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We fielded 6 pilots, 4 of which were tasked with closing various Coast Watching Stations in Bettys for the first sortie. Our two fighters escorted the one Betty that most likely would encounter the enemy first.
Lone Bettys were launched from New Britain as well as The Huon Gulf area and at F82, Buna. Some bombers climbed for some time to reach an acceptable altitude. After the successful closing of 4, or maybe more Coastal facilities two went scouting for the Allied CV with no luck before returning to rebase at Buna. The other two continued on to bomb F77 Isuvara.
Future sorties were to various targets including F77, with our fighters doing the absolute best they could. I believe we lost one bomber pilot and 4 or so ai. Seems target acquisition at 20K is almost impossible for some targets.
We destroyed many many ground vehicles at F77 as well as buildings a few ack guns and various other targets.
Despite our best efforts, as well as all the other Japanese pilots, F77 was not totally destroyed.
I believe we lost one Bomber pilot, a few ai Bettys and a couple fighter pilots.
I’d like to thank the Japanese pilots of other squads that formed up as escort for any of our bombers during the night.
Overall a fun frame for the 23rd FG.
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