 miles E of Bulup and mines between Watom Island and Duke of York Island. Though the planes were out of range they received AA fire from Tawui Pt.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0900 - 0930 load 6x500 dr 25x500

STRIKE: CAPE FRIENDSHIP GUNS

Coastal guns near Cape Friendship were attacked by 10 TBFs. They report that 34 of their quarter-tonners apparently damaged all but 2 of the guns (up to six revetments have been reported at this location). The area, including an observation tower, was thoroughly strafed. Three or four puffs of white smoke might have been AA.

For the Record:

10 TBFs NZ 31 0815 - 0915 load 4x500 dr. 38x500 from 450'

OVER BOUGAINVILLE

Two F4Us on the poop sheet hop to Green Island missed huts at Yellina with their bombs. Between Cape Hatsia and Putputun they reported hundreds of natives out on the coral.

For the Record:

2 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 dr. 2x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 10TH
Beefsteak searches were negative with full track and cover. Weather was 3/10 clouds with bases about 17000 feet. No fronts were encountered.
Squarepeg searches were negative with full track and 90% cover. The weather was good.
Local Able-Charlie searches by New Zealand Avengers saw 3 new small parachutes at Aitara and 2 NE of AKO. 2x500 were dropped on the gardens at Parero. 2x500 missed a bridge at Urata. i direct hit was made on a road at Manamorina. 3x500 were dropped in the vicinity of the Cape Friendship coastal guns. Pilots believe 3 guns remain undamaged. Observed an Auto AA gun in clearing 200 yards NE of the coastal guns, which was painted green and mounted on a swivel mount. Observed 2 empty gun emplacements with wooden frames
and sandbags just North of coastal guns. At Sorum several Japs fishing were driven into the bush which was heavily strafed. Observed new huts SE coast of Buka.
Special search by 2 New Zealand PV's dropped 4x500 and strafed 5 threeton trucks at Kanem Plantation and Salik River area, severely damaging all trucks, destroying a bridge and killing 1 Jap.
The Rabaul-Torokina sweep was negative.
Beefsteak anti-sub search was negative.
The shipping count was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 12 July 1944.

All scheduled strikes on Rabaul yesterday were weathered out, the only plane to reach that area being three F4U sweeps. PVs and F4U fighter-bombers hit north Bougainville targets on their way back to base.

TOROKINA F4Us: Four NZ F4Us which had stayed the night at Green Island took off at 0545 for a Rabaul sweep. One plane went missing on the outward journey, being last seen in darkness in intermittent cloud at 5000 ft ? miles SE of Cape Bunbun at 0615. Searches during the day were negative patrol smoked one truck 3 miles E of Tobera. Meagre inaccurate possible 20mm fire came from Tobera.
Another 3 F4Us from Torokina on a strafing mission got through to Rabaul to be on station between 0930 and 1020. They left a truck blazing 3 miles SW of Vunakanau, damaged another in the Keravat area and fired the roof od a 200x30' building about 2 miles S of Mandres Bay. Light AA of varying accuracy came from two points in the Vunakanau area.
A third mission of 4 planes with 4 half tonners destroyed a house and 5 huts in Loan village and by strafing smoked three huts in New Kauren Plantation.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ load 1x100 drop. 4x1000

KAVIENG PATROLS: Six two-plane F4U patrols from Emirau dropped bombs on Fangelawa and Lukurafange Plantation, also the Kavieng area, with unobserved results.

For the Record:

12 F4Us Emirau load 1x1000 drop. 7x1000
                             or " 1x 500 " 5x500

TARGET: N BOUGAINVILLE
Turned back by weather from the Kabaira Bay area, 5 PVs bombed targets of opportunity in north Bougainville. They destroyed 9 huts between Sorum and Katsinkoveri, scored four hits on a group of huts at Tsirogei and made unserviceable the approach to a jetty at Merok. A fire was also started in Kasorila Village.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 load 6x500 drop. 24x500

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY BARGES
In an afternoon sweep on Monday 10 Torokina F4Us landed one of their bombs among closely grouped barges near the centre of Keravia Bay. Results were unobserved. Two other planes which returned early because one had engine trouble dropped their bombs on a plantation on Lambon Island with unobserved results.
Meagre, inaccurate light AA came from the SE shore of Vulcan Crater.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 18 1515 - 1530/10th load 1x1000 drop. 12x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 11TH
Beefsteak searches with full track and 90% average cover were negative. Weather encountered was described as 3/10 broken clouds from 1500 to 10,000 feet. There was no frontal activity.
Squarepeg searches with full track and cover were negative with weather fair.
Local Able-Charlie searches because of weather were confined to the West coast of Bougainville from Kara to Soraken and Ruri Bay. Huts on the South end of Soraken Pltn. were bombed with 4x500 pounds inst. huts 13 miles Southwest of Ton were bombed with 3x500 pounders inst. and 1x500 was dropped on a hut in the vicinity of Tsimba Mission. All results were unobserved and all the areas were strafed. A Jap was sighted in a truck at Taropa.
The special search for a floatplane hideout on the coast of New Ireland was weathered out, the shipping count was negative, and the Torokina-Rabaul sweep because of frontal activity only reached a point just above Buka with negative results.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 13 July 1944

Rabaul Patrols: Five patrols by Green fighters were uneventful. The second one saw 2 large fires at Talili Bay. Two patrols received meagre, heavy accurate AA from Vunakanau.

Kavieng Patrols: Seven 2-plane patrols from Emirau dropped 14 quarter-tonners on the Kavieng area. In addition 16 other fighters made a strike in which 11 half-tonners were dropped on the Kavieng-Panapai area without observed result. A truck and barge sweep round N New Ireland was negative.

Torokina F4Us: Eleven planes took part in three Duke of York-Cape Lambert sweeps. The first sweep's bombs missed the Vunakanau radar. Of two large caterpillar tractors strafed near the Mandres River one burnt fiercely for more than half an hour and the other was probably damaged. Several other targets were strafed without visible result. The second sweep also narrowly missed the radar station. A group of 4 trucks at Valavala was strafed with unobserved results. Four inaccurate bursts of 20mm fire came from Hospital Ridge and a fire smoking to 800 ft was seen in Tovarkundun Pltn. The third sweep demolished three huts in the Talili area and smoked a truck carrying vegetables.
Eleven more planes conducted three Cape Gazelle-Cape Archway sweeps. One bomb landed in or near a group of huts half a mile SW of Rapopo, another among huts and buildings at the NE corner of Tokurapau. (results unobserved in both cases) and the last sweep four bombs destroyed a large hut in a group on the E side of Putbang Pltn. This sweep saw 3-4 black smoke trails and a similar
number of tracers come from Londip Pltn. A plane on a previous sweep, which saw no AA, returned with a bullet hole.

For the Record:

22 F4Us NZ 15-NZ 14 load 1x1000 dr 22x1000 1 dam.

TARGET: TOBERA AA
Two groups of AA positions near Tobora-target Jig, to the W of the field, and target King, to the NW were hit by 114 planes with 82 tons of bombs.
On target Jig 12 F4Us set the ball rolling by putting 4 bombs close to one position and straddling another grown of guns with the remaining 8 bombs.
Another 11 F4Vs, five minutes later, reported five of their bombs near two gun positions. One plane crashed when returning to base shortly after take-off, the pilot being injured.
Thirty four Green Island SBDs reported all their bombs in the target area. The southernmost gun position was well covered but direct hits were claimed. AA fire was as follows: intense and inaccurate MG from Kinigunan Pltn; intense and fairly accurate auto from about 10 guns in a wooded area to the N of the target; form accurate and intense fire from 3-4 heavies N of the target area; moderate inaccurate possible auto fire from a wooded area E of the Tobera revetments.
One target King 15 Piva F4U's report 1 direct and 1 damaging hit on gun positions. Three light AA guns at the W end of Tobera were silenced by strafing and a barge along the shore in Kabanga Bay was fired. Inaccurate and moderate light AA came from four areas from Tobera to Kabauga Bay. One plane was holed.
Two squadrons of B25s report that about 18 of their bombs covered the area of auto guns with a similar number in the area of 5 MGs, with the balance landing nearby. Meagre to moderate heavy to medium AA was generally inaccurate.
Eighteen Emirau SBDs, which received moderate accurate AA from Tobera, reported some hits on the target positions.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 0850-0855 load 1x1000 dr. 12x1000
11 F4Us NZ 14 0900-0930 " 1x1000 dr. 11x1000
34 SBDs Green 0930 " 1x1000 dr. 34x1000 2x100 68x100
15 F4Us VMO 251 0915 " 1x1000 dr. 15x1000 1 dam.
24 B25s 42nd Gr 1010 " 6x500 dr. 138x500 fr. 9700'
18 SBDS Emirau 0935 " 1x1000 dr. 17x1000

TARGET: KABAGADA PT - CAPE LIGUAN - KABAIRA BAY
Targets in the above area were hit by three strikes:
First on the scene were 5 PVs, which concentrated on the Kabaira Bay area. Ten huts destroyed and two fires caused. In addition, 3 barges spotted under tree near a jetty are reported to have been made unserviceable with another quarter-ton bomb blowing out a third of the jetty. North of Keravat four large drums, described as three of 200-gallon and 1 of 400-gallon size, were well perforated by strafing.
Kabagada Pt supply area was the target of 10 TBFs which caused 5 fires, with smoke rising to 1500 ft. Four bombs jettisoned over Watom Island started a fire there as well. Meagre, inaccurate light AA came from the E side of the pt. but ceased during the attack.
Ten PBJs, armed with centuries, bombed between Kabagada Pt and Cape Liguan, in addition to expending 20,000 rounds. Six fires resulted and a large fire was seen at Kabagada Pt from the preceding strikes efforts. Meagre MG fire came from near Cape Liguan.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0907-1015 load 6x500 dr. 26x500
10 TBFs NZ 31 0910 " 4x500 dr. 40x500
10 PBJs VMB(N)423 1008-1050 " 14x100 dr. 136x100 fr. 1500'

TARGET: NUMA NUMA
The Torokina dawn patrol added variety to their mission bombing a reported Jap bivouac area at Numa Numa without visible damage. Except for possible campfire smoke there was no indication of the presence of any Nips. Early mist made observation difficult.

For the Record:

4 F4Us NZ 18 0650-0720 load 1x1000 dr. 4x1000

SEARCHES FOR 12 JULY
Beefsteak searches with full track and cover were negative. No frontal activity was reported.
Squarepeg searches with full track and 98% cover were negative and the weather was average.
The local Able-Charlie searches dropped 4x500 among huts on the north tip of Buka, damaging several. They also dropped 4x500 among huts south of Kurur. Results were unobserved. The coastal guns at Cape Friendship were also hit with 8x500 and strafed with unobserved results. Two flashes of probable rifle fire were seen to come from Tung. Special searches for the missing F4U along East coast of New Ireland were all negative.
A special Ventura search around New Ireland destroyed 2 huts north of Namatonai and dropped 2x500 among huts north of Borpop with unobserved results. Results were otherwise negative.
The shipping count was negative.
The Torokina-Rabaul sweep was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 14 July 1944

Unfavorable weather again limits activity over Rabaul to few strikes. Torokina F4Us find 8 gasoline trucks, destroy every one.

Green Island Patrols: Only one F4U patrol got through to Rabaul. One plane water-landed for an unreported reason and the pilot was seen in a boat between Duke of York Island and Cape Gazelle. Search is being made for him.

Emirau Patrols: Eight Emirau F4Us dropped 4 quarter tonners on the Kavieng strip area and 4 more on Fangelawa Pltn with unobserved results.

For the Record:

8 F4Us Emirau load 1x500 dr. 8x500

Torokina F4Us: Planes on two of the three Duke of York-Cape Lambert sweeps found a juicy target in eight gasoline trucks spaced over half a mile along the Vuankambi-Vunakanau road.
When the second of these two sweeps arrived (the first one stayed overnight at Green Island) the pilots found three of the trucks blazing. The new arrivals' bombs blew up an already blazing truck and then the two sweeps (8 planes) carried on until all the vehicles were afire. They blazed furiously, igniting trees on the side of the road. The second sweep then went on to fire two and smoke another pair of trucks near the Wurawunukur sawmill, NW of Vunakanau. Bombs from another 3 planes missed the Keravat bridge.
Two Cape Gazelle-Cape Archway sweeps, each of four planes were run. The first one had no positive results to report from its bombing and strafing but the second one fired one of a dozen drums aboard a truck near Ralabang Pltn and holed the truck. Light, meagre and inaccurate AA came from about 1 mile S of Tobera.

For the Record:

19 F4Us NZ 14-NZ 18 load 1x1000 dr. 19x1000

TARGET: VUNAPOPE
Numerous fires were burning throughout the area after 12 F4Us and 18 SBDs from Emirau had attacked the Vunapope supply area. The first division encountered intense and accurate 20 mm fire from a 4-5 gun position near the shore. Of two squadrons of B25s which set out to bomb Vunapope, was turned back by weather and hit the Faisi area. The other squadron, finding a hole in the clouds, dropped 133 mag. cl with unobserved results. The squadron which hit the Faisi area put bombs on Onus. Is. (starting one small fire), Orlofe Island (three fires) and near Korovo. Meagre auto fire from Ballale was low. Two small ships, one in Tuha Channel and the other in Kulitanai Bay, took evasive action.

For the Record:

12 F4Us Emirau 1045 load 1x1000 dr. 12x1000
18 SBDs Emirau 1050 " 1x1000 " 18x1000
12 B25s 42nd Gr. 1021 133 mag. clus. from 9100' (Vunapope)
12 B25s 42nd Gr. 1135 " 133 mag clus. from 9000' (Faisi)

TARGET: CAPE LIGUAN AREA
Three large fires, with columns of greyish smoke to between 800 and 1500 ft, resulted an attack by 9 TBFs on buildings in the Cape Liguan-Kabaira Bay area. There were also several small fires. Three bombs were dropped on Watom Island. The target area, Watom Island and Gredner Island were strafed. Meagre, inaccurate light AA came from Watom Island.

For the Record:

9 TBFs NZ 9 0940 load 4x500 dr. 36x500

TARGET: REPORTED PORTON FUEL DUMP.
Two six-plane PV mission bombed the area of a reported Nip fuel dump between the E end of Porton Pltn and a patch of Kunai grass. All told 61 GP and incendiaries fell in the target area but neither fires nor explosions resulted.

For the Record:

12 PVs NZ 9 0750-0820, 1035-1105 load 6x500 dr. 61x500

Seventeen F4Us took part in bombing and strafing missions over Bougainville. The dawn patrol missed with its bomb a number of camouflaged huts in Kieta village. They strafed with unobserved results a camouflaged pillbox at Rigu Mission and 4 canoes and a 15 ft whaleboat beached under palms 100 yds S of Rankama. Near Noila Pt they saw a pile of 20 packing cases and S of Rankama 4 possible piles of supplies. The poop sheet planes slightly smoked two new canoes near Cape L'Averdy.
Two missions went to Maifu Island (between Kahili and the Shortlands). On the SW shore of the island the first three planes shot the stern off a barge, causing an oil slick, and on the same beach strafed without observed result 4 camouflaged coastal guns apparently in good condition. One plane returned with a bullet hole in the right wing.
Four more planes went down to Kaifu, where they reported 5 guns. Bombing felled a big tree over one emplacement and started a small fire. A possible S/L emplacement was seen also 2 sets of narrow guage rails running into the bush.
The final sweep put two bombs in the area of a Nip encampment on the N tip of Taurato Island, destroying 4 huts and damaging 2 25 ft boats on a nearby beach. Between 20-30 Nips, small trenches and 2 sandbagged emplacements were seen in the area. One bomb speeded on their way 7 Nips who fled into the bush at Totavi on the approach of the planes.

For the Record:

17 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 dr. 17x1000.

SEARCHES FOR JULY 13
Beefsteak searches were negative with 90% track and 60% cover. A heavy front was building between 01 and 03 degrees North.
Squarepeg searches were negative with full track and cover. Weather was squally with below average conditions.
The New Ireland floatplane search by a PV was canceled by the weather.
The special search out of Munda for the Skytrain missing from Santo to Guadalcanal was negative and hampered by bad weather.
Local Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 1x500 on huts at Cape Tanabom and 7x500 on Sipaai Mission area. They observed a possible searchlight on a raised plateau by the cliff at Cape Hatsi.
Local Charlie search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 6x500 for area hits among the Cape Friendship guns. They strafed along the East coast south of Numa Numa and strafed fires in the Kobuan Bay area.
The Rabaul-Torokina sweep was negative.
The shipping count was weathered out.
The Beefsteak anti-sub search was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 15 July 1944

Green Island Patrols: Only three patrols operated over Rabaul because of weather. Two were negative, one dropped 2 centuries on Kabegada Pt. The pilot who water-landed the previous day was picked up by Dumbo 1 1/2 miles W. of Ulu Island.

Emirau Patrols: Two Corsair patrols dropped 4 quarter-tonners on Kavieng with unobserved results.

Torokina F4Us: Two 4-plane F4U sweeps went to the Rabaul area. The first scored bomb hits in the immediate vicinity of the Vunakanau radar, badly damaging one hut. In the Kokopo area one truck was completely burnt out and another flamed briefly. Many medium ? flashes were seen one mile N of Vunakanau and very accurate possible 20mm and MG fire came from a hillside clearing 100 yds inland from Bukbuk. Two planes were holed.
The second sweep gained no apparent result from its bombing of several targets but 400 yards S. of Mope strafing caused a truck loaded with 20 probable petrol drums to explode several times, sending black smoke to 1000'. Just N of Rugen Hbr. 20 Nips in coastal trenches were strafed without observed result. A few bursts of light or medium AA came from Hospital Ridge and continuous 7.7 fire from trenches in the Rugen Hbr. area. Two planes were holed (each in two places).

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 dr 7x1000 4 dam.

TARGET: TOBERA AA.
Emirau strikes hit the Tobera AA targets. A dozen F4Us on target Jig reported 8 confirmed damaging hits. Eighteen Dauntlesses on target King bombed through the overcast with unobserved results. Meagre but accurate MG fire through the overcast holed 2 SBDS.

For the Record:

12 F4Us Emirau 0900 load 1x1000 dr 12x1000
18 SBDs Emirau 0945 load 1x1000 dr 18x1000

TARGET: KABAGADA PT.
Unable to hit target King, 34 Green Island SBDs bombed Kabagada Point, reporting the area well covered. There was no AA.

For the Record:

34 SBDs Green 0945 load 1x1000 dr 29x1000
                                        2x100 61x100

TARGET: ROLAND YOUNG PLANTATION.
Seven Enirau SBDs bombed the plantation with half-tonners. Results were unobserved.

For the Record:

7 SBDs Emirau 1548 load 1x1000 dr 7x1000.

TARGET: REPORTED PORTON FUEL DUMP.
Turned back from Ataliklikun Bay by weather, 5 PVs again bombed the area of the reported Porton fuel dump without visible result. However, a long and well-camouflaged building like a Quonset hut was seen in the area.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0900-0920 load 6x500 dr 27x500.

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Offensive sorties by F4Us numbered 25. Four planes bombed the N. tip of Taurato Island with unobserved results & smoked a hut under a possible lookout post 100 yds S. of Merok. Four camouflaged 25 ft barges, believed derelict, were seen under trees on the beach 2 miles N of Chabai. The Jap encampment the previous day & said to be on Taurato Is. was yesterday report to be on Aiaisina Is. On this sweep one pilot water and was rescued by Dumbo from the Queen Carola Hbr area. This mishap resulted from engine trouble.
Another sweep bombed the Kulitanniarea with unobserved results and a third reported a probable direct hit on one of the Maifu Island coast guns, besides destroying a 20 ft canoe off the beach at Cape Puipui (Rorovana).
A 9-plane mission divided its attentions between Noropor (Monoitu area), where a thin column of smoke rose from, scattered huts; huts near the road junction in the Monoitu area, flattening 3 huts; a revetment in a clearing down the Kamagato Rd; & huts in the same area.
The final 4-plane sweep had no success with bombs aimed at the Kirimani bridge & the Maifu guns but strafing damaged a searchlight, probably killed 3 of 6 Nips on a point in Tonolei Hbr. One of the Maifu guns, the one reported hit in the morning, was no longer in its emplacement. Three apparently serviceable camouflaged barges were reported at the N tip of Tonolei Hbr.

For the Record:

25 F4Us NZ 14 load 1x1000 dr 25x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 14
The beefsteak searches were all negative with 100% track and 80% cover. Weather was reported a some frontal activity near 01 degrees 30 minutes north.
The Squarepeg searches were all negative with full track and 98% cover. The weather was good.
Local Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped ? destroying 2 huts and damaging 10 others at Cape Tanabom. ? direct hits destroyed 4 huts at Kessa Plantation. 2x500 were dropped on several huts concealed under the bush at Lemankoa Mission with unobserved results. They strafed the coast of Buka. Near Lantis they observed several huts in good condition strung along the waters edge by the bluff with several canoes and a 6 to 10 inch diameter pipeline by the huts. They saw a wooden slipway or ramp extending into the water from the shore of Cape Tandeki.
Local Charlie search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 6x500 damaging gardens at Rankama, destroying huts at Rapi Pt., Tunuru Mission, and along the west shore of Rantan. They observed and strafed 5 Japs in greenish Khaki uniforms with packs near Mobiai River. The roads near Kahili-Monoito Mission area appear to be much used.
The Torokina-Rabaul sweep plane located the corsair pilot from Green Island, who went down at 1715 on July 13, and directed Dumbo to the rescue. The pickup was made 1 1/2 miles West of D. of York.
The Emirau anti-sub search was negative.
The shipping count was negative.
The New Ireland floatplane search was negative but they demolished a loaded truck and 3 Japs at Fangelawa Pltn. with 1x500.
The Skytrain missing since the 13th of July on Flight from Santo to Guadalcanal crashed near the East tip of Gaudal-canal. No word received yet on survivors.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 16 July 1944

Green Island Patrols: The first Green Island F4U patrol over Rabaul, carrying 3 quarter-tonners, scored one hit on buildings at Malaguna. The fourth patrol, by strafing, forced a large barge under way in Simpson Hbr. to run for cover.

Over Kavieng: Four F4Us dropped quarter-tonners on the strip area with unobserved results.

For the Record:

4 F4Us Emirau load 1x1000 dr. 4x1000

Torokina F4Us: Of two 4-plane sweeps, one was weathered out. other strafed with negative results a couple of Nips in the Liguan Bay area and Keravat gardens. A low-level search over the Mabunga-Rapitok area revealed no building concentrations but a considerable trench system round Kalabunga. Two planes returned with bullet holes, one received near Vunakanau.

TARGET: VUNAPOPE
The Vunapope supply area returned again to the target list when 91 planes dropped 48 tons of bombs on various parts of it.
Fifteen Piva F4Us reported that a violent upheaval, with much flame and smoke, followed a hit on a possible fuel dump. There were also two confirmed damaging hits among supply buildings. Meagre inaccurate light AA came from the target area and intense inaccurate light fire from Gredner Island, where strafing silenced three of the four guns seen firing.
Several damaging and possible direct hits on buildings were scored by Green Island SBDs, which reported the area well covered. There was no AA.
Two squadrons of B25s left the area they covered smoking heavily after showering it with mag. clusters. Again there was no AA.
Eighteen Emirau SBDs reported their target area well covered. Intense auto fire came from target Dog and a position near a hulk in Blanche Bay.

For the Record:
15 F4Us VMO 251 1000 load 1x1000 dr. 15x1000
35 SBDs Green 1008 " 1x1000 " 34x1000
23 B25s 42nd Gr. 1020 " 12x100 " 270x100 from 9700'
                          1031 " " (mag. cl.)
18 SBDs Emirau " 1x1000 " 18x1000

TARGET: RAPOPO AREA AA
AA targets Charlie and Dog, S and SW of Rapopo respectively, reveived another working over.
A dozen F4Us on target C. reported that the main concentration of bombs fell in the area of known auto positions in the N. half of the target area. Two rounds of AA appeared to be fired from guns in the area.
A similar force from Emirau hit target D, claiming 8 damaging hits on gun positions. Photos showed one heavy gun destroyed.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 14 0945 load 1x1000 dr. 12x1000 fr. 2500/3000'
12 F4Us Emirau 1045 " 1x1000 dr. 12x1000

TARGET: NAKUDUKUDU BAY - NAMATANAI
Five PVs did yesterday's hunting for targets of opportunity between Nakudukudu Bay and Namatanai. Results were:
2 huts destroyed Matakan Pltn.
1 hut destroyed S. shore Nakudukudu Bay.
40 yds of Ulaputur - Namatanai road and embarkment blown out, preventing possibility of detour. (Road craters from previous strikes were seen to have been detoured by the Nips).
1 building in Po village fired. Smoke to 500'.
Bridges at Rabulut Pltn and over unnamed river just N of Puk R. destroyed.
Terrific explosion, with flames, smoking to 700 ft after hit on probable fuel dump W of Po.
Unluckily for the Nips around Po, the PVs arrived on washing day, for lines of Khaki clothing were hanging out to dry. These were shot up by one plane. It is surmised that a sewing circle, accompained perhaps by some strong lanuguage, was held in the abodes of the Po Nips last night.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0915 load 6x500 dr. 20x500

TARGET: NUMA NUMA AREA
Two TBF strikes went to Numa Numa. The first one bombed the area of a reported troop concentration and also an area where Nip headquarters are believed to be. Results were generally unobserved because of trees. No AA was seen but one plane received one large and one small hole in a wing. The second strike bombed the area of a reported ammo dump and radio station without observed result. Both targets were strafed.

For the Record:

10 TBFs NZ 31 0815 load 4x500 dr. 40x500 fr. 1/2000' 1 Dam.
9 TBFs NZ 31 1020 " 4x500 " 35x500

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
The dawn F4U patrol dropped three of its four bombs on the Maifu Island guns, destroying one with a direct hit. The two poop sheet planes bombed caves between Lonanan and Malasang and dispatched one luckless Nip to join his honorable ancestors by neatly removing his head with an accurate burst of strafing. One hut at Keramon was left smoking.

For the Record:

6 F4Us NZ 15 load 1x1000 dr. 6x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 15

Beefsteak searches were negative with 94% track and 76% cover. A heavy front was building up at 03 degrees north.
Squarepeg searches were negative. Sector William went 450 miles with 75% covcr. Sector Xray went 310 miles with 50% cover. Front from northwest to southeast through both sectors.
Local Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 8x500 between Cape Kotopan and Cape Jetupan where there are dozens of caves apparently inhabited in base of cliff approximately 400 ft high. Results were unobserved.
Local Charlie search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 2x500 on Monoitu Mission, and destroyed 2 huts and damaged 4 at Kieta with 4x500. They dropped 2x500 in the Cape Friendship coastal gun area and strafed but did not see any guns or signs of activity.
The Rabaul-Torokina sweep was negative.
The New Ireland floatplane search by one PV was negative as to Jakes. On the morning tour it burned a large building at Kolub Plantation and severly damaged a truck at Sali which 8 Japs abandoned. In the afternoon it destroyed a beached whaleboat at Talili Plantation. For several days the crews on this search have noticed that southbound trucks are usually loaded with personnel and supplies while northbound trucks are empty.
The shipping count was negative.
The Emirau Anti-sub search was negative.

[davidd]

I had to laugh at the description of the raid in the above post, under the heading "Target: Nakudukudu Bay - Namatanai", final two lines; priceless!
David D

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 17 July 1944.

Green Island Fighters: Green Island F4U patrols dropped 3 quarter-tonners over the Rabaul area without observed result. Strafing smoked a bridge N of Namatanai. Large fires were seen on Kioko and Ulu Islands. One plane water-landed 27 miles W of Green Island at 1430 and searches for the pilot were unsuccessful.

Over Kavieng: Eight two-plane VF patrols from Emirau dropped 10 quarter-tonners on Kavieng town and 5 on the strip area with unobserved results.

For the Record:

16 F4Us Emirau load 1x500 dr. 15x500

Torokina F4Us: Four planes on a Cape Gazelle-Cape Archway sweep strafed but did not smoke two of three trucks seen 3 miles S of Raluana Pt. They reported seeing at least 20 small side roads leading off the main road through Ravalien Pltn. into possible hillside dumps. A hith radio mast with a tower at its base was seen on the W side of Vulcan Crater, about a mile inshore. In the Mope area, from the face of a sloping hill about 30 yds from the beach, came three curling trails of white smoke which passed 100 yds behing one low-flying plane.
Three planes on a Duke of York-Cape Lambert sweep bombed in cloudy weather buildings on Mioko island. Results were unobserved. Strafing runs were made on the Kerevat gardens, where no personnel were seen. One plane, off late, missed a mission house at Tinputs Hbr with its bomb.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 14 load 1x1000 dr. 8x1000

TARGET: VULCAN CRATER BARGE HIDE
Two strikes on the barge hide target followed attacks by fighter-bombers on AA positions in the neighbourhood of the crater.
Twelve Torokina F4Us set the ball rolling without reporting any actural hits on the guns. Continuous 20mm fire came from Praed Pt (accurate), Raluana Pt (inaccurate) and 1 1/2 miles W of Tawliua (inaccurate). One plane was holed at 3000 ft by the Praed Pt. guns.
Coming next, Piva F4Us had damaging hits on two gun positions,. A colunn of grey smoke to 5000 ft S of Vulcan Crater was seen as the planes withdrew. Strafing smoked two buildings on Duke of York Island. Moderate to intense inaccurate heavy AA came from Vulcan Crater Peninsula and from the ridge SW of Keravia Bay, with meagre inaccurate light fire from the SW shore of Vulcan Crater and the NW corner of Duke of York Island.
The barge hide itself was hit by 29 Green Island SBDs who reported all bombs but three in the target area. Moderate to intense but inaccurate auto and heavy fire came from a mile SW of Vulcan Crater, with less intense fire from Raluana Pt and Matupi Island.
Last came 23 B-25s with quarter-tonners, 50 percent of which found the target area. Moderate to intense heavy and medium AA was accurate, hitting five planes. Streamers as from phosphorus bombs were observed from some bursts.
When it was all over the water entrance to a covered barge ? on was seen to be damaged and a direct hit had been scored on a revetted storage bay.

For the Record:

12 F4Us NZ 15 0900 0910 load. 1x1000 dr. 12x1000 1 dam.
14 F4Us VMO 251 0925 " 1x1000 " 14x1000
29 SBDs Green 0929 " 1x1000 " 29x1000
                               " 2x100 " 58x100
23 B-25x 42nd. Gr. 0950 " 6x500 " 138x500 fr. 10,500' 5 dam.

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY SHIPPING
Eleven F4Us bombed two of the MTB-type boats in Keravia without success. A bomb which fell inland caused a yellow flash and a 150' smoke column. There was no AA.

For the Record:

11 F4Us NZ 14 1410 load lx1000 dr. 11x1000

TARGET: NAMATANAI - KAVIENG
Ranging farther north than usual, 5 PVs struck targets of opportunity between the above two points. Three bombs blew the planking off a bridge at Ramut Bay; a 60' bridge over the Salik River was destroyed; and a loaded truck demolished. Roads were cratered in several places. A raft made of planking on top of 10 drums was seen 10 miles SW of Buka Passage.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0910- 0935 load 6x500 dr. 30x500

TARGET: VUNAPALDIG TO CAPE LAMBERT
Striking the above areas, 9 TBFs demolished 3 buildings and caused 3 fires. A large fire smoking to 1500 ft was seen near Vulcan Crater, another smoking to 500 ft on Mualin Island and others on Duke of Tork and Kerawara Islands. Possible AA flashes were seen by the TBFs over their target and small greyish puffs came from Urara Island.

For the Record:

9 TBFs NZ 31 0940 load 4x500 dr. 34x500 (GP and Mag.

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Eight F4Us bombed over Buka and Bougainville. Four of them bombed and strafed Teop Island without observed damage. Two other pairs bombed buildings in Nova Pltn. without apparent damage. Two Japs escaped into a cave near Cape Putputun when they were strafed.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 14-NZ 21 load 1x1000 dr. 8x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 16:
Beefsteak searches were all negative with full track and 85% cover. There was a front between 02 and 04 degrees north and numerous squalls with 7/10 clouds about 1500 feet.
Squarepeg searches were all negative with full track and cover. The weather was good.
Local Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 3x500 on cave entrance near Tohatsi, 4x500 on huts and gardens at Porporo and strafed the coasts of Buka. They observed considerable track activity, 6 Japs several piles of boxes, and many new g? by caves near Tohatsi whose entrances are boarded and have ga?.
Local Charlie search by 2 NZ Avengers dropped 2x500 on ? area and 1x500 on radio station near Numa Numa with unobserved results. 2x500 were dropped on gardens in the valley near Komai and 1x500 destroyed 1 hut and damaged 2 huts near Tunuru Mission. Strafed E coast of Bougainville south of Numa Numa especially Arawa Plantation. They observed a lean-to hut with possible gun ports on the shore of Reboine Bay.
The Rabaul-Torokina sweep was negative.
The shipping count was negative.
The Emirau anti-sub search was negative.
The New Zealand floatplane search by a PV was negative as to Jakes. 2x500 dropped on Kalili Plantation severely damaged a house.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Edning 0800 18 July 1944

GREEN ISLAND VF:
Three of the scheduled five Green Island F4U patrols were over Rabaul area. The fourth was weathered out and the fifth cancelled. Four quarter-tonners were dropped, one hitting a building at Kabagada Pt.

TARGET: MILM
Norsols planes returned to the Milim target, where Nip concentrations have again been reported, yesterday.
Twelve of the 24 B25s assigned dropped 144 frag. clusters in hazy and rainy weather. Some 30 percent of the bombs hit the target, with the rest in the water. The other 12 B25s, turned back by weather, dropped their frag. clusters on Muguai, Ebery's Lease and Kara with unobserved results. Medium AA was meagre and inaccurate.
On target between 1040 and 1100, 6 PVs bombed and strafed the same area in poor weather, using 18,000 rounds in strafing. Several fires of short duration were started but results were otherwise not observed because of trees.
Twelve NZ F4Us, weathered out, returned to strafe huts in the Muguai area with unobserved results. From 12-15 bursts of heavy AA, inaccurate at between 400 and 1000 ft. came from 2 miles N of Muguai.

For the record:

12 B25s 42nd Gr 0850 load 12 frag.cl.dr. 144 frag. cl. from 8000'
12 B25s 42nd Gr 1005 load 12 frag. cl. dr. 144 frag. cl. from 8000' (Kahili)
6 PVs NZ 9 1040 1100 load 6x500 drop. 34x500
12 F4Us NZ 21 0905 0930 (Muguai)

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY STORAGE
Another strike against Keravia Bay underground storage was staged yesterday by 8 Piva F4Us. The reported result was one good direct hit on one of the tunnel entrances and 6 area hits but because of the low level of the attack, the speed used and the 8-11 second delay fuse, results were largely unobserved. Release was from below 100 ft and it is possible there were more hits. Faint smoke was seen over the target after retirement.
Moderate heavy and medium AA came from SW of the Keravia Bay shoreline, plus moderate medium or heavy bursting over the target.
The above strike closely followed a preparatory strike on neighbouring AA positions by 36 Green Island SBDs. These reported good coverage of the gun areas. Two large fires were started in a possible fuel dump on the shore of Keravia Bay. (The F4Us confirmed this report). Intense and accurate heavy flak came from NW of Vunakanau, with 20 bursts of phosphorus-like shells. There was also intense and accurate MG from SW of Vulcan Crater (Target Queen), plus moderate and accurate heavy, auto and MG fire from Praed and Raluana Pts, also Matupi Island. Five-inch guns in Target Queen were not firing. Six planes were hit but all returned.

For the Record:

36 SBDs Green 0930 load 1x1000 drop. 36x1000
                                      " 2x100 " 72x100 6 holed.
8 F4Us VMO 251 0935 " 1x1000 " 7x1000 from 100'

TARGET: KERAVIA BAY SHIPPING
Nip shipping in Keravia Bay underwent another attack by 4 strafing F4Us. Pilots decided their best target was a 40 ft launch, which was hit without obvious results. Two MTB-like craft were also strafed.
For good measure one truck was smoked and another damaged. AA positions at Cape St George were also strafed. Meagre inaccurate MG fire came from SE of Vulcan Crater.

TARGET: SUSSUM PT.
Carrying quarter-ton GP and incendiary boms, 10 TBFs attacked supply areas at and near Sussum Pt (Massava Bay). All told they caused about 12 fires, in addition to destroying eight huts. Intense inaccurate to accurate heavy AA came from N of Vunakanau, holing one plane.

For the Record:

10 TBFs NZ 31 0915 load 4x500 dr. 38x500 1 dam.

TARGET: SOUTHERN NEW IRELAND.
Two 4-plane F4U sweeps were conducted over S New Ireland. The first wrecked three huts at Undor Pltn with bombs, and by strafing smoked single huts at Samo and Metankuk Pltns. Meagre and inaccurate 20mm fire came from Cape St. George and a few flashes of MG fire from Metankuk Pltn.
The second sweep bombed in the area of E Cape, one bomb exploding in the middle of cluster of native huts. Near Kalengaia Pltn a 100'x40' building smoked to over 100' after strafing. AA noted was as follows; moderate inaccurate auto from 1 1/2 miles SW of Cape Namarodu; meagre inaccurate auto from 1 mile E of Numatanai; MG from Cape St. George.

For the Record:

8 F4Us NZ 14 Load 1x1000 drop. 8x1000

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Eighteen F4Us operated offensively over Bougainville, with the Mawaraka area the target for 8 of them.
In this area the dawn patrol bombed with unobserved results. The area where a 3-ton truck carrying 5-6 Nips had pulled under trees at Moisuru was strafed with unobserved results, likewise a couple of Nips between the Mibo and Mobiai Rivers. Another mission missed a 60 ft bridge in the same area but cratered the road.
A 4-plane strike damaged a tin shed on Teop Island and another bombed with unobserved results. The two poop sheet planes, returning from Green Island, saw Nips in several places and on the beach a little N of Tsimba mission left only the torso of one of two Nips strafed. The other disappeared into the jungle.

For the Record:

18 F4U NZ 14 load 1x1000 drop. 8x1000
           NZ 21 " 1x500 " 4x500

SEARCHES FOR JULY 17:
Beefsteak searches were negative with 75% track and cover. There was a generally heavy overcast with a frontal area from the equator to 05 degrees 30 minutes north.
Squarepeg searches were negative. Sector William had 83% track and cover. Sector Xray had full track and cover.
Local Able search by New Zetland Avengers dropped 2x500 demolishing 1 hut and damaging 2 others at Tohatsi. 2x500 were dropped by the entrances to the caves at Tohatsi, and 1x500 by the cave entrances at Cape Kotopan. Observed a white marker board on the coast at Cape Hanpen.
Local Charlie search by two New Zealand Avengers dropped 3x500 on targets of opportunity. 2x500 were dropped on huts at Arawa Plantation with unobserved results. The Kieta -Cape Friendship area was strafed.
Shipping count and Emirau anti-sub search not reported.
Search negative for missing Corsair pilot from Green Island who water landed 27 miles West of Green at 1430 on July 16.
New Ireland floatplane search by one PV was negative as to floatplanes. Dropped 2x500 on Paruai destroying 6 huts and 3x500 tore up approaches on both sides of bridge over a river near Lossuk Bay. Second PV scheduled for a New Ireland floatplane search was weathered out and unloaded its bombs on Buka, firing 3 huts at Lemanmanu, and 3x500 failed to damage huts just south of Tsirogei.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 19 July 1944

TARGET: MILIM
Milim was revisited by 5 PVs which put 29 bombs in the target area and strafed with 15,000 rounds. Results were generally obscured by tall tress but one fire was seen.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0845 - 0910 load 6x500 dr. 29x500

TARGET: N. NEW IRELAND
Emirau planes sought targets of opportunity in N. New Ireland, though here also weather restricted activity. Six SBDs damaged two bridges at Balus Plantation and 10 F4Us bombed Balus, Fangelawa, Lossuk Bay and Kavieng with unobserved results.

For the Record:

6 SBDs Emirau load 1x1000 dr 6x1000
10 F4Us " " 1x500 " 10x500

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
With bad weather prevailing elsewhere, Torokina F4Us concentrated their attention on Bougainville, though even there conditions were none too good. However, by the end of the day 52 sorties had been flown and 51 half-tonners dropped.
Results Included: 
Possible damage to bridge at Rigu Mission. One hut fired on Teop Island. Two craters put in Kara strip. Six huts destroyed, other probably damaged, out of 30/40 in Baitsi area. Three bombs among huts at Naropa. Three bombs among 15/20 huts at Tonu. Small bridge demolished near Mibo R. Two direct hits on 20 buildings near Kara. (Light AA holed one plane) Three bombs close to 6/7 barges of doubtful serviceability up Samiei R.
Bomb falling 20 yards inland caused sheet of flame, with grey-black smoke to 1000'.

For the Record:

52 F4Us NZ 14, 19, 21 load 1x1000 dr 51x1000 1 dam.

SEARCHES FOR JULY 18
The Beefsteak searches were negative with 100% track and 97% cover. The weather was above average.
The Squarepeg searches were negative. Sector William with full distance with 97% cover encountering squalls up to 200 miles. Sector Xray went 175 miles with 15% cover sighting a solid front beyond.
Locable Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 4x? demolishing 6-8 huts at Cape Lemankoa and 4x500 were dropped 2 miles inland from Lonahan with unobserved results. While strafing Hitaa Island the plane received intense MG fire from the center of the island.
Local Charlie search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 4x500 on targets of opportunity, and 3x500 in the area of the Cape Friendship guns where they observed 1 probable gun still there. Many excellent large gardens were observed in the Kara-Kahili area.
The Torokina - Rabaul sweep was negative.
The special blackcat New Ireland floatplane search was negative.
The floatplane hideout search of Cape Lambert - Vunapaladig area by a PW was negative.
The shipping count and Emirau anti-sub search were not reported.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 20 July 1944

TARGET: NEW IRELAND
Most of the planes operating over the Bismarcks yesterday were seeking targets of opportunity in New Ireland. Bridges were the chief sufferers and the total for the day was some 8 destroyed and 5 damaged.
Sixteen Piva F4Us hit a bridge over the Sae River, another over a river believed to be the Selik and a third over the river at Bopire Pltn. In addition they report damaging a bridge at Cape Lemeris and two hits on MGs firing from Cape Namarodu. Nine other bombs missed bridges at which they were aimed. Many huts were strafed, with several left smoking and five barges hidden in a river at Kanam Pltn were also strafed with unobserved results. Meagre inaccurate light AA came from Namatanai and Cape Namarodu.
Six PVs destroyed a bridge and two huts at Karu Pltn, damaged a bridge at Katendan Pltn, destroyed another bridge at Karmirada Pltn and cratered roads at several places.
Twelve Torokina F4Us possibly damaged a bridge across the Solaba River, hit a possibly unserviceable bridge over the Ujam River and landed another bomb among huts in Kombon Pltn. Meagre inaccurate MG or auto fire came from ENE of Borpop strip and meagre inaccurate auto from Cape St. George.
A second mission of 12 F4Us destroyed several huts in Samo Plantation and put 3 bombs in a cluster of huts a mile to the south, where results were obscured by a column of smoke to 3/400'. Strafing fired a large hut E of Metankuk Pltn which smoked to 1500'. Moderate and fairly accurate light AA came from Borpop, also from Namatanai strip and a mile to the E.
At the northern end of New Ireland Emirau planes were active. Six SBDs bombed buildings at Kaselok Pltn. destroyed one and damaged another bridge at Bolus Pltn. Four F4Us damaged a bridge at Balus Pltn and fired a fuel truck at But But. Another six F4Us caused a series of explosions at the S end of the Kavieng strip.
On the same sort of mission six 3-plane SBD sections from Green Island added two more to the score of bridges destroyed, besides damaging another cratering approaches. Buildings at several points were hit, sheds W of Mu? Island smoking to 300 ft. MG fire holed one plane.

For the Record:

16 F4Us VMO 251 1030 - 1300 load 1x1000 drop. 16x1000
6 PVs NZ 9 0815 - 0924 " 6x500 " 35x500
12 F4Us NZ 19 " 1x1000 " 11x1000
12 F4Us NZ 14 " 1x1000 " 12x1000
6 SBDs Emirau " 1x500 " 6x500
                    or 2x250 " 12x250
10 F4Us Emirau " 1x1000 " 4x1000
                         or 1x500 " 5x500
18 SBDs Green 1250 - 1530 " 1x1000 "18x1000
                                         " 2x100 " 36x100

TARGET: CAPE LAMBERT - VUNAPALDIG
Eleven TBFs report the following results: Two bombs on huts near Sussum Pt; 22 on hillside buildings inland from the point; 17 on another group of buildings; and one hit on a hut at Cape Lambert. Several fires were caused, two of them sending black smoke to 1500 ft. In addition a pall of white smoke was left over the whole target area.
A single puff of AA put a sizeable hole in the wing of one plane. A number of gun flashes was seen.

For the Record:

11 TBFs NZ 31 0950 load 4x500 dr. 44x500 (GP and mag. cl.) 1 Dam.

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Nineteen F4Us, including three weathered out Rabaul area sweeps, bombed and strafed over Buka and Bougainville.
The dawn patrol opened proceedings by scoring a hit on the Mibo R. ford without observing results. A scheduled Duke of York - Cape Lambert sweep ended up by bombing S. Bougainville targets, possibly damaging a bridge at Nakarae with two near misses. A Cape Gazelle - Cape Archway sweep found itself eventually bombing targets in the Buka Passage area without apparent result; and a scheduled Puk Puk - Keravat sweep strafed 20 huts in the Matchin Bay area and on Buka. Meagre inaccurate MG fire came from the N tip of Sohana Island (where one sweep reported 12-15 camouflaged gun positions) also MG fire from Matetsiora for another sweep.
Two F4Us closely straddled the Tarlena pier with half-tonners and reported signs of a possible barge unloading area in an indentation at Yegito.
The two poop sheet planes to Green Island aimed two bombs at the area of the reported radio station on Teop Island but saw no sign of habitation.

For the Record:

19 F4Us NZ 14, NZ 19 load 1x1000 dr. 8x1000
                                  or 1x500 dr. 7x500

SEARCHES FOR JULY 19
Beefsteak searches were negative sectors Sugar Tare and Victor had full track and 80% cover. Sector Uncle turned back by weather. There was a frontal area extending from base to 01 degree North.
Squarepeg searches were negative with 100% track and cover. The weather was good.
Local Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 2x500 on Hanahan Mission with unobserved results. 3x500 were dropped on a MG position on Hitau Island with 1 bull's eye and 2 near misses. A reddish star shell was fired at the planes from Hanpan and burst at 350 foot.
Local Charlie search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 4x500 on the huts and gardens at Monoitu Mission and strafed the area. At Reboine Bay they noticed observation posts, slit trenches and much track activity.
The Torokina - New Ireland sweep was negative.
A special floatplane search of Cape Lambert - Alatiklikun Bay by a PV was negative, but dropped 6x500 on huts at Massaua Plantation area with unobserved results.
The Emirau anti-sub search negative.
The shipping count was negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 21 July 1944

TARGET: N. NEW IRELAND
Emirau planes continued their search for targets of opportunity in northern New Ireland. Seven divisions of F4Us destroyed a building at Lossuk Bay and damaged others at Balus, Roger Young Pltn, Lakurafange, Cape Soss and Maramakas Pltn.
Four divisions of SBDs damaged a bridge SE of Kapsu and buildings at Kapsu, Put Put and Roger Young Pltn. Intense inaccurate MG fire came from Lamekot Pltn.
Seven 2-plane F4U patrols on the regular Kavieng blockade dropped 14 half tonners on the Kavieng area and Ululnono Pltn. with unobserved results.

For the Record:

28 F4U Emirau load 1x1000 dropped 26x1000
24 SBD Emirau " 1x1000 " 21x1000
14 F4U Emirau " 1x500 " 14x500

TARGET: RUMBA MISSION AREA
Fourteen TBFs, unable to bomb Rumba mission because of low cloud, put 45 of their quarter-tonners in the area of huts situated along a ridge about a mile N of Rumba. They demolished a large house and 3 or 4 huts and fired several more, besides damaging others. Earlier 4 F4Us had found the target and started a good fire in a group of huts, besides firing three and smoking others by strafing.

For the Record:

14 TBFs NZ 31 1520 load 4x500 drop. 45x500
4 F4U VMO 251 1430 " 1x1000 " 4x1000

TOROKINA F4U SWEEPS
Five bombing and strafing sweeps were conducted by Torokina F4Us during the afternoon.
Searching for a reported launch hide-out in Anewa Bay, the first 4 planes bombed the north coastline of the penninsula on which Tunuru Mission stands. No results were seen, as the peninsula is wooded to the water's edge. The coastline was strafed several times, also huts near gardens W of Anewa Bay.
What seemed to be foxholes and trenches around gardens 50 yards from the beach between Rorovana No. 1 and No. 2 were bombed by three planes from the next sweep. The gardens and nearby wooded areas were strafed. One person was seen near the gardens.
An 8-plane sweep bombed without success a bridge over a tributary of the Porro, although two bombs cratered the road. At Maigi Mission 2 Japs were killed by strafing. No AA fire was seen but two planes on their return were found to have been holed by 50 calibre fire.
Four planes investigated five small barges up the Samiei. They found some filled with water and concluded the group was unserviceable. On the W side of the river more than 30 huts were strafed with unobserved results. Two barges nearer the mouth of the river, bombed and strafed two days before, were seen to be resting on the bottom. Moderate inaccurate medium AA came from 4 guns in a clearing in the Muguai Mission area.
The final three planes bombed Mosigetta hue without result and put another in the center of a garden 1 1/2 miles E of Tubiosiou. Huts at various places were strafed with unobserved results and one of two Japs in the surf of Totavi was killed by strafing.

For the Record:

23 F4Us NZ 14, NZ 19, NZ 21 load 1x1000 drop. 18x1000 2 dam.

SEARCHES FOR JULY 20
Beefsteak searches were all negative with full track and 98% cover. 3/10 cloud cover with a weak front was encountered at the equator.
Squarepeg searches were all negative with 100% track and cover. The weather was generally good.
The Rabaul sweep and the local Able and Charlie searches were canceled because of bad weather.
The shipping count and Emirau anti-sub search were negative.

[aircraftclocks]

Day Ending 0800 22 July 1944

GREEN ISLAND VF: The five patrols over Rabaul were generally negative. Some damage, presumably by bombs, was caused in the Malaguna supply area.

PATROLS OVER KAVIENG: Ten Emirau F4Us dropped 10 quarter-tonners on the
Kavieng - Panapai area, starting a small fire at Kavieng. Meagre inaccurate 20 mm fire came from Kavieng.

For the Record:

10 F4Us Emirau load 1x500 drop. 10x500

CAPE GAZELLE - C. ARCHWAY SWEEPS: Torokina F4Us on three sweeps, one with bombs, smoked two huts in the Rugen Hbr - Kubanga Bay area. Four naked Nips were strafed on Ningin Island and another two on Lamaasa Island. Near the S entrance to Put Put Hbr a conspicuous 40-gallon droum may have been an AA trap as a plane which went down to strafe saw a puff of smoke come from a few yards away. Another plane was hit twice over Rugen Hbr.

CAPE GAZELLE - DUKE OF YORK SWEEP: Three planes conducted a negative sweep and missed a small bridge with two bombs.

PUT PUT - KERAVAT - MALABUNGA: In the area of a sawmill three miles due E of the Keravat gardens a timber-laden truck was fired and four others hit, although they did not smoke. Several other trucks were seen in the general area of the mill, where intensive logging operations were apparently in progress. Some form of apparent underground storage was reported two miles SE of the sawmill. One plane was holed by a 30 calibre bullet from an unknown point and meagre inaccurate MG fire came from a ridge one mile W. of Mt. Varzin.
A later sweep saw the burnt-out truck hit by the morning planes and added to the score by firing two and damaging another pair. The sawmill building were strafed and a native hut about 25' x 15' set afire. The possible underground storage was inspected and thought to be some form of gun position. One plane was holed by a bullet half way between Keravia and Ataliklikun Bays.

For the Record:

23 F4Us NZ 14, NZ 21 load 1x1000 dr. 7x1000 3 dam.

NEW IRELAND SWEEPS
Sweeps over New Ireland went on throughout the day, 91 planes dropping 51 tons of bombs.
Searching between Namatahai and Medina 6 PVs destroyed a bridge at Katchdan Pltn and a hut by the Salek River. A small camouflaged building at Karu Pltn was fired.
The score of 16 Piva F4Us was a hit on a bridge S of Borpop and buildings near Namatanai. About 30 cattle were killed by strafing. Three thatched huts up a river in Kanmiraba Pltn. looked to pilots like camouflaged coverings for barges. Intense inaccurate medium fire came from the NE end of Namatanai strip and moderate inaccurate medium fire from half way between Namatanai and Cape Namarodu.
Green Island SBDs in 10 separate flights of three possible destroyed two bridges and damaged two more. In addition several buildings were destroyed at the Puk River, two at Mageh Pltn and a house at Muliama. Buildings fired were two large huts at Himau Pltn. which burned for 25 minutes, a building W of Kanam, three huts at Maritsoan Pltn and a building at Kinidam Pltn. Two apparently serviceable barges were strafed at Ramut Pltn. A few MG tracers came from Belik and Muliama and a few bursts of 20 mm at Halis Pltn. and Bakan.
Emirau planes looked after northern New Ireland, 12 SBDs damaging a bridge at Ululnano Pltn and building at Roger Young Pltn. Fifteen F4Us were also out but report no positive results. Meagre to inaccurate 20 mm fire came from Laua? Twelve F4Us in four plane sweeps also bombed targets of opportunity in New Ireland. They possibly damaged a bridge over a river a Karu Bay. Four beached and possibly derelict 30 barges were bombed at Ulaputur Pltn. At Cape Tambaker a pilot going down to investigate seven old barges received a bullet hole in the prot wing, leading to the belief that this may have been an AA trap.

For the Record:

6 PVs NZ 9 0820 0930 load 6x500 dr. 28x500
16 F4Us VMO 251 0945 1115 " 1x1000 " 15x1000
12 F4Us NZ 21 " 1x1000 " 12x1000
30 SBDs Green 1230 " 1x1000 " 30x1000
                      1700 " 2x100 " 60x100
12 SBDs Emirau " 1x1000 " 11x1000
15 F4Us Green " 1x1000 " 15x1000

TARGET: KABAGADA PT AREA
Returning to their regular recent target area, 10 TBFs, after putting 33 bombs among buildings on a ridge S. of the point, left several good fires sending black and white smoke to 500 ft. No AA was seen. A good-sized fire was observed on the W side of Rubaul, presumably as the result of the B25 strike.

For the Record:

10 TBFs NZ 31 0930 load 4x500 drop. 33x500 (GP and incend.)

TARGETS: AROPA AND MORONI
Five PVs, in two missions, hit the above villages. The first pair started small fires at Aropa and the following trio caused fires smoking to 1000 ft at Aropa and fired five huts at Moroni.

For the Record:

5 PVs NZ 9 0800-0825, 1030-1050 load 6x500 drop. 29x500

OVER BOUGAINVILLE
Four 4-plane F4U sweeps bombed mainly bridge targets. The Nakarae bridge was missed by three bombs and a fourth bomb put a crater in the middle of a garden near the Porro River. Two Nips on the beach between Totavi and Matsunkei added a little comic relief by scuttling up the beach huddled under one camouflaged coat. Bullets were seen hitting round them as they disappeared under trees.
The dawn patrol strafed two Japs swimming off Aitara Mission. They dived smartly and escaped. Pilots saw a possible sawmill in a clearing within half a mile of Nakarae.
Another sweep aimed 4 bombs at the Nakarae bridge without success.
Bombs from the final sweep narrowly missed a bridge over the Uguimo River but started a fire which sent black smoke to over 1000'. Of two Japs swimming about three-quarters of a mile up the Puriata, one was killed. Meagre inaccurate AA fire came from the Kahili area.

For the record:

16 F4Us NZ 14, NZ 19 load 1x1000 drop. 12x1000

SEARCHES FOR JULY 21
Beefsteak searches were all negative. Sectors Sugar Tare And Victor averaged 90% stack and 63% cover. Sector Uncle after 50% track returned because of engine trouble. Weather prohibited sending a standby. There was a front 300 miles North with a cloud cover of 9/10.
Squarepeg searches were negative with 100% track and cover. The weather was good to average.
Local Able search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 8x500 ton targets of opportunity damaging some huts.
Local Charlie search by 2 New Zealand Avengers dropped 8x500 on targets of opportunity damaging some huts.
The Torokina-Rabaul sweep, the shipping count and the Emirau anti-sub search were all negative.