no. 20 squadron at green island

No. 20 (Fighter) Squadron flew in from Guadalcanal on 26 October to be based on No. 3 Servicing Unit. The servicing personnel were still engaged in camp construction and their technical equipment was not yet unpacked, but despite difficulties the page 269 squadron started operations almost immediately. Two American Corsair squadrons at that time constituted the fighter defence of the island. They were due to move shortly to the Philippines, and the RNZAF took over part of their commitments to enable them to train for their new jobs. The duties consisted of local patrols, ‘Dumbo’ escort, and scramble alert.

During the last week of its tour, which finished on 19 November, the squadron also carried out sweeps over New Ireland, bombing and strafing targets of opportunity.