Hollandia landings Order of battle (april 1944)

[maxs75]

Any corrections are welcome!

USAAF
V Air Force

Nadzab
USN VB-106 (FAW-1) PB4Y-1
RAAF No. 4 Squadron (less. Det.) Boomerang (and Wirraway?)

6th PhG(R) (8, 25, 26 PhS, 20 CMS) F-5 and F-7
71st RG(-)

V Fighter Command
8th FG (35, 36, 80 FS) respectively P-40N, P-47D, P-38 (H/J?)
475th FG (431, 432, 433 FS) P-38 (H/J?)
421 NFS P-38/P-70

V Bomber Command
22d BG(H) (2, 19, 33, 408 BS) B-24 (D to J?)
43d BG(H) (63, 64, 65, 403 BS) B-24
90th BG(H) (319, 320, 321, 400 BS) B-24

3d BG(L) (8, 13, 89, 90 BS) A-20
38th BG(M) (71, 405, 822, 823) B-25 D1/G
345th BG(M) (498-501) B-25 D/H

54th TCW
375th TCG (55-58 ) C-47
433d TCG (65-70) C-47

Saidor
309th BW(H)
82 RS(F) P-39Q
58th FG (69, 310, 311) P-47D
348th FG (340-342) P-47D
417th BG(L) (672-675) A-20

Gusap
310th BW(M), 85th FW
110 RS(F) P-39Q
35th FG (39-41) P-47D
49th FG (7, 8, 9) P-40N; 9th FS: P-47D till 9 april, P-38 thereafter
312th BG(L) (386-389) A-20
RAAF Det. A No. 4 Sqn Boomerang (and Wirraway?)

Finschafen
17 RS(B) B-25
418 NFS P-70
317th TCG (39, 40, 41, 46) C-47
VP-34 Det. (FAW-17) PBY-5 (USS Half Moon, Langemak Bay)

Brisbane/Townsville
374th TCG (6, 21, 22, 23) C-47

Darwin
380th BG(H) (528-531) B-24


RAAF

Goodenough Is.
No. 71 W (6, 8, 100 Sqn) Beaufort

Kiriwina Is.
No. 77 W (22, 30 Sqn) resp. Boston (A-20A), Beaufighter VI

Momote, Admiralty Is.
No. 73 W (76, 77, 79 Sqn) Kittyhawk IV (P-40N); No. 79: Spitfire VIII
USN VP-33 (FAW-10) PBY-5A
USN VP-52 (FAW-17) PBY-5 (USS Tangier, USS San Pablo)
USAAF 868 BS(H) [13th USAAF] B-24/SB-24
USAAF 5th BG(H) [13th USAAF] (23, 31, 72, 394) B-24

Cape Gloucester, New Britain
No. 78 W (75, 78, 80 Sqn) Kittyhawk IV (P-40N)
Det. B(?) No. 4 Sqn Boomerang (and Wirraway?)

 

[maxs75]

Task Force 58

Air group 2 (USS Hornet)
VF-2 37 F6F-3
VB-2 33 SB2C-1C
VT-2 19 TBF-1C

Air group 5 (USS Yorktown)
VF-5 37 F6F-3
VB-5 34 SBD-5
VT-5 17 TBF-1C
VF(N)-76 Det. 4 F6F-3N

Air group 8 (USS Bunker Hill)
VF-8 36 F6F-3
VB-8 34 SB2C-1C
VT-8 17 TBF-1C, 1 TBF-1D
VF(N)-76 Det. 4 F6F-3N

Air group 10 (USS Enterprise)
VF-10 33 F6F-3
VB-10 23 SBD-5
VT-10 16 TBF-1C
VF(N)-101 Det. 4 F4U-2

Air group 16 (USS Lexington)
VF-16 38 F6F-3
VB-16 34 SBD-5
VT-16 18 TBF-1C
VF(N)-76 Det. 4 F6F-3N, 2 TBF-1CN (?)

Air group 23 (USS Princeton)
VF-23 25 F6F-3
VT-23 9 TBF-1C

Air group 24 (USS Belleau Wood)
VF-24 23 F6F-3
VT-24 9 TBF-1C

Air group 25 (USS Cowpens)
VF-25 24 F6F-3
VT-25 7 TBF-1C

Air group 30 (USS Monterey)
VF-30 24 F6F-3
VT-30 9 TBF-1C

Air group 31 (USS Cabot)
VF-31 24 F6F-3
VT-31 9 TBF-1C

Air group 32 (USS Langley)
VF-32 25 F6F-3
VT-32 9 TBF-1C

Air group 50 (USS Bataan)
VF-50 22 F6F-3
VT-50 9 TBF-1C

Task Force 77

Air group 26 (USS Santee)
VF-26 24 FM-2
VT-26 9 TBF-1C

Air group 35 (USS Chenango)
VF-35 22 F6F-3
VT-35 9 TBF-1C

Air group 37 (USS Sangamon)
VF-37 21 F6F-3
VT-37 9 TBF-1C

Air group 60 (USS Suwannee)
VF-60 22 F6F-3
VT-60 9 TBF-1C

(USS Coral Sea)
VC-33 14 FM-2, 12 TBF-1C

(USS Corregidor)
VC-41 15 FM-2, 12 TBF-1C

(USS Manila Bay)
VC-7 15 FM-2, 10 TBF-1C

(USS Natoma Bay)
VC-63 15 FM-2, 12 TBF-1C

Replacement Carriers:
USS Barnes
USS Petrof Bay

 

[Wildcat]

G'day Max. Some more for RAAF squadrons in the New Guinea/Nothern Australia area. I have excluded all Southern units.

1 sqn Beaufort - Gould (Darwin)
2 sqn Beaufort - Hughes (Darwin)

4 sqn during April had 14 Boomerangs and 3 Wirraways on strength. I can't find any info on the locations of the squadrons detachments at this time.

5 sqn Boomerang Wirraway - Mareeba
7 sqn Beaufort - Higgins
11 sqn PBY - Cairns
12 sqn Vengeance - Merauke
18 (NEI) sqn B-25 - Darwin
20 sqn PBY - Cairns
22 sqn Boston - Kiriwina
23 sqn Vengeance - Higgins
24 sqn Vengeance - Lowood
31 sqn Beaufighter - Coomalie Creek (Darwin)
33 sqn C-47 - Milne Bay
36 sqn C-47 - Garbutt
40 sqn Sunderland III - Townsville
41 sqn Mariner - Townsville
43 sqn PBY - redeployed from Karumba to Darwin
82 sqn P-40N - Ross River
83 sqn Boomerang - Gove
84 sqn P-40N - Horn Is.
86 sqn P-40M N - Merauke
1 PRU F-4 Lightning Wirraway - Coomalie Creek
54 sqn RAF Spitfire Vc VIII - Darwin area
452 sqn Spitfire Vc VIII - Strauss (Darwin)
457 sqn Spitfire Vc - Livingstone (Darwin)
120 (NEI) sqn P-40N - deployed to Merauke in April 44.

 

[maxs75]

Wildcat,
thanks for the addtional informations about RAAF!
Some info I've taken for No. 4 Sqn are from 4 Squadron RAAF: Australian War Memorial

In November 1942 4 Squadron commenced operations in New Guinea, attacking targets around Gona, Buna, Wairopi, Sanananda, and Cape Endaiadere. Aircraft were then detached to Popondetta to support the 7th Australian Division and to Dobodura for the 32nd US Army Division. On 26 December the squadron also gained distinction when Pilot Officer J. Archer shot down a Zero while on a tactical reconnaissance mission over a Japanese shipwreck off Gona. This was a unique victory for a Wirraway and earned Archer the American Silver Star.

The squadron continued to support ground operations and in August support was given to the 17th Brigade when it captured Kamiatum. In September aircraft were detached to Tsili Tsili, to support the Lae–Nazab campaign and later actions in the Markham and Ramu Valley. From January 1944 "A" and "B" Flight operated from Gusap and Nadzab airfields respectively, in support of the 7th and 9th Divisions. Here the unit lead Beauforts, Vengeances, and Kittyhawks to specific targets identified by the army.

When the squadron moved from Port Moresby to Nadzab in March 1944, a detachment was sent to New Britain to support the US Army's westward advance, spotting Japanese escaping to the Gazelle Peninsula.

The Gusap detachment returned to Nadzab in July, before moving to Madang in October to cover the 6th Division as it advanced into Bogadjim, Erima, and Angoram. "B" Flight carried out reconnaissance around the Sepik River, Marienberg, and Anneberg. In November a flight was also sent to Tadji airfield in Aitape.

The squadron reunited at Nadzab on 19 March 1945 to move to Moratai and then Labuan, arriving on 23 June. Wirraway aircraft commenced tactical reconnaissance around Kuching while the Boomerangs were detached to Balikpapan where they lead-in Spitfire and Kittyhawk squadrons.

After the end of the Second World War, 4 Squadron began searching for and dropping messages to prisoners of war. The unit returned to Canberra on 14 November. 4 Squadron ceased to exist as of 7 March 1948, when it was renamed 5 (Tac/R) Squadron.

Can you tell me where are the following locations?
- Higgins: no idea.......
- Lowood: near Brisbane?
- Garbutt: near Townsville?
- Gove: about 300 miles East of Darwin?
- Merauke: southern New Guinea
- Ross River: near Townsville?

Any info about Wings and Groups?
For example, No. 10 Group comprised No. 73 and No. 78 Wings at the time, and I remember a 1st FW in the Darwin area with Spitfire squadrons.

Max

 

[maxs75]

To complete I've compiled the OOB for a rear area, that was involved in the reduction of Rabaul and in the Battle for Bougainville.
Solomons Area:
AirNorSols

Green Island:
USN
VB-115 PB4Y-1
VD-1 Det. PB4Y-1(P)
VF-34 F6F-3
VB-98 Det. SBD-5
USMC
MAG-14
VMF-114, 211, 212, 321 F4U-1
VMSB-243, 341 SBD-5
VMTB-134 TBF-1

Bougainville Is (Torokina, and Piva?)
USAAF
68th FS P-39Q
17th PhRS Det. F-5
USN
VB-306 SBD-5
VT-305 TBF-1
USMC
MAG-24
VMF-115, 215 F4U-1
VMSB-235 SBD-5
VMTB-242 TBF-1
RNZAF
No. 16 Sqn and No.17 in place of No. 19 around 20 april Kittyhawk IV (P-40N)
No. 25 Sqn Dauntless (SBD-5)
No. 30 Sqn Avenger I (TBF-1)
No. 2 ???? Ventura (PV-1) Don't know if already there

Treasury Is.
USAAF
42d BG(M) (69, 70, 75, 390) B-25 (D/H)??
100th BS(M) B-25
347th FG(-) (339) P-38J
Adv base of 12th and 44th FS (18th FG) P-38H
USN
VB-138 PV-1
VP-91 Det. PBY-5 (USS Chincoteague)
VS-68 SBD-4
USMC
VMB-413 PBJ-1

Vella Lavella Is. (Bakaroma)
USMC
VMF(N)-531 PV-1(N)

New Georgia Is. (Munda, Ondonga, Segi)
USAAF
70th FS P-38 and P-39
307th BG(H)(-) (370-372) B-24
USN
FAW-1
VP-12, 81(-) PBY-5A
VP-14 PBY-5 (USS Pocomoke)
VB-148 PV-1
VB-305, VB-98(-) SBD-5
VS-64 SBD-4

Don't know if the following were under ComAirNorSols

Russell Is.
USAAF
67th FS P-39L/N

Guadalcanal
USAAF
XIII FC
18th FG (12th FS(-)) P-38H
419th NFS P-38, P70
XIII BC
424th BS(H) B-24
17th PhRS (-) F-5
64th TCS C-47
USN
VS-54 SBD-3/4
VD-1 (-) PB4Y-1(Ph)
VP-91 (-) PBY-5 (Tulagi Is.)
USMC
1st MAW
VMD-254 PB4Y-1(Ph)
VMO-1 OY-1
RNZAF
No. 6 Sqn Catalina (PBY) (Halavo Bay)
No. 20 Sqn Corsair (F4U-1)

 

[syscom3]

Maxs75 .... great work youre doing. Keep it up!

 

[Wildcat]

Wildcat,
thanks for the addtional informations about RAAF!

You're welcome mate.

Can you tell me where are the following locations?
- Higgins: no idea.......
- Lowood: near Brisbane?
- Garbutt: near Townsville?
- Gove: about 300 miles East of Darwin?
- Merauke: southern New Guinea
- Ross River: near Townsville?

Higgins - Cape York Peninsula, QLD
Lowood - Yep near Brisbane
Garbutt - Townsville
Gove - West Coast of the Culf of Carpentaria, NT
Merauke - Southern Dutch New Guinea
Ross River - Townsville

Any info about Wings and Groups?
For example, No. 10 Group comprised No. 73 and No. 78 Wings at the time, and I remember a 1st FW in the Darwin area with Spitfire squadrons.

Off the top of my head Max, the 3 spitfire sqn's (54, 452, 457) did belong to No.1 Fighter Wing in the Darwin area. The 3 Vengeance sqns (21, 23, 24) belonged to 77 wing, however they were withdrawn from New Guinea in March 44 and replaced by 22 and 30 sqn's.
Most of the Darwin based units came under NWA command so I'm not sure if they were allocated to wing formations at this time. Apart from 10 group, No.9 group was also in the New Guinea area, I'll do some more checking and get back to you with hopefully a better answer.

 

[maxs75]

Off the top of my head Max, the 3 spitfire sqn's (54, 452, 457) did belong to No.1 Fighter Wing in the Darwin area. The 3 Vengeance sqns (21, 23, 24) belonged to 77 wing, however they were withdrawn from New Guinea in March 44 and replaced by 22 and 30 sqn's.
Most of the Darwin based units came under NWA command so I'm not sure if they were allocated to wing formations at this time. Apart from 10 group, No.9 group was also in the New Guinea area, I'll do some more checking and get back to you with hopefully a better answer.

Thank you very much, I'm looking forward to have the informations.

Max

 

[maxs75]

I'll add the plane units based in Central Pacific, where TF 58 started and then returned after covering of Hollandia and a second Truk strike.

USN Units: FAW-2 (HQ in Hawaii)
USAAF Units: 7th Air Force (HQ Hawaii)

Majuro Atoll
USMC
4th MBDAW
MAG-13
VMSB-231, 331 SBD-5
USN
VF-39 F6F-3
VP-53(-) PBY-5A
VB-142 Det. PV-1
VJ-1 Det. JM-1, TBF-1

Kwajalein Atoll (Roi, Kwajalein Is.)
USMC
MAG-31
VMF-224, 311, 441 F4U-1
USN
VB-144 Det. PV-1
VP-72 PBY-5 (USS Curtiss, Mackinac)
VS-52(-) SBD-5
VP-13(-), VP-102 Det. PB2Y-3
USAAF
VII BC
11th BG(H) (26, 98, 431) B-24
30th BG(H) (27, 38, 392) B-24

Eniwetok atoll (Engebi is., Wigley field, Eniwetok is., Stickell Field)
USMC
MAG-22
VMF-113, 422 F4U-1
VMSB-151 SBD-5
VMF(N)-532 F4U-2
USN
VB-108, 109 PB4Y-1
VD-3 PB4Y-1(Ph)
VP-13 Det., VP-102 Det. PB2Y-3
VS-52(-) SBD-5/J2F-5

Gilbert Islands (Makin, Tarawa, Apamama atolls)
Apamama, O'Hare field
USMC
MAG-15
VMJ-252 R5C-1
VMJ-353 R4D-5/-1
USN
VS-66 Det. J2F-5
USAAF
9th TCS C-47
47th, 48th BS(M) B-25 (D/G/H??) (To Makin)

Makin Island, Starmann field
USMC
VMF-111 F4U-1 (MAG-31)
USAAF
396th BS(M) B-25 (D/G/H??); all 41st BG(M) at Makin by the end of the month)
72 FS (318th FG) P-39Q (To Haliewa, Hawaii, 23 april)
USN
VS-66 Det. SBD-5

Tarawa atoll, Hawkins and Mullinix fields
USN
VB-142(-), VB-144(-) PV-1
VP-53 Det. PBY-5A
VS-66(-) SBD-4/5
USAAF
41st BG(M) (820) B-25 (To Makin)

 

[maxs75]

Diversion in the indian Ocean. Op. Cockpit

Air Group 12 (USS Saratoga)
VF-12: 44 F6F-3
VB-12: 19 SBD-5
VT-12: 17 TBF-1C

HMS Illustrious
No. 1830, 1833 Sqn. FAA: 28 Corsair (F4U-1)
No. 810, 847 Sqn. FAA: 21 Barracuda

 

[maxs75]

Hawaii:

Ewa
Mar. Air. Haw. Area
VMO-4 OY-1
VMJ-952 R5C-1
VMF(N)-533 F6F-3N
MAG-23
VMF-312, 313, 322 F4U-1
VMSB-133, 332 SBD-5
MAG-32

7th Air Force
42 BS(H) B-24 (Kahuku)
819 BS(H) B-24 (Wheeler)
28 PhRS F-5 (Kipapa)

John Rodger Ap.
6 NFS (15 FG) P-70
19 TCS C-47

VII FC
Bellows
318 FG (19, 73, 333) P-47D
531 FS A-24

Mokuleia
15 FG (45, 47, 48 ) P-40N/P-47D
46 FS P-39Q (Wheeler)

FAW 2
Kanehoe
VP-13 Det. PB2Y-3
VP-102 PB2Y-3
VP-16, 202, 216 PBM-3D
VB-146, 150(-) PV-1
VP-24(-) PBY-5A
VB-101 PB4Y-1

VB-200 PV-1
VP-200 PBY-5A

Pearl Harbour
VS-46, 53, 69 SBD-5
VJ-1, 2, 12 JM-1, PV-1, BD-2, TBF

Honolulu
VR-2(-) PBM-3R
VR-11 R5D-1, RY-2

Barbers Point
VD-1 Det. PB4Y-1
VD-3 Det. PBJ-1
VD-4 PB4Y-1, F6F-3
VF(N)-76(-) F6F-3N
VF(N)-77 F6F-3N
VF(N)-101(-) F4U-1/2

Midway Island
VMO-155 F4U-1
VMSB-245 SBD-5/4
VP-24 Det. PBY-5A

Johnston Island
VS-47(-) SBD-4
VB-150 Det. PV-1
FAW-2 Det. PV-1

 

[philmarchese]

To complete I've compiled the OOB for a rear area, that was involved in the reduction of Rabaul and in the Battle for Bougainville.
Solomons Area:
AirNorSols

Green Island:
USN
VB-115 PB4Y-1
VD-1 Det. PB4Y-1(P)
VF-34 F6F-3
VB-98 Det. SBD-5
USMC
MAG-14
VMF-114, 211, 212, 321 F4U-1
VMSB-243, 341 SBD-5
VMTB-134 TBF-1

Bougainville Is (Torokina, and Piva?)
USAAF
68th FS P-39Q
17th PhRS Det. F-5
USN
VB-306 SBD-5
VT-305 TBF-1
USMC
MAG-24
VMF-115, 215 F4U-1
VMSB-235 SBD-5
VMTB-242 TBF-1
RNZAF
No. 16 Sqn and No.17 in place of No. 19 around 20 april Kittyhawk IV (P-40N)
No. 25 Sqn Dauntless (SBD-5)
No. 30 Sqn Avenger I (TBF-1)
No. 2 ???? Ventura (PV-1) Don't know if already there

Treasury Is.
USAAF
42d BG(M) (69, 70, 75, 390) B-25 (D/H)??
100th BS(M) B-25
347th FG(-) (339) P-38J
Adv base of 12th and 44th FS (18th FG) P-38H
USN
VB-138 PV-1
VP-91 Det. PBY-5 (USS Chincoteague)
VS-68 SBD-4
USMC
VMB-413 PBJ-1

Vella Lavella Is. (Bakaroma)
USMC
VMF(N)-531 PV-1(N)

New Georgia Is. (Munda, Ondonga, Segi)
USAAF
70th FS P-38 and P-39
307th BG(H)(-) (370-372) B-24
USN
FAW-1
VP-12, 81(-) PBY-5A
VP-14 PBY-5 (USS Pocomoke)
VB-148 PV-1
VB-305, VB-98(-) SBD-5
VS-64 SBD-4

Don't know if the following were under ComAirNorSols

Russell Is.
USAAF
67th FS P-39L/N

Guadalcanal
USAAF
XIII FC
18th FG (12th FS(-)) P-38H
419th NFS P-38, P70
XIII BC
424th BS(H) B-24
17th PhRS (-) F-5
64th TCS C-47
USN
VS-54 SBD-3/4
VD-1 (-) PB4Y-1(Ph)
VP-91 (-) PBY-5 (Tulagi Is.)
USMC
1st MAW
VMD-254 PB4Y-1(Ph)
VMO-1 OY-1
RNZAF
No. 6 Sqn Catalina (PBY) (Halavo Bay)
No. 20 Sqn Corsair (F4U-1)

I believe the 42 Bg was involved in the invasion of the Green Islands and reduction of Rebaul as well as othe COM AIR SOL operatons. Maurer extract:
Entered combat in Jun 1943, using B-25's and operating from bases in the Solomon Islands. Attacked Japanese airfields, personnel areas, gun positions, and shipping in the central Solomons. Engaged primarily in the neutralization of enemy airfields and harbor facilities on New Britain from Jan to Jul 1944, but also supported ground forces on Bougainville and attacked shipping in the northern Solomons and the Bismarcks. Later, beginning in Aug 1944, bombed airfields and installations on New Guinea, Celebes, and Halmahera, and flew photographic reconnaissance missions, while operating from bases in New Guinea and Morotai.
Stations:
Fiji Islands, 22 Apr 1943; Guadalcanal, 6 Jun 1943; Russell Islands, Oct 1943; Sterling, Solomon Islands, 20 Jan 1944; Hollandia, Aug 1944; Sansapor, New Guinea, Sep 1944; Morotai, Feb 1945; Puerto Princesa, Palawan,

Campaigns:
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; China Defensive; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Balikpapan, Borneo, 23-30 Jun 1945. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

 

[philmarchese]

I'll add the plane units based in Central Pacific, where TF 58 started and then returned after covering of Hollandia and a second Truk strike.

USN Units: FAW-2 (HQ in Hawaii)
USAAF Units: 7th Air Force (HQ Hawaii)

Majuro Atoll
USMC
4th MBDAW
MAG-13
VMSB-231, 331 SBD-5
USN
VF-39 F6F-3
VP-53(-) PBY-5A
VB-142 Det. PV-1
VJ-1 Det. JM-1, TBF-1

Kwajalein Atoll (Roi, Kwajalein Is.)
USMC
MAG-31
VMF-224, 311, 441 F4U-1
USN
VB-144 Det. PV-1
VP-72 PBY-5 (USS Curtiss, Mackinac)
VS-52(-) SBD-5
VP-13(-), VP-102 Det. PB2Y-3
USAAF
VII BC
11th BG(H) (26, 98, 431) B-24
30th BG(H) (27, 38, 392) B-24

Eniwetok atoll (Engebi is., Wigley field, Eniwetok is., Stickell Field)
USMC
MAG-22
VMF-113, 422 F4U-1
VMSB-151 SBD-5
VMF(N)-532 F4U-2
USN
VB-108, 109 PB4Y-1
VD-3 PB4Y-1(Ph)
VP-13 Det., VP-102 Det. PB2Y-3
VS-52(-) SBD-5/J2F-5

Gilbert Islands (Makin, Tarawa, Apamama atolls)
Apamama, O'Hare field
USMC
MAG-15
VMJ-252 R5C-1
VMJ-353 R4D-5/-1
USN
VS-66 Det. J2F-5
USAAF
9th TCS C-47
47th, 48th BS(M) B-25 (D/G/H??) (To Makin)

Makin Island, Starmann field
USMC
VMF-111 F4U-1 (MAG-31)
USAAF
396th BS(M) B-25 (D/G/H??); all 41st BG(M) at Makin by the end of the month)
72 FS (318th FG) P-39Q (To Haliewa, Hawaii, 23 april)
USN
VS-66 Det. SBD-5

Tarawa atoll, Hawkins and Mullinix fields
USN
VB-142(-), VB-144(-) PV-1
VP-53 Det. PBY-5A
VS-66(-) SBD-4/5
USAAF
41st BG(M) (820) B-25 (To Makin)

The 41 BG participated in the neutralization of the by-passed island in the Marshalls, Penope; Narau and the Carolines. The 396 and 820 were on Betio; 47 and 48 on Abamama ( O'Hare) and Makin islands full group Starman Field Buritania Island (sp?) They shuttled out of the US captured Islands in the Marshall and the 48 BS detached to Saipan for the invasion of Guam and Tinian. The VII BC (FORWARD) was under land based (aircraft) USMC MG? Hoover which may have task force 58.3. Only in July 1945 did they come under AAF operational control in FORWARD areas, then under FEAF from Yonton, Okinawa. The 41st tested a a few (1-3) H series in combat but rejected hem and relegated them to their CCRC in TH. Some J series were in use as flight leaders during the shuttle mission era and many during the Air Offensive from Kadena.

 

[philmarchese]

Hawaii:

Ewa
Mar. Air. Haw. Area
VMO-4 OY-1
VMJ-952 R5C-1
VMF(N)-533 F6F-3N
MAG-23
VMF-312, 313, 322 F4U-1
VMSB-133, 332 SBD-5
MAG-32

7th Air Force
42 BS(H) B-24 (Kahuku)
819 BS(H) B-24 (Wheeler)
28 PhRS F-5 (Kipapa)

John Rodger Ap.
6 NFS (15 FG) P-70
19 TCS C-47

VII FC
Bellows
318 FG (19, 73, 333) P-47D
531 FS A-24

Mokuleia
15 FG (45, 47, 48 ) P-40N/P-47D
46 FS P-39Q (Wheeler)

FAW 2
Kanehoe
VP-13 Det. PB2Y-3
VP-102 PB2Y-3
VP-16, 202, 216 PBM-3D
VB-146, 150(-) PV-1
VP-24(-) PBY-5A
VB-101 PB4Y-1

VB-200 PV-1
VP-200 PBY-5A

Pearl Harbour
VS-46, 53, 69 SBD-5
VJ-1, 2, 12 JM-1, PV-1, BD-2, TBF

Honolulu
VR-2(-) PBM-3R
VR-11 R5D-1, RY-2

Barbers Point
VD-1 Det. PB4Y-1
VD-3 Det. PBJ-1
VD-4 PB4Y-1, F6F-3
VF(N)-76(-) F6F-3N
VF(N)-77 F6F-3N
VF(N)-101(-) F4U-1/2

Midway Island
VMO-155 F4U-1
VMSB-245 SBD-5/4
VP-24 Det. PBY-5A

Johnston Island
VS-47(-) SBD-4
VB-150 Det. PV-1
FAW-2 Det. PV-1

Defense of TH: delete 42 BG add 41 BG. Both the 90h Bg and the 307 BG were also in the 7h AF and defense of the HI sea Frontier in late 1942 unil the 11 Bg was retired from the SP and returned to TH. 531st was BS(D) ( not FG) and also particiated in neutralization of bypassed Marshalls. 11 BG attacked Midway and possibly 307 BG