RNZAF SBD-5 Dauntless NZ5049 on Rabaul Mission 1944
The idea of equipping the RNZAF with the Dauntless was proposed in February 1943. At that time, Allied forces under General MacArthur had secured Bougainville Island and western New Britain, allowing them to attack the heavily defended Rabaul from both directions. Despite intense bombing throughout 1943, Rabaul remained a formidable stronghold. Direct assaults on such Japanese bases typically required substantial sea and land forces, resulting in high casualties. Thus, in early 1944, the decision was made to intensify the air campaign before committing ground troops. The RNZAF had already offered additional aircrews. Initially, four squadrons (Nos. 25, 26, 27, and 28) were planned to operate the Dauntless, but only No. 25 Squadron ultimately did so.
No. 25 Squadron RNZAF was formed in late July 1943 at Seagrove near Auckland, North Island. Commanded by Sqn. Ldr T.J. McLean de Lange, it was assigned twelve aircrews and a few ground staff. The squadron started with nine battle-worn ex-USMC SBD-3 and SBD-4 aircraft, which had previously seen service in battles such as the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal. These planes were loaned from Marine Air Group-13, who were resting at Seagrove. The aircraft were in such poor condition that a week’s work was needed to make the first one airworthy. Spares were scarce, and several planes had to be cannibalized with the help of MAG-13 mechanics to make others flyable, resulting in a typical serviceability rate of 40%.
In late September, the squadron’s requests for better aircraft were answered with the delivery of eighteen SBDs (RNZAF serials NZ205 – NZ222), followed by more in November 1943 (re-serialled NZ5001 – NZ5018) and another batch (NZ5019 – NZ5027). These new planes arrived in standard Pacific colors with RNZAF roundels and yellow outer rings on fuselage sides, but initially lacked fin flashes. Training continued with the full complement of aircrews, who learned dive bombing techniques. Pilots had to complete at least 60 flying hours on the Dauntless, including dive bombing, live firing, formation flying, and navigation exercises.
By January 1944, No. 25 Squadron began receiving new Douglas SBD-5s, replacing the second-hand SBD-4s. These new planes, serialled NZ5046 to NZ5063, were initially flown in their original Marine markings and later repainted with RNZAF roundels and serial numbers. With the SBD-5s, the squadron was deemed combat-ready by late February, but their first mission was postponed to 22 March due to Japanese bombardment at their forward base at Piva on Bougainville.
On 22 March, No. 25 Squadron relocated to Piva via Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, led by a Lockheed PV-1 from No. 9 Squadron RNZAF. Despite one aircraft being written off, the squadron commenced operations the next day, targeting Japanese positions and supporting Allied advances. The squadron provided twelve aircraft daily for missions to neutralize Japanese bases around Rabaul. Their sorties, typically launched early in the morning, involved dive bombing with a standard load of one 1,000 lb bomb under the fuselage and 100 lb bombs under each wing.
The squadron’s first combat missions on 24 March included three attack sorties, with one aircraft returning with bullet holes. By 30 March, No. 25 Squadron reached full strength and led an Allied attack force, completing its 100th sortie two days later. On 8 April, the squadron achieved notable success in a formation attacking Japanese artillery positions, credited with five of the six direct hits.
Despite continued success, the squadron faced challenges. On 17 April, Dauntless NZ5050 was reported missing, likely due to flak damage. Another aircraft, NZ5058, returned damaged and was written off. On 19 May, NZ5051 was lost during an attack, both crew members killed. The squadron’s last mission was on 17 May, and three days later, surviving aircraft were returned to the Marine Corps at Renarde Field, Russell Islands. The squadron personnel flew home on 19 June, officially disbanding, with remaining SBD-3s and SBD-4s stored and scrapped by 1948.