N.Z. FIGHTERS IN ACTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 16, 14 October 1943, Page 5

N.Z. FIGHTERS IN ACTION

Battle In Solomons SEVEN ENEMY PLANES DESTROYED

(R.N.Z.A.F. Official News Service) GUADALCANAL, October 2.

Seven Japanese dive-bombers were definitely destroyed nud two others damaged when pilots of a New Zealand fighter squadron intercepted them during an attack on the Vella Lavella area yesterday. All the Dominion pilots returned safely, though one after shooting down two of the enemy was himself attacked by one of the enemy’s protecting screen of Zeros and had one exhaust pipe shot from his Warhawk’s motor. The successful pilots were Flying Officer M. Davis, Wellington (two destroyed), Flight Lieutenant G. L. Grimsdale, Dunedin (two destroyed), Flying Officer J. de Willimoff, Tirau (one destroyed), and Pilot Officer A. G. Piernrd, Palmerston North (one destroyed). lhe officer commanding, Squadron Leader M. J Herrick, D.F.C., R.A.F., Hawke’s Bay, and Flying Officer A. L. Parlane, Hamilton, shared one destroyed, and both the squadron leader and Sergeant E. D. Smark, Warkworth, scored one each damaged. Out on routine patrol, the New Zealanders were in two seetions, led. iby Herrick and 'Willimoff respectively. Eight Warhawks encountered a formation of dive-bombers, which were in turn protected by Zeros high above. While highflying American aircraft engaged the Zeros, the New Zealanders caught up witli the dive-bombers just as they were beginning their dive toward the targets below and followed them down. Infinitely faster than the divetbombers, the Warhawks rapidly overtook the Japanese. The action was more of a chase than a fight, the enemy endeavouring to escape from the New Zealanders, who had the advantage of height and speed. Several of the dive-bombers burst into flames as they fell and others crashed into the sea. One shot down by Grimsdale hit the water with such impetus that the enemy rear-gunner was thrown out. • Aninninition Runs Out.

The action was brisk and decisive. No accurate count was taken of the total number of dive-bombers engaged, but scarcely one escaped undamaged. Within a few minutes six were in the water and the New Zealanders had exhausted their ammunition. Breaking off their actions with the American top-cover, some of the Zeros dived to attack the Warhawks. The New Zealanders ‘with no more ammunition had to run for it, and though they all escaped, Davis had his aircraft shot about and one exhaust pipe blown from the motor. He landed at an intermediate strip and returned to Guadalcanal today. The victory yesterday, the first major action in which the New Zealanders have been engaged in this area for some weeks, brings the . Dominion fighter squadron’s total bug in the Solomons to 42 enemy aircraft, including fighters, dive-bombers, seaplanes and medium bombers. The particular squadron engaged is now on its second tour of operations in the area and has a total of 11 confirmed victories to its credit.