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VP-54 / VPB-54 War Diary             
Part One                                             

RESTRICTED

From: Commander New England patrol
TO: Commander Atlantic Squadron.

SUBJECT: Report for period 6 November - 16 November, Inclusive.

Enclosure: (A) Log of Patrol Activities.

1. The composition of this patrol this date is as follows:

(a) Boston Based Destroyers - Comdr. IL W. Fleming.

    HAMILTON    - Scheduled to relieve the BARNEY on patrol off Boston                   today.
    KANE -        now undergoing limited availability at the Boston Navy                   Yard.
    BROOKS -      now on patrol off Nantucket Shoals Light Vessel. To be                   relieved by the ROPER today and proceed Navy Yard, New                   York for ten days restricted availability commencing the                   eighteenth.

(b)               Newport Based Destroyers - Comdr. F. D. Kirtland.
                  BRECKENRIDGE - now on Striking Group Patrol
                  BARNEY - to be relieved today of patrol off Boston, and                   then to proceed Boston Navy Yard for limited                   availability.
                  ROPER - takes over Nantucket Patrol today. To be detached                   from this Task Group on the twentieth.
                  LEARY - to relieve ROPER on Nantucket Station on the                   nineteenth.

(c)               Air Patrol - Lieut. L. B. Southerland.
                  Four planes of Patron 54.

(d)               JACOB JONES - Lt. Comdr. E. L. Woodyard.
                  Flagship of Task Group.

2.                Summary of the log (enclosure A). The regular air patrol was flown on five days; on three days the air patrol was recalled due to bad weather; on three days no air patrol was possible.

This Task Group is covering the additional assignment of the Striking Group Patrol until 27 November. (Note: a pencil change of the above to indicate Task Group "was relieved of" the additional assignment... by the U.S.S. (illegible).

3.               Material: The recently recommissioned destroyers are requiring restricted or limited availability to keep them in operating condition.

/s/S. N. MOORE.

Copy to: Comdesron 10.

U.S.S. JACOB JONES
RESTRICTED 16 November, 1939

Log of Patrol Activities

6 November - Air Patrol took off at 0655 and returned at 1445. They encountered rough seas and low ceiling on the Northeastern part of patrol area, hut the remainder of the area was covered. All surface patrol resumed stations, HAMILTON off Boston, LEARY relieved BROOKS at Nantucket, and HATFIELD resumed cruiser patrol.

7 November - Air Patrol took off at 0755 but was forced to return at 0920 due to rough seas over entire patrol area. BROOKS, due in from patrol at daylight, did not arrive until 1140 due to heavy seas.

8 November - No air patrol this (late due to operations on two previous days. 0600 BROOKS left for Boston. 0800 KANE left Newport hut was forced to return at 1700 with man for hospital. 2346 KANE took over Striking Group patrol from the HATFIELD. 1940 BARNEY reported for duty in this TASK GROUP.

9 November - Air Patrol of two planes took off at 0640 but returned at 1145 due to heavy seas in the patrol area. 2300 BARNEY left Newport for patrol

10 November - Patrol of two planes took off at 0730, returning at 1430. BARNEY relieved HAMILTON on patrol off Boston. 1200 JACOB JONES stood in and relieved HOPKINS as flagship of Commander Destroyer Division Twenty-One and New England patrol After transfer of flag and personnel, HOPKINS got underway at 1600 and proceeded to the New' York Navy Yard. HAMILTON arrived Newport and due to weather remained overnight.

11 November - No flights today due to weather. HAMILTON underway from Newport for New York at 1300. The KANE was forced off station due to rough weather, started back to station at 1526.

12 November - Two planes took off for patrol at 0842, returning at 1515. The BROOKS relieved LEARY on patrol off Nantucket at 1833.

13 November - Two planes took off for patrol at 0700, returning at 1410. At 0540 BARNEY began trailing suspicious merchant vessel running darkened about 50 miles southwest of Cape Sable. It was the British Tanker Aletta out of Galveston for Halifax, after two reversals of course the tanker passed out of patrol area on course 030. 0910 BARNEY returned to station.

14 November - No flights today due to unfavorable weather. ROPER stood in at 1410.

15 November - Two planes took off at 0650p, returning at 1630. ROPER, LEAHY, and JACOB JONES fired SRP. BRECKENRIDGE relieved KANE at 1600 on Striking Group Patrol. KANE departed for Boston Navy Yard.

16 November - Two planes took off at 0700, returning at 0930 due to bad weather.

                             Action Reports
Date 6-16 November 1939               Name VP-54

FROM: Commander New England Patrol
Serial 156
DATE 17 November 1939

SUBJECT Report of Activities, 6-16 November 1939. Report contains composition of patrol (USS JACOB JONES, flagship of TG), and includes log of patrol activities of VP-54 and surface vessels.

(C. O .S. N. MOORE).

NOTE: The above reports from 1939 were for VP54 which was part of Patrol Wing FIVE with the ODIN insignia and flew PBY-5s in June, 1941 (They were redesignated VP-51 by April, 1941.) VP-51 had been redesignated as VP- 71 at that time. VP-51 (old designation VP-54) was shown to be located in Norfolk/Bermuda in June 1941. They were shown to be flying 11 PBY-5s from Pearl Harbor at the end of 1941.
An additional note is found in press clippings (see WWII day-by-day) relates that the U S. Jacob Jones was sunk on February 28, 1942 off the coast of Delaware. Only 11 crewmen survived.

- R. O. Blankenship, May, 1995-

An additional note from Fred Staudaher with the following information from United States Naval Aviation 1910 to 1980, a publication NAVAIR 00-SOP-1, 1981 Supt. of Documents, U.S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. This is a diary of significant events that occurred under cognizance of BuAer and its successors;.

"November 15, 1940. Naval air operations began from Bermuda. First to operate were the planes of Patrol Squadron 54 based on the USS George E. Badger (AVD-3)."

Thanks Fred.
Bob - January 17, 1996

DATE: 2 July 1943 NAME: VP 54
FROM: Air Command Solomons, Intelligence Section
DATE: none REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54

MISSION Search for enemy shipping off NEW GEORGIA ISLAND Solomon Islands (specifically Tokyo Express). Contacted 3 CLs and 4 DDs at 2100L. Report of patrol plane Commander of VP 54 based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands.
AIRCRAFT 1 Black Cat

FILED War Diary

DATE: 9-10 July 1943               NAME: VP 54
FROM: Air Command, Solomons, Intelligence Section
DATE: none                         REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MlSSION      On search for Tokyo Express attack Jap task force in KULA GULF at 2100- 0400L.
AIRCRAFT 4 PPC's (as it appears on copy of report - probably should have been PBY-5A
-- ROB 5/95--)
Filed War Diary

DATE: 12-13 July 1943             NAME: VP 54
FROM: Air Command Solomon Islands, INTELLIGENCE Section.
DATE: none                        REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MISSION Search for enemy shipping (specifically Tokyo Express) and contact with 5 DDs and 1 CL of enemy 15 mi N of KOLOMBANGARA L, Solomon Is. Times of contact: 0020,0200, and 0300L.
Based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, S.I.
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 14 July 1943               NAME: VP 54
FROM: AIR COMMAND, SOLOMONS
DATE:                            REPORT No.
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MISSION Search for enemy shipping off NW VELLA LAVELLA. TOT 2342(L) bombed patrol boats. Based on GUADALCANAL

(SOPAC: LAND BASED AIR)
AIRCRAFT I PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 14-15 July 1943               NAME: VP 54
FROM: Intelligence, ComAirSols
DATE: none                          REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON Patrol Squadron 54

MISSION Search for enemy shipping off NW Vella Lavella, bombed patrol boats. TOT 2342L
Plane based at Guadalcanal.

AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 15 July 1943                  NAME: VP-54
FROM: AIR COMMAND, SOLOMONS
DATE: -                             REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP-54
MISSION Coverage for Destroyer force removing survivors of USS HELENA from Paresco Bay and Lambu Cove where they had come ashore following sinking of the cruiser in the Kula Guff Battle of 5-6 July.
AIRCRAFT PBY-5A
Filed War Diary
(SOPAC: LAAD BASED AIR)
(SOPAC:SOLOMONS: KULA GULF BATTLE)

DATE: 16-17 July 1943                NAME: VP 54
FROM: Intelligence Section, ComAir Sols
DATE: none                           REPORT NO. none (2 reports)
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON Patrol Squadron 54
MISSION (1) Search for Tokyo Express, attacked cargo vessel W of Vella Laveila, TOT 2047L.
(2) Cover TF landing troops and supplies at Enogai Inlet, New Georgia Attacked 3 DDs on E side Vella Gulf; TOT 0115 L
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A in each action
Filed War Diary

DATE: 25 August 1943                 NAME: VP-54
FROM: AIR COMMAND, SOLOMONS
DATE: none                           REPORT NO. --
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MISSION Night search mission. Glide bombing attack on small auxiliary at 2230(L).

(SOLS:LAND BASED ARI:B*24)
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 21-22 Sept.1943                NAME: VP 54
FROM: Intelligence Section, ComAir Sols
DATE: none                           REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON Patrol Squadron 54
MISSION Night search patrol, strafed 2 barges 1/2 mi. W of Moli Island, Choiseul TOT 0210-0325 L.  Plane based at Guadalcanal.
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A (Black Cat)
Filed War Diary

DATE: 24-25 Sept. 1943             NAME: VP 54
FROM: Intelligence Section, ComAirSols
DATE: none                         REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON Patrol Squadron 54
MISSION Night search patrol Black Cat without bombs fired upon by enemy vessel S of Shortland Island, Time 0103-0118 L. Plane based at Guadalcanal.
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A (Black Cat)
Filed War Diary

DATE: 27-28 Sept. 1943             NAME: VP 54
FROM: Intelligence Section, ComAirSols
DATE: none                         REPORT NO. none
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON Patrol Squadron 54
MISSION Night search patrol Glide Bombing attack on 1 of 3 DDs N tip of Choiseul TOT 2250 L. Plane based at Guadalcanal
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A (Black Cat)
Filed War Diary

DATE: 2 October 1943               NAME: VP 54
FROM: COMAIRSOLS
DATE: -                            REPORT NO. --
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MISSION Night search. Glide bombing run on trailing DD. TOT 0016(L). Based on GUADALCANAL
(SOPAC:LAND BASED AIR:B-24)
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 8 October 1943               NAME: VP 54
FROM: COMAIRSOLS
DATE: -                            REPORT NO. - (2 reports)
TYPE OF REPORT: Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MISSION (1) night search. 3 enemy barges bombed & strafed at 2235(L). (2) same. 4 barges glide bombed & strafed off MOILI Is. at 0145(L). Based on GUADALCANAL
(SOPAC: LAND BASED AIR: B-24)
AIRCRAFT (1) and (2) PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 22-23 October 1943           NAME: VP 54
FROM ACIO, Patrol Squadron 54
DATE: 23 October 1943              REPORT NO:
TYPE OF REPORT Intelligence
SQUADRON VP54
MISSION Night search mission for enemy shipping in Northern SOLOMONS. About 28 barges & one corvette strafed & bombed.
AIRCRAFT 1 PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 28 Nov 1943                  NAME: VP-54
FROM: C O Patrol Squadron 54 (Black Cats)
DATE: above                        REPORT NO.1
TYPE OF REPORT ACA-1
SQUADRON VP-54
MISSION Night search - West Bougainville area; Based on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal

(Sopac)
AIRCRAFT PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 5 Dec 1943                   NAME: VP-54
FROM: C O Patrol Squadron 54 (Black Cats)
DATE: above                        REPORT NO.2
TYPE OF REPORT ACA-1
SQUADRON VP-54
MISSION Night search in northeast Bougainville area; Based on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal

(Sopac)
AIRCRAFT PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 4-19 December 1944          NAME: VPB 54
FROM: CO - PATROL BOMBING SQUADRON 54
DATE: 13 December 1944            REPORT NO.1-5
TYPE OF REPORT ACA-1
SQUADRON VPB 54
MISSION Area bombing of targets assigned, located on KOROR, Based on PELELIU Island.

(CENPAC: LAND BASED AIR:B-4)
AIRCRAFT PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

DATE: 26 Dec 1944                NAME: VPB-54
FROM: C O Patrol Bombing Squadron 54
DATE: above                      REPORT NO.6
TYPE OF REPORT ACA-1
SQUADRON VPB-54
MISSION Attack enemy task force of 1 BB, 1 CA, 5 DD; Based on (USS ORCA) Leyte Gulf; P. I.]

(Sowpac)
AIRCRAFT PBY-5A
Filed War Diary

                          AIR COMMAND SOLOMONS
                          INTELLIGENCE SECTION

1. Date: July 2, 1943.
Time: 2100 and 2400 local (Time zone - 11)
Place: Lat. 8 degrees, 6 min. South; Long. 156 Degrees, 18 min. East

2. Visibility zero, heavy front time of contact, improving toward morning.

3. Reporting unit: Lt. (jg) James W. Anderson, A-V(N), USNR, Patrol Plane Commander of VP-54.

4. Nature of Operation: Search for enemy shipping.

5. Specific Objective: Tokyo Express.

6. Forces Engaged:   Own - 1 Black Cat.
                     Enemy: -3 CLs and 4 DDs.

7. Type of Attack: Gliding in and releasing bombs at 850 feet.

8. Description of Action: Lt.(jg) Anderson took off from Henderson Field at 1801 to search for enemy shipping off New Georgia Islands. At 2100 plane made radar contact and later visual contact with 3 CLs and 4 DDs. After sending contact reports and tracking for one half hour, Lt.(jg) Anderson dropped two bombs on the largest and lead ship and missed.
At 2400 three DDs were well lined up for a run. Coming in from 1000 feet, Anderson released two more 500 lb. bombs at 850 feet, straddling the fantail of one DD and causing sparks and flashes, but ship continued at same speed. He continued tracking and followed his task force around Rendova Island to Renard Cove and observed its shelling of Rendova Island, under cover of a smoke screen at 0245. Amplifying reports were sent out and plane tracked until 0435 at which time task force was due south of Ganonga Island.

9. Ammunition expended: 4-500 lb. bombs.

10. Results: Straddle of 2-500 lb. bombs on a destroyer.

11. Damage to own aircraft: None:

12 Remarks: In his first contact report, Lt. (jg) Anderson reported, "Weather unfavorable". Later on when weather improved he sent a "weather favorable" report but no additional planes were ordered out.

1. Date: July 9-10, 1943.
   Time: 2100-0400.
   Place: Vella Gulf, Kula Gulf, and Lat. 7-15 S, Long. 155-48 E.

2. Weather: 2-6/10 Cumulus.

3. Unit Reporting: Lt.(jg) James L. Smith, Lt. Floyd W. Goodrich, Lt.(jg) Robert L. Engemann, Lt. John W. Erhard, four PPCs of VP-54 (Black Cats).

4. Nature of operation: Search

5. Specific Objective: Tokyo Express.

6. Forces engaged: 8 ships - possible CLs and DDs.

7. Type of attack: Glide bombing.

8. Enemy tactics: Ships broke column and scattered.

9. Description of Action: Four Black Cats participated in this action. 2 V24 (Lt.(jg) Engemann) sighted 1 DD and 8 small craft between the Shortlands and Treasury Island, steaming 070 degrees at 15 knots at about 2100. Three 500 lb. bombs were dropped with no hits observed. At 2155 1 V24 (Lt.(jg) Smith) sighted 8 ships in the channel at Lat. 6-50 S., Long. 156-24 E., course 140, speed 25 knots. Task force consisted of DDs and CLs. Two bombs were dropped and missed. At 0100 five of these ships were sighted again by 1 V24 off Visuvisu Pt. In the meantime Lt Goodrich, 3 V24 had made contact with the other three or four ships of the Task Force as they were heading into Vella Gulf but soon lost contact. He then joined 1V24 in Kula Gulf and tracked the other five ships. PB4Ys had arrived at the scene by this time and were bombing with unobserved results. At 0110 Lt. Erhard, 4V24, sighted four ships East of Gizo and lost contact in the narrows after twenty five minutes of tracking. He heard the contact reports from the other Black Cats in the Kula Gulf and reached the scene in time to drop flares and float lights for the PB4Ys. At 0400 as the task force started to leave the Gulf and proceed Northwest he dropped four 500 lb. bombs, two of which missed and two failing to go off. At 0430 3V24 had tracked the task force up the slot just South of Northern tip of Choiseul. He dropped his 4 - 500s but observed no hits.

10. Ammunition expended: 13-500 lb. bombs.

11. Results; no hits observed.

12. One plane landed with blown out tire probably caused by A. A.

Date: July 14, 1943

Time: 2342 local (Time zone - 11)

Place: Off Northwest coast of Vella Lavella.

Unit Reporting: Lt.(jg) Frederick H. Gage, A-V(N),USNR
                PPC, of plane 2V24 of VP-54.

Weather: Average flying conditions.

Nature of Operation: Search for enemy shipping.

Specific Objective: Tokyo Express.

Type of Attack: Four bombs dropped from 1000 ft.
                Strafed at 300'.

Enemy Tactics: Not observed.

Description of Action: Lt. (jg) Gage took off at 1803 to make a sweep of enemy shipping between New Georgia and Treasury Island. After passing over New Georgia, he flew around and North of Vella Lavella and on the northwest side made three separate contacts a short distance off the coast. A report of each contact was sent immediately by radio and an amplifying report was sent on the first contact. At 2217 the first contact was made with three ships, either DDs or APDs, on course 130 degrees, speed 10 knots. These were lost before an attack could be made. At 2342 two patrol boats were sighted from an altitude of 1000 ft. and Gage made his first run dropped two 500 lb. bombs. He came around again and dropped two more, but observed no hits. He followed up his bombing attack with a strafing attack, from 300 ft. and apparently damaged the patrol boats as they stopped dead in the water. At 0020 two small ships were seen 25 miles off the coast again. Gage was unable to get in close enough to strafe as the ships opened up on him with AA. When last seen they were heading on course 130 degrees, 15 miles west of Wilson Strait, at 0145. The PBY-5a returned to Henderson Field at 0345.

Ammunition Expended: 4-500 lb. bombs, 1/100 sec. fuze setting.
                     400 rds. of 30 cal., 250 rds of 50 cal

Results No bomb hits. Damage by strafing.

Remarks: None.

1. Date: July 15, 1943
   Time: 0030,0200,0300 local Time zone -11)
   Place: 15 miles north of Kolombangara Island.

2. Weather: Visibility 15 miles except in squalls.

3. Unit reporting: Lt.(jg) William H. Carter, A-V (N) USNR, Patrol plane    Commander, and Lt.(jg) Harry G. Sharp Jr. A-V (N) USNR, first Pilot of    plane 2V24 of VP-54.

4. Nature of Operation: Search for enemy shipping.

5. Specific Objective: Tokyo Express.

6. Forces engaged:
            Own: 1 PBY-5A
                 TG 56.l
            Enemy: 5 DDs and 1 CL.

7. Type of Attack: Gliding in from 1200 feet and releasing at 800 feet.
                   By Black Cat.

8. Enemy tactics: 4 DDs broke from column and headed north in to a squall                   after initial bombardment by TG 56.1.

9. Description of Action: Lt. (jg) Carter took off from Henderson Field on search for Tokyo Express at 1228, proceeding up the "slot" and making three loops of the channel areas between New Georgia and the Shortland Islands. On the return leg of the third loop he made contact visually with 5 DDs and 1 CL fifteen miles north of Kolombangara. A contact report was sent at 0030 - a few minutes after the task force was sighted. Two amplifying reports followed, and voice radio communications were established with our own task force which was within about 55 miles of the enemy at time of contact. The six Jap ships were in column with one DD in the rear of the column. The task force was tracked until TG36.l opened fire first. The enemy illuminated its searchlight on our ships, but after a few salvos, explosions and flashes from her decks were seen by 2V24 and the Jap CL appeared to be dead in the water. The lead Jap destroyer was also hit and observed to stop dead in the water. The four DDs in the rear then headed North and escaped into a heavy rain squall. They were lost on the radar but two were picked up again as they were heading up the "slot" toward Bougainville. Lt. (jg) Carter made two runs coming in from 1200 feet and releasing at 800 feet. Two bombs (500 lbs.) were dropped the first run and missed. On the second, two more were dropped but due to heavy fire results were not observed. At 0300 Carter's fuel was getting low, his plane had been damaged by AA fire, and he decided to turn back. At 0510 he landed at Henderson Field

10. Ammunition Expended: 4 -500 lb. bombs.

11. Results: No bomb hits observed. 1 CL and 3 DD heavily damaged by shell fire from TG 36.1

12. Damage to Own plane: Large holes about 3 feet in diameter In trailing edge of starboard wing, several holes in inboard and outboard panels of port wing.

15. Remarks: Particular alertness was shown by Lt.(jg) Carter in making visual contact with the enemy task force while the radar was not operating (Radar had been turned off at this time to use CW transmitter to send weather report). TG 36.1 was informed by spotter using voice transmission of results of gun fire and disposition of enemy.

DATE: July 15, 1943
TIME: 2215 Local (time zone - 11)
Place: Lat. 7-45S;156-22E (West of Vella Lavella)

WEATHER: Good flying weather, low hanging clouds down to 500 feet.

REPORTING UNIT: Lt.Comdr. Carl W. Schoenweiss, USN, Commanding Officer of VP-54 and Lt.(jg) Merle T. Schall, A-V(N) USNR, PPC of plane 2V24.

NATURE OF OPERATION: Coverage for destroyer task unit consisting of ten DD's.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Cover against Tokyo Express.

FORCES ENGAGED: Own -1 PBY5A
                Enemy -3 small barges

ENEMY TACTICS: After bombing and strafing attack, barges stopped dead in the water, either due to hits, or to throw off attacking plane.

TYPE OF ATTACK: Releasing at 1000 feet in glide attack.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Lt Comdr. Schoenweiss and Lt.(jg) Schall departed at 1839 in 2V24 as air cover for the destroyer unit engaged in removing survivors of the HELENA from Paraessesells (?),Gizo, passing over the southwest tip of Kolombangara and Wilson Strait, observing many lights in the area. West of Vella Lavella LAT. 745S: 156-22E three small barges were seen and bombed from 1000 feet. The plane circled and flew across the path of the barges, following up by strafing the barges from 700 feet. Some .30 cal AA fire was returned by the barges but only one hit was made on the plane causing no damage. 2V24 made a negative search down the "slot" although Lt. Comdr. Schoenweiss did, after returning to base, report sighting our DD's on rescue mission at 0415, apparently underway down the "Slot". The weather was good and the area west and north of Vella Lavella was covered thoroughly. Plane landed at Henderson Field at 0600.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED: 4 1500 lb. bombs 1/100 sec. fuze setting.
                     500 rds. of .50 cal and 250 rds. of .30 cal

RESULTS: No bomb hits observed. Three barges probably damaged by strafing.

DAMAGE TO OWN PLANES: One .30 cal hit

REMARKS: Area ahead of task unit had been thoroughly covered, so that it was thought satisfactory to digress from search a short time to attack the barges.

1. Date: July 17, 1943
   Time: 2047 Love Time Zone - 11)
   Place: 7-34S, 156-24E (West of Vella Lavella)

2. Weather: High and low broken 2000-1500 Ft.

3. Unit Reporting: Lt.(jg) Fred H. Gage, A-V(N), USNR, Patrol Plane Commander of 1V24 and Ensign Joseph B. Hepworth, A-V(N), USNR, of Patrol Squadron FIFTY-FOUR.

4. Nature of Operation: Search for enemy shipping.

5. Specific Objective: Tokyo Express

6. Forces Engaged: Own 1 PBY-5A
                   Enemy - 200 foot Cargo Vessel

7. Type of Attack: Circled ship, then crossed on ship's port quarter, dropping 4-500 pounds from 1000 feet.

8. Enemy Tactics: After bombing ship turned sharply to right. Later disappeared on original heading into front.

9. Description of Action: Lt.(jg) Gage, PPC of Plane 1V24, took off from Henderson Field at 1825 on a course that passed near the Russells, Tetipari, Rendova, Gizo, through Wilson Strait, to the north side of Vella Lavella At 2047 a small corvette sized vessel was sighted in Lat. 7-34S, 156-24E. making very little headway. She picked up speed when the plane approached and steered a course of 3xx(?), Gage then made a wide circle forward and to the left, approaching the ship from her port quarter. At 1000 feet he released four 500 lb. bombs. He made another circle, dropping down to 200 feet, and strafed across amidship from the port side, firing about 100 rounds from all guns. Gage and his first pilot at the same time observed the results of their bombing run. The ship was on fire, flames and sparks were shooting up from the center section, and at last look appeared to be spreading fore and aft. The ship was still making headway, had already veered to the right after the first attack, and when last seen was proceeding on its original heading into squalls northwest of Vella Lavella about 15 miles from the coast. Gage lost contact at 2145 and continued on his search for enemy shipping south of the channel area. At 0142 he intercepted contact report from 2V24 and observed flares, shellfire, AA at the top of Vella Guff near the coast of Kolombangara. Three ships were sighted on the west side of Kula Guff, and nine others (5 friendly DDs and 4 APDs) leaving the Gulf on the east side. The three ships on west side appeared to be lighted or burning although the plane was quite far away from them. Gage landed at Henderson Field at 0507.

10. Ammunition Expended: 4 - 500 lb. bombs, 1/100 second fuse setting. 50 rounds of 30 calibre, and 70 rounds of 50 calibre.

11. Results: Probable hit or near miss.

12. Damage to own plane: None.

13. This is the second action of this type for Lt.(jg) Gage within three days. The action which took place and was seen by Lt.(jg) Gage is covered in a separate report on Lt.(jg) Bruce of this Squadron who was patrolling in that area.

DATE: July 17, 1945
TIME: 0115 Love (Time zone- 11)
PLACE: 7-57S: 155-58E

WEATHER: Average conditions west of New Georgia.

UNIT REPORTING: Lt.(jg) Otho B. Bruce, PPC of VP-54

NATURE OF OPERATIONS: Cover for task force of S DD's and 4 APD's landing troops and supplies at Enegai Inlet, New Georgia.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Tokyo Express

FORCES ENGAGED: Own - 1 PBY-5A, 5 DD's and 4 APD's
                Enemy - 3 DD's

TYPE OF ATTACK: No attack made by the Blackcat due to heavy AA fire.

ENEMY TACTICS: Stopping dead in the water at plane's approach.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Lt.(jg) Bruce took off at 1840 to prowl for enemy shipping up the channel ahead of our own task force which was going to land troops and supplies at Enegai Inlet. At 0115 in Vela Gulf while coming up the east side, he sighted three ships at Lat. 7-57S:Long 156-58E and made three sweeps over them at five hundred feet. The first was directly overhead, their next two on either side of the ships and he and the blister watches identified them as destroyers. A contact report was sent immediately on voice and CW in plain language and received by our task force. Bruce prepared to make a run but was prevented by very heavy AA fire when he approached within three miles. Ships at this time were making no headway. He decided to check up on our own forces in Kula Gulf and encountered heavy AA fire from our ships. Unidentified planes arrived on the scene and commenced dropping flares and bombs over all twelve ships. They kept at an altitude of 8-10,000 feet showing two green lights on each plane. Firing between the destroyers had started by this time with our own DD's a little north of Kula Gulf and the other three DD's slightly northwest of Kolombangara. Bruce made two attempts to close in and recount the forces engaged but could not penetrate the heavy curtain of AA fire. He retired to the middle of the channel to observe the firing and at 0345, due to a shortage of fuel started down the channel to Henderson Field. En route our ships opened up on him several times although he was well out of range and Bruce was obliged to stay close to the shore of Santa Isabel island. He landed at 0520.

DAMAGE TO OWN PLANES: None

REMARKS: Lt.(jg) Bruce was never positive that the three ships sighted in Vella Gulf were enemy but did recognize the Jap tactics of stopping dead in the water when planes were overhead. For this reason and also because he thought that our own DD's and MTB's could not have been in that area at that time, he assumed they were enemy. No amplifying reports were sent as he could not get in close enough to make further observations. It was later confirmed by Lt(jg) Gage in 1V24 that 12 ships were involved, 9 friendly, 3 enemy. On retiring at 0315 from Kula Gulf area Gage sighted our nine ships steaming out of Kula Gulf and down the channel. At the same time he sighted three unidentified ships north of Kolombangara, and one of them appeared to be on fire. N.B.A. later report from the task force indicates one enemy DD was sunk in this engagement. MTB's upon intercepting Bruce's original contact report, headed up the east side of Vella Gulf. They reported firing ten torpedoes and sinking one destroyer.

From: F-48
To: Secret Mail Room

Subject: Distribution of Intelligence Section
         Air Command, Solomon Islands.
         (Subject: Mission Reports of 2,9, 10,
          12, and 13 July 1943).

1. Please have subject report distributed as follows:

CominCh
(F-48) 1
BuAer 3

/s/ A. D. Clark

A. D. CLARK.

1. DATE: August 25, 1943. Lat.: 80-14 5 Long: 156-33 E.
         Time: 0210 L.

WEATHER: Good; high cumulus clouds, 5/10 cover. Visibility 10 miles. Moon during period of attack.

Unit reporting: Lt.(jg) V. Wayne Marsh, A-V(N), USNR: PPC of plane 1 V 24 of VP-54, (Blackcats).

NATURE OF OPERATION: Night search mission.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Enemy shipping.

FORCES ENGAGED: Own -1 PBY-5A (Blackcat)
                Enemy - small auxiliary ship about 100, in length.

TYPE OF ATTACK: Glide bombing from 3000' to 2000' dropping four 50O# bombs in train.

ENEMY TACTIC: Increased speed.

DESCRIPTION: At 0030 Love time, August 25, 1943, Lt.(jg) Marsh, while flying a night search mission in the Solomon Island area, picked up a radar blip approximately 5 miles southeast of Canonoga Island. After homing on the object for six miles he made visual contact with a small auxiliary type ship traveling at approximately 10 knots speed on course of 200 degrees true. As the plane approached, the ship increased speed to approximately 20 knots. Lt.(jg) Marsh circled and dispatched his CW contact message. He also attempted to establish voice communications with PT boats but without success. Since visual contact was difficult Lt.(jg) Marsh waited until moon rise to make his attack. During this period he maintained radar contact and searched for possible supporting craft. At 2250 L with the ship up moon he made a glide bombing attack from an altitude of 3000'. The run was made from stern to bow with the pull-out at 2000'. Four 500# bombs equipped with 1/100th. second delayed fuses were dropped in train. Insufficient light prevented use of the bomb sight and the bombs were therefore dropped by "seaman's eye" - the pilot instructed the bombardier as to when to release the bombs. A sharp 180 degree turn was made following the completion of the run and the plane passed over the point where the ship was estimated to be. No trace of the ship was seen other than a fairly large oil slick which the pilot is certain could not have been residue from the exploding bomb. All four

bombs were seen to explode but visual observation of exact results was difficult since the plane was down moon from the target. Careful radar and visual search was made following the attack with negative results other than the oil slick. Lt.(jg) Marsh believes the ship to have been sunk. He bases this conclusion on the presence of the oil slick and the fact that the target disappeared and could not be detected either visually or by radar. Prior to the attack both types of contacts were easily made and maintained.

WEAPONS EMPLOYED: Own: Four-500# demolition bombs equipped with 1/100th. second delayed fuses.

Enemy: None.

EVASIVE ACTION EMPLOYED: Blackcat lost altitude rapidly during run and made sharp 180 degree turn upon completion. Enemy ship increased speed but did not maneuver.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED: Four five hundred pound general purpose demolition bombs equipped with 1/100th second delayed nose fuses and 4/5th second delayed tail fuses.

RESULTS: (ESTIMATED): Sinking of the Japanese vessel approximately 100' in length. (Possibly a large barge).

DAMAGE TO OWN AIRCRAFT: None.

LOOKOUT OR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT DETECTOR OPERATOR: Duain Owen Barnes, ARM1c, (CAC), Service No. 386 51 11) made initial contact by Radar.

1. Date: September 22, 1943. LAT. 649 S.
         Long. 156-32 E. Time: 0210-0325L

2. Weather: Good: medium cumulus clouds, 4/10 cover Moonlight during period of attack.

3. Unit Reporting: Lt.(jg) James W. Anderson, A(V)N, USNR:
                   PPC of plane 1 V 24 of VP-54 Black cats).

4. Nature of Operation: Night Search mission.

5. Specific Objective: Enemy shipping.

6. Forces Engaged: Own - 1 PBY-5A Black Cat)
                   Enemy - Two barges, one large and one small.

7. Type of Attack: Strafing attacks from 500-200'.

8. Enemy Tactics: Stopped dead in water on approach of plane and after first strafing run headed for shore at full speed. Barges were apparently unarmed.

9. Description: At 0210L, September 22, 1943, Lt.(jg) Anderson, while on a night search mission in the Solomon Island area, made visual contact with two barges, one large and one small, approximately 1/2 mile due west of Moli Island. Moli Island lies just off the northwest coast of Choiseul Island. The barges were proceeding down the coast of Choiseul on a course of 120 degrees true. As Lt.(jg) Anderson approached, the barges stopped dead in the water. He maneuvered his plane so as to have the barges up moon and made his first strafing run across the port beam of the largest barge. Both barges immediately got under way and headed directly for the shore of Choiseul Island. Anderson continued to strafe until both barges were beached. Approximately 12 runs were made during the period of attack, but no AA fire was received. Unfortunately, only the twin .30 cal bow guns were operating properly. The port .50 cal waist gun failed entirely and the starboard waist gun jammed repeatedly. The .30 cal tunnel gun was manned but could seldom be trained on the target. Removal of all bombs had been ordered prior to the flight and Anderson was thus unable to make a bombing attack. Both barges reached shore; however, Lt.(jg) Anderson is reasonably certain that most of the .30 cal firing was on the target and believes that considerable damage was suffered by the barges and their occupants. A coast watcher report received the following day bears out this conclusion. This report stated that the barges reached shore Japanese soldiers jumped to the beach and ran "shrieking and screaming" into the jungle.

10. Weapons Employed: Own: Twin .30 cal bow guns (primary weapon). One .50                            cal waist gun and single .30 cal tunnel gun.
                      Enemy: None

11. Evasive Action Employed: Black Cat took no evasive action since no counter fire was received. Enemy barges turned approximately 180 degrees and headed for shore at full speed.

12. Ammunition Expended: Approximately 300 rounds .30 cal MG ammunition belted in 1-1-1 series. Approximately 50 rounds .50 cal MG ammunition belted in 1-1-1 series.

13. Results: Considerable damage to two enemy barges and the probable killing and wounding of a number of enemy personnel

14. Damage to Own Aircraft: None.

DATE: Sept. 25, 1943; 7-7 S: 13547 E. Time: 0103-0118/L

WEATHER: Poor, frequent rain squalls, .7 cloud cover, poor visibility.

UNIT REPORTING: Lt.(jg) James L. Smith, A-V(N), USNR:
                PPC of plane 1V24 of VP-54, (Black Cats).

NATURE OF OPERATION: Night search mission.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Enemy shipping.

FORCES ENGAGED: Own -1 PBY-5A (Black Cat)
                Enemy - Large unidentified ship, possibly a DD or AK.

TYPE OF ATTACK: Black Cat carried no bombs and could not attack. Enemy ship directed anti-aircraft fire at Black Cat.

ENEMY TACTICS: Stopped dead in water on approach of plane. Did not open up with AA fire until after plane had circled and flown over it a number of times. Moved ahead at full speed after opening fire.

DESCRIPTION At 0103/L while on a night search in the Solomon Island area Lt.(jg) Smith picked up a small blip at five miles approximately four miles due south of the center portion of Shortland Island. He homed on the blip which, from its size, indicated a small barge or motor torpedo boat. The first visual sighting was a small wake which died down as the plane approached. Extremely poor visibility hampered Lt.(jg) Smith's attempt definitely to locate the object and it was not until he had circled and flown over it a number of times at an altitude of 500-700 feet did he definitely identify it as a large narrow vessel lying directly beneath his port wing, and heading on a course of 60 degrees T. Lt.(jg) Smith was uncertain as to the type of ship but did state that it was very long and appeared to be too narrow to be a cargo or troop carrying vessel A few seconds after visual contact was established and while the plane was directly over the vessel it opened fire with what appeared to be 20 mm. anti-aircraft guns. The fire was seen to come from five positions on the ship, two near the bow, two on the fantail and one amidships. The fire was accurate and virtually bracketed the Black Cat but fortunately no hits resulted. Lt.(jg) Smith put his plane into a diving turn and the enemy fire followed him for 2-5 miles although he was certain that after reaching the water the plane was not visible from the ship. Lt.(jg) Smith sent his contact report to the base and then attempted to relocate the ship but his radar failed completely and he made no further contact. He also tried for 30 minutes to contact our own task force but could not raise it.

WEAPONS EMPLOYED: Own - None, the removal of all bombs had been ordered prior to take-off.
                  Enemy - Approximately five 20 mm. AA guns.

EVASIVE ACTION EMPLOYED: Black Cat made a steep diving turn to the water when enemy opened up with AA. Enemy ship stopped dead

upon approach of plane and did not fire until plane had flown over it at least five times. After opening fire the ship moved ahead at full speed.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED: None.

RESULTS: Spotting of large Jap vessel heading towards the Shortlands or Tonolei Harbor.

DAMAGE TO OWN AIRCRAFT: None.

REMARKS: Radar performance throughout the flight was very poor and failed completely shortly after the contact was made.

DATE: Sept. 27, 1943; 7-20 S: 15640 E. Time: 2131/L

WEATHER: Good; medium cumulus clouds, 4/10 cover. No moon.

UNIT REPORTING: Lt.(jg) James W. Anderson, A-V(N), USNR,
                PPC of plane 1V24 of VP-54 (Black Cats).

NATURE OF OPERATION: Night search mission.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: Enemy shipping.

FORCES ENGAGED: Own -1 PBY-5A (Black Cat)
                Enemy -3 DD's, approximately 5 barges.

TYPE OF ATTACK: Glide bombing run on trailing destroyer.

ENEMY TACTICS: Fired 20 mm. AA at Black Cat; one ship stopped dead in the water; one reversed course and one put up a smoke screen.

DESCRIPTION: While on a night search mission in the northern Solomon Island area Lt.(jg) Anderson intercepted a contact report from an Army B-24 "snooper" indicating the presence of Jap ships in Bougainville Straits. Lt.(jg) Anderson proceeded up the channel from central Santa Isabel to an estimated interception position and at 2131/L 10 miles northwest of the northern tip of Vella Lavella, made radar contact at eight miles with two surface vessels. He homed on them and made visual contact with one DD on course 330 degrees, speed 18 kts. and one DD dead in the water. The destroyer under way changed course to 110 degrees in an apparent attempt to draw the Black Cat off.

   Lt.(jg) Anderson sent his contact report and since our own task force was not to arrive in the area until 2400 and because approximately 8 Jap DD's had been sighted during a daylight search, he began a sweep of the area to the north and east of Vella Lavella for additional Jap shipping.

   At 2240 radar contact at 4 miles was made with a single surface vessel near the northern tip of Choiseul Visual contact revealed it to be a Jap DD on course 120 degrees T., speed 15 kts. Lt.(jg) Anderson circled and at 2250 made a glide bombing run from approximately 2000', dropping his four 500# G. P. bombs in train. The run was made across the ship's port bow with the plane passing over the starboard quarter at low altitude. Three of the bombs were short of the target and the fourth exploded approximately 50' off the port beam.

   As the plane passed over the ship medium 20 mm. AA fire was received from 4 gun positions. The fire was brief but was fairly accurate. Several strings of tracers were seen between the starboard wing and blister and several were close to the pilots' cockpit. AA fire was also received from what appeared to be five small barges directly behind the destroyer. The barges had not been observed prior to this.

   Lt.(jg) Anderson tracked the Jap convoy down the northwest coast of Choiseul to Kakasa, the apparent destination of the barges. The destroyer then reversed course and

proceeded up the channel toward the Shortland Islands. The Black Cat left the DD at this point and searched Vella Gulf, but with negative results.

   Lt.(jg) Anderson returned to Bougainville Straits where a single DD was sighted heading in towards Kihili. The plane dropped two flares and the DD immediately threw up a smoke screen which very effectively covered his wake. Anderson then dropped a string of float lights and the DD made a 90 degree change of course away from the lights. Anderson followed this contact to the Shortland Islands and then returned to base.

WEAPONS EMPLOYED: Own - Four 500 pound G. P. Demo. bombs equipped with                   1/100 sec. delayed nose fuses and 4/5 sec. delayed tail                   fuses.

                  Enemy - Approximately nine 20 mm. anti-aircraft guns.

EVASIVE ACTION EMPLOYED: Black cat made run from the ship's port bow to its starboard quarter to decrease deflection. After bombs were dropped a zig-zag course was flown until the plane was out of AA range. Enemy DD's stopped dead in the water, changed course and threw up smoke screen.

AMMUNITION EXPENDED: None, other than bombs listed above.

RESULTS: (Estimated) - Near miss on beam of Jap destroyer.

DAMAGE TO OWN AIRCRAFT: None.

LOOKOUT OR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT DETECTOR OPERATOR: Robert Buell Blair, ARM1c, (CAC) 300 39 96, made initial contact by Radar.

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