Avenger Profile

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Spotlight

66 Origin

and history

68

68 In

In Combat

Combat -

-Avengers in

Avengers in

action

74 Artwork

-Flight 119

Flight 119

76

76 Inside

Inside the

the

Avenger

78

78 Men

Men Behind

Behind the

the

Grumman

84

84 From

From the

the

20 Pages

in detail

Grumman

Avenger

This month, Spotlight shines on the Grumman

A

venger

, an American

torpedo bom

ber that

ﬁrst

saw action in 1942’s Battle of Midway. After

playing a key role through the remainder of

W

orld War

T

wo, the

durable

machine

was rap

idly

developed,

and continued to serve in

a variety of

roles until

the 1960s. W

e examine

this rugged,

dependable aircraft’

s meritorious

history

, and reﬂect

on a Flight that was mysteriously lost in the so-called

Bermuda T

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(3)

In this striking view, Planes of Fame’s

Grumman Avenger TBM-3E N7835C

(top) and Chance-Vought Corsair

F4U-1A NX83782 ﬂy above a beautiful

sunlit backdr

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B

y the end of World Wary the end of World War Two, Grumman had Two, Grumman had established a reputation established a reputation for designing and building for designing and building outstanding naval combat aircraft. outstanding naval combat aircraft. The Avenger – a rugged,

The Avenger – a rugged, three-seatthree-seat torpedo bomber – was among them, torpedo bomber – was among them, despite making an inauspicious despite making an inauspicious debut during the Battle of Midway debut during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Unlike most of its in June 1942. Unlike most of its contemporaries, the big

contemporaries, the big GrummanGrumman continued to serve long after the continued to serve long after the end of hostilities, and many variants end of hostilities, and many variants were deve

were developed post-war to fillloped post-war to fill anti-submarine and early warning anti-submarine and early warning roles, some fitted with

roles, some fitted with distinctivedistinctive underfuselage radomes.

underfuselage radomes.

In 1939, the US Navy issued a In 1939, the US Navy issued a requirement to replace its ageing requirement to replace its ageing Douglas TBD Devastator. During Douglas TBD Devastator. During US reprisals following the

US reprisals following the JapaneseJapanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, TBDs were shot down in large 1941, TBDs were shot down in large numbers by enemy fighters or lost to numbers by enemy fighters or lost to flak. Even before the US entry into flak. Even before the US entry into the war, the Navy had predicted that the war, the Navy had predicted that a faster and more robust machine a faster and more robust machine would be required.

would be required.

Above

The Avenger was

originally known as

the Tarpon in Royal

Navy Fleet Air Arm

service. service. Right Right A Grumman TBF A Grumman TBF

aboard the USS

‘Santee’ in November

1943.

1943.BOTH KEY BOTH KEY

Grumman

Avenger

Spotlight

Scrutinizes the history of...

The Grumman

Grumman’s TBF design (the ‘TB’ Grumman’s TBF design (the ‘TB’ stood for Torpedo Bomber, the stood for Torpedo Bomber, the ‘F’ designated Grumman as the ‘F’ designated Grumman as the manufacturer) was selected as the manufacturer) was selected as the Devastator’

Devastator’s replacement s replacement in 1940.in 1940. The XTBF-1 prototype flew for The XTBF-1 prototype flew for the first time on August 7, 1941. the first time on August 7, 1941.

Despite an early setback when Despite an early setback when one of the two prototypes crashed one of the two prototypes crashed near Brentwood, New York, the near Brentwood, New York, the programme proceeded apace, the programme proceeded apace, the first TBF-1 flying in January 1942. first TBF-1 flying in January 1942.

Such was the success of Leroy Such was the success of Leroy Grumman’s original design that Grumman’s original design that

Avenger

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Origin & history

SPOT

FACT

Av

en

enge

ge

r

rs

s

we

r

e

us

ed

in

w

war

ar

ti

time

me

researc

h into

h into counter-illumination camouﬂage

counter-illumination camouﬂage

numerous variants and sub-variants numerous variants and sub-variants were produced o

were produced over the next fewver the next few years. Other Grumman-built years. Other Grumman-built versions included the TBF-1C versions included the TBF-1C which carried additional

which carried additional wing guns,wing guns, with later Av

with later Avengers fitted with moreengers fitted with more powerful versions of t

powerful versions of the Wrighthe Wright R-2600 radial engine.

R-2600 radial engine.

Other conversions included the Other conversions included the TBF-1D and ’E, which both had TBF-1D and ’E, which both had specialised radar equipment, the specialised radar equipment, the searchlight-equi

searchlight-equipped TBF-1L pped TBF-1L andand the photo-reconnaissance the photo-reconnaissance TBF-1CP.

1CP.

Because demand for Grumman’s Because demand for Grumman’s F6F Hellcat was so high, TBF F6F Hellcat was so high, TBF production ended in December production ended in December 1943. Most Avengers were built by 1943. Most Avengers were built by General Motors’ Eastern Aircraft General Motors’ Eastern Aircraft Division as the TBM – deliveries of Division as the TBM – deliveries of the TBM-1 beginning in

the TBM-1 beginning in NovemberNovember 1942. Many other versions were 1942. Many other versions were built by GM, principally the built by GM, principally the mass-produced TBM-3 with strengthened produced TBM-3 with strengthened wings (4,000-plus were

wings (4,000-plus were made).made). In total,

In total, GM’GM’s aircraft s aircraft divisiondivision supplied more than 7,500 Avengers, supplied more than 7,500 Avengers, compared to around 2,300 from compared to around 2,300 from Grumman.

Grumman.

Paciﬁc warrior

Around 100 A

Around 100 Avengers had reachedvengers had reached the US Navy by June 1942, but only the US Navy by June 1942, but only six were present on Midway Island six were present on Midway Island

as part of VT-8 (Torpedo Squadron as part of VT-8 (Torpedo Squadron 8) in time for

8) in time for the Battle of Midway.the Battle of Midway. The TBF’

The TBF’s combat debut was s combat debut was not anot a success – five being shot down and success – five being shot down and the sixth returning severely damaged the sixth returning severely damaged and with a dead crew member. Later and with a dead crew member. Later in the war, with better numbers, in the war, with better numbers, more experienced airmen and more experienced airmen and superior attack co-ordination, superior attack co-ordination, Avenger crews p

Avenger crews played a pivotal layed a pivotal rolerole in turning the tide.

in turning the tide.

On August 24, 1942, Avengers On August 24, 1942, Avengers from the carriers USS

from the carriers USSSaratoga Saratoga and and Enterprise

Enterprise sunk a Japanese light sunk a Japanese light carrier, but a bigger prize awaited in carrier, but a bigger prize awaited in November when, at Guadalcanal, November when, at Guadalcanal, TBFs from the Navy and the US TBFs from the Navy and the US Marine Corps sunk the enemy Marine Corps sunk the enemy battleship

battleshipHiei Hiei , which had been, which had been crippled the night before.

crippled the night before. AvengersAvengers also contributed to the demise of the also contributed to the demise of the two Japanese ‘super battleships’, the two Japanese ‘super battleships’, the Musashi

Musashi and the and theYamatoYamato.. Over islands still held by the Over islands still held by the enemy

enemy, TBF/TBM crews , TBF/TBM crews typicallytypically ‘softened up’ defences by striking at ‘softened up’ defences by striking at pillbox-type installations, airfields pillbox-type installations, airfields and buildings. Using guns, rockets and buildings. Using guns, rockets and napalm, airborne attacks often and napalm, airborne attacks often succeeded in driving enemy soldiers succeeded in driving enemy soldiers out from fortified positions, thereby out from fortified positions, thereby assisting US ground troops.

assisting US ground troops. Famous Avenger pilots included Famous Avenger pilots included future US President George Bush future US President George Bush

who, after successfully attacking who, after successfully attacking aa

radio tower, was targeted by enemy radio tower, was targeted by enemy fire and forced to bale out over fire and forced to bale out over water on September 2, 1944. water on September 2, 1944. HeHe was rescued by a

was rescued by a US submarine,US submarine, and later received the

and later received the DistinguishedDistinguished Flying Cross. Actor Paul Newman Flying Cross. Actor Paul Newman also flew operationally in Avengers, also flew operationally in Avengers, serving as a rear

serving as a rear gunner.gunner.

In service with the Royal Navy’s In service with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm (FAA), the type Fleet Air Arm (FAA), the type was initially kno

was initially known as the wn as the TTarpon,arpon, although the name was soon although the name was soon discontinued. The first 402 aircraft discontinued. The first 402 aircraft became known as

became known as Avenger Mk.Is,Avenger Mk.Is, with TBM-1s

with TBM-1s and -3s designatedand -3s designated as the Mk.II and III

as the Mk.II and III respectivelyrespectively. A. A further 100

further 100 former US Navy TBM-former US Navy TBM-3Es were supplied to the FAA in 3Es were supplied to the FAA in 1953, and flew as Avenger AS.4s 1953, and flew as Avenger AS.4s before being replaced over the next before being replaced over the next few years by

few years by Fairey Gannets.Fairey Gannets. Avengers als

Avengers also served with the airo served with the air arms of New Zealand, Uruguay, arms of New Zealand, Uruguay, Cuba and Brazil, among others. The Cuba and Brazil, among others. The Royal Canadian Navy was among Royal Canadian Navy was among the type’s primary post-war users, the type’s primary post-war users, fitting 98 of its aircraft with radar fitting 98 of its aircraft with radar and electronic countermeasures and electronic countermeasures equipment. Replaced in the late equipment. Replaced in the late 1950s by

1950s by Grumman S-2 TGrumman S-2 Trackers,rackers, the last Avengers were used for the last Avengers were used for training and finally retired from use training and finally retired from use in July 1960.

in July 1960.

4

4 RNZAF units, plus its Central Fighter Establishment, operated Avengers

RNZAF units, plus its Central Fighter Establishment, operated Avengers

AT A GLANCE:

RANGE

(miles)

0

0 330000 660000 990000 11,,220000

AT A GLANCE:

SPEED

(mph)

0

0 110000 220000 330000

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger

AT A GLANCE:

CEILING

(feet)

0

0 55,,000000 1100,,000000 1155,,000000 2200,,000000

Construction:

Construction: A total of 9,836 Avengers were built, comprising 7,543 TBMs made by GeneralA total of 9,836 Avengers were built, comprising 7,543 TBMs made by General

Motors’ Eastern Aircraft and 2,293 TBFs by Grumman.

Motors’ Eastern Aircraft and 2,293 TBFs by Grumman. First Flight:

First Flight: The prototype XTBF-1 first flew on August 1, 1941.The prototype XTBF-1 first flew on August 1, 1941. Powerplant:

Powerplant: One 1,700lb (1,268kW) Wright R-2600-8 or 1,900hp R-2600-20 Double CycloneOne 1,700lb (1,268kW) Wright R-2600-8 or 1,900hp R-2600-20 Double Cyclone

14-cylinder radial driving a

14-cylinder radial driving a three-bladed propellerthree-bladed propeller.. Dimension:

Dimension: Span 54ft 2in (16.5m). Length 40ft 0in. Height 16ft 5in. Wing area 490sq ftSpan 54ft 2in (16.5m). Length 40ft 0in. Height 16ft 5in. Wing area 490sq ft

(45.5sq m).

(45.5sq m). Weight:

Weight: Empty 10,080lb (4,572kg). Loaded 15,905lb.Empty 10,080lb (4,572kg). Loaded 15,905lb. Performance:

Performance: Max speed 271mph (436km/h) at Max speed 271mph (436km/h) at 12,000ft (3,658m). Service ceiling 22,400ft.12,000ft (3,658m). Service ceiling 22,400ft.

Initial rate of climb 1,430ft per

Initial rate of climb 1,430ft per min. Range 1,215 miles (1,955km).min. Range 1,215 miles (1,955km). Armament:

Armament: TwTwo 0.30in machine guns o 0.30in machine guns in nose and in nose and ventral positions, one 0.50in machineventral positions, one 0.50in machine

gun in dorsal turret; internal bomb bay for one

gun in dorsal turret; internal bomb bay for one 22in torpedo or 1,600lb bomb22in torpedo or 1,600lb bomb

load. Later models had provision for eight 60lb rockets under wings; max

bomb load 2,000lb.

bomb load 2,000lb. Crew:

Crew: Three – pilot, navigator/radio operator and gunner.Three – pilot, navigator/radio operator and gunner.

Note:

Note:_{performance and weights varied according to}_{performance and weights varied according to}_{role and conﬁguration.}_{role and conﬁguration.}

1,215 1,215 271 271 22,400 22,400

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Spotlight

Grumman

Avenger

1

1 StarboarStarboard d elevatorelevator 2

2 Fabric-covered Fabric-covered aileronaileron construction

construction 3

3 Elevator Elevator trim trim tabtab 4

4 Elevator Elevator horn horn balancebalance 5

5 TTailplanailplane e construconstructionction 6

6 Rudder Rudder tabtab 7

7 TTrim rim tab tab control control jack jack 8

8 TTail ail navigatnavigation ion lightlight 9

9 Fabric-covered Fabric-covered rudderrudder construction

construction 10

10 Aerial Aerial cable cable rear rear mountingmounting 11

11 Fin Fin constructionconstruction 12

12 Port Port elevatorelevator 13

13 Port Port tailplanetailplane 14

14 Elevator Elevator hinge hinge controlscontrols 15

15 TTailplanailplane e supporsupport t framesframes 16

16 Deck Deck arrester arrester hook hook (lowered)(lowered) 17

17 Arrester Arrester hook hook guide guide railsrails 18

18 Rudder Rudder hinge hinge controlcontrol 19

19 Rear Rear fuselage fuselage framesframes 20

20 Flush-riveted Flush-riveted aluminium aluminium skinskin covering

covering 21

21 Fin Fin root root fairingfairing 22

22 TTailplanailplane e control control cablescables 23

23 Arrester Arrester hook hook retraction retraction drivedrive motor

motor 24

24 Lifting Lifting tubetube 25

25 Rear Rear fuselage fuselage frame frame andand stringer construction stringer construction 26

26 TTailwheel ailwheel shock shock absorber absorber strutstrut 27

27 Catapult Catapult ‘hold-back’ ‘hold-back’ shackleshackle 28

28 Retractable Retractable tailwheeltailwheel 29

29 Crew Crew compartment compartment rearrear bulkhead

bulkhead 30

30 Search Search flaresflares 31

31 Parachute Parachute flare flare launch launch tubetube 32

32 VVentral entral gun gun turretturret 33

33 Ammunition Ammunition magazinemagazine 34

34 Browning Browning 0.3in 0.3in (7.62mm)(7.62mm) machine gun

machine gun 35

35 Machine Machine gun gun mounting mounting 36

36 Gun Gun camera camera switch switch box box 37

37 Crew Crew doordoor 38

38 Parachute Parachute stowagestowage 39

39 Rear Rear fuselage fuselage production production breakbreak point

point 40

40 Spare Spare coil coil stowage stowage rack rack 41

41 Bombardier’s Bombardier’s side side window window 42

42 Upper Upper turret turret sparespare ammunition magazine ammunition magazine 43

43 Bombardier’s Bombardier’s foldinfolding g seatseat 44

44 Gun Gun turret turret mounting mounting ringring 45

45 Gun Gun elevating elevating mechanismmechanism 46

46 Ammunition Ammunition feed feed chutechute 47

47 Browning Browning 0.5in 0.5in (12.7mm)(12.7mm) machine gun

machine gun 48

48 Upper Upper rotating rotating gun gun turretturret 49

49 Bullet-proof Bullet-proof windscreenwindscreen 50

50 Gunner’s Gunner’s armoured armoured seat seat back back 51

51 Aerial Aerial cablecable 52

52 Port Port wing wing folded folded positionposition

53

53 Canopy Canopy aft aft glazing glazing 54

54 Emergency Emergency life life raft raft stowagestowage 55

55 Hydraulic Hydraulic reservoirreservoir 56

56 Radio Radio communicationscommunications equipment

equipment 57

57 ASB ASB weapons weapons aimingaiming controller

controller 58

58 Bomb Bomb release release leverslevers 59

59 Cabin Cabin heater heater ductduct 60

60 Aft Aft end end of of bomb bomb bay bay 61

61 Fixed Fixed wing wing root root constructionconstruction 62

62 Wing Wing fold fold joint joint lineline 63

63 Browning Browning 0.5in 0.5in (12.7mm)(12.7mm) fixed machine gun

fixed machine gun 64

64 Ammunition Ammunition feed feed chutechute 65

65 Ammunition Ammunition magazine magazine (320(320 rounds)

rounds) 66

66 TTrailing railing edge edge flap flap shroudshroud construction

construction 67

67 Lattice Lattice wing wing ribsribs 68

68 Starboard, Starboard, fabric- fabric-covered aileron covered aileron construction construction 69

69 Aileron Aileron hingehinge control control 70

70 Aileron Aileron trim trim tabtab 71

71 Starboard Starboard wingwing tip tip 72 Starboard 72 Starboard navigation light navigation light 73

73 Leading Leading edge edge ribsribs 74

74 Fixed Fixed leading leading edge edge slotslot 75

75 ASB ASB aerialaerial 76

76 RTRT-5/APS-4 -5/APS-4 search search radar radar podpod 77

77 Radar Radar mounting mounting sway sway bracesbraces 78

78 Rocket Rocket launching launching pylonspylons 79

79 JettisonabJettisonable le fuel fuel tanktank 80

80 Main Main undercarriage undercarriage wheel wheel wellwell 81

81 Sloping Sloping main main sparspar 82

82 Wing Wing fold fold hinge hinge axisaxis 83

83 TTwin win hydraulhydraulic ic foldinfoldingg jacks

jacks 84

84 Machine Machine gun gun blast blast tubetube 85

85 Starboard Starboard main main fuel fuel tanktank 86

86 Centre Centre section section main main sparspar 87

87 Oxygen Oxygen bottlebottle 88

88 Autopilot Autopilot controlscontrols 89

89 Rear Rear cockpit cockpit entry entry hatchhatch 90

90 ASB ASB equipment equipment rack rack 91

91 Aerial Aerial mastmast 92

92 Roll-over Roll-over crash crash pylonpylon

93

93 Second Second cockpit cockpit controlcontrol column provision column provision 94

94 Propeller Propeller de-icing de-icing fluid fluid tank tank 95

95 Seat-back Seat-back armourarmour 96 Headrest

96 Headrest 97

97 Safety Safety harnessharness 98

98 Pilot’s Pilot’s seatseat 99

99 Emergency Emergency hydraulic hydraulic handhand pump

pump 100

100 Centre Centre main fuel main fuel tanktank 101

101 Fuel tank Fuel tank filler capfiller cap 102

102 Main undercarMain undercarriage retractriage retractionion jack

jack 103

103 Wing fold lockiWing fold locking cylinderng cylinder 104

104 Machine Machine gun muzzlegun muzzle 105

105 Centre seCentre section leading edgection leading edge construction

construction 106

106 Front Front fuselage framesfuselage frames 107 Rudder pedals

(7)

SPOT

FACT

The Avenger featur

ed a

ed a new

new

‘compound angle’ wing-folding mechanism

Inside the

_{TBM-1C Avenger}

765

765 TBF-1C variants, with extra wing

TBF-1C variants, with extra wing guns and

guns and greater fuel capacity, wer

greater fuel capacity, wer

e made

108

108 Back of Back of instrument painstrument panelnel 109 Control column

109 Control column 110

110 Pilot’s Pilot’s sliding entry hatchsliding entry hatch 111

111 Illuminated Illuminated torpedo sighttorpedo sight 112

112 Instrument Instrument panel shroudpanel shroud 113 Windscreen panels 113 Windscreen panels 114 Ring-and-bead gunsight 114 Ring-and-bead gunsight 115 Gun camera 115 Gun camera 116

116 Port sPort split trailing edge plit trailing edge flapsflaps 117

117 Remote Remote compass transmcompass transmitteritter 118

118 Aileron Aileron control rcontrol rodsods 119

119 Aileron Aileron hinge conhinge controltrol 120

120 Fabric-covered Fabric-covered port port aileronaileron 121

121 Aileron Aileron trim tabtrim tab 122 Formation light 122 Formation light 123 Pilot tube 123 Pilot tube 124

124 Port Port navigatinavigation on lightlight 125

125 Fixed Fixed leading edge leading edge shotshot 126

126 Wing ‘Wing ‘tie-down’ tie-down’ shackleshackle 127

127 ASB aerASB aerial mountinial mounting g 128

128 Retractable Retractable landing lamplanding lamp 129

129 Red, white Red, white and green and green approachapproach

lights lights 130

130 Port Port ASB ASB aerialaerial 131

131 Ground Ground attack rocketsattack rockets (5in/12.7cm)

(5in/12.7cm) 132

132 Oil tank Oil tank filler capfiller cap 133

133 Engine Engine oil tankoil tank 134

134 Engine comEngine compartment bulkhpartment bulkheadead 135

135 Engine Engine mounting stmounting strutsruts 136

136 Cowling Cowling air exit air exit flapflap 137

137 TTwin win carburettocarburettorsrs 138

138 Carburettors Carburettors air trunking air trunking 139

139 WWright R-2600-8 right R-2600-8 CycloneCyclone 14-cylinder two-row radial 14-cylinder two-row radial engine

engine 140

140 Carburettor Carburettor air intakeair intake 141 Propeller governor 141 Propeller governor 142 Reduction gearbox 142 Reduction gearbox 143

143 Hamilton Standard Hamilton Standard threethree-bladed variable-pitch propeller bladed variable-pitch propeller 144

144 Engine Engine cooling intakecooling intake 145 Engine cowlings 145 Engine cowlings 146

146 Cowling air flap Cowling air flap control levercontrol lever

147

147 Lower cLower cowling air owling air flapflap 148 Batteries

148 Batteries 149

149 StarboarStarboard exhaust d exhaust pipepipe 150 Oil cooler

150 Oil cooler 151

151 Oil cooler Oil cooler air exit air exit flapflap 152

152 Bomb rBomb release shelease shackleackle 153

153 Four 500Four 500lb (226.8kg) blb (226.8kg) bombsombs 154

154 Bomb bay Bomb bay door constructiondoor construction 155

155 Bomb Bomb doors (open)doors (open) 156 Port mainwheel 156 Port mainwheel 157

157 Bomb bay Bomb bay jettisonable jettisonable fuelfuel tank

tank 158

158 Main underMain undercarriage leg carriage leg doordoor 159 Retraction strut

159 Retraction strut 160

160 Shock absorbShock absorber leg ser leg struttrut 161

161 TTorque scissor linksorque scissor links 162

162 Hydraulic Hydraulic brake pipebrake pipe 163 Starboard mainwheel 163 Starboard mainwheel 164

164 Removable wheel Removable wheel disc coverdisc cover 165

165 TTorpedo stabilising vanesorpedo stabilising vanes 166

(8)

W

hile Britain washile Britain was celebrating Victory celebrating Victory in Europe Day in Europe Day on May 8, 1945, on May 8, 1945, in South East Asia and the Pacific in South East Asia and the Pacific the war against Japan continued the war against Japan continued relentlessly

relentlessly. In the Indian . In the Indian Ocean theOcean the Ja

Japanpanese ese maimaintantaineined a d a garrgarrison ison onon the Andaman and Nicobar Islands the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and on the morning after VE Day, and on the morning after VE Day, an evacuation of this exposed outpost an evacuation of this exposed outpost was

was iniinitiattiated.ed.

Under the command of Captain Under the command of Captain Kaju Sugiura, the heavy cruiser Kaju Sugiura, the heavy cruiser Haguro

Haguro in company with the destroyer in company with the destroyer Kamikaze

Kamikaze sailed from Singapore. sailed from Singapore. The following day, The following day,

Out of

Spotlight

Grumman

Avenger

During the longest-ranging

Fleet Air Arm strike of the

war A

vengers helped to

sink a

Jap

ane

se

crui

ser

.

Andrew Thomas

describes the action

May 10, the battle fleet was sighted May 10, the battle fleet was sighted separately in the Malacca Strait by separately in the Malacca Strait by the submarines HMS

the submarines HMSStatesmanStatesman and and Subtle

Subtle and their and their reports triggerereports triggeredd Operation Dukedom.

Operation Dukedom. Ja

Japanepanese se recoreconnainnaissassance nce airaircrafcraftt spotted that the British fleet was at sea spotted that the British fleet was at sea and the

and theHaguroHaguro and andKamikaze Kamikaze turned turned back. Meanwhile the supply vessel back. Meanwhile the supply vessel Kurishoyo Maru

Kurishoyo Maru had succeeded in had succeeded in evacuating the personnel on Nicobars. evacuating the personnel on Nicobars. On May 14 the two warships again On May 14 the two warships again left Singapore, presumably to cover left Singapore, presumably to cover the

theKurishoyo MaruKurishoyo Maru..

The first days of May had seen The first days of May had seen the Royal Navy heavily involved in the Royal Navy heavily involved in Operation Dracula, the amphibious Operation Dracula, the amphibious

(9)

SPOT

FACT

Grumman ﬁrst displayed the

TBF to the public on December 7, 1941

TBFs took part in the attacks that sunk the Japanese light carrier ‘Ryujo’ in 1942

Grumman

in Combat

24

landings in Rangoon. Fleet Air Arm landings in Rangoon. Fleet Air Arm (FAA) aircraft operating from escort (FAA) aircraft operating from escort carriers carried out strikes with rockets carriers carried out strikes with rockets and bombs against Japanese airfields and bombs against Japanese airfields and other targets in the

and other targets in the AndamanAndaman Islands archipelago.

Islands archipelago.

One of these carriers was HMS One of these carriers was HMS Shah

Shah, with the Avengers of 851, with the Avengers of 851 Squadron, under Lt Cdr M T Fuller, Squadron, under Lt Cdr M T Fuller, embarked. The Dracula fleet returned embarked. The Dracula fleet returned to Ceylon on May 9 but no sooner to Ceylon on May 9 but no sooner had it moored up than reports of the had it moored up than reports of the movement of the

movement of theHaguroHaguro arrived. arrived. At t

At this his criticritical cal momemomentntShahShah’’ss catapult went unserviceable. catapult went unserviceable.

The squadron diary The squadron diary

described

described: “Learnt : “Learnt thatthat aircraft would operate aircraft would operate from [fellow escort carrier] from [fellow escort carrier] Emperor

Emperordue todue toShahShah’s u/s’s u/s accelerator. Thirty ratings and stores accelerator. Thirty ratings and stores transferred to

transferred toEmperor Emperor in a panic.” in a panic.” To attack the Japanese ships, a To attack the Japanese ships, a task force including the battleships task force including the battleships HMS

HMSQueen ElizabethQueen Elizabeth and the and the French

FrenchRichelieuRichelieu, the cruisers HMS, the cruisers HMS Cumberland

Cumberland ,,RoyalistRoyalistandandNigeria Nigeria ,, eight destroyers and the escort carriers eight destroyers and the escort carriers

The Sun

Left Left

Because of faults on

its own carrier duri

its own carrier duringng

Operation Dukedom, 851

Squadron ﬂew from HMS

‘Emperor’.

‘Emperor’.US NAVY US NAVY

Below left

One of 851

One of 851 Squadron’Squadron’ss

Avengers pr

Avengers preparing to beeparing to be

catapulted off HMS ‘Shah’,

just before Duk

just before Dukedom.edom.

MRS S SMYTH

Emperor

Emperor ,,Hunter Hunter ,,KhediveKhediveandandShahShah sailed from Trincomalee in Ceylon sailed from Trincomalee in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to intercept. (now Sri Lanka) to intercept.

At 1

At 1430h430hrs rs on on May May 11, 11, lighlightlytly loaded Avengers of 851 flew off the loaded Avengers of 851 flew off the Shah

Shah to the to theEmperor Emperor while most of while most of the latter’s Hellcats transferred in the latter’s Hellcats transferred in the opposite direction. Unlike the the opposite direction. Unlike the Av

Avengeengers rs when when carrycarrying ing weapweaponryonry, th, thee fighters could launch without the aid fighters could launch without the aid of a catapult.

of a catapult.

Course 240, Speed 10

On May 14 an RAF Liberator On May 14 an RAF Liberator sighted what was reported as a sighted what was reported as a supply ship and escort heading south supply ship and escort heading south from the Nicobars. At 0730hrs from the Nicobars. At 0730hrs the following morning,

the following morning,Emperor Emperor launched four Avengers each armed launched four Avengers each armed with four 500lb bombs on

with four 500lb bombs on an armedan armed reconnaissance to intercept the reconnaissance to intercept the enemy vessels.

enemy vessels.

Two of the Avengers found Two of the Avengers found

(10)

SPOT

FACT

The

TBM-3 had an

TBM-3 had an upgraded engine

upgraded engine

and wing hardpoints for drop tanks and

and wing hardpoints for drop tanks and rockets

rockets

Haguro

Haguro was a was aMyoko Myoko -class heavy cruiser of 13,300 tons with a -class heavy cruiser of 13,300 tons with a main armament of ten 8inmain armament of ten 8in

guns ﬁtted in ﬁve turrets. Commissioned into the Imperial Japanese Navy on April 25,

1929 she ﬁrst saw action during the Battle

1929 she ﬁrst saw action during the Battle of the Java Sea in late of the Java Sea in late February 1942.February 1942.

She saw further action in

She saw further action in the Battle of the Coral Sea the Battle of the Coral Sea the following May. Based in thethe following May. Based in the

Japanese stronghold at Rabaul,

Japanese stronghold at Rabaul,Haguro Haguro was damaged at was damaged at Empress Augusta Bay in lateEmpress Augusta Bay in late

1943 during the Bougainville Island campaign and in 1944 survived the savage battles

against the US Navy

against the US Navy at the Philippine Sat the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. Following that she was movedea and Leyte Gulf. Following that she was moved

to Singapore and received the attentions of the

to Singapore and received the attentions of the long-range Avengers of 851 Squadron.long-range Avengers of 851 Squadron.

Formidably armed warrior

and

and attacked the supplattacked the supply ship andy ship and her escort, and although they scored her escort, and although they scored no hits they returned to strafe them. no hits they returned to strafe them. However Sub Lt J G V Burns’ crew However Sub Lt J G V Burns’ crew in JZ137 was hit by flak, lost engine in JZ137 was hit by flak, lost engine oil and ditched in the Andaman Sea. oil and ditched in the Andaman Sea. Burns and Sub Lt G H Robinson Burns and Sub Lt G H Robinson made it into their dinghy, but air made it into their dinghy, but air gunner, PO A R

gunner, PO A R Murley was lost. ToMurley was lost. To make matters worse, having stayed make matters worse, having stayed to provide cover over the dinghy to provide cover over the dinghy until the last moment, the other until the last moment, the other Av

Avengeenger, r, JZ20JZ203 fl3 flown own by by Sub Sub Lt Lt WW R P Bowden and crew, ditched out R P Bowden and crew, ditched out of fuel 30 miles from the carrier, but of fuel 30 miles from the carrier, but were

were pickpicked ed up up by by a a WWalrualrus os of 1f 1700700 Squadron from HMS

Squadron from HMSHunter Hunter .. The others, including JZ147 flown The others, including JZ147 flown by Lt K C Crompton, recovered safely, by Lt K C Crompton, recovered safely, having responded to Burns’ distress having responded to Burns’ distress call but found nothing. Two further call but found nothing. Two further Av

Avengeengers wrs were ere launlaunched ched to to searsearchch for the enemy convoy and the Burns for the enemy convoy and the Burns crew, but Sub Lt

crew, but Sub Lt Riorden’Riorden’s aircrafts aircraft lost power and made an emergency lost power and made an emergency landing aboard

landing aboardHunter Hunter ..

The other Avenger, flown by the The other Avenger, flown by the CO with his crew of Lt Lansdale and CO with his crew of Lt Lansdale and CPO Sherlock pressed on. To increase CPO Sherlock pressed on. To increase

his endurance Lt Cdr Fuller jettisoned his endurance Lt Cdr Fuller jettisoned the bomb load, but then found the the bomb load, but then found the Kurishoyo Maru

Kurishoyo Maru and her escort. As he and her escort. As he circled, two more vessels were spotted circled, two more vessels were spotted about 15 miles to the south. Fuller about 15 miles to the south. Fuller tracked these new contacts out of gun tracked these new contacts out of gun range, identifying them as warships range, identifying them as warships heading southwest off Sabang, heading southwest off Sabang,

Sumatra, and then accurately reported Sumatra, and then accurately reported the

theHaguroHaguro and andKamikaze.Kamikaze. Fuller recalled later: “This was a Fuller recalled later: “This was a very big excitement. She was very very big excitement. She was very large and very black against a very large and very black against a very dark monsoon cloud. An enormously dark monsoon cloud. An enormously impressive sight, just as a warship impressive sight, just as a warship ought to look, though trying to ought to look, though trying to

remain unobtrusively out of sight, remain unobtrusively out of sight, hoping not to be noticed.”

hoping not to be noticed.” Sherlock transmitted the

Sherlock transmitted the electrifyingelectrifying signal that was received by the task signal that was received by the task force at 11:50: “One cruiser, one force at 11:50: “One cruiser, one destroyer sighted. Course 240. Speed destroyer sighted. Course 240. Speed 10 knots.”

10 knots.”

For the next hour the crew sent For the next hour the crew sent a stream of accurate updates until a stream of accurate updates until shortage of fuel forced Fuller to shortage of fuel forced Fuller to

with

withdrawdraw. H. His is last last repreport ort was was mademade from directly above the

from directly above theHaguroHaguro to give to give the fleet’s direction finders the chance the fleet’s direction finders the chance of obtaining an accurate ‘fix’.

of obtaining an accurate ‘fix’. When

When they they landlanded ed back back aboaaboardrd Emperor

Emperor , Fuller’s aircraft had just ten, Fuller’s aircraft had just ten minutes’ worth of fuel remaining. minutes’ worth of fuel remaining. On receiving his reports, three more On receiving his reports, three more Av

Avengeengers rs had had been been catacatapulpulted ted offoff Emperor

Emperor but returned without making but returned without making any sightings and one was damaged in any sightings and one was damaged in a barrier

a barrier engagemenengagement.t.

Dive-bombers

Each armed with four 500lb Each armed with four 500lb semi-armour piercing bombs semi-armour piercing bombs

Right

The ‘Haguro’ under

way in a heavy

swell – her main

armament readil

armament readilyy

apparent.

apparent.US NAVY US NAVY

Below right Below right Heavy cruiser Heavy cruiser ‘Haguro’ at anchor ‘Haguro’ at anchor

in Rabaul harbour

during an Allied during an Allied air attac air attack in 1943.k in 1943. US NAVY US NAVY Right Right

One of the three

Avengers w

Avengers wasas

damaged when it

bounced ov

bounced over theer the

arreste

arrester wire andr wire and

into the barrie

into the barrierr

after the long-r

after the long-rangeange

attack.

(11)

Grumman

in Combat

TBM-1s were used by the Fleet Air Arm

Classic attack

The location reports from 851 The location reports from 851 Squadron were used to good effect. Squadron were used to good effect. That night the destroyers HMS That night the destroyers HMS Saumarez

Saumarez ,,Venus Venus ,,VerulamVerulam,,Vigilant Vigilant and

andViragoVirago attacked the attacked theHaguroHaguro and the

and theKamikaze Kamikaze in a classic night in a classic night torpedo attack. Gunfire and three torpedo attack. Gunfire and three torpedoes caused

torpedoes causedHaguroHaguro to slow to slow down with a 30° list to port. down with a 30° list to port.

Soon after 0230hrs on May 16 Soon after 0230hrs on May 16 the old cruiser began to go the old cruiser began to go downdown by the stern approximately 55 miles by the stern approximately 55 miles off Penang, taking with her 900 of off Penang, taking with her 900 of her crew, including her captain and her crew, including her captain and Vice Admiral Hashimoto. This was Vice Admiral Hashimoto. This was the last major gun action fought the last major gun action fought

between major surface ships during between major surface ships during the war.

the war.

Throughout the day, 851 Squadron Throughout the day, 851 Squadron continued searching for the dinghy continued searching for the dinghy of the Burns crew until the task force of the Burns crew until the task force with

withdrew drew to Cto Ceyloeylon. n. The The AvAvengeengersrs swapped back onto the

swapped back onto theShahShah the next the next day.

day.

The dinghy with Burns and The dinghy with Burns and Robinson aboard drifted onto Robinson aboard drifted onto the Burma coast where they were the Burma coast where they were captured. Fortunately, they were captured. Fortunately, they were among the prisoners released following among the prisoners released following VJ Day.

VJ Day. with 14-second delay fuses,

with 14-second delay fuses, threethree Avengers -

Avengers - FN939 flown by LtFN939 flown by Lt Crompton, JZ147 (Sub Lt J A Crompton, JZ147 (Sub Lt J A Eedle) and JZ210 (Sub Lt Eedle) and JZ210 (Sub Lt Rowe-Evans) launched off

Evans) launched offEmperor Emperor ’s deck’s deck for a

for a strike at 1340hrs. Tstrike at 1340hrs. Two hourswo hours later they found the enemy ships. later they found the enemy ships.

Compton recorded: “Enemy Compton recorded: “Enemy sighted on starboard bow bearing sighted on starboard bow bearing 040, 12 miles. Commenced 040, 12 miles. Commenced climbing, moving astern of the climbing, moving astern of the enemy. Initial and first sighting enemy. Initial and first sighting reports sent out during the climb. reports sent out during the climb. Appro

Approached ached enemy fenemy force oorce out of ut of sunsun at 10,000ft, weaving to avoid at 10,000ft, weaving to avoid anti-aircraft fire and attacked from port aircraft fire and attacked from port quarter.

quarter.

“Cruiser turned port during dive, “Cruiser turned port during dive, this did not appear to be particularly this did not appear to be particularly violent. Relative bearing of cruiser violent. Relative bearing of cruiser when b

when bombs wombs were reere released leased was awas aboutbout 310. Method of getaway – turn to 310. Method of getaway – turn to starboard, jinking and weaving at starboard, jinking and weaving at 3,000ft with full throttle.” 3,000ft with full throttle.”

Having attacked in the face of Having attacked in the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire, the

fierce anti-aircraft fire, the AvengersAvengers claimed one direct hit and a very claimed one direct hit and a very near miss right forward on

near miss right forward onHaguroHaguro by Crompton, but causing only by Crompton, but causing only slight damage. The formation slight damage. The formation

re-formed and set course back to the re-formed and set course back to the carrier, landing on by 1830hrs. carrier, landing on by 1830hrs.

Although the results were Although the results were disappointing, the flight of 530 disappointing, the flight of 530 miles (853km) was the FAA’s longest miles (853km) was the FAA’s longest round trip by carrier strike aircraft round trip by carrier strike aircraft during the war. It was also the FAA’s during the war. It was also the FAA’s only dive-bombing attack on a only dive-bombing attack on a major enemy vessel in open major enemy vessel in open water,water, albeit with disappointing results. albeit with disappointing results. However

However, little more , little more could havecould have been expected from such a small been expected from such a small force with little recent practice in force with little recent practice in anti-shipping strikes. anti-shipping strikes. Left Left Maintenance ratings Maintenance ratings practising bomb

practising bombing-up aning-up an

Avenger in Ce

Avenger in Ceylon shortlyylon shortly

before the ‘Hagur

before the ‘Haguro’o’

attack.

attack.VIA R C STURTIVANT VIA R C STURTIVANT

Below left

On May 17, to make

room for Hellcat

room for Hellcatss

aboard ‘Empero

aboard ‘Emperor’, twor’, two

unserviceable Avengers

were pushed over the side

– including ‘1C’ that had

taken part in the search

for the ‘Haguro’ two days

earlier.

earlier.MRS S SMYTHMRS S SMYTH

Below Below An Avenger of 851 An Avenger of 851 Squadron in early 1945 Squadron in early 1945

showing that the ‘T

showing that the ‘Type B’ype B’

wing roundels have been

replaced b

replaced by two-tone bluy two-tone bluee

SEAC markings as worn

when they attacked the

‘Haguro’ in May 1945. ‘Haguro’ in May 1945. R G FLETCHER R G FLETCHER

334

(12)

SPOT

FACT

A

Ro

y

yal

al

Na

vy

Av

en

enge

ge

r

r gu

gu

nn

er

su

cc

cces

es

sfu

ll

y

shot down a V-1 bomb on July 9, 1944

Avengers

‘Kiwi’

Andrew

Thomas

recounts the valiant

combat service

of New Zealand Aven

gers in

the South Paciﬁc

new CO, Sqn Ldr H N James, new CO, Sqn Ldr H N James, dispatched two formations of six dispatched two formations of six Avengers on

Avengers on most days throughoutmost days throughout the month, despite intense the month, despite intense anti-aircraft fire. On the 25th, NZ2511 aircraft fire. On the 25th, NZ2511 was badly damaged

was badly damaged over Vover Vunakanauunakanau but made it back

but made it back to Green Island.to Green Island. During an attack on Lakunai During an attack on Lakunai airfield on May 10, Fg Off Alan airfield on May 10, Fg Off Alan Bailey steadied NZ2541 for its Bailey steadied NZ2541 for its bombing run but was hit and dived bombing run but was hit and dived into the sea off

into the sea off the coast. Bailey,the coast. Bailey, navigator F/Sgt Louis Schlesinger navigator F/Sgt Louis Schlesinger and gunner W/O Reg Curtiss were and gunner W/O Reg Curtiss were killed.

killed.

On the 22nd, a

On the 22nd, a dozen Avengersdozen Avengers struck a

struck a supply dump near Tahilisupply dump near Tahili Bay

Bay, Rabaul. This brought , Rabaul. This brought an end tan end too 30’

30’s tour, having flown almost s tour, having flown almost 1,5001,500 hours on 35 strikes

hours on 35 strikes and droppingand dropping 330 tons of bombs, for the loss of 330 tons of bombs, for the loss of one crew and aircraft. The squadron one crew and aircraft. The squadron returned to New Zealand where it returned to New Zealand where it disbanded on June 26.

disbanded on June 26.

Counter-attack

The first TBF-1s touched down at The first TBF-1s touched down at Piva on March 23 and operations Piva on March 23 and operations began the following afternoon when began the following afternoon when 19 sorties were flown. Along with 19 sorties were flown. Along with more than 50 US

more than 50 US Avengers andAvengers and SBD Dauntlesses, 30 Squadron SBD Dauntlesses, 30 Squadron attacked Rabaul’s Kavieng airfield attacked Rabaul’s Kavieng airfield on the 26th. The ‘Kiwi’ Grummans on the 26th. The ‘Kiwi’ Grummans bombed in the face of fierce bombed in the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire, during which NZ2510 aircraft fire, during which NZ2510 was badly damaged

was badly damaged and made anand made an emergency landing at a strip on emergency landing at a strip on Green Island.

Green Island. As the Japan

As the Japanese counter-attackese counter-attack petered out, enemy supply dumps, petered out, enemy supply dumps, moorings and gun emplacements moorings and gun emplacements were hit. Additio

were hit. Additionallynally, 30 Squadron, 30 Squadron provided close air support to US, provided close air support to US, New Zealand and Australian troops New Zealand and Australian troops by bombing Japanese bunkers, by bombing Japanese bunkers, personnel and transports. personnel and transports.

Rabaul and its airfields remained Rabaul and its airfields remained the main focus. From April 9, a the main focus. From April 9, a

W

hen the Liberty Shiphen the Liberty Ship SS William Keith SS William Keith docked in Auckland docked in Auckland in September 1943, its in September 1943, its cargo transformed the strike capacity cargo transformed the strike capacity of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. On board were half a

On board were half a dozen TBF-1dozen TBF-1 Av

Avenengergers, s, the the firfirst st of of 48 48 to to serserve ve thethe RNZAF as land-based dive-bombers. RNZAF as land-based dive-bombers.

The first one ready for action, The first one ready for action, NZ2505, was issued to 30 Squadron NZ2505, was issued to 30 Squadron at Gisborne on the east coast,

at Gisborne on the east coast,

replacing obsolescent Vickers Vincent replacing obsolescent Vickers Vincent biplanes and Harvard trainers. As biplanes and Harvard trainers. As more Avengers became available, 31 more Avengers became available, 31 Squadron was formed at Gisborne Squadron was formed at Gisborne on December 7, under Sqn Ldr M on December 7, under Sqn Ldr M Wil

Wilkeskes. . The The folfollowlowing ing monmonth, th, 3030 Squadron, commanded by Sqn Ldr R Squadron, commanded by Sqn Ldr R G Hartshorne,

G Hartshorne, moved to Tmoved to Turtle Strip,urtle Strip, Espiritu Santo, in the New Hebrides, Espiritu Santo, in the New Hebrides, to continue working up.

to continue working up.

Prime task for the Avengers was to Prime task for the Avengers was to neutralise the large and troublesome neutralise the large and troublesome Ja

Japanpanese ese basbase ae at Rt Rabaabaul ul in in NeNeww Britain. They were to operate from Britain. They were to operate from a strip at Piva on Bougainville in the a strip at Piva on Bougainville in the notorious Solomon Islands.

notorious Solomon Islands. Although a bridgehead had Although a bridgehead had beenbeen established by the Allies, many established by the Allies, many thousands of Japanese troops thousands of Japanese troops remained on the island. When remained on the island. When 30 Squadron’

30 Squadron’s sers servicing elementvicing element arrived on March 15, 1944 they arrived on March 15, 1944 they were greeted by a

were greeted by a barrage of artillerybarrage of artillery fire. Their first task was digging fire. Their first task was digging foxholes, as the enemy were only a foxholes, as the enemy were only a few hundred yards away.

few hundred yards away.

Above Above RNZAF Avenger RNZAF Avenger NZ2510 of 30 NZ2510 of 30 Squadron during Squadron during

work-up at Turtle Bay

in the New Hebrides

in Februa in February 1944.ry 1944. Right Right Avenger NZ250 Avenger NZ25066 of 31 Squadron of 31 Squadron while working up at while working up at Gisborne in early Gisborne in early 1944. 1944.

(13)

Grumman

in Combat

TBF-1s were lost during the Battle

TBF-1s were lost during the Battle of Midway in June 1942

of Midway in June 1942

5

On June 5, Rapopo airfield on On June 5, Rapopo airfield on Lesson Point was the objective and, Lesson Point was the objective and, although most of 31’s Avengers although most of 31’s Avengers bombed uneventfully, NZ2518 – bombed uneventfully, NZ2518 – named Plonky – was shot

named Plonky – was shot down,down, killing Flt Lt Charles Prior, Fg killing Flt Lt Charles Prior, Fg Off Sid Clayton and W/O Theo Off Sid Clayton and W/O Theo Scarlett.

Scarlett.

The largest action of 31’s tour The largest action of 31’s tour came on May 30. Nine Avengers came on May 30. Nine Avengers each flew three

each flew three separate missionsseparate missions to deliver 27 tons of bombs on to deliver 27 tons of bombs on large concentrations of

large concentrations of JapaneseJapanese troops near the village of

troops near the village of Pikei, onPikei, on Empress Augusta Bay.

Empress Augusta Bay. While att

While attacking Tacking Tobera airobera airfieldfield on July 1, the

on July 1, the unit suffered its finalunit suffered its final loss. F/Sgt Rex

loss. F/Sgt Rex Mathieson, pilotingMathieson, piloting NZ2512, was hit and the

NZ2512, was hit and the AvengerAvenger spun in, killing him and F/Sgt spun in, killing him and F/Sgt Albert Weber. The gunner, F/Sgt Albert Weber. The gunner, F/Sgt Aitches

Aitcheson, managed ton, managed to bale out,o bale out, and after four days

and after four days was rescued andwas rescued and flown back to Piva.

flown back to Piva.

The final strike was flown on The final strike was flown on July 23, after

July 23, after which 31 Squwhich 31 Squadronadron returned to New Zealand where it returned to New Zealand where it disbanded on September 1. disbanded on September 1.

Crop spraying

It was time for 31 Squadron to It was time for 31 Squadron to step up, and on May 25 Sqn Ldr step up, and on May 25 Sqn Ldr Wilkes led the

Wilkes led the way to Bougainville.way to Bougainville. Operations began immediately Operations began immediately and the grim reality of action over and the grim reality of action over Rabaul was brutally driven home on Rabaul was brutally driven home on the 28th.

the 28th.

Flt Lt Melvin Greenslade settled Flt Lt Melvin Greenslade settled NZ2530 into its

NZ2530 into its dive on Vunakanaudive on Vunakanau but it was hit shortly after

but it was hit shortly after deliveringdelivering its bombs. Greenslade, Flt Lt John its bombs. Greenslade, Flt Lt John Morrison and F/Sgt Bill

Morrison and F/Sgt Bill McCloudMcCloud were all killed.

were all killed. Three days laterThree days later, flak, flak hit NZ2521 over Rabaul. It crashed hit NZ2521 over Rabaul. It crashed with the loss of Sgt

with the loss of Sgt Bill Bill TTruelove, Fltruelove, Flt Sgt Malcolm Harsant and Flt Sgt Sgt Malcolm Harsant and Flt Sgt Frank Brown.

Frank Brown.

During May, 31 Squadron had also During May, 31 Squadron had also begun action against a new target begun action against a new target with a bizarre ‘

with a bizarre ‘weaponweapon’ – diesel fuel.’ – diesel fuel. T

To offset o offset the Allied blockade, the Allied blockade, thethe Japanese wer

Japanese were growing crops e growing crops aroundaround Rabaul, and spraying them with Rabaul, and spraying them with diesel rendered the fields infertile. diesel rendered the fields infertile. This was perilous flying, having to This was perilous flying, having to be done at very low level in the be done at very low level in the faceface of heavy return fire.

of heavy return fire.

Old skills

This was not the end of the This was not the end of the RNZAF’

RNZAF’s Avengers. A s Avengers. A dozen TBFsdozen TBFs were retained on target-towi were retained on target-towingng

duties until going into store at the duties until going into store at the end of the

end of the war. In March 1949 threewar. In March 1949 three were taken out and

were taken out and prepared forprepared for aerial top-dressing trials – not far aerial top-dressing trials – not far removed from diesel spraying on removed from diesel spraying on Rabaul in 1944, but without the Rabaul in 1944, but without the opposing fire!

opposing fire!

This flight became part of 42 This flight became part of 42 Squadron, which re-formed under Squadron, which re-formed under Sqn Ldr J R Wendon in March Sqn Ldr J R Wendon in March 1950. The unit continued in 1950. The unit continued in its prosaic, but important, task, its prosaic, but important, task, through to the final RNZAF through to the final RNZAF Avenger sortie, b

Avenger sortie, by NZ2504, on Jy NZ2504, on Juneune 30, 1959.

30, 1959. One of the

One of the original TBF-1s off-original TBF-1s off-loaded from the William Keith in loaded from the William Keith in September 1943, NZ2504, was September 1943, NZ2504, was eventually passed to the RNZAF eventually passed to the RNZAF Museum (now Air Force Museum Museum (now Air Force Museum of New Zealand) at Wigram. of New Zealand) at Wigram. Painted in wartime colours, it is Painted in wartime colours, it is anan impressive memorial to the valour of impressive memorial to the valour of RNZAF Avenger crews.

RNZAF Avenger crews.

“When 30 Squadron’s servicing

element arrived... they were

greeted by a barrage of artillery

ﬁre. Their ﬁrst task was digging

foxholes, as the enemy were only

a few hundred yards away.”

Left centre

The RNZAF’s last Avenger,

NZ2504, is displayed in

the Air Force Museum at

Wigram, masquerading as

NZ2521.

NZ2521. AIR FOR AIR FORCE MUSECE MUSEUMUM

OF NEW ZEALAND

Left and below

Several o

Several of 30 Squadron’f 30 Squadron’ss

Avengers carr

Avengers carried nose-ied

nose- art. A suitably ‘modiﬁe

art. A suitably ‘modiﬁed’d’

kiwi adorned the nose o

kiwi adorned the nose off

NZ2520 and the

NZ2520 and the aircraftaircraft

was known as ‘Dumbo’.

ALL VIA A

(14)

Spotlight

Artwork Artwork Grumman TBM-1C Grumman TBM-1C Avenger F Avenger F-T 3-T 3 of Flight 19 was of Flight 19 was ﬂown by US Navy ﬂown by US Navy Lt Charles Carroll Lt Charles Carroll Taylor on December Taylor on December 5, 1945.

5, 1945. ANDY HAY- ANDY

HAY- 2016 2016

Patrol

Grumman

Avenger

Lost

_{Andy Hay}

_{artwork of}

_{an A}

_{venger lost w}

_{ithin the so-c}

_{alled Bermuda T}

_riangle

O

n December 5, 1945, an December 5, 1945, a flight of five Grumman flight of five Grumman TBM Avengers – known TBM Avengers – known as Flight 19 – went as Flight 19 – went missing over the western part of the missing over the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean. Neither the North Atlantic Ocean. Neither the aircraft nor any of the 14

aircraft nor any of the 14 airmenairmen have been found.

have been found.

Leading the overwater navigation Leading the overwater navigation and combat training flight was US and combat training flight was US Navy Lt Charles Carroll Taylor, Navy Lt Charles Carroll Taylor, whose TBM-1C,

whose TBM-1C, 45714 F-T 3,45714 F-T 3, is our subject. The formation is our subject. The formation took off from the naval air station took off from the naval air station at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 1410hrs, heading roughly east over 1410hrs, heading roughly east over the sea to carry out a low-level the sea to carry out a low-level bombing practice and a bombing practice and a

multiple-leg navigation

leg navigation exercise. Texercise. Taylor hadaylor had around 2,500 flying hours, mostly around 2,500 flying hours, mostly in Avengers, and had completed a in Avengers, and had completed a combat tour in the Pacific theatre. combat tour in the Pacific theatre.

After fin

After finishing the bishing the bombingombing training, radio transmissions training, radio transmissions indicated the flight was indicated the flight was experiencing problems with experiencing problems with compass readings and had compass readings and had

effectively become lost. By 1750hrs, effectively become lost. By 1750hrs, several land-based radio stations several land-based radio stations had triangulated Flight 19’s position had triangulated Flight 19’s position as being north of

as being north of the Bahamasthe Bahamas and well away from the coast and well away from the coast of central Florida. Taylor’s final of central Florida. Taylor’s final radio transmission was reportedly radio transmission was reportedly received at around 1820hrs, received at around 1820hrs, hishis words indicat

words indicating that thing that the aircrafte aircraft

would probab

would probably have to ditly have to ditch unlessch unless they made landfall soon.

they made landfall soon. A Consolidated Catali A Consolidated Catalina hadna had already been despatched to search for already been despatched to search for Flight 19, but was unable to make Flight 19, but was unable to make contact. After dark, two Martin contact. After dark, two Martin PBM Mariner flying-boats were PBM Mariner flying-boats were diverted to carry out square pattern diverted to carry out square pattern searches. One of them, 59225, was searches. One of them, 59225, was lost along with all 13 crewmen lost along with all 13 crewmen aboard. It is assumed to have aboard. It is assumed to have exploded in mid-air.

exploded in mid-air.

The fate of Flight 19 has never The fate of Flight 19 has never been confirmed, leading to some been confirmed, leading to some wild speculation. I

wild speculation. It seems most likt seems most likelyely they ran out of fuel and crashed into they ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean somewhere north of the the ocean somewhere north of the Abaco Islands

(15)

2,332

SPOT

FACT

In 1945 Avengers were used in

crop-spr

aying trials in

aying trials in New Zealand

New Zealand

Avenger

_{in proﬁle}

TBM-1Cs were built by General Motors’ Eastern Aircraft Division

(16)

R

enowned naval fighterenowned naval fighter specialist Grumman served specialist Grumman served the US Navy from the the US Navy from the FF-1 biplane of the 1930s FF-1 biplane of the 1930s all the way through to

all the way through to the F-14the F-14 Tomcat swing-wing 'hot-rod' in Tomcat swing-wing 'hot-rod' in the 1970s. In 1939, the Bethpage, the 1970s. In 1939, the Bethpage, New York, company had ambitions New York, company had ambitions to expand into other types and a to expand into other types and a requirement released by the navy requirement released by the navy was too good to miss.

was too good to miss.

The Douglas TBD Devastator The Douglas TBD Devastator carrier-based torpedo-bomber was carrier-based torpedo-bomber was state-of-the-art when introduced state-of-the-art when introduced in 1935. In 1939 a request was in 1935. In 1939 a request was released demanding

released demanding the TBD’sthe TBD’s replacement needed a top speed replacement needed a top speed of 300mph (482km/h), a of 300mph (482km/h), a 1,000-mile (1,609km) range and a service mile (1,609km) range and a service ceiling of 30,000ft (9,144m), all ceiling of 30,000ft (9,144m), all while fully loaded.

while fully loaded. It would have It would have anan internal weapons bay with a payload internal weapons bay with a payload

Pearl

Warren E Thompson

highlights three pilots who

ﬂew the A

venger – a

warplane

that was given its name in

the aftermath of the Japanese

attack on Hawaii

Grumman

Avenger

Spotlight

AVENGING

(17)

SPOT

FACT

AS

.4

w

was

as

th

e

Ro

y

yal

al

Na

vy

designation for the post-war TBM-3S

Men Behind

_{the Avenger}

TBM-3Es were made -

TBM-3Es were made - featuring a stronger airframe with ventr

featuring a stronger airframe with ventral gun deleted

al gun deleted

Aircraft Division of

Aircraft Division of General MotorsGeneral Motors (TBMs) at Trenton, New Jersey. (TBMs) at Trenton, New Jersey. Between the two factories, 9,836 Between the two factories, 9,836 Avengers wer

Avengers were built.e built.

Vengeful intent

Robert Hall, assistant chief engineer Robert Hall, assistant chief engineer at Grumman, was in charge of at Grumman, was in charge of experimental work. He remembered experimental work. He remembered the formative days of the Avenger: the formative days of the Avenger: “The prototype XTBF-1 had to go “The prototype XTBF-1 had to go

through a rigorous flight schedule through a rigorous flight schedule designed to give our engineering designed to give our engineering department what they needed. department what they needed.

“The first prototype was lost in a “The first prototype was lost in a cockpit fire, so we had to depend on cockpit fire, so we had to depend on the second prototype to take up the the second prototype to take up the slack. This was mostly identical to the slack. This was mostly identical to the first aircraft except that a dorsal fin first aircraft except that a dorsal fin had been added between the fuselage had been added between the fuselage and vertical stabiliser [the fin] for and vertical stabiliser [the fin] for greater stability in combat. greater stability in combat. of 2,000lb (907kg) and the airframe

of 2,000lb (907kg) and the airframe would need to have

would need to have increasedincreased resistance to battle damage. resistance to battle damage.

This was a tall order and the This was a tall order and the answer that came off the Bethpage answer that came off the Bethpage drawing boards was the XTBF-1. drawing boards was the XTBF-1. Two examples were ordered on Two examples were ordered on April 8, 1940 and

April 8, 1940 and the prototypethe prototype took to the air on August 1, 1941. took to the air on August 1, 1941. Production was shared by

Production was shared by GrummanGrumman (TBF variants) and the Eastern (TBF variants) and the Eastern

Harbor

BelowBelow

An early

TBF- An early TBF-1 under1 under

test from Grumman’s

plant at Bethpage

during the spring

of 1942.

of 1942.TAILHOOKTAILHOOK

ASSO

Avenger Profile

Spotlight

Spotlight

66 Origin

66 Origin

and history

and history

68

68

In

In Combat

Combat -

-Avengers in

Avengers in

action

action

74 Artwork

74 Artwork

-Flight 119

Flight 119

76

76

Inside

Inside the

the

Avenger

Avenger

78

78

Men

Men Behind

Behind the

the

Grumman

Grumman

84

84

From

From the

the

Archive

Archive

20 Pages

20 Pages

in detail

in detail

Grumman

Grumman

Avenger

Avenger

This month, Spotlight shines on the Grumman

This month, Spotlight shines on the Grumman

A

A

venger

venger

, an American

, an American

torpedo bom

torpedo bom

ber that

ber that

ﬁrst

ﬁrst

saw action in 1942’s Battle of Midway. After

saw action in 1942’s Battle of Midway. After

playing a key role through the remainder of

playing a key role through the remainder of

W

W

orld War

orld War

T

T

wo, the

wo, the

durable

durable

machine

machine