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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 13, 2020 10:38:02 GMT 12
4 July 1944
12 TBF's (1x2000) bombed and strafed coastal guns 2 miles south of Cape Friendship, Bougainville at 0955 scoring 12x2000 hits in area. 5 revetments or gun slits were observed.
12 TBF's (4x500) bombed same coastal guns at 1405. 47x500 hits in area destroyed 2 gun revetments, and probably destroyed another. There was one explosion throwing flame 300 ft. in air leaving 2000 ft. smoke column. 3 emplacements still untouched.
1 PV Torokina-Rabaul sweep turned back because of weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
TBF 18 13
PV 24 11
F4U 20 18
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 14, 2020 12:04:21 GMT 12
5 July 1944
12 TBF's (4x500 Inst.) bombed a concentration of buildings along the shore at Tovakandum Plantation on Cape Linguan. 47 bombs hit in the target area starting two fires, from one smoke rose to 900 ft.
16 F4U's with 1x1000 1/10 hit the four gun positions in AA target "J" west of Tobera. 14 bombs were reported hits in the target areas. No AA was observed by the pilots.
4 PV's bombed targets of opportunity in the Cape Rolass-Namatanai area on New Ireland. Seven buildings and huts were destroyed or damaged, three bridges were destroyed and the main road received seven direct hits.
1 PV on the Torokina-Rabaul sweep was negative as was the PV that made the 0615 weather-ship count flight from Green.
Information was received from Air Operations that F/S Aitcheson of NZ #31 shot down over Tobera on July 1st. was picked up by a FGM gunboat operating in St. George Channel.
1 PV on to Able search dropped 4x500 GP's and 2x500 incendiaries firing several huts at Kaiaiapos. 50-60 Japs in the grass at Lulua Point were strafed with unobserved results.
AVAILABILTY
On Hand Available
TBF 18 13
PV 17 8
F4U 20 18
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 15, 2020 11:58:24 GMT 12
6 July 1944
10 TBF's (4x500 inst.), primary target Tovakandum Plantation, being closed in, dropped at 1020 on shore at Kabanga Bay with results unobserved except for one fire with 300 ft. smoke column.
1 TBF (4x500 inst.) on Able search 0850-1100 demolished 4 huts on Teop Island and damaged 5-6 huts at Mortai, Bougainville.
1 TBF (4x500 inst.) on Charlie search 0850-1030, demolished 30x60 ft. camouflaged building, 1 1/2 miles south of Kabuan Bay.
1 PV(N) Rabaul patrol night July 5-6 observed barges moving in Simpson Harbor.
2 PV(N)'s co-operating with PGM's on night July 5-6 was negative.
4 PV-1's with Tovakandum as target were turned back by weather was negative.
1 PV Torokina-Rabaul sweep was negative.
1 PV Rabaul weather and shipping count was negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
TBF 18 15
PV 18 12
F4U 20 18
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 15, 2020 12:12:08 GMT 12
7 July 1944
1 PV(N) covering Rabaul the night of 6-7 was negative.
2 PV(N)'s co-operating with PGM's in Duke of York area was negative.
15 F4U's on the morning strike hit AA target "Dog" at 1040. 15x1000 were dropped with 5 claimed damaging hits and 5 area hits in gun positions.
16 F4U's in the afternoon dropped 16x1000 on buildings on Kabagada Point. Several direct hits were claimed. Light AA fire was received from the shore of Talili Bay.
1 TBF on the Able search from 0915 to 1115 strafed huts at Tinputs Harbor and started a good fire with 4x500 in Matzungan Plantation.
1 TBF on the Charlie search from 0845 to 1102 dropped 3x500 on the coastal gun position south of Cape Friendship. A near hit uncovered one revetment and exposed the gun (probably 4 inch) which appeared to be undamaged. Observed 3 or 4 other guns in revetments. 1x500 was a near miss on a bridge near Rigu Mission.
1 PV on the Rabaul sweep returned early because of mechanical trouble.
7 PV's bombed Tovakandum Plantation during the afternoon. 28x500 GP and 14x500 M69 incendiaries were dropped and 21,000 rounds of ammo expended with the following results; 2 buildings and 45 huts destroyed, 7 fires started, and 3 trucks damaged. Trenches and buildings were strafed. Several choice targets were spotted for attention when they attack the same target tomorrow.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
TBF 18 15
PV 17 11
F4U 18 16
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 15, 2020 12:41:47 GMT 12
8 July 1944
15 F4U's (1x1000) bombed and strafed buildings along shore east of Cape Liguan, New Britain at 0844. Scoring 3 damaging hits on buildings, 5 area hits, 4 unobserved, 2 duds and 1 miss. AA was light, meagre, inaccurate.
10 TBF's (12x100) plus 1 photo TBF bombed and strafed buildings east of Cape Liguan at 1145, score: 90 area hits, 20 jettisoned, and 10 returned, several fires were started AA light, meagre and inaccurate plus 1 puff of medium which was accurate.
15 F4U's (1x1000) bombed and strafed buildings East of Cape Liguan at 1420 scoring 1 direct hit on building. Kabagada Point, 10 area hits, 1 unobserved, 2 jettisoned, 1 returned. AA was medium and light, and ranged from meagre to intense.
5 PV's (6x500) bombed and strafed building East of Cape Liguan at 1115 causing one large fire and two small. Meagre by accurate M/G fire put 2 holes in cupole turret of 1 PV.
1 PV Torokina-Rabaul sweep 0730-1325 - Negative.
One PV (4x500) dropped on 2 bridges and huts Neageh Plantation at 1145 to-day with unobserved results.
One PV(N) on scramble alert night - Secured.
One PV(N) simulated air raid on Torokina nights of July 7-8.
One PV(N) co-operating with LGI in Uncle, negative except fired on twice by PBJ.
2 TBF's (4x500) on "Able" "Charlie" search 0845-1145 dropped 3x500 and 3x500 duds on Numa Numa results unobserved. 1x500 damaged huts Porpran and 1x500 returned.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 18
TBF 18 15
PV 18 10
PV(N) 7 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 15, 2020 13:05:14 GMT 12
9 July 1944
16 F4U's (1x1000) bombed and strafed targets Kabagada Point New Britain area at 1105. One confirmed hit on building was scored and truck was damaged by strafing. Weather prevented evaluation of other bomb hits.
10 TBF's (12x100) bombed and strafed targets in Kabagada-Cape Liguan area at 1145 starting 1 good fire. AA from Kabagada Point was light, moderate and inaccurate.
7 F4U's (1x1000) unable because of weather to get thru to Cape Liguan bombed gun positions at Schane Island at 1600 scoring 5 hits in area. No AA encountered.
One of 5 PV's got thru to Cape Liguan at 0805 and dropped 5x500 destroying 2 buildings. One, of 4 PV's turning back because of weather, at 0815 dropped 6x500 destroying several huts on East Cape New Ireland.
One PV on special search North of New Ireland Coast 0740-1230 destroyed serviceable barge at Tambader River mouth with 2x500 and got direct hit on 3 barges in Nukudukudr Bay with 2x500. 2x500 on huts at Karumet Plantation were misses.
Two TBF's (4x500) on "Able" "Charlie" search 0900-1130 were turned back at Tinputs on way south by rain, but dropped on Dewan Plantation for misses, 2x500 on Sarime unobserved and 4x500 in Tamamala unobserved.
2 TBF's on Reconnaissance flight to Jaba River and Toka Mission 1525-1615 was negative except for number of red looking parachutes(flare type) along shore of Gazelle Harbor.
One PV on Torokina-Rabaul sweep 0700-1115 searched only Cape St. George because of weather with negative results.
Two PV(N) co-operating with LCI in Uncle night of July 8-9 were negative.
AVAILIBALITY
On Hand Available
F4U 18 17
TBF 18 15
PV 18 10
PV(N) 7 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 15, 2020 13:34:24 GMT 12
10 July 1944
15 F4U's (1x1000) at 0900 bombed and strafed guns and barges along Raluana Point, scoring 1 direct hit on ammunition dump and 3 area hits on medium guns East Coast of Raluana AA was heavy and medium, intense and accurate. One plane received substantial damage but returned to base.
10 TBF's (4x500) at 0815 bombed and strafed guns at Cape Friendship apparently destroying or damaging all guns but two. AA medium, meagre, inaccurate.
16 F4U's (1x1000) at 1400 bombed and strafed gun positions and trench systems South and West Vulcan Crater scoring 1 confirmed direct hit, 1 confirmed damaging hit and 4 hits in the area. AA was heavy, medium, and light, moderate to intense and generally accurate.
6 PV's (6x500) at 0900 bombed and strafed Cape Liguan destroying 1 launch, several canoes, 2 large buildings, 7 huts, and causing 3 large and 2 smaller fires.
Two TBF's (4x500) on Able-Charlie search 0850-1200 bombed and strafed targets of opportunity on Bougainville, scoring a direct hit on Road at Mamamorina.
1 PV Torokina-Rabaul sweep was negative.
1 PV on New Ireland search for Float Plane 1230-1600 had negative search but 2x500 destroyed bridge North of Cape Baken, 2x500 cratered road to Balik Plantation, and strafed trucks of Karram Plantation.
1 PV on New Ireland Float Plane search 1230-1600 was turned back at Cape Sesorie by weather. Severely damaged 6 three ton trucks at Karram Plantation, with 4x500 and strafing, destroyed 1 bridge and killed 1 Jap. Float Plane search negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 18 16
TBF 18 15
PV 18 13
PV(N) 7 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 15, 2020 13:50:18 GMT 12
11 July 1944
16 F4U's (1x1000) hit Sohana Island at 0920 primary AA targets "S" & "R" being weathered in. Moderate to Intense accurate light and medium AA caused minor damages to 1 F4U. 10 area hits were scored on gun positions on Sohana and 1 confirmed direct and 3 area hits were scored on Autos and heavies NW of Bonis strip.
6 PV's (6x500) turned back by weather 0840-1020 from Liguan, hit opportunity targets on North Bougainville, destroying group of huts at Tairogei and 9 more between Sorum and Kat Sin Koveri and left on fire at Karsovili Village. Jetty approach to Keroh was reduced unserviceable.
2 TBF's (4x500) on Able-Charlie search 0840-1020 dropped on various targets of opportunity with unobserved results. Weather confined search mostly to West coast of Bougainville.
2 PV(N) night 10-11 of July negative except for fire burning NE or SE end of Vunakanau.
1 PV(N) returning Green to Torokina - Negative.
1 PV New Ireland search turned back by weather - Negative.
1 PV Torokina-Rabaul sweep turned back by weather - Negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 19
TBF 18 15
PV 18 11
PV(N) 7 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 16, 2020 11:16:10 GMT 12
12 July 1944
1 PV(N) patrolled Rabaul 1600-1900 night or 11-12 July with Negative results.
15 F4U's (1x1000) struck AA target King at 0915, receiving considerable AA from around Tobera strip and Kabanga Bay as well as from target guns x they scored 1 confirmed direct, 1 confirmed damaging, and 1 reported damaging hit on guns in addition to 4 area hits and 3 unobserved hits x their strafing silenced 3 AA guns and fired 1 barge.
10 TBF's (2x500 inst. and 2x500 incendiaries) bombed and strafed Kabagada Point supply area at 0910 putting 32 area hits among the buildings and causing 5 good fires with smoke to 1500 feet, only meagre inaccurate light AA was received.
5 PV's (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiary) had a field day in the Kabaira Bay area from 0900 to after 1000, putting 26 bombs in the area, destroying 10 huts, starting 2 fires, making unserviceable 3 barges hidden under trees and blowing out 1/3 of the jetty there.
3 F4U's (1x1000) unable to locate their assigned target, a block-house north east of Rapopo, hit targets of opportunity in the vicinity including a dug in concrete storage shelter.
1 PV (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries) on New Ireland search this morning found no barges or float planes but hit huts by Namatanai and Borpop.
1 PV on Torokina-Rabaul sweep this morning, while 2 other PV's searching for a missing F4U pilot South of Cape St. George morning andafternoon were negative.
The Able and Charlie searches were taken care of by 2 pairs of TBF's 4 in all (with 4x500 inst.) who went around dropping their bombs on likely targets.
1 PV on Rabaul weather check and ship count this morning as usual.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 17
TBF 18 13
PV 18 10
PV(N) 7 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 17, 2020 10:03:30 GMT 12
13 July 1944
The 1 PV(N) Rabaul patrol 1600-1900 last night 12-13 July was negative.
9 TBF's (with 3x500 GP and 1x500 incendiary) sweeped down upon the much plastered Kabaina Bay to Cape Liguan target area at 0940, scoring 27 area hits and causing 3 large fires with several smaller fires. Only a little light AA from Watom Island was received.
12 PV's, in flights of 6 each (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries) hit the so called fuel dump east at Porton Plantation at 0750 and 1105 respectively, putting 61x500 bombs well in the assigned area, without a fire or a good explosion.
4 TBF's (4x500 inst.) on Able and Charlie search (a pair on each) hit the huts at Cape Tanabon and Sipaia Mission and the coastal defence gun area on Cape Friendship with 14x500 bombs as well as strafed coasts.
1 PV on Torokina-Rabaul sweep 0900-1250 reported negative.
1 PV on the Rabaul weather check and ship count operated as scheduled.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 19
TBF 18 11
PV 18 10
PV(N) 7 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 17, 2020 10:37:37 GMT 12
14 July 1944
16 F4U's (1x1000 inst.) finding their primary target "AA King" obscured by a low cloud at 0925 bombed and strafed targets of opportunity in the Ralum-Punapope "AA King" area. Moderate inaccurate light AA from between Ralum and Lesson Point put a hole in the wing of 1 F4U. They registered 1 confirmed direct hit, 1 reported damaging hit and 4 area hits as well as dropping 3 unobserved all on buildings as well as 2 unobserved on auto AA guns. They also observed and reported a Torokina F4U pilot going down in Carols Harbor, Buka.
5 PV's (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries) scheduled for Ataikikun Bay but closed off by a front south of Cape St. George returned to the unprofitable Porton "Fuel Dump" where they deposited 27x500 pounders in the area without visible results at 0900.
1 PV (loaded with 4x500 GP and 3x500 incendiaries) on the New Ireland Barge-Float Plane search demolished a loaded truck and 3 Japs at Fangelana Point, as well as unserviced a house at Kolube Plantation between 0800-1100. The same PV, unable to make the afternoon New Ireland search due to delay in bomb loading at Green, hit Buka and vicinity on his was home at around 1500, firing 5 huts on Pororan Island, and destroying 2 huts at Lemankoa Mission and 3 huts on Hitau Island.
2 TBF's on the Able search (4x500 GP) from 0855-1020 destroyed and damaged several huts at Cape Tanabon, Kessa Plantation and Lemanmarau Mission and they observed several huts strung along the water's edge under a bluff near Lortes, and some evidently inhabited caves at Tohatai.
2 TBF's (4x500 GP) on Charlie search 0855-1005 dropped on huts at Rapo Point, Tunuru Mission and Pantan Island.
1 PV on Rabaul sweep 0820-1140 sighted a survivor in a dinghy west of Duke of York at 0950, and directed Dumbo who picked up castaway, a pilot with call Onyx-22.
The PV(N) scheduled for Rabaul patrol last night did not take off on account of the weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 19
TBF 18 16
PV 18 9
PV(N) 7 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 18, 2020 10:40:52 GMT 12
15 July 1944
1 PV(N) of VMF-531, flying their final tactical mission in this vicinity, patrolled Rabaul 1800-1900 was negative last night 14-15 July.
10 TBF's (4x500 x1/100 delay) struck Numa Numa at 0815 putting 24 of their bombs all in the troop area (target #1), and the remaining 16 all in the headquarters area (target #2). Results were unobserved due to the trees. Also strafed the area.
9 more TBF's (with the same load of 4x500 x 1/100 delay) again bombed and strafed Numa Numa at 1100, putting 20 of their bombs into the reported ammo dump area (target #3) without fires or explosions, and 11 bombs round and about the radio station.
15 F4U's (with 1x1000 inst.) bombed and strafed Vunapope "57 and 58" at 1000 putting 14 or their hits in the area. 1 bomb was unobserved. They hit some kind of jackpot which belched forth flame and smoke in a violent upheaval. They also know they surely damaged some of the supply buildings. They received meagre, light AA from the target area, and intense but unaccurate light AA from Credner Island.
5 PV's (4x500 GP and 3x500 incend.) bombed and strafed targets of opportunity from Nakudukudu Bay to Namatanai this morning (OT 0915) dropping all of their 30 bombs, they destroyed 4 huts and buildings and 2 bridges, got 11 hits on roads and 1 on a garden, and caused a terrific explosion with smoke and flame to 700 feet (on the first knoll west of Po Village). They also strafed.
2 TBF's on Able Search 0755 to 1005 put all their 8x500 instantaneous bombs by caves, evidently inhabited, along the shore between Capes Kotopan and Jetupoa, where they observed much track activity.
2 TBF's on Charlie Search carrying 4x500 instantaneous bombs apeice destroyed 2 huts and damaged 4 huts at Kieta with 4 of their bombs. They dropped 2x500 in the Cape Friendship coast defense gun area where they however did not observe any more guns or activity when they flew low over the section.
1 PV made 2 sorties on the New Ireland Search - one in the morning 0730-1150, one in the afternoon 1345-1715. They saw no Jakes or barges, but decommissioned a truck at Sali, burned a large building at Kolub, destroyed a beached whaleboat at Talili Plantation, burnt a building in this same area, and started a fire at Po.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 18
TBF 18 12
PV 18 9
PV(N) 7 0
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 19, 2020 10:28:43 GMT 12
16 July 1944
14 F4U's (1x1000) bombed and strafed positions around Vulcan Crater at 0925 scoring many area hits and 4 confirmed damaging hits on M/G's in vicinity. AA was light, medium, and moderate to intense and inaccurate.
9 TBF's (4x500) bombed and strafed targets from Vunapaladig to Cape Lambert at 0940 leaving three large fires. AA was meagre and inaccurate.
11 F4U's (1x1000) bombed and strafed Tobera #35 at 1355 scoring 9 area hits and 1 confirmed direct hit causing one large fire. AA was light, moderate and inaccurate.
6 PV's (6x500) 0910 struck opportunity targets Namatanai-Kaireng, destroying a 60' bridge over Salik River, demolishing a truck, holing Belick Plantation road and damaging bridge at Ramut Bay.
2 TBF's (4x500) on Able-Charlie search 1017-1210 dropped 3x500 damaging a hut Tobatai, and 4x500 on huts and gardens at Porporo, then strafed targets of opportunity.
2 TBF's (4x500) on Able-Charlie search 1020-1217 dropped 2x500 on troop area and 1x500 on Radio Station at Numa Numa with unobserved results and 2x500 on gardens at Komai and 1x500 destroying 1 hut and damaging 2 at Tunuru Mission. 2x500 were dropped on gardens in vicinity.
1 PV (6x500) on Jake hideout had negative search but dropped bombs on various targets along way.
1 PV on Torokina-Rabaul sweep had negative search.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 18
TBF 18 14
PV 17 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 20, 2020 10:22:29 GMT 12
17 July 1944
8 F4U's (1x1000, 8-11 seconds), WMO-251 put 7 thousand pounders square in the area of the underground storage section by Karavia Bay at 0935. 1 pilot claimed a direct hit. Results were generally unobserved. The attack was made at very low level with releases at less than 200 feet. Observed AA directed at SBD's with whom they coordinated, but received none themselves.
10 TBF's (2x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries), NZ-31, scored 38 good area hits on the Bussum Point supply buildings at 0915. They caused approximately 12 fires and demolished at least 8 huts known. They encountered intense accurate AA from Vunakanau which holed the wing of one plane.
6 PV's (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries), NZ-9, sent to bomb and strafe the Lilim area hit their target with 34x500 all in the target area at 1040 and thoroughly strafed the section.
PV (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries), NZ-9, on his first sortie of the New Ireland barge-plane search 0725-1100 destroyed 6 huts and the approaches to a bridge at Parvai and Lauan respectively. The same PV, turned back by weather from this afternoon New Ireland search hit Buka Island instead, firing huts at Lemanmanu and by Mount Bei with 5 bombs. Time: 1210-1315.
2 TBF's (4x500 GP, 8-11 seconds), NZ-31 on Able search destroyed and damaged several huts at Toratai and Dewau Plantation, and dropped 3 bombs by the cave entrance in the Jetupan to Kotopan area. The counterpart of 2 TBF's (NZ-31) on Charlie search with the same load hit huts at Toborai and Arawa Plantations and strafed the Kieta-Cape Friendship coast.
The Rabaul weather-ship count plane PV-1 (NZ-9) hops went off according to schedule.
The PV-1 of NZ-9 on the Torokina-Rabaul sweep this morning 0850-1150, sighted a large abandoned wooden raft about 8 miles south-west of Cape St. George.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 17
TBF 18 15
PV 17 11
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 20, 2020 11:08:20 GMT 12
18 July 1944
8 F4U's (1x1000, 8 seconds delay), VMO-251, scheduled for New Ireland opportunity sweep up to Medina, only went as far North as Huru Point because of bad weather (TO 0800-TA 1040). They dropped half their bomb load on huts along the shore north of Kamduru River with 1 confirmed direct, 1 damaging and 1 area hit, and the other half on Sohana Island guns with 1 unobserved and 2 misses. They also strafed huts along the west coast of New Ireland, smoking some.
5 PV's (4x500 GP and 2x500 mag incendiary clusters), NZ-9, plunked 20 GP's and 9 incendiaries all in their assigned target area at Milim at 0845.
2 TBF's (4x500, 8-11 seconds delay), NZ-31, made the able search between 0815 and 1015 through turbulent weather. They dropped 4x500 pounders on huts in the bush 2 miles inland from Lonahan. The other 4 bombs demolished 6-8 huts at Cape Lemankoa.
2 more TBF's (same load), from the same squadron, on the Charlie Search put 5x500 in the area of guns and huts by Cape Friendship the rest on numerous opportunity targets. Time 0830-1035.
1 PV (4x500 GP and 3x500 incendiaries), NZ-9, on the Cape Lambert-Vunapaladig search (for Jakes) from 0755 to 1120 reported negative but dropped all 6 bombs in the Massava Plantation area, where he destroyed 1 hut.
The PV on the morning Rabaul weather and ship count flight sighted 2 floating mines at 04-23 south 152-35 East, which he unsuccessfully tried to sink by bomb-strafe tactics.
The PV, NZ-9, on Torokina-Rabaul sweep from 0825 to 1040 reported negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 17
TBF 18 14
PV 17 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 21, 2020 10:42:50 GMT 12
19 July 1944
16 F4U's (1x1000, 4-5 seconds), bombed and strafed opportunity targets on New Ireland south of Medina TO 0930, TA 1415. Meagre inaccurate light AA was received from Namatanai and from Cape Namaroda positions. With their 16 thousand-pounders they knocked out 3 bridges with confirmed direct hits, damaged another. They scored 2 direct hits on machine guns firing at them from Cape Namaroda Island. They also dropped 9 misses at bridges. They strafed many huts, and 5 barges hidden 1/2 mile inland in a river at Kanam Plantation.
11 TBF's (4 of them with 4x500 mag cluster incendiaries), NZ-31, bombed and strafed buildings in the Cape Lambert to Vunapaladig area from 0950 to 1050. They observed flashes from possible AA positions southwest of target #40. One large puff at 1500 put a hole 5x5 inches in 1 wing. They put 41 bombs all well among buildings along the coast of Sussum Point, and in Target #40, also knocked out a Cape Lambert hut with 1 bomb.
6 PV's (6x500 GP), NZ-9, took off at 0640 and struck opportunity targets on New Ireland South of Medina, returning at 1030. Dropping 36x500 pound bombs they destroyed 2 bridges and damaged another, destroyed 2 huts and obtained 5 hits on roads. They strafed a number of areas.
2 TBF's (4x500 GP, 8-11 seconds), NZ-31, were on Able Search from 0805-0945. They put 2 bombs on huts at Haraham Mission, 3 on a possible M/G position on Hitau Island, 1 on huts on Mon Island, 1 on Pororan Island. They strafed the North and North East coasts of Buka, and made miscellaneous observations.
The other 2 TBF's (same load), NZ-31, on Charlie Search put 4x500 GP's on huts and gardens at Monoitu Mission, 2 on a smoke source at Arawa Plantation whence they had received fire a few days previous, and 2 on large huts by Barouge. They strafed these and other areas.
The 1 PV on the Cape Lambert-Ataliklin Bay area sweep 0745-1140 observed on float planes but put 6x500 in the area of huts on Massava Plantation.
1 PV, NZ-9, on Torokina-New Ireland sweep this morning (0825-1235) reported negative.
The Rabaul weather and ship count run was made this morning by 1 PV (NZ-9).
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 16
TBF 18 14
PV 17 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 21, 2020 16:53:05 GMT 12
20 July 1944
14 TBF's (6-4x500 GP. 8-4x500 M1) NZ-31, weathered out of Rumba Mission, bombed groups of huts along last branch of Bovo River TO-1445, OT-1520, TA-1555, of the 53 bombs dropped 45 were hits in the area of huts along a ridge at east branch of Bovo river, approx. 1 mile north of Rumba, resulting in the destruction of 1 large house and 3 or 4 huts, damage to many huts, and setting fire to several other huts together with surrounding bush, in addition to the bombing, this area and the coast line near the mouth of the river was covered with accurate strafing.
8 F4Us (1x1000 delay) VMO-251, bombed the bridges along Kieta road. TO-1420 OT-1435-1540, TA-1555 near misses with 3 bombs failed to destroy a good vehicular bridge at the base of Kieta Peninsula. A good bridge at Toborei Plantation, was also missed; however, all huts in the area were strafed.
4 F4U's (1x1000 inst.) VMO-251, bombed Rumba Mission village TO-1420, OT-1430, TA-1555. Despite low clouds, one direct hit was scored starting a good fire in one group of huts. Three more burned and numberous other smoked as a result of thorough strafing.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 14
TBF 18 16
PV-1 15 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 22, 2020 10:04:15 GMT 12
21 July 1944
6 PV's of NZ-9 (loaded with 4x500 GP and 2x250 Incendiaries) put 34x500 on targets of opportunity between Namatanai and Medina destroying a bridge at Katendan Plantation and a hut by the Salek River, and setting afire a small camouflaged building at Kaur Plantation. 8000 rounds were expended in strafing.
16 F4U's (1x1000, 4-5 seconds) of VMO 251 swept New Ireland south of Medina (OT 0945-1115) with 1 confirmed direct hit on a bridge just south of Borpop, and another on a building near Namatanai, as well as a damaging hit on a road south of Borpop. 12 bombs were expended as misses directed at other bridges in the general area.
10 TBF's (6 with 4x500 GP and 4 with 4x500 incendiaries), NZ-31, boabed and strafed buildings on a ridge south of Kabagada Point at 0930, putting 33 hits in the area and causing several good fires with white and black smoke to 500 feet.
3 PV's, (4x500 GP and 2x500 incendiaries) of NZ-9 striking their targets between 1035 and 1050 put 16x500 on Aropa causing fires to 1000 feet, and 1x500 incendiary on Moroni, destroying 5 huts by fire.
2 more PV's same load and squadron, earlier had put all their 12 bombs on Aropa from 0800-0850 causing small fires.
2 TBF's (4x500, 8-10 sec.) of NZ-31 on Able Search this morning put 5x500 on Cape Hatsai huts, 2 on Cape Hanpan huts, and 1 on Madehas Island huts, they observed new huts, apparently occupied, close to the coast at Lontis. The other 2 TBF's, same load and squadron, on Charlie Search (0755-0930) put 4 bombs on huts near Rankama and 3 on apparent army-type huts at Koromira Mission.
The 1 PV on the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep 0830-1210 reported negative. The 1 PV on the Rabaul Weather ship count had his routine jaunt this morning.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 17
TBF 18 16
PV-1 17 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 22, 2020 11:19:27 GMT 12
22 July 1944
15 F4U's (1x1000 inst.) of VMO 251 bombed and strafed targets of opportunity on New Ireland, south of Medina from 1000-1200. One direct hit was scored on a bridge at Belik Plantation, as well as three confirmed damaging hits on the road on both sides of bridge north of Namatanai. There were nine misses also on bridge at Ramut Bay and at the same bridges at Belik Plantation and Namatanai. Numerous huts were strafed and smoked all along the east coast. Two apparent dummy gun positions was observed at Cape Sena, believed to be haystacks, with protruding poles. Intense accurate light AA with tracers to 3500' from a clearing about two miles east of Namatanai strip on Cape Namaroda caused the loss of one pilot and two planes. 1st Lt. Robert Sprenger, USMCR, flying an F4U, serial number 50014, was last seen on a low level strafing run on these firing gun positions at about 1210 Love. His division lost sight of him immediately after this run and upon returning to the location of these guns noted a column of black smoke to 150' coming out of the jungle nearby, which was believed to be Springer's plane. No sign of a parachute or life was visible. The other plane down was piloted by 2nd Lt. Robert Holiday. USMCR, was an F4U, serial number 56163, Lt. Holiday made a successful water landing near Feni Island at about 1245 Love, and was able to get into his life raft immediately. Two planes orbited over him until Dumbo, despatched from Green, made the rescue.
10 TBF's (5 4x500 GP, 5 4x500 M1) NZ-31, gave Rumba Mission a good working over at 0920. The two villages of the Mission were set afire by 37 well directed hits and blanketed with white smoke to 1000 feet which was visible from several miles away. This area was also thoroughly strafed, as was the area at the mouth of the Bovo River.
10 TBF's also from NZ-31, and with the same loading went over to Moroni in the afternoon to deliver the loads. The area was well covered with 38 direct hits, together with strafing, resulting in several fires with smoke to 200 feet throughout the target area. 8-10 huts were observed to be burning though many more are believed to have been in that state. One PV-1 preceded sprinkling the area with mag. clusters, which acted as an excellent marker for the TBF's which followed.
5 PV-1's (4x500 GP, 2x500 M1) of NZ-9, bombed and strafed targets of opportunity between Namatanai and Medina from 0800-0910. A field day was had in the destruction of one building by an explosion at Karu Plantation and 4 huts by fire at the mouth of the Salik River. 9 other huts and 1 building were also set afire along the coast. In addition, the repaired approach to the bridges at the Kimidan Plantation was blown out, as well as setting fire to a truck loaded with stones at Boligila. The last bit of destruction accomplished a damaging hit on the road by the edge of a cliff just north of Bulu Plantation. The only AA encountered was a meagre machine gun fire from Karmiraba Plantation.
Moroni was also given a good plastering today by 5 PV-1's of NZ-9 in three separate flights, 2, 2, and 1. Each plane carried the same bomb loading of 4x500 GP and 2x500 M1. The definite destruction of 18 huts and damage to 5 is reported. The last flight, in the aftermoon, claim that Moroni is now completely wiped out.
2 TBF's (4x500 GP) NZ-31, on the Able Search destroyed a large hut in a cave entrance under a cliff at Cape Keri. They also had three area hits on four huts at Hanahan Bay and two away on three or four huts near Lemankoa with unobserved results. The coasts of Buka, especially at Lemankoa were strafed with smoke being seen at the latter place.
The Charlie Search, same number of planes and loading dropped all their bombs, of which 4 were duds. The other 4 accounted for 1 damaging hit and 1 near miss on a bridge near Toboerei Plantation. 1 area hit on huts and gardens at Tonu, and 1 near miss on a bridge at Taki.
The 1 PV Torokina-Rabaul Sweep 0830-1205 was negative.
The Rabaul weather and ship count was carried out as usual by 1 PV.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 18 15
TBF 18 15
PV 16 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 23, 2020 10:36:43 GMT 12
23 July 1944
12 F4U's (1x500 inst.), VMO 251, swept Cape Gazelle to Ralum putting 11 hits in supply areas between Ralum and Vunapope and strafing beach and hut areas this morning.
5 PV's (4x500 GP & 2x500 incend.), NZ-9 struck targets of opportunity on New Ireland south of Medina taking off at 0805 landing at 1055. With their 30 bombs they destroyed 9 huts and 1 building and caused 3 fires as well as damaged a bridge. Targets were at Kara, Lassu, Lamusson, and Kemedan Plantation.
2 PV's of the same squadron with same load and mission destroyed a truck and 2 huts and damaged a bridge and a bridge approach at Penipol, Tamiraba and Belik Plantations. Accurate M/G fire at Kimidan Plantation holed 1 plane.
12 TBF's (7 with 4x500 GP, remainder 4x500 incend.), NZ-31, on their final strike in this area pulverized Rorovana Bivouac area (near Kieta) this A.M. at 0905, well covering the area with 48 area hits and raising an umbrella of smoke with one black column protruding to 1800 feet. They also strafed.
The Able-Charlie Search combined by 2 F4U's, VMO 251, 0830-1045 was uneventful.
The Torokina-Rubaul sweep by 1 PV, NZ-9, this A.M. 0755-1210 was negative.
The Rabaul Weather and Ship Count PV made its flight as routine.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 17
TBF 18 14
SBD 1 1
PV 17 9
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