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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 23, 2020 11:09:21 GMT 12
Following on from the thread on 31 Sqn, I will do the same with the reports I have from 30 Sqn.
I will again not publish the names of those who were not flying RNZAF aircraft.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 23, 2020 11:13:40 GMT 12
Struck - 10 April 1944.
Target: Keravia and Vunapope Supply Areas, New Britain
Mission: Bomb and strafe.
Flight Leader: F/O R.D. Steel, RNZAF.
Squadrons: NZTB-30 - 6 planes
VT-305 - 12 planes
Planes & Loadings: 18 planes each with 4 x 500 lb. bombs - Inst.
Times: T.O. 0815; T.O.T. 0948; Landed 1115
Other A/C co-ordinating: 48 SBDs.
Enemy A/C: None.
Damage to Own A/C: Plane 80 was hit in right wing - also in brake hydraulics, allowing all fluid to leak out.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Attack Tactics: Approached East Coast New Britain over Warangoi River - turned right and commenced high speed approach at 15,000' - push over at 9000' - and released between 2500' and 3500'.
Summary of Results: 11 PLANES attacked the Supply Area at Keravia Bay. Of the 44 bombs carried, 6 were jettisoned and the balance of 38 were well-distributed over the Target Area. 7 PLANES attacked the Supply Area at Vunapope. Of the 28 bombs carried all were reported hits in the area. A/C strafed area East of Simpson Harbour and Gredner Island.
Weather: En Route - 6/10 cumulus - Base 1500' towering to 9000'. Over Target - 2/10 scattered cumulus.
Observations:
1. Enemy Shipping: None.
2. Enemy Activity: Vehicles reported in crescent-shaped clearing between Keravia and Davaun.
3. Condition of Target after Attack: No observations.
4. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: No comment.
5. Unusual Circumstances: Plane reported going down 6 miles East of Cape Gazelle at 1010 hrs. PV seen heading in that direction at 1,000' altitude.
6. Anti-Aircraft Fire: The known positions West of Keravia Road, SE of Vunakanau Strip, near Tobera Strip, in clearing East side of Gredner Island, at Raluana Point, South of Vulcan Crater, and the ridge West of Keravia - intensity meagre to moderate, of an inaccurate nature.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 511 Steel Pettigrew, Bevan
. . 533 Lambie Marshall, Greaves
. . 521 Cameron Thompson, Wanden
. . 540 Hadlow Harris, Webb-Pullman
. . 541 Bailey Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 514 Ansley Russell, Carlyle
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Post by davidd on Nov 23, 2020 18:28:02 GMT 12
In case anybody is wondering why the RNZAF's P-40s and F4Us are not mentioned in any of the Piva (Bougainville) threads provided by aircraftclocks which have been running for the last few months, the answer is simple - they were not flying from Piva (North), but from Torokina strip, the one right beside the beach a couple of miles away to the south. No doubt aircraftclocks is saving the Torokina story for a later thread, perhaps in 2021?
David D
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 23, 2020 23:28:40 GMT 12
Unfortunately I have not located any detailed narratives from Torokina.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 24, 2020 0:24:33 GMT 12
Carried Out - 11 April 1944.
Mission: Artillery spotting over enemy territory, Bougainville.
Squadron: NZTB - 30. - 14 planes.
Planes & Loadings: 4 planes each 4 x 500 lb. Inst. fuses. 10 planes without loadings.
Times: 14 planes took off and landed between the hours of 0520 and 1900.
Enemy A/C: None.
Damage to Own A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Tactics: Over the areas bounded by the Torokina Perimeter, North, East, and West - 2 hrs. flights were carried out to observe enemy target and to direct artillery fire, at altitudes from 1500'/3500'.
Observations:
1. A known crashed Jap A/C was observed in area bounded by co-ordinates (148 - 75)
2. 3 or 4 columns of smoke wore observed at the headwaters of the Jaba River.
3. Light A/A fire was reported at the mouth of the Saua River - probably 20mm
4. A small footbridge was seen about 4000 yds in from the mouth of a small stream between the Jaba and Reini Rivers.
5. Smoke was seen in the headwaters of the Mariopa River.
Plane No. Pilot Spotter Crew
N.Z. 540 Steel Hatfield Pettigrew, Bevan
. . 521 Cameron Morin Thompson, Wanden
. . 511 Kennedy Crelle Wilkie, Moran
. . 514 Ladd Miller Plucke, Peacock
. . 512 Lambie Owens Marshall, Greaves
. . 530 Gardner — Nicholls, Sheather
. . 511 Mackenzie Mitchell Hore, Linton
. . 540 Fyfe — Reid, Shannahan
. . 540 Bailey Miller Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 514 Gardner Schnapel Nicholls, Sheather
. . 517 Cameron Haldeman Thompson, Wanden
. . 540 Bailey Miller Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 514 Ladd Shrabazz Plucke, Peacock
. . 521 Baber — Townsend, Henwood
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Post by davidd on Nov 24, 2020 9:20:43 GMT 12
Interesting in that the spotters are actually named here, have never seen this information before. Sorry to hear that the Torokina details remain "undiscovered at this time", but at least the RNZAF version of events still survives reasonably intact. Very many thanks to aircraftclocks for keeping up his self-appointed task of bringing this rich vein of information streaming across our screens with absolutely no input from us but for our fingers hitting the keys/mouse.
David D
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 24, 2020 10:27:01 GMT 12
Struck - 12 April 1944.
Target: Supply Area in vicinity of Talili Bay, New Britain.
Mission: Bomb and strafe.
Flight Leader: Lt. A.V. Vorndam, USNR.
Squadrons: VT-305 - 11 planes.
NZTB-30 - 12 planes.
Planes & Loadings: 24 planes ordered. 22 planes made attack with 4 x. 500 lb. bombs with Instantaneous fuse.
Times: T.O. 0800; T.O.T. 1010; Landed 1145.
Other A/C Co-ordinating: 36 SBDs.
Enemy A/C: 1 unidentified A/C believed to be enemy was reported near Kabanga Bay at 7000'.
Damage to Own Aircraft: Plane 9 hit by shrapnel in fuselage. Plane 6 was ditched and lost off Cape Gazelle. All members of crew were picked up.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Attack Tactics: Approaching over the East Coast of New Britain at 13,500' near Warangoi River, making a right hand turn between Keravat and Vunakanau strip commencing high speed approach, peeling off to the left at 10,000' and releasing bombs over Target at 2500'.
Summary of Results: Of the 88 x 500 lb. bombs carried, 12 were jettisoned, 2 returned to Base, the balance of 74 were well-distributed over the Target Area.
Weather: En Route: 3/10 cumulus, base 2000' towering to 8000'. Over Target: Clear.
Observations:
1. Enemy Shipping: None.
2. Enemy Activity: Sheds were observed under construction in revetments in the target area.
3. Condition of Target after Attack: An explosion followed by a large fire with black smoke was seen in the centre of the Target Area. Numerous other small fires were also reported burning. From reports of pilots in the last division, the Target Area was well covered with hits, the greatest number being in the Northern portion.
4. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: No reports of direct hits by SBDs were received, but the cessation of A/A fire was noted during the attack.
5. Unusual Circumstances: A life raft was reported 5 miles East of Cape Gazelle - believed to be that of plane 6. Later reports confirmed that the crew was rescued. A large fire was observed some distance inland from the SE end of the Target Area. Friendly shipping heading toward Green Island was reported as 1-CL, 1-CV, 1-DD, 1-PT and 1-AK.
6. Anti-Aircraft Fire: The known positions 1, 2A & B, 3, 4, & 5 heavy and automatic were reported as firing moderately and inaccurately. The known M/G positions along the Talili Bay shore were firing inaccurately. An automatic position near the centre of the Target Area, is believed to be new. The intensity was meagre and the fire inaccurate. A new position of 3 heavies and automatics firing meagrely and inaccurately was reported South of the SW corner of the Target Area. 1 heavy gun was seen in the centre of Talili Bay plantation on West side of riverbed. Fire from this gun was moderate and inaccurate. Shell splashes NW of Tawui Point were observed, believed to be from gun positions on Tawui Point.
SPECIAL REPORT: Ensign Dillon E. White, USNR, pilot of plane # 6, with radioman G.E. Moore, Arm.2/c, USNR and turret gunner J.D. Wendleton, AMM.2/c, USNR, were rescued by crash boat & returned to Green Island. Ensign white's plane was observed to have a bad oil leak and to leave the formation before the attack and head for Green Island.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 513 James May, Horton
. . 525 Mackenzie Hore, Linton
. . 508 Fyfe Reid, Shannahan
. . 511 Walton Wakelin, Bainbridge
. . 512 Horwell Simpson, Badland
. . 523 Trewavas Jensen, Doody
. . 509 Steel Pettigrew, Bevan
. . 533 Lambie Marshall, Greaves
. . 521 Cameron Thompson, Wanden
. . 517 Hadlow Harris, Webb-Pullman
. . 530 Bailey Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 514 Ansley Russell, Carlyle
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 25, 2020 10:31:49 GMT 12
Carried Out - 13 April to 14 April, 1944.
Mission: Artillery spotting over enemy territory, Bougainville.
Squadron: NZTB - 30
Planes & Loadings: 8 TBF's each with 4 x 500 lb. Inst. fuses.
Times: 8 planes took off and landed between the hours of 1840, 13 April and 0520, 14 April.
Enemy A/C: None.
Damage to Own A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None. Tactics: Flights of a duration of 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours were flown at an altitude of 5000 ft. over the area East and South of the Saua River.
Results: 4 x 500's were dropped in the area East of the Reini River mouth; near the mouth of the Jaba River; at the mouth of the Saua River. 4 x 500's were later dropped again near the Peini delta. 1 x 500 was dropped at the mouth of the Maririci River and another again at the mouth of the Jaba. 2 x 500's were dropped East of the Saua River between the coast and Hill 280. No results were observed on any of the drops. Strafing was done at the Reini delta, the Borku area.
Observations:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: A/A fire from automatic weapons was received from the shore East of the mouth of the Reini River. Heavy and intense A/A was received from a position 3000 yds. inland from the mouth of the Maririci River, 20 MM A/A came from both Motupena Pt. and the Jaba River areas with the shells bursting at 4/5000 ft. The A/A from the Jaba was fairly intense. The Saua River and the Reini areas also threw up anti-aircraft fire.
2. Shipping (own): PT boats were seen operating off the North coast of Motupena Pt. as well as off Mawaraka.
3. Miscellaneous Observations: Flashes from guns (possibly 3") were seen in the Borku area. Peculiar tracer type fire (short flashes throughout the trajectory) was observed coming from coords: 144 x 216. A white para-flare was observed a short distance Southeast of Motupena Pt. at about 4000 ft. A shelling engagement took place off Aitara Mission between an unidentified ship (own) and enemy gun positions at that area. The engagement lasted approximately ten minutes Another para-flare was seen over this area.
Weather: It was generally clear below 5/6000 ft. with strata cumulus clouds above that altitude.
Plane No. Pilot Spotter Crew
NZ. 2518 Walton Hartwell Wakelin, Bainbridge
. 2521 Kennedy Dom Wilkie, Moran
. 2509 Steel Wood Pettigrew, Bevan
. 2535 Ansley Mitchell Russell, Carlyle
. 2533 Cameron Hadfield Thompson, Wanden
. 2518 Ladd Barter Plucke, Peacock
. 2509 Lambie Tejan Marshall, Greaves
. 2533 Hadlow Moran Harris, Webb-Pullman
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 26, 2020 10:53:55 GMT 12
Struck 13 April, 1944
Target: Lakunai R/W, New Britain.
Mission: Bomb and strafe. Flight leader: S/Ldr. N.H. James, RNZAF.
Squadron: NZTB-30 (5 planes) VT-305 (12 planes) VMTB 242 (1).
Planes and Loadings: 18 planes each loaded with 4 x 500 lb. bombs 1/10 sec. delay.
Times: T.O. 0645 T.O.T. 0810 Landed 1007.
Other A/C Coordinating: 60 SBD's.
Enemy A/C: 4 A/C believed to be Bettys were seen in revetments south of R/W. 1 unidentified A/C with silver wings was seen heading east from Laweo Pt. at low altitude. Bogeys were reported to be heard on Ridge. Plane 14 had right elevator hit by shrapnel. Plane 103 six holes in left wing, left tire punctured and left whell hydraulic punctured.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Tactics: Approaches over target N. of North Daughter, New Britain at 13,000'. made left hand turn and commenced high speed approach at 10,000' peeling off and releasing at 2000'.
Summary of Results: 72 x 500 lb. bombs were carried, of these 4 were returned to base and 9 were jettisoned. The balance of 59 were dropped in the following areas: Rabaul town, Lakanau R/W and the revetments on S. side of R/W. The greater concentration of hits reported were in the S.E. half of the R/W. One bomb missed and landed in the water. A/C strafed.
Weather: Enroute: 5/10 scattered cumulus. Over Target: Fluffy cumulus which covered part of Rabual and Hospital Ridge. Base 2000' towering to 10,000'.
Observations:
1. Shipping: Barges north of Simpson Harbor.
2. Enemy Activity: Trucks were reported in the revetment area.
3. Condition of Target after Attack: Craters were observed on the S/E end of R/W. Smoke and debreis was reported in the target area. Fires were observed in the town area and also from shacks N. side of R/W.
4. Results of Coordinated Attack: Hits by SBD bombs were observed on shacks N/E of R/W near Rabual and also hits on gun positions 6 and 8. A few hits were reported to land in water.
5. Unusual Circumstances: Corsairs seen Duke of York Island appeared to be ingaging the enemy A/C. SBD seen smoking coming from target area, another SBD acting as escort. Large explosions sending up columns of water 500 high was seen midway between Praed and Raluana Points.
6. Anti-Aircraft: The Known gun positions on Hos-pital Ridge in Rabual town and Nos. 3,4,5,6,7, and 8 were firing moderately and inaccurately. Automatic guns on the S. side of R/W (east half) fired. Believed to be new positions, moderate and inaccurate. On retirement heavy and automatic fire was reported from W. Simpson Harbor, Matupi and Sulphur Point. Moderate and inaccurate.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 540 James A/S/Ldr May, Horton
. . 514 Mackenzie Hore, Linton
. . 510 Fyfe Reid, Shannahan
. . 511* *Walton Wakelin, Bainbridge
. . 521 Horwell Simpson, Badland
. . 533 Trewavas Jensen, Doody
* DID NOT ATTACK.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 27, 2020 11:01:01 GMT 12
Carried out 14 April 1944
Mission: Artillery spotting over enemy territory, Bougainville.
Squadron: NZTB-30 -10 planes; VMTB/242 - 4 planes
Planes & Loadings: 4 planes each with 4 x 500 lb bombs-inst.fuse 10 planes no loadings.
Times: 14 planes took off and landed between the hours of 0515 and 1900.
Enemy A/C: None
Damage to Own A/C: None
Personnel Casualties: None
Tactics: Over the area to the East and South of the Torokina perimeter. 2 and 3 hour flights were carried out to observe enemy targets and direct artillery.
Summary of Results: 16 x 500 lb. bombs were carried. Of these 3 were jettisoned and 13 returned to base. Strafed hut on East bank of Jaba River 1000 yds north of Binako Village.
Observations:
1. Additional work was observed on building under construction 2500 years North of the mouth of the Saua River.
2. A hut with smoke, a possible field kitchen, was seen and strafed. It was reported to be on the East bank of the Jaba River, North of Binako Village.
3. A short burst of tracers was fired from light automatic M/G from the East bank of the Saua River mouth.
4. Three PT boats were seen firing 20 mm tracers into the shore near the mouth of the Jaba River. These boats were later seen heading back toward Torokina.
5. A series of about 20 columns of dense white smoke appeared, each being set off as plane # 512 approached. They started along Purata River 10 miles inland and continued at regular intervals extending back into the hills. Area around one smoke column was strafed with unobserved results.
6. Artillery was adjusted by plane #512 to a point at coordinates 143.5-220.1. Plane # 512 also adjusted artillery to a point 400 yards East of Hart Hill on the Reini River.
7. Two Japs were soon crossing path in vicinity of Hart Hill.
8. A possible fire was reported by plane # 110 in low area 2000 yds. SW of Hanemo Village. A large column of smoke was also seen by the same plane 1000 yds. SE of Hanemo Village.
9. Plane # 110 strafed possible bivouac area 1000 yds. East of the Saua River bearing East from Hill 280 and North of Hill 150.
Plane Pilot Spotter Crew
518 James Miller May, Horton
525 Mackenzie Schnepel Hore, Linton
542 Fyfe Granghly Reid, Shannahan
533 Baber Dickerson Townsend, Henwood
514 Horewell Owens Simpson, Badland
513 Trewavis Williams Jenson, Doody
533 Gardner Baenziger Nicholis, Sheather
525 Bailey Granghly Schlesinger, Curtis
512 Walton Kennedy Wakelin, Bainbridge
513 Kennedy Miller Wilkie, Moran
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 27, 2020 11:06:10 GMT 12
Strike 15 April, 1944.
Target: Lakunai Airfield, New Britain - Runway.
Mission: Bomb and Strafe.
Squadrons: VT - 305, 9 Planes.
NZTB - 30, 8 Planes.
Flight Leader: Lt. A. V. Vorndam, USNR.
Planes: Ordered: 18 TBF's.
Attacked: 17 TBF's. Reported: 15 TBF's. Load: All Planes with 4 x 500 lb. - 1/10 sec. delay fuse.
Other A/C Coord.: 48 SBD's.
Times: T.O. 0705; T.O.T. 0905; Landed 1030.
Weather: Enroute: scattered clouds with base at 1500' extending upwards to 6000'. Over Target: Clear, with less than 1/10 scattered clouds.
Attack Tactics: The target was approached from wide arround the West side of North Daughter coming from the North at 13,500'. Breaking up at 11,000' with a speed of 200 knots, the target was attacked from Northwest to the Southeast. The pull out was towards the right out over Greet (Matupi) Bay between Sulphur Pt. and Matupi Island, thence down Blanche Bay towards base.
Damage to Own A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Summary of results: Sixty bombs were carried. Of these, twelve were confirmed hits on the target, twenty-four were reported hits, sixteen unobserved, and eight were jettisoned. The direct hits were reported as effectively distributed along the runway. Smoke and dust were seen and the runway was declared definitely unserviceable.
Observations:
1. Anti-Aircraft: Meagre to moderate fire was received from known positions 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, Vulcan Crater, Raluana, Naval gun, and from machine guns South of the Northwest end of the runway. Shell splashes were also seen off Cape Condor, New Ireland as the planes were returning to base.
2. Enemy Aircraft: Three Emilys were anchored in a small bay North of Sulphur Creek. One unidentified A/C was seen 50 mi. South of Cape St. George and two unidentified A/C were seen 70 mi. Southeast of Lakunai heading towards Babaul. Bogies were heard while enroute to the target.
3. Enemy Shipping: Three barges, one fairly old and two new in appearance, were observed anchored off the North shore of Greet (Matupi) harbor. Small craft were operating around these barges. The size of the barges was judged to be between 60 and 100 feet. A lone barge was seen in Simpson Harbor proceeded from the Western shore to the Eastern shore.
4. Enemy Activity: Buildings new and under construction, were seen along the shore midway between Praed and Sulphur Points.
5. Misc. Reports: A fire giving off much blue gray smoke was seen burning along the New Ireland coast just North of Nauwaum Plantation, which lies between Cape Semalu and Cape Natat. Three PT boats were reported as being 15 miles off Cape St. George and one DD was seen two-thirds of the distance to Cape St. George heading on a course of 300º True.
6. Comment on Attack: Very well coordinated.
Special Report: Two of the seventeen planes in the attack landed at Green Island. The reason being at this time still undetermined. Only seventeen of the ordered eighteen A/C took off. Four planes turned back while enroute to the target because of mechanical failure. Three of the four were replaced by the spares. The fourth spare having taken off too late to complete the three divisions.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
NZ508 Stubbs Willcox, Byrne
NZ517 Kennedy Wilkie, Moran
NZ530 Baber Townsend, Henwood
NZ513 Gardner Nicholls, Sheather
NZ518 Ladd Plucke, Peacock
NZ544 * Steel Pettigrew, Bevan
NZ542 ** Cameron Thompson, Wanden
NZ523 Hadlow Harris, Webb-Pullman
NZ514 Ansley Russell, Carlyle
NZ525 * Bailey Schlesinger, Curtis
* Did not attack.
** Landed at Green Island after attack.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 28, 2020 14:19:43 GMT 12
Struck - 16 April 1944.
Target: Vunakanau Runway, New Britain.
Mission: Bomb and strafe.
Flight-Leader: F/Lt M.G. Stubbs, RNZAF.
Squadron: NZTB-30 - 6 planes. VMTB-242 - 6 planes. VT-305 - 12 planes.
Planes & Loadings: 24 planes - each with 4 x 500 lb. bombs - 1/10th second delay fused.
Times: T.O. 0720; T.O.T. 0900; Landed 1040
Other A/C Co-ordinating: 48 SBDs.
Enemy A/C: 1 unidentified A/C seen flying high North East of Rabaul.
Damage to Own A/C: Plane 105 - 2 holes in left wing. .. 115 - Windscreen cracked by shrapnel. .. 107- Hatch off centre cockpit shot away. .. 108 - Starboard flapper shot off
Personnel Casualties: None.
Attack Tactics: Approached East Coast of New Britain at 14,000' - made right-hand turn and high-speed approach - peeling off in glide to left opposite SW end of Runway at 9000' - and released bombs at 1500'/2500'.
Summary of Results: 96 x 500 lb. bombs were carried. Of these, 28 were confirmed hits -45 reported direct hits - and 8 unobserved - and 1 miss. 14 bombs hung - of these 10 were jettisoned and 4 returned to Base. Strafing was carried out on gun positions at NW end of Runway; in Tavilo Plantation; and huts between Balup and Tabauli River.
Weather: En route - 2 fronts, with cloud towering to 20,000'. Over Target - Clear.
Observations:
1. Enemy Shipping: 1 unidentified 100' vessel in Talili Bay, between Cape Liguin and Watom Island.
2. Enemy Activity: 1 unidentified A/C in revetment N. side of SE end of Runway.
3. Condition of Target before & after Attack: Runway reported serviceable before attack, but well hit and definitely unserviceable after attack.
4. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: SBD hits were as follows: 1 each on gun positions 5 and 6. 2 near misses on position No.9. And SBD hits on Runway.
5. Unusual Circumstances: None.
6. Anti-Aircraft Fire: The heavy and automatic positions Nos. 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14 were active - fire moderate varying from accurate to inaccurate. M/G position No. 10 reported to be 3 guns, was more like 10 guns, firing inaccurately. North of the NW end of Runway either automatic or heavy guns were firing moderately but inaccurately. West of the NW end of the Runway, an automatic gun position was reported - fire of a meagre and inaccurate nature. The Anti-Aircraft tactics employed against our A/C were a barrage covering the approach at the SE end of the Runway, bracketing the A/C up to 7000'. Covering the withdrawal over the NW end of the Runway, another screen of fire was encountered, bursts being about 1500'/2000' in height.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 513 Stubbs Wilcox, Byrne
. . 511 Burton Miles, McLeod
. . 512 Kennedy Wilkie, Moran
. . 521 Baber Townsend, Henwood
. . 533 Gardner Nicholls, Sheather
. . 518 Ladd Plucke, Peacock
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 28, 2020 18:18:50 GMT 12
Carried Out - 16/17 April 1944.
Mission: Artillery Spotting over Enemy Territory, Bougainville.
Squadron: NZTB-30.
Planes: 8 TBFs. (and 1 replacement during night)
Load: Each plane with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, inst. fuses.
Times: Planes took off and landed between the hours of 1900, 16 April and 0535, 17 April, 1944.
Tactics: Flights of duration 2 1/2 / 3 1/2 hrs. were flown South of the JABA RIVER at altitudes of 4500'/5000'.
Enemy A/C: None.
Damage to Own A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Results and Observations:
Anti-Aircraft Fire: A/A was received from the Mouth of the MAMAREGU RIVER (2 heavies - 4 light). This A/A was moderate/intense with bursts at 2000'/3000'. A/A was also received at the MAIGI MISSION where a truck convoy was seen, bombed with 2 x 500 lb. and strafed. The fire followed the plane after it dropped the bombs. It was moderate heavy, and accurate. 1 A/A tracer was seen coming from the shore between the TEKESSI and MARIOPA RIVERS. Scattered shell flashes were seen in the area near the JABA RIVER. M/G tracers were seen near the Mouth of the SAUA RIVER and from between HILL and the SAUA.
Enemy Activity: Lights were seen in the MATUKORI and MUPEKA arena as well as on MOTUPENA POINT, REINI DELTA, 1500 yds. SE of the JABA RIVER Mouth, & the MAIGI MISSION. Verey Cartridge flashes were sighted 5 miles inland and along the Southern shore of the JABA RIVER. A fire was seen at the HORINY area.
Shipping: Our own PT boats were seen engaged in shelling with Gun Positions along the shore 4000 yds North from the PURIATA R. 2 ships were seen off MUPEKA but no action was noted.
Strafing: Inland and South of the JABA RIVER was strafed; and the Gun Positions at the MAMAREGU RIVER; & the TAVERA area. BOMB DROPS: Bombs were dropped on the following Targets: 4 x 500 lb. on Lights SE of JABA RIVER. 3 x 500 lb. on the MUPEKA DELTA. 2 x 500 lb. on MAMAREGU R. Gun Positions. 1 x 500 lb. on S. bank of JABA R. Mouth. 2 x 500 lb. on Headwaters of North Fork of the JABA RIVER.
Results observed: No results were observed of the bomb drops or strafing.
WEATHER: The weather was generally clear below 4000'/5000' (the altitudes flown.)
Plane No. Pilot Spotter Crew
N.Z. 513 Cameron Peletier Thompson
. . 523 Lambie Byers Marshall
. . 511 Horwell Dorr Simpson
. . 518 Trewavas Mitchell Jensen
. . 512 Trewavas Mitchell Jensen
. . 525 Steel Hatfield Pettigrew
. . 413 Hadlow Dickerson Harris
. . 509 Ansley Trigan Russell
. . 512 Bailey Hartwell Schlesinger
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 29, 2020 17:37:22 GMT 12
Carried Out - 17 April 1944.
Mission: Artillery Spotting over Enemy Territory, Bougainville.
Squadron: NZTB-30 - 10 planes. VT-305 - 2 planes.
Planes: 12 planes ordered. (& 1 replacement during day)
Loadings: 4 planes each with 4 x 500 lb. bombs, Inst. fusing. 8 planes without bombload.
Times: 12 planes took off and landed between the hours of 0520 and 1515.
Other A/C Co-ordinating: None.
Enemy A/C: None.
Damage to Own A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Tactics: Flights of duration 2hrs/3hrs were carried out over Enemy Territory East of the TORKINA PERIMTER.
Summary of Results: Of the 16 x 500 lb. bombs carried, 2 were jettisoned; 11 were dropped in the area on East Bank of the Mouth of the MUPEKA RIVER; and 3 were dropped on the SE Bank of the MAMAREGU RIVER. No visible results reported.
Weather: Morning - 2/10ths scattered cloud. Afternoon - Hazy, with drizzle following. Visibility - 1 mile.
Observations: Lights were reported near Lagoon at Mouth of MAMAREGU RIVER. PT Boats firing from 3000 yds. off Mouth of LARESA RIVER. Footprints in sand going South from Mouth of JABA RIVER. Fox-hole reported along South Bank of JABA RIVER. Signs of Barge activity 200 yds. West of SAUA RIVER ROAD, North of Beach in MOG RIVER area. Hut reported 200 yds. to Right of SAUA RIVER ROAD, 100 yds. North of Beach. Column of Smoke observed in Headwaters area of TEKESSI RIVER - disappeared when a/c approached. Started again 1/2hr. later. Trail activity at Mouth of TEKESSI RIVER -possibly man seen. Area Strafed. Bridges passably camouflaged seen about 2500 yds & 4500 yds up MARIRICA RIVER. Huts and dug-outs seen South of the Mouth of MARIRICI RIVER. Bivouac area reported in area South of the Main Fork of the TAVERA RIVER. Possible Supply Dump about 6 to 7 miles inland on the South Side of the JABA RIVER ROAD.
Anti-Aircraft: Saw medium-sized A/A gun about 1500/2000 yds East of Mouth of MAMAREGU RIVER.
Plane No. Pilot Spotter Crew
N.Z. 530 Burton Owen Miles, McLeod
. . 541 Ladd Herber Plucke, Peacock
. . 525 Gardner Cralle Nichols, Sheather
. . 517 Kennedy Shrahan Wilkie, Moran
. . 533 James - May, Horton
. . 540 Walton Schnapel Wakelin, Bainbridge
. . 513 Walton Schnapel Wakelin, Bainbridge
. . 511 Stubbs Miller Wilcox, Byrne
. . 525 Mackenzie Morris Hore, Linton
. . 517 Fyfe Schnapel Reid, Shannahan
. . 523 Cameron Williams Thompson, Wanden
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 29, 2020 18:56:27 GMT 12
Struck - 18 April 1944.
Target: Supply Area, KABANGA BAY, New Britain.
Mission: Bomb and Destroy.
Flight-Leader: Lt. A.V. Vorndam, USNR.
Squadrons: VT-305 - 12 planes.
NZTB-30 - 12 planes.
Planes: 24 planes ordered
Loadings: - each with 4 x 500 lb. incendiary clusters.
Times: T.O. 0710; T.O.T. 0900; Landed 1045
Other A/C Co-ordinating: 48 SBDs.
Enemy A/C: 1 unidentified S/E A/C at 12,000' over CAPE GAZELLE on course 280° was seen during approach to Target. One possible Nell flying at 2500' 2 miles West of CAPE GAZELLE, course 180°. 6 to 8 A/C seen in revetments at RAPOPO FIELD.
Damage to Own A/C: N.Z. plane # 530 - Small hole in pilot's canopy. N.Z. plane # 541 - Shrapnel holes in left wing and hit in centre cockpit that penetrated through turret. Plane # 9 - Shrapnel hole in bomb bay.
Personnel Casualties: F/Sgt R. Curtis, RNZAF, was hit in head by shrapnel that penetrated turret of plane while over Target area. Superficial wound only, reported.
Attack Tactics: Flight approached Target on Southerly course over RAPOPO at 14,000'. They turned left East of TOBERA peeling off to the left and pushing over at 9000'/10,000'. Drops were made from 3500'/6000' while passing over Target Area from South to North.
Summary of Results: Of the 96 x 500 lb. incendiary clusters carried, 87 were hits in the Target Area; 6 were jettisoned and 3 returned to Base. During approach and retirement Strafing was carried out by both wing, turret and stinger guns.
Weather: En route - Clear, with 10/10ths cloud layer at 35,000'/40,000'. Over Target- 8/10ths scattered cumulus - base 1500'/2500'.
Observations:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: Known positions surrounding both RAPOPO and TOBERA Airdromes, of both heavies and automatics, were reported firing moderately but accurately. 1 New Position of heavy and automatic fire was observed in Jungle West of the North Shore of KABANGA BAY.
2. Enemy Shipping: Unidentified Barge off TAMALILIR PLANTATION, East Coast of New Britain.
3. Enemy Activity: It is suggested that the A/C reported at 12,000' near CAPE GAZELLE was observing the altitude of the strike force to direct A/A fire. The accuracy of A/A fire experienced by to-day's force makes possible the above explanation.
4. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: SBD hits were observed in the VUNAPOPE and KABANGA BAY Supply Areas.
5. Condition of Target after Attack: The area was well-covered by smoke and numerous small fires were reported.
6. Miscellaneous Reports: 1. Fires were reported in the VUNAPOPE area. 2. Two friendly convoys were sighted, one 20 miles SW of GREEN ISLAND - 6 to 7 ships and one on a heading of 180° comprised of 3 DDs and 2 AKs - 25 miles West of BUKA PASSAGE.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 513 James May, Norton
. . 525 Mackenzie Hore, Linton
. . 542 Fyfe Reid, Shannahan
. . 507 Walton Wakelin, Bainbridge
. . 512 Horwell Simpson, Badland
. . 523 Trewavas Jensen, Doody
. . 530 Steel Pettigrew, Bevan
. . 533 Lambie Marshall, Greaves
. . 521 Cameron Thompson, Wanden
. . 508 Hadlow Harris, Webb-Pullman
. . 541 Bailey Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 514 Ansley Russell, Carlyle
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 29, 2020 19:45:18 GMT 12
Carried Out - 19/20 April 1944.
Mission: Artillery Spotting over Enemy Territory, Bougainville.
Squadron: NZTB-30.
Planes & Loadings: 6 planes each with 4 x 500 lb. bombs - Inst. fusings.
Times: 6 planes took off and landed between the hours of 1840 April 19 & 0535 April 20.
Other A/C Co-ordinating: None.
Enemy A/C: None.
Damage to Own A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Tactics: Flights from 1/2 1/2 hrs duration were carried out with artillery spotters over the Enemy Territory South of the SAUA RIVER.
Results: 24 x 500 lb. bombs were carried, all of which were returned to Base, except 4 dropped on lights at Mouth of the Mupeka River.
Weather: Rain, low cloud & poor visibilty.
Observations:
1. Lights at Mupeka River were observed and strafed.
2. Bright light in Headwaters of Reini River.
3. Lights at mouth of Jaba River were observed and strafed.
Plane No. Pilot Spotter Crew
N.Z. 513 James Zurcher May, Horton
. . 517 Ansley Mitchell Russell, Carlyle
. . 513 Burton Hadfield Miles, McLeod
. . 517 Ladd Harwell Plucke, Peacock
. . 523 Kennedy Teltier Wilkie, Moran
. . 507 Mackenzie Byers Hore, Linton
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 30, 2020 10:48:18 GMT 12
Struck - 22 April 1944.
Target: Buildings Ibu Airfield Area, Bougainville.
Mission: Bomb, Strafe and Destroy.
Flight-Leader: F/O R.D. Steel, RNZAF.
Squadron: NZTB-30 - 3 planes
VT-305 - 3 planes
Planes & Loadings: 4 planes each with 12 x 100 lb. bombs - 1/10th sec. delay fuse. 2 planes each with 8 x 100 and 4 x 250 lb. bombs - 1/10th sec. delay.
Other A/C Co-ordinating: None.
Enemy A/C: None.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Attack Tactics: The Target was approached from the North at 5000' where glide commenced - bombs released at 700'.
Summary of Results: Of the 64 x 100 lb. bombs carried 62 were hits in the area and 2 were duds. Of the 8 x 250 lb. bombs, 6 were hits in the area and 2 were duds. 3 Strafing Runs were carried out over the Target Area after bombs were dropped.
Weather: Clear over Target.
Observations:
1. Anti-Aircraft Fire: Meagre inaccurate M/G fire was reported from clearing West of Target Area.
2. Enemy Shipping: None.
3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Condition of Target Before & After Attack: The buildings and surrounding area appeared to be uninhabited before attack. Only 4 shacks appeared intact after the bombing.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 513 Steel Pettigre, Bevan, Lt. Lynch
. . 517 Lambie Marshall, Greaves
. . 542 Cameron Thompson, Wanden
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 30, 2020 10:57:37 GMT 12
Struck - 22 April 1944.
Target: Rapopo Runway Revetments, Vunapope Supply Area, New Britain.
Mission: Bomb and strafe.
Flight-Leader: Lt. A.V. Vorndam, USNR.
Squadron: VT-305 - 12 planes
NZTB-30 - 6 planes
VMTB-242 - 6 planes
Planes & Loading: 24 planes ordered. 22 planes loaded with 4 x 500 lb. 1/10th sec. delay fuse. 2 planes loaded with 2 x 100 lb. and 4 x 250 lb. bombs, 1/10th sec. delay. Times: T.O. 0920; T.O.T. 1135; Landed 1245
Other A/C Co-ordinating: 42 SBDs and 8 F4Us.
Enemy A/C: 1 Unidentified Single-Engined A/C was seen flying at 1000' across Runway during attack. Dark brown in colour. A number of A/C were observed in the revetment area on both sides of the Runway, some possibly being serviceable. 5 or 6 Unidentified A/C seen at 9000' on Course 145º over Tarui Point.
Damage To Own A/C: Plane No. 4 was hit by shrapnel in centre cockpit and the top of the rudder was shot away. Plane No. 8 had left windshield badly damaged.
Personnel Casualties: Ensign W.R. Jackson received shallow wound in left arm by shrapnel. Lt. (jg) H.J. Stoner received minor scratches on neck from glass from windshield. R.E. Shea, ARM 2/C, received, scratch on right arm from turret glass.
Attack Tactics: Owing to cloud restricting attacks on both the primary and secondary targets, the attack was delivered on Rapopo which appeared clear from 15,000'. A high speed approach was made with peel-off to the left at 9000', turning towards the Runway from the North - bombs were released from 1500'/6000'.
Summary of Results: Bombs jettisoned were as follows:- 100 lb. bombs x 8, 250 lb. bombs x 4, 500 lb. bombs x 5 and 500 lb. bombs x 2 were returned to Base.
Unobserved hits reported on Rapopo Runway were as follows:- 100 lb. bombs = 8, 250 lb. bombs = 4, 500 lb. bombs = 65 and 4 wild misses. 500 lb. bombs x 8 were dropped in the revetments area and 4 on the Vunapapo Supply area, making a total of 112 bombs carried and reported on. In the Vunapope area 2 fires were started, which appeared to be oil burning. Huts were strafed in the Kabanga Bay area.
Weather: En route - Rain squalls with poor visibility. Over Target - Clear at times.
Observations:
1. Anti-aircraft Fire: The known Heavy, Automatic & M/G positions S.W. of the Runway, East of North End of Runway, and at Kabanga Bay were active, but only meagre and inaccurate. New positions NE and SE of the ends of the Runway, either heavy or automatic, were reported to be firing moderately and fairly accurately.
2. Enemy Shipping: 2 large barges were reported in area NE of Matupi Island-Greet Harbour, and 2 barges off West of Lesson Point (possibly beached).
3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: SBD bomb-hits were reported on Runway, in revetment areas, and on heavy gun position.
5. Condition of Target after Attack: No comment.
6. Miscellaneous Reports: Leadership seemed to be appreciated in his endeavour to find a target under such difficult conditions.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 511 Hadlow Harris, Webb-Pullman
. . 514 Ansley Russell, Carlyle
. . 530 Bailey Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 507+ +Gardner Nicholls, Sheather
. . 523 Kennedy Wilkie, Moran
. . 525 Burton Miles, McLeod
+ = ?
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Post by aircraftclocks on Nov 30, 2020 11:27:19 GMT 12
Carried Out - 22 April 1944.
Mission: Search & Patrol West Coast, Buka Island.
Flight-Leader: F/Lt. M.G. Stubbs, RNZAF.
Squadron: NZTB-30.
Planes & Loadings: 2 planes - each loaded with 2 depth charges.
Times: T.O. 0740; Landed 1010.
Weather: Low cloud - rain - with poor visibility.
Tactics: Flying at 100'/200' altitide, a parallel track Search was flown off the West Coast of North Bougainville and Buka Islands; then another search at right angles, completely covering the area.
Observations:
1. 1 DD was seen in area on West Coast near Buka Passage at 0845.
2. Dumbo with fighter escort seen at 0925, flying in a northerly direction
3. 2 empty oil drums were observed floating 4 miles apart West of Manus Island.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 540 Stubbs Wilcox, Byrne
. . 544 Trewavas Jensen, Doody
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 1, 2020 10:16:23 GMT 12
Struck - 25 April 1944.
Target: Lakunai Runway, New Britain.
Mission: Bomb and Strafe.
Flight-Leader: F/Lt M.G. Stubbs, RNZAF.
Squadron: NZTB-30 - 5 planes
VT-305 - 12 planes
Planes & Loading: 18 planes - + 4 spares, 18 planes attacked - each with 4 x 500 lb. bombs - 1/10th second delay fusing.
Times: T.O. 1045; T.O.T. 1250; Landed Green Is. 1355 Piva 1700
Other A/C Co-ordinating: 48 SBDs and 8 fighters.
Enemy A/C: 2 Unidentified A/C over Rabaul at 8000' flying South. 2 Unidentified A/C off Praed Point at 1000' on Course 040° at 1240. 1 Twin-Engined A/C at NW end of Lakunai Runway.
Damage to Own A/C: Plane No. 3 - Hole in bomb bay. Plane No. 4 - Hole in windshield. Plane NZ 508 - Shrapnel hole in port wing. Plane NZ 511 - Elevator and tail plane port side shot away.
Personnel Casualties: F/Sgt R. Wakelin, Navigator in Plane NZ511 received minor burns on left arm.
Attack Tactics: Owing to bad weather the Strike Force deviated round North of Green Island, then South over New Ireland, passing South of the North Daughter at 13,000' - commencing gliding at 9000' and releasing bombs at 1500'/3000' - retiring towards Cape Gazelle.
Summary of Results: Of the 72 x 500 lb. bombs carried, the following results were reported: 11 bombs confirmed direct hits, 42 bombs reported direct hits, 7 bombs unobserved, 4 bombs near miss, 2 bombs wild miss, 4 bombs jettisoned, 1 bomb returned to Base, 1 bomb hung, and was dropped on Gredner Is. causing small fire.
The following areas were Strafed as A/C retired from Target : Gredner Island, Praed Point, Matupi Island, Sulphur Point and Huts on Hospital Ridge.
Weather: En route: - 6/10 Cumulus, base 1500' towering to 13,000' with Rain Squalls. Over Target - Clear.
Observations:
1. Anti-aircraft Fire: The known Heavy, Automatic and M/G positions were firing moderately and inaccurately from SE end of Runway, Hospital Ridge, Town Area, Matupi Island, Rapopo Runway and North side of Lakunai Runway.
The only New Position was an Automatic Gun Position on Plateau North of Rabaul, firing moderately and inaccurately.
2. Enemy Shipping: 6 Barges, about 100' long, camouflage with green branches, were reported in Greet Harbour.
3. Enemy Activity: None.
4. Results of Co-ordinated Attack: The Heavy Gun Position on Matupi Is. was reported hit by SBD bomb. The attack was fairly well co-ordinated and the A/A did ease up during the SBD attack.
5. Condition of Runway Before & After Attack: The leader of the TBFs reported that the Runway appeared Serviceable before the Attack. The last planes over the Target reported good coverage by bomb hits, with smoke & dust covering the whole Runway area.
6. Miscellaneous Reports: An explosion in the water off Cape Gazelle was reported - possibly some type of mine exploding. An SBD made a water landing off Cape Gazelle. Both men were observed in the water, A PV was circling the area & Dumbo with fighter escort was seen approaching the area.
Plane No. Pilot Crew
N.Z. 508: :Stubbs Wilcox, Byrne
. . 544: :Burton Miles, McLeod
. . 517: :Kennedy Wilkie, Moran
. . 511: :Walton Wakelin, Bainbridge
. . 523: :Gardner Nicholls, Sheather
. . 525 Ladd Plucke, Peacock
. . 530* *Hadlow Harris, Webb-Pullman
. . 514* *Ansley Russell, Carlyle
. . 533* *Bailey Schlesinger, Curtis
. . 512* *Horwell Simpson, Badland
* Spares
: Landed at Green Island.
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