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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 14, 2021 11:27:42 GMT 12
23 OCTOBER 1944
A dense concentration of bad weather hampered operations from this base today.
4 F4U's of NZ 17 (4x500 4/5) scheduled for a Duke of York -Pondo sweep actually hit target on North Buka. 3 huts were destroyed and 2 huts were damaged at LONTIS. 7-8 huts wore possibly damaged between LONTIS and Cape DUNGANON.
4 F4U's NZ 17 (2x500 4/5) scheduled for Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweep actually hit targets on North Buka. 3 or 4 huts were possibly damaged at TANAMALA.
4 F4U's NZ 17 (4x500 GP 4/5) scheduled for Put Put - Keravat sweep actually hit targets on NE Buka and NE Bougainville. 2 or 3 huts were destroyed at TAHITAHI and a garden was cratered at Ruri Bay.
8 F4U's NZ 22 (8x500 GP 4/5) hit Ruri Bay supply area. The area was well covered.
Miscellaneous mission included Dawn and Dusk patrol by 4 F4U's of NZ 22 which was routine.
2 F4U's NZ 22 patroled Bougainville on Able-Charlie search. Strafed huts and gardens at TENWA for unobserved results.
1 TBF FMAW dropped 10,000 propaganda leaflets on MOGISETTA, MONOITU and KIETA. The South end of Kara was strafed with unobserved results.
24 F4U's, VMF 212, had routine bracketing mission.
One Duke of York - Pondo and one Keravat - Malabunga sweep was cancelled due to bad weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 105 93
SBD 49 44
TBF 5 2
PV 5 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 14, 2021 11:30:03 GMT 12
24 OCTOBER 1944
8 F4U's. NZ 17 (8x1000 GP inst.) hit Rumba area. The area was thoroughly strafed. No activity observed. 8 F4U's, NZ 22 (8x1000 GP inst.) hit Rumba area. Good coverage, damage obscured by dense vegitation. Area well strafed. 12 F4U's VMF 212 (11x1000 GP inst.) hit Rumba area. Results unobserved. Area well strafed. 12 F4U's VMO 251 (12x1000 GP inst.) hit Rumba area. 1 bomb in area and area thoroughly strafed. 13 SBD's, VMSB 133 (13x500 and 78x1000) hit Rumba area. All bombs in assigned area. Results unobserved. Area well strafed.
4 F4U's. NZ 22 (4x500) scheduled Duke of York - Pondo actually hit Tonga huts and gardens. Probably damaged truck on Talili Bay. Riddled 2 huts and one boat at Solasola.
4 F4U's, NZ 22 (4x500) scheduled Put Put - Keravat sweep demolished 3 huts and probably one glass house in Keravat Experimental Farms.
4 F4U's, NZ 22 (4x500) scheduled Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweep. Little damage done.
Miscellaneous included:
4 F4U's, NZ 17, Dusk Patrol - routine negative.
1 PV, NZ 3 on Sub search. No contacts.
4 F4U's, NZ 17, Dawn Patrol - routine negative.
4 F4U's, NZ 17, scrambled by Dane Base, possible bogey was found to be F4U.
2 F4U's, NZ 17, Able-Charlie search. Huts NE coast Buka strafed -ditto 4 to 5 native huts Tsundawan. Killed 3 Japs at Butchkombo.
18 SBD's. VMSB 133, night flying. Squadron tactics.
16 F4U's, VMO 251, night flying. Squadron tactics.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 69 62
SBD 27 24
TBF 5 4
PV 5 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 19, 2021 11:07:27 GMT 12
25 OCTOBER 1944
31 Corsairs, 16 from VMF 212 and 15 from VMF 223, with 31x1000 scheduled to hit Rumba were weathered out and hit Ruri Bay bivouac area. 28 bombs hit in the area which was well strafed but observation of results was obscured by jungle growth.
NZ 22 had 10 F4U's on 2 plane South Bougainville patrols throughout the day. Huts, gardens, a dugout, 2 jetties and a campfire throughout the area were strafed. Of 12 Japs strafed, 10 were claimed as kills or probables.
4 F4U's, NZ 17 (4x500) on the Put Put - Keravat sweep destroyed at least 3 huts with 2 direct hits. Strafing attacks left a hut and a truck smoking. The afternoon sweep was cancelled due to weather.
4 NZ 17 F4U's (4x500) on the York - Pondo sweep did no damage with bombs but on strafing runs smoked several huts and set fire to a truck. The afternoon sweep was cancelled.
4 NZ 17 F4U's (4x500) on the Gazelle - Lemingi sweep dropped a dud for an undamaging direct hit on a group of huts. 2 gardens were cratered by bombs. 1 Jap was strafed with unobserved results.
NZ 22 had 3 F4U's on the dawn patrol and 4 on the dusk patrol both negative.
15 F4U's from VMF 212 engaged in routine squadron night flying tactics.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 105 89
SBD 27 24
TBF 5 4
PV 5 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 19, 2021 11:09:39 GMT 12
26 OCTOBER 1944
32 F4U's (32x1000) - 16 from VMO 251 and 16 from VMF 223 -and 12 SBD's from VMSB 133 (12x500 and 24x250) dropped 23x1000, 10x500 and 20x250 in the Jap regimental headquarters and supply area at Rumba. Observation of results was obscured by foliage. The target was strafed, also with unobserved results. 1x1000 dropped outside of the target area, destroyed 2 huts in a village near Rumba.
12 F4U's from NZ 17 handled 6 South Bougainville patrols. Many huts, Nips, garden areas, canoes and an observation post were strafed. At least 6 Japs were killed and 3 canoes sunk.
The morning sweeps were weathered out of Rabaul area and hit targets of opportunity in the Shortlands. 16 NZ 22 F4U's (16x500) destroyed 2 huts and part of a jetty and cratered gardens. Other buildings were damaged. Strafing of huts, Japs and gardens burnt 1 hut down, sank 1 canoe and killed 1 Jap.
4 F4U's from NZ 17 (4x500) on the afternoon Gazelle - Lemingi sweep blew up 1 truck with a direct hit and damaged 3 trucks and 1 car by strafing. 3 other trucks were seen. Of 9 Nips strafed at least 4 were hit.
1 NZ - 3 PV set out on the Torokina - Rabaul sweep but was called back due to change in target.
4 NZ - 17 F4U's flew a negative dawn patrol. The dusk patrol was cancelled due to rain.
14 F4U's engaged in gunnery practice.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 69 60
SBD 34 24
TBF 5 3
PV 5 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 19, 2021 11:11:59 GMT 12
27 OCTOBER 1944
4 NZ 17 F4U's on the first Duke of York - Pondo sweep dropped. 4x500, destroying 2 huts and damaging 2 at MATANOINAMANDA, destroying 5 huts and damaging 2 in the TAMBAMBAT area. Strafing smoked 1 of 3 trucks NE of Keravat experimental gardens. Of 5 trucks in NAPAPAR vicinity, 1 smoked, 3 were riddled by strafing. A machine gun position which holed 1 aircraft in the tail wheel at NAPAPAR was silenced. 2 of 3 trucks between BULUP and TIGETANON were riddled as were 7 to 8 huts at SERAGI. 20 Nips escaped strafing in same area. 1 aircraft was wrecked by 3 inch anti-aircraft fire.
4 NZ 17, F4U's on the morning Keravat Malabunga - Put Put sweep dropped 4x500, secured direct hit on 100 - 44 gallon drums near light tank NW of VUNAPTI Plantation and near misses on 3 trucks in the vicinity of the tank which escaped damage. Tank returned strafing fire and withdrew. 3 trucks riddled TAVILO area, also smoked 2 of 3 trucks same vicinity, smoke riseing to 100 feet. Strafed Nip north of NAPAPAR. Killed 2 Japs in garden southeast of NAPAPAR. Machine gun flashes (no tracer) received from 4 guns on ridge, VUNADANIA. 2 supply areas 250x75 yards, containing piles of cases and barrels, seen 1 mile northwest end of VUNAKANAU strip.
4 NZ 17 F4U's on the early Gazelle - Lemingi sweep dropped 4x500, damaging 3 native huts at KORA and an unknown number at MOKURAPAI and drawing a blank at KAMAKAMA. Strafing probably killed 2 Japs after silencing their revetted machine gun 1000 yards east of Tobera strip. 1 aircraft sighted the 2 Aekes at Tobera, also 2 loaded five ton trucks pulled into hiding just off the east taxiway at Tobera.
The second Keravat, Put Put, Malabunga sweep of 4 NZ 17 F4U's dropped 4x500 ineffectively on 20 plus huts at Watom Island. Strafing exploded a 3 ton truck near Kabaira Plantation. Strafing of a truck at Wat Wat was unsuccessful as was that on a tarpaulin covered pile of boxes 8 by 10 feet 1 mile southeast of WAITAVALO. Probably injured 6 Nips 2 miles east of Keravat Farms. 1 of 2 Tobera Zekes seen hit but not flamed by strafing.
4 NZ F4U's on the late Duke of York - Pondo sweep dropped 3x500, 1 jettisoned, probably damaging a bridge at ALIKLIKUN Bay and a sagging bridge at Keravat. Strafing probably killed 3 Nips swimming at Natava, smoked wooden jetty off Mandres and fired iron covered building at Gavin Plantation. 1 aircraft received 2, 7.7 machine gun holes over Bulup River from an unknown position.
2 NZ 17 and 6 NZ 22 F4U's strafed huts at Favrumo Island, Komolia Plantation and Kieta, a row of boxes 50 feet by six feet at Komalai, the Moila Point guns, an observation post at Fosia Bay and a jetty at Kupalu, all unobserved. 4 Nips killed in surf, 2 in Gozell Harber, 1 at Tabut and 1 at Hahela mission. Foot prints seen on the beach between Netong and Lulua plantations indicated recent passage of a company.
8 NZ 22 F4U's flew negative dawn and dusk patrols.
15 SBD's from VMSB 133 and 16 F4U's from VMF 223 flew routine squadron training flights.
2 NZ 22 F4U's engaged in routine radar track mission.
The second Gazelle - Lemingi sweep of 4 NZ 22 F4U's weathered out, dropped 4x500 on Buka passage and strafed throughout channel area. 1 aircraft holed in port wing tip by meager accurate (5 bursts at 5000 feet) undetermined caliber anti-aircraft from north tip of Sohana.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 105 84
SBD 34 20
TBF 5 4
PV 5 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 20, 2021 11:23:33 GMT 12
28 OCTOBER 1944
The main strike today was on the RUMBA supply area. 12 F4U's from NZ 22 (12x1000 GP inst.), 4 F4U's from NZ 17 (4x1000 GP inst.), 15 F4U's from VMF 212 (14x1000 GP inst.) and 16 F4U's from VMO 251 (16x1000 1/100 delay) covered the target area well. The target was strafed but, due to dense foliage, the actual results of bombing and strafing were unobserved.
4 F4U's from VMF 223 (4x500 4/5 delay) scheduled for the Duke of York - Pondo sweep were weathered out and actually hit targets of opportunity on Bougainville, destroying or damaging a bridge at IWI Plantation. Weather obscured other results.
10 F4U's from NZ 17 scheduled for five Bougainville patrols found Jap hunting profitable. 13 Japs were claimed killed. A pontoon boat 15 feet long was strafed and sunk. Several cooking fires were strafed.
Local missions today included 4 F4U's of NZ 17 on dawn and dusk patrols which were negative.
2 TBF from FMAW (8x500 4/5 seconds delay) bombed and strafed AKU area but results were unobserved.
8 F4U's from NZ 22 (8x500 10 seconds delay) hit targets of opportunity on Shortlands, completely obliterating 3 stacks of boxes at KOMALIAI Plantation.
9 SBD's from VMSB 133 (18x100) hit KAROLINGAR Gardens. The area was well covered but the results were unobserved.
1 TBF from FMAW dropped 15,000 propaganda leaflets from KAHILI to SISIVIE and strafed targets of opportunity.
22 F4U's from VMF 212 had a routine night flying training mission.
2 F4U's from NZ 17 flew a radar tracking mission, which was routine and negative.
The Put Put - Keravat and Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweeps were cancelled due to bad weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 105 83
SBD 35 26
TBF 5 2
PV 5 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 20, 2021 11:26:05 GMT 12
29 OCTOBER 1944
One man was killed and ten others injured, two seriously, when one of the SBD's returning from a training hop with the 37th Division (Army) Artillery, at 1057 dropped a hung 100 pound bomb in MAG 24 enlisted men's area. Aircraft participating on training hop included 20 SBD's of VMSB 341 and 18 of VMSB 241. VMSB 341 had already pancaked at time of accident. Instructions had been passed to both squadrons at 1030 to shock bomb racks, on orders of Colonel Meyer, Major Brushert, VMSB 241 issued a similar order before return to base and some bombs were shaken off over the bay. An investigation is being conducted.
16 F4U's from VMF 223 dropped 15x1000 bombs and strafed AKU with unobserved results.
15 SBD's of VMSB 133 dropped 15x500 and 22x250 bombs on AKU Village setting a fuel dump on fire. They also strafed target area with unobserved results. This target had been worked earlier, by 1 TBF of FMAW which dropped 2x500 oil incendiary bombs and also destroyed a bridge at AKU with 2x500 GP inst. bombs and strafed the target around AKU with unobserved results.
During sweep over Duke of York - Pondo by 4 F4U's of VMO 251, 3x500 bombs were dropped by 4 F4U's on huts at URUKUKUR destroying 3 and huts at URI Village were left smoking after strafing. On Keravat - Malabunga - Put Put sweep 4 F4U's of VMO 251 dropped 3x500 bombs on huts at Kabanga Plantation and strafed targets of opportunity, both with results unobserved.
On the York - Pondo sweep by 4 F4U's of VMO 251, 2x500 bombs were dropped on Stockholm Plantation and 1x500 on dock at Lassul Bay without damage. A red roofed plantation house at Stockholm was fired by strafing and huts east of Cape Lambert were strafed with unobserved results. During the bombing run over Stockholm, Lt. Harris, plane 044, was apparently caught in bomb blast of the plane ahead of him and forced to water land 5 miles off shore with his bomb still aboard. He was rescued apparently uninjured by Dumbo 15 minutes later and taken to Green Island.
2 F4U's of NZ 17 on South Bougainville patrol sank a 15 foot pontoon 20 yards off east tip of Nusave Island by strafing. 8 Nips on pontoon headed for jungle and were strafed with unobserved results. Nips on beach at Aropo Plantation and in canoe at Tavraur River and 2 native huts at Tonu were strafed with unobserved results.
2 other F4U's of NZ 17 carried out South Bougainville patrol with negative results except for strafing single Jap with shovel on south coast Morgusai Island with unobserved results. Another South Bougainville patrol of 2 F4U's of NZ 17 strafed 5 to 6 huts on east shore Farumo Island and damaged native canoe drifting empty off Luluai Point. Also strafed 5 scattered Japs along shore south coast Shortlands and Fauro with unobserved results. A negative patrol over South Bougainville was carried out by 2 F4U's of NZ 17, except for strafing a jungle fire 3 miles inland from Rorovana Bay.
A Jap was killed at Cape Tanabon by 2 F4U's on South Bougainville and Able-Charlie patrol.
On the Gazelle - Lemingi sweep, 4 F4U's of VMF 251 dropped 4x500 bombs on road junction at Ralabang Plantation with no observed damage. One bomb failed to explode. Huts and gardens from Tobera to Kabana Bay were strafed with results unobserved.
4 F4U's of VMF 212 on the Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweep dropped 3x500 bombs on 3 huts at Cape Gazelle, all duds. On the Keravat -Malabunga - Put Put sweep, 4 F4U's of VMO 251 dropped 4x500 bombs on huts at the south end of Keravat. Only one bomb exploded with no observed damage.
Routine dawn patrol and radar tracking were carried out by F4U's of NZ 17.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 110 84
SBD 51 26
TBF 5 2
PV 5 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 20, 2021 11:27:33 GMT 12
30 OCTOBER 1944
Weather cancelled all afternoon flights today.
In the Rabaul sector, 12 F4U's (12x500) from VMF 212 flew the morning Gazelle - Lemingi, Put Put - Keravat and Duke of York -Pondo sweeps with 4 planes on each sweep. Most of the bombs were unobserved but several huts were damaged. Several huts, trucks, gardens, a barge and other targets of opportunity were strafed, burning 2 trucks and damaging at least 3 trucks and 2 cars, burning 1 hut and explodeing 1 hut. Moderate inaccurate anti-aircraft fire was received by each patrol.
12 VMSB 133 SBD's (12x500 and 14x250) and 12 VMF 223 (12x1000) struck Rataval, north of Rabaul. A fuel dump was set afire but other results were obscured by smoke and dust. However, photographs taken after the strike showed that the target area was well covered and that 10 small buildings were destroyed.
NZ 17 had the dawn patrol and the morning South Bougainville patrols flying 10 F4U sorties. 6 Japs were strafed, 4 killed and 2 unobserved. Huts, cooking fires and 2 block houses were strafed with unobserved results. A wooden bridge was smoked by strafing.
1 NZ 3 PV patrolled the Torokina - Rabaul line and 2 NZ 17 F4U's performed the daily radar track mission.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 104 86
SBD 52 29
TBF 5 2
PV 5 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 22, 2021 10:53:50 GMT 12
31 OCTOBER 1944
Piva had the day for maintenance and training. The schedule was further lightened by cancellation of the Put Put - Keravat and York - Pando sweeps and the last Bougainville patrol.
On the morning Duke of York - Pando sweep 4 F4U's from VMF 223 dropped 4x500 for misses on a group of huts. Other huts were strafed with unobserved results. The afternoon sweep was weathered out and 4 F4U's of VMF 223 hit Inus Plantation, Bougainville, with 4x500 on a group of huts destroying three. Other huts were strafed. VMF 212 had the local defense patrol with 4 F4U's each on the dawn and dusk patrols and 8 F4U's on 4 South Bougainville patrols. Huts and fires were strafed with unobserved results. Meager inaccurate machine gun fire was encountered by one patrol.
VMF 212 had 2 F4U's out on the daily radar track mission.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 87 70
SBD 52 28
TBF 4 2
PV 4 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 22, 2021 10:56:42 GMT 12
1 November 1944
The major strike was Takasko area, located on south Bougainville which was hit by 11 F4U's of NZ 23 (11x1000) and 15 SBD's of VMSB 133 (15x500 and 30x250). The target area was well covered by bombing and strafing. 3 huts were destroyed. Other results were unobserved because of the density of trees and foliage.
Other Bougainville missions included four south Bougainville patrols composed of two F4U's of VMF 212 for each patrol. Huts were strafed at Toborei Plantation, also 6 huts east of Kara strip, 6 huts at Kieta, all results were unobserved.
Targets on New Britain were covered by VMF 223 on two Duke of York - Pondo sweeps by four F4U's each, (1x500). Several huts inland from Ragaga Bay were bombed and missed. Several huts were strafed at Massava Plantation. Results unobserved. A building 20x90 ft. at Galtum Plantation was riddled but did not burn. One F4U had engine failure 4 miles southeast of Duke of York Islands, and pilot was rescued by Dumbo.
8 F4U's of VMF 223 (1x500) covered area from Cape Gazelle to Lemingi. There were two patrols of four planes each, 2 huts were damaged at Dadul. 1 hut was destroyed and 1 hut was damaged at Tulean Plantation. One F4U was holed 17 times by AA from Ralabang.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (1x500) covered area from Put Put to Keravat. 2 huts were destroyed at Varzin. Huts were riddled at Keravat Experimental Farm.
Miscellaneous missions on Bougainville included the Dawn and Dusk patrol. 4 F4U's of VMF 212 had each patrol. Both patrols were routine and negative.
1 TBF of FMAW dropped 2300 propaganda leaflets from Mosigetta to Sisivie. All leaflets were dropped in assigned areas.
2 F4U's of VMF 212 carried out routine Radar Track missions.
11 SBD's of VMSB 133 carried out routine training missions.
1 SBD of VMSB 133 on a local hop crashed in vicinity of Toro-kina. Neither Pilot or Gunner were rescued. 1 SBD of MAG-24 and 2 F4U's of VMF 212 completed a negative search for the pilot and gunner.
1 PV of NZ 3 transit flight from Green to Bougainville observed a large fire in Tulean Plantation (West Buka).
One Put Put - Keravat sweep and one south Bougainville patrol was cancelled due to bad weather.
AVAILIBILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 101 63
SBD 51 38
TBF 4 1
PV 4 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 22, 2021 10:58:26 GMT 12
2 November 1944
The Kurakakaul mission being weathered out, Taki was struck by 12 SBD's of VMSB 133 with 12x500 and 22x250 bombs destroying 6 huts.
The dusk patrol was weathered out but routine dawn patrol and radar track were carried out by F4U's of VMF 223.
On South Bougainville Patrols F4U's of VMF 223 strafed scattered huts on West coast BUKA and a road junction north of MALABETA HILL and MABIRI POINT with unobserved results and strafed and possibly killed 1 Jap at Cape L'AVERDY.
4 F4U's of VMF 212 on PUT PUT - KERAVAT sweeps strafed the revetment area North - West runway of VUNAKANAU and a 20 foot rowboat at the mouth of WARANGOI river as well as huts 1 mile west of RAPOPO, all results being unobserved. A second sweep of the same area was weathered out and instead 4 F4U's of VMF 212 bombed with 2x500 bombs each side of BUKA strip and strafed huts on BUKA and East Bougainville with unobserved results. The scheduled Duke of York -Pondo sweep was transferred to targets on North-East BUKA where 4 F4U's of VMF 212 dropped 4x500 in the area of hut and canes North-East BUKA, causing possible damage and strafed other targets of opportunity with unobserved results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 51 32
F4U 103 64
TBF 4 2
PV 4 4
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 26, 2021 0:11:11 GMT 12
3 November, 1944.
The main strike was in the AKU area where NZ 15 and 23 dropped 22x1000 causing considerable damage.
On the Put Put - Keravat Sweep, 4 F4U's of VMF 212 strafed 2 trucks, smoking one and left 2 huts burning on Duke of York. 2x500 dropped on large house south of Keravia Bay with unobserved results. 2x500 dropped on 3 huts and buildings in Talili Bay, unobserved.
On the Gazelle - Lemingi Sweep, 4 F4U's of VMF 212 dropped 4x500 on huts at Lemengi, causing possible damage.
On the Duke of York - Pondo Sweep, 4 F4U's of VMF 212 dropped 3x500 on huts in Naginla village, destroying 5 huts and damaging others.
Three South Bougainville Patrols by VMF 212 (2 F4U's on each) strafed targets of opportunity mostly with unobserved results. The last 2 patrols were cancelled on account of weather.
The Able Charlie search by 12 F4U's of NZ 15 killed 9 Japs around Numa Numa and damaged a barge at Burunetai Plantation.
One TBF, FMAW, dropped 9000 leaflets between Monoilai and Mosigetta: 3000 at Kieta: 1500 at Ibu: 1500 at Sisivie.
Miscellaneous included: Dawn Patrol VMF 223, 4 F4U
Radar Tracking, VMF 223, 2 F4U
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 51 37
F4U 103 66
TBF 4 3
PV 3 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 26, 2021 0:12:13 GMT 12
4 November, 1944
All scheduled missions cancelled due to bad weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 51 40
F4U 103 71
TBF 4 3
PV 3 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 26, 2021 0:14:19 GMT 12
5 November, 1944
2 F4U's of VMF 223 started out on South Bougainville Patrol but were recalled out to bad weather and all other scheduled missions were weathered out.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 45 36
F4U 101 70
TBF 0 0
PV 3 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 26, 2021 0:15:38 GMT 12
6 November, 1944.
One South Bougainville Patrol operated 2 F4U's of VMO 251.
All other scheduled flights were cancelled due to weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 51 44
F4U 103 98
TBF 4 3
PV 2 1
J2F 1 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 26, 2021 12:36:50 GMT 12
7 November, 1944
Weather hampered operations in this area, causing the primary target of TENEKAN Bougainville to be weathered out. Secondary targets at Tabago Bougainville were bombed. 12 F4U's of NZ 23 (12x 1000) and 9 F4U's of NZ 15 (9x1000) destroyed 5 huts, native type.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) swept area from Put Put to Keravat. One native hut was damaged, one hut fired and one hut destroyed. 4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) swept area from Capt Gazelle to Lemingi. Two buildings were damaged at Dudal Village. 4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) swept the area front Duke of York to Pondo. Native huts were bombed on Makada Island with unobserved results. 8 F4U's of VMO 251 had four south Bougainville patrols of two planes each. Native huts were strafed with unobserved results. 8 F4U's of VMO 251 had four planes each on Dawn and Dusk patrols. Both were negative. One south Bougainville patrol was cancelled as well as the afternoon Duke of York - Pondo, Cape Gazelle - Lemingi, and Put Put - Keravat.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 103 93
SBD 51 44
TBF 4 4
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 26, 2021 12:38:48 GMT 12
8 November 1944
The main target today was in the Ratsoa area, reported to be the headquarters of a Jap brigade. 15 F4U's of VMF 223, 12 F4U's of NZ 15, 11 F4U's of NZ 23, and 16 SBD's of VMSB 236 dropped a total of 32,750 lbs of bombs thoroughly covering the target area, but results were unobserved by the jungle.
Secondary strikes were made by NZ 15 and NZ 23. 8 F4U's of NZ 15 destroyed a concrete building at north tip of Kerere Plantation with a direct hit and a near miss with 500 lb bombs, while 4 other F4U's of the same squadron on a strafing sweep killed 5 Japs.
8 F4U's dropped 8 500 lb bombs on a supposed concrete dam at Rava scoring two direct hits. Pilot reported that target had appearance of a metal plate 30 ft by 8 ft covered with sand.
A leaflet drop over Mosigetta Monoitu Mission area was carried out by 1 TBF, the pilot of which reported numerous huts south and east of Lake Loloru and apparently allied troops near base of Gazelle Harbor. Later 2 F4U's of VMF 212 searched the latter area without finding any trace of such troops.
The usual New Britain sweeps were carried out by F4U's of VMO 251. Bombs were dropped on huts at Cape Lalahan and on huts and buildings at south end of Wunataisibi and Towanamaronga rivers, Pondo Point, and Maliwan Plantation on the York-Pondo sweep, with unobserved results. On the former sweep huts on Duke of York and Buka were strafed with results unobserved while on the latter, villages from Pondo to Cape Lambert to Keravat were strafed, fires being started among buildings at Vunalama Plantation and in grass around a hut at Raganga. On the Put Put-Keravat sweep, several huts at Kakada Plantation were damaged by a bomb and a garden at Keravat Experimental Farm was watered by another bomb while personnel in both areas were strafed with unobserved results. On this sweep 2 F4U's had to return to base shortly after take-off owing to engine trouble to one of them.
Routine dawn and dusk, and south Bougainville Patrols were carried out by F4U's of VMF 212 with negative results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 103 92
TBF 4 3
SBD 51 43
PV 2 2
J2F 1 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 29, 2021 10:46:36 GMT 12
9 November 1944
The Main strike was on the Ratsoa area. NZ 23, 11 F4U's dropped 11x500 with good coverage but unobserved results. NZ 15, 12 F4U's dropped 4x500 in vicinity of huts in south part of target and 8x500 unobserved. VMO 251, 16 F4U's 14x500 on area with good coverage. 2x500 hung and returned to base. VMSB 133, 15 SBD's dropped 15x500 and 28x250 in area, producing a small amount of smoke.
NZ 23 and NZ 15, 16 F4U's hit Teop Island. 15x1000 destroyed 2 large huts on southwest tip and several smaller huts.
VMF 223, 2 F4U's made a special strike on huts at Lemingi. 1x500 missed.
On Gazelle-Lemingi, sweep, VMF 212 7 F4U's let 4x500 go on group 8-10 huts at Lemingi, destroying two and damaging several others, 3x500 on pier at Massara Plantation which was destroyed.
The Duke of York-Pondo sweep, VMF 212, 8 F4U's missed huts at Rapopo and Mandres with 3x500. Also dropped 4x500 on huts in Revetment, west side of Rapopo Strip with unobserved results.
Put Put-Keravat sweep, VMF 212, 8 F4U's, dropped 4x500 on huts at Vunakanan with unobserved results. Also strafed and holed soft boat and killed one Jap. The second sweep was scattered out and landed with bombs.
Able Charlie NZ 15, 4 F4U's killed 6 Japs and strafed several huts, burning two.
South Bougainville Patrol by VMF 223 in all 10 F4U's, strafed many huts with unobserved results.
Miscellaneous. Dawn Patrol VMF 223, 4 F4U's. Dusk Patrol was cancelled on account of weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 51 43
F4U 103 93
TBF 4 3
PV 2 2
J2F 1 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 29, 2021 10:49:28 GMT 12
10 November, 1944
16 F4U's of VMF 212 (15x500 GP inst.), 8 F4U's of NZ 15 (8x500 GP inst.), 5 F4U's of NZ 23 (5x500 GP inst.), 15 SBD's of VMSB 133 (15x500 and 30x250), 15 SBD's of VMSB 236 (6x1000, 9x500, 18x250), were scheduled to strike Karakakaul on New Britain, but the weather prevented the planes from hitting the primary target, therefore a secondary target at Ratsoa on Bougainville was hit. All bombs were dropped in the area for a good coverage. The target was strafed, several Japs were killed and a native hut was fired.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) covered area from Cape Gazelle to Lemingi on New Britain. One native hut was destroyed and one damaged at Dadul.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) covered the area from Put Put to Keravat on New Britain. 2 gardens were bombed at Put Put. A truck was fired west of Mt. Varzin.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) covered the area from Duke of York to Pondo on New Britain. 2 native huts were destroyed at the mouth of the USAVIT River. Native huts were strafed at Pondo. Results were unobserved.
Bougainville Patrols were flown by 6 F4U's of VMO 251 and 4 F4U's of NZ 23 and 2 F4U's of NZ 15. 4 Japs were killed and several native huts were strafed.
Miscellaneous missions included a Propaganda leaflet drop. 9500 leaflets were dropped between Mosigetta and Monoitu Mission.
4 F4U's of VMO 251 patrolled the Island on Dawn Patrol, which was negative.
Missions cancelled today due to weather were the afternoon Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweep, Put Put - Keravat sweep and Duke of York -Pondo sweep. The Dusk Patrol was also cancelled.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 102 86
SBD 51 37
TBF 4 2
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Jan 29, 2021 10:51:39 GMT 12
11 November 1944
The main strike was made at Tenekau Plantation by 12 F4U's of NZ 15 and 11 F4U's of NZ 23 (23x500 GP inst.). Owing to jungle growth, results were unobserved although 2 large flashes were seen.
The same Squadrons also struck at huts near Mt. Lawerenz, destroying several and at other huts 4-5 miles East of Lake Loloru destroying 2 and damaging 5. Two Nips in water at Kukerino were strafed and killed.
Routine sweeps of Gazelle Peninsula were carried out by F4U's of VMO 251. Huts were damaged by near misses with 4x500 bombs at Lemingi and 4x500 bombs were dropped on huts at crossroads 3 miles NW of Nanatanai. 1 Jap was killed at Meroc (Bougainville) 3x500 dropped unobserved on Keravat Experimental Farms and 1x500 on two dump trucks at Wat Wat Plantation. Both trucks were hit and burned by strafing. Wat Wat Supply area and Vunakanau revetments were bombed with 3x500 with no observed results. 1 native hut at Rngarere and another at Vunipa Plantation were destroyed by 500 lb. bombs and huts were strafed on Duke of York Island and every plantation on route Pondo - Cape Lambert - Ataliklikun Bay. A large house on Seragi Plantation was smoked by strafing after 4x500 bombs had missed. Huts were strafed at Cape Domas, Ragaga Plantation and Vunalama Coffee Plantation.
On South Bougainville Patrols carried out by F4U's of VMF 212 a canoe was strafed and holed in Teop Harbor and huts at Teop Island, Aropo Plantation were strafed with unobserved results. Strafing also covered huts at Monoitu Mission, Bambagai, Kediai Plantation, Kieta, and Mabiri Plantation, Ballale strip and fires at Eoure and Nantokina. Results were unobserved.
7,000 propaganda leaflets were dropped between Monoitu and Muguai Missions and 2500 at Kieta by a TBF of FMAW.
A PV of NZ 23 carried out a special search of Herde Bay -Gasmata area with negative results.
Routine Dawn and Dusk Patrols carried out by F4U's of VMF 212 were also negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 102 85
SBD 51 40
TBF 4 2
PV 2 2
VMF 223 has one plane at Green Island unserviceable.
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