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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 13, 2020 16:48:45 GMT 12
Following on from the other threads, I will do the same with the reports I have done for 30 & 31 Sqn, for 25 Sqn.
I will again not publish the names of those who were not flying RNZAF aircraft.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 13, 2020 17:28:03 GMT 12
STRUCK: 7 April 1944.
TARGET: Gun positions, Talili Bay Area, Rabaul.
MISSION: Bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: Major Glenn L. Todd, VMSB-235.
SQUADRONS: VMSB-235; VB-305; RNZAF-25.
PLANES AND BOMB LOADINGS: 1x1000 .025 sec. delay and 2x100 inst.
ORDERED FOR ATTACK: 42 ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 39
TIMES: T.O. 0850; ATTACK 1055; RETURN 1240.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 36 TBF; 8 VF.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: None. PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
RANGE: 420 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach from northwest at 14000 ft., with pushovers to the left at approximately 9000 ft.; releases from 1200-2000 ft.; pullouts were from 400-1200 ft.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) Twelve planes hit the position of the north 4 heavies west of Malaguna. Twelve heavy bombs and 22 centuries were released. All twelve releases were reported as damaging. Two wing bombs hung up.
(2) Eleven planes dove on the position of 4 heavies in the fork of the road. Seven damaging hits were confirmed and four damaging were reported. Five wing bombs hung up.
(3) Five pilots attacked the position of 6 heavies south of the forks of the road. Two damaging hits reported with three misses in area.
(4) Of the eleven pilots assigned to the position of 3 heavies southwest of the ammunition dump, only two were able to locate the target because of poor observation from low overcast; both reported damaging hits. Six pilots released bomb loads in the supply target area; Two were unobserved; One wild miss reported.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 3440; .30 cal. 10750.
WEATHER: Over the target, a large unbroken cloud from 11000 to 14000 ft., below that visibility good, except over positions to south-west where cloud base 7000 ft. En route, scattered strato-cumulus, with a thunderstorm 50 miles east of Cape St.George.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) Heavy-moderate-inaccurate fire from the position of the north four heavies, during the approach, but during the dives there was cessation of firing. These gun positions were easily detected upon approach because of the gun flashes. Two of the guns are reported to be on a small wooded ridge with two in an adjacent cleared area.
(2) Heavy-intense-accurate fire on approach from the four heavy guns in the forks of the road. Bursts reported about 200 ft. from one plane. This target was visible to all planes. Fire was reported from the target after the dives.
(3) Moderate-inaccurate fire from the 6 automatics south of the 4 heavies in the forks of the road, with bursts on approach from 8000-13000 ft., and fire ceasing during the dives.
(4) Heavy-intense-inaccurate fire is reported from the 3 heavy guns to the west. Poor observation of the position because of the overcast.
(5) On the retirement, heavy-moderate-inaccurate AA fire from the north and from over the ridge from Simpson Harbor reported.
(6) Three fires observed in Rataval area to the northwest with smoke from one ascending to 1000 ft.
(7) A fire on Maukc Island (Duke of York), with thick white smoke to 100 ft. and a possible explosion.
(8) A pall of white smoke of unascertained origin from the middle part of Simpson Harbor with a base of about 200 ft. and rising to approximately 2000 ft.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUAD REMARKS
57 DELANGE SEWELL 37 RNZAF-25
48 HOWIE ROBERTSON 38 "
64 GRAHAM WATSON 39 "
61 MCKENZIE FRENCH 40 "
53 KUHN SMALL 41 "
50 JOLLY BAILEY 42 "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 14, 2020 10:53:16 GMT 12
8 April 1944.
TARGET: Gun positions 1000 Yds. west of Mamagata River.
MISSION: Bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: Captain Dennis P. Casey.
SQUADRONS: VMSB-235; RNZAF-25
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1 x 1000 inst.
ORDERED FOR ATTACK: 12 SBD's.
ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 12 SBD's.
TIMES: T.O. 1030; ATTACK 1115-1120; RETURN 1200.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: None.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: None.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
RANGE: 65 Miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: Approach from south to north at 8000 ft. in single file, with pushovers at 7000 ft.; releases at 800-2000 ft.; pullouts at 400 ft.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: One direct hit on pill box or gun position confirmed; three other direct hits on same target reported; two hits were in area of pill box and are confirmed as damaging; four hits were in general target area and two were in the water near pill box. WEATHER: Large cumulus clouds from 4000 to 8000 ft. west of the target with visibility over target unlimited.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) No AA reported.
(2) Upon circling, subsequent to bombing, the pill box and two footbridges observed to be obliterated. A brown mass of debris remained.
(3) Pilots report existence of a second "mound" or pill box a few ft. to the west close to the first (may have been a crater or mound from the flight leaders bomb).
(4) The general target area also reported as "swabbed" out by bombs and strafing.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUAD. REMARKS
57 DELANGE SEWELL 8 RNZAF-25 Reported direct hit on pill box.
48 HOWIE ROBERTSON 9 " Hit in general area.
56 GRAHAM WATSON 10 " Hit in general area.
63 JOLLY PRICE 11 " Hit in general area.
61 MCKENZIE FRENCH 12 " Hit in general area.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 15, 2020 10:28:19 GMT 12
STRUCK: 9 April 1944.
Target: Vunakanau.
Mission: To bomb and strafe.
Flight Leader: S/LDR DE LANGE. Squadrons: RNZAF-25, VMSB-235, VB-305.
Planes & Loadings: 1 x 1000 lb. bomb, 25/1000 delay. 2 x 100 lb. bombs, Inst. Ordered for mission 60 Actually attacking 59
Times: T.O. Piva: 0905 Attack: 1100 Return: 12??
Other A/C units Coordinating: 24 TBFs, 8 VFs.
Data on Enemy A/C Encountered: One possible Zeke or Hamp sighted at 1030 hrs. off Cape St. George.
Damage to planes: 176 - 6 inch hole in starboard wing. 178 - 50 cal. bullet through port wing and 2 inch hole in trailing edge. F8 - 8 inch 20 mm hole in starboard horizontal stabiliser. F12 - starboard aileron sprung. F3 - 30 cal hole in starboard wing. 51 - Starboard wing and tailplane extensively damaged and radio aerial shot away. 48 - Hole in rear end of fuselage. 150 - 6 small holes in horizontal stabiliser.
Personnel Casualties: None.
Range. 420 miles.
Attack Tactics: High speed approach commenced at 14,700 feet, push over at 10,000 ft., bomb released 3000 ft and pullout at 1500 ft.
Ammunition Expended: 30 calibre - 39,200 rounds. 50 cal. - 10,565 rds.
Summary of Results: The pilots report the following bomb hits:-
(1) A direct hit reported on the new 40 mm guns on ridge West of North West end of strip.
(2) A direct hit reported on 4 heavies North East of Runway. Also a damaging hit confirmed on this target.
(3) On group of guns North East of Strip one direct hit reported and two direct hits confirmed. Also an additional damaging hit reported.
(4) Damaging hit reported on 5 autos North of Strip.
(5) Damaging hit reported on 6 heavies North of Strip.
(6) Damaging hit reported on 9 M/Gs South of West end of Strip.
(7) Damaging hit reported on 2 105mm. South of Strip.
(8) Two damaging hits reported on 16 M/Gs South of Strip.
(9) Japanese twin-motored plane observed just off North central part of runway. This may have been destroyed or damaged by hit in area.
Weather: Scattered cloud over target about 4/10ths. Visibility fair.
Observations:
(1) The following possible new gun positions were located:
(a) 4 - 40 mm guns on ridge West of North West end of Strip
(b) 3 or 4 auto A/As with M/Gs surrounding in clearing North of Tobera Runway.
(c) 20 mm guns and M/Gs in clearing near Toma Plantation South East of Vunakanau Strip.
(d) 40 mm gun in garden South of Vunakanau Strip.
(2) An enemy aircraft (possible Zeke or Hamp) seen nt 1030 off Cape St. George.
(3) The 8th and 10th divisions had to glide bomb because of cloud base from 3000ft. to 5000ft. over their target.
(4) The last SBD came out skirting the North End of Runway and drew no A/A fire whatever.
(5) On the return trip an artillery shell was fired at the formation from near Koakoarivi Island, Bougainville, and landed in the water.
(6) The last divisions to dive report good coverage of runway by TBFs.
(7) The A/A fire from the new gun positions was reported to be intense and accurate.
(8) Very little fire was reported from the known gun positions.
MISSION LOG:
Plane No. Pilot Gunner Call No. Sqdn. Remarks
59 DE LANGE SEWELL 1 Stone 1 NZ25
48 HOWIE Robertson 2 . . 1 . .
64 GRAHAM Watson 3 . . 1 . .
61 McKENZIE French 4 . . 1 . .
60 JOLLY Bailey 5 . . 1 . .
?6 NICHOLSON Cullen, R 6 . . 1 . .
51 EDWARDS Hoppe 7 . . 1 . .
53 KUHN Small 8 . . 1 . .
50 CRAY Bell 9 . . 1 . . Retd.-Generator trouble.
47 BROWN Ashworth 10 . . 1 . .
46 GLANVILLE White 11 . . 1 . . Reported damaging hit.
62 KELLY Cullen, B 12 . . 1 . .
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 16, 2020 10:38:01 GMT 12
STRUCK: 10 APRIL, 1944
TARGET: Raluana Point and Vunapope.
MISSION: Dive Bomb.
FLIGHT LEADER: Lt. J.F. SPIVEY, USN VB-305.
SQUADRON: VB-305, RNZAF-25.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: Assigned to mission: 36 SBD-5 and 6 spares Actually attacking: 40 1 x 1000 1/10 nose, .025 tail; 2 x 100 inst., with 100 rds. .30 cal. attached.
TIMES: T.O. 0800 Attack: 0955 Return: 1120
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 18 TBF and 2 spares.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED:
(1) Possible Hamp off Cape St. George.
(2) 4 Zekes seen over Vunakanau. Rising Sun readily visible. Our planes were at 12,000' in high speed approach to E. Zekes remained at 1000 yds. to port and 300' above for 1/2 minute then departed to W without attempting interception.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: F-10 Hole thru windshield and greenhouse - damage to headrest. 47 Small hole in stbd. dive brake. 49 Hole in port aileron. 61 Hole in fabric of port elevator.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: Ens. DeJUNG slightly wounded and burned on neck by exploding shell.
RANGE: 430 miles round trip.
ATTACK TACTICS: Approached from SW at 12500'. Pushed over at 9000'; dropped at 2500' and leveled out at 1500'. Most planes then strafed islands in St. George's Channel.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) 9 direct hits on buildings in Raluana Point Area, one of these confirmed. 16 x 100 lb. bombs accompanied the 9 x 1000. Also 7 x 1000 and 13 x 100 damaging hits on buildings reported.
(2) 14 x 1000 and 20 x 100 area hits at Raluana Point in addition to the above for a total of 30 x 1000 and 49 x 100 in area.
(3) 7 x 1000 and 14 x 100 hits in area at Vunapope.
WEATHER: Gun positions were clouded over at primary target, though generally the weather was the same as at the secondary targets, namely, .6 cloud cover with base at 5000'.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) six barges, camoflauged by netting, were strafed 200 yds. from shore on the W side of Raluana Point about 1/2 mile from the tip.
(2) Four or five small fires were observed at Raluana Point during the withdrawal. Smoke was whitish.
(3) Shells were reported dropping in the water W of Raluana Point, origin undetermined.
(4) Heavy moderate inaccurate AA was reported from Tobera.
(5) Light moderate inaccurate AA came from point just E of Raluana Point. Medium moderate accurate AA (probably 20 mm.) came from Kerawara Island in the Duke of York group. It was here that Ensign DeJung was wounded.
MATERIAL DATA: (Deficiencies): 11 x 100 bombs hung-up. Another pilot reported that it was necessary to release his bombs individually.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED:
.50 cal. .30 cal.
VB-305 4005 14000
NZ-25 1500 3500
5505 17500
MISSION LOG:
PLANE PILOT GUNNER SQD. NO. CALL NO. REMARKS
63 EDWARDS Hoppe NZ-25 31 *
53 KUHN Small " 32 Returned Pilot ill
56 O'NEIL Gray " 33 * Gunner sighted Zekes
47 BROWN Ashworth " 34 Reported damaging hit on buildings
49 JOHNSON Howell " 35 Reported damaging hits on buildings
62 KELLY Cullen, B. " 36 Reported damaging hit on buildings
57 De LANGE Sewell " 37 *
46 HOWIE Robertson " 38 *
64 GRAHAM Datson " 39 *
61 McKENZIE French " 40 *
48 FORSBERG Leatham " 41 *
60 JOLLY Bailey " 42 * Gunner sighted Zekes
* Hit Vunapope
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 17, 2020 10:57:06 GMT 12
11 April 1944.
TARGET: Gun positions west of Simpson Harbor.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: Major Glenn L. Todd.
SQUADRONS: WMSB-235; RNZAF-25; VB-305.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1x1000 1/10 nose, .025 tail; 2x100 inst.
ORDERED FOR ATTACK: 54 and 6 spares.
ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 54
T.O. 0810; ATTACK 1002-1008; RETURN 1145.
OTHER A/C COORDINATING: 24 TBF
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: F-24 large hole caused by 40mm fire in right fuselage near rear cockpit.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: Aerial gunner in F-24 sustained severe leg injuries from 40mm AA.
RANGE: 430 miles.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 1640; .30 cal. 5800.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach at 270 knots from the east, near Laveo point, turning south and approaching targets from north to south at 15000 ft., pushovers at about 9000 ft. and releases from 1200-2000 ft.; retirement to the north over Rataval and Talili Bay, during which there was generous strafing.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) No attacks were made on the position of the north 3 heavy guns, situated on a splitting ridge, which were not observed by the pilots.
(2) One reported damaging hit was made on a searchlight position near the 6 auto and 3 heavy on the spur road just north of the main road from Rabaul to Rataval. A reported damaging hit was made on one of the 6 automatics, in this position, and 6 pilots report hits in the area of these guns; three wild misses, and 1 unobserved also reported; 5x100 bombs hung up. All three pilots of the first section of the third division reported damaging hits made on heavy guns in the position of 4 heavy and 1 auto just south of Tunnel Road. These hits were confirmed by coverage of the Photo interpretation unit of the 12th Army Airforce as direct hits, destroying two heavy guns in this position. 3x1000 and 6x100 were unobserved.
(3) Three unobserved hits are reported on the position of five automatic guns south of the positions reported in paragraph (2). 1x100 bomb hung up.
(4) Four pilots released on the position of two automatic guns south of the positions reported in paragraph (3) with unobserved results. 2x100 bombs hung up.
(5) The radio station near the forks of the road approximately one mile west of Walaur, took a near hit and one wild miss reported. 1x100 bomb hung up. One pilot, assigned to this target, unable to locate the position, obtained a reported damaging hit on on buildings on Watom Island.
(6) One reported damaging hit on the three heavies in the forks of the road; one hit in the area; two wild misses and 1x1000 and 5x100 bombs hung up. All bombs of one pilot reported to have damaged a building near the target.
(7) 1x1000 and 1x100 hit in area of the three auto guns west of the forks in the road and south of the coconut grove; 5x1000 and 9x100 were unobserved and 2x100 bombs hung up.
(8) 1x1000 and 2x100 hit in the area of the three heavies west of the three auto guns refered to in paragraph (7); 5x1000 and 9x100 were unobserved. 1x100 bomb hung up.
(9) One reported damaging hit and two misses in area of two auto guns near the road along Talili Bay, 3x100 were not dropped.
(10) 3x1000 and 5x100 were released in dives aimed at one auto gun along Talili Bay in the east part of the coconut grove, 1x100 hung up.
(11) A total of 21x100 and 1x1000 bombs hung up.
WEATHER: Ceiling and visibility unlimited over the target; en route scattered cumulus clouds at 2000 ft, were encountered, together with a weather front east of Capt St.George consisting of clouds reaching from the sea to approximately 20000 feet.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) On the approach and in the dives no firing was observed from any gun positions except from the position of one auto and four heavy guns just to the south of Tunnel Road, which was intense-anaccurate.
(2) On the retirement, light intense-accurate-inaccurate fire experienced from positions on the beach at Talili Bay.
(3) Because of the absence of firing and by reason of the numerous ridges, and brownish, cratered nature of the areas surrounding the target, some pilots were unable to locate assigned targets and forced to select other targets such as nearby gun positions and buildings.
(4) A four engine flying boat (possibly a Mavis) was seen in North Simpson Harbor.
(5) On the return trip at approximately 1030 when flying at 5000 ft. one pilot sighted a light blue single engine aircraft on the beach at Capt St. George.
(6) Green dye marker was seen in the sea on the return about 60 miles east of Cape St. George.
(7) A single engine plane was seen on the retirement flying at 8000 ft. near Laveo Point from southeast to northwest. Further identification was impossible.
(8) An object resembling a life jacket was seen in the sea 15-20 miles from Torokina on a bearing of 300'.
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUADRON REMARKS
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUADRON REMARKS
4 EDWARDS HOPPE 37 RNZAF-25
53 KUHN SMALL 38 RNZAF-25
60 JOLLY BAILEY 39 "
47 BROWN ASHWORTH 40 "
61 MC KENZIE FRENCH 41 "
62 KELLY CULLEN, B. 42 "
49 JOHNSON HOWELL 43 "
50 CRAY BELL 44 "
63 NICHOLSON CULLEN, R. 45 "
46 GLANVILLE WHITE 46 "
52 O'NEIL GRAY 47 "
58 FORSBERG LEATH AM 48 "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 18, 2020 10:41:12 GMT 12
14 April 1944
TARGET: Gun positions, Vunakanau Airfield, New Britain.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe gun positions.
FLIGHT LEADER: Major Glenn L. Todd, VMSB-235.
SQUADRONS: VMSB-235; VB-305; RNZAF-25.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1x1000 1/10 sec. delay; 2x100 inst.
ORDERED FOR MISSION: 48 and 2 spares.
ACTUALLY ATTACKING : 48
TIMES T.O. 0615; ATTACK 0820; RETURN 1000.
A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 36 TBF, 8 VF.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: NONE
DAMAGE TO PLANES: Plane #1, a .50 cal. hole in left wing; #F-4, .50 cal. hole in starboard aileron; #F-18, 2x .50 cal. holes in right wing; #F-11, damaged propeller from explosion; #F-18, 7x.30 cal. holes in forward rudder and a .30 cal. hole in dive flaps.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None
RANGE: 420 miles.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 6785; .30 cal. 22300.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach along the Warangoi River at 14000 ft. pushovers at 8000 ft.; releases at 1500 ft. and pullouts at from 500-1000 ft.; retirement to the north over Ataliklikun Bay; with planes strafing.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) 23 pilots attacked the cluster of guns north of the northwest end of the R/W consisting of 2x5" naval guns and 4 automatic AA 3x1000 and 6x100 bombs were reported as damaging hits; 15x1000 and 22x100 hit in the area; 2x1000 and 4x100 were unobserved; 1x1000 and 2x100 were duds; 2x1000 and 12x100 hung up. Report of PIU, ComAirSols, confirms damaging hits on 2 auto guns south of 5" guns.
(2) 3x1000 and 4x100 were hits in the area of the 4 heavy AA about 1200 yards north of the east end of the R/W. 2x100 bombs hung up.
(3) 2x1000 were in the area of the 9 M/G's north of the west end of the R/W and 1x1000 is confirmed by PIU, ComAirSols, as a near hit on 2 M/G's to the west of the position of 9 M/G's. 3 centuries hung up.
(4) 4 pilots released all bombs on 2 auto AA off the west end of the R/W, with 1 pilot claiming damaging hits confirmed. 2 were hits in area and 1 was unobserved.
(5) 1x1000 and 2x100 are reported as damaging hits, and 1x1000 and 2x100 as an area hit on the position of 6 M/G's south of the middle part of the R/W. A damaging hit is also reported on the position of the 105mm gun south of the R/W.
(6) 2x1000 and 3x100 are reported damaging hits on the 2 auto AA positions south of the southeast revetment, with 1x1000 and 2x100 in the area and 1x100 hung up.
(7) The position of 6 heavies and 2 auto AA in the forks of the road south of the east end of the R/W took hits in the area, except for 1x100 hung up.
(8) 2 damaging hits confirmed by PIU, ComAirSols, on 1 of the 2 auto AA positions just off the northeast end of the southeast revetment area.
(9) Hits in area claimed by 4 pilots on the positions of 8 auto AA south of the garden plot and northeast of the R/W.
WEATHER: Over the target, unlimited visibility and an overcast at about 20,000 ft. En route a weather front 50 miles east of Cape St. George with .7 clouds reaching to 7000 ft.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) Pilots reports of AA fire:
(a) Heavy-intense-accurate fire encountered from 2x5" naval guns and 4 auto AA guns northwest of the west end of the R/W.
(b) Meagre-inaccurate firing from the 2 auto AA off the west end of the R/W and the 6 M/G's south of the R/W.
(c) Moderate-inaccurate firing from 5 auto AA south of the east end of the R/W.
(d) Intense-accurate fire from M/G positions in a coconut plantation north of Keravat Airfield.
(e) On approach guns northwest of the R/W shot up barrage, with bursts at approximately 10,000 ft.
(f) Inaccurate AA was also noted from the direction of Tobera Airfield on the approach.
(2) 18 heavy bombs and 28 centuries were observed to straddle the gun positions northwest of the west end of the R/W in a nice pattern, and cessation of fire from several of the guns was noted. Damage to planes above noted accured during dives on these positions.
(3) Approximately one thousand yards east of the northeast corner of the Coconut plantation a dual navy gun, with it's barrels pointed seaward, and with what appeared to be a fresh coat of blue paint, was seen by 1 pilot in an emplacement.
(4) A clearing containing a building with a red roof and 2 tall poles connected by wires was observed about 200 yards west of the coconut plantation and reported as a possible radio station.
(5) 9 barges or small craft were observed in Greet Harbor midway between Matupe Island and the mai land. A number of barges, possibly destroyed, reported along the beach in North and West Simpson Harbor. 3 barges, with 1 beached, also noted near a pier in Kabaira Bay.
(6) Numerous TBF hits on the R/W observed and coverage reported as very good.
(7) 20-30 damaged and junked planes seen in revetment areas. Buildings and revetments reported as dilapidated.
(8) All planes returned to base.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUADRON REMARKS
SPARES:
51 PENNIKET BRADY 49 RNZAF-25
66 EVISON WATSON 50 "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 19, 2020 22:36:13 GMT 12
17 April 1944.
TARGETS: Gun positions adjacent to Lakunai Airfield, on Matupi Island and Hospital Ridge, the Lakunai Runway and Causway between Lakunai and Matuni Island.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: Major Glenn L. Todd, VMSB-235.
SQUADRONS: VMSB-235; RNZAF-25; VB-305.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1x500 1/10 sec. delay; 2x250 inst., except for 6 planes with 1x1000 1/10 sec. delay and 2x100 inst.
ORDERED FOR ATTACK: 48
ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 47
TIMES: T.O. 0635; ATTACK 0837; RETURN 1010-1515.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 30 TBF; 8VF.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: #50 missing and believed shot down over target area.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: Pilot Officer CRAY and Flight Sergeant BELL missing in action.
RANGE: 415 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach from east to west over the Mother at 14000 ft., counter clockwise turns and pushovers at 8000 feet, releases at 1500 feet and pullouts at about 500 feet. TBF's preceded 7th and 8th division into target area. 8th division were "floaters".
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 5600; .30 cal. 27,220.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Pilots report of bomb hits:
(1) On 3 heavies on the southeast corner of Matupi Island 1x1000 and 1x100 reported damaging hit, 2x1000 and 3x100 hit in area.
(2) On 3 auto AA on the southeast side of Matupi Island a direct hit on 1 gun confirmed by PIU, ComAirSols; 2x500 and 3x250 hit in area.
(3) On 2 M/G's at curve in beach road south of Rabatana Crater, 1x500 and 2x250 damaging hits confirmed and 1x500 fell in area.
(4) On 4 M/G's directly off southeast tip of R/W, 1x250 hit in area.
(5) On position of 4 machine guns northeast of the southeast tip of the R/W 2x500 and 4x250 were hits in area.
(6) On the position of 2 automatics just west of the 4 M/G's refered to in paragraph (5) above, 1x500 and 1x250 a damaging hit reported with 2x500 and 3x250 hits in area.
(7) On the position of 3 machine guns just west of Rabatana Crater 1x500 and 1x250 were near misses.
(8) On the position of 2 machine guns just east of the 3 machine guns mentioned in (6) 2x500 and 4x250 were hits in the area.
(9) On the 3 machine guns north of the N/W end of the R/W 1x1000 and 1x100 hit in area.
(10) On the 3 automatic guns at the east end of Sulphur Creek 2x500 and 4x250 reported as hits in area.
(11) On 2 machine guns just north of the east end of Sulphur Creek 1x500 and 2x250 reported as damaging hits and 1x500 and 2x250 as hits in area.
(12) On the position of 3 heavy guns north of the guns mentioned in (10) 4x500 and 7x250 are reported damaging hits.
(13) On 2 machine guns north of the guns mentioned in (11), 1x500 and 1x250 hits in area.
(14) On the position of 3 automatics north of the positions mentioned in (12) 1x500 and 1x250 in the area.
(15) On the 5" dual navy gun south of Sulphur Creek 1x500 and 2x250 reported damaging hits.
(16) On the position of the north 3 heavies on Hospital Ridge 3x500 and 3x250 were hits in area; on the south 3 heavies 2x500 and 3x250 were also hits in area.
(17) 3x500 and 5x250 are reported as damaging the runway.
(18) 2x500 and 2x250 are scored as wild misses 3x500 and 7x250 as unobserved; 2x100 and 14x250 bombs failed to release; 1x500 a dud.
(19) On the Causway between Matupi Island and the mainland 2x1000 bombs, 4x500 and 8x250 released with unobserved results.
WEATHER: Over the target ceiling and visibility good, with overcast northeast of Hospital Ridge, base at 10,000 ft., tops at 20,000 ft. En route low scud from 1000-4000 ft. and scattered thunderstorms.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) Reports of anti aircraft fire:
(a) The 6 heavy guns on Hospital Ridge, together with automatic guns from the same area, fired intense-accurate.
(b) The position of 4 machine guns north of the southeast end of the R/W meagre-moderate.
(c) The 3 heavy guns north of Sulphur Creek moderate-accurate.
(d) The 3 heavy and 3 automatic guns on Matupi Island intense-accurate.
(e) Other gun targets not firing.
(f) Firing from gun positions on Raluana Point estimated to be both heavy and medium moderate-inaccurate.
(g) Coastal guns from area of Sulphur Point moderate-accurate.
(h) 300 yards southeast of the 2 machine guns in the curve of the road east of the southeast tip of the R/W moderate-inaccurate machine gun fire reported. 20mm fire the northeast corner of Greet Harbor reported as moderate-inaccurate.
(2) Last flight of SBD's report numerous hits by TBF's in R/W.
(3) Numerous buildings and possible supply areas noted as being scattered throughout Matupi Island.
(4) Causeway reported as intact after attacks by both SBD's and TBF's.
(5) About 30 barges in Simpson Harbor off Vulcan Crater, with 7-8 barges in Greet Harbor,
(6) A TBF was reported in the water approximately 80 miles from Torokina on a bearing of 300'. This position was immediately reported to Strike Command.
(7) Just prior to the rendezvous, a gunner reports 4 single engine planes flying at a high rate of speed from east to west across Capt St. George. Although defenite identification was impossible, these were reported as possible zero type planes.
(8) #50 last seen in high speed approach over Hospital Ridge.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUADRON REMARKS
60 EDWARDS HOPPE 37 RNZAF-25
64 KUHN SMALL 38 "
66 HAYMAN* WYLIE 39 " 1x1000 bomb only.
47 BROWN ASHWORTH 40 "
62 KELLY* CULLEN, B. 41 " 1x1000 bomb only.
52 CLARK SILVER 42 "
49 JOHNSON HOWELL 43 " Confirmed damaging hit on R/W.
50 CRAY BELL 44 " Missing in action.
48 NICHLOSON CULLEN R. 45 " Confirmed damaging hit on R/W.
46 GLANVILLE WHITE 46 " Dove on heavies on Matupi Island.
56 O'NEIL GRAY 47 " Dove on guns on Hospital Ridge.
58 FORSBERG LEATHAM 48 " Confirmed damaging hit on R/W.
*ASTERISKS indicate 1x1000 1/10 sec. delay and 2x100 inst.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 20, 2020 12:17:58 GMT 12
22nd April 1944.
TARGET: RAPOPO Airfield.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/Ldr de Lange.
SQUADRONS: NZ 25. VMSB 235. VB 306.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 53 S.B.D's. 1 x 500 lb. 1/10th delay and 2 x 250 lb. instant. Ordered for Attack: 54. Actually Attacking; 53.
TIMES: T.O. 0915. ATTACK: 1120. RETURN: 1250.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 24 T.B.F's, 8 V.F's.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: None
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 2700 rds; .30 cal. 10900 rds.
RANGE: 430 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: Glide bombing. High speed approach. Commenced at 14000 ft. Bomb released 6000ft. Pull out 4000 ft.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: The pilots report the following hits:-
(1) Runway.
(a) 20 reported direct hits by 500 lb bomb and 34 by 250 lb bombs.
(b) 4 confirmed direct hits by 500 lb and 7 by 250 lb bombs.
(c) Reported damaging hits by 4 x 500 lb bombs and 5 x 250 lb bombs.
(d) Hits in the area by 13 x 500 lb and 8 x 250 lb bombs.
(2) Buildings.
(a) One reported direct hit by 500 lb bomb and 250 lb bombs.
(b) Two reported damaging hits by 500 lb bombs and 4 x 250 lb bombs.
(c) Hits in area by 5 x 500 lb and 7 x 250 lb bombs.
WEATHER: Both the primary target (VUNAKANAU) and the secondary target (LAKUNAI) were obscured by cloud. Over RAPOPO there was scattered low cloud but visibility was satisfactory for glide bombing.
OBSERVATIONS: The A.A. fire over RAPOPO was generally meagre and inaccurate and appeared to come from the 5 autos at the South end of the runway.
MATERIAL DATA: (Deficiencies) 2 x 500 lb and 25 x 250 lb bombs failed to release.
MISSION LOG:
Plane. Pilot. Gunner. Call Sign. Sqdn. Remarks.
57 De Lange Sewell 1 stone 1 NZ 25 Reported direct hit on runway.
48 Howie Robertson 2 " " "
64 Graham Watson 3 " " "
61 McKenzie French 4 " " "
66 Evison Sharp 5 " " "
60 Jolly Bailey 6 " " "
51 Edwards Hoppe 7 " " "
56 Kuhn Small 8 " " "
63 Penniket Brady 9 " " Reported damaging hit on building.
47 Brown Ashworth 10 " " Reported direct hit on runway.
62 Kelly Cullen B. 11 " " "
46 Clark Silver 12 " " "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 20, 2020 19:44:45 GMT 12
25 April 1944.
TARGETS: Gun positions adjacent to Lakunai Airfield, on Matupi Island, and on Hospital Ridge, east of Lakunai.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: Major Glenn L. Todd, VMSB-235.
SQUADRONS: VMSB-235; RNZAF-25; VB-306.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1x500 1/10 sec. delay; 2x250 1/10 sec. delay.
ORDERED FOR MISSION: 48
ACTUALLY ATTACKING : 47
TIMES: T.O. 1030; ATTACK 1240; RETURN 1330.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 18 TBF, 8 VF.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: Plane #157, oil system destroyed by AA fire and plane lost in sea after forced water landing; plane #61, shrapnel in flaps at right wing root.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: Technical Sergeant Rolla Lee Patton, rear gunner in plane #157, drowned in sea after plane made forced water landing, as a result of enemy anti aircraft fire.
RANGE: 415 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach at 13,000 feet, pushovers at 8,000-9,000 feet, releases at 1500-2000 feet and pullouts at 400-1000 feet. TBF's preceded 5th division into target area.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 1,380; .30 cal. 9,400.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) On the position of 2 heavies on Matupi Island, 1x500 and 1x250 a reported direct hit, 1x250 a confirmed direct hit, 2x500 and 1x250 confirmed damaging hits and 1x500 a reported damaging hit.
(2) On the position of 2 automatics on Matupi Island, 1x500 and 1x250 hit in area.
(3) On the position of the north 3 heavy guns and the 3 automatics on Hospital Ridge, 1x500 and 2x250 claimed damaging hits, with 1x500 and 2x250 in the area.
(4) On the position of the south 3 heavies on Hospital Ridge, 4x500 and 6x250 were hits in the area and 1x500 and 1x250 unobserved.
(5) On the position of 2 M/G's in the bend of the road east of the southeast tip of the R/W, 1x500 and 2x250 reported damaging hits and 1x500 in the area, with 1x250 a dud.
(6) On the position of 3 M/G's just off the southeast tip of the R/W, 1x500 and 1x250 reported as hits in the area.
(7) On the position of 4 M/G's north of the southeast end of the R/W, 2x500 and 4x250 were hits in the area.
(8) On the position of 3 automatics north of the northeast part of the taxi system, 1x500 and 2x250 reported damaging hits; 2x500 and 4x250 claimed as hits in the area.
(9) On the position of 3 M/G's just west of Rabatana Crater, 2x500 and 4x250 in the area.
(10) The position of 2 M/G's immediately north of those in (9) received 2x500 and 3x250 in the area.
(11) On the position of 3 M/G's at the west end of the R/W, 1x500 and 2x250 in the area.
(12) On the position of 3 automatics at the east end of Sulphur Creek, 3x500 and 6x250 in the area with 1x500 unobserved.
(13) On the position of 2 M/G's north of the east end of Sulphur Creek, 1x500 and 1x250 in the area.
(14) On the position of 3 heavies north of Sulphur Creek, 5x500 and 8x250 are reported as hits in the area with 2x500 and 4x250 unobserved.
(15) On the 3 automatic guns to the north in the town area, 1x500 and 2x250 were unobserved.
(16) 1x500 a direct hit confirmed and 1x500 and 2x250 close hits on buildings in the target area.
(17) On the R/W 5x500 and 10x250 were direct hits confirmed and 2x500 and 3x250 reported damaging hits, with 1x500 and 2x250 hits in the area.
(18) 1x500 and 22x250 bombs hung up.
WEATHER: Scattered cumulus clouds over the target at .4 to .5, with a heavy tropical front running from Cape St. George to Green Island.
(1) Pilots reports of anti aircraft fire:
(a) The position of 2 heavy guns on Matupi Island intense-accurate.
(b) 2 automatic runs on Matupi intense-accurate.
(c) 6 heavies and 2 automatic positions on Hospital Ridge intense-accurate.
(d) 4 M/G's north of the southeast end of the R/W meagre-inaccurate.
(e) 2 automatics north of the southeast end of the R/W intense-inaccurate.
(f) 3 heavies north of Sulphur Creek moderate to intense-inaccurate.
(g) Other assigned gun position targets not firing.
(h) Meagre-inaccurate M/G fire expierenced from the south side of Matupi Island and from the area between Sulphur Point and Praed Point; moderate-inaccurate medium firing also reported from Sulphur Point.
(i) A barrage was shot up by guns on Hospital Ridge with bursts from 9000 to 5000 feet, and a barrage was over Lakunai with bursts at about 10,000 feet when last divisions went in.
(2) Several pilots report that gun positions on Matupi, especially the heavies, were well covered by bomb hits, and that firing, after the attack, ceased, except for possibly an automatic gun. An explosion, with debris, was reported from this area.
(3) 1 small craft about 100 feet in length was seen off shore in cove between Praed Point and the Mother; 2 barges or small fishing boats observed just off Sulphur Point; a small 25 foot craft was seen on the return trip sailing in circles in Matchin Bay.
(4) The first division was greeted on the approach by an AA barrage from target guns on Matupi Island, with bursts at 10,000 feet and descending in anticipation of the attack indicating probable use of cut fuzes.
(5) Numerous improved buildings observed on Matupi Island.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE PILOT GUNNER CALL SQUADRON REMARKS
51 EDWARDS HOPPE 19 RNZAF-25
52 KUHN SMALL 20 "
61 PENNIKET BRADY 21 "
47 BROWN ASHWORTH 22 "
62 KELLY CULLEN, B. 23 "
60 CLARK SILVER 24 "
49 JOHNSON HOWELL 25 "
65 NICHOLSEN CULLEN, R. 26 "
66 HAYMAN WILKIE 27 "
46 GLANVILLE WHITE 27 "
56 O'Neil GRAY 29 "
48 FORSBERG LEATHAM 30 "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 21, 2020 11:12:25 GMT 12
26th April 1944.
TARGET: VUNAKANAU Airfield and gun positions adjacent.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/Ldr de Lange.
SQUADRONS: R.N.Z.A.F. 25, VB 306, VMSB 235.
PLANES & LOADINGS: 48 S.B.D's. 46 carrying 1 x 1000 lb. 1/10th delay and 2 x 100 instan. 2 carrying 1 x 10001b 1/10th delay. Actually attacking 46. Planes reporting 46.
TIMES: T.O. 0800. Attack 1020 Return 1145.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 24 T.B.F's. 8 V.F's.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: None
DAMAGE TO PLANES: No 49 propellor badly damaged by shell burst. No 1 - 2 small M/G holes in tail.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
RANGE: 430 miles.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .30 calibre 28300 rds, .50 calibre 11082 rds.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach commenced at 12800 ft. push over at 9000ft. Bomb released at 3000ft and pull out at 1500ft. (All the above are indicated altitudes)
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) On the runway reported direct hits were made with 21 x 500lb and 38 x 100lb bomb and confirmed direct hit by 1 x 500 lb. and 2 x 100 lb bombs.
(2) On the 2 autos at the North West end of the runway a damaging hit was reported by 1 x 500 lb and 2 x 100 lb bombs.
(3) All other bombs dropped hit in the area of the targets assigned only 3 x 1000lb and 2 x 100 lb which were unobserved.
WEATHER: Over the target there was 3/10ths scattered cloud. Visibility and ceiling were good over the target.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) A possible new gun position was located 1000 yards South of the dual 5" naval guns. The gun or guns were of heavy calibre and fired intensely and inaccurately.
(2) A clearing was observed about 2000 yards North East of the runway. In this clearing were 2 sets of poles beleived to be part of a communications centre although there were no buildings in the vicinity.
(3) Two buildings forming part of personnel barracks were observed at VUNARIMA and straffed with unobserved results.
(4) The last pilot to dive reports that the dual naval guns were still firing intensely.
(5) Several pilots report seeing a plane (presumably a T.B.F.) crashing in flames over the target area.
MATERIAL DATA: (Deficiencies) 1 x 1000 lb bomb and 12 x 100 lb bombs failed to release.
MISSION LOG:
Plane. Pilot. Gunner. Call Sign. Sqdn. Remarks
57 De Lange Arkwright 1 stone 1 NZ 25 Hit in area. 1000lb bomb hung up.
48 Howie Robertson 2 " " Damaging hit reported.
64 Graham Watson 3 " " Hit in area.
47 McKenzie French 4 " " " "
66 Evison Sharp 5 " " Did not take ?, engine trouble.
60 Jolly Bailey 6 " " Unobserved.
49 Johnson Howell 7 " " Did not take part. Landed at ?
65 Nicholson Cullen R. 8 " " Unobserved.
63 Hayman Wilkie 9 " " Did not take ?, engine trouble.
46 Glanville White 10 " " Hit in area.
52 O'Neil Gray 11 " " Wild miss 2 bombs hung up.
67 Forsberg Leatham 12 " " Hit in area.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 22, 2020 10:47:46 GMT 12
29th April 1944.
TARGET: (1) Military barracks at Tahitahi Point, BUKA Island. (2) Native huts at LONAHAN Village, BUKA Island.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/Ldr De Lange.
SQUADRONS: RNZAF 25. VB 306.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1x 1000 lb bomb fused 1/10th sec. nose 1/100 sec. tail 2 x 100 lb bombs instan.
ORDERED FOR MISSION: 36.
ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 36.
TIMES: T.O. 0805. ATTACK: 0930 RETURN: 1030.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 24 T.B.F's 4 V.F's.
DATA ON ENEMY AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED: None Damage to planes: None
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None RANGE: 200 miles.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 4805 rds. .3. cal. 10600 rds.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach at 10,000 ft. push over at 7000 ft. Bomb released at 2000ft. pull out at 1000ft.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
Barracks:- Hits in the area were made by 26 x 1000 and 48 100 lb. bombs.
Village:- A direct hit was reported by 1 x 1000 lb. bomb and 2x 100 lb. bombs. Hits in the area were by 8 x 1000 lb and 12 x 100 lb bombs.
WEATHER: The whole of New Ireland and New Britain was completely blotted out by a deep front extending from 500 to 20,000ft, This made it impossible to reach the primary target (Hospital Ridge) or the secondary target (Matupi Island) Over the Buka Airfield there was 7/10ths. scattered cumulus but the East coast of Buka Island was clear.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) A big observation hut was seen in the vicinity of Putupotai on elevated ground about 4000 ft to 5000 ft above sea level. There were several small buildings in the Vicinity of the hut.
(2) No anti-aircraft fire was experienced during or after the attack.
(3) One of the last pilots to attack observed at least 4 direct hits on the barracks.
(4) The last pilot to dive on the village reports 3 or 4 direct hits.
MATERIAL DATA: (Deficiencies): 8 x 100 lb bombs failed to release.
MISSION LOG:
Plane No. Pilot. Gunner. Call Sign. Sqdn. Remarks.
57 De Lange Sewell 1 stone 1 NZ 25 Hit in the area. 2 x 100 lb bombs.
48 Howie Robertson 2 " " Hit in area.
56 Graham Watson 3 " " "
65 McKenzie French 4 " " "
66 Evison Smart 5 " " "
60 Jolly Bailey 6 " " "
51 Edwards Hoppe 7 " " Hit in area. 1 x ? lb bomb hung up.
68 Kuhn Small 8 " " Hit in area.
63 Penniket Brady 9 " " Hit in area. 1 x ? lb bomb hung up.
46 Brown Ashworth 10 " " Hit in area.
62 Kelly Cullen B. 11 " " "
52 Clark Silver 12 " " Direct hit reported.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 24, 2020 2:17:01 GMT 12
May 2nd 1944
TARGET: TOBERA Airfield, New Britain.
MISSION: To bomb runway.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/Ldr de Lange.
SQUADRONS: RNZAF 25, VB 306.
PLANES & LOADINGS: Ordered for mission 42. Actually attacking 42. 1 x 1000 lb bomb fused 1/100th second 2 x 100 lb instan.
TIMES: T.O. 0935. ATTACK: 1110 RETURN: 1310.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 24 T.B.F's 8 V.F's.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES:
(1) Plane No 14 - 3 holes from explosive shells (1 in each wing and one in rear cockpit)
(2) Plane No 176 - 8 inch hole in left wing.
(3) Plane No 13 - Hit by light calibre bullet in gas intake valve.
(4) Plane No 12 - hit in right wing by explosive shell.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
RANGE: 430 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: Glide bombing attack. Bomb released at 4000 ft. Pull out at 3000 ft.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 7960 rds .50 calibre. 17650 rds .30 calibre.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) RUNWAY:
(a) Reported direct hits by 27 x 1000 lb and 52 x 100 lb bombs.
(b) Confirmed direct hits by 7 x 1000 lb and 14 x 100 lb bombs.
(2) BUILDINGS AT S.W. END OF RUNWAY: Damaging hits confirmed by 1 x 1000 lb and 2 x 100 lb bombs.
WEATHER: On the way to and from the target the weather was good. The primary target (VUNAKANAU) was clouded over so it was necessary to attack the secondary target (TOBERA). Over TOBERA the ceiling and visibility were unlimited.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) A silver painted single engine fighter (apparently serviceable) was seen in a coconut plantation about 50 yards W of the N end of RAPOPO airfield.
(2) A dual automatic gun position was located 3 miles N of the E end of TOBERA runway firing shells bursting at 3000 to 4000 ft. One gun stopped firing after the emplacement was straffed by 400 rounds of .50 calibre bullets.
(3) A fire with smoke rising to 50 ft was seen in the supply area at TAHILI BAY.
(4) The following possible new gun positions were located:-
(a) A nest of M/G's and light autos in a paddock 3 miles from the coast N of the E end of TOBERA runway.
(b) 3 M/G's and 2 autos 200 yards West of the North end of TOBERA runway.
(c) 1 heavy gun 4 miles E of the N end of TOBERA runway.
(d) 4 M/G's in a trench 4 miles SE of TOBERA runway.
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER. CALL SIGN. SQDN. REMARKS.
57 De Lange Sewell 1 stone 1 NZ25 Confirmed direct hit on runway.
48 Howie Robertson 2 " " " "
56 Graham Watson 3 " " " "
61 McKenzie French 4 " " " "
66 Evison Smart 5 " " Reported direct hit on runway.
60 Jolly Bailey 6 " " " "
51 Edwards Hoppe 7 " " " "
65 Kuhn Small 8 " " " "
63 Penniket Brady 9 " " " "
47 Brown Ashworth 10 " " " "
62 Kelly Cullen B. 11 " " Bombs hung up.
52 Clark Silver 12 " " Reported direct hit on runway.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 24, 2020 11:10:18 GMT 12
3rd May 1944.
TARGET: VUNAKANAU Airfield and gun positions adjacent.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe
FLIGHT LEADER: S/Ldr de Lange
SQUADRONS: RNZAF 25, VB 306.
PLANES & LOADINGS: 1 x1000 lb. 1/100 th second delay. 2 x100 lb. instan.
ORDERED FOR MISSION: 36. ACTUALLY ATTACKED: 36.
TIME: T.O. 0935. ATTACK; 1130; RETURNED; 1315.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 24 T.B.F's, 4 V.F's
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES:
(1) Plane No 63 - small hole in right aileron.
(2) Plane No 66 - small ragged hole in tail plane.
(3) Plane No 60 - one inch hole in port elevator. (4) Plane No 8 - hole in tail wheel.
(5) Plane No 17 - small hole in right wing and several holes in tailplane.
(6) Plane No 159 - wing extensively damaged by shrapnel which also entered cockpit.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None
RANGE: 430 miles
ATTACK TACTICS: Glide bombing attack from 9000ft. Bomb released at 4000 ft. Pull out 3000ft.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 cal. 5415 rds. .30 cal. 23200 rds.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) RUNWAY:
(a) Reported direct hits by 19 x 1000 lb and 31 x 100 lb bombs.
(b) Confirmed direct hits 3 x 1000lb & 6 x 100lb.
(2) BRIDGE AT MOUTH OF WARANGOI RIVER: (a) confirmed direct hits by 1 x 1000 lb and 2 x 100 lb bombs.
(3) BUILDINGS 3 MILES SOUTH OF RUNWAY. -
(a) Reported direct hit by 1 x 100 lb bomb.
(4) 2 AUTOS AT NORTH WEST END OF RUNWAY:-
(a) Confirmed damaging hit by 1 x 1000 lb and 1 x 100 lb bombs.
WEATHER: Over New Britain there was towering cumulus cloud up to 15000 feet. Over the target there was 10/10ths cloud at 10000 feet and from 500 to 600 ft thick.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) A fire and black smoke was seen in the TAHILI BAY area.
(2) A twin - engined plane in apparently good condition was seen in a revetment at the South West end of the runway.
(3) The dual naval guns and the 2 autos at the North West end of the runway were firing intensely and accurately
(4) A considerable amount of M/G and light arms fire was experienced from along the coast at KABANGA BAY and along the WARANGOI RIVER.
MATERIAL DATA: (Deficiencies) None.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER. CALL SIGN. SQDN. REMARKS.
57. De Lange Sewell 1 stone 1 NZ 25 Confirmed direct hit on runway.
48. Howie Robertson 2 " " Landed at Green Is. Bombs unobserved.
56. Graham Watson 3 " " Reported direct hit on runway.
61. McKenzie French 4 " " " " "
66. Evison Smart 5 " " " " "
60. Jolly Bailey 6 " " Confirmed direct hit on bridge.
51. Edwards Hoppe 7 " " Confirmed direct hit on runway.
65. Kuhn Small 8 " " Reported direct hit on runway.
63. Penniket Brady 9 " " " " "
46. Brown Ashworth 10 " " " " "
62. Kelly Cullen B. 11 " " Landed at Green Island. Bombs unobserved.
52. Clark Silver 12 " " Reported direct hit on runway.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 25, 2020 11:08:16 GMT 12
5TH MAY, 1944.
TARGET : MUGUAI MISSION, BOUGAINVILLE.
MISSION: TO BOMB AND STRAFE.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/LDR DE LANGE.
SQUADRONS: R.N.Z.A.F. 25
PLANES & LOADINGS: 1 X 1000 LB. 1/100TH SECOND DELAY.
ORDERED FOR MISSION 6. ACTUALLY ATTACKING 6.
TIMES: T.O. 1000 ATTACK 1140 RETURN 1220
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: NONE.
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED : NONE.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: NONE.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: NONE .
RANGE: 100 MILES.
ATTACK TACTICS: HIGH SPEED APPROACH AT 12000 FT. PUSH OVER AT 10,000 FT. BOMB RELEASED 5,000 FT. PULL OUT 1500 FT. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: ALL 6 BOMBS DROPPED IN THE AREA OF MUGUAI MISSION BUT NO RESULTS WERE OBSERVED DUE TO CLOUD.
WEATHER: TOWERING CUMULUS CLOUDS UP TO 10/10THS. AND WITH A BASE OF 400 FT. IN PARTS. OVER MUGUAI MISSION THERE WAS A GAP IN THE CLOUDS.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) CLOUD OBSCURED MT. BOEDER AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO LOCATE THE HEAVY A.A. POSITION, WHICH WAS THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE MISSION.
(2) NO A.A. FIRE OF ANY KIND WAS EXPERIENCED.
MATERIAL DATA (DEFICIENCIES) : NONE.
MISSION LOG.
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER. CALL SIGN. REMARKS.
57 DE LANGE SEWELL 1 MINE 1 HIT IN AREA.
48 HOWIE ROBERTSON 2 " "
65 GRAHAM CULLEN B. 3 " "
61 MCKENZIE FRENCH 4 " "
66 EVISON SMART 5 " "
60 JOLLY BAILEY 6 " "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 25, 2020 11:13:03 GMT 12
5TH MAY, 1944.
TARGET: CLEARING ABOUT 3 MILES SOUTH OF SORUM, BOUGAINVILLE
MISSION: TO BOMB AND STRAFE.
FLIGHT LEADER: F/LT. T. JOHNSTON
SQUADRONS: R.N.Z.A.F. 25.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1 X 1000 LB. FUSED 1/100TH SECOND ORDERED FOR MISSION 6. ACTUALLY ATTACKING 6.
TIMES: T.O. 1420 ATTACK 1505 RETURN 1615
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING : NONE
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED : NONE
DAMAGE TO PLANES: NONE
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: NONE
RANGE: 200 MILES.
ATTACK TACTICS : GLIDE BOMBING. RUN IN COMMENCED AT 9000FT. BOMBS RELEASED AT 2500FT. PULL OUT 1500FT.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) 5 BOMBS HIT IN AREA WITH UNOBSERVED RESULTS.
(2) 1 BOMB WAS A DUD.
WEATHER: BROKEN CLOUD 3/10THS TO 4/10THS. CLOUD BASE AT 9000 FT. TO AND FROM THE TARGET THERE WERE RAIN SQUALLS.
OBSERVATIONS: THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE MISSION WAS TO SEARCH FOR COASTAL GUNS AND A POSSIBLE SEARCHLIGHT 1 1/2 TO 2 MILES SOUTH OF SORUM. THE STRIKE MADE 3 RUNS ALONG THE COAST BUT COULD FIND NO SIGNS OF EITHER THE SEARCHLIGHT OR THE GUNS.
MATERIAL DATA (DEFICIENCIES) : 1 X 1000 LB. BOMB WAS A DUD.
MISSION LOG.
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER. CALL SIGN. REMARKS.
47 JOHNSTON HOWELL 1 MINE 1 HIT IN AREA
65 NICHOLSON CULLEN R. 2 " "
68 HAYMAN WILKIE 3 " BOMB A DUD
63 GLANVILLE WHITE 4 " HIT IN AREA
56 O'NEIL GRAY 5 " "
67 FORSBERG LEATHAM 6 " "
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 25, 2020 11:23:37 GMT 12
MAY 6TH, 1944
TARGET: RATAVAL SUPPLY AREA.
MISSION: TO GLIDE BOMB.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/LDR. DE LANGE.
SQUADRONS: R.N.Z.A.F. 25 VMSB 241.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1 X 500LB. INSTANTANEOUS, AND 2 X 250LB. INSTANTANEOUS.
ORDERED FOR MISSION 24. ACTUALLY ATTACKING 24.
TIMES: T.O. 0835 ATTACK 1030 RETURN 1215
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING : 18 T.B.F.'S 4 V.F.'S
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED: NONE.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: NONE.
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: NONE.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: .50 CAL 3520 RDS., .30 CAL 4675 RDS.
RANGE: 430 MILES.
ATTACK TACTICS: GLIDE BOMBING ATTACK. RUN IN COMMENCED AT 12,000 FT. BOMB RELEASED AT 4,000 FT. PULL OUT AT 2,500 FT.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
SUPPLY AREA - (1) DIRECT CONFIRMED HIT BY 1 X 500LB. AND 2 X 250LB. BOMBS. (2) HITS IN AREA BY 18 X 500LB. AND 33 X 250LB. BOMBS.
2 M/G’S AT TALILI DAY - (1) DIRECT HIT REPORTED BY 1 X 500LB. BOMB. (2) HIT IN AREA BY 1 X 500LB. BOMB.
WEATHER: BAD ON ROUTE TO TARGET, IT BEING NECESSARY TO GO 50 MILES OFF COURSE TO SKIRT A FRONT. OVER THE TARGET AREA CEILING AND VISIBILITY WERE UNLIMITED.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) ALL PILOTS REPORT AN IMMENSE EXPLOSION AND CONFLAGRATION STARTED BY THE BOMBS FROM THE SECOND DIVISION OF SBD'S. A SHEET OF FLAME WAS SEEN FOLLOWED BY BLACK SMOKE BILLOWING TO 4000FT. THE FLAMES DIED DOWN AFTER 5 MINUTES BUT THE SMOKE WAS VISIBLE FROM 25 MILES AWAY.
(2) THE A.A. GENERALLY WAS MEAGRE AND INNACURATE, AND CAME FROM THE KNOWN POSITIONS IN THE AREA.
MATERIAL DATA: (DEFICIENCIES): 7 X 250LB. BOMBS FAILED TO RELEASE OVER THE TARGET AND WERE JETTISONED IN THE SEA.
MISSION LOG.
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER. CALL SIGN. SQDN. REMARKS.
57 DE LANGE SEWELL 1 STONE 1 NZ 25. WILD MISS.
52 HOWIE ROBERTSON 2 " " HIT IN AREA.
62 GRAHAM WATSON 3 " " WILD MISS
61 MCKENZIE FRENCH 4 " " HIT IN AREA.
66 EVISON SMART 5 " " HIT IN AREA.
60 JOLLY BAILEY 6 " " HIT IN AREA.
51 JOHNSTON HOWELL 7 " " BOMBS UNOBSERVED.
65 NICHOLSON CULLEN R. 8 " " HIT IN AREA.
63 HAYMAN WILKIE 9 " " DIRECT HIT REPORTED.
46 GLANVILLE WHITE 10 " " HIT IN AREA.
56 O'NEIL GRAY 11 " " CONFIRMED DIRECT HIT ON PETROL DUMP.
67 FORSBERG LEATHAM 12 " " HIT IN AREA.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 25, 2020 11:30:04 GMT 12
7th May 1944
TARGET: RANTAN ISLAND, SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE.
MISSION: To dive bomb military installations.
FLIGHT LEADER: F/Lt T.R.F. Johnston.
SQUADRONS: NZ 25 (2 pilots from VB 306 were photographing.)
PLANES & LOADINGS: 1 x 1000 1/10th sec. delay.
TIMES: T.O. 0900 ATTACK: 1035 RETURN: 1135.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: None
DATA ON ENEMY AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: None PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: None.
RANGE: 100 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: Dive bombing attack. High speed approach 12000 ft. PUSH Over 10000 ft. Bomb released 2000 ft. pull out 1000 ft.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS: 4 x 1000 lb bombs hit on the island with unobserved results 2 x 1000 lb bombs hit in the sea.
WEATHER: Stratus cloud up to 8/10th. 2000ft low 14000 ft high. Over target area broken cumulus, visibility however good.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) 3 pilots observed 1 flash of heavy A.A. which burst at 7 - 8000 ft. The fire appeared to come from the small strip of land between the eastern shore of Lake LAHALA and the coast.
(2) A beach barge was observed 200 yards South of Cape Friendship.
(3) 5 Japs were seen on the beach 100 yards North of Cape Friendship.
(4) To installations of a military nature were observed on the island. 3 previous bomb craters were seen.
(5) The attack by the B 25's appeared to be hindered by cloud and many of their bombs were seen to full into the sea.
MISSION LOG:
Plane No. Pilot. Gunner. Call Sign. Sqdn. Remarks.
61. Johnston Howell 1 Mine 1 NZ 25. Hit in target area.
65. Nicholson Cullen R. 2 " " " "
68. Hayman Wilkie 3 " " " "
46. Glanville White 4 " " Dropped in sea.
56. O'Neil Gray 5 " " Hit in target area.
67. Forsberg Leatham 6 " " Dropped in sea.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 25, 2020 11:37:04 GMT 12
8TH MAY 1944.
TARGET: CAPE FRIENDSHIP, SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE.
MISSION: TO BOMB AND STRAFE COASTAL GUNS.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/LDR DE LANGE.
SQUADRONS: RNZAF 25.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1 X 1000 LB 1/10TH SEC. DELAY.
ORDERED FOR MISSION: 6.
ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 5.
TIMES: T.O. 1330 ATTACK 1415. RETURN 1510.
OTHER A/C COORDINATING: NONE
DATA ON ENEMY A/C ENCOUNTERED : NONE
DAMAGE TO PLANES: NONE
PERSONNEL CASUALTIES: NONE
RANGE: ? MILES
ATTACK TACTICS: DIVE BOMBING - PUSH OVER 10,000 FT. BOMB RELEASED 3000FT. PULL OUT 2000FT.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS : 3 BOMBS HIT IN THE AREA WITH NO OBSERVED RESULTS. 2 BOMBS FELL INTO THE SEA.
WEATHER: OVER THE TARGET THERE WAS 1/10TH CLOUD AND VISIBILITY WAS UNLIMITED.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) NOTWITHSTANDING A CAREFUL SEARCH OF THE AREA NOTHING OF A MILITARY NATURE WAS SEEN.
(2) GOOD COVERAGE WAS SEEN BY THE T.B.F'S BOMBS
(3) ONE PILOT REPORTED SEEING 2 OR 3 BURSTS OF A.A. BLACK SMOKE BURSTING AT 6000FT. THIS WAS OVER THE TARGET AREA BUT HE COULD NOT PIN POINT THE POSITION.
MATERIAL DATA (DEFICIENCIES) : NONE.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER . CALL SIGN. REMARKS.
57 DE LANGE SEWELL 1 MINE 1 WILD MISS
48 HOWIE ROBERTSON 2 " 1 HIT IN AREA
64 GRAHAM WATSON 3 " 1 WILD MISS
62 MCKENZIE FRENCH 4 " 1 HIT IN AREA
66 EVISON SMART 5 " 1 HIT IN AREA
56 JOLLY. BAILEY 6 " 1 RETURNED-ENGINE TROUBLE.
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Post by aircraftclocks on Dec 26, 2020 11:39:52 GMT 12
10th May 1944
TARGET: LAKUNAI AIRFIELD and gun positions adjacent and gun positions on HOSPITAL RIDGE.
MISSION: To bomb and strafe.
FLIGHT LEADER: S/Ldr DE LANGE.
SQUADRONS: RNZAF 25. VMSB 241.
PLANES AND LOADINGS: 1 x 1000 lb. fused 1/100th sec. delay.
ORDERED FOR MISSION: 18.
ACTUALLY ATTACKING: 18.
TIMES: T.O. 0900 ATTACK: 1050. RETURN: 1225.
OTHER A/C UNITS COORDINATING: 12 T.B.F.'s 4 V.F's.
DATA ON ENEMY AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED: None.
DAMAGE TO PLANES: (1) Plane No 51 Lost. (2) Plane No 161 - shrapnel holes in side of fuselage and in flap. (3) Plane No 162 - shrapnel hole in tail and various small bullet holes in other parts of machine F/Lt J.W. EDWARDS and W/O HOPPE L.A. are missing in action. Their plane No 51 did not report after the attack and it is beleived to have crashed into the sea in GREET HARBOUR.
RANGE: 430 miles.
ATTACK TACTICS: High speed approach commenced at 14000 ft. Push over at 9000 ft. Bomb released 2500 ft. Pull out 1500 ft.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
(1) Heavy guns on MATUPI ISLAND - 3 damaging hits reported.
(2) 3 autos N of E end of LAKUNAI runway - 2 hits in the area.
(3) 2 autos S of SULPHUR CREEK - 1 damaging hit confirmed and 1 hit 1n area.
(4) Heavies N of SULPHUR CREEK - 2 hits in area.
(5) Southernmost heavy on HOSPITAL RIDGE - 4 hits in area.
AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 2850 rds .50 cal. 8225 .30 cal.
WEATHER: Over target the weather was good visibility and ceiling being unlimited.
OBSERVATIONS:
(1) The general impression of pilots was that the A.A. the heaviest experienced in recent weeks. An intense heavy barrage was laid at 6000 ft apparently aimed at the T.B.F's.
(2) 4 guns were firing during the dive on MATUPI ISLAND. At the end of the attack only the 2 known heavies were still firing.
(3) A 4 engined flying boat was seen about half a mile N.W. of SULPHUR CREEK in SIMPSON HARBOUR.
(4) Good coverage of the runway by the T.B.F's was observed.
(5) A possible new heavy gun position was located in the centre of MATUPI ISLAND.
(6) Another possible new auto position was located about 200 yards E of the new heavy referred to above.
MISSION LOG:
PLANE NO. PILOT. GUNNER CALL SIGN. SQDN. REMARKS.
57 De Lange Sewell 1 stone 1 NZ 25 Damaging hit reported.
48 Howie Robertson 2 " " "
64 Graham Watson 3 " " Hit in area.
63 Penniket Brady 4 " " "
66 Evison Smart 5 " " "
56 Jolly Bailey 6 " " Wild miss.
51 Edwards Hoppe 7 " " Missing in action.
68 Kuhn Small 8 " " Hit in area.
67 Symonds Photographer 9 " " "
61 Brown Ashworth 10 " " "
62 Kelly Gray 11 " " "
52 Clark Silver 12 " " "
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