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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 29, 2020 10:52:47 GMT 12
19 September 1944
Today the main target for Piva planes was the Jap bivouac area at Porton Plantation. A total of 32 SBD's, 17 from VMSB 133 (1x500, 1x250 and 1x100 inst.) and 15 from VMSB 236, (1x500 1/100 delay and 2x250 inst.), put 30x500, 28x250 and 17x100 in the target area for good coverage although the dense jungle growth obscured results on all strikes. 1x500 and 1x250 were dropped on small islands off target area. 1x500 and 8x250 hung of which 5 were jettisoned, 3 fell off in landing and 1 was brought back. 32 F4U's (1x1000 inst.), 16 from VMF 223 and 16 from VMO 251, dropped 28 in target area for good coverage, 4 hung of which 2 were jettisoned and 2 were returned.
3 NZ -3 PV's (4x500 and 2x250 inst.) hit their assigned area east of previous target with 12x500 and 6x250 for good coverage.
1 FMAW TBF (6x250 and 6x100 all 4-5 sec. delay) dropped all its bombs in the target area and observed results of prior strikes, reporting excellent coverage and destruction of practically all huts. 59 planes thoroughly strafed the target area. Meager accurate and inaccurate m/g fire was encountered from 2 positions. 1 PV received a hole in port engine cowling.
2 SBD's from FMAW (1x500 and 2x2500 all 1/10) struck Bougainville targets of opportunity. 2x250 in center of group of buildings at Kiriwina Plantation probably damaged 2, 1x500 destroyed a building at Mabiri Plantation, 1x500 destroyed 2-3 buildings at Cape L'Averdy, 1x250 on a fire near Asitavi Mission unobserved, and 1x250 missed buildings at Tinputs. The east coast of Bougainville was strafed.
NZ-3 also had 1 PV each on the routine Torokina - Rabaul Sweep, the Rabaul Weather - Shipping count hop and a Bougainville propaganda drop.
VMF 212 had 4 F4U's on dawn patrol and 2 F4U's to Green with the poop sheet.
4 pairs of VMF 212 F4U's were on South Bougainville Patrol, with one patrol also on Able-Charlie search, in relays from 0615-1530. They strafed 6 huts near Kara and killed 1 Jap at the Luluai River. Meager inaccurate m/g fire was encountered at Illina Island.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 63 56
SBD 47 40
TBF 5 4
PV 17 9
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Post by chinapilot on Dec 29, 2020 16:28:55 GMT 12
Any other info out there on this crew?
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Post by davidd on Dec 30, 2020 10:57:21 GMT 12
Errol M may give full reply to this, or he may be away on holiday! Full details would be in his FYT book series. No information on the fate of this aircraft has ever been located; all crew members commemorated on Bourail Memorial. This aircraft was on a fairly "routine" 3-aircraft strike against personnel & stores area at the Government Gardens, at Kerevat (near Rabaul, New Britain), all took off at 0525, to bomb & strafe. One of the Venturas (4522, crew of F/L F N R Thomas) force landed at Talasea (north coast New Britain) @ 0720, after losing an engine to flak, third aircraft (NZ4615, crew of 3 Squadron CO, W/C I G Morrison) returned safely to base @ 0945. Captain of missing aircraft was F/L Roye Harold Watson Stevens, aged 31. Hulk of 4522 probably still at Talasea, as strip there was too short for a take off, so aircraft abandoned.
Dave D
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Post by errolmartyn on Dec 30, 2020 11:04:34 GMT 12
Any other info out there on this crew? From my FYT Vol 2: Sat 9 Sep 1944 SOUTH PACIFIC Strike against personnel and stores areas at Government Gardens, Keravat, near Rabaul, New Britain 3 Squadron, RNZAF (Piva Bomber Strip, Bougainville, Solomon Islands)PV-1 Ventura NZ4614 - took off at 0525 with two others, but did not reach the target area and failed to return. An aerial search was carried out until the 17th, but no trace could be found of NZ4614. The five crew are commemorated on the Bourail Memorial. Another of the Venturas, NZ4522, had an engine hit by flak and put out of action. Unable to make Piva, it proceeded to the Talasea airstrip on north New Britain’s Willaumez Peninsula, where Flt Lt F N R Thomas managed to force land without injury to the five crew. Captain: NZ401032 Flt Lt Roye Harold Watson STEVENS, RNZAF - Age 31. 2775hrs. 56 ops. Navigator: NZ422258 Fg Off John James CARSON, RNZAF - Age 26. 695hrs. Wireless Op: NZ421974 Wt Off Geoffrey James INNES, RNZAF - Age 30. 725hrs. Air Gunner: NZ2209 Plt Off Stanley James DAWSON, RNZAF - Age 29. 129hrs. Air Gunner: NZ402113 Fg Off John Aitcheson MAGUIRE, DFC, RNZAF - Age 24. 781hrs. Dawson was on his first South Pacific tour, the others their second.
Maguire’s total number of ops is unknown, but prior to serving in the South Pacific he had flown operationally with 151 and 161 Sqns, RAF.Errol |
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 31, 2020 10:29:59 GMT 12
20 September 1944
Mokurapau Plantation buildings, reported supply areas, and gun positions were our major target today. 33 SBD's (1x500 and 2x100 inst.), 18 from VMSB 133, 15 from VMSB 236, got through to the objective, where they dropped 27x500 and 52x100 on assigned targets, destroying 1 bridge and 5 huts, other results were unobserved. Target areas were also strafed. Time: 1000. Moderate accurate light AA was encountered.
32 F4U's (1x500, inst.), half from VMF 223, and half from VMO 251, also scheduled for the same target, turned back because of reported bad weather and put 29x500 on the Porton Bivouac area for good coverage. 15 planes strafed. Results were unobserved because of jungle. Time: 0935-0955.
4 PV's (4x500 and 2x250, inst.), NZ-3, were led to a reported Nip bivouav area in the jungle approximately 1 miles south of Ruri Bay by 1 TBF (1x500 oil incendiaries), FMAW at 0845. The TBF, due to release difficulties, marked only the south part of the target area, where one of its oil incendiaries caused persisting smoke. The PV's due to the foregoing then put most of their bombs off the given target area, but got approximately 6 of them in the south target. They then thoroughly strafed the target area in 9 runs.
A total of 8 F4U's, VMF 212, lept the South Bougainville Patrol going through most of the day.
1 TBF (6x250 and 4x100), FMAW, put a hole in a jetty, destroyed 2 lean-to's, and strafed opportunity targets on Bougainville and Buka, including a large canoe this afternoon.
Miscellaneous missions included:
4 F4U's, VMF 212, on Dawn Patrol;
6 F4U's, VMF 212, Radar Tracking;
2 F4U's, VMF 212, Taking the Poop Sheet to Green;
1 PV, NZ-3, on Rabaul Weather check and Ship Count; and
1 PV, NZ-3, on Torokina - Rabaul Sweep.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 64 56
SBD 47 38
TBF 5 3
PV 17 9
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 31, 2020 10:33:03 GMT 12
21 September 1944
Raluana Point installations, buildings, and barges was the target today for 63 planes. A total of 32 SBD's, (1x500 and 2x500 inst.), 15 from VMSB 236 and 17 from VMSB 133, together with 31 F4U's, (1x500 mag clusters), 15 from VMF 223 and 16 from VMO 251, put 25x500 GP, 23x500 mag clusters, and 48x100 GP on Ralunan's 2 heavy positons, 3 auto positions, 2 m/g positions, a search-light position, a barge hideout, and buildings and huts between 1000-1100 this morning. Results were generally unobserved, but a large flash and explosion indicated that an ammo dum had probably been hit, while 8 huts were destroyed, and others damaged, and 2 auto positions and a 60 foot barge surely damaged. Meager light inaccurate AA was encountered by one squadron.
4 PV's (4x500 and 2x250, all 4-5 sec. delay), NZ-3, bombed and strafed New Ireland targets of opportunity including huts, a culvert, and a bridge this morning. 3 huts were probably destroyed.
1 PV, NZ-3, went on a Bougainville Propaganda Leaflet Drop Mission, and barely made it back to base when one of the engines cut. Another PV, NZ-3, took the Torokina - Rabaul Sweep. Still another PV made the Rabaul Weather check and Ship count.
6 SBD's (1x500 and 2x100, inst.), VMSB 133, bombed and strafed huts and an old barge near Gohi at 1400. Their 6x500 and 11x100 bombs away on targets destroyed 3 huts and damaged 2.
1 TBF (8x250 and 4x100, all 4-5 sec delay), FMAW, blew up 2 thatched huts which triangulation indicated as a possible Jap radio station site on a ridge approximately 4 miles south west of Tenekau Plantation this afternoon. 2 good tin-roofed buildings at Inus Plantation were also destroyed.
Miscellaneous missions included:
4 F4U's, VMF 212, on an Able-Charlie search and Familiarization Hop combined; 2 F4U's, VMF 212, taking the Poop Sheet to Green.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 64 56
SBD 47 38
TBF 5 4
PV 17 7
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 31, 2020 10:35:23 GMT 12
22 September 1944
Mokurapau Plantation huts were the main target today for 62 planes. A total of 32 SBD's, (1x500 and 2x100 inst.), 16 from VMSB 133 and 16 from VMSB 236, together with 30 F4U's (1x1000 inst.), 16 from VMO 251 and 14 from VMF 223, put 28x500 GP, 53x100 GP, and 30x1000 GP on Mokurapau huts as well as m/g's north west of the plantation, and m/g's north of the plantation. 0850-0915 this morning. Results were generally unobserved, but 9 direct hits and 8 near misses or damaging hits were reported. Meager, mediun inaccurate AA was encountered by one squadron.
4 PV's, (4x500 and 2x250 4-5 sec. delay), NZ-3, bombed and strafed New Ireland targets of opportunity, including roads, huts and gardens this morning. The north port of a bridge was destroyed and a road was cratered at Ramut Plantation. One hut was probably destroyed at Po Road junction, while Po road was cratered for approximately one mile.
2 TBF's (16x100 4-5 sec. delay and 8x250), FMAW, destroyed 2 large huts on the ridge southwest of Koromira Mission, scored 3 direct hits on a bridge at Koromira point destroying it, destroyed a bridge between Bigu Mission and Chinatown, and destroyed 5 huts on a ridge inland from Koromira Mission.
Miscellaneous missions included:
2 F4U's, VMF 212, on Able-Charlie search;
1 PV, NZ-3, on Torokina - Rabaul sweep;
1 PV, NZ-3, Rabaul Weather check and Shipping count;
2 F4U's, VMF 212, Radar Tracking;
2 F4U's, VMF 212, Special search;
8 F4U's, VMO 251, Night Section Tactics.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 64 56
SBD 47 40
TBF 5 3
PV 16 8
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 1, 2021 12:58:14 GMT 12
23 September 1944
A 64 plane strike composed of 30 SBD's, 18 SBD's (1x500 and 2x100 inst.) from VMSB 133 and 14 SBD's (1x500 1/100 delay and 2x100 inst.) from VMSB 236 and 32 F4U's (1x1000 inst.), 16 each from VMO 251 and VMF 223, hit the Baniu Plantation area from 0620 to 0712. 27x1000, 32x500 and 62x100 were area hits, 2x1000 were misses, 1x1000 hung and was later dropped at Porton Plantation, and 2x1000 and 2x100 hung and were jettisoned at sea. The area was well covered, but the dense growth and smoke obscured observation. 1 hut definitely was destroyed, and a large red explosion resulted from 1 drop. 41 planes strafed the target area and Porton Plantation with unobserved results. Moderate inaccurate m/g fire was received from 2 positions in the Baniu area. 8-10 Japs were seen running down the trail from the target area.
On the opposite end of Bougainville, 4 PV's (4x500 and 2x250, 4-5 sec. delay) from NZ-3, plastered huts at Auda with all their 24 bombs, including 2x500 and 2x250 duds. 12-16 huts were destroyed, 8-10 huts were damaged, and the area was well cratered. The target area and huts north of Kara and gardens and bivouac along Monoitu Road, were well strafed with 10,700 rounds firing one hut at Kara.
1 PV from NZ-3 made a routine Rabaul-Torokina Sweep, and 1 PV from NZ-3 handled the routine Rabaul Weather-Shipping Count hop both negatively.
2 F4U's from VMF-212 on Able-Charlie Search strafed 5 or 6 huts norht of Kieta and 10 huts at Dewau Plantation with unobserved results.
5 F4U's and 4 F4U's, VMF-212, engaged in uneventful High Altitude gunnery practice and a Bougainville Familiarization Hop.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 63 54
SBD 47 41
TBF 5 5
PV 16 9
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 1, 2021 13:00:54 GMT 12
24 September 1944
A 64 plane strike was scheduled today to hit Ralum #45 but was weathered out and 33 SBD's, 15 from VMSB-236 and 18 from VMSB-133, hit hut area at Kieta dropping 33x500 and 66x100 on the target area destroying 14 huts, one bridge, and damaging 12 huts. Most planes strafed the area with unobserved results.
32 F4U's, 16 from VMF-212 and 16 from VMO-251, dropped a total of 20x1000 in target area. VMF-212 was far to west of target because of clouds and received only 4 near misses. The results of this raid was approximately 10 huts destroyed. 23 planes strafed the area with unobserved results.
6 PV's, NZ-3, struck a Jap Bivouac area at Tarlena dropping 23x 500 and 10x250 in the target area with unobserved results. All planes strafed the area also with unobserved results. Later reconnaissance confirmed considerable destruction of and under the trees.
6 PV's from NZ-3 dropped 12x500 and 6x250 on Tarlena Bivouac area, destroying 3 huts and 12x500 and 5x250 on Papas Bivouac area with unobserved results. All planes strafed the areas. A large fire was started south of southern end of airstrip at Tarlena. 1 PV continued from Tarlena to drop number 14 leaflets at Monoitu Mission and Kieta areas.
1 TBF, FMAW dropped 8x250 and 3x100 in Baniu area. The results were unobserved. A truck northwest of road junction inland from pier north of Tarlena was strafed and smoked.
Miscellaneous Missions included;
4 F4U's, VMF-212, Familiarisation Hop.
2 F4U's, VMF-212, Able-Charlie Scorch.
5 F4U's, VMF-212, High Altitude Target practice.
1 PV, NZ-3, Torokina-Rabaul Sweep.
1 PV, NZ-3, Ship Count and Weather.
24 SBD's, VMSB-236, Night Flying.
15 F4U's, VMF-223, Night Flying.
7 F4U's, VMF-212, Night Flying.
14 F4U's, VMO-251, Night Flying.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 63 57
SBD 47 42
TBF 5 5
PV 16 11
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 1, 2021 13:02:19 GMT 12
25 September 1944
The weather helped the Japs in the Tarlena area today by grounding 32 F4U's from VMO-251 and VMF-233. However, 27 SBD's (1x500 & 2x100), 10 from VMSB-236 and 17 from VMSB-133, who took off earlier dropped 25x500 and 52x100 for good coverage of the Tarlena target area. Results were hidden under dense foliage but the destruction of 1 hut was confirmed. 1x500 missed target area, 1x500 hung and was jettisoned and 2x100 were dropped on jetty at Tarongen for misses. The target area was strafed and a machine gun near Tarongen was silenced by strafing. Light inaccurate 40mm was encountered near Tarlena and intense to light inaccurate machine gun fire from 2 positions near Tarongen.
6 PV's (4x500 & 2x250), from NZ-3, had a field day in Southern Bougainville destroying 3 huts near Maigi, 4 at Piano Mission, and 2 at Taropa and damaging 4 huts at Urata, 6 to 8 at Piano Mission, several at Kakauro, 9 in Taropa area, 4 at Maigi and 1 at Runai. The prize target was a large building in a well kept yard - apparantly a Headquarters or Officers Club. The bomb at this building slipped all the way through but in exploding on the far side the roof of the building was blown off. Many huts and garden areas near the targets were thoroughly strafed and 1 hut was set afire at Maigi.
2 TBF's, FMAW, carrying a total of 8x250 and 16x100 hit targets in Southern Bougainville. One plane had generator trouble and jettisoned 8x250 and 4x100 over Numa Numa Plantation. The other plane hit various targets destroying 2 huts near Kara with other results unobserved. 4 or 5 people in a yard near Kara and the area of several cooking fires was strafed with unobserved results.
5 F4U's of VMF-212 on a Familiarization hop strafed 5 Japs at Nakoi and 10 tin-roofed huts north of Kieta with unobserved results.
2 F4U's from VMF-212 on a negative Able-Charlie Search, 1 PV from NZ-3 on the Rabaul Weather-Shipping Count run, 2 F4U's of VMF-223 on a test hop and 9 SBD's from VMSB-133 on routine night flying tactics completed the days activities.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 68 59
SBD 49 45
TBF 5 5
PV 17 10
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 1, 2021 15:09:15 GMT 12
26 September 1944
A 54 plane strike was scheduled to hit Ralum #45, but because of weather could not get in to the target. 39 of these planes - 15 F4U's of VMO-251, 18 SBD's of VMSB-133, and 6 SBD's of VMSB-236, hit the Koromira area, dropping 15x1000, 23x500, and 46x250 in the target area and destroying 19 huts and damaging six or more others. Several bombs area hits, unobserved as to the extent of damage. 1x1000, 1x500, and 2x250 were jettisoned at sea. 37 of these planes strafed their targets with unobserved results.
15 F4U's, VMF 223, also weathered out of Ralum #45, hitting Tarlena. They scored 13x1000 hits in the area with good coverage but unobserved results. 4 of these planes strafed the area, also with unobserved results. 1x1000 was jettisoned at sea, and 1x1000 brought back to base.
7 PV's, NZ-3, hit a Bivouac area at Porton Plantation and targets of opporunity on North Bougainville. 8x500 and 3x250 were dropped 600 yards south of assigned target area, while 8x500 and 4x250 were dropped in target area, all with unobserved results. 8x500 and 4x250 were dropped on huts inshore from Cape Hanpan with unobserved results. 4x500 and 2x250 were dropped at Lemanmanu, damaging 1 hut. Other results were unobserved. All planes strafed their respective targets.
1 TBF, FMAW, took off to Kara north of Kahili, but was weathered out and brought back all its bombs.
Miscellaneous Missions included.
2 F4U's, VMF 212, on Able-Charlie Search;
1 PV, NZ-3, on Torokina-Rabaul sweep;
8 F4U's, VMF 212, on a Familiarization Hop.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 68 60
SBD 49 42
TBF 5 2
PV 17 11
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 2, 2021 10:57:08 GMT 12
27 September 1944
Inclement weather grounded all today's flights except an early morning local strike of 8 PV's sent out by NZ-3. Of these 6 PV's hit the jungle bivouac at Merok with 35x500. The area was well covered, but damage was obscured by jungle and a heavy pall of smoke. 1 bomb hung and was brought back. The target and adjacent areas were well strafed with 6900 rounds. The other 2 PV's out 12x500 in the Porton bivouac area, which they also strafed with 2450 rounds, but again results were concealed by the jungle. Both flights encountered meager inaccurate light AA from the northwest part of Porton Plantation.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 66 61
SBD 49 41
TBF 5 4
PV 17 11
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 2, 2021 10:58:58 GMT 12
28 September 1944
Our waiting dive and fighter bombers, scheduled to raze a Jap bivouac and supply area at Numa Numa were again kept on the ground, by continued frontal weather.
However, 15 PV's, NZ-3, in flights of 8 and 7, managed to get off early and plodded through showery weather back and forth across South West Bougainville where they hit opportunity targets between the Maririci and Mibo Rivers. Carefully placing 88x500 bombs, they destroyed 11-12 huts, including 1 large one, and damaged 7-8 more. They also destroyed 1 bridge and damaged another. 3 tents were demolished and many gardens were extensively damaged. All target areas were thoroughly strafed with a total of 14,400 rounds, results unobserved.
1 TBF, FMAW, dropped 6x250 and 2x100 on huts and gardens in the vicinity of Monoitu Mission, but was unable to observe results because of clouds.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 68 62
SBD 49 41
TBF 5 4
PV 17 11
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 2, 2021 11:00:21 GMT 12
29 September 1944
The Japs again benefited from the Bougainville weather. 15 F-4U's from VMF 223, 7 F4U's from VMF 212, and 18 SBD's from VMSB 133 took off to hit Waitavalo but were turned back by a front a few minutes later. A strike by 16 F4U's from VMO 251 and 8 F4U's of VMF 212 was cancelled.
VMSB 236 turned back from Waitavalo were able to get through to the secondary Numa Numa Plantation with 10x500 and 19x250 were in the target area for good coverage although results were unobserved, 1x500 and 2x250 missed the area and 1x250 hung and was jettisoned at sea. The target area was strafed with unobserved results.
2 F4U's of VMF 212 flew through difficult weather for a negative Able-Charlie Search.
7 NZ-3 PV's, dropped 35x500 in the Waitavalo target strating many fires and leaving the area covered with smoke. One plane turned back early but dropped 6x500 in the vicinity of huts at Mosigetta with unobserved results. Meager inaccurate flak was encountered at the mouth of Henry Reid River.
NZ-3 also had one PV on a negative Torokina-Rabaul sweep and another PV on the routine Rabaul weather Ship count hop.
All F4U' and SBD squadrons were scheduled for night flying. 91 sorties were completed.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 68 62
SBD 49 43
TBF 5 3
PV 17 11
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 2, 2021 11:02:12 GMT 12
30 September 1944
Weather again extended Piva's enforced vacation with only 8 planes able to take the air.
2 VMF 212 F4U's on an Able-Charlie Search strafed huts at Irue setting 1 afire. While 4 F4U's from VMF 212 had a negative Familiarization Hop.
NZ-3 had 1 PV on a routine Rabaul weather and Ship count run and another PV dropped propaganda leaflets for the XIV Corps on Sisivie and Ibu and strafed Kieta.
NZ-3 Squadron composed of PV's concluded its operations flying under Com Air Piva today.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 72 55
SBD 49 44
TBF 5 3
PV 17 0
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Post by davidd on Jan 2, 2021 11:23:06 GMT 12
Interesting to see the weather-bound F4U's and SBD's being gainfully employed in brushing up on their night-flying skills! Also rather intrigued by the presence of the (approx.) five TBF's located at Piva, almost certainly USMC, which seem to have a rather lonely existence, at least operationally speaking! aircraftclocks, do you know what the intended purpose of this tiny unit (or sub-unit) was? I seem to recall they undertook some sort of experimental bombing from Piva in the earlier days.
David D
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Post by angelsonefive on Jan 2, 2021 15:06:35 GMT 12
The First Marine Aircraft Wing, or FMAW. Appears to be a holding unit for replacement aircraft, but could be used for operational flights when required.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 3, 2021 15:49:48 GMT 12
FMAW had units all over the Pacific, the aircraft at Piva were in small numbers. They look like they got tasked with routine activity as well as one of tasks such as leaflet dropping.
I have not picked up why they were stationed there at all.
Have located some war diaries which give the big picture overview of the pacific, things like, NZ can sent aircraft to location X from a given date, as that location should be ready etc.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 3, 2021 15:50:24 GMT 12
1 OCTOBER 1944
All strikes, sweeps, patrols, and night flying missions were cancelled today with one exception, 4 F4U's, VMO 251, flew the Dusk Patrol with negative results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 66 60
SBD 49 40
TBF 5 4
PV 17 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 3, 2021 15:53:46 GMT 12
2 OCTOBER 1944
Piva took full advantage of a break in the weather and sent 117 sorties dropping 60,600 pounds of bombs and some 40,000 rounds of ammunition on the Nips.
The day opened with a special 8 F4U strike of VMF 212 to destroy 2 unexploded TDR's near KANGU HILL. 8x1000 were dropped but failed to destroy the evidence. Intense accurate heavy, automatic and machine gun fire was encountered but no damage resulted.
The SBD's and F4U's were scheduled to hit Waitavale but a front closed the route and they attacked the secondary target NUMA NUMA PLTN. 10 F4U's - 6 F4U's from VMO 251 and 4 F4U's from VMF 223 -dropped 9x1000 in the target area causing 2 columns of heavy black smoke to rise to 700 feet. The area was strafed but jungle growth obscured results. 1 plane returned early because of debris in the pilots eye. 29 SBD's - 14 SBD's from VMSB 236 and 15 SBD's from VMSB 133 - dropped 29x500 and 54x250 in NUMA NUMA target area starting fires with flames above tree tops. The area was also strafed, 4x250 hung and were jettisoned near target. Meager inaccurate 7.7 machine gun fire was received from NUMA NUMA PLTN.
10 F4U's in relays of 2 ran the South Bougainville Patrol (first 2 patrols combined with Able-Charlie search) from 0635 to 1800. Numerous huts and 4 Japs were strafed with unobserved results. 2 huts strafed at SKOTOLAN were left smoking. A barge off the reef at Cape L'AVERDY filled with water and sank after being heavily strafed. Meager accurate 20 mm and machine gun fire from FOSIAI BAY holed 1 plane.
2 FMAW TBF's on a local strike destroyed 2 huts southwest of TOBAGO and strafed several huts. The remainder of the 21x100 dropped were misses on huts and bridges.
4 VMF 212 F4U's on the Put Put - Keravat sweep damaged 3 buildings at Giregire Plantation with 4x500 area hits. 4 huts were strafed at Ralum. The proceeding Put Put - Keravat sweep damaged 3 buildings at Giregire Pltn. with 4x500 area hits. 4 huts were strafed at RALUM. The proceeding Put Put - Karavat sweep of 4 VMO 251 F4U's was weathered out and hit BUKA with 4x500 damaging 2 huts. Huts were strafed with unobserved results.
VMF 212 put 4 F4U's on the Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweep, which missed buildings at RAINAU Pltn. with 4x500. The area was well strafed The first Gazelle sweep by 4 F4U's from VMO 251 was weathered out and swept BUKA with 3x1000 inst., destroying 1 hut at NUMA NUMA with one and putting 2 in the UMAM River supply area with unobserved results. The targets were strafed.
3 F4U's from VMF 212 on the Duke of York - Cape Lambert sweep with 3x500 damaging 2 buildings at SEEBERG Pltn., destroying 1 building and damaging 2 others at MBUNMAMARAU and fired 1 hut at NAMBUNG. Other huts were strafed with unobserved results. The first Duke of York sweep was weathered out and the 4 F4U's of VMF 223 hit TARLENA strafing and bombing the Tarlena bivouac area with 4x500. Results were obscured by the jungle growth.
4 VMF 223 F4U's on routine dusk patrol, 2 VMF 212 F4U's on a radar tracking mission and 1 NZ - 3 on the Torkina - Wide Bay sweep had negative reports.
28 night flying training take-offs were made by VMF 223 F4U's,
1 PBJ from MUNDA, temporarily based at Piva heckled KAHILI dropping 14x100 including 3 duds, on KAHILI NAVAL HDQRS., FARUMO ISLAND and EBERY'S LEASE with unobserved results.
The same PBJ also made searchlight runs in cooperation with the Army.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 66 55
SBD 49 43
TBF 5 2
PV 17 2
PB4Y 1 1
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