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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 1, 2021 10:48:27 GMT 12
12 November 1944
The main strike today was against Kapauinavi Stockade. All Squadrons had difficulty in locating the target. NZ 23, 11 F4U's dropped 11x500 on huts just south of the target destroying 6.
NZ 15, 12 F4U's dropped 12x500 on new huts 1000 yards south on same ridge with unobserved results. VMO 251, 16 F4U's dropped 15x500 with unobserved results.
On the Able - Charlie Search, NZ 15, 12 F4U's dropped 8x500 destroying several huts, 1 whale boat and 1 Jap. NZ 23, 4 F4U's, 4x1000 went for Ratsoa. The target was difficult to locate and bombs dropped with unobserved results. Two Japs were killed at Lontes.
NZ 23, 4 F4U's, 4x500, hit huts between Kekere and Iwi Plantation. 1 hut was demolished and 5 damaged.
On the South Bougainville Patrol, VMF 223, in all 8 F4U's, killed 2 Japs and sank 2 canoes.
On the Duke of York - Pondo Sweep, VMF 212 with 4x500 fired one hut and damaged another.
Miscellaneous: TBF dropped 12000 leaflets; 4 F4U's of VMF 223 on Dawn Patrol; 2 F4U's of VMF 223 on Dusk Patrol; 2 F4U's of VMF 223 on Radar Track Mission.
The Dusk Patrol, Gazelle - Lemingi, Put Put - Keravat, and the South Bougainville Patrol were all cancelled due to bad weather.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 102 85
SBD 51 40
TBF 4 2
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 1, 2021 10:50:12 GMT 12
13 November 1944
11 F4U's of NZ 23 (11x500 1/100), 12 F4U's of NZ 15 (12x500 inst.) and 16 F4U's of VMF 212 (16x500 inst.) bombed targets in Ratsoa Plantation on Bougainville. The target area was well covered both by bombs and strafing.
12 F4U's of NZ 15 (12x500) and 8 F4U's of NZ 23 (7x500 4/5) bombed targets of opportunity on Bougainville. Five native huts were destroyed at Koromira Mission. Two native huts were burned at Sirukiai Point. A barge was strafed on shore at Lalahaw Plantation.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (1x500 per plane) patrolled area from Duke of York to Pondo on New Britain. Two native huts were destroyed at Rangarere Plantation. Several native huts were destroyed on Duke of York Island.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (1x500 per plane) patrolled area from Cape Gazelle to Lemingi on New Britain. A bridge was destroyed at Kabanga River. Two native huts were destroyed and two native huts were damaged at Kabanga Plantation.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (1x500 per plane) patrolled area from Put Put to Keravat on New Britain. Keravat Supply dump was bombed and one fire was observed after the bombing. The Patrol strafed Keravat Airdrome.
10 F4U's of VMO 251 patrolled the island of Bougainville throughout the day. Native huts were strafed on South Bougainville. KARA, on the east coast of Bougainville, and cooking fires at MONOITU Mission were also strafed.
One TBF of FMAW dropped 12,000 leaflets from SIRIRUAL to MONOITU Mission on Bougainville.
4 F4U's of VMO 251 patrolled Bougainville on Dawn and Dusk Patrol. The results were negative.
2 F4U's of VMO 251 carried out a scheduled Radar Tracking Mission which was negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 102 89
SBD 51 42
TBF 4 1
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 1, 2021 11:22:58 GMT 12
14 November 1944
Through the breaks in the weather, Piva managed to complete all scheduled flights.
23 F4U's, 11 from NZ 23, and 12 from NZ 15, plus 14 SBD's from VMSB 133 dropped 24x250 pounds of bombs on Kurakakal Plantation for the major strike of the day. Supply areas were well covered but results were obscured by smoke over the target. Though light machine-gun fire was received, all planes returned.
The Duke of York - Pondo; Gazelle - Lemingi; Put Put - Keravat; areas were covered by 5 four plane and one three plane F4U sweeps; all from squadron VMO 251. Huts, buildings, villages and trucks were strafed and bombed with 24x500 bombs destroying one 40 foot building, four huts and damaging other huts by bombs, and four huts were set afire by strafing.
One PV covered strike area as stand-by for pilot rescue.
South Bougainville was patrolled by 5 Two plans F4U patrols all from VMF 212. Huts, gardens, villages, buildings, and five barges were strafed, with results of two barges holed and left smoking, and two huts fired; other results were unobserved.
A local dawn and dusk patrol of 4 F4U's each, all from VMF 212, reported negative results.
Two local strikes from NZ 15 squadron, one of 4 F4U's and the other of 6 F4U's; following results were obtained: killed three Japs, left a truck blazing, strafed a coastal gun and saw an explosion 40 foot high from gun pit, and strafed and holed one canoe.
One FMAW TBF dropped 12,000 propaganda leaflets over Jap positions.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 102 85
SBD 51 28
TBF 4 2
PV 3 2
J2F 1 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 1, 2021 11:25:49 GMT 12
15 November 1944
Both SBD squadrons (133 and 236) and VMO 251 had a training day. VMF 223 undertook local defense and VMF 212 carried out routine sweeps over Gazelle Peninsula. NZ 15 conducted strikes against Bougainville targets while NZ 23 secured in preparation for its move.
F4U's of VMF 223 on South Bougainville Patrols strafed targets of opportunity, the only observed results being 1 hut at Nabaku destroyed.
On Gazelle Peninsula sweeps, 4x500 bombs were dropped on huts at Raliliei and NW of Vunakanau unobserved, and Rapopo strip, huts at Rainau Plantation and the coast of Keravia Bay from Raliliei to Ralvana were strafed; 1x500 was dropped on revetment at east side Tobera, 1x500 was dropped on Tobera Rubber Plantation both unobserved. Near misses with 2x500 bombs damaged same huts at Ralabang Plantation which was also strafed together with Tobera strip. Keravat strip was attacked with 7x500 - 3 on SW corner of the strip and 4 on reported supply area - with results unobserved. Strafing holed four barges (2 serviceable) at Kabaira Plantation, holed and stopped a pick-up truck on road south of Napapar and smoked another on same road. Grass fires were started on Buka strip by strafing which were still burning about half an hour later. 2 planes were holed with meagre accurate machine gun fire from positions on top of hills between Warangoi and Sigule Rivers, south of Ralabang Plantation. 4x500 bombs were dropped on huts and buildings at Pondo Plantation destroying one and damaging 4 others. 7-10 more were strafed and holed. Near misses with 2x500 damaged at least 2 buildings on shore at USAVIT Plantation which was strafed together with large house at Ponsarer Point.
1 TBF of FMAW dropped 30,000 propaganda leaflets between Motupena and Monoitu.
10 F4U's of NZ 15 struck at huts in Lake Loloru area with 500 pount inst. bombs, two of which were duds. 1x500 scored a direct hit on one group of huts and 7x500 were near misses on 3 other groups. Results could not be observed owing to location of huts at side of ridges. A later strike on the same general area by 8 F4U's destroyed 2 huts with 4x500. 2x500 were dropped on huts at Kapavinavi unobserved.
Strafing killed 2 Japs south of Cape Friendship and 1 Jap NE of Puk Puk.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 105 85
SBD 47 38
TBF 3 1
PV 2 2
NZ 3 Transferred 1 plane to Emirau
VMF 223 Transferred 2 planes to Dial Pool
VMF 223 Has one plane at Green (unserviceable)
MAG 24 No longer maintaining planes to Com Air Center and Com Air Nor Sols.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 5, 2021 10:48:45 GMT 12
16 November 1944
16 F4U's of VMO 251 (16x500 inst.), 14 F4U's of VMF 212 (14x500 inst.), and 12 F4U's of VMF 223 (12x500 inst.) hit targets on Pandi River, New Britain. Good coverage of the area both by bombs and strafing was observed.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500) patrolled the area from Put Put to Keravat, New Britain. One native hut was destroyed at Ulo. One Jap was killed east of Bera Plantation. One hut was damaged at Waraongoi.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500 4/5 sec. delay) patrolled the area from Gape Gazelle to Lemingi. Two huts were damaged at Radui.
4 F4U's of VMF 212 (4x500 4/5 sec. delay) patrolled the area from Duke of York to Pondo, damaging a group of huts at Pondo. The aircraft also strafed Pondo Plantation and Keravat strip with unobserved results.
Five patrols of 2 F4U's each from NZ 15 covered the Bougainville area from 0600 until 1800. These patrols sank an empty black dinghy near Aiaisuia. One Jap was killed at Rorouana Bay. A twelve foot canoe was sunk off Arova. A gun position was strafed at Moila Point. A boat constructed of metal was strafed at Tarara. A 30 foot whale boat was destroyed at Dunganon Point. A 20 foot canoe was damaged at Tung.
2 flights of 4 F4U's each from NZ 15 patrolled Bougainville on Dawn and Dusk patrol which were negative.
2 F4U's of NZ 15 carried out a negative Radar Tracking mission.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 89 77
SBD 50 41
TBF 4 2
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 5, 2021 11:26:41 GMT 12
17 November 1944
Todays best hunting was in the Rabaul area. NZ 15 handled all sweeps with 4 F4U's on each the morning and afternoon Duke of York - Pondo sweeps dropping 2x500 on targets, 4x500 duds and 2x500 hung and were jettisoned. 1 good bomb hit in bivouac area at Talili Bay with unobserved results. The afternoon sweep caught the Japs unloading barges in North Karavia Bay. 3 or more Japs were killed, 6 half unloaded barges were set afire, a 20 foot launch was set afire and stores piled on beach were strafed. On retirement the area was covered with smoke. 2 camouflaged barges nearby were also strafed with unobserved results. 2 Japs were killed and a quarter acre of crops probably rice was set afire near Ralum. Ralum supply dumps were strafed and bombed with unobserved results. A truck and 2 tin roofed huts were also strafed. 1 burst of light AA was wide of the plane.
7 F4U's (5x500) were on the AM and PM Gazelle - Lemingi sweeps. A supply dump and huts set afire by bombing. An open car and a truck were strafed. 1 Jap was killed at Ralum and huts were strafed. A plane was reported in the Warangoi River. 8 F4U's on the Put Put - Keravat sweeps dropped 6x500 destroying 2 huts at Wurawunukur and burning a truck near Keravat. Another truck was burned by strafing near Napapar. A fire was started in some earthworks in a hill near Keravat strip. 1 plane was holed by machine gun fire.
On Bougainville, VMO 251 handled the local defense patrols with 4 F4U's on negative dawn and dusk patrols standing by throughout the day. A total of 10 F4U's flew 5 South Bougainville patrols. Bonis Plantation, Kieta town, Rumba, Arawa, all the coast of Buka Island, Kahili and Kowmira Mission areas were strafed. 2 Japs were killed and several huts were holed. A 12 foot punt was sunk off Poporang Island and 2 Japs in it were killed. A landing barge was strafed at Poporang pier.
A First Marine Aircraft Wing TBF dropped 69,000 propaganda leaflets on Bougainville.
12 SBD's from VMSB 133 (12x500 and 24x250) and 12 SBD's from VMSB 236 (12x500 and 24x250) in cooperation with the Army dropped their loads on Jap pill boxes along the Numa Numa trail near Lesiapaia.
VMF 212 with 15 F4U's (15x500) and VMF 223 with 16 F4U's (16x500) hit Ebery's Lease. 6 huts were destroyed and 15 huts were damaged. Meager inaccurate machine gun fire and 40 mm fire was encountered at 3 points.
8 F4U's from VMF 212 (7x500) dropped 5 among a group of huts at Hangan, Buka, and strafed Hangan and Soraken with unobserved results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 84 80
SBD 50 39
TBF 3 3
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 5, 2021 11:28:26 GMT 12
18 November 1944
The main strike for today was against Kurakakaul storage area by 14 F4U's of VMF 223 and 15 F4U's of VMO 251, carrying 1000 pound 1/10 second delay bombs. A total of 17 bombs were reported to have landed in the target area but no results were observed. Two planes of VMO 251 returned with engine trouble dropped their bombs on Soroken Plantation and strafed a truck on Kara Tobago road with unobserved results.
A ground support mission was undertaken by 12 SBD's of VMSB 133 and 11 of VMSB 236 against Japanese positions on Numa Numa trail near Lesiapaia. Each plane carried 1x500 and 2x250 bombs. Results of the attack were unobserved but ground observers noticed that the first division of VMSB 133 dropped its bombs well on the target.
Gazelle Peninsula sweeps were undertaken by F4U's of VMF 212 carrying 500 pount bombs. On Put Put - Kerevat runs 3 bombs were dropped on huts at Gunanar Plantation destroying 2 and damaging several and one bomb was dropped on huts at Ralabang with no observed results. Single bombs were also dropped on caves in hillside at a Keravat Experimental Farm, on huts east of Vunakambi and huts south of Kabira Plantation with no observed results. Targets of opportunity were strafed without observed effect. On Cape Gazelle - Lemingi sweeps 3 huts on a village 1/2 mile west of Malapau Plantation were destroyed by 1 bomb and another demolished at least one hut at BokBok. No observed damage followed single bombs dropped on huts at Livuan and Rainau Plantation and on a jetty at mouth of Kabanga River, Rapopo revetments, Kabakaul and Kenabot Plantation. Strafing silenced machine gun at Smith's Village (SE of Tobera) and other targets of opportunity enroute were strafed with no observed results. On Duke of York - Pondo sweeps 4 bombs were dropped on huts at Pondo destroying 3 and 1 hit a fire on Credner Island. Others were dropped singly with unobserved results on probably unserviceable barges at Ralvana and huts on Duke of York. Huts at Pondo Plantation, villages on Duke of York and roads on Tobera and Ralabang Plantations were strafed unobserved.
South Bougainville Patrols were carried out by F4U's of NZ 15. Strafing resulted in 1 Jap killed on South shore of Morgusiai Island, one hut fired, another Jap killed and a 16 foot canoe holed on NE section of Morgusiai, a third Jap probably killed on Shortland Island, a hut smoked at Asitari and another on stilts at Cape Dunganon also smoked, disintegrated possible concrete pipe near Sorum area, smoked a hut on Farumo Island,holed a canoe on Teop Beach, sank an outrigger canoe moored off Nusakao (Shortlands) and smoked a shelter at Komaliai Point.
1 TBF of FMAW dropped 46,000 leaflets at Kieta and around restricted areas south of Numa Numa trail. 2 SBD's of VMSB 236 carried out a special search for navigation obstructions with negative results.
Negative Dawn and Dusk Patrols were flown by F4U's of NZ 15.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
SBD 54 37
F4U 85 75
TBF 4 3
PV 3 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 6, 2021 15:35:37 GMT 12
19 November 1944
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP inst.) patrolled the area from Put Put to Keravat on New Britain. They strafed and burned one gas truck at Napapar. Bombs were dropped in gardens at Napapar with unobserved results.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP inst.) patrolled the area from Duke of York to Pondo on New Britain. Bombs were dropped on canoes a Keravat with unobserved results.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP inst.) patrolled the area from Cape Gazelle to Lemingi on New Britain. Bombs were dropped in Malapau Plantation and the results were unobserved. This same area had lots of activity including Boilers, Power lines and serviceable roads.
3 F4U's of NZ 15 (3x500 4/5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Put Put to Keravat on New Britain. They bombed a village near Malapau Plantation. Two huts were damaged or destroyed.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP 4/5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Duke of York to Pondo on New Britain. Bombs were dropped on Earthworks, south side of a hill east of Keravat. The results were unobserved. One aircraft dropped a belly tank and then strafed the tank causing a fire in the area. Three trucks were burned and one truck was damaged at Napapar.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP inst.) patrolled the area from Cape Gazelle to Lemingi on New Britain. Bombs were dropped at a village near Malapau Plantation and the results were unobserved.
5 Patrols of 2 F4U's each from VMF 212 patrolled Bougainville Island from 0600 to 1800. Huts were strafed at Sorakan Plantation, Lakuraui, Hanela Mission, NW Kieta Strip, Kekere Plantation, and Moniotu Mission on Buka Island, one aircraft was hit in the left oil cooler by machine gun fire and the pilot was forced to make a water landing 10 miles E of Buka. The pilot was rescued by Dumbo.
Two patrols of 4 planes each from VMF 212 patrolled Bougainville Island on Dawn and Dusk patrol. The patrols were negative.
1 TBF of FMAW dropped 4800 propaganda leaflets between MOSIGETIA and KIETA strip.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 86 73
SBD 50 38
TBF 3 2
PV 2 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 7, 2021 13:37:01 GMT 12
20 November 1944
16 F4U's of VMO 251 (16x500 GP inst.). 14 SBD's of VMSB 153 (14x500 1/10 second delay and 28x250 1/100 seconds delay), 15 SBD's of VMSB 236 (15x500 1/100 seconds delay and 30x250 GP inst.) bombed and strafed Jap concentrations in Open Bay area on New Britain. Although no damage was observed by bombing or strafing the area was well covered.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Duke of York to Pondo on New Britain. Huts were bombed on the SE tip of Duke of York Island but were missed. One hut was fired at GUNTERFHOE Plantation.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Put Put to Keravat on New Britain. Huts were bombed at Keravat with unobserved results.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Cape Gazelle to Lemingi. A bridge was bombed at Kabanga River but bombs missed. Huts were strafed at DUDAL with unobserved results.
5 patrols of 2 F4U's each from NZ 15 patrolled Bougainville from 0600 to 1800. Six Japs were strafed and probably killed. Numerous huts were strafed with unobserved results. A 12 foot canoe was sunk at KUPALA Bay. A truck was strafed near KIETA and was left burning.
2 patrols of 4 F4U's each from NZ 15 patrolled Bougainville on Dawn and Dusk patrol. One car and two trucks were strafed at MERAK. A 25 foot flat bottom boat was strafed and damaged at SAPOSA.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 carried out a Radar Tracking Mission.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 84 78
SBD 64 56
TBF 4 1
NOTE: NZ #3 moved all planes to Emirau
VMO 251 received one plane from FMAW
VMF 223 has one plane at Green unserviceable.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 7, 2021 13:38:47 GMT 12
21 November 1944
Todays Rabaul area sweeps employed 24 F4U's from NZ 15, 22x500 4-5 seconds delay bombs were dropped in the area. The morning and evening Duke of York to Pondo sweeps destroyed 1 hut at MOKURAPAU Plantation and set fire to 3 trucks loaded with oil drums and damaged 3 other trucks. 2 or more Japs were killed. The morning Cape Gazelle to Lemingi sweep put 4x500 on a supply area at RALUM, burnt 7 trucks at different places and caused small explosions in a fuel dump near KARAVIA Bay. The afternoon sweep destroyed 2 huts and a warehouse at RALUM, strafed other huts and a bridge and killed 1 Jap. Meager heavy accurate antiaircraft was encountered near RALUM. The Put Put to Keravat sweeps dropped 8x500 on huts and a supply area with unobserved results. 2 trucks (1 loaded) and 1 car were destroyed and 2 trucks and 1 car were damaged. Anti-aircraft was received from 10 positions in the area. 1 plane was holed.
In the Bougainville sector, 32 F4U's (16x500 on 16 F4U's from VMO 251 and 16x500 on 16 F4U's from VMF 212) hit the SORAKEN Plantation. There was an excellent coverage of the assigned target but any damage was obscured by the trees. On another local strike, 1 FMAW TBM with 6x100 got 2 near misses on a bridge at Kieta with possible damage.
On the local defense of Bougainville VMF 223 had 4 F4U's each on negative dawn and dusk patrols. VMF 223 also flew 5 south Bougainville patrols with 2 F4U's each. A 20 foot boat was sunk in the Shortlands, many huts were strafed, 2 fired, 5 Japs were strafed, 2 killed and 2 canoes were sunk. 1 plane was holed by anti-aircraft from Malabeta hill.
One FMAW TBM dropped 80,000 leaflets for the Army throughout central and southern Bougainville.
24 SBD's and 16 F4U's engaged in training hops. 16 F4U's from VMF 223 and 16 F4U's from VMF 212 had night flying practice and on landing reported lights and camp fires at the mouth of the Puriata River and a light blinking on the beach as if signaling.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 84 77
SBD 49 42
TBF 3 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 7, 2021 13:40:40 GMT 12
22 November 1944
11 F4U's of VMO 251 (11x1000 GP inst.), 15 F4U's of VMF 223 (15x1000 GP inst.), 6 F4U's of NZ 15 (6x1000 GP inst.), 15 F4U's VMF 212 (15x500 GP inst.), bombed and strafed Ualmona and Ubili villages on New Britain. Four huts were destroyed and practically all huts were damaged considerably. A large fire was started in the village of Ulamona. The entire area was well covered.
10 SBD's of VMSB 133 (15x500 GP inst.) (29x250 GP inst.), 15 SBD's of VMSB 236 (15x500 GP inst.)(29x250 GP inst.), 16 F4U's of VMF 223 (16x500 1/100 seconds delay) bombed and strafed with unobserved results, Keravia Bay and Raluana on New Britain. Numbers of barges were bombed and strafed with most of the results unobserved. The Keravia Bay supply area was strafed and the results were unobserved. After strike photographs show that one auto anti-aircraft gun was destroyed, one barge sunk, three barges damaged and 3 100 foot U/S AK's received further damage.
4 F4U's of VMO 251 (4x500 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Duke of York to Cape Archway on New Britain on two patrols. 4x500 missed huts on SE coast of Duke of York. 4x500 were dropped on huts at Jacquinot Point and the results were unobserved. Targets of opportunity were strafed and the results were unobserved.
4 F4U's of VMO 251 (4x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Watom Island to Pondo Plantation on New Britain on two patrols. 4x500 missed huts between Cape Lambert and Pondo. 4x500 missed 40 foot Jap landing barge and personnel at Pokoloma Point. The barge was then strafed and sunk.
6 F4U's of NZ 15 and 4 SBD's of VMSB 236 (4x500 GP inst. and 8x250 GP inst.) patrolled Bougainville from 0600 until 1800. Huts were strafed at Kieta strip and several were left smoking. A hut was burned near Toko Mission. Two huts were strafed and smoked at Puriata. All bomb missed targets consisting of huts and bridges. All other results were unobserved.
6 F4U's of NZ 15 patrolled Bougainville Island on Dawn and Dusk patrol, the results were negative.
1 TBF of FMAW dropped 40,000 propaganda leaflets from Toapa to Nurada on Bougainville.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 were scheduled to intercept a possible bogey. Bogey was identified as C-46.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 84 73
SBD 53 38
TBF 4 3
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 8, 2021 10:51:34 GMT 12
23 November 1944
VMF 223, 212, VMSB 133, 236, all had a training day.
NZ 15 F4U's on Duke of York - Cape Archway dropped 4x500 on supply areas in ravine at Ralum and strafed targets of opportunity killing 2 Japs at Talilis Plantation, and burned 3 huts at Sum Sum Plantation.
On Watom - Pondo sweep, NZ 15 had 4 F4U's which dropped 4x 500 on Keravat supply area with unobserved results. They claimed 5 Nips killed at Napapar. The second Duke of York - Cape Archway and Watom - Pondo were weathered out. NZ 15 with 4 F4U's hit Buka dropping 4x500 (1 dud) on huts south of Lemankoa, definitely destroying 8. The other 4 F4U's hit Rana Harbor, 4x500 on a dam in a small stream without results.
On South Bougainville Patrol VMO 251 had 10 F4U's which strafed targets of opportunity.
Miscellaneous included Dawn and Dusk Patrol by VMO 251 with 8 F4U's.
Leaflet dropping by FMAW with 1 TBF.
Radar track mission by VMO 251 with 6 F4U's.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 84 74
SBD 57 48
TBF 4 3
J2F 1 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 8, 2021 10:54:38 GMT 12
24 November 1944
Todays strike found VMF 223 and VMO 251 each with 16 F4U's hitting Ebery's Lease with 32x500. Probably damaging hits were scored on a heavy anti-aircraft and an auto anti-aircraft emplacement. Bridges and buildings were also targets but results were unobserved. A hulk east of Kahili was strafed and thereupon emitted heavy yellow smoke. All aircraft met a large amount of intense to moderate anti-aircraft of all types but no damage was received.
NZ 15 had 10 F4U's on a series of 5 South Bougainville patrols. Numerous huts were strafed smoking a few. An underground shelter by the Moila gun positions was fired. A whale boat at Nusave, a launch and a rowboat in the Fauros were strafed and holed. 2 Japs on a raft off Gomai were killed and another large raft was sunk off Tavera.
NZ 15 had 4 F4U's on a negative dawn patrol and 4 F4U's on the dusk patrol which got 1 damaging miss with 4 half tonners on the coastal guns at Moila Point.
30 SBD's of VMSB 236 engaged in training tactics.
In the Rabaul area, 4 VMF 212 F4U's on the Watom to Pondo sweep bombed huts with unobserved results and strafed huts smoking 4. 3 VMF 212 F4U's with 4x500 on the Duke of York - Cape Archway sweep strafed huts with unobserved results. Meager machine gun fire from Vunabal holed 1 plane 3 times.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 88 78
SBD 78 62
TBF 0 0
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 8, 2021 10:57:18 GMT 12
25 November 1944
16 F4U's of VMO 251 (16x500 GP inst.), 15 F4U's of VMF 212 (15x500 GP inst.), bombed Jap concentrations at Hahela, on Buka Island. The Area was well covered. One bomb caused a large explosion and black-yellowish smoke was observed rising to 600 feet. Due to dense foliage, the actual extent of damage could not be determined.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Watom Island to Pondo on New Britain on two patrols. 2x500 were dropped on 30 Japs in a garden near Vunakambi Plantation. The results were unobserved. 2x500 were dropped on huts at Rakaunkumba, one hut was destroyed. Two large buildings were strafed and left smoking at Nambung Point. 4x500 were dropped on huts and gardens at Kabagada Point. The results were unobserved. A 20 foot whaleboat was destroyed at Lassui, and a 20 foot canoe was destroyed at Kabaira Bay.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500 GP 4-5 second delay) patrolled the area from Duke of York Island to Cape Archway on New Britain on two patrols. 4x500 were dropped on a large tin building at Adler, but missed. 4x500 were dropped on a group of huts at Tobera Plantation. Four huts were destroyed. 20 Japs were strafed in a field near Ramola Plantation with results unobserved.
10 F4U's of VMF 223 patrolled the island of Bougainville from 0600 until 1800. A 30 foot barge was sunk between Illina and Niellei. 6 mines were strafed in Shortlands area. The results were unobserved. 2 small boats were sunk and a 25 foot engined launch was holed near Kedial Plantation. A Jap was killed at Cape Dunganon. A 20 foot canoe was strafed and holed and
2 Japs were claimed killed at Onua Island. 2 mines were strafed and sunk 150 yards NW of Fauro Island.
2 F4U's of NZ 15 (2x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) bombed a gun position at Moila Point. The results were unobserved. A 25 foot launch was left burning at Kobaun Bay.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 patrolled Bougainville Island on Dawn and Dusk patrol. A large barge was strafed in a small bay north of Sarakan Harbor near Ratsoa. The results were unobserved.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 85 77
SBD 78 63
TBF 6 5
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 9, 2021 11:21:17 GMT 12
26 November 1944
16 F4U's of VMO 251 (16x500) and 15 F4U's of VMF 212 (15x500) bombed and strafed Tomavatur Radar Station with good coverage of target and auto positions. Meagre heavy, medium, and moderate light anti-aircraft (all inaccurate) from Ralvena coastal positions.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 and 2 F4U's of VMF 223 strafed Poporang Island canoes (16-20). NZ 15 riddled so thoroughly (also burned 2 huts) VMF 223 did not attack.
4 F4U's of VMF 223 (4x500) destroyed 3 huts and caused large fires at Kedial Plantation, Bougainville.
7 F4U's of VMF 223 (7x500) on 2 Duke of York - Cape Archway sweeps fired huts NW of Duke of York and probably damaged huts at Sum Sum and at Mokurapau. 3 misses on Wurawurukur huts and Kabanga bridge.
8 F4U's of VMF 223 (8x500) on 9 Watom - Pondo sweeps destroyed 2 huts on Natava Plantation and 3 huts on Rember (Watom Islands).
4 F4U's of NZ 15 on 2 South Bougainville and Able Charlie searches killed 1 Nip at Kariki (Famo); holed a canoe at Tamos, one at Rigu Mission, and at Hitau Mission, probably holed canoe near Tauropiro; and smoked 2 huts at Hanahan Mission. Huts and canoes at Tosahui were strafed with unobserved results.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 on 2 South Bougainville patrols strafed apparent Aropa gun positions (unobserved) and killed 1 Nip at Ovau.
5 SBD's of VMSB 133 on successive 1 plane patrols for possible Soraken Harbor sub, had negative results.
8 F4U's of NZ 15 on Dawn and Dusk patrol also had negative results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 85 74
SBD 78 68
TBF 8 7
J2F 1 1
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 9, 2021 11:22:56 GMT 12
27 November 1944
8 F4U's of NZ 15 (8x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Duke of York to Cape Archway on New Britain on two patrols. 2 huts and 2 trucks at Ulatava were destroyed. All other results were unobserved.
7 F4U's of NZ 15 (7x500 GP 4-5 seconds delay) patrolled the area from Watom Island to Pondo on New Britain on two patrols. Five huts were destroyed at Napapar, one truck was destroyed and two trucks damaged at Matava Plantation.
10 F4U's of VMF 212 patrolled the island of Bougainville from 0600 until 1800. Kieta village was strafed with results unobserved. Three huts were fired at MONOITU Mission. The following areas were strafed with unobserved results: LAKURAUI, CAPE FRIENDSHIP, KOKONAI Plantation, and POMAUA.
8 F4U's of VMF 212 patrolled the Island of Bougainville on Dawn and Dusk patrol. The results were negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 85 73
SBD 78 74
TBF 4 2
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 9, 2021 11:24:00 GMT 12
28 November 1944
The main strike was on Jap bivouac area near Sirwuai Mission. 15 F4U's from 233 and 15 F4U's from 212 dropped 20x 500.
Watom - Pondo sweep, 8 F4U's (two sweeps) with 8x500 destroyed approximately 3 huts and fired approximately 15 more. On the Duke of York - Cape Archway, NZ 15 had 8 F4U's (two sweeps). They dropped 8x500 but results were unobserved. On South Bougainville patrol NZ 15 with 10 F4U's killed 5 Japs and holed one barge and one canoe.
Dawn and Dusk patrols were negative.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 85 80
SBD 78 76
TBF 6 4
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 10, 2021 11:13:48 GMT 12
29 November 1944
16 F4U's of VMF 212 (16x500) scored 9 area hits on HANGAN causing a bright yellow flash to 200 feet and dropped 1 bomb on anti-aircraft positions at HAHZLA Mission with unobserved results. Meager inaccurate fire holed 1 plane.
10 F4U's of VMO 251 on 2 plane patrols of South Bougainville fired a barge at MOISURU; fired 3 huts, nothing else observed, at north end of Mt. BAI (Buka); fired a barge ; fired a large building at KOLIP, and killed 1 Nip and probably another west of MOSIGA. Moderate inaccurate tracer machine gun fire was received from West tip of BALLALE. Intense light accurate fire from NW shore of BALLALE holed 1 plane. Moderate inaccurate medium anti-aircraft fire from SW tip of Faisi and meager inaccurate machine gun fire from EBERY'S LEASE was all received.
4 F4U's of NZ 15 (4x500) weathered out of the Duke of York -Cape Archway sweep destroyed 2 and damaged 3 huts north of Lemankoa Mission. On the afternoon sweep, also weathered out, 4 NZ 15 F4U's dropped 4x500 on the south side of the Puriata River with unobserved results. Strafing damaged 2 huts at Porton but results were unobserved from strafing attack on 2 tractors east of Komalai and on a barge at Porton Plantation.
On the Watom - Pondo sweeps, 4 NZ 15 F4U's on each sweep dropped 8x500. Both sweeps were weathered out and hit secondary targets of opportunity. The morning patrol destroyed 1 and smoked 2 huts by strafing near Tulean Plantation and strafed large huts east of Heramon. A machine gun position on Japaru Isle and huts at Yegits were bombed destroying 1 hut. The afternoon sweep destroyed 1 of 2 jetties near Bauyo Island. Strafing damaged a 30 foot schooner on blocks at Awa.
VMO 251 had 4 F4U's each on the Dawn and Dusk patrols with negative results.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 85 79
SBD 78 74
TBF 6 4
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Post by aircraftclocks on Feb 10, 2021 11:15:30 GMT 12
30 November 1944
Todays scheduled strike on Vunakanau was weathered out as was the morning Duke of York to Cape Archway sweep.
In the Bougainville area, NZ 15 had 4 F4U's on Dawn and Dusk patrols. The Dusk patrol was negative. The Dawn patrol was ordered out to search for a surface bogie but the area of search was closed to the deck and the search was unprofitable. During the day 2 NZ 15 F4U's were scrambled on the Anti-Sub search for a second contact made off the harbor. Later another 2 F4U patrol relieved them on station. Both patrols were negative.
The south Bougainville patrols were flown by 5 NZ 15 patrols of 2 F4U's each. 6 of 13 Japs were killed. 2 canoes and a large dinghy were holed. Huts, gardens, and a bridge were strafed, smoking 2 huts.
The morning Watom - Pondo sweep of 4 VMF 212 F4U's was closed out from Rabaul and hit Buka with 4x500 apparent duds. Skotolan Mission was strafed with unobserved results.
4 F4U's from VMF 212 on the afternoon Watom - Pondo sweep dropped 4x500 on huts at Mandres and Massava Plantations and strafed with unobserved results.
On the afternoon Duke of York - Cape Archway sweep, 4 VMF 212 F4U's destroyed 1 hut on Utuan Island with 2x500. Huts at Vunapope received 1x500 with no results. The remaining bomb hung and was returned to base. Huts and the dummy Emily in Simpson Harbor were strafed with no results. Moderate inaccurate machine gun fire and 20 mm fire was received from Rabaul.
AVAILABILITY
On Hand Available
F4U 85 76
SBD 78 74
TBF 6 3
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