|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 7, 2020 23:59:21 GMT 12
Struck - 25 June 1944.
TARGET: A/A Target - Dog - New Britain.
MISSION: Bomb, Strafe & Destroy.
FLIGHT-LEADER: S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c - each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, Instantaneous fusing.
TIMES: T.O. 1058; T.O.T. 1240; Landed 1410.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: 18 SBDs.
Enemy A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: The Formation approached from the East at 14,000' over Kabanga Bay, turned Right when South of the Target Area, pushed over at 10,000' and released at from 4000'/6000'. Retirement was made in a Northerly direction into Blanche Bay Rally off Cape Gazelle.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 48 x 500 lb. bombs carried: 42 were hits in area & 6 were Jettisoned. Strafing was carried out during retirement from the Target Area and against Gredner & Duke of York Islands. Results of Strafing were Unobserved.
WEATHER: En route - 2/10th scattered cumulus going up to 6000'. Over target - 5-7/10th cumulus going up to 9000'.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: Possibly M/G fire from Gredner Island. Splashes were observed in the water but those may have been from Strafing a/c. A couple of flashes were observed, coming from just North of the Southern 4 Heavies position. All except the above 2 a/c did not see any A/A at all.
2. Enemy Shipping : None.
3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Condition of Target after Attack: Clouds of smoke and bomb bursts covered the Area. 2 columns of black smoke going up to 2000', and a large cloud of white smoke up to 100' were observed in the area during retirement, owing to vcloud over the target and dust and smoke from the SBD attack, the TBF bombs could not be accurately assessed.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: Good co-ordination with the SBDs from Green Island was reported. Several reported direct hits by SBDs on the Northern 3 Heavy positions and a good bomb pattern over the target area.
6. Miscellaneous Reports: 3 or 4 spherical, red-coloured floats, thought possibly to be mines or markers, were observed 1 mile East of Gredner Island running in a line east to west. They were thought to be about 2' in diamter & about 100 yds apart. (b) One crew saw a red, flasing light on the water 6-10 miles due West of Cape St. George during the rendezvous; the light was not seen when the a/c rallied after the attack.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 513 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 523 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 511 Le Livre Goodison, Alcock
. . 520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 523 Halford Waters, Blaikie
. . 526 Kissel Scott KR, Bower
. . 542 Bayley Metcalfe, Dornbusch
. . 525 McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . 519 Stevenson Noman, Sole
. . 540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 547 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 514 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2020 9:33:17 GMT 12
Some notes to add here. I have copies of logbooks of four members of this squadron. I am checking the posts above against their logbooks.
For this raid the C.O., Squadron Leader Maxwell "Mick" Wilkes, recorded in his logbook that he was flying NZ2537, whereas the record states "N.Z. 513 Wilkes McIver, Loftus". Also I believe it was spelled MacIvor.
Wilkes also noted, "F/Lt Greenslade did not return. F/S Le Lievre - a/c shot up by A.A. in tailplane."
Pilot Leyton Stephenson noted in his logbook, "Strike on Vunakunau. Bomb load 4 - 500 lb. Heavy A/A."
For this raid Squadron leader Maxwell "Mick" Wilkes recorded in his logbook that he was flying NZ2537, whereas the record states "N.Z. 530 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus". Again it was spelled MacIvor.
Wilkes also noted, "F/S Jackson - a/c shot up in wing root."
Navigator Harold Kelsey noted in his Flying Logbook for the first of his two missions this day, "Potato hop escort - dropped 12 x 100 HE (5 sec delay). Bombed huts, roads, etc. Watched spraying."
And for the second mission Harold noted, "Potato hop escort - dropped 10 x 100 HE 5 sec delay. Bombed roads, bridges, etc. Destroyed 75' jetty."
Navigator Harold Kelsey noted in his Flying Logbook, "Potato hop. Sprayed gardens west of Banui Harbour. Reconnaissance."
Navigator Harold Kelsey noted in his Flying Logbook, "Potato hop. Sprayed gardens west of Banui Harbour. Rec & Strafing."
Wireless Operator-Air Gunner Hollie Claris noted in his Flying Logbook, "Piva North to Tulili Bay supply dump, New Britain and back. Heavy flak. (Lost aircraft.)"
Pilot Leyton Stephenson noted in his logbook, "Strike on Vunapope Supply area, 12 - 100 lb Bombs. Target obscured by cloud. Dropped bombs on C. St George
Mick Wilkes only noted, "Sgt Trolove did not return."
Harold Kelsey noted in his Flying Logbook, "Potato hop. Sprayed gardens at Palau. Strafed many huts."
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2020 9:52:06 GMT 12
In the records that aircraftclocks has been kindly posting there are some operations missing from the beginning of June.
1 June 1944
S/Ldr Maxwell Wilkes noted in his logbook the following operation he flew in NZ2518 with F/Lt MacIvor and Lt Loftus, "Strike - Vunapope - 12 a/c." He notes the flight time as 51 mins.
The other aircrew I have logbooks for were not flying that day, so maybe Wilkes and crew went with a US squadron?
3 June 1944
Leyton Stephenson noted in his logbook the following operation he flew in NZ2512 with Sgt Weir and F/Sgt Walker, "Strike on Vunapope Supply Area. Washed out on account of weather."
Hollies Claris was on the same operation with his pilot, P/O Willcox, but notes, "Recalled To Base".
4 June 1944
Harold Kelsey flew with Frank Holmes in NZ2513 on a "Potato Hop to Papas Gardens. Mechanical fault prevented release." 1 hour
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2020 10:09:11 GMT 12
S/Ldr Maxwell Wilkes simply noted in his logbook "3 a/c."
S/Ldr Maxwell Wilkes noted in his logbook, "Naval Gun Empress Augusta Bay - Destroyed.
Leyton Stephenson noted, "Strike of Vunapope Supply Area. Intense and accurate A/A. Bomb load 12 - 100 lb bombs, F/Lt Prior & Crew shot down."
Contrary to what the record states, Hollie Claris noted he was onboard NZ2508 with P/O Willcox, and he wrote, "Pive North to Vunapope, New Britain. Flak very heavy and accurate. Lost one aircraft."
And also contrary to what the record previously posted says, Harold Kelsey was onboard all three ops with Frank Holmes in NZ2513 on this day. They were:
"Potato Hop - Papas Gardens" 1 hour
"Potato Hop - Baniu Harbour" 55 mins
"Force To Return; Bad fog." 15 mins
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2020 10:11:01 GMT 12
Not sure if these logbook extras are adding much?
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 8, 2020 11:59:15 GMT 12
Dave
I think it is adding something, the record made by an individual at the time as compared to an administrator confused with piles of paper work trying to get a report together before a dead line.
Your comments have clarified a couple of things I have seen, thinking that's a bit odd, but that is what it says....
Why Harold Kelsey only flew on the first flight of the day? according to the record. Why was a navigator not required for the other 2 missions?
On that point, its obvious now the crew is listed as navigator first, gunner second in the crew lists. Any passengers are not necessarily noted.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 8, 2020 12:56:39 GMT 12
Struck - 27 June 1944.
TARGET: A.A. Target - Easy - New Britain.
MISSION: Bomb and Destroy.
FLIGHT-LEADER: F/Lt F.J. Adams, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c - each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, 1/100th second delay fusing.
TIMES; T.O. 0837; T.O.T. 1030; Landed 1138.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: 18 SBDs from Green Island.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: A/c # N.Z. 2510 received a hit from a .5 bullet in the stabiliser. A/c # N.Z. 2533 was hit by a shell splinter which came through the plexiglass canopy in front of the pilot, making a hole 2" in diameter. The splinters embedded in the head pad.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: The Formation approached from the East at 14,000' over Kabanga Bay, turned Right when South of the Target Area, pushed over at 9000'/10,000' and released at 5000'/6000'. Retirement was made in a N.E. direction into Blanche Bay. Rally off Cape Gazelle.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 48 x 500 lb. bombs carried: 42 were hits in area, 4 were wild misses and 2 were Jettisoned at sea. Strafing was carried out in the area, during retirement and against Gredner Island.
WEATHER: En route - 4-5/10th Towering Cumulus, base 3000'/4000', going up to 15,000'. Over target - 1/10th scattered Cumulus, otherwise clear.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: The 2 Known Heavy positions on the Target were firing fairly accurately and with meagre to moderate intensity and were bursting from 6000'/12,000' in 3 layers. 3 Heavies on A/A Target - L - 5 miles West of the Target, were firing meagrely. 1 Heavy was firing at Tobera but no fire was seen from Rapopo, A/A Targets - C - & - D - or Gredner Islands.
2. Enemy Activity: None.
3. Enemy Shipping: None.
4. Condition of Target after Attack: Smoke, bomb-bursts and dust covered the Target Area. Results were otherwise Unobserved.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: Good co-ordination with the SBDs from Green Island was reported. SBD bombs well-covered the S. E. Heavies & there were many hits in the area, but a good many bombs overshot into the rubber plantation North of the Target Area. No cessation of A/A fire was reported.
6. Friendly Shipping: An AK and an SO were seen 2 miles West of Buka Passage.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 2542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 2540 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 2510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 2509 Stevenson Norman, Sole
. . 2517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 2519 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
. . 2525 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 2512 Aitchison Mathieson, Walker AF
. . 2523 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 2522 Stephenson Logan, Dixon
. . 2533 Rollo Walker MJ, Powell
. . 2520 Halford Waters, Blaikie
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2020 13:12:43 GMT 12
Dave I think it is adding something, the record made by an individual at the time as compared to an administrator confused with piles of paper work trying to get a report together before a dead line. Your comments have clarified a couple of things I have seen, thinking that's a bit odd, but that is what it says.... Why Harold Kelsey only flew on the first flight of the day? according to the record. Why was a navigator not required for the other 2 missions? On that point, its obvious now the crew is listed as navigator first, gunner second in the crew lists. Any passengers are not necessarily noted. Thanks, I will add more when I get some time. |
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 9, 2020 10:37:18 GMT 12
Just found the report for the 1st June. Some of these mission reports are numbered, so I know that some were missing.
To make it a bit more confusing I realised the numbering includes the activity of another squadron, VT-305. Now that I have gone through their reports, not so many are "missing" now.
There is the usual duplicates and numbers missing on reports just to add some excitement to the whole process. Looking at dates and timing lets you fill in the gaps. Overall it looks like I do not have about 4 reports from between the 9 and 12th June.
The numbering of reports started with 30 sqn and continued on to 31 Sqn. Looks like a couple of the early ones for 30 Sqn may be missing as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 9, 2020 11:22:47 GMT 12
Struck - 1 June 1944.
TARGET: Vunapope 30.
MISSION: Bomb & Strafe.
FLIGHT-LEADER: S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 planes.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c, each with 12 x 100 lb, bombs, inst.
TIMES: T.O. 0815; T.O.T. 1020; Landed. 1135.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: 12 SBDs.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: The formation lost contact with the SBDs when approaching Cape Gazelle. Some of the formation bombed the target & the remaining a/c bombed areas at Cape St. George, N.I. & Duke of York Is. The a/c on Vunapope came in at 15,000', pushed over at 11,000'/12,000' and released at heights varying from 2500'/11,000' (high level).
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 144 x 100 lb. bombs carried, 40 were hits in the Vunapope area, 63 were dropped around Cape St. George & 1? were dropped on Duke of York Island, 1? were Jettisoned & 14 were Returned to Base. Strafing was carried out against Cape St. George & Duke of York Island.
WEATHER: En route: 4-6/10th scattered cumulus base 12,000'/14,000' Over Target Area: 4-6/10th scattered cumulus, base 12,000'.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire:
a. Meagre & inaccurate Auto & M/G fire from Cape St. George, New Ireland.
b. Moderate & fairly accurate Auto fire from Duke of York Island.
c. Meagre & fairly accurate Heavy Fire from the 4 Heavies N. of Vunapope 30.
d. Moderate & fairly accurate Auto fire from guns on South end of Target.
e. Meagre & inaccurate Auto fire from Lambom Island, N.W. of Cape St. George
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Condition of Target after Attack: Results not observed.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: TBF formation lost contact with the SBDs when nearing the target, therefore there was not any co-ordination.
6. Miscellaneous Reports: None.
PLANE No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 2518 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 2514 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
. . 2508 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 2553 Prior Clayton, Scarlett
. . 2511 Stephenson Weir, Walker, J.
. . 2512 Rollo Walker, M.J., Powell
. . 2542 Adams Davies, Scott
. . 2523 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 2520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 2525 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 2510 Aitchison Mathieson, Walker, A.F.
. . 2517 Halford Waters, Blaikie
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 10, 2020 0:42:54 GMT 12
Carried Out - 4 June 1944.
TARGET: Garden Plots at Baniu Plantation, North Bougainville.
MISSION: Spray Gardens; & Strafe Targets of Opportunity.
FLIGHT LEADER: P/O F.W. Holmes, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 2 planes.
PLANES & LOADING: 2 planes each loaded with 75 gallons of Diesel Oil in special bomb bay tanks.
TIMES: T.O. 1020; T.O.T. 1050; Landed 1120.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
ENEMY A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
TACTICS: Strafing was carried out from 150'. Several runs were made over the area but the oil failed to release, from both a/c.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Huts across the island from Baniu Harbor to Tsimba Mission were strafed. Results not observed.
WEATHER: En route - 8/10th Stratus & Strato-Cumulus Base 3,000'. Scattered Stratus down to level of hills in places. On Target - Same as above.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: None.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Observation of Garden Plots: A New Garden was observed W. of Baniu Harbour at Tsumpets. Area 2-3 acres. A fairly new hut was observed on the western side of the garden.
5. Miscellaneous Reports: Both a/c failed to release their oil, due to faulty mechanism.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 513 Holmes Kelsey, Alexander
. . 522 Le Lievre Alcock
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 10, 2020 10:32:34 GMT 12
Struck - 28 June 1944.
TARGET: Vunapope Supply Area - 30 - New Britain.
MISSION: Bomb and Strafe.
FLIGHT-LEADER: S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c - each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, 1/100 sec. delay fusing.
TIMES: T.O. 1105; T.O.T. 1245; Landed 1410.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: 18 SBDs from Green Island.
ENEMY A/C: An Unserviceable ZEKE was seen in a Revetment at the Northern end of Rapopo R/W and was Strafed with Unobserved results.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: Nil.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: Nil.
ATTACK TACTICS: The Formation rallied with Green Island SBDs at Cape St George, then approached the Target from the South East at 14,000' over Kabanga Bay, turned Right when South of the Target Area pushed over at 10,000' and Released from 3000'/5000'. Retirement was made into Blanche Bay. Rally off Cape Gazelle.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 48 x 500 lb. bombs carried 47 were hits in the Target Area and 1 was Jettisoned in the sea. Strafing was carried out against a u/s Zeke at the Northern end of Rapopo R/W, the shoreline near Kopopo, Gredner Island & Cape Gazelle. Results of Strafing were Unobserved.
WEATHER: En route - 6/10th Towering Cumulus, base 2000', going up to 15,000'. Over target - A lot of cloud was in the vicinity of the area but the target was clear.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: None.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity: Well-cultivated gardens in good order were observed on the Southern side of Gredner Is.
4. Condition of Target After Attack: Heavy smoke, dust, etc. from bomb bursts covered the entire area. A column of white smoke going up to 300' was blown by the wind from the target to the coast near Kopopo.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: Excellent co-ordination with SBDs from Green Island was reported. Smoke was covering the area from an earlier attack when the SBDs went in; almost all of the SBD bombs went in the area, creating more smoke and dust, and then all except one of the TBF 500-lbers, hit the target area.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 511 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 509 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 510 Le Lievre Goodison, Alcock
. . 520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 526 Kissel Scott KR, Bower
. . 525 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 512 Aitchison Mathieson, Walker AF
. . 547 Halford Waters, Blaikie
. . 519 McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . 517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 514 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 10, 2020 11:16:22 GMT 12
Struck 29 June 1944.
TARGET: Road Block, 5000 yds. East of Tonema, Bougainville.
MISSION: Bomb and Destroy.
FLIGHT-LEADER: F/Lt F.J. Adams, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 6 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 6 a/c - each loaded with 4 x 500 lb bombs, 4-5 sec. delay.
TIMES: T.O. 0847; T.O.T. 0905; Landed 0945.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: The Flight Leader made a preliminary survey of the Target Area from a Piper Cub Observation Plane and the same a/c co-operated during the attack.
ENEMY A/C: Nil.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: Nil.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: Nil.
ATTACK TACTICS: Owing to the road block being invisible from above because of the Ridge and dense bush, the target was marked by a column of smoke from a fire prepared by ground troops. The a/c made 2 individual runs each, releasing 2 bombs on each run from heights of 100'/800'. The Piper Cub a/c dropped a smoke bomb on the Target for the second section because the fire smoke was thinning out.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 24 x 500 lb. bombs carried: 10 were reported direct hits on the smoke marker, 4 were overshoots, 2 were undershoots, 5 were unobserved, 2 did not explode, & 1 was returned to Base.
WEATHER: En route; & Over target - Clear.
OBSERVATIONS: Miscellaneous: The trail leading to the road block was observed and several huts were seen in the vicinity of the area. The area was covered with very dense bush. The block consisted of logs and a landslide from the cliff face.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 514 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 510 Jackson Loftus, Walker EC
. . 520 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 509 Stephenson Weir, Walter J
. . 533 Rollo Walker MJ, Mathieson
|
|
|
|
Post by davidd on Nov 10, 2020 13:45:09 GMT 12
First I have heard of Piper Cubs being used to mark targets for our TBFs (or any other TBFs for that matter), although I have read of them seeking out targets for the attack aircraft, when "low and slow" had its advantages. I wonder if they fitted any armour plate to the Cubs used for this sort of work? Probably not! Nice find. Presume these were US Army L-4s, although the USMC had an observation squadron which used Taylorcraft (Navy version of L-2?) for similar missions in central Solomons in 1943/44. Always something interesting happening, usually new ways of making the lives of all members of the the Japanese armed forces as miserable as possible.
David D
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 11, 2020 10:20:57 GMT 12
Struck - 30 June 1944.
TARGET: Probable Enemy Troops in the vicinity of Pikei, Bougainville.
MISSION: Bomb & Strafe Area.
FLIGHT-LEADER:
(A) S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
(B) S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
(C) F/Lt F.J. Adams, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 9 a/c on each flight.
A/C & LOADING: 9 a/c on each flight - each a/c loaded with 4 x 500 lb bombs, Instantaneous fuze.
TIMES:
(A) T.O. 1652; T.O.T. 1715; Landed 0755.
(B) .. 1015; .. 1045; .. 1110.
(C) .. 1330; .. 1400; .. 1425.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING:
(A) 6 PV1s from N.Z. # 9 Squadron.
(B) 6 PV1s from N.Z. # 9 Squadron.
(C) 5 PV1s from N.Z. # 9 Squadron.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: The Target was bombed by PV1s prior to the TBF attack, and the TBFs released their bombs on the same area from a height of 1500'/2000'.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(A) All of the 36 x 500 lb. bombs carried were released in the Target area. A good coverage was obtained and bomb bursts and smoke covered the area. Strafing was carried out in the area & against gardens South of the target.
(B) The 36 x 500 lb. bombs carried were again put in the area. 4 bombs from 1 a/c straddled 5 huts & blew them sky high. Huts & Gardens in the vicinity were Strafed.
(C) 36 x 500 lb. bombs once again pounded the Target Area. Huts & Gardens were Strafed.
WEATHER:
(A) En route & Over target - Clear.
(B) En route - 5/10 Strato-Cumulus base 4000' Over target - 8/10 Strato-Cumulus base 3000'
(C) En route - Showers over hills; base 4000'. Over target - 10/10 Stratus, base 4000'. Raining heavily when a/c landed at base & ceiling almost down to deck.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: None.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity:
(A) 5 or 6 well-cultivated gardens in good condition covering 2-2 1/2 acres were observed at Kumiki, South of the Target.
(B) 3 people were observed working in the above gardens.
(C) Many native huts & gardens were observed East of the Target Area.
4. Condition of Target after Attack: The Target Area was very heavily & accurately plastered but results were difficult to determine due to the density of the jungle.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: On all 3 Strikes the PV1s of N.Z. # 9 Squadron gave excellent coverage & good co-ordination.
A/c No. Pilot Crew
(A)
N.Z. 525 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 514 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 522 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 547 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 545 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 519 Kissel Scott KR, Bower
(B)
N.Z. 525 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 522 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 514 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
. . 509 Bayley Metcalfe, Dornbusch
. . 510 Stevenson Norman, Sole
. . 512 McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . 542 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 511 Stephenson Weir, Walker J
. . 526 Rollo Walker MJ, Powell
(C)
N.Z. 542 Adams Davies, Scott
. . 514 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 525 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 547 Aitchison Mathieson, Walker AF
. . 517 Halford Waters, Blaikie
. . 540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 522 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 545 Kissel Scott KR, Bower
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 11, 2020 23:36:56 GMT 12
Struck - 1 July 1944.
TARGET: A/A Target - George - New Britain.
MISSION: Bomb and Destroy.
FLIGHT-LEADER: F/Lt J.G. Hannah, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c - each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs- 1/10th sec. fusing.
TIMES: T.O. 0820; T.O.T. 1005; Landed 1135.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: 18 SBDs from Green Island.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: A/c # N.Z. 2512 did not return from the attack.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: A/C # N.Z. 2512: Pilot: F/Sgt M.S. Aitchison. RNZAF. Navigator: F/Sgt R.T. Mathieson, RNZAF. Gunner: F/Sgt A.F. Walker, RNZAF. were the crew of the missing a/c.
ATTACK TACTICS: The formation flew up the Warangoi River at 14,000', turned Right when past Tobera R/W, peeled off to the Right, pushed over at 10,000'/11,000' and released over the Target between 4000'/ 5000'. Retirement was made in an Easterly direction into Tamalili Bay. Rally was made off Cape Gazelle.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 48 x 500 lbs. bombs carried: 38 were reported hits in area, 3 were jettisoned, 3 were returned to Base and 4 were Unaccounted for, on the missing a/c. Strafing was carried out in area and during Retirement.
WEATHER: En route - 5/10th Scattered Cumulus, base 6000'. Over target - Fairly clear.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: Bursts of Auto were seen to 6000' from position East of the Target Area. Flashes, possibly from M/Gs, were seen in a plantation about 500 yds. South of the Eastern gun positions.
Four or five black puffs from Heavies were observed at 5000', meagre but accurate.
2. Enemy Shipping: None. 3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Condition of Target after Attack: The Target Area appeared well-covered with bomb bursts and smoke.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: A good rendezvous was made at Cape St George with the Green Island SBDs and the attack was well-co-ordinated. Many SBD hits were observed in area.
SPECIAL REPORT: A/c # N.Z. 2512 failed to return from the attack. The Pilot, N.Z. 426088, F/Sgt M.S. Aitchison, RNZAF; Navigator, N.Z. 4213267, F/Sgt R.T. Mathieson, RNZAF; and Gunner, N.Z. 425184, F/Sgt A. F. Walker, RNZAF - were the crew of the missing a/c. F/Sgt W.R. Blaikie, Gunner of A/c # N.Z. 2519, which proceeded the missing a/c into the attack states:-
"We were going down on to the Target at 4000'/5000' when I saw pieces of metal, some 3' in length and almost as broad, coming off A/C # N.Z. 2512. I could not determine where they came from but I thought they were from a wing. I lost sight of the a/c for a while and when I saw it again, it was going down almost vertically in a slow right-hand spin at 1000/500. I then noticed a parachute open and I lost sight of the a/c. I did not see the plane crash, but I presumed it would do so approximately 3/4 mile South East of the North Eastern end of Tobera R/W. I did not actually see the airman bale out of the a/c."
Three other pilots substantiated the above statement.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 525 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 512: :Aitchison Mathieson, Walker AF
. . 519 Halford Waters, Blaikie
. . 508 Bayley Metcalfe, Dornbusch
. . 517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 514 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
. . 540 Adams Davies, Scott
. . 520 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 522 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 511 Stephenson Weir, Walker J
. . 526 Rollo Walker MJ, Powell
: Did not return.
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 12, 2020 10:39:37 GMT 12
Struck: 2 July 1944.
TARGET: A/A Target - George - New Britain.
MISSION: Bomb and destroy.
FLIGHT-LEADER: S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c - each loaded with 1 x 2000 lb. bomb, 1/10th second fusing.
TIMES: T.O. 0825; T.O.T. 1005; Landed 1137.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: 18 SBDs from Green Island.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: The formation approached from the Coast along the Warangoi River at 15,500', turned Right South of Tobera R/W, pushed over to the Right at 11,000', and released over the Target at 5000'/7000'. Retirement was made in an Easterly direction into Kabanga Bay. Rally off Cape Gazelle.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 12 x 2000 lb. bombs carried, 11 were hits in area and 1 was Jettisoned in the sea. Strafing was carried out during retirement.
WEATHER: En route - 3/10th Cumulus, base 4000'. Over target - Clear.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: Meagre Auto fire from the North Eastern end of Tobera R/W. White puffs at 1000'. A few black puffs of Heavy at 12,000'.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity: A fire was observed on the coast of New Britain, due East of Cape St. George. White smoke going up to 300'.
4. Condition of Target after Attack: The area was well-covered by bomb explosions, with craters and smoke covering the area.
5. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: Co-ordination with Green Island SBDs was lacking. TBFs were at the rendezvous point at 0950 hrs., but they failed to contact the SBDs who were not at Cape St George but further North up the Coast. A Formation was observed, but they proved to be fighters. SBDs called up and told TBFs they were 5 miles South of Cape Gazelle, that they were making one turn and then going in. The TBFs were unable to contact the SBDs on time, therefore they attacked fairly well after. TBFs were at the rendezvous from 0930 until 0950, and on course at 0955.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 508 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. , 510 Le Lievre Goodison, Alcock
. . 523 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 511 Stephenson Weir, Walker J.
. . 519 Rollo Walker MJ., Powell
. . 509 Bayley Metcalfe, Dornbusch
. . 522 McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . 514 Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
. . 520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 540 Kissel Scott KR, Bower
. . 547 Halford Waters, Blaikie
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 12, 2020 23:59:51 GMT 12
Struck - 3 July 1944.
TARGET: Area near Pawairi, East Bougainville, supposedly a hide-out for a wounded Japanese General.
MISSION: Bomb and Strafe Area.
FLIGHT-LEADER: (a) S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
(b) F/Lt F.J. Adams, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered for each flight
A/C & LOADING: (a) 11 a/c attacked with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, 1/10th second fusing. (b) 10 a/c attacked with same bomb-load.
TIMES: (a) T.O. 0730; T.O.T. 0840/0850 Landed 0915.
(b) . . 1050, ....... .. 1140.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: None.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: (a) The formation leaders made a reconnaissance flight over the area but found the Target very hard to locate. The a/c formed a circular formation line astern and made individual runs over the target, releasing at heights varying from 1000'/4500'. Strafing was carried out from all heights.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(a) Of the 44 x 500 lb. bombs carried: 43 were hits in area and 1 was returned to Base. A few of the bombs went over the ridge. Three or four huts were blown sky-high. Strafing was carried out in area, against huts and clearings, and a couple of huts were left burning.
(b) Owing to the primary target being weathered out, the a/c bombed Targets of Opportunity. 12 bombs were released over the BIRAI-BAROSI area, 12 in the vicinity of Kieta R/W, 3 on Arawa Plantation, and 4 confirmed direct hits by one a/c on a village of 10/12 huts just South of Manetai mission. All the above areas were Strafed.
WEATHER: (a) En route - 5-4/10th Cumulus from 4000'/7000' over the hills, making the run-in difficult. Over target - Clear during bombing.
(b) Cloud was ridge down over the Target Area and the ridge.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: None.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity:
(a) White smoke was seen on the ridge in the Target Area and a small white tent was seen on the Northern side of the ridge. Huts were observed in the fork of the Puriata River near Murako.
(b) (unreadable)
4. Condition of Target after Attack:
(unreadable)
A/C No. Pilot Crew
(A). . ? S/Ldr Wilkes F/Lt McIvor, Lt Loftus
. . ? F/O Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 2547 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 2540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 2520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . ? Kissel Scott KR, Bower
. . ? Bayley Metcalfe, Dornbusch
. . ? McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . ? Kilgour Fuller, Harrison
. . ? Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 2525 ? Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 2511 Stephenson Weir, Walker
(B)
N.Z. 2542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 2508 Wilcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 2510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 2511 Register Murphy, Gillanders
. . 2532 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 2514 Rollo Walker MJ, Powell
. . 2509 ? Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 2547 Halford Waters, Blaikie
. . 2511 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 2520 ? Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 2540 - Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 2519 Kissel Scott KR, Bower
? Did not attack
? Returned early - Ill Pilot
- Did not release - No target
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 13, 2020 10:47:13 GMT 12
Struck - 4 July 1944.
TARGET: Coastal Guns 2 1/2 miles South of Cape Friendship, South Bougainville.
MISSION: Bomb and destroy.
FLIGHT-LEADER: (A) S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
(B) F/Lt F.J. Adams, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered for each flight.
A/C & LOADING: (A) 12 a/c - each loaded with 1 x 2000 lb. bombs, 4-5 secs. delay.
(B) 12 a/c each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, 10-11 sec. delay.
TIMES: (A) T.O. 0830; T.O.T. 0955; Landed 1020.
(B) .. 1330; .. 1405; .. 1500.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: None.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: Sections circled the area in line astern and released over the Target at heights from 1000'/1500' on (A), and from 300'/ 500' on (B). Strafing was carried out from various heights.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(A) All 12 x 2000 lb. bombs were released in the area. One a/c had to make 4 runs before he could shake his bombs off on to the Target. The majority of the bombs went slightly too far in from the shore. Strafing was carried out in area.
(B) Of the 48 x 500lb. bombs carried, 47 were reported hits in area and 1 was returned to Base. 2 of the 5 gun positions were reported as destroyed by direct hits. Strafing was carried out in the area against huts and gardens and against Rantan Is.
WEATHER: (A) En route - Overcast at 6000'. Over target - Fairly clear.
(B) En route - Completely overcast at 5000'. & Over target - and very clear below.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: None.
2. Enemy shipping: Only plotted hulks in Tonolei Harbour and Moisuru Bay were observed.
3. Enemy Activity:
(A) Well-kept gardens were observed in the area and several piles of rusty 44-gallon drums were seen in a clearing South of the Target. 5 Emplacements but no guns were seen. No A/A was encountered and the place looked deserted.
(B) Emplacements were observed more closely and guns were seen in at least 3 of them. They appeared to be approximately 40 yds apart, and were well-hidden and camouflaged by the surrounding bush.
4. Condition of Target after Attack:
(A) A large cloud of white smoke covered the area and a large spiral of black smoke went up after the attack. Dust and debris were thrown into the sea from bomb bursts. The majority of the bombs were too far inshore.
(B) A terrific flash lasting 2 or 3 seconds followed by grayish-brown smoke going up to 2000' resulted from a hit by one pilot. The area was throughly plastered and 2 of the gun positions were wiped out. 3 of the positions were not touched.
5. Miscellaneous Reports: Observations from a height of 50' of one of the gun positions revealed the emplacements to be rectangular in shape with sand-bagged and posted sides and a roof sloping down to the back of the trench covered with sods, branches, etc. The barrel itself appeared to be about 4" in diameter and the breech mechanism was enclosed in a canvas cover.
A/C No. Pilot Crew
(A)
N.Z. 519 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 522 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 523 Le Lievre Goodison, Alcock
. . 511 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 547 Halford Waters, Blaikie
. . 542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 533 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 526 Kissel Norman, Bower
(B)
N.Z. 542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 511 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 540 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 520 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 526 Kissel Norman, Bower
. . 523 Wilkes McIver, Loftus
. . 522 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
. . 509 Bayley Metcalfe, Dornbusch
. . 533 McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . 547 Rollo Walker MJ, Powell
|
|
|
|
Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 14, 2020 12:10:12 GMT 12
Struck - 5 July 1944.
TARGET: Tovakandum Supply Area, New Britain.
MISSION: Bomb and Strafe.
FLIGHT-LEADER: S/Ldr M. Wilkes, RNZAF.
SQUADRON: NZTB-31 - 12 a/c ordered.
A/C & LOADING: 12 a/c - each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, Instantaneous fusing.
TIMES: T.O. 0910; T.O.T. 1040; Landed 1215.
OTHER A/C CO-ORDINATING: None.
ENEMY A/C: None.
DAMAGE TO OWN A/C: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
ATTACK TACTICS: The formation approached from the N.E. past the Eastern side of Watom Island at 13,500', pushed over to the right at 10,000', released over the Target at 2000'/3500', and retired to the N.W.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Of the 48 x 500 lb, bombs carried: 47 were reported hits in area, and 1 was jettisoned in the sea. Strafing was carried out in the area, on huts etc along the Coast to Cape Liguan during retirement, & Watom Island.
WEATHER: En route - 9/10th Top Cloud; 5-6/10th Middle & Low Cloud, base 2500', tops 9000'. Over target - 1/10th scattered cumulus, otherwise clear.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: Intense Heavy fire with black puffs at 10,000' was seen over Rabaul Town. Probably against the B-25 attack. 5 or 6 Heavies were seen blinking South of Rataval in Talili Bay; this fire was bursting high at 12,000'/14,000', and was fairly intense. No Heavy or Auto A/A was seen over the Target Area, but M/G fire was seen hitting the water from 2 M/Gs on the shore West of the Target.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity: A large number of buildings were observed S.S.E. 1 mile from the Target.
4. Condition of Target After Attack: The area was very well covered by smoke, dust and debris, and several buildings were demplished. 2 Fires were reported, the larger one beginning with a burst of flame followed by greyish-white smoke which was increasing in intensity and spreading from the target to Cape Liguan in some places as high as 800'. The smaller fire was sending black smoke up to 200'.
No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 509 Wilkes McIvor, Loftus
. . 522 Falconer Ripley, Buckingham
. . 545 Le Lievre Lockie, Alcock
. . 526 Worsp Goss, Williams
. . 519 Smart Logan, Dixon
. . 511 Stephenson Weir, Walker J.
. . 542 Adams Davies, Scott SC
. . 523 Willcox Stevenson, Claris
. . 510 Jackson Smith, Walker EC
. . 547 Hannah Cameron, Arneson
. . 533 McGechie Henderson, Dunwoody
. . 517 Lamason Pederson, Whitmarsh
|
|
