EMERGENCY FORM "B" (Copy)
HNO T Guadalcanal A/F
UGI T 3 BOMB GROUP
V GPB GPB 5/18 'O' FORM 'B'
FROM 2 GROUP 180940A
TO 3 BOMB GROUP/AIRFIELD
INFO 11 GROUP, HQ T A F MAIN, HQ A D PAC, HQ A P A F
SECRET QQX BT
AO,241 12th Mar.
Information:
Following the heavy action on and around Guadalcanal from Aug-Nov. All major action died down. For the Jap's they needed the time to recover from the heavy losses inflicted on them over the past few months; we used the time to flood fresh forces into the area. We now feel we have the right units in position to start our drive up the Solomon chain. The first step will be a landing on the Russell Islands in order to secure a field closer to the Jap strong points further north.
Target for today is the Jap airfield at Munda BH20 - 9
Date and Time: 12th March, 1943 0700 hours.
Route:
Base – CAPE ESPERANCE - Via appropriate lattice to Wernham Cove – Entrance BLANCHE CHANNEL (BN16) - TARGET - Regroup Point MBULU MBULU (T shaped island BK20)- MT AUSTEN (CL6) - Base.
Aircraft:
6 x B25 8th BS, 3rd BG – main attack force
2 x P38 30th FS, 8th FG – close escort and AAA suppression
8 x F4U1 VMF112 – fighter cover
Bomb Load:
B25 6 x 500lbs (3 drops), P38 2 x 500lbs (1 drop)
Method of Attack:
All bombing aircraft to attack at low level.
1st Attack:
Two P38’s as detailed by O.C. Guadalcanal Airfield.
Intention:
To suppress AAA
Method:
There are 4 AAA emplacements, 3 at cardinal points around the airfield (West, North and East) and one on the small island of Kokakate to the South East. P38’s to take out emplacements at the West and East of the airstrip.
Timing:
At lead P38’s discretion, based on clearance of enemy aircraft by fighter escorts.
2nd Attack:
Six B25’s as detailed by O.C. Guadalcanal Airfield.
Intention:
To bomb enemy aircraft and facilities on the airfield.
Method:
All aircraft to attack in single bomb run from West to East – the centre of the airfield has a small hill – so watch your altitude when overflying. Aircraft to split into 3 pairs (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) and attack areas designated by the lead bomber.
Timing:
Immediately following AAA suppression/
Reconnaissance: Targets marked on photos below of airfield and surrounding area.



Fighter Support: Close escort provided by P38’s, high cover from F4U’s.
Signals: 1st Attack:
P38 call sign: MARY.
Ground control call sign: A I L S O M E on 2 Group guard 1.
Bomber leader may call escort direct in emergency on 11 Group guard 1.
2nd Attack:
Bomber call sign: MUNGO.
Ground control call sign: B E L L F I E L D on 2 Group guard 1.
Bomber leader may call escort direct in emergency on 11 Group guard 1.
Fighter call sign: MIDGE.
General: Emergency homing to FRISTON on 2 Group guard.
A.S.R. on 2 Group guard.
Special V.H.F. codeword: RENOVATE.
Notes: (1) Following each attack sections of aircraft of each formation are to endeavour to regain close company as soon as possible.
BT 180940A.
XS
BARON AS FOR K WITH R +