3 Sqn action reports, 1943

[aircraftclocks]

Found this mission report in the archives.

FROM R.N.Z.A.F. BEVY.

IN REPLY TO - COMAIRSOLS 250959 dated 25th. November, 1943.

Anti submarine action number three squadron R.N.Z.A.F. 30th. July 1943.
Search sector Twelve Victor Thirty.
Aircraft PBO NZ 2590. Crew captain pilot Flight Lieutenant Patterson, Flight Lieutenant O'Fagan, Pilot Officer Lowe, Sergeant Bailey, Sgt McNab.

Report reads:
"Approaching about ten degrees out of sun we dropped four depth charges on submarine in position 1103 south 156 47 east. Course of sub when sighted 160 degrees true. Sub was fully surfaced and proceeding about fifteen knots with wake very conspicuous. When sighted sub was four minutes away on bearing of of 190 true. We turned to attack and had flown about one minute when a steady yellow light appeared on sub. Sub did not begin to submerge until we were about one half minute away. Bombs were dropped on line about five degrees to starboard of subs fore and aft line. Explosions took place ahead of subs swirl which was still prominent. Aircraft in last stage of run twenty to thirty degrees to starboard of sub. First charge twenty feet behind prow towards conning tower other three ahead at fifty feet intervals. Subs conning tower half submerged when run over. Two bombs exploded that is two columns of water rose second one very black dirty column. Dark oily patch in water about two hundred yards square. About twenty seconds after explosions long black object with several protruberances one of which looked like a gun appeared about two thirds along the slick and then sank back into water. This object came out of water at angle inclined about sixty degrees to course of sub at time bombs were dropped but on track sub was following. Sub was turning to starboard at time of attack. After circling spot for twenty-five minutes we carried on with patrol at 0745 hours."

[davidd]

Crew of this aircraft (on ops from Cactus Guadalcanal) from 31/5 - 12/8/43: F/L J D (Des) Paterson (captain/pilot), F/Sgt E R Lowe (2nd pilot, although replaced for a short time by a Sgt Wilson, initials either H H or J P), F/O B C W O'Fagan (observer/navigator), and wireless operator/air gunners Sgts R F Bailey, M R McNabb. Be warned, the following version is a bit of a shocker!!

The incident on 30th July 1943 which involved this crew was recorded in 3 Squadron's ORB as follows: Hudson NZ2090 (F/L J D Paterson, F/Sgt E R Lowe, F/O B C W O/Fagan, Sgt R F Bailey, Sgt M R McNabb) took of from Henderson Field (Bomber I) @ 0555 hours, landed 1100 hours. Duty, 12 Victor patrol. At 0732 this crew sighted a sub on surface, position 11.03S, 156.43 43E, course 160 True. Approached from astern, dropped 3 Depth Charges from 80 feet. Only two of the D/C's exploded, the second bursting along side the sub and caused large oil patch. Sub crash dived on sighting aircraft and disappeared after attack. This sub later confirmed as friendly ("GROUPER"), & reported being attacked by friendly aircraft, suffered only minor damage. No recognition signals given. SPECAL NOTE: However, a quite separate summary of bomb (and Depth Charge) expenditure notes that in fact FOUR D/Cs (320 pound type) were dropped that day, as stated in aircraftclocks' version, which must have originated with the aircraft's crew. Incidentally another 3 Sqdn Hudson attack against (hopefully!) an actual Japanese I-boat took place on 27/6/43, at position 12.29S, 156.26F, with 4 x 320 lb D/C's being used, but all four failed to explode. Unfortunately I can find no further details of this particular incident.

Following day (31/7/43) Hudson NZ2058, F/O M H Hoy and crew, on a 3 Victor patrol, took off 0550, landed 1040. Sighted friendly sub GROUPER @ 0805 hours (attacked previous day), @ position 13.53S, 157.00E, Course 130 degrees, speed 15 knots. Aircraft orbited several times, challenged with WARVESSEL letter of day, received no reply, but sub sent up red flare, some of crew seen on conning tower, appeared to be waving.

These were indeed exciting times! It was very fortunate that the sub was not more seriously damaged, nor anyone harmed. Would be interesting to see what went wrong with the area's standing orders for Allied aircraft/submarine encounters, as normally there would be standardised procedures to cover such eventualities as this, such as submarine safety lanes, advice of any Allied submarines transiting operational patrol areas, etc. Possible that this sub had a crew "new" to area, but there is no doubt that an enquiry would have been called to examine in detail what went so badly wrong here. Also I wonder why the request for information on this incident was requested by COMAIRSOLS almost 4 months later; perhaps somebody was still awaiting further information on outcome of the inquiry? I imagine there would have been a few red faces over this, but will not speculate any more than that. Such details were not, of course, communicated to the newspapers of the time, particularly as there were no casualties. Public did not need to know of such insignificant things.

Incidentally, at this time (July 1943) there were quite a few sightings of Japanese Betty bombers being reported by the 3 Squadron Hudson crews on routine patrols, and earlier in the month the loss of the American cruiser HELENA caused great excitement, with one of our Hudsons coming under heavy fire from the Japanese warships (one DD, one CL and two CA's) which were cruising in the general area.

David D

[aircraftclocks]

The correspondence associated with the report suggests the original report was sent to the Admiralty.

[aircraftclocks]

Found some more mission reports that cover the activity of the squadron in 1945.
These are not reports from the squadron but from the US squadrons which lead the missions.
If a Corsair is mentioned in the report I will include which NZ squadron it is.

[aircraftclocks]

20/03/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN

*307B21 IVERSON 1403 1555 1630

Captain IVERSON flew as leader of the New Zealand Ventura Squadron.
Major TAYLOR led seven PBJs of VMB-423 and five PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude strike on Borpop, New Ireland, after clouds prevented an attack on the primary target of Rabaul 16A, New Britain. The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain IVERSON in a PBJ flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so he could do the sighting as the PVs do not carry a bombsight.
The flight was airborne by 1405 and preceeded on a course of 280º magnetic to Cape Sena. From Cape Sena the formation flew on a heading of 263º magnetic to Tawui Point where it turned south into the bomb run over Rabaul target 16A. After two runs over Rabaul the flight leader was unable to find an approach sufficiently free of clouds to permit bombing and elected to bomb the secondary target, Borpop, New Ireland.
The formation proceeded to Borpop, where the bombing run was made on a heading of 315º magnetic. The leader of the second section of the PBJ squadron had a hung bomb and the second section did not bomb on this run. 305B21 took over as leader of the second section of the first squadron and made a 360º turn and on a course of 355º magnetic, following the second squadron, made their bombing run. At 1539 the first section of the PBJ squadron released its bombs from 8,800 feet, the second squadrons bombs were away at 1555 from 8,000 feet, the second section of the first squadron bombed at 1556 from 8,000 feet. The airspeed of all planes was 155 knots indicated.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Three bombs hit in the target area, three were approximately 100 yards south of the target. One bomb hung and was salvoed in the water. Clouds hampered observation of results and all photos were cloud covered.

[aircraftclocks]

22/03/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Lt. Col. ANDERSON 0905 1018 1200
302B21 FOWLER 0905 1018 1200
303B21 EWERS 0906 1018 1201
304B21 TAYLOR 0906 1018 1201
305B21 TOGERSON 0907 1018 1202
306B21 KEITH 0907 1018 1202
*307B21 IVERSON 0908 1015 1113
* Captain IVERSON flew as leader of the New Zealand Ventura Squadron.

Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs of VMB-423, and eight PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude strike on Muguai target number two, Bougainville. The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and eight PVs in three, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain IVERSON in a PBJ flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so he could do the sighting as the PVs do not carry a bombsight.
The flight was airborne by 0912 and proceeded on a course of 129° magnetic to Puk Puk Island where rendezvous was made with Corsairs from Piva (4 x 20 Sqn are listed, as well as 2 x 17 Sqn from Green) at 1000 hours at 10,000 feet. From Puk Puk Island the formation flew a course of 173° magnetic for 27 miles to a point east of Mount Gulcher and turned into the bomb run.
The Piva Corsairs after the rendezvous, preceded the formation to the target and dropped smoke bombs. The target was not smoked when the first squadron turned into its bombing run and made a 360° turn and followed the second squadron to the target.
The bombing run of the formation was made on a heading of 138° magnetic. The sections of the first squadron bombing from 10,000 and 9,800 feet and the sections of the PV squadron from 9,600, 9,400 and 9,200 feet at 160 knots indicated.
The formation broke away to the left and the PV squadron proceeded back to Green. The PBJ squadron proceeded to Motupena Point where rendezvous was made with two Corsairs from Piva who preceded the flight to the Runai area and smoked a three mile section of a Jap held road. This road was thoroughly strafed. The strafing attack was made on a heading of 115° magnetic in three plane sections line abreast at tree top level.
After the strafing the formation broke to the right and returned to base all planes being safely on the deck at Green Island by 1202.

[aircraftclocks]

26/03/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major TAYLOR 0930 ** 1201
302B21 HOPPER 0930 ** 1201
303B21 SPAULDING 0931 ** 1202
304B21 WALLER 0931 1119 1202
305B21 MILONE 0932 1119 1203
306B21 LUSKY 0932 1119 1203
307B21 BEAIRD 0933 1119 1204
*308B21 IVERSON 0933 1119 1205

* Captain IVERSON flew as leader of the New Zealand Ventura Squadron which participated in the strike.
** See narrative.
Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer of VMB-423, led eight PBJs of VMB-423 and five PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude strike on Borpop, New Ireland after clouds prevented an attack on the primary target of Vunakanau number twelve, New Britain. The formation was composed of seven PBJs in one three plane section and one four plane division as the first squadron and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain IVERSON in a PBJ flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so he could do the sighting as the PVs do not carry a bombsight.

The flight was airborne by 0936 and proceeded on a course of 256° magnetic to Powell Harbor, New Britain. As the primary target was completely covered by clouds the flight leader elected to bomb the secondary target, Borpop, New Ireland.

The formation proceeded to Borpop, where the bombing run was made on a heading of 313° magnetic. The flight leader was unable to release his bomb and the first section did not bomb on this run. The second division and the PV squadron released their bombs on this run, the PBJs bombing from 10,500 feet and the PVs from 10,200 feet at 160 knots indicated. The first section made a 360° turn for another bomb run but found that low clouds had obscured the target and returned to base with their bombs.

No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.

[aircraftclocks]

28/03/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Lt Col. ANDERSON 0930 1108 1205
302B21 LINEN 0930 1108 1205
303B21 LUSKY 0931 1108 1206
304B21 WALLER 0931 1049 1206
305B21 GRUE 0932 1049 1207
306B21 VAN AKEN 0932 1049 1207
307B21 TAYLOR 0933 1115 1208
308B21 WORKMAN 0933 1115 1208
309B21 LEAIRD 0934 1115 1209
*310B21 IVERSON 0935 1050 1140

* Captain IVERSON, of VMB-423, in a PBJ flew as leader of the New Zealand Ventura Squadron.

Lieutenant Colonel ANDERSON, Commanding Officer of VMB-423, led ten PBJs and five PVs in a medium altitude daylight strike on Matupi Island, after weather and cloud cover prevented the planned coordinated strike with Emirau planes on the primary target of Vunakanau number twelve, New Britain. The formation was composed of nine PBJs in three, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain IVERSON in a PBJ led the second squadron so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.

The flight was airborne by 0938 and after joining up as described above, proceeded to Powell Harbor. The formation then flew to the scheduled primary target area but weather conditions prevented the bombing. The flight then proceeded to Raluana Point then entered bombing run on the secondary target, Matupi Island.

The bombing run was made on a heading of 345° magnetic. Due to hung bombs the first and third sections of the first squadron did not bomb on the first bombing run. The third section of the first squadron could not bomb on the second run as they were not aligned on the target. Bombs were released by the second section of the first squadron at 1049 from 10,400 feet, one minute later the second squadron bombed from 10,000, the first section of the first squadron bombed at 1108 from 10,600 feet on their second bomb run, the third section bombed at 1115 from 10,200 feet on their third bomb run. The air speed of all planes was 160 knots indicated.

After the bombing runs were completed the planes broke to the right and returned to base. All planes were safe deck at Green by 1209. (No anti-aircraft fire was encountered).

[aircraftclocks]

30/03/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major TAYLOR 0930 1129 1217
302B21 SPAULDING 0930 1129 1218
303B21 KEITH 0931 1129 1219
304B21 TAYLOR 0931 1130 1220
305B21 MONROE 0932 1130 1221
306B21 FOWLER 0933 1130 1222
307B21 HOPPER 0933 1130 1223
*308B21 WALLER 0934 1131 1215

* Captain WALLER served as leader of the New Zealand Ventura Squadron.

Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer of VMB-423, led eight PBJs of VMB-423 and five PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight strike on Matupi Island. The formation was composed of seven PBJs in one three plane section and one four plane diamond as the first squadron and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain WALLER in a PBJ flew as leader of the second squadron so that he could do the sighting for the New Zealand PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
The mission was scheduled as an attack on Tobera Targets 2 and 3 coordinated with PBJs and PVs from Emirau. The Emirau planes failing to keep the rendezvous and the Tobera targets being closed the formation hit the alternate target, Matupi Island.
The strike was airborne by 0936 and after joining-up as described above proceeded to Adler Bay and across the Gazelle Peninsula to Pondo Point for rendezvous with planes from Emirau. Emirau failing to arrive and Tobera being covered with nine tenths of towering cumulus the formation proceeded to the alternate target at Matupi Island.
The PBJs released their bombs at 1129 from 10,400 foot at 160 knots indicated on a heading of 140° magnetic. The second squadron dropped from 10,000 feet at 1131 on a heading of 140° magnetic and 160 knots.
After bombing the formation broke to the left and returned to base. All planes were safely on deck by 1223.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered
Of the PBJs bombs, 6 five hundred pounders and 6 thousand pounders were in the target while 13 thousand pounders hit the sea and two hung and were returned to base.

[aircraftclocks]

01/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major LOWELL 0830 0943 1021
302B21 EVANS 0830 0943 1022
303B21 HICKS 0831 0943 1022
304B21 LUSKY 0831 0943 1023
305B21 KEITH 0832 0943 1023
*306B21 BEAIRD 0832 0944 1025

* Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer of VMB-423, led six PBJs of VMB-423 and five PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight strike on Vunakanau target number 8. The formation was composed of five PBJs in one three plane and one two plane section as the first squadron and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so that he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
The strike was airborne by 0835 and joined up as described above, then proceeded to Wide Bay, New Britain. From Wide Bay the formation turned up the coast toward Adler Bay for bombardiers to adjust bombsights and figure drift. The flight then turned into a heading of 320° magnetic for 33 miles and when southwest of Vunakanau turned into the bombing run.
The first squadron bombed from 11,300 feet at 0943 on a heading of 037° magnetic and 160 knots indicated. The second squadron released its bombs from 10,900 feet at 0944 on a course of 037° magnetic and 160 knots.
After bombs were away the formation broke right and returned to base. All planes were safely on deck at Green Island by 1027.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Ninety percent of the PBJs bombs were in the target while thirty percent of the PVs bombs hit the target but others were long and short. Two fires were started in the target area.

[aircraftclocks]

29/03/45

413
CALL PILOT
254B21 Cox
255B21 Treacy
256B21 Henry
257B21 Hines
258B21 Gearhart
259B21 Gilbert

423
CALL PILOT
301B21 Iverson
302B21 Togerson
303B21 Van Horn
304B21 Pearce
305B21 Van Aken
306B21 Crue
307B21 Milone
308B21 Workman
*309B21 Beaird

433
CALL PILOT
266B21 Smith
267B21 Kromka
268B21 Watson
269B21 Bable
270B21 Pittner
271B21 Huston
272B21 Dethier
273B21 Wilfong
274B21 Leachman

443
CALL PILOT
279B21 Whitney
280B21 Ballou
281B21 Greene
282B21 Gorman
283B21 Hudson
284B21 Blaisdall
285B21 Lomarie
286B21 Graser
287B21 Lord

* Led PVs of NZ#3.

Vunakanau #12, New Britain, a wooded area east of the Vunakanau Airstrip was the objective of a coordinated medium altitude bombing attack by three PBJ squadrons from Emirau and one PBJ and one PV squadron from Green. Vunakanau #12 is an area approximately 900 feet in radius and is reported to be a plane hideaway.
The strike was planned as a coordinated effort by two groups of planes approaching separate courses. From Emirau 24 Mitchells flew to Powell harbor for a rendezvous with 9 PBJ's and 5 PV's from Green. As the Venturas were not equipped with bomb sights their squadron was led by a PBJ from Green.
Leaving the rendezvous on a course of 068º magnetic the flight divided into two groups. The first group consisting of the 3 PBJ squadrons from Emirau, stayed on this course for 26 miles and then turned north on to a course of 005º magnetic for 9 miles to the initial point. Here they turned into the bombing run on a heading of 350º magnetic at a speed varying from 160 to 165 kts. with altitudes of 12,800 to 11,800 feet. This group was in right echelon, squadrons javelined down for the bombing run and broke to the left to rally 10 miles north of Urura Island.
The PBJ and the PV squadron from Green formed the second group to head east from the rendezvous with the same heading of 068º magnetic for a distance of 36 miles and then for a turn north on to a heading of 354º magnetic for 16 miles. At this point they turned into their bombing run on a heading of 293º magnetic at a speed of 160 kts. with an altitude of 10,600 and 10,400 feet.
The group was in right echelon, squadrons javelined down for the bombing run and broke to the left for the rally.
After the rally both groups returned to their respective bases.

[aircraftclocks]

31/03/45

413
CALL PILOT
254B21 Bronleeve
255B21 Nuchleisen
256B21 Oalund
257B21 Mac Lean
258B21 Welmke
259B21 Ingberg

423
CALL PILOT
301B21 Lowell
302B21 Leaird
303B21 Hicks
304B21 Milone
305B21 Grue
306B21 Linen
* 307B21 Beaird

433
CALL PILOT
266B21 Miller
267B21 Fischer
268B21 Parrish
269B21 Bable
270B21 Carr
271B21 Perey
272B21 Huston
273B21 Johnston

443
CALL PILOT
279B21 Anderson
280B21 Larson
281B21 Wetzel
282B21 Lemarie
283B21 McGuire
284B21 Hartman
285B21 Blaisdell

* Captain Beaird flew as leader of the New Zealand PV Squadron.

Tobera #2 and #3, a double patch of woods, is 3600 feet southeast of the Tobera Airstrip. It is approximately 1500 feet by 1600 feet. A reported plane hideaway, and was the objective of a strike from medium altitude by 3 PBJ squadrons from Emirau and 1 PBJ squadron and 1 PV squadron from Green.
The strike was planned as a coordinated effort by two groups of planes approaching on separate courses. The group from Green, composed of 7 Mitchells and 5 PVs with the PVs led by a Mitchell since their planes are not equipped with bombsights, proceeded to Adler Bay, New Britain, and then across the Gazelle Peninsula to the rendezvous at Pondo Point. When the group from Emirau failed to arrive on schedule this group departed Pondo Point eastward on a heading of 102º magnetic for a distance of 38 miles. The flight turned left onto a heading of 015º magnetic for 15 miles, changing into a left echelon, squadrons javelined down. The bomb run made on a heading of 340º magnetic, at a speed of 160 kts. with an altitude of 10,400 feet. The squadrons broke to the right for the rally and returned to base by the way of Borpop, New Ireland. One PBJ had its bombs to hang on the bombing run and salvoed them over Borpop, New Ireland on the return to base. Clouds obscured the target for the PVs, but while some planes dropped without waiting for the leading plane, the lead PBJ and the rest of the PV's dropped on Borpop, New Ireland. No AA fire was encountered over Tobera, but meager, inaccurate, heavy AA fire was received from known positions west of Borpop Airstrip.
The group from Emirau, composed of 3 squadrons with VMB-433 as the lead squadron and LtCol. Miller as flight leader, proceeded on a course south to Pondo Point. One plane returned early to base due to mechanical trouble after jettisoning its bomb load at Pondo Point the flight changed from a vee of squadrons to a left echelon, squadrons javelined down, and proceeded east inland for a distance of 28 miles, then turned north in the direction of the target.
The bomb run was made on a heading of 060º magnetic, at a speed of from 160 to 165 kts, and at an altitude of 11,800 to 10,500 feet. All squadrons broke to the right and rallied ten miles off Gazelle Peninsula. One plane's bomb load hung on the bombing run and was jettisoned over Duke of York Group. After the flight rallied, it returned to base.

[aircraftclocks]

02/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major TAYLOR 0845 1001 1136
302B21 LINEN 0845 1001 1136
303B21 MONROE 0846 1001 1137
304B21 HOPPER 0846 1001 1138
305B21 TOGERSON 0847 1001 1139
306B21 TAYLOR 0847 1001 1140
*307B21 WALLER 0848 1002 1105

* Captain WALLER flew as leader of the New Zealand Venturas.

Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer, led seven PBJs of VMB-423 and five PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight bombing attack on target number 9, Muguai, Bougainville. Then Major TAYLOR led the first squadron in a strafing attack on installations along the road between Monitu Mission and Tai Tai (see narrative).
The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections as the first squadron and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections as the second squadron. Captain WALLER flew as leader of the second squadron so he could do the sighting for the PVs which do not carry a bombsight.
After joining up as described above the formation proceeded to the Kieta Air Strip on the east coast of Bougainville where the strike flew a course of 161° magnetic for bombardiers to stabalize bombsights and figure drift. The flight then followed a heading of 173° magnetic for eighteen miles at which point it turned into the bomb run.
The first squadron, composed of PBJs dropped their bombs from 11,100 feet at 1001 on a course of 161° magnetic and at an indicated air speed of 160 knots. The second squadron bombed at 1002 from 10,700 feet on the same course and speed.
When bombs were away the formation broke to the left and Captain WALLER returned to base with the second squadron and was safely on deck at 1105.
In the Muguai strike fourteen bursts of inaccurate, high and trailing, heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in the south end of Ebery's Lease.
All bombs were in the target except two half-tonners which failed to release and were returned to base. 

Low Level Monoitu
Following the Muguai attack the six PBJs of the first squadron proceeded to a rendezvous with two Piva Corsairs (20 Sqn) at 5000 feet, five miles west of Mt. Taroka. The Corsairs then preceded the PBJs and placed smoke bombs on each side of the Tai Tai road. As the Corsairs smoked the target the PBJs orbitted to establish a two minute interval behind the Corsairs and a two minute interval between the first and second sections of PBJs.
The strafing was done at tree top level and at 210 knots indicated by two, three plane sections in line abreast. 18,000 rounds of caliber .50 ammunition was expanded in thoroughly strafing the area from Tai Tai to Monoitu, causing a fire which burned for one hour with smoke to 1000 feet.
Meagre, inaccurate light anti-aircraft fire from unobserved positions was encountered during the strafing run.
Following the low level attack the PBJs broke away to the right and turned to base and were safely on deck by 1140.

[aircraftclocks]

03/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major LOWELL 0845 1013 1048
302B21 WORKMAN 0845 1013 1049
303B21 MONROE 0846 1013 1050
304B21 EVANS 0846 1013 1051
305B21 HICKS 0847 1013 1052
306B21 VAN HORN 0847 1013 1053
*307B21 BEAIRD 0848 1014 1054

* Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron.

Major LOWELL, Operation Officer, led seven PBJs of VMB-423 and five PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight strike on Target No. 10, Vunakanau, New Britain. The formation was composed of six PBJs in two, three plane sections and one PBJ and five PVs in two, three plane sections in column javelin down. Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the Venturas so that he could do the sighting for the second squadron since the PVs do not carry a bombsight.
The strike was airborne by 0850 and after joining up as described above the formation proceeded to Adler Bay, New Britain. From this point the flight took a course of 306° magnetic for sixteen miles then turned left for a bomb run of 306° magnetic for the bomb run. The target was covered with clouds so bombs were not dropped. Two more runs were made before the flight found an approach sufficiently clear of clouds to permit bombing.
The PBJs released their bombs at 1013 from 11,300 feet on a course of 090° magnetic with 160 knots indicated. The PVs dropped one minute later from 10,800 feet on the same course and speed.
Following the bomb release the formation broke to the right and returned to base without incident all planes being safely on deck by 1059.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered.
Eighty percent of the PBJ bombs were in the target in spite of the clouds. PV bombs overshot the target and hit the north end of the runway.

[aircraftclocks]

04/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major TAYLOR 0844 1009 1131

Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer, in a PBJ led five PVs of New Zealand-Three in a medium altitude daylight strike on Target #16 Muguai, Bougainville. Major TAYLOR flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron so that he could do the sighting as the Venturas do not carry a bombsight. The formation was two, three plane sections javelin down. The medium altitude strike was followed by a low level strafing of Monoitu, Bougainville.
The strike was airborne by 0847 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Bay. From this point the formation flew a heading of 237º magnetic for six miles then flew a course of 173º magnetic for 12 miles where it turned into the bomb run of 237º magnetic.
At Koromira the formation rendezvoused with two Piva Corsairs (20 sqn) which were to mark the target with smoke. However the target was not smoked and the flight bombed without this assistance.
Bombs were dropped at 1009 from 10,500 feet on a heading of 230º magnetic at 160 knots indicated. After bombing the formation broke right to rendezvous with the Piva Corsairs near Mt. Gulcher for the strafing mission.
Six bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in Ebery's Lease and near Kara Air strip.

Low Level Strafing Attack
After the rendezvous with the Corsairs at Mt. Gulcher the formation proceeded to a point five miles south of Mt. Taroka. Since the Corsairs had expended their smoke bombs they pointed the way to the target by flying over it.
The first section made its strafing run at tree-top level at 1028 on a heading of 187° magnetic and 210 knots and the second section made its run at 1030 on the same course and speed.
The area from Tai Tai to Monoitu was thoroughly strafed with the planes of each section in a formation of three planes line abreast.
No anti-aircraft fire was observed and the height and speed of the planes prevented observation of results.

[aircraftclocks]

05/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major TAYLOR 0830 0937 1116
302B21 LEAIRD 0830 0937 1117
303B21 PEARCE 0831 0937 1118
304B21 LUSKY 0831 0937 1119
305B21 GRUE 0832 0937 1120
306B21 MONROE 0832 0937 1121
*307B21 WALLER 0833 0938 1122

* Captain WALLER flew as leader of the New Zealand Squadron.

Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer of VMB-423, led seven PBJs of VMB-423 and two PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight attack on target number 9, Muguai, Bougainville, followed by low level strafing attacks on the Monoitu area, Bougainville. The formation was composed of three, three plane sections javelin down with one PBJ and two PVs as the third section. Captain WALLER flew as leader of the PVs so that he could do the sighting for then as they do not carry a bombsight.
The strike was airborne by 0835 and after joining up as described above proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Koromira Point. From Koromira a heading of 181° magnetic was flown for 12 miles to figure drift and adjust bombsights. The formation then went twelve miles on a heading of 240° magnetic and then turned left into the bomb run.
Bombs were released at 0937 from 11,400 feet with each section stepped down two hundred feet, and on a course of 180° magnetic at 160 knots indicated. The formation broke away to the left.
Twenty to twenty-five bursts of inaccurate heavy anti-aircraft fire were encountered from known positions in Ebery's Lease.
All bombs were in the target area and started a fire with brown-grey smoke to 1000 feet. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.

LOW LEVEL STRAFING
The six PBJs led by Major TAYLOR then proceeded west to Empress Augusta Bay. The first section then made its strafing run from the Pororei River Ford to Monoitu at tree top level and at 210 knots indicated. The second section orbitted once over the bay to establish an interval and then strafed the same area as the first section at the same height and speed.
Captain WALLER in a PBJ and two PVs orbitted near Mt. Taroka to rendezvous with two Corsairs from Piva (20 Sqn) which failed to appear. When the six PBJs had finished their runs Captain WALLER and the PVs strafed from Tai Tai to Monoitu.
Following the strafing runs the planes broke to the right and all were safely on deck by 1130.
Moderate light and medium anti-aircraft fire was encountered by the PBJs which holed one plane.
The targets were thoroughly strafed but the speed of the planes prevented observation of results.

[aircraftclocks]

06/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major TAYLOR 0845 0949 1107
302B21 LEAIRD 0845 0949 1108
303B21 HOPPER 0846 0949 1109
304B21 LINEN 0846 0949 1110
305B21 VAN AKEN 0847 0949 1111
*306B21 BEAIRD 0847 0950 1102

* Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the New Zealand Venturas.

Major TAYLOR, Executive Officer, led six PBJs of VMB-423 and three PVs of NZ-3 in a medium altitude daylight strike on target number 5, Muguai, Bougainville. Captain BEAIRD flew as leader of the New Zealand PVs since they do not carry a bombsight.
The strike was airborne by 0847 and proceeded down the east coast of Bougainville to Reboine Bay for rendezvous with two Piva Corsairs which were scheduled to smoke the target. Since the Corsairs failed to keep the rendezvous the formation departed Reboine Bay at 0948 on a heading of 143° magnetic for six miles then flew 18 miles on a course of 195° magnetic where the turn was made into the bomb run.
All of south Bougainville was covered with dense middle clouds and raid so that it was impossible to identify the target without smoke bombing by the Corsairs. Major TAYLOR therefore chose the heavy anti-aircraft battery in Ebery’s Lease as a target. Bombs were released at 0949 from 9,500 feet on a heading of 140° magnetic at 160 knots indicated. The formation broke away to the left and 306B21 and three PVs returned to base.
Eight bursts of heavy anti-aircraft fire which were high and trailing were encountered from the anti-aircraft battery which was the aiming point for the bombs.
All PBJ bombs were in the target area and probably damaged or destroyed some of the guns. PV bombs overshot the target. As the bombs exploded in the position the guns stopped firing. The location of bomb hits with relation to the target is shown on the attached photograph.

LOW LEVEL STRAFING
Following the medium altitude strike 301B21 and 302B21 flew over Monoitu and Montopena Point at 9,000 feet as a diversionary element while 303B21, 304B21 and 305B21 led by Lieutenant HOPPER proceeded to Empress Augusta Bay at minimum altitude where they turned southeast for their strafing run.
Strafing was done on a course of 123º magnetic at a speed of 210 knots indicated from Pororei River Ford to Monoitu road junction. The area was thoroughly strafed with 7,000 rounds of caliber .50 ammunition but the speed of the planes prevented observation of results.
Meagre, inaccurate light anti-aircraft fire and small arms fire were encountered from unidentified positions during the strafing run.

[aircraftclocks]

15/04/45

CALL PILOT T/O GREEN T/O/T P/C GREEN
301B21 Major LOWELL 0745 0912 1014
302B21 HEIL 0745 0912 1014
303B21 HUBER 0746 0912 1015
304B21 BEAIRD 0746 0912 1015
305B21 VAN AKEN 0747 0912 1016
306B21 RIGDON 0747 0912 1016
*307B21 HOPPER ---- ---- ----
308B21 SPAULDING 0748 0912 1017
309B21 EWERS 0748 0912 1017
* 307B21 did not take off due to operational trouble.

Major LOWELL, Operations Officer, led eight PBJs on a medium altitude daylight attack on gun positions southeast of Kara Airdrome, Bougainville. The formation was composed of two, three plane sections and one, two plane section javelin down. The strike was coordinated with six PVs and eight F4Us of RNZAF (21 Sqn) stationed at Green.
The strike was airborne by 0749 and after joining up as described above proceeded to the rendezvous point at Empress Augusta Bay. The rendezvous with the New Zealand planes was effected at 0855. At 0900 the strike departed on a course of 118° magnetic for 45 miles, then turning to 035° magnetic to the coast west of Kangu Hill from where the bombing run was made.
The bombing run was made on a course of 014° magnetic with bombs away at 0912. The first section was at an altitude of 10,700 feet, the second at 10,500 feet and the third at 10,300 feet. The indicated air speed was 160 knots.
No anti-aircraft fire was encountered
All bombs hit the target with black and white smoke rising to 500 to 1000 feet into the air and was visible until the strike was out of sight.

[ErrolC]

Remind me when the NZ PVs got bombsights?

[aircraftclocks]

The 8th April 1945 I have read somewhere.