|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 24, 2020 10:39:59 GMT 12
24 July 1944
11 F4U's (1x500) inst.), VMO 251, swept Cape Gazelle to Raluana Point from 0730-0745, making good use of all their bombs. The box score was 3 confirmed direct hits on the main road west of Rapope, 3 area hits on buildings at Vunapope, 3 area and 1 confirmed damaging hit on buildings two miles west of Rapopo, and 1 area hit by a large building opposite a large derelict hulk near Vunapope.
6 PV's (4x500 GP & 2x500 M1), NZ-9, struck targets of opportunity along the east coast of New Ireland south of Medina between 0830 and 0915. All bombs away with following observed results: destroyed 1 hut at Cape Bakan and 3 huts at laminvis Plantation, scored a direct hit on a road through a swamp by Balus Plantation, destroyed a bridge approach at the Salik River, in addition to material for a bridge under construction at the Belik River. Accurate M/G fire from Kimidan Plantation hit one plane fracturing the gunner's leg. Strafing was carried all along the coast.
2 F4's of VMO 251 accomplished the Able-Charile Search together between 0830-1030. They strafed targets of opportunity including huts at Cape Hampan and Lemankoa, of which several were left smoking. The huts at Tabago were also strafed though no results were visible. 3 or 4 small native villages at Kapana were observed to be burning and smoking so fierce that pilots believe it to be a ground job.
The Torokina-Rabaul sweep and the Rabaul weather-ship count was carried out with the usual single PV's in routine manner.
VMF 212 flight and ground echelon arrived today. Commanding Officer, Major McEhlaney, 39 pilots with 20 F4U's. Major McEhlaney, now in Australia, Capt. Hertzog in command. Due to shortage of tools and material of ground echelon, the squadron will be unable to operate until approximately 31 July. Flight echelon's operation shall await readiness of ground echelon.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 19 18
TBF 18 13
SBD 1 1
PV 17 11
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 24, 2020 10:42:33 GMT 12
25 July 1944
12 F4U's of VMO 251 strafed and bombed barges and shore installations along the Keravia Bay area this morning at 0915. 6 planes strafed only. 6 others strafed and put their 6x500 bombs all in the supply area by the center of the Bay shore. They received meagre light AA from the Keravia Bay area. Results were unobserved.
Again 12 F4U's of VMO 251 went back to the Rabaul area this afternoon (over target at 1425), hitting supply buildings from Tawui Point to Rataval. The same tactics were used: 6 strafed, 6 put their 6x500 incendiaries on the buildings. They started a dozen fires, strafed a camouflaged truck along the main road, and a "Whale Boat" drawn up on the beach. They received intense accurate light and medium AA from about 6 positions there and thereabouts, 1 plane sustaining minor damage.
6 PV's of NZ-9, each loaded with 4x500 GP and 2x500 incend. put 34 bombs in the reputed storage area at Kieidan Plantation at 0815. As there were no visible results and no fires they questioned their "lucrative target". They also strafed.
The 2 F4U's of VMO-251 on the Able-Charlie Search this AM 0800-0950 reported negative.
The Torokina-Rabaul Sweep PV (of NZ-9), 0730-1130, followed suit.
The 1 PV (NZ-9) on the Rabaul Weather & Ship count made the routine sortie.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 39 37
TBF 18 13
PV-1 17 11
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 25, 2020 11:21:32 GMT 12
26 July 1944
12 F4U (1x500 inst.), VMO-251, bombed Ralum 46 at 1457. 11 bombs were in the target area and may have caused a few columns of black smoke; the other bomb was jettisoned on Cape Gazelle with unobserved results. Due to nature of target, it was difficult to assess damage. About 25 bursts of inaccurate heavy AA, bursting from 4-5000 feet, was received from known positions about the target area. There was also some moderate, inaccurate light auto and M/G fire from area of crossroads SW of Ralum. The planes pushed over at 10,000 and released at 2500-3500 feet.
11 F4U's (3-1x500 M1, 8-1x500 GP, inst.), VMO-251, bombed and strafed buildings at Talili 202 at 0920. The target was described as satisfactory, and received 6 hits and 1 dud, which resulted in a small fire with black smoke. One division, unable to locate target, got 2 area hits and 1 miss on a group of buildings just north of the prescribed target. The remaining bomb was aimed at the target, but effect unobserved. There was no AA whatsoever, with an indicated air speed of 400 MPH the bombs were released from 2500-3500 feet.
7 PV-1's (4x500 GP and 2x500 Mag clusters), NZ-9, struck Kianbi plantation, New Ireland, from 0830-0900 41 bombs were dropped destroying 27 huts, damaging another, and starting 5 fires in the plantation. Another hut in this area was left smoking as a result of strafing. They also accounted for a direct hit on a coral jetty at Muliama Harbor. A previously reported jetty north of Samo was observed to be a large tree which had fallen over the water. Considerable activity in the general area of Kianbi was noted.
2 F4U's. VMO-251, carried out the daily Able-Charlie Search between 0830-1005. Only positive action was the strafing of huts near hills in vicinity of Arawa Bay. Only AA was one tracer seen to come from north of Kara. Observations included: apparent desertion of huts on Buka, construction of 1 hut with log roof SW of Karn airdrome, and 1 large and 4-5 small parachutes in trees near Mamagata or Aitaka Mission. These chutes were sighted before and are believed to be supply chutes.
The routine Rabaul weather-ship count, and Torokina-Rabaul sweep was accomplished by 1 PV-1 each of NZ-9.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 39 38
TBF 18 18 - secured this day.
PV-1 18 11
|
|
|
|
Post by davidd on Nov 26, 2020 8:41:37 GMT 12
aircraftclocks. Presume the "Karn airdrome" mentioned near end of 4th paragraph immediately above is actually Kara, as mentioned in first line of paragraph. For a minute there I got excited - a previously unsuspected new enemy airfield located after all these years? Also worthy of note is the apparent strength of a single USMC F4U squadron (VMO-251); at 39 aircraft, that is over twice the size of the NZ F4U squadrons. I believe USAAF fighter squadrons later in WW2 were also pretty large, but I would not like to say exactly how large at this stage.
David D
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 26, 2020 11:00:34 GMT 12
David
I am transcripting from the scanned copy of the carbon copies of the reports, names of places are at times really hard to read, so my apologies for your discovery of previously unknown places.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 26, 2020 11:09:10 GMT 12
27 July 1944
14 F4U's (each with 1x500 mag cluster), VMO-251, put all their 14 bombs in the area of their target "Tobera 35" at 1015. Coverage was excellent. A few planes strafed. After strike photos show nine buildings destroyed.
8 PV's (loaded with 4x500 GP and 2x500 oil incendiaries), NZ-9, put all their 48 bombs squarely on their target, the Ibu Bivouac and supply area, at 0725. Results were unobserved due to jungle cover.
8 more PV's (6x500 GP each), NZ-9, revisited the Ibu bivouac and supply area again at 1010 with identical record except that 1 bomb hung and was returned.
The 2 F4U's of VMO-251 on Able-Charlie Search all the way around Bougainville and Buka strafed a few targets, made minor observations.
The 1 PV on the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep 0830-1140 reported negative. The Rabaul weather ship Count PV made his rounds this AM as routine.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 39 37
TBF Secured Secured
PV-1 15 11
|
|
|
|
Post by chinapilot on Nov 26, 2020 17:00:45 GMT 12
22 July
No mention of 1st Lt. Robert Sprenger, USMCR, in the Rabaul POW list.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 27, 2020 10:55:59 GMT 12
28 July 1944
16 F4U's (1x1000 inst.) of VMO-251, scheduled to strike Tobera 36, bombed and strafed targets of opportunity in the vicinity, in addition to primary, on account of bad weather. Between 0910-0915 they unloaded all their bombs with following results: 3 area hits Tobera 36, 1 area hit buildings northeast of Tobera, 3 area hits Vunapope buildings, 3 area hits 1 miss Nordup 76, 3 area hits 1 miss Tobera 35, and 1 jettisoned. Three fires with white smoke to 500' was caused at Vunapope. inaccurate, moderate to intense light AA from Hospital Ridge and Nordup 76 was observed.
6 PV-1 (6x500 GP), of NZ-9, TO-0720, scheduled to strike targets of opportunity between Kabagada Point-Cape Liguan, were called back to base for special search before reaching target. 5 planes returned early, at 0912, jettisoning their bombs over water as instructed. The sixth plane, not receiving the word, continued to target where he put 4x500 on buildings in vicinity of Tovakandum Plantation, demolishing one building which exploded sending black smoke to 400 feet, and caused a fire. One bomb was a dud, and the other hung.
2 F4U's, VMO-251, accomplished the combined Able-Charlie Search between 1320-1450. Probably killed, by strafing, one naked Jap on beach at Cape Putputun, and definitely killed 2 other naked Japs on the beach at Gogene. The only observations were a couple of brush fires at Toburai, and just north of Tauri River about two miles inland from west coast.
The Torokina-Rabaul Sweep was carried out by 1 PV-1 of NZ-9, between 0750-1120, with negative results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 39 36
TBF Secured Secured
PV-1 16 10
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 28, 2020 14:13:04 GMT 12
29 July 1944
16 F4U's (1x1000 inst.), VMO-251 scheduled to hit Praed 86, instructed enroute to hit 2 missions 5 miles East of Point Dog on Bougainville due to undesirable weather to north, but being unfamiliar with location of second assigned target area, put all their 16 bombs in the North East portion of Sohana Island at 0910. Only a few flashes of possible AA were seen.
16 more F4U's (same load), same squadron again hit Bougainville targets at 1400, this time dropping all their bombs, including 1 dud, on huts and buildings on South West Bougainville.
7 PV's (6x500 GP) sweep-striking the Namatanai to Medina area put all their bombs away but 34 out of 37 tail-less bombs were duds, they however destroyed a bridge and 6 huts. No AA was experienced.
2 F4U's, VMO-251, on Able-Charlie Search 1015 to 1215 fired a hut North of Piano Mission and smoked a hut near Kieta.
2 TBF's on a "Private War" Special Flight this afternoon (1515-1540) put their combined load of 24x100 bombs in the Kieta area destroying 1 bridge and 3 huts and damaging another bridge.
The PV on the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep reported negative.
1 PV made the routine Rabaul-Weather Ship Count this morning.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 39 34
TBF Secured Secured
PV-1 16 10
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 28, 2020 18:12:30 GMT 12
30 July 1944
VMF-223, Flight echelon with 30 pilots under command of Major David Drucker, USMC, reported for duty to Com Air Piva today.
14 F4U's (1x1000 inst.), VMO-251, was weathered out of Rataval 127, and proceeded to drop their bombs on Sohana Island. TO-0815, OT-1030, TA-1045. They put 12 of their bombs in the gun area on Sohana, 1 in the Chinatown section of Bulen, while the last bomb hung and was returned. No results were observed due to the nature of theterrain and the weather.
7 PV-1's (6x250 GP), NZ-9, bombed and strafed targets of opportunity between East Cape and Borpop from 0835-0915. Destroyed 1 hut Samo, 2 huts Himau, and 2 huts Kandaus Plantations; also destroyed a large hut in a village just South of Cape Sena. In addition, they damaged the plantation house at Pukmalum, a group of 3 buildings at Muliama Harbor area, and 3 huts in the village south of Cape Sena. Only observation of activity was a herd of about 100 cattle in the Purmalum Plantation area.
1 PV-1 (6x250 GP), NZ-9, was on a special reconnaissance of the East coast of Bougainville, Cape Mabiri, and Cape Puipui between 0900-1000. The six bombs were dropped on a Jap bivouac area at Tunuru Mission which was pointed out by a native passenger. White smoke was seen to linger in the target area.
8 F4U's, VMF 212, conducted simulated strafing attacks on Army troops on beaches 1, 3, and 4, and on Puruata Island. One division between 0630 and 0800, second division between 0830 and 1000.
2 TBF's (12x100), of the 1st MAW pool, went over to Kieta on one of their special missions of destruction from 1330 to 1607. All bombs were dropped destroying a camouflaged warehouse in Kieta Village; also destroyed one bridge while damaging another on the coast just South of the village.
The PV-1 on the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep between 0800-1040 reported negative.
The 2 F4U's, Able-Charlie Search was cancelled on account of bad weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 38 31 (1 trans. to SS-MAG-24)
TBF Secured Secured
PV-1 16 12
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 29, 2020 17:31:49 GMT 12
31 July 1944
6 PV's (6x250 GP), NZ-9, bombed and strafed targets of opportunity along the east coast of New Ireland between Borpop and East Cape (0845-0920) since their primary target area Namatanai - Medina was closed in by weather. 34 bombs were dropped, destroying 6 buildings and 6 huts, thorough strafing was done.
4 F4U's of VMF-212 in flights of 2 each made 2 Able-Charlie Searches 0900-0940 and 1145-1330. The first turned back early because of hydraulic trouble in one plane. The second observed several (6-8) smoke fires at Koromira Mission.
8 F4U's of VMF-212 went to Green at 0700, stood by on alert there all day, returned here at 1745.
4 F4U's of VMF-212 on Dawn Patrol orbitted Points Easy and Fox with negative results.
4 F4U's of VMF-212 on Dusk Patrol 1715-1845 found 3 brush covered shot up barge hulks a short ways inland from the mouth of the Samiei River.
1 PV of NZ-9 went on the routine Rabaul weather check and Ship count this morning.
The 1 PV, NZ 9, on the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep this morning (0800-1120) reported negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 48 30
TBF 5 4
PV 16 11
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 30, 2020 10:39:38 GMT 12
1 August 1944
Vitu-Tunuru-Arakawaun Jap troop concentrations on Bougainville were hit by 12 PV's of NZ 9, each carrying 6x250 GP. All but two bombs, which hung, were dropped in the target areas, divided as follows: 16x250 on Vito, 17x250 on Arakawaun, and 36x250 on Tunuru. No results were observed due to heavy foliage.
15 F4U's, VMO 251, bombed and strafed Tobera target 450 DOG, al 0910. All fifteen 1000 pounders were seen to explode in target area, though results were unobserved.
2 TBF's on a special mission between 1345-1600 carrying 12x100 each, scored a direct hit on the Aku bridge. Moderate but accurate AA from one heavy and one 20mm was received from just off the south end of Kara runway.
The following routine patrols and searches were all carried out with negative results.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, Able-Charlie Search, TO-0900, TA-1050.
4 F4U's, VMF 212, Dawn Patrol, TO-0620, TA-0730.
4 F4U's, VMF 212, Dusk Patrol, TO-1700, TA-1830.
1 PV, NZ 9, Torokina-Rabaul Sweep, TO-0755, TA-1055.
1 PV, NZ 9, Rabaul Weather-Ship Count, TO and TA Green.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 59 52
TBF 5 4
SBD 4 3
PV 16 11
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 1, 2020 10:08:06 GMT 12
2 August 1944
7 PV's (6x250 GP, 4-5 sec), NZ 9, dropped all 42 bombs on opportunity targets Amba-Medina, destroying 14 huts, 4 buildings, and 2 rafts between 0845 and 0915.
3 F4U's, VMF 212, on Dawn Patrol 0630-0740 reported negative.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, on Jaba River-Kieta reported negative.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, on a south Bougainville sweep 1604-1643 reported negative.
2 TBF's (12x100) on a special bombing foray to south Bougainville put 23x100 in the area of a footbridge at Mobina.
1 PV (6x250 GP, 4-5 sec.), NZ 9, made a reconnaissance of the coast of New Ireland 0850-1205, and destroyed 1 building and 30 feet of a jetty at Koka Plantation.
The Torokina-Rabaul sweep by 1 PV, NZ-9, from 0830-1120 was negative.
1 PV of NZ-9, carried out the routine Rabaul weather and shipping count patrol.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 63 52
TBF 4 3
SBD 5 4
PV 16 12
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 1, 2020 23:43:37 GMT 12
3 August 1944
14 F4U (1x500x1/10), VMF-223, at 0930 being weathered out of primary target, hit instead huts south of Kanune scoring 6 area hits, 1 direct hit on hut, four in water, and 3 jettisoned.
16 F4U (1x500x1/10), VMF-223, at 1330, practiced drops on the tip of Carola Plantation, scoring 11 hits in the area, 2 in the water, and 3 jettisoned. Planes also strafed huts at Loates, with unobserved results.
6 PV-1 (5x250 GPx4/5), NZ-9, bombed targets of opportunity between East Cape and Namatanai. TO-0732, TA-1030. All bombs were dropped, except 1 which hung, with following results: destroyed 2 huts Kandaus Plantation and damaged a bridge just south of here, destroyed a bridge at Kombon, knocked out an approach to a bridge at Cape Dinga, damaged 2 bridges and scored 3 direct hits on Namatanai-Ulaputur road in vicinity of Po village, and destroyed 4 huts and damaged 4 more at Hagen Plantation.
4 F4U (1x500x4/5), VMO-251, carried ou the Put Put-Cape Lambert sweep. TO-0835, TA-1140. All bombs away scoring one area hit on huts near Malabunga, 1 confirmed direct hit and 1 area hit on buildings SE of Tobera, with the last bomb being a wild miss on these same buildings. Moderate to intense, accurate heavy AA was encountered. One plane piloted by 1st Lt. Orville P. Lorch, was hit while making a strafing run and was shot down in the sea 10-18 miles SE of mouth of Warangoi River. His flight did not see him escape from plane which sank in approximately 10 seconds. They searched area for half an hour from low altitude to no avail.
3 F4U, with same loading, same squadron, and on same sweep took off at 1230 and pancaked at 1550. 4 planes took off, but 1 developed engine trouble immediately after take-off and returned to base. 1 area hit scored on buildings at Gavit Plantation, and 2 100 foot misses on buildings at Langinoa.
4 F4U (1x500x4/5), VMO-251, swept Duke of York-Cape Lambert taking off at 0835 and pancaking at 1120. 2 bombs were dropped on Watom Island, of which 1 was an area hit and 1 was a dud; remaining 2 dropped on buildings at Vunagalip, with like results, 1 area hit and 1 dud.
3 F4U (1x500x4/5), VMO-251, TO-1230, TA-1635, on a sweep from Put Put-Keravat. Scored 2 direct hits on the sawmill at Keravat. River, and 1 area hit on buildings along same river SE of the air strip. There were five flights of 2-F4U each from VMF-212, which made the South and East Bougainville Sweeps at the following times: TO-0730 TA-0915, TO-0930 TA-1030, TO-1225 TA-1325, TO-1315 TA-1425, TO-1510 TA-1635. All sweeps were negative with very few able to cover any substantial portion of patrol area due to the very bad weather prevailing. Only sighting made was an oil slick between Kahili and Aiaisina Island.
2 F4U's, VMF-212, were on the Able-Charlie Search between 0850 and 1025, were turned back at Lulaui Pt. by weather. Search negative, account solid front, negative.
The regular dawn patrol of 4 F4U's, from VMF-212, was out from 0630-0735 with negative results.
The routine Torokina-Rabaul Sweep by 1 PV-1 of NZ-9 from 0925-1045 was negative.
1 PV-1, NZ-9, was out on a special reconnaissance of New Ireland from 0650-0830. Plane returned early because of engine trouble. The dusk patrol was cancelled due to weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 59 49
PV-1 16 10
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 2, 2020 10:56:32 GMT 12
4 August 1944
6 PV's (6x250 GP, 4/5 seconds), NZ-9, hit East Cape-Nauatanai opportunity targets with 36x250 destroying a bridge, a building, 12 huts, and 3 sections of road with bombs, and throughly strafing the coasts.
16 F4U's of VMF-223 (1x500, 1/10) practice bombed on Buka at 0800 with 12 hits and 2 misses on Carola and Dewan Plantations and 2 hits on huts on Japran Island, they also strafed huts on the North and East coasts.
10 F4U's of VMF-212 in flights of 2 each went on Patrol over South and East Bougainville 0730-0940, 0930-0945, 1130-1330, 1330-1515, and 1520-1705, negative results.
7 F4U's of VMO-251 in flights of 4 and 3 swept Duke of York-Cape Lambert (OT) 0950-1055 and 1250-1320. 7x500 bombs were dropped on huts on the West point of Makada Island and on buildings on the narrow peninsula on the South side of Duke of York with no damage observed, they strafed many good huts along the shore, smoking a hut and a church.
7 F4U's of VMO-251 in flights of 4 and 3 swept PutPut-Keravat (OT) 0950-1030 and 1300-1330. 7x500 bombs were dropped with the following results: 3 area hits and 1 unobserved on huts at Malabunga, 1 reported direct hit on a building at PutPut, 1 area hit on huts at Arara. A truck was strafed North of Malabanga.
8 F4Us of VMF-212 , 4 on Dawn Patrol 0630-0700 and 4 on Dusk Patrol 1730-1830, reported negative.
2 F4U's, VMF-212, on Able-Charlie search (0840-1015) reported negative.
2 TBF's (12x100, 4-5 seconds delay) on a special flight destroyed a bridge at Medina and made ineffective near misses on 2 other bridges. Time 1400-1515.
2 PV's of NZ-9 on Torokina-Rabaul Sweep and Rabaul weather Ship Count missions this morning flew as routine.
2 F4U's of VMF-212 went on a radar tracking mission this morning 0910-1025.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 53 50
PV 16 10
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 3, 2020 10:26:23 GMT 12
5 August 1944
6 PV-1's (6x250 GP, 4/5 seconds), of NZ-9 struck Jap concentrations South of Jaba River, TO-0705, OT-0720-0730, TA-0805. All bombs but two, which hung and returned, were dropped for complete coverage of area. Results were unobserved due to jungle. All planes also strafed the area.
4 F4U's (1x500, 4/5 seconds), VMO-251, swept PutPut-Keravat, TO-0845 and pancaked at 1055. They got 3 area hits within 25 feet of buildings approximately 3 miles southeast of Keravat, the other bomb missed same target by about 50 feet. This same area was thoroughly strafed. Intense light but inaccurate AA was received from a clearing 3-4 miles SE of Keravat. About 100-200 new huts were observed in vicinity of and West of the N-S road, Vunakanau-Malabunga.
The daily Duke of York-Cape Lambert Sweep by 4 F4U's (1x500, 4/5 sec) of VMF-223 took off 0915 and pancaked 1230. They scored 2 hits in area of pier and row boat in Lassul Bay, and 2 damaging hits on a plantation house near Kamburg River. Also strafed the row boat and pier, in addition to a buoy off Cape Lambert.
8 F4U's (1x500 4/5 seconds) of VMF-223, weathered out at New Ireland, hit opportunity targets at Buka. TO-1200, TA-1420. All bombs dropped getting 3 area hits Tulean Plan., 1 wild miss Kahune, 2 area hits Kitau, 1 area hit Hapan, and 1 confirmed direct hit on Tung all with unobserved results. Tulean Pltn. was also strafed by all planes.
The PutPut-Keravat and Duke of York-Cape Lambert afternoon sweeps were weathered out thereby resulting in Sohana and Buka Islands receiving the 500 pounders (4/5 sec) of 8 F4U's of VMO-251. TO-1205, OT-1330, TA-1405. Five bombs missed the guns at Sohana Island, and 2 bombs missed the huts at Nova on Buka, the last bomb aimed at Nova, was a dud. Both targets were strafed by all planes.
3 F4U's (1x500, 4/5 sec), of VMF-223, swept Southern New Ireland, taking off at 1245 and pancaking at 1620, getting 1 damaging hit within 20 feet of a cluster of huts Cape Matuk, and 2 wild misses at same. Huts at Huru and Tambakar Pltns. were strafed.
The South & East Bougainville Sweep was carried out by 10 F4U's of VMF-223, in 5 flights of 2 planes each. Only one flight carried bombs, those being 1x500,4/5 sec. (the 0725-1010 flight). Times as follows: 0725-1010, 0945-1140, 1230-1500, and 1545-1730. Results - 2x500 G.P. on Barilla Village with unobserved results, strafed 2 villages north of Monoitu Mission, huts in area of Kieta runway and serviceable bridge over Kraiowa River, all with unobserved results. Only AA encountered was 10 bursts of accurate 40mm from Ebery's Lease, and 8-10 bursts of very inaccurate 40mm.
The Able-Charlie Search by 2 F4U's, VMF 212, from 0900-1040 drew inaccurate moderate AA from 3 M/G positions, spaced 100 yards apart among the trees along coast south of Numa Numa Plantation. Both the dawn and dusk patrols, each by 4 F4U's of VMF 212 was negative. Times: 0640-0735 and 1730-1830.
1 TBF of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on a ferry hop, observed a vehicle, trunk, or wagon moving south on trail at Mariga at 1330.
Miscellaneous items for the day were 2 F4U's, VMO 251 on a radar test mission from 0830-0910. 2 F4U's, VMF 212 carried the poop sheet to Green and returned from 1400-1553, and the 1 PV, NZ-9 on the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep from 0810-1130. All were routine.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 59 56
PV 16 10
MAG 24 Engineering:
F4U 3 2
SBD 4 2
TBF 1 1
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 4, 2020 11:32:57 GMT 12
6 August 1944
4 F4U's (1x500, 4-5 sec.). VMO 251, unable to get thru to their scheduled Put Put-Keravat Sweep because of weather, instead dropped their bombs on gun positions, Shana Island with results unobserved. Time: 0905.
4 F4U's, VMO 251, 1610-1640, strafed the Tobago-Ebery's lease area smoking 1 hut with other results unobserved.
2 F4U's, VMO 251, were turned back from a sweep of the Jaba River-Kieta area, TO: 0720, TA: 0735.
4 F4U's, in flights of 2 each carried the poop sheet and other messages to Green this afternoon.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, made the Dawn Patrol (4 - 0630-0730) and the Dusk Patrol (4 - 1715-1830). Routine and negative.
4 F4U's, VMF 212, observed the weather over South Bougainville 1200-1250 for Done Base.
1 PV, NZ 9, made the Rabaul weather check, Ship count as routine this A.M.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 62 54
PV 16 11
Mag 24 Engineering:
SBD 4 3
TBF 5 4
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 5, 2020 13:28:45 GMT 12
7 August 1944
6 PV's (6x250 GP, 4-5 sec.), of NZ 9, swept Nakadukudu-Kalili Bay from 0815-0940, having taken off at 0700, and landing at 1045. All bombs dropped but 3 which hung and were returned to base. Destroyed 1 bridge, 3 huts, and 1 buildings (possible church) at Konebie Plantation; 2 huts at Karumut Plantation; 8 huts at Kamalu Plantation; 2 huts and 2 buildings at Matakan Plantation; and 1 building at Kalili Plantation. They also strafed a possibly serviceable white boat at Kalili and a possibly serviceable barge just north of Matakan Plantation, leaving both unserviceable.
4 F4U's (1x500 inst.), of VMF 223, took off at 1255 and covered New Ireland, south of Namatanai at 1345, pancaking at 1615. 3 bombs dropped on huts at the mouth of the Puk River, 2 being hits and 1 unobserved starting a fire in a ravine 100 yards from the huts. The fourth bomb was accidentally jettisoned. Also strafed huts at Puk River, Huru Point, and Nauwaum Plantation with unobserved results. 2 other sweeps of this same area, each flight consisting of 4 F4U's, (1x500, 4-5 sec.), were unable to get through on account of the weather and were forced to jettison their bombs at sea. For the record: 4 F4U'S (1x500, 4-5 sec), VMF 223, TO-1255, TA-1500, and 4 F4U's, (1x500, 4-5 sec), VMO 251, TO-1300, TA-1400.
The Duke of York-Cape Lambert Sweep was carried out twice in flights of 4 F4U's, (1x500, 4-5 sec), of VMO 251. First flight: TO-0755, OT-0855-1000, TA-1045, second, TO-1200, OT-1300-1430, TA-1530. The first sweep dropped all four bombs on Rakunda Plantation buildings - all were duds. Second flight scored 3 hits and 1 unobserved on buildings 100 yards inland from a wharf at Gareer Bay. These buildings were also strafed by all planes, however no fires were started.
There were also 2 sweeps of Put Put-Keravat, each by 4 F4U's, (1x500, 4-5 sec), of VMO 251, TO-0820, OT-0930, TA-1115, second flight, TO-1230, OT-1330-1450, TA-1550. First flight dropped 1 bomb on huts near coconut plantation north of Warangoi River with unobserved results, 1 bomb overshot by 15 feet a parked sedan on road just east of Toma River, another was 20 feet off in different aimed at crossroads at Vunagalip, last bomb was jettisoned due to damage to plane. The parked sedan was shot up by strafing, a parked truck on the south side of Vunabul Plantation, and another truck on road which paralles Warangoi River south of Tobera were strafed with unobserved results. In this latter instance the plane struck the top of a tree while on a strafing run and was forced to jettison bomb and return to base. Plane was surveyed. The second flight got 1 confirmed direct hit on 3 huts and 3 near misses on Meinduk Plantation. Also smoked 2 huts by strafing at Ataliklikun Bay, and killed 1 Jap running across a garden at Malabunga. Though no AA was seen, 1 plane had a small hole (.30 or .50 cal.) hole in fuselage.
4 F4U's of VMF 223, went to Ebery's Lease on a strafing mission, TO-1040, OT-1125-1130, TA-1215. 2 planes strafed entire area north and east of the lease hitting several huts though no fires were started. One plane had hydraulic trouble, wheels dropping though one remained partially extracted, returning to base and crash landed. Slightly injuring pilot and causing plane to be surveyed. Another 4 Corsairs from VMO 251, took off at 1155 to strafe the lease but forced back by weather, pancaked at 1230. Another sweep by VMF 223, Corsairs scheduled to take off at 1310 was cancelled account of weather.
Able-Charlie Search by 2 F4U's of VMO 251 was out from 0830 to 1030. Strafed about 5 Japs in swimming on east coast Buka with unobserved results, and also about 6 Japs running out of garden just north of Ebery's Lease - believe some were killed.
NZ 9 sent 2 PV's on special reconnaissance missions carrying natives as passengers to pin point future targets. One plane TO:0825 and TA:1035; other one TO:1055 and TA:1155.
Dawn Patrol by 4 F4U's of VMF 223, from 0630 to 0805 was routine. as was the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep by 1 PV of NZ 9 from 0800-1120. 2 F4U's, VMF 212, was up on a radar tracking exercise from 0900 to 1000. Dusk Patrol was cancelled due to weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 56 50
PV 16 11
MAG 24 Engineering:
F4U 4 1
SBD 4 2
TBF 5 3
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 6, 2020 14:11:37 GMT 12
8 August 1944
8 F4U's VMO 251, loaded with 1x500 inst., swept Duke of York-Cape Lambert in 2 flights (OT: 0830-0930 and 1325-1400). They destroyed 2 huts and damaged 8 at St. Paul and Vunalama Plantation. All strafed. Other results unobserved. 8x500 bombs away.
8 F4U's (1x500 inst.) of VMF 223 and VMO 251 swept PutPut-Keravat in 2 flights (OT: 0930-1020 and 1300-1400). 8x500 severly damaged or destroyed a building among South of Vunakanau and dropped on huts and by a bridge near Keravat and among huts at Conder Plantation. Results unobserved. Several huts in the sweep area were strafed.
8 PV's (6x250, 4-5 sec.), NZ 9 struck the Monoitu Personnel Area number 16 from 0635-0730, putting all 48 bombs in the target area for full coverage with results unobserved because of jungle. They also expended 16,000 rounds strafing the area.
8 more PV's (6x250, 4-5 sec.), NZ 9 completely covered Monoitu gun area #17 with 47x250 at 1025-1135, and thoroughly strafed Monoitu #16. Results unobserved in both places because of jungle.
12 F4U's (8 of VMO 251 and 4 of VMF 223) strafed the reported Jap concentration between Ebery's Lease and Takacage Farms in 3 sweeps (1120-1220; 1230-1345; 1320-1500). Two flights received considerable AA from Kahili, Kara, and Ebery's Lease.
3 F4U's of VMF 223, in two flights (0630-0730 and 1730-1840) took care of the Dawn and Dusk Patrols. Results were negative though the Dusk Patrol strafed area at Kara in which a Jap twin engine plane had been reported, with unobserved results.
The 2 F4U's, VMF 223, on Able-Charlie search 0840-1020 strafed a hut at Kunakan Mission into which Jap was seen to run. 1 F4U' or VMO 251 on a Photo Hop to Taiof Island (0855-0940) sighted a possible mine by the shore of a small Island off the southwest Point of Mikmik Island. He made 2 strafing runs but did not sink it.
2 F4U's, VMF 223, went up and by strafing sank this mine without explosion at 1100-1200.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, were radar tracking 0920-1030.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, took the poop sheet to Green and returned, 1327-1641.
2 TBF's (12x100 and 4x100) on a special photo and bombing mission 1345-1535 demolished 1 bridge and severly damaged 2 others at Aku, and damaged a bridge at Mobina. They also destroyed 3 huts south of Monoitu Mission.
1 PV, NZ 9, took care of the Rabaul weather check and Ship count this morning.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 57 50
PV 16 9
MAG 24 Engineering
F4U 5 1
SBD 4 3
TBF 5 5
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 7, 2020 10:13:15 GMT 12
9 August 1944
7 PV's (6x250, 4-5 sec.), of NZ 9 hit Monoitu #18 (Personnel area) between 0645-0715, dropping bombs in the target area for complete coverage: 4 bombs hung and were returned. Jungle covering obscured observing results. Also expended 15,000 rounds in strafing. Only AA incountered was meagre inaccurate M/G from gardens northwest of target area.
7 PV's, same loading and squadron, hit Monoitu #19 (Fuel dump), between 1050-1110. 39 bombs away for complete coverage of target area (3 hung and returned), and again the jungle obscured results. Also strafed with 12,000 rounds. Neither fires nor explosions resulted from the bombing. Same type AA encountered from same place.
8 F4U'’s (1x500 inst.) of VMO 251, swept East Cape-Namatanai between 0930-1030 releasing all bombs, scoring a damaging hit in area of a bridge over the first river south of Kandaus, and a confirmed direct hit which destroyed and damaged 2 huts at East Cape. All planes strafed all along coast smoking 5-6 huts and hitting many others which did not smoke. No AA encountered. One plane developed engine trouble on way home and bailed out at 2500-3000 feet about 30 miles from Buka Passage, bearing 294º, was a successful jump, got safely into liferaft. His division circled above till Dumbo came and made rescue.
2 sweeps of 4 F4U's each (1x500 inst.), of VMF 223 were out on the PutPut-Keravat run over target at 0900 and 1350. All bombs away with following results: 2 confirmed direct hits destroying the Keravat River bridge, 1 confirmed direct hit on huts near above bridge, balance were misses on huts at Keravat gardens and on Watom Island. 2 houses with corrugated roofs at Taulil were strafed and though hit they did not smoke. Morning sweep encountered moderate accurate .50 Cal. and 7.7mm from north and south sides of Varsin Plantation, holing one plane in fuselage and some meagre inaccurate heavy from south of Vunakanau. Afternoon sweep did not run into any AA. Afternoon flight observed about 15 fires in a scattered area south of Vunakanau and southwest and west of Tobera - appeared to be brush fires possibly for garden clearings.
There were also a morning and afternoon sweep of Duke of York-Cape Lambert by 4 F4U's each time (1x500 inst.) of VMF 223 at 0905 and 1410. One plane of morning and 2 of afternoon returned early because of mechanical troubles. Of the 6 bombs dropped, 1 was a dud, 3 misses and 1 damaging hit on a T-shaped dock in Massava Bay at Vunamarita Plantation. Also strafed huts at Keinwata, Mandres, Langinda, Lassul, and Pukukuru Plantations with unobserved results. No AA on either sweep. 8-10 fires, 4-5 miles east of Keravat was observed in the morning and 2-3 fires with white smoke climbing to 1000' was observed south of Talili by both flights.
There were 4 flights of 2 F4U's each patrolling Jaba-Kieta by VMF 223. They strafed gardens west of Monoitu Mission and hut into which 3 Japs had run from the beach at Hanahan Mission, huts just below Kieta, huts at Rigu, and huts at Tabago, all with unobserved results. Also strafed and believe killed a Jap walking along beach at Cape Friendship. They observed 4-5 supply or flare chutes near the shore at Arawa Bay. Only AA was meagre inaccurate M/G fire from Tabago.
2 TBF's (1 A/C 4x250, 8x100, 1 A/C 6x250, 6x100) were out on a specia1 mission over Bougainville from 1330 to 1530. Destroyed 2 vehicle bridges between Hari and Mobina, and strafed huts near Kirinani with unobserved results. Received some moderate inaccurate M/G fire from near Kirinani. Observed that the Japs are repairing damaged and destroyed bridges in the Aku and Mobina areas within a couple of days time. Also noticed a number of good huts under trees on both sides of road southwest of Kirinani.
A search of 2 F4U's of VMF 223 was sent out at 1130 to circle the downed F4U pilot off Buka Passage but was given the wrong sector by Dane Base and returned at 1300 after being unable to locate pilot.
The Dawn and Dusk Patrols by 4 F4U's each of VMO 251 from 0620-0735 and 1725-1620 respectively were both negative, as was the Torokina-Rabaul sweep by 1 PV of NZ 9, between 0745 and 1035.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 56 48
PV 16 11
MAG 24 Engineering:
F4U 5 0
SBD 5 5
TBF 5 4
|
|
