|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 8, 2020 10:49:03 GMT 12
10 August 1944
8 PV's (6x250 GP, 4-5 sec.), NZ 9, put 46 bombs away on the Rhumba Personnel area, Bougainville target #20, for full coverage. OT: 0635-0735. Planes also strafed the entire area with 16,000 rounds. Jungle obscured results.
8 F4U's, VMO 251, in flights of 2 each kept patrol over the Jaba River-Kieta area and the coasts of Bougainville and Buka (i.e. Able-Charlie search) all day: 0745-1637. They strafed huts at Aku, around the coast of Buka, and a hut at Plano Mission.
8 F4U's, VMO 251, divided the Dawn (0625-0730) and Dusk (1740-1835) Patrols, with negative results.
8 F4U's (1x500 inst.), VMF 223, swept PutPut-Keravat in two flights. All 8x500 were misses on various targets (huts, sawmills, bridge), no damage observed. Huts and campfires in the sweep area were strafed.
8 more F4U's, same load and squadron, dropped 4 of their bombs on buildings at Wunamarita destroying 1, and 4, all misses, at a red-roofed house at Wunakakere. Various targets were strafed, firing a hut at Ataliklikun Bay and a building at New Kauren Plantation. Miscellaneous observations were made.
2 TBF's (6x250 and 6x100, 4-5 sec.), FMAW, scheduled to bomb a fuel dump at Monoitu but finding this apparently bombed out, put 19 bombs in the area of a group of huts at Kapara, destroying 3 and damaging 2. They observed 2 or 3 Japs at each of the following places: Ruisei, Puriata River, and Motupena Point.
2 F4U's, VMF 223, were on a radar tracking mission 0855-0955.
2 F4U's, VMF 223, took the poop sheet and other messages to Green and returned, 1330-1715.
2 more F4U's, same squadron, took special messages to Stirling and returned 1330-1555.
2 F4U's, VMF 223, went to Green for stand-by alert at 1217, arriving there at 1338.
2 PV's, NZ 9, took the Rabaul weather Check and Ship Count and the Torokina-Rabaul Patrol singly this morning.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 56 56
PV 16 12
MAG 24 Engineering:
F4U 5 0
SBD 4 4
TBF 5 3
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 9, 2020 11:02:28 GMT 12
11 August 1944
10 F4U's (1x500 inst.), VMF 223, hit Tobera #36 from 0901-0910. Scored 6 hits, 2 unobserved, and 2 misses in target area with unobserved results. Encountered some meagre, inaccurate M/G fire from southwest of target area, and meagre, inaccurate auto from north of Ralabang.
7 PV's (8x250 GP, 4-5 sec.), NZ 9, struck Monoitu Mission from 0800-0845. 39 bombs away on troop concentration areas #16 and #18 as well as huts and gardens in the Monoitu area, destroying 5 huts and gardens with 12 craters. Other results unobserved. Also expanded 14,000 rounds ammo in straffing. No AA.
8 F4U's (1x500 inst.), VMO 251, and VMF 223, swept Duke of York-Cape Lambert in two flights. Morning flight strafed huts at Vunagslip Plantation with unobserved results. 1 plane (Lt. Scholtz) was hit by unknown type and origin AA and forced to bail out 50 miles bearing 290ยบ from Rabaul. Got into life raft safely and picked up by Dumbo in 25 minutes and taken to Emirau. Pilot sustained several broken fingers and lacerations about face. Other planes abandoned sweep, jettisoned their bombs, and accompanied crippled plane circling same til Dumbo made rescue. Afternoon sweep had more luck scoring a direct hit on a group of huts (4-5) at Kabakon Island, and 2 misses and 1 dud on red-roofed house at Rangarere Plantation.
2 F4U's (1x500 inst.), VMO 251 and VMF 223, swept PutPut-Keravat in two flights (OT: 0900-0930, 1350-1440). All bombs away. 1 damaging hit and 1 miss on buildings near Keravat River Bridge, 2 misses at lowere bridge, 2 unobserved and 1 miss at warehouse between Keravat and experimental farms, and 1 miss at bridge near experimental gardens. Morning sweep strafed structures between Keravat and experimental gardens, but bullets seen to bounce off of concrete warehouses. Afternoon sweep strafed southeast and Vunakanau scoring hits on a parked truck and fighter plane believed to be an Oscar only the last hop encountered AA as follows: meagre to moderate inaccurate M/G and light from Vunakanau, PutPut, Rabata, and the gardens west of Gilalum Pltn.
8 F4U's of VMO 251 and VMF 223 patrolled from Jaba River-Kieta in four flights. The Able-Charlie search was combined with the first flight. Strafing included huts around Kara, 2 Khaki clad Japs who dived for shelter under old twin engine plane beached south of Lontis. huts and campfire five miles north of Kieta, and a large truck moving east on road between Kangu Hill and Kahili and Jap nearby. Both took cover but entire area thoroughly strafed. Also got hits on huts near Kahili and 2 large houses at Kieta Harbor, and on an open ramp type 30' barge camoflauged with fresh palm leaves on beach in small inlet above east point. Only AA was meagre inaccurate M/G fire from Kahili.
1 TBF (6x250, 6x100 GP) of FMAW went out on special local hop from 1410-1542. One of each type bomb hung and jettisoned, balance away destroying 3 40x15' huts and 1 smaller one about 500 yards south of Arawa Pltn. Hit bend of unnamed river just south of Bavo River. Great deal of white paper seen to fly into air from one of the larger huts. Also strafed huts in Arawa pltn. with unobserved results.
16 F4U's, VMO 251, was off on a pre-dawn take off for practice of section tactics from 0535-0640. 1 F4U, VMF 223 practiced night flying from 1910-1940 10 August.
2 F4U's, VMF-223 were on standby alert at Stirling from 1445/10 to 1500/11 - negative.
4 F4U's, VMF-223 out on Dawn Patrol 0555-0735, one plane returned early due to starting trouble delay and consequent failure to rendezvous. Negative except for strafing of huts near Bei with unobserved results. Dusk Patrol was cancelled account of weather.
1 PV-1, NZ-9 on the Torokina-Rabaul sweep from 0800-1205 circled the downed Corsair pilot till Dumbo made rescue.
AVAILABILITY
On hand Available
F4U 54 50 (1 lost)
PV-1 14 11
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 10, 2020 10:30:59 GMT 12
12 August 1944
16 F4U's, VMF-223, went out on Section Tactics with Pre-Dawn take-off, 0535-0655, this morning. Their mission was completed.
4 F4U's. VMO-251, made the routine Dawn Patrol 0635-0735.
8 PV's (6x250 GP, 4-5 seconds), NZ-9, put 45 bombs in the Kaino Bivouac area (Bougainville) for complete coverage at 0700. They saw 9 huts destroyed by their bombing.
7 F4U's, VMO-251 in flights of 4 (AM) and 3 (PM) swept Put Put-Keravat and strafed huts at Kurrajong Pltn., West and South East of Mount Varzin, and at the South East end of the experimental farms. The morning flight received meagre inaccurate medium from Tobera and intense accurate light from Malabunga.
5 F4U's of VMO-223 with 1x500 inst. each, 2 at 0930-1130 and 3 at 1325-1430, swept Duke of York-Cape Lambert. All their 5 bombs were misses. They made miscellaneous observations, received no AA.
8 F4U's, VMF-223, patrolled from the Jaba River to Kieta in flights of 2 each, 0730-1030, 0930-1209. 1150-1405, and 1435-1615. They strafed targets of opportunity and silenced AA positions at Numa Numa and Kieta. The first flight also made the Able-Charlie Search, following its patrol.
2 F4U's, VMF-223, radar-tracked 0900-1005.
2 more F4U's, same squadron, went to Stirling at 1205 for Stand-by alert. TA Stirling 1233.
2 F4U's, VMO-251, took the poop sheet to Green and returned 1315-1630.
1 PV, NZ-9, made the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep 1025-1225.
1 PV, NZ-9, made the routine Rabaul weather check - ship count this AM.
A 12 F4U strike against Monoitu and the Dusk Patrol were both cancelled because of weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 61 50
PV-1 16 11
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 11, 2020 10:43:35 GMT 12
13 August 1944
16 F4U's, (1x500 inst.), VMO-251, struck the huts and buildings at Bovo River at 0630. Scored 14 area hits and 2 misses in area of buildings East and West of Bovo River; results unobserved account of jungle and haze. 15 planes also thoroughly strafed the area.
7 PV-1's (6x250 GP, 4-5 seconds) of NZ-9 hit the reported Jap Hq. and bivouac area at Mosigetta from 0645-0725, 40 bombs in target area for complete coverage, other 2 bombs hung & were returned. Only observed result, was the destruction of 3 huts. Expended 8,000 rounds in strafing area.
4 F4U's (1x500 inst.) of VMF-223 (TO-0715 TA-0930) scheduled to sweep Duke of York-Cape Lambert hit Tokuaka Village instead account of weather. 2 bombs on the huts with unobserved results, 1 hung and Jettisoned, other returned to base for lack of suitable target. The afternoon flight, same number type planes of same squadron and same loading (TO-1420 TA-1615) also unable to reach target area account of weather, so hit Buka instead. One direct hit and one dud on group of buildings Lamannanu Mission, and 2 misses on buildings at crossroads behind this mission. All planes strafed both sides of Buka with unobserved results, and killed one Jap on beach at Cape Tanagom.
4 F4U's of VMO-251 (TO-0720 TA-0900) scheduled to strafe & photo Put Put-Kerevat went to Manetai-Kieta instead account of weather. Two planes strafed houses & huts West shore of Kieta Harbor, Rorovana village, and village inland from Arawa Pltn. with unobserved results; also photoed 2 village between Arawa Pltn. and Manetai Mission. Only observation was 3 small fires in hills behind Arawa. Ths afternoon sweep by 4 F4U's of same squadron TO-1400 and was weathered out and fired to return to base pancaking at 1600.
4 flights of 2 F4U's each of VMF-223 were out on the Motupena Pt.-Kieta Patrol, Able & Charlie Search combined on one flight. Strafing included group 10-12 apparently serviceable huts 3 1/2 miles West of Kaka, 20-30 huts 5 miles W of Kara, huts just West of Metong Pt. and in area of Piano Mission with unobserved results. Also completely holed a serviceable looking rowboat in Kieta Harbor. Observations included 2 Japs on beach at Poritana River (Unable to strafe).
A special search was instituted for 2 LCI's 5 hours overdue at Torokina from Cape Cretin. 2 F4U's, VMF-223, were out from 1055-1320 with negative results, and 1 PV-1, NZ-9, from 1515-1815. The PV-1 was called back to base due to learning of the safe arrival of these ships here at 1330. First notification of the arrival by ComAir Piva was the receipt at 1540.
4 F4U's, VMF-223, on the Dawn Patrol from 0630-0730 strafed 4 camp fires at Mamagata Mission with unobserved results, the Dusk Patrol by 4 planes from same squadron from 1730-1830 was completely negative. Routine activities for the day consisted of 2 F4U's, VMO-251 to Stirling for standby alert (TO-1220, TA(Stirling)-1257).
2 F4U, VMO-251 on Radar tracking from 0900-1015,
1 PV-1, NZ-9 on Torokina-Rabaul Sweep from 0920-1220, and 2 F4U's, VMO-251 carrying poop sheet to Green, TO-1330 TA-1415, TO-1730, TA-1815.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 54 51
PV-1 16 9
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 12, 2020 11:44:39 GMT 12
14 August 1944
8 F4U's, VMF-223 strafed Waitavalo Pltn. between 1010-1030. Expending 13,700 rounds on the two assigned targets and a group of 16 buildings below the Keuelo River; also strafed pyramidal building West of Tol Pltn. Upon arrival the flight noticed 3 fires in the above mentioned group of buildings. Also observed a wrecked Zeke or Hamp on beach at Tol. Only AA was meagre inaccurate M/G fire from North of Tol Pltn.
6 PV-1's (6x250 GP, 4-5 seconds), NZ-9 hit Jap concentrations at Cape Turner from 0720-0750, releasing 34 bombs in target area for complete coverage, also strafed with 12,000 rounds. Results unobserved account jungle.
There were 2 flights of 4 Corsairs each by VMO-251 over the Duke of York-Cape Lambert area from 1010-1100 and 1500-1530. 4x500 bombs hit among 10-15 buildings at Mandres saw mill damaging or destroying 4-6. There were 2 near misses by Pltn. building and 2 more near at misses by house on beach. All targets just East of Cape Lambert, strafed many. smoking one, tin roofed huts along shore East of Cape Lambert, also buildings on Watom Island and Duke of York with unobserved results. No AA encountered on either sweep.
2 more flights of 4 Corsairs each of VMO-251 swept Put Put-Keravat from 0745-0945 and 1400-1430. Only 3 planes over target on each flight as 1 plane returned from each flight shortly after take-off due to hydraulic leaks. Morning flight could not get thru account weather, afternoon flight strafed huts and buildings in target area with unobserved results.
8 F4U's of VMO-251 patrolled from Motupena Pt.-Kieta in flights of 2 planes each. Able-Charlie Search was included in the first flight. Strafed 10-15 Japs on beach at Tabui, killing 4 certain and probably more; strafed huts at Motupena, Kara, Piano Mission, Kekere Pltn., and sources of smoke 1 1/2 miles inland from Koromira Mission and just North of Ebery's Lease - all with unobserved results. Observations included a truck in garden just SW of Monoitu Mission which disappeared before strafing could be effected, and many good gardens just north of Kara and on West shore Kieta Harbor. No AA encountered on any flight.
Routine flights for the day included 4 F4U's, VMO-251 Dawn Patrol 0630-0730; 2 F4U's, VMF-223, Poop sheet to Green and return 1330-1735.
2 F4U's, VMF-223 radar tracking 0900-1020; 1 PV-1, NZ-9, Torokina-Wide Bay Sweep 0710-1240 and 2 F4U's, VMF-223 to Stirling for standby alert 1227-1250.
Scheduled missions cancelled account of weather was 16 F4U's, VMF-223 on pre-dawn section tactics, and the regular dusk patrol by 4 Corsairs.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 54 53
PV-1 16 9
Addenda: VMSB-236 reported for duty today.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 13, 2020 12:45:14 GMT 12
15 August 1944
15 F4U's (1x1000 inst.), 8 from VMO-251, 7 from VMF-223, put 14 bombs on Vunakanau gun positions for good coverage of their targets at 0900. A detailed observation of results was impossible due to high speed and low altitude. 3 planes strafed on the way down. Meagre to moderate inaccurate light AA was received on 4 positions.
8 F4U's (1x500 inst), VMO-251 and VMF-223, swept Duke of York to Cape Lambert in 2 flights today, over target 1100-1145 and 1315-1405. 4 bombs were dropped in the area of a group of buildings on Kakada Point (Duke of York) and 3 on 3 or 4 quonset type buildings and a red-roofed Plantation house at Mambuivg Plantation. Results were unobserved in the first instance, misses in the second. They strafed huts on the Point East of Kassava Bay and on the South side of Watom Island. They also strafed Wtuan and Mioko Islands.
8 more F4U's, VMO-251, 4 of VMF-223, patrolled Motupena-Kieta in flights of 2 each at the following times: 0720-0900, 0920-1205, 1150-1450, and 1420-1700. They strafed many huts in the Kieta, Kara, and Piano Mission areas. Moderate accurate M/G fire from Kangu Hill damaged 1 plane which was forced to pancake. The first flight also made the Able-Charlie Search approx. 0900-1000.
4 F4U's, VMF-223, made the routine Dawn Patrol 0630- 0725, but the Dusk Patrol was cancelled because of the weather.
1 PV, NZ-9, made the Torokina-Rabaul Sweep 0750-1205.
1 PV (with (6x250 GP 4-5 seconds), NZ-9, put 6 bombs in their target area at Tonuru Mission at 0830-0905, and strafed the area with 2,000 rounds.
2 F4U's, VMO-251, went a radar-tracking 0950-1000.
2 F4U's, VMF-223, took the poop sheet to Green and returned, 1400-1700.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 51 48
PV 16 4
SBD 24 23
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 13, 2020 13:49:16 GMT 12
16 August 1944
Com Air North Sols cancelled all strikes and sweeps today because of weather.
New Zealand Number 3 Squadron (PV's) reported to relieve New Zealand Number 9 Squadron (PV's); RNZAF Number 3, Wing Commander I.G. Morrison, C.O. 18 pilots.
VMSB-236 flight echelon also reported for duty today with 25 pilots and 26 enlisted gunners, 3 ground officers and 2 ground enlisted men. C.O. Major Edw. R. Polgrean.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 54 50
PV 16 10
SBD 20 20
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 14, 2020 10:31:45 GMT 12
17 August 1944
F4U's (1x500 inst), VMF-223, and VMO-251, struck the reported Nip dump at the Hongorai River at 0900. Got good coverage of target area with 23 bombs, 1 hung and jettisoned. 15 a/c strafed the target area and 6 Aitara Mission.
8 F4U's swept Put Put-Karavat in 2 flights of 4 a/c at 0930 and 1405. Morning sweep strafed Vunapaldig Bay wharf and buildings along shore and inland. Only observed result was a momentarily smoking of some huts. Noon sweep did not strafe for lack of suitable target. Only observations were 1 small fire in Experimental Farms area in the morning, and 2 fires North of Mt. Varzin in the afternoon.
2 TBF's of FMAW put 21x100 on reported Jap concentrations at Sipasi Mission for good coverage of target area. Results obscured account for 6 though 2 tails of white smoke to 50' was seen to rise after the attack.
2 F4U's, of VMF-212, went out on a special flight between 0830-1030. They strafed Arawa Plantation area and inland for about 2 1/2 miles in area of Bovo River where they set fire to 1 hut on hillside North of Bovo River. Observed 2 small parachutes in trees North of Kekere Pltn.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 54 49
PV-1 18 9
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 14, 2020 11:14:51 GMT 12
18 August 1944
35 F4U's (1x1000 inst), 18 free VMO-251, and 17 from VMF-223, hit AA targets "O" and "P", Vunakanau, 0845-0855 this morning. They put 28x1000 bombs in the target area, but did not observe results. They also dropped 1 on Kara, unobserved; and 1 on a hulk at Vunapope, unsuccessful, they jettisoned 3 bombs brought 2 back. 2 planes strafed opportunity targets. Moderate to intense light and heavy AA accurate to inaccurate was received from the target area. 1st Lt. John J. Mc Masters, VMO-251, F4U 36410, evidently hit by AA while on his bombing run was forced to bail out at 0900 from 6,000 feet but was picked up by Dumbo 15 miles North East of Praed Point at approximately 0925. He
suffered a broken leg and internal injuries according to the report.
1 PV, NZ-3, on Torokina-Rabaul Sweep 0800-1205 observed Dumbo picking up a dunked airman off Praed Point at approximately 0915. They also received a report from SBD's that an SBD was down in the vicinity of Keravat, and on arriving on the scene they observed a plane burning 1 mile North of the East end of Keravat Strip, which they assumed to be the SBD. Though they circled the place, they could see no pilot.
1 PV, NZ-3, made the routine Torokina-Rabaul sweep this morning.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 59 50
SBD 26 21
PV 20 0
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 15, 2020 10:31:30 GMT 12
19 August 1944
All scheduled missions were cancelled by CANS account weather. 2 F4U's. VMF-223 was out from 0900-1000 on a special weather hop to South Bougainville reported zero ceiling.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 53 49
PV-1 20 0
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 15, 2020 10:33:13 GMT 12
20 August 1944
22 F4U's (1x1000 inst), 11 from VMF-223, 11 from VMO-251, hit Tonolei Harbor AA and Supply positions, Bougainville, at 1200. Observation of results was poor because of the weather. Though 12 area hits are known to be made, no damage was observed except 2 large fires on Kleine Island. Only 2 places strafed assigned targets. Meagre inaccurate AA was received from 2 positions in the area. A hole 18x24 inches was torn in the tip of the port wing of one F4U, though there was no observation or evidence of AA as the cause.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 61 49
SBD 26 24
PV 20 0
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 15, 2020 10:34:26 GMT 12
21 August 1944
All missions cancelled account weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 53 47
PV 20 0
SBD 20 18
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 15, 2020 10:43:50 GMT 12
22 August 1944
VMSB-236 made their debut on this tour locally this morning with 16 SBD's (1x500, 1/100 delay, and 2x250, 1/100 delay) hitting the Kisivei Road block bivouac area at 0730 for a fair coverage of their targets. Though they put 28 bombs on the North target and 16 on the South target, they could not observe results because of the jungle. A TBF (12x100, 4-5 seconds delay) of the FMAW marked the target with smoke grenades and put 6x100 in the area as well as destroying a bridge at Aku with a direct hit.
1 TBF (12x100, 4-5 seconds), FMAW, on a special hop 0700-0915 put several bombs within a 50 foot radius of the Aku Bridge. 24 F4U's (1x500 mag cluster), 12 from VMF-223 and 12 from VMO-251, took off at 0750 to stage thru Green (pick up mag clusters), and hit Rataval - 124. They were baffled by bad weather. Nevertheless 10 F4U's of VMO-251 struck Bovo River buildings area Arawa with 9 mag clusters at 1215 on their way back, burning at least 6 huts. The VMF-223 planes returned to this base with their clusters, because of the weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 60 43
PV 20 0
SBD 26 21
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 16, 2020 10:28:02 GMT 12
23 August 1944
A suspected Jap bivouac area in the Mokoni area was the main target of the day. 16 SBD, VMSB-236; 12 F4U's, VMF-212; and 1 TBF, FMAW unloaded 14x500 inst. 28x250 inst. and 12x100 4-5 seconds on the target area for complete coverage. In addition, much strafing was done by the SBD's as well as the Corsairs, which strafed only. The TBF led the flight in and dropped its bombs as a marker. This the SBD's did their job ending with a complete strafing by the gunners. Time over target was 1000-1020.
24 F4U's (1x500 mag cluster), 12 VMF-223, and 12 VMO-251, were over Ralaval 127 supply area at 1030. 21 bombs were dropped in the target area for complete coverage. The only observed results were three small fires. One plane from VMF-223, developed engine trouble upon reaching the target and consequently returned to Green, escorted by his wingman; Both planes jettisoned their bombs. One plane of VMO-251 did not get off from Green with the rest of the flight so hit Buka instead scoring a direct hit on a group of huts just West of Hapan firing three. No AA was encountered.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 53 49
SBD 20 19
PV-1 20 0
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 17, 2020 10:47:19 GMT 12
24 August 1944
Familiarization hops to Rabaul area.
(1) 10 F4U's, VMF-212, lead by 1 F4U, VMF-223, 0900-1145.
(2) 4 F4U's, VMF-212, 1ead by 1 F4U, VMF-223, 1330-1630. Practice air support for Amphibious landings.
(1) 17 SBD's, VMSB-236, 0645-0845 made simulated glide bombing attacks from 5000 to 6000' on beaches *1 & #3 with good coverage in support of practice Amphibious landings. Radio transmission & reception was poor.
(5) 11 F4U's, VMF 223, (1 A/C with flat tire did not get off) 0555-0645, made simulated dive bombing runs on beaches # 1 and 3 in support of practice troop landings.
1 SBD Piva Operations, scored a damaging area hit with one 500 pounder on group of huts 2 miles inland from Teanin, Bougainville. 2x250 on same target were duds.
1 TBF, FMAW, got negative results on a special mission when 4x250 and 8x100 all hung up. Times 1420-1545.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 52 41
SBD 20 19
PV 20 0
MAG 24 Engineering
F4U 8 1
SBD 6 5
TBF 5 3
J2F 1 1
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 18, 2020 10:31:43 GMT 12
25 August 1944
8 F4U's, (1x1000, 1/10), VMF 223, hit Jap AA positions "Sugar" by Vulcan Crater at 0930 with 1 destroying or damaging hit and 5 unobserved on 5-20 mm guns, 1 unobserved on buildings nearby, and 1 on the center of Rapopo Runway. Meagre to moderate light to heavy accurate to inaccurate AA was received.
They were followed by 17 SBD's, (1x500, 1/10 and 2x250, 1/10), VMSB 236, which hit guns on the west side of Simpson Harbor, destroying 2 buildings in the vicinity and probably damaging 3 gun positions. AA similar to that received by the 8 F4U's was experienced.
8 F4U's, VMF 223, meanwhile at 0930 strafed barges on the west side of Simpson Harbor with unobserved results and AA was above.
These were followed by 8 more F4U's of VMO 251 at 0945, who were supposed to likewise strafe the same barges only 2 did so, however, because they were affraid of hitting our own bombing planes concealed in the low clouds which hung over the target.
AA target "Sugar" was hit again at 0945 by 10 F4U's (1x1000 inst.) of VMO 251 which scored 1 direct hit and 2 near misses (within 40 yards), 1 area hit and 2 unobserved on their targets - AA positions in "Sugar" and North "Roger". AA flashes from the groun and bullits striking the water were seen.
4 F4U's (1x500, 4-5 sec) VMO 251, photographed and bombed coast gun positions on Moila Point at 1350. They put 3x500 in the target area, destroying 3 huts near the guns. Though they saw the camouflaged netting, they were unable to see the guns.
4 more F4U's (1x1000, 4-5 sec), of VMO 251, sent to bomb and strafe a camouflaged barge at Karsorila sighted by the 4 just mentioned planes missed it with thier bombs which hit 25 feet short and shypped over the target, but sank it by strafing (3200 rounds expended).
9 F4U's of VMF 212, made a familiarisation flight to and over the Rabaul area 1330-1630.
AVAILIBILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 60 47
SBD 25 21
PV 20 0
MAG 24 Engineering
TBF 5 2
J2F 1 1
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 19, 2020 21:28:00 GMT 12
26 August 1944
Two Fighter Squadrons and our SBD Squadron returned to yesterdays targets - gun positions and barges on the west side of Simpson Harbor again this morning at 0935. 18 F4U's of VMF 223, 10 with 1x1000 and 8 strafing, together with 16 F4U's of VMO 251, 8 with 1x1000 and 8 strafing, bombed and strafed guns and barges on the west side of Simpson Harbor. On the guns the score was 1 possible direct hit, 11 unobserved in area, 1 near miss (50) feet and 2 mieese. 12 barges were strafed, 2 of which were fired, 5 more riddled with holes.
14 pilots and the Intelligence Officer of VMSB 133 reported today.
15 SBD's (1x500 and 2x250) of VMSB 236, meanwhile put 40 bombs in the area of gun positions in AA target "able". 1 of these was a direct hit which blew the gun into the air.
1 TBF, FMAW, loaded with 4x500, 4-5 seconds, bombed the Moila Point Coastal Guns at approximately 1500 this afternoon, blowing the camouflaged off 1 gun and turning it around by a near miss.
10 F4U's of VMF 212, took a familiarization flight to the Rabaul area and southern New Ireland this morning 0910-1215.
4 more F4U's of VMF 212, on a familiarization hop round Bougainville and Buka 1355-1600 sighted 13 Japs and killed 3-4.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 60 42
SBD 25 21
PV 20 0
MAG 24 Engineering
TBF 5 3
J2F 1 1
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 20, 2020 12:09:57 GMT 12
27 August 1944
28 F4U's (1x500 mag clusters), of which 15 were from VMF 223, 12 from VMO 251, and 1 from ComAir Piva, staged thru Green and bombed and strafed Rataval 124 (A and B) at 1025. They dropped 27 bombs at their target. Their coverage of the are was good, and they caused several small fires and 3 large ones in Rataval 124, as wellas a large fire northwest of their target and a small one in Rataval 126. Most planes strafed. Several huts were seen destroyed and damaged. AA was meagre.
15 SBD's (1x500, 1/10 and 2x250, 1/10), VMSB 236, struck at the Sisivei Road Balock again this morning (0705). They were led in by a TBF, FMAW, which attempted to mark the targets with smoke grenades. Most of these did not register, and the smoke from the two that did blew toward the coast, throwing the SBD's off their real target. 40 bombs were put in an area along the correct ridge out approximately 150 yards past the target.
2 TBF's, FMAW, loaded each with 4x500, 4-5 seconds hit Moila Point Coastal Guns at approximately 1330, destroying the west one, as well as a possible command post near it.
14 F4U's of VMF 212, went on familiarization hops over Bougainville - Buka today: 4-0900-1030, 4-0900-1100, and 6-1330-1520.
AVAILIBILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 60 47
SBD 26 22
PV 20 0
MAG 24 Engineering
TBF 5 3
J2F 1 1
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 20, 2020 19:39:55 GMT 12
28 August 1944
31 F4U's (1x1000, 1/10), 16 from VMO 251 and 15 from VMF 223, hit the reported underground truck park at Wangaramut and surrounding targets at 1030. In addition to 10 hits in the area of the reported truck park they fot 1 direct hit on a group of buildings and another on an auto AA position in addition to several probable damaging hits on buildings.
15 SBD's of VMSB 236, each with 1x500, 1/10 and 2x250 inst., put all their bombs in an exceppent pattern around the Moila Point coast guns at 0815 without any apparent damage. Meanwhile a FMAW TBF observed, and then tried out 4x500 oil incendiaries, all misses; which he found however would serve as excellent target markers. Considerable AA from positions in the vicinity was experienced.
3 SBD's (same load) of VMSB 236 returned at 1130 to try to knock out an auto AA which they had seen firing at them from a point about 1400 yards north of Moila Point. They could not relocate the AA position, however, so only strafed the general area, and dropped their bombs at the coast guns, again without success. The FMAW TBF again dogged their footsteps and dropped his 4x500, 4-5 seconds bombs at the same target without success.
Piva took over the Maririci-Kieta patrols this afternoon: 2 F4U's, 3 F4U's, VMO 251, strafed several huts firing 3, sighted several japs, and discovered guns in revetments on the East side of Tonolei Harbor.
8 F4U's, VMF 212, flew a familiarization flight around Bougainville and Buka from 0900-1015, strafing 7 Japs and surely killing one. Also strafing huts.
23 F4U's of VMF 223 and 8 F4U's of VMF 212 were up an hour tonight for Night Flying Familiarization. They flew Section tactics.
AVAILIBILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 60 51
SBD 26 22
TBF 5 1
PV 20 0
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 21, 2020 0:09:02 GMT 12
29 August 1944
Today's big strike was on the Pondo Plantation and Toriu River areas. 15 SBD's (1x500 inst. and 2x250 inst.), VMSB 236, and 30 F4U's (1x500 inst.), half from VMF 223, half from VMO 251, hit Pondo targets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, and Toriu targets 5 and 6 from 0935 to 1050. They scored 7 direct hits and 58 area hits on their target - buildings and supply dumps. All planes strafed. Practically no AA received.
8 F4U's, VMF 212, in 2 flights took care of the Put Put-Keravat sweeps, taking off at 0830 and 1300 and staying out about three hours.
8 more F4U's, same squadron, handled the 2 Duke of York to Cape Lambert sweeps, (4 planes each time) at approximately the same time.
4 F4U's of VMO 251 were on a North Bougainville sweep 1515-1705.
All sweeps strafed opportunity targets, including buildings and Japs.
AVAILIBILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 60 44
SBD 26 24
TBF 5 5
PV 20 7
|
|
