History of RAAF No.78 Kittyhawk Fighter Squadron

RAAF No.78 Kittyhawk Fighter Squadron

Camden,Kiriwina Is, Goodenough Is, Woodlark Is,Cape Gloucester, Nadzab, Aitape,Hollandia,Noemfoor,Morotai,Tarakan

History of RAAF No.78 Kittyhawk Fighter Squadron

By the 24th April the squadron was established at Tadji, and four aircraft immediately did a protective patrol from 1740 hours till dusk. On the next day, 23 patrolled the beachhead at Hollandia. Heavy rain fell on the 26th preventing the use of the strip and con-siderably hampered the work of the squadron, as all maintenance had to be effected in the open.

The squadron was not again airborne until the 29th, when two details of the 12 patrolled Hollandia, and 2 each of Tadji. Similar patrols were effected on the 30th were observed, but belly tanks were dropped and exploded over Kamti, Later, a message was received from the ground forces who occupied Kamti the following day that with the exception of 2 huts, the village had been completely demolished and enemy dead encountered.


B25 Mitchell Bomber over Cyclops Hollandia	Hollandia Japanese airfield bombed & straffed	Japanese aircraft after a bombing run Hollandia

During the early part of may, the escorting of C-47’s supple the American troops at Hollandia and patrolling over Hollandia and Tadji were the main features of the squadron’s work.

On the 7th, 16 Kittyhawks led by Sqn.Ldr.A.H.Brydon, fly Hollandia, taking with them rations for 4 days, The Pilots slept in hammocks under the wings of the aircraft. 5 details each of 8 on each of the following days patrolled Hollandia-Tanamerah-Humboldt Bay area. They returned to Tadji on the 10th.

The A.O.C. on the 3rd commended the Wing for its establishment at Tadji, in spite of many difficulties, and made special mention of No.78 Squadron in maintaining an exacting schedule of operations at Nadzab under difficult conditions. A few days later, the Commander –in- chief of S.W.P.A. warmly commended the squadron at Tadji.

Images on this website may be disturbing ,and are in no way intended to offend, but to honour those who have fallen.