WORTH PROVED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 201, 23 May 1944, Page 5

WORTH PROVED

N.Z. Fighter-Bombers In Pacific POUNDING OF RABAUL Reports of the success of R.N.Z.A.F. fighters in their new Pacific role of fighter-bombers are unanimously endorsed by members of a squadron which recently returned to New Zealand. “They are accurate, fast, -hard to bit and can protect themselves,” said Squadron Leader H. R. Wigley, formerly of Timaru, who led the squadron overseas,” and if they strike trouble they can easily jettison their load and give a good account of -themselves.” The aircraft can carry 5001 b. or 1000 lb. high explosive bombs or a load of incendiaries. Both types have proved their worth in shattering Rabaul. The conversion of fighters into fighter-bomb-ers has been made possible by the reduction of the Japanese opposition and also through the New Zealand ground forces taking Green Island. By using the latter, fighters can dispense with “bellytanks” and load bombs in their stead. The method of bombing depends largely on the terrain surrounding the target and also on the extent of anti-aircraft fire from below. An aircraft may be travelling anything up to 450 miles an hour when it releases its load at the end of a steep dive. Rabaul Still Hits Back.

In spite of the battering it has received, however, Rabaul can still hit back with anti-aircraft fire, according to pilots who have returned. Aerodrome strips and supply and ammunition dumps were well provided for in this respect and it was found to be most unhealthy to linger in the vicinity after releasing bombloads. “The twinkling of fires starting after you have released a load of incendiaries is sometimes like a starry night,” said one member of the squadron which started two particularly spectacular fires at Rabaul when they exploded ammunition dumps with delayed-action bombs. The pilots on the way back to their base could still see the glow of flames 20 miles away. The squadron suffered no casualties during its stay at Bougainville, but two members, Sergeant Pilot Calder and Fly-ing-Officer D. M. Hutton, both had narrow escapes when caught by anti-aircraft fire, and brought back mementoes of their visit in the form of flak holes in their machines. Hutton also had an unusual experience when he brought home an incendiary bomb on his wing. Diving in close behind another member of his squadron, he found himself flying through a cloud of incendiafies released by the pilot in front. One of the bombs lodged on his wing, but fortunately did not detonate and caused only minor damage. Two other members of the squadron who haVe seen extensive service are Flying Officer White, who has flown in the Middle East and Malaya and Flying Officer Hogan, who has also had experience in the Middle East as well as in England.