Solomons
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Diaries
Form ACA-1
Sheet 1 of 5
 AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT CONFIDENTIAL

 
I. GENERAL
(a) Unit Reporting
 .....VMF-222
(b) Based on or at:
 .....Green Island
(c) Report No:
11

(d) Date of Action:

22-28 Oct. 1944
(e) Take off: Time:
love
(Zone)
Lat.
4' 32' S.
Long.
154' 14' E.
various

(f) Mission:

(g) Time of Return:
love
(Zone)
Rabaul Patrols and bridge strikes on New Ireland.
 various

 
II. OWN AIRCRAFT OFFICIALLY COVERED BY THIS REPORT.

TYPE
(a)

SQUADRON
(b)

NUMBER

 BOMBS AND TORPEDOS
CARRIED PER PLANE
(f) 		FUZE SETTINGS
(g)
TAKING
OFF
(c) 		ENGAGING
ENEMY A/C
(d) 		ATTACKING
TARGET
(e)
FG-1A VMF-222 29 0 29 MK-12
1 x 500 or 1 x 1000 GP
500# - 4-6 sec.
1000# - inst.
F4U-1 VMF-222 11 0 11 MK-12
1 x 500 or 1 x 1000 GP 		500# - 4-6 sec.
1000# - inst.

 

       

 
III. OTHER U. S. OR ALLIED AIRCRAFT EMPLOYED IN THIS OPERATION.


TYPE


SQUADRON

NUMBER
BASE
TYPE
SQUADRON
NUMBER		 BASE
PBJ-1D VMB-423 4 Green Island        
               
             

 
IV. ENEMY AIRCRAFT OBSERVED OR ENGAGED (By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).

(a)
TYPE

(b)
NO.
OBSERVED
(c)
NO. ENGAGEING
OWN AIRCRAFT
(d)
TIME ENGAGED		 (e)
LOCATION OF
ENCOUNTER 		(g)
BOMBS, TORPEDOES CARRIED
GUNS OBSERVED		 (g)
COMOUFLAGE AND
MARKING
None    
(Zone)
      
     
(Zone)
      
     
(Zone)
      
   

(h) Apparent Enemy Mission(s)

.....-
 
(i) Did Any Part of
...Encounter(s) Occur in Clouds?
....-
If so, Describe Clouds
-
 
(YES OR NO)
  
(BASE IN FEET, TYPE AND TECHTURE OF COVER)
(j) Time of Day and Brilliance
....of Sun or Moon
....-
(k) Visibility
-
 
(NIGHT, BRIGHT MOON -DAY, OVERCAST, CLEAR)
  
(MILES)

 
V. ENEMY AIRCRAFT DESTROYED OR DAMAGED IN AIR (By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).

(a)
TYPE
ENEMY A/C
(b) DESTROYED OR DAMAGED BY
 (c)
WHERE HIT ANGLE		 (d)
DAMAGE
CLAIMED
TYPE A/C SQUADRON PILOT OR GUNNER GUNS USED
None            
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 2 of 5
 AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
 Report No. 11

 
VI. LOSS OR DAMAGE, COMBAT OR OPERATIONAL OF OWN AIRCRAFT (of those listed in II only).

(a)
TYPE OWN A/C

(b)
SQUADRON
(c)
CAUSE, TYPE ENEMY A/C
TYPE OWN OR OPERATIONAL CAUSE
 (d)
WHERE HIT, ANGLE		 (e)
EXTENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE,
REMARKS
1 F4U-1
 VMF-222 hit by AA (20 MM)
bottom - into accessory area
plane lost - forced water
2
      
landing.
3
     
BuNo. 50052
4
       
5 F4U-1
 VMF-222 hit by AA (20 MM)
180° - starboard wing just
wing change necessitated.
6
    
outside of wing tank
18" hole
7        
8        
9        
10        
11        
12        
13        
14        

 
VII. PERSONNEL CASUALTIES (in aircraft listed in II only; identify with planes listed in VI by Nos. at left).

(a)
NO.
(b)
SQUADRON
(c)
NAME, RANK,OR RATING
 (d)
CAUSE		 (e)
CONDITION OR STATUS
  None
     
         
         
         
         
         
         

 
VIII. RANGE, FUEL, AND AMMUNITION DATA.
(a)
TYPE A/C		 (B)
MILES OUT		 (c)
MILES
RETURN		 (d)
AV. HOURS
IN AIR		 (e)
AV. FUEL
LOADED 		(f)
AV. FUEL
CONSUMED
(g) TOTAL AMMUNITION EXPENDED,
(h)
NO. PLANES
RETURNING
.30 .50 20 MM MM
FG-1A 130-
160 		130-
160		 2.5-3.5 344 190-270 - 24,720 - - 29
F4U-1 130-
160 		130-
160		 2.5-3.5 344 190-270 - 9,660 - - 10


                   

 
IX. ENEMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED (in aircraft listed in II only; identify with planes listed in VI by Nos. at left).

CALIBER
NONE
MEAGER
 MODERATE INTENSE
HEAVY- Time-fused shells, 75mm and over
 x    
MEDIUM - Impact-fused shells, 20mm-50mm
   x x
LIGHT - Machine gun bullets 65mm - 132mm
 x  

 
X. COMPARITIVE PERFORMANCE, OWN AND ENEMY AIRCRAFT (use check list at left)

SPEED CLIMB
at various altitudes

TURNS
DIVES
CEILINGS
RANGE
PROTECTION
ARMAMENT

 

 

 

 


None

  
 
 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 3 of 5
 AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT
CONFIDENTIAL
 Report No. 11

 
XI. ATTACK ON ENEMY SHIPS OR GROUND OBJECTIVES (By Own Aircraft Listed in II Only).

(a) Target(s) and Location(s)
Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain;
(b) Time Over Target(s)
love
(Zone)
East Coast , New Ireland.
 Various
  (FOR SHIPS INCLUDE ALL IN AREA UNDER ATTACK)      

(c) Clouds Over Target

.....Varied
  (BASE IN FEET, TYPE AND TENTHS OF COVER)
(d) Visibility of Target
....Varied
(e) Visibility
 .....Varied
 
(BASE IN FEET, TYPE AND TENTHS OF COVER)
  
(MILES)
(f) Bombing Tactics: Type
 ....Dive
Bomb Sight Used:
 .....MK 8, Model 6 and cowling
 
(LEVEL, GLIDE or DIVE)
  
(TYPE)
.Bombs Dropped per Run
One
Spacing
-
Altitude of Bomb Release
..1000'-3500'
 
(NUMBER)
  
(FEET)
(FEET)
(g) Number of Enemy Aircraft Hit on Ground: Destroyed
0
Probably Destroyed
0
Damaged
0
  
 
 
 
 

(h)
AIMING POINT

 (i)
DIMENTIONS OR
TONNAGE
(j) NO. A/C ATTACKING
 (l)
BOMBS AND AMMUMINITION
EXPENDED, EACH AIMING POINT		 (m)
NO. HITS On
AIMING POINT 		(n)
DAMAGE (None, Slight,
Serious, Sunk, Destroyed)
(k) SQUADRON

1 Huts just S. Gereu River,
...New Ireland.
6-FG-1
A, 4-F4U-1
8 x 500 GP
and strafing
8
all in area
unobserved damage
VMF-222
2 Huts and bldgs. S. of
...Rabaul
1-FG-1A
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		1
in area
unobserved damage
VMF-222
3 Large truck on crest of
..Tunnel Hill Road
2-FG-1A
 2 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		1
one damaging
miss (alight)
VMF-222
4 .Huts on S. coast Waton
....Island
1-F4U-1
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		1
in area
unobserved damage
VMF-222
5 Truck on Kuraba Pltn.
  
1-F4U-1
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
none
VMF-222
6 .*12- 30' x 50' huts
....Kenabot Pltn.
2-FG-1A
 2 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		1
damaged several huts
VMF-222
7 50' jetty W of Tinbur
  
1-F4U-1
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
none
VMF-222
8 Truck parked at Vuna-
...kambi
1-F4U-1
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
none
VMF-222

(o) RESULTS: FOR SHIP TARGETS DRAW DIAGRAM, TOP OR SIDE VIEW OR BOTH AS APPOPRIATE, SHOWING TYPE AND LOCATION OF HITS FOR ALL TARGETS. GIVE LOCATION AND EFFECT OF HITS WITH DIAGRAMS OR CHARTS WHERE DESIRABLE. DESCRIBE TARGETS FULLY IN (a) AND IN REPORTING DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION, IDENTIFY BY NUMBERS AT LEFT. USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY.

.

9 Large truck on Talili Road
2-F4U-1
2 x 1000 GP
and strafing
0
none
VMF-222
10 Plane in revetment E of SW end
.....of Tobera
1-FG-1A
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
near miss, possibly damaged
VMF-222
11 Groups of huts in Rataval area
 4-F4U-1 4 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		3
destroyed 8 huts
45 minute fire
VMF-222
12 Salik River Bridge
 4-FG-1A 4 x 500 GP
and strafing 		0
none
VMF-222
13 Bridge over Matanatava River
 1-FG-1A 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
damaging miss
VMF-222
14 Large truck at parked at .....Kinigunan Pltn.
 3-FG-1A 3 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
slight
VMF-222
15 Huts N of Old Carman Road
 2-FG-1A 2 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		2
in area,
unobserved damage
VMF-222
16 Huts at road intersection 1 mi. S
.....of Tokavel Pltn.
 2-FG-1A 2 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
none
VMF-222
17 Reveted plane S of Vunakanau
 1-FG-1A 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		1
in area,
unobserved damage
VMF-222
18 50' x 30' bldgs. 2 miles N of
.....Vunakanau
1-FG-1A 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		0
cratered road
VMF-222
19 Reveted plane S. of
.....Vunakanau
1-FG-1A
1 x 1000 GP
and strafing
0
Cratered R/W
VMF-222
20 2- 30' x 50' huts 2 mi. S.
.....of Vunakanau
1-FG-1A
 1 x 1000 GP
and strafing 		1
hit in supply area
starting fire
VMF-222
         
* hung bomb - frozen solenoid, returned to base.

 

(p) Were Photographs Taken?___No____ Photographs of Damage, When Taken, Should Be Attached.
 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 4 of 5
 AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT
CONFIDENTIAL
 Report No. 11

 
XII. TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA. (Narrative and commentary. Describe action fully and comment freely, following applicable items in check list at left. Use additional sheets if necessary.)
ENGAGEMENT WITH ENEMY
 
   
OWN AIRCRAFT
   
Disposition
   
Altitudes
   
Speeds
   
Approach Tactics
   
Use of Cover, Deception
   
Angles of Attack and
...Their Effectiveness
   
Distance of Opening Fire
   
Defense Tactics and
...Their Effectiveness
       
ENEMY AIRCRAFT
   
Method of Locating, Distance
   
Disposition
   
Altitudes
   
Speeds
   
Approach Tactics
   
Use of Cover, Deception
   
Angles of Attack
   
Distance of Opening Fire
   
Defensive Tactics
       
COMMENTS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
   
Own Weaknesses
   
Enemy Weaknesses
   
Offensive Tactics, Own
   
"   "  
, Enemy
   
Defensive Tactics, Own
   
"   "  
, Enemy
   
Flexible Gunnery, Own
   
Escort Tactics
   
Fighter Direction
   
Use of Radar
   
Night Fighting
   
Recognition, Aircraft
 
 
ATTACK
       
OWN TACTICS
   
Method of Locating Target
   
Approach to Target
   
Altitudes, Speeds
   
Approach
   
Dive
   
Release
   
Pull-Out
   
Dive Angle
   
Strafing
   
Retirement
   
Defensive Tactics
   
Use of Jamming
       
DEFENSE, ENEMY
   
Evasive Tactics, Ships
   
Concealment
   
Searchlights
   
Night Fighter Tactics
   
Use of Jamming
       
COMMENTS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
   
Bombing Tactics
   
Torpedo Tactics
   
Effectiveness of
...Bombs, Torpedoes
   
Selection of Targets
   
Fuzing
   
Strafing Tactics
   
Defensive Tactics
   
Use of Radar
   
Reconnaissance
   
Photography
   
Briefing
 
 
OPERATIONAL
   
Navigation
   
Homing
   
Rendezvous
   
Recognition, Ships
   
Communications
   
Flight Operations
   
Search and Tracking
   
Base Operations
   
Maintenance

.

....

.....During the week a total of 40 sorties were flown over various targets in the Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain, and New Ireland. A total of 19 1/2 tons of bombs were dropped and 34,400 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition was expended with the following observed results:

  1. direct hit setting afire and completely destroying group of 6 - 8 huts, Rataval.
  2. hit in probable supply area approximately 2 miles N of Vunakanau - 50' flames with white smoke to 500 -700'.
  3. set afire by strafing 1 large truck and 2 gasoline trucks (1 gas truck exploded).
  4. smoked by strafing 1 medium sized truck.
  5. completely riddled 1 medium sized truck - believe driver killed.
  6. holed by strafing 12 other trucks, majority of them being large.

.....In addition to the above definitely observed results, it can safely be said that many additional huts and buildings have been destroyed or damaged as a result of considerable strafing and bomb hits in areas of of clusters and concentrations

 
 
 
 
Form ACA-1
Sheet 5 of 5
 AIRCRAFT ACTION REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
Report No. 11

 
XIII. MATERIAL DATA. (Comment freely on performance or suitability, following check list at left. Use additional sheets if necessary.)
ARMAMENT
Guns, Gunsights
Turrets
Ammunition
Bombs, Torpedoes
Bomb Sights
Bomb Releases
COMMUNICATIONS
Radio, Radar
Homing Devices
Visual Signals
Codes, Ciphers
RECOGNITION
 
IFF
Signals
Battle Lights
Procedures
PROTECTION
Armor, Points and Angles
... of Fire Needing Further ... ...Protection.
Leak Proofing
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Parachutes
Life Boats, Life Rafts
Safety Belts
Emergency Kits
Rations, First Aid
NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Compass
Driftsights
Octants
Automatic Pilots
Charts
Field Lighting
INSTRUMENTS
Flight
Power Plant
OXYGEN SYSTEM
CAMOUFLAGE AND ...DECEPTION DEVICES
STRUCTURE
Airframe
Control Surfaces
Control System
Dive Flaps
Landing Gear
Heating System
Flight Characteristics at ...Various Loadings
POPWER PLANT
Engines
Engine Accessories
Propellers
Lubricating System
Starters
Exhaust Dampers
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Auxiliary Plant
Lights
FUEL SYSTEM
FLIGHT CLOTHING
MAINTENANCE
BASE FACILITIES
Plane Servicing Equipment
Personnel Facilities

 

.....On the 25th of October. 2dLt. L. C. WILDER flying an F4U-1, bureau number 50052, on a Rabaul Patrol sustained a 20 MM hit in the accessory section from a known position on Tawui Point. Lieutenant WILDER was strafing huts and buildings on the NW coast of Tawui Point when he was hit.

.....The shrapnel from the explosion must have hit the main gas line for approximately 160 gallons of fuel was gone within ten minute period, as well as the presence of about 8" of gasoline in the bottom of the cockpit.

.....Lieutenant WILDER was hit when immediately over the shoreline and upon noticing the gasoline in the cockpit went down to 200' in the event of an emergency landing. Upon being hit, all hydraulic pressure went out; tail wheel dropped down, front wheel doors dropped down, and the cowl and inter-cooler flaps opened. The radio went dead when just north of the Duke of York Island. The main gas tank ran out around the Duke of York Island, at which time he switched onto the right wing tank which ran out about 10 miles north of Cape St. George, and then onto the left wing tank which had about 5 minutes fuel left when the water landing was made.

.....Second Lieutenant AMERINE, flight leader, escorting Lt. WILDER from the time he was hit, sighted 3 MT Boats about 20 miles east of Cape St. George and called them to standby for rescue duty.

.....Lt. WILDER landed into the wind about 1/4 mile from the MTB and about 16 miles east of Cape St. George at 1720, and within 10 minutes time was safely aboard the MT Boat.

.....It is very strongly recommended that practice lifeboat drills be given all pilots before going into actual combat operations. This drill should not only include jumping from a raft with a parachute harness and back pack, and then swimming over to an already inflated raft; instead, the pilot should be made to extricate and inflate his seat pack life raft. Teaching is no substitute for doing.

.....Lt. WILDER had the above type of lifeboat drill in April 1944, and as a result did not have the slightest difficulty in getting out of his harness and into his lifeboat. It all went so smooth that he even brought back all his gear, including parachute.
 

 
REPORT PREPARED BY: APPROVED BY:
M. M. ROSEN 1stLt. USMCR,
ACIO, VMF-222		 R. T. SPURLOCK MAJOR, USMCR,
C. O. VMF-222		 22-28 Oct. 44
 
SIGNATURE RANK AND DUTY
SIGNATURE
 RANK AND DUTY DATE

 
 
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