R.N.Z.A.F. Fighters In Fighter-Bomber Role

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1944, Page 2

R.N.Z.A.F. Fighters In Fighter-Bomber Role

(P-A.) WELLINGTON, This Bay. Reports cf the success of R.N.Z.A.P fighters in their new Pacific role of fight-er-bombers are unanimously 'endorsed by members of a squadron which recently returned to New Zealand. “They arc accurate, fast and hard to hit, and can protect themselves,” said Squad-ron-Leader H. R. Wigiey. formerly of Timaru, who led the squadron overseas, ‘.ana if they strike trouble they can easily jettison their load and give a good account of themselves.”

The aircraft can carry SCC lb. or 1000 lb. high-explosive bombs or a load of incendiaries. Both types have proved (licit worth in shattering Rabaul. Conversions of fighters into fighterbombers has been made possible by the reduction of Japanese opposition, and also through New Zealand ground forces taking Green Island. By using the latter, fighters can dispense with "belly-tanks’’ and load bombs in their stead. Rabaul Hits Back The method of bombing depends largely on the terrain surrounding the target, also the extent ox anti-aircraft lire from below. The aircraft may be travelling anything up to 450 miles an hour when it releases its load at the end of a steep dive. Despite the battering it lias received, however, Rabaul can still hit back with anti-aircraft Fire, according lo pilots who have returned. Aerodrome strips and supply and ammunition dumps were well provided for in this respect, and it was lound to be most unhealthy to linger m the vicinity after releasing'bomb-loads.

“The twinkling of a fire starting after you released a load of incendiaries ir sometimes like a starry night.” said one member of the squadron, which started two particularly spectacular fires at Rabaul. When they had exploded ammuni - ■’ion dumps with delayed action 'bombs idiots on the way back to base could still .'tec the glow of the flames SO miles away f No Casualties

The squadron suffered no casualties during its stay in Bougainville, but two members. Sergeant-Pilot Calder and Fly-ing-Officer D. M. Hutton, both had narrow escapes when caught by ackack fire, and brought, back memenloes of their visit in the form of flak-holes in their machines.

Flying-Officer Hutton also had an unusual experience when he brought: home tin incendiary bomb on his wing. Diving in close behind another member of his rquadron, he found himself flying through a cloud of incendiaries released’ by the pilot in front. One of the bombs lodged on his wing', but fortunately ..lid not detonate, and caused only minor damage. Two other members of the squadron who have seen extensive service an* Fly-ing-Officer White, who has flown in the Middle East and Malaya, and Flying-Offi cor Hogan, who also has had experience in the Middle East as well as in England.