Summary of Operations

F. D. Weir

2nd Brigade, US Marines

Managua, Nicaragua

ca. 1 January 1928

... 12 December 1927.   Two 02B-1 airplanes, Nos. 6911 and 6920, Major Rowell, pilot, with 2nd Lt Chappell, observer, and 2nd Lt Lamson Scribner, pilot, with Gy Sgt Arnold, observer, took off Managua at 0820 on a reconnaissance flight to Ocotal-Chipote area.  While circling Chipote planes were fired upon by outpost on east side of slope.  Fire was not returned and planes were not hit.  At Santa Ana a group of ten or twelve bandits rode into a banana patch adjoining a ranch house.  This group was attacked by bombs and machine guns.  The horses were stampeded but the men remained in hiding.  The planes returned to Managua and landed at 1255.

 

16 December 1927.   Two 02B-1 airplanes, Nos. 6923 and 6920, 2nd Lt. Weir, pilot, with Cpl. Corris, observer, and Gy Sgt Munsch, pilot, with Gy Sgt Tobin, observer, took off Managua at 0830 and made a reconnaissance flight to Jicaro; Guilali; Chipote area.  About two miles south of Las Vueltas ten mounted men were observed in a ravine and were attacked with bombs and machine guns.  During the reconnaissance of the Murra River valley, the planes were fired upon from Chipote.  Fire was not returned and planes were not hit.  The Planes returned to Managua and landed at 1255.

17 December 1927.   Two 02B-1 airplanes, Nos. 6911 and 6909, 1st Lt. Schilt, pilot, with Capt. Pierce, observer, and 2nd Lt Lamson-Scribner, pilot, with Gy Sgt Kurtz, observer, took off Managua at 0940 on a reconnaissance flight of Telpaneca and vicinity.  As San Juan de Telpaneca five or six men and horses were observed around a house.  The planes strafed them with bombs and machine guns.  Casualties - unknown.  At Portal several horses were seen under the trees.  These were strafed with rear machine guns and they scattered in all directions.  The planes returned to Managua and landed at 1325.

 

30 December 1927.   Two 02B-1 airplanes, Nos. 6911 and 6909, Lt. Lamson-Scribner, pilot, with Lt. Chappell, observer, and Sgt. Pabst, pilot, with Gy Sgt Adams, observer, took off Managua at 0810 and made a reconnaissance and liaison flight to the vicinity of Captain Livingston's and Lt. Richal's columns.  One mile southeast of Quilali contact was made with Captain Livingston's patrol who laid out the following panels:  FIRED 4 MARINES KILLED - PROCEEDING QUILALI.  While circling the column the planes were fired upon from the ridge to the right front.  Fire was returned and area around patrol was strafed.  The planes were not hit. 

 

Landed at Ocotal at 1145 and took off Ocotal at 1520 and returned to Managua at 1645. ... One 0L-4 airplane, No. 7057, Lt. Schilt, pilot, with Gy Sgt Kildow, observer, and Mr. Denny a newspaper correspondent as passenger, took off Bluefields at 1235 and landed at Lake San Carlos to refuel, at 1435.  Took off Lake San Carlos at 1525 and landed at Managua at 1730. ...  [Note:  this was Harold Norman Denny, the New York Times correspondent, whose book Dollars for Bullets (NY: Dial Press, 1929) provided an important exposé of US intervention in Nicaragua. ]

43A/16

B-2 Intelligence Report

January 17, 1928

2nd Brigade, US Marines

Managua, Nicaragua

... January 9th.   At El Chipote the air patrol noted great activity near the crest of the mountain.  The planes were fired on by large guns of unknown type and a machine gun mounted on a tripod, also a small amount of rifle fire.  The planes did not return this fire.

 

January 10th.   The air forces kept a continual reconnaissance over the route of Captain Peard's column.  At 1245 the air patrol sighted a group of bandits, horses, and mules under some trees between Las Cruces and Buena Vista, about one mile ahead of the marching column.  This group was in excellent position to do considerable damage to the column.  Bombs were dropped and the position was strafed with machine guns.  The air patrol reported ten known dead in this action.  They estimated that fifteen men and five mules were killed.

 

About 1400 Captain Peard's column was about half a mile east of Las Cruces and proceeding in good order.  About 1500 yards ahead of the column an ambuscade was discovered.  Men wearing straw hats, and some horses were seen in the brush by the air force.  This point was attacked vigorously with bombs and machine guns, by the air patrol.  Fire was also brought to bear on the position of the column with stoke mortars and machine guns.  The bandits were soon dispersed by this combined attack of the air and ground units. 

The ground forces captured one bandit horse and re-captured two of the mules lost by Richal's column during their fight at Sapotillal Ridge.  Four dead bandits were found and fresh blood was seen on the ground which indicated other wounded bandits or animals.  At 1545 the air patrol sighted a group of bandits thought to be the same as dispersed at 1400.  Bombs were dropped on them and they were strafed with machine gun fire.  No known damage done.

 

January 11th.   In reconnoitering the new outpost of Sandino's between San Albino and San Geronimo, the planes observed a series of trenches fox hole type, so constructed as to cover the road from San Albino to Chipote.  The place showed evidence of being occupied by a large force of men.  Nearly fifty horses were seen grazing in the immediate vicinity.  As the planes came in sight a few men were seen disappearing into the heavy timber in a nearby ravine.  The planes opened fire on them.  The trenches, buildings, horses, and woods were strafed with machine guns and bombed.  Due to the heavily wooded terrain it was impossible to observe what effect the attack had on the outpost.

January 14th.  An all-Guardia patrol commanded by Lieutenant McDonald cleared San Albino at 2300, January 13th, and proceeded down the river bed and cross country to the San Geronimo mountain range.  At 1000, on the 14th, the patrol came in contact with a bandit outpost; the attack was a complete surprise to the bandits, who were quickly routed.  One of Sandino's jefes, named Mendez, was killed; on his body important papers of recent date from Chipote were found.  Two others, who were wounded, escaped.  The patrol captured:  One rifle, one revolver, 13 rounds of rifle ammunition, six rounds of pistol ammunition, one mule and one saddle. 

 

On January 14th, Observation Squadron seven-M sent a contact patrol of four planes against El Chipote, Sandino's mountain stronghold.  At 1200, upon arrival two planes attacked the northern end of the mountain and the other two attacked the southern point.  The attack lasted for thirty-two minutes.  Heavy machine gun and rifle fire was encountered during the whole attack.  When Major Rowell made the first dive two rockets of some description were fired at the plane.  One bomb was dropped which made a direct hit on one of the houses.  Upon the bursting of the bomb about fifty men ran from a house nearby.  Immediately another bomb was dropped making a direct hit in the middle of this group.  Fifty pound bombs were dropped in the vicinity of the warehouse with telling effect.  About twelve phosphorous bombs were dropped on the warehouse, but due to the speed of the planes and the terrain, satisfactory results could not be obtained.  The majority of these bombs rolled down in a deep ravine.  It is believed a number of men were in hiding there and results may have been more than observed. 

 

After dropping two bombs and firing about 200 rounds of fixed gun ammunition Major Rowell was forced to proceed to Ocotal due to motor trouble.  A total of four fifty-pound bombs and eighteen seventeen-pound bombs and about 2,800 rounds of machine gun ammunition were expended.  The planes were hit six times.  Approximately forty-five dead were seen in and around the shacks on the hill. ...

B-2 Report, 17 Jan. 1928, 43A/3.

Observation Squadron 7-M

Managua, Nicaragua

13 February 1928

Air Patrol Report

Major Ross E. Rowell, Marine Gunner Wodarczyk

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

 ...  San Rafael del Norte to Yali was reconnoitered and showed no signs of outlaw activities.  The Tuma River area was examined from Jinotega to the junction of the Yasica River at Tuma with similar results.  The entire coffee country in the hills between Jinotega and the Rio Cumplida (Willy Map) was carefully searched.  Practically every coffee finca in that section was examined at a very low altitude.  At all the plantations work was proceeding as usual.  Men, women and children, in normal numbers, came out to look at the planes.  Many waved white cloths.  Only the usual number of horses and mules were present.  No evidence of the presence of outlaws was noted anywhere.  This entire sector is very rough, mountainous and densely wooded.  If outlaws are present, they are doubtless hidden in the thick woods.  All other areas visited were entirely normal. ...

Source:  220/2

Observation Squadron 7-M

Managua, Nicaragua

13 February 1928

Air Patrol Report

Lt. Lamson-Scribner and Lt. Weir

 

... Two 02-1 airplanes ...

 

The area around Condega was thoroughly searched for signs of outlaw activity but none could be found.  The fincas around Duculi-Portrerillo-San Tule-Rodeo-San Pedro seem to be inhabited by more than the ordinary, with quite a number of horses to be seen.  The inhabitants, however, do not seem to be afraid of the planes, their actions were suspicious at only one house where two men were seen to dodge into a house.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

16 February 1928

Air Patrol Report

Major Ross E. Rowell, Marine Gunner Wodarczyk.

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

... 0740 - Trinidad:  Town almost entirely deserted, only three or four houses on the outskirts had women present.  Most of the buildings had the doors and shutters closed.  Two or three of the larger buildings on the plaza had the doors and windows swinging open with no one in sight.  In front of one of these stores dry goods and various articles were strewn about on the porch and in the streets. ...

 

0935-0955  - Reconnoitered area north and east of Trinidad, and east of Esteli.  Followed a branch of the Rio Viejo which runs northwest from Mechapa and terminates near the northern base of the large mountain southeast of Esteli.  From this point a trail goes to Esteli, about six miles over the ridge.  In this valley there are several large fincas and at three of them ten (10) to twenty (20) men appeared and looked at the planes.  These groups were suspicious as they did not have the appearance of the usual farm gatherings.  Only one or two women were present with these groups. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

21 October 1928

Report of Air Mission

Lt. Bourne

 

 ... One 02U-1 airplane ...

 

1025 - Observed a very [sic] pistol shot from jungle two miles from mouth of Congojos River.  Taken to be a patrol of Captain Edson's. ...

 

Three miles north of Ramongon, two natives with about four horses were seen to hide in the brush upon the approach of the planes.  The vicinity was ground strafed and nothing was developed. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

24 October 1928

Report of Air Mission

Lt. Williamson, Sgt. Frith

 

... Two OC-1 airplanes ...

 

1200 - Santa Amelia [on Honduran border west of San Lucas and Somoto] ... Lieut. Cartwright and Lieut. Schubert's patrols.  Dropped mail which was retrieved.  Panels "Fired On" - "Rations" - "Enemy North" laid out.  Then asked when fired on, displayed panel "A.M."  Reconnoitered the area to the north.  About a half mile north there were about 30 horses in a pasture.  No men were seen in the area near the horses.  The houses appeared deserted.  Five miles to the north, three houses were seen with saddled horses, one in each yard.  Families were in the yards, and in two cases, the man was carrying a baby in his arms.  Fired a burst of machine gun fire near several of the houses but nothing developed.  Returned to the patrol and informed them of the horses.  Panel "Three Days Rations" laid out. ...

 

25 October 1928.

0900 ... Reconnoitered the area La Rica - Constancia - All small houses appeared deserted.  The large ranches were occupied, flying white flags. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

31 October 1928

Report of Air Mission

Lt. Towner & Captain Howard

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

The Guasaneras Valley has a number of small nipa huts and clearings that have been built up during this rainy season.  Corn is principally grown.  Approximately one hundred head of cattle are feeding in the valley.  During the dry season there were no cattle in the entire valley.

 

The Cua Valley from the junction of the Guasaneras to Bocacito also has a number of nipa huts and clearings that were built at the same time as those in the Guasaneras.  At each of these huts a white flag was flying.  Several women and children came out of each place on approach of the planes.  Cattle in this valley are not as numerous as in the Guasaneras, but there are many more than ordinary.  The food grown in these two valleys is much more than would normally be used by the inhabitants.

 

The area Guiguili-Murra-Chipote-Ramongo has a great many patches of corn and beans, with only half as many houses as there should be for the amount of cultivation.  All of these houses show signs of occupancy but no people have ever been seen at any of the clearings.  The normal conclusion is that the food stuff grown is still in the area, probably stored by the bandits in dug-outs or other forms of shelter in the woods as most of the trails are not wide enough to permit big pack trains to travel there. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

1 November 1928

Report of Air Missions

Captain Howard, Sgt. Frith

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ... to the Southern Area and return.

 

0840 - Managua:  Took off.

0920 - Matagalpa:  Dropped mail which was retrieved.

0930 - Jinotega:  Panel "Marine Patrol North" laid out.  Dropped mail which was retrieved.

0940 - Sisle:  Panel "Nothing To Report" laid out.

0950 - Santa Fe:  Lieut. Jack's patrol.  Panel "Nothing To Report" laid out.  Dropped mail which was retrieved.

1000 - Bocadero:  Over seventy-five people, mostly women and children, were seen on the roads within a radius of two miles.  From the brightness of their attire it would seem that they were on their way to some festivity. ...

 

Reconnoitered the Guaseneras - Cua - Coco and Guiguili River area.  Signs of outlaws were found along the Cua River.  There were indications of outlaws along the Guiguili River.  Four horses were seen at Guiguili.  About two miles from the Coco River, along the Cua River, a large raft was drawn up on the bank.  The raft and area were bombed and strafed but no outlaws were seen.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

1 November 1928

Report of Air Mission #2

Lt. Williamson, Sgt. Kail

 

... Two OC-1 airplanes ...

 

0815 - Managua:  Took off.

0920 - Ocotal:  Landed.

0930 - Ocotal:  Took off with Lt. Cartwright as observer in one plane.

1010 - Mylote:  The general area was suspicious.  At one house a burst from the free gun was fired into the hillside nearby.  One native jumped from the house and dove into the bush.  A bomb was dropped in the bush, but it is believed the native escaped.

1015 - Guayabal:  Area appeared suspicioius. ...

 

The general area Guayabal - Mylote appeared very suspicious.  No bandits were seen.  Practically no natives were seen, although all houses gave every indication of being occupied.  Only three horses were seen in the entire area.  Corrals at many of the houses to the border were filled with catle.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

14 November 1928

Report of Air Mission ...

 

Special message addressed "General A. C. Sandino" were dropped at the following places:  Las Flores (Guasaneras River) - mouth of Rio Rica - coffee ranch on Cua River - Murra and two houses southeast of Murra near headwaters of Guiguili River.  Handbills were dropped throughout the area covered north of the Tuma River.  Along the trail from Caraterra to Guapinol it appears as though the inhabitants have been disturbed by bandit rumors or activities.  The area southeast from Murra to Guiguili, while not showing well recognized signs of bandit occupation, is believed to be settled by natives who assist in supply and intelligence to outlaws. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

20 November 1928

Report of Air Mission

[pilots unknown, signed by Louis M. Bourne, Jr.]

 

... At Guapinol seven horses and mules were observed.  Two were saddled and tied to the building.  Two or three saddles were observed under a shed.  A woman and child were standing in the doorway of the house.  A short burst was fired near the house but nothing was developed.  More people than usual were observed in the Caraterra area.  Lt. Sneed's patrol could not be located.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

21 November 1928

Report of Air Mission

[pilots unknown; signed by Louis M. Bourne, Jr.]

 

... A reconnaissance was made ahead of Lieut. Kenyon's and Captain Phipp's patrols.  The house at Guapinol where horses and mules and saddles were seen yesterday, was flying a white flag, and appeared deserted.  Due to shortage of time only a short search was made for Lieut. Ostick (GN) and Lieut. McDonald (GN) patrols but neither could be located.

 

While working with Captain Hall's patrol occasion was taken to thoroughly patrol the Guasaneras and Cua Valleys.  Nothing suspicous was observed.  The area surrounding Ramongon is very suspicious.  Every indication of inhabitants in the area, such as smoke from the houses, washing out to dry and extensively cultivated corn fields, yet no people were observed in the area.  There is every indication leading to believe that the area surrounding Ramongon is a bandit area and Ramongon itself the headquarters.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

25 November 1928

Report of Air Mission

Major Bourne & Sgt Frith

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

1220-1230 - Bombed and ground strafed the area of the headwaters of the north branch of the Guiguili River.  Fired area five miles square and eight miles due east of Captain Linehard's patrol.  No persons were seen.  One horse ran out of one house. ...

 

The Guasaneras and Cua area was reconnoitered but nothing suspicious was observed.  The area bombed and ground strafed looked suspicious.  This is the first time a horse has been seen in this area.  Balance of the area patrolled appeared normal.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

26 November 1928

 

Report of Air Mission

[pilots unknown, signed by Louis M. Bourne, Jr.]

 

... 1230 - Three miles west of junction of Cua and Guasaneras Rivers:  Twenty (20) outlaws seen running from house into brush.  Dropped two bombs but both were duds.  This group was seen by the escort ship while leader was working with Captain Hall.  Both ships returned to the area at 1240 but no trace of outlaws could bee seen. ...

 

The area northeast of Pavona appeared suspicious. ... The entire Cua River Valley was reconnoitered but nothing suspicious was seen.  Several suspicious places in the area southeast of Chipote were bombed and ground strafed.  Nothing was developed.

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

28 November 1928

Report of Air Mission

Captain Howard, Sgt. Hull

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

1100 - Guiguili ...

 

1125 - West of Santa Helena:   Observed seven horses and mules, also two small bands of three or four horses in each.  Evidence of several campfires under trees could be seen in vicinity of house.  Area looked very suspicious.  Unusually large number of cattle.  Area was bombed and strafed but nothing was developed. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

4 December 1928

 

Report of Air Missions

Captain Howard, Lt. Britt

 

... Two 0C-1 airplanes ...

 

The area in the vicinity of Murra was reconnoitered very carefully.  Several suspicious shacks were observed and the vicinity of them was bombed and ground strafed but nothing was developed. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

20 December 1928

Report of Air Missions

Major Bourne, Sgt. Hull; Captain Howard & Lt. Williamson

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ... [two missions]

 

The headwaters of the Guiguili River were carefully searched.  Several suspicious places were bombed and ground strafed.  The area on the ridge between the Pantasma and La Rica Rivers from Pavona to Jinotega plain was carefully searched for General Plata's vigilante patrol but it could not be located. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

21 December 1928

Report of Air Missions

Lt. Britt, Sgt. Frith

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

Bombs were dropped near several suspicious places in the Murra area, but as a whole, both the San Juan de Telpaneca and Murra areas appeared very quiet. ...

 

... One OC-1 airplane, Major Bourne, piolot, solo, took off Managua 0835 ...

 

About eight miles due east of Quilali on south slope of mountains, within a radius of about one mile, about 40 horses were observed.  Vicinity was bombed and ground strafed.  Nothing was developed.  Some of the houses nearby were deserted and some showed signs of occupancy but no one was observed. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

10 January 1929

Report of Air Mission

Lt. Williamson, Lt. Britt

 

... Two 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

The area Pavona - Las Vegas - Constancia was thoroughly reconnoitered.  At a house northeast of Las Vegas, a pack train of four bulls, packed, one horse and a man was observed.  On the approach of the planes, the pack train was driven into the woods.  A few shots were fired into the brush but due to the dense woods the pack train could not be seen.  The man with this pack train was the only person observed in the entire area.

 

In the northeast end of the Pantasma Valley the houses are occupied and the people are moving about, but in the lower part of the valley no one was observed at any of the houses. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

12 January 1929

 

Report of Air Mission

[pilots unknown; signed by Major Louis M. Bourne, Jr.]

 

... Trinidad area was carefully searched and nothing suspicious observed.  Traffic appeared to be above normal between San Isidro and Trinidad.  The headwaters of the Guiguili River and area southeast of Murra were bombed and ground strafed.  Several houses in this area showed signs of recent use but no persons were seen. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

19 June 1930

 

Report of Air Missions

Capt. Johnson, Lt. Young

 

... Two OC-2 airplanes ...

 

0940 - Managua:  Took off.

1025 - Jinotega:  Panel "Nothing to report" displayed.  Made patrol of San Rafael, Concordia, and Yucapuca mountain areas.

1130 - Western slope of Yucapuca Mt.:  Sighted Guardia patrol.  Panel "Bandits one mile east" laid out.  The patrol had one wounded man on a stretcher.

1135 - Top of Yucapuca Mt.:  Contact was made with about fifty bandits with red hat bands.  Planes were fired upon by rifles and at least one machine gun.  Planes returned fire and dropped eight bombs.  Rear guns were fired until they jammed. ...

 

1200 - Yucapuca Mt.:  ... Planes then made contact with bandits once more and returned fire until ammunition was exhausted.  Casualties to the bandits estimated at three dead.  Total hits on planes, six. ...

 

Five 02U-1 and one 0C-2 airplanes, Major Mitchell, pilot, with Gy. Sgt. Kyle, observer, and Capt. Johnson, pilot, with Cpl. Saylor, observer, Lieut. Fike, pilot, with Cpl. Brown, observer, Lt. Young, pilot, with Sgt. Smith, observer, Lt. Hart, pilot, with Lt. Megee, observer, took off Managua and carried out a reconnaissance mission to the Yucapuca Mt. area and return.

 

1420 - Managua:  Took off.  Flew through rain and clouds to Yucapuca Mt.

1510 - Yucapuca Mt.:  Remained in vicinity, dropped bombs and fired machine guns until 1630, when engagement was broken off.  A total of fifty-eight bombs were dropped.  During course of engagement three GN ground patrols were sighted.  One of fifteen men just to the south of Yucapuca Mt., were apparently returning to Jinotega.  They were carrying a wounded man on a stretcher.  Another patrol of twenty-five men was located just northwest of Yucapuca Mt.  This patrol remained in ambush during engagement and moved off about 1620 toward Jinotega.  This patrol requested by panel that planes bomb the mountain.

The third patrol was located just northeast of Jinotega flying field, en route apparently to enforce other patrols.  This patrol requested information as to location of other patrols.  The location was indicated by drop message.

 

During engagement every house on top of mountain was fired upon and all patches of woods were thoroughly raked.  A total of fifteen bandits were seen on the mountain and five dead were counted after the engagement.  A number of bandits on the ground were seen to fire their rifles at the planes. two of these were killed by return fire.  A total of four bullet holes were found in the various planes after the engagement.  Numerous cows, horses, pack animals and several horses which were saddled, were also observed. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

20 June 1930

 

Report of Air Missions

Sgt. Geer, Sgt. Word, Lt. Pugh, Major Mitchell, Capt. Evans, Lt. Norman

 

... One 02U-1 airplane ... One TA-1 airplane ... One 0C-2 airplane ... Three 02U-1 airplanes ...

 

1940 - Yucapuca Mt.:  Fired into houses and tried in every way to bring fire from possible bandits.  Nothing suspicious was observed except fresh tracks around houses and on trails.  Three men were observed in field at base of mountain and three women were seen near houses.  None made any attempt to seek cover.  All houses on top of mountain were deserted. ...

 

Planes searched the mountain carefully and found the houses on top of the mountain now occupied by people.  These were mostly women and two men were seen near the houses.  No evidence of hostility was shown.  The lack of fear of the planes shown by the people was so marked as to make it seem that they were acting. ...

Source:  220/2

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

21 June 1930

Extract from Weekly Operations Report.

 

OPERATIONS:

 

          Flying time 119 hours and 25 minutes; flights 98; passengers carried 48; freight transported 16,480 pounds.

 

          Thursday, June 19, 1930, saw a big surprise party in honor of Sandino by the pilots and crew chiefs of Aircraft Squadrons, Second Brigade, and carried through to a glorious ending.  It began when Captain Johnson, piloting an OC-2, with Gunnery Sergeant Kyle as observer, and Lieutenant Young, in the same type of ship, with Colonel Wynn (GN) as a passenger, took off at Managua, Nicaragua, to carry out a reconnaissance and liaison mission to the Southern Area.

 

          At 1025 a panel displayed by Jinotega troops was sighted stating "Nothing to Report."  The two ships proceeded to patrol San Rafael, Concordia, and Yuca Puca areas and were returning to Jinotega when a Guardia patrol was sighted on the western slope of Yuca Puca mountain displaying a panel "Bandits One Mile East."  The patrol appeared to have been in contact with an enemy earlier as it bore a wounded man on a stretcher.

 

          Following the panel arrow Captain Johnson and Kyle picked up a group of fifty bandits almost immediately, entrenched behind a stone fence on Yuca Puca mountain.  Contrary to the usual custom these bandits, gaily bedecked with bright red hat bands, did not run for cover at first but stood their ground and replied to the machine gun fire from the planes.

 

          Captain Johnson's plane was literally raked with fire from the undergrowth.  One bullet, striking the propeller hub, tore itself through the nose cowling while a second one struck the cowling on the opposite edge smashing it against the motor.  A third bullet from the right side of the ship penetrated the lower right wing in an exact direction of the observer but was deflected by the wing gun and tore through the upper right wing.

 

          This bullet missed the suspended bombs by exactly two inches.  A fourth struck and broke a rib in the horizontal stabilizer.  How the first and second bullets found their destination without shattering the propeller is still the principal topic of conversation and speculation among the ground crews.  To say the least, it was a miraculous escape for the pilot and observer.

 

          While maneuvering for position to return more effectively the fire from the ground, Johnson's ship was struck by a large zopilote [buzzard] which crushed the leading edge of the already bullet-ridden lower right wing and nearly caused the ship to crash in the midst of the enemy.  With great presence of mind and excellent skill the plane was righted and thus Johnson and his observer were saved from death for the second time in as many minutes.

 

          Upon gaining a position to attack, the ships raked the top of the mountain with fire until a jammed gun caused the leading ship to resort to other means.  Eight bombs, the entire lot carried, were dropped very effectively and the planes returned to Jinotega to repair the jammed guns and discharge Colonel Wynn (GN).  At Jinotega the guns were repaired and Lieutenant Marcos (GN) was picked up.  The ships then returned to the scene of the contact where they again engaged in exchange of fire until their supply of ammunition was exhausted, whereupon messages were dropped to the Guardia patrol directing them to return to Jinotega immediately, and informing them that a patrol was being sent north to meet them.

 

          The exact number of casualties to the bandits could not be determined due to the fact that they acquired their dead and wounded and carried them to cover.  However, three are known to have been killed at this time, as they were left lying in the open when a burst of machine gun fire drove a group to cover too quickly to permit them to take their dead.

 

          The ships then returned to Managua where they were examined and found to have been hit a total of six times.  Captain Johnson's ship was so badly damaged it was immediately ordered out of commission.  Lieutenant Young's plane was hit once in the morning encounter.

          Six ships were immediately ordered serviced and made ready for a return trip to Yuca Puca.  Bombs were obtained from the pits; machine guns were installed; parachutes brought and adjusted; motors were turned up while the crews of the first two ships partook of coffee and sandwiches, and within three hours from the time of the morning encounter, one OC-2 and five O2U-1 type ships were back at the scene with 60 bombs and five thousand rounds of small ammunition, having flown through one of the worst storms in the past two weeks from Managua to Jinotega.

 

          The six ships, in two formations consisting of three ships each, took off Managua at 1420.  The first formation was led by Captain Johnson with Corporal Saylor as observer, Major Mitchell with Gunnery Sergeant Kyle as observer and Lieutenant Hart with Lieutenant Megee as observer.  The second formation was led by Lieutenant Young with Sergeant Smith as observer, Lieutenant Fike with Corporal Brown as observer, and Marine Gunner Pounders, with Gunnery Sergeant Van as observer.  Arriving at Yuca Puca they engaged in battle with the remaining bandits for one hour and twenty minutes.  During the engagement every house on the mountain top was swept with fire until no one could have survived within.

 

          All patches of wooded land were raked with fire from the ship's guns and bombs dropped until the mountain top took on appearance of a field in Flanders.  After barely one and one-half hours of this bombardment not a living thing, other than frightened milling cattle and horses, could be discerned upon the mountain top.

 

          Again the true effectiveness of the fire could not be determined as the excellent cover afforded the bandits by the thick undergrowth, but it is known that many were killed or wounded in the afternoon engagement, for at one time a group of about fifteen emerged to fire at the ships and were surprised from another angle forcing them to again take cover leaving four of their dead lying in the open.

 

          Again, in the afternoon, as in the morning, the fire of at least one machine gun could be heard from the woods but its nest cold not be located.  The nature of the terrain afforded excellent operating conditions for machine guns at this point, in as much as a machine gun could not be clearly heard above the din of the motors to locate it.  The fact that the open field was almost completely surrounded by woods and the woods by sheer drops on three sides would have afforded an excellent target for the use of gas.

 

          The patrol arrived at the Managua airdrome at 1710 with no casualties but four hits scored on the ships by the bandits.  All the hits were well placed and would indicate a possession of knowledge, on the part of the bandits, as to the vital parts of the ship to which a bullet would do most damage.  As one observer put it, "Those darn bandits seem to know their onions when it comes to hitting ships."

 

          In the afternoon engagement one of the ships (Lieutenant Hart) received two hits entitling it to two more red stars in addition to the eight already enscribed beneath the scarf mount for hits on former occasions.

 

          Various and conflicting tales are being told with a view to proving, each man himself, the better gunner.  Even the pilots are wont to emphasize the manner in which you must drop a bomb in order to make it hit just right.  To quote one of the pilots who, by the way of identification, was a member of the morning patrol, other than Captain Johnson, "Dawgone, if I didn't drop one that hit right square in the middle of a group of about eight."

 

          Friday morning, a patrol of three ships, Major Mitchell, Captain Evans and Lieutenant Norman, pilots, was despatched to the scene of Thursday's activities and reported the area to be practically devoid of human habitation.

 

          Later reports indicate that Yuca Puca, scene of Thursday's encounter, was the stronghold of Sandino.  For the past three weeks this bandit leader has been reported in Nicaragua, but no definite information of his exact location could be obtained.  Facts point toward a gradual concentration at this place with the eventual plan of striking a telling blow at the city of Jinotega and it is believed that everything was set for this attack when the group was finally discovered and dispersed on Thursday by the airplanes.

 

          Emphasis is again laid on the fact that the situation, as developed, offered a splendid opportunity for the use of non-poisonous gas.  The terrain was more or less open, but was dotted with clumps of jungle in which the bandits took refuge but in which they could not be picked out as individuals from the air.  Gas would have forced them into the open where they could have been destroyed.

 

          A brief analysis of the week's engagements shows the following:

Number of aerial contacts                                       3

Bullet holes in planes                                              10

Bombs dropped                                                    59   17 lb.

Bombs dropped                                                      7    30 lb.

Small arms ammunition expended                       4300   Rds.

Dead bandits counted from air                                 7

Estimated bandits on mountain                              200

Estimated dead and wounded                                30

Marine personnel injured in air contacts                none

          Honors for the week go to Captain "Johnie" Johnson whose plane was hit seven times by bandits and once by a zopilote in the contacts.  Not satisfied with this distinction, however, Johnnie and Lieutenant Norman proceeded on Saturday to acquire further fame by qualifying for membership in the "Order of the Flying Jackasses," a local fraternal organization of amphibian pilots who have landed "sans" wheels.

 

          Saturday morning hurry calls were received for spinal meningitis serum at Puerto Cabezas and reinforcement for the Guardia at Esteli.  Two OL-8 planes, piloted by Captains Evans and Johnson, were despatched to Puerto Cabezas and were reported in at the latter place at 1320.  Twenty-four Guardia troops were transported to Esteli by Fokker and thus ended the busiest week here for a good many days.

ORDNANCE:

 

          The ordinary routine during the past week was disturbed by the sudden appearance of a large group of bandits on the Yuca Puca mountain.  During the engagement which ensued, between the planes of the morning patrol and bandits, eight 17 pound bombs were expended and approximately three hundred rounds of ammunition.  Six hits were scored by the bandits, five in one plane, and one in the other.

 

          Upon the return of these ships, two, a flight of six ships was made ready to resume activities.  A call for sixty bombs and forty-five hundred rounds of ammunition was made upon the Ordnance Department.  In the record time of thirty minutes forty of the above mentioned bombs were removed from their boxes in the magazine, fused and hung on the ships.  The belts with four hundred rounds of ammunition each, which are kept continuously in the ammunition boxes of the Brownings on each of the five Corsairs, were fed into the guns; the Lewis guns with three pans of ammunition each were installed; and the remainder of the bombs, twenty, including seven thirty-pounders, were hung.  In all the ships were fully equipped within forty-five minutes.

          Of the bombs taken out, fifty-eight were expended, and approximately forty three hundred rounds of ammunition.  This time four more hits were scored by the bandits, in two of the planes.  Everything worked well with the exception of a broken sear in one of the Lewis guns.  Few duds were observed among the bombs dropped.

                      /s/   R. J. Mitchell.

Source:  220/2

Headquarters

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

24 September 1930

From:  The Commanding Officer

To:      The Officer in Charge of Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington DC

 

Subject:  Weekly Operations Report.

 

OPERATIONS:

 

Enclosed herewith are the Reports of the Daily Air Missions and the Weekly Record of Events of this Organization for the week ending Saturday, 20 September, 1930.

 

Flying time 130 hours and 55 minutes; flights 134; passengers carried 51; freight transported 26,805 pounds.

 

Captain Mulcahy and Lieutenant Mauley were the recipients of hearty congratulations on Saturday when they completed another successful trip from Philadelphia to this station ferrying a much needed Fokker transport.  This plane is one that has been in prior service in Nicaragua, but having been overhauled and fitted out with more powerful motors should prove a welcome addition to the existing complement.

 

The usual East Coast trip in the interest of the Electoral Mission was completed without incident.  The head of the local bank, Mr. Sitartz was ferried both ways in the interest of the Nicaraguan government as well as the customary amount of official mail and supplies.

 

Captain Zane, AC, USA, the area inspector for the Department of Commerce spent two days on the station during the week giving examinations for commercial pilot and mechanic licenses.  A large number of officers and men availed themselves of the opportunity to qualify.

 

On Friday afternoon our energetic engineer officer, Lieutenant Fike availed himself of the opportunity to answer a hurry call from the Northern Area for machine gun ammunition at Esteli.  The results of the emergency trip may best be judged by quoting the following telegram received the next day:

"Request the name of the aviator who hauled the ammunition to Esteli comma we bagged eight and the end is not yet in sight."

Contacts between Guardia and bandits still continue with frequency, but the enemy persists in their old tactics of concealing themselves from airplanes with such skill that no aerial brushes have taken place in the last six weeks.  It would appear that the high rate of casualties amongst bandits, due to Guardia and aircraft activities, during the past six months would soon cause the outlaws to see the light.  That such is becoming the case is indicated by the increasing number of requests for amnesty from bandits during the preceding two months.

 

A radiogram from Major R. E. Davis at Matagalpa for serum to be used as immediate treatment for one of his children was answered by an emergency airplane drop and elicited a letter from this officer assuring us that due to our prompt assistance the child was doing nicely.

ENGINEERING:

 

OC-1, No. 7946 is to have its first test hop since its return to these Squadrons, this morning.

 

The Erection Shop is installing a new center erection, new lower right wing, new flippers and new motor in O2U-1, #7529.

 

Gunner Sergeant D'Ariano and Sergeant Geiser of the Metalsmith Shop made one bracket, front cowl, front; one bracket, front cowl, rear; one ring, cowl, rear; one cowling and ring cowling, for OC-1, No. 7945.  The making of these parts at this station saved a great deal of time in the erection of the ship, that would otherwise have been lost in obtaining parts from the States.

Gunnery Sergeant Bird, of the Machine Shop has developed a reamer aligning guide for reaming baffle plates on Pratt and Whitney motors.  This guide insures a parallel hole in relation to the blower section.

 

AEROLOGICAL:

 

Rainfall for the past week was very light for this season of the year.  The total being 0.56 inches.  Thunderstorms on the 15th, 16th, and 18th.

 

COMMUNCATIONS:

 

The rebuilding of our #2 short wave transmitter is almost completed.  With this practically new set, it is hoped to greatly increase the efficiency of our communications with stations in the States. ...

Source: 43A/17/27.5

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

6 November 1930

Report of Air Missions

Lt. Young & Staff Sgt. Williams

 

... Two OC-1 airplanes ...

 

1000 - Matiguas:  Found Guardia barracks burned to the ground.  Dropped note written in Spanish, requesting information as to whether the town was or was not Matiguas.  Had noticed long sticks of wood lying around the plaza, so requested natives to use these in conveying the desired information; two sticks placed in the shape of a cross to signify that the town was Matiguas and one stick to signify that it was not.  The form of a cross was made by the natives.

 

Another note in Spanish was then dropped requesting information on as to whether or not the bandits had attacked the town and, if they had, in what direction they had left, and an affirmative answer being denoted by two pieces of wood cross to form a "Y", a negative answer by one stick only, and the direction of departure of the bandits being show by three pieces of wood so arranged to form an arrow pointing in the proper direction.  The natives, upon receipt of this note, made an "X" and then an arrow which pointed about due north.

The town of Matiguas and its immediate vicinity having been thoroughly searched from a low altitude previous to the dropping of the notes and no sign of the bandits having been observed, a thorough patrol was made in the general direction in which the arrow was pointing.  After about an hour of searching, a group of bandits estimated around ten in number were located at 1115, at a point about ten miles slightly north of east from Matiguas.  Fifteen bombs were dropped, one of which went through the roof of a grass house and set it on fire.  The bandits, several of whom had red plumes in their hats, jumped from their horses and ran into the woods.  Bombs were dropped and machine gun fire directed at the places where they entered the woods, and in the immediate vicinity, until all fifteen bombs had been released and the machine guns on both planes jammed.  This latter occurred on Lieut. Young's plane before fifty rounds of ammunition had been fired.  Staff Sergeant Williams had slightly better luck, about one hundred fifty rounds being fired before his gun went out of commission.  Both jams were caused by broken extractors and could not be repaired in the air due to some of the broken pieces lodging in the belt mechanism.  The contact was terminated at 1140 and both planes returned to Matiguas.

One of the trails to Matagalpa was then picked up and followed with the lope of locating the Guardia patrol which had left Matagalpa about 2300, Wednesday, 5 November.  This contact was not made but the Marine patrol from Matagalpa was picked up at a point about five miles southeast of Monte Grande.  Information regarding the situation in the Matiguas area and the present location of the bandits was dropped to this patrol at 1205, and acknowledged.  Approximately the same information was dropped at Matagalpa at 1215 and its receipt acknowledged by panel signals from the ground.

 

It is impossible to accurately state the full extent of the damage suffered by the bandits from the bombs and machine gun fire, because of the dense foliage and brush.  It is known, however, that several of the bandits' horses were killed or severely wounded, and it is assumed that there were casualties among the bandit personnel. ...

Source:  43A/16

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

11 November 1930

 

Report of Air Missions

St-Sgt Williams, Lt Schrider, Lt Henderson

 

... Three O2U-1 airplanes ...

 

Reconnoitered area of Coco River north of Somoto.  Noted considerable cattle herded in this vicinity.  Dropped bomb nearby, but no disturbance of any type observed. ...

Source:  43A/16

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

2 January 1931

Report of Air Missions

Lt. McQuade, Staff Sgt. Clark

 

... Two O2U-1 airplanes ...

 

... Panel indicating bandits was still displayed by Jinotega patrol.  Planes then covered area again, and leading plane bombed thickets in draws affording most likely places of concealment.  This, however, did not disclose presence of bandits. ...

Source:  43A/16

Headquarters

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

18 April 1931

From:     The Commanding Officer

To:         The Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy Department, Washington DC

 

Subject:  Weekly Operations Report.

 

Enclosed herewith are the Reports of the Daily Air Missions and the Weekly Record of Events of this organization for the week ending 18 April 1931.

 

Flying time, 111 hours and 20 minutes; flights 79; passengers carried 77; freight transported 22,425 pounds.

 

The third week after the earthquake continued busy and eventful.  It has been marked by continued reconstruction, heavy passenger traffic by air, and renewed bandit activities centered on the East Coast of Nicaragua. ...

 

Sunday morning, in answer to a hurry call from Puerto Cabezas, two OC's, Lts. Young and Jack, pilots, were dispatched to the East Coast for observation and attack duty.  Reports indicated a large group of bandits were operating in the vicinity.  Lieutenant Darrah, GN, with a patrol of 22 had been cut off from Puerto Cabezas and his safety was feared.  Captain Harlen Pefley, USMC, had been killed in a contact.  Darrah's patrol was located and on advice of this officer a number of bombs were dropped on areas indicated.  Darrah also signaled he needed food.  Planes returned to Puerto Cabezas and brought back supplies and ammunition for the patrol.  The balance of the afternoon was spent reconnoitering for the bandits, but without success.  The following morning, Monday, March 13th, and here we quote from the pilot's written report, "both planes left the field at Puerto Cabezas at 0940 and headed straight for Moss Farm where contact was to be made with Capt. Wood, GN, and his patrol  Upon arriving Moss Farm, nothing could be seen of Wood, so the planes split, Lieut. Jack heading north in the direction of Log Town and Lieut. Young in the opposite direction.  Young found Wood and his outfit, which included Darrah and his patrol, about five miles south of Moss Farm.  Young proceeded to escort Wood as far as the latter place.  Wood's train couldn't go any farther because of a burning trestle - more work of the bandits.

In the meantime, Lieut. Jack had followed the railroad as far as Log Town, where he saw a group of about eight bandits loading horses with bundles.  Upon seeing the plane, the bandits dispersed, a few running into some of the remaining houses - seven had been burned to the ground - and the others into the surrounding brush.  Jack dropped bombs and opened up with his machine gun immediately but was unable to tell what effect they had.

 

After having expended all of his bombs, Lieut. Jack flew back to where Lieut. Young was circling, gave the formation signal and returned to Log Town with Young following.

 

No bandits were in sight but about twenty-five saddled horses could be seen wandering about, so Young decided to kill these, thereby hampering the bandits to some extent.

 

After having killed two, the idea occurred to Young that it might be possible for Capt. Wood and his patrol to capture these well-equipped animals and make good use of them, especially in view of the fact that it would be necessary for Wood to hike all the way from the burned trestle at Moss Farm to Log Town.

Young then flew over to Capt. Wood at Moss Farm, leaving Jack over Log Town to keep a sharp lookout for any bandits who might try to leave the vicinity, and made a drop to Wood describing the situation and advising a forced march to Log Town, one plane to guard him all the way and the other to keep a lookout at Log Town.  Young then returned to Log Town to carry out the latter mission while Jack went back to Wood and stayed with him until he entered Log Town, an hour and three-quarters later.

 

Upon entering the town, the Guardia patrol found that things were as they had been surmised - some bandits were in houses and others on the outskirts of the town hiding in the brush and apparently waiting for the planes to leave so that they might regain their horses.

 

As the patrol entered the town, Young flew very low in an effort to determine the location of the bandits from puffs of smoke from their rifles.  They, apparently, were using smokeless powder, for no smoke whatever could be seen, and the only indication that Young had of the approximate location of the bandits was the direction in which the Guardia were pointing their rifles.  From this, it was possible to estimate the location of the bandits and Young dropped bombs at where he thought the bandits were hidden.

The ground contact lasted thirty-five minutes, during which eight bandits were killed and two known wounded.

 

Seeing that Capt. Wood and his patrol had the situation well in hand, and the gas running low in the planes, Young and Jack returned to Puerto Cabezas, landing at 1415.

 

Amongst the bandits killed in the above operation we are glad to announce the name of Pedro Blandon, one of the two chief bandit jefes of Sandino.  This man has terrorized Nicaragua for some years and his death is a distinct blow to organized banditry./

 

The following day the planes made contact with Wood's patrol, dropped messages and made a pick-up, after which they returned to Managua where they landed at 1440.

Wednesday, two amphibians, Captain Johnson and Lt. Schrider, pilots, left for the East Coast as relief for the two OC's.  Upon arrival at Puerto Cabezas planes refueled and took off on patrol over Cape Gracias a Dios, reported to be in the hands of bandits.  Here we quote from the pilot's report:  "The town appeared deserted except for three men who were loading four flat-bottomed boats near the Custom House.  Two small motor launches were observed on the river.  All boats seemed to be loaded with provisions and miscellaneous bags.  As the planes flew low along the water front two white men were seen to open a shuttered window and signal to the planes to go on down toward the men loading the boats.  This was done, but no suspicious actions were observed at the time.  But, as the planes continued on over [to] the radio station, five men, all armed, ran out of the radio shack, one firing at the planes, and took cover in a small house near the local church.  Bombs were dropped, driving them to a building near the custom house, where five horses were saddled and secured.  Bombs were dropped in this vicinity.  In all, 14 bombs were dropped, the pilots endeavoring to keep the explosives away from the other houses of the village where the local civilians had evidently barricaded themselves upon the approach of the bandits.  The effect of the bombing is unknown.  A total of our hits was recorded on the planes from rifle fire.

 

It is interesting to note at this point that two of the four bullets above mentioned passed upwards through the pontoon and came out a few inches behind the observer.  This is the first time we know of where amphibians have been struck by hostile fire. ...

 

Thursday an interesting incident occurred at Quilali.  Lt. Norman flew there to evacuate a padre who was quite desperately ill.  By chance inquiry Norman learned after landing at Quilali that the padre was suffering with small-pox.  Did he evacuate him?  He did not. ...

Source:  43A/17/28-5

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

17 October 1931

From:     First Lieutenant W. L. McKittrick, USMC

To:         The Operations Officer, Aircraft Squadrons

 

Subject:  Patrol Report

 

Planes and Personnel:

O2C1, 7949   Capt. Major, Sgt. Julson.

O2C1, 7950   Lt. Weir, Pvt. Day.

O2C1, 7951   Lt. McKittrick, Sgt. Dimond.

O2C1, 7952   Lt. Dailey, Cpl. Brothers.

Armament:  Each plane, ten (10) fragmentation bombs, one fixed and one free gun.

 

1.  Information from the operations officer was that there had been a bandit contact in the Northern Area on 15 Oct., 1931, and the patrol was ordered to proceed on Friday monring, 16 Oct. 1931, to Ocotal, Nic., and to take orders from the Guardia officials there.

 

2.  8:10 a.m. took off from Managua.  9:30 a.m. landed Ocotal.  The patrol was met by Capt. O'Leary, GN, and Capt. Burwell, GN.  A sketch of San Jose and vicinity was furnished each pilot by Capt. O'Leary with the information that contact had been made with bandits in that area on 15 Oct. 1931, and that all persons in that area were bandits.  Orders were given by him to drop all bombs on the buildings and surrounding hillsides of San Jose.

 

3.  10:00 a.m., took off from Ocotal with Capt. Burwell as observer.  10:15 a.m., arrived over San Jose and dropped ten (10) fragmentation bombs as directed by Capt. Burwell.  Only four (4) of these bombs detonated, two of which were direct hits on houses, two others hit in the brush on the surrounding hillsides.  The affect of the bombs could not be seen from the air except in one case where a house was set on fire by direct hit.  The free gun was not used. ...

/s/   W. L. McKittrick

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

17 October 1931

From:  Captain H. C. Major, USMC

To:      The Operations Officer, Aircraft Squadrons

 

Subject:  Aircraft Operations in vicinity of San Jose, Nicaragua.

 

1.  The Guardia Operations Officer telephoned on the night of Thursday, October 15, 1931, and requested that planes be sent to Ocotal to participate in operations the following day and that instructions would be given the pilots at Ocotal.

 

2.  I left Managua at 8:10 a.m., Friday, October 16, 1931, in charge of four O2C-1 airplanes piloted by Lieut. McKittrick, Lieut. Dailey, Lieut Weir, and myself.

3.  All planes arrived in Ocotal, 9:25.  Captain O'Leary, commander of the Pueblo Nuevo district, had prepared a sketch showing the location of several houses occupied by bandit chiefs and the approximate location of the bandit camp.  He informed us that all south of the river in that locality was bandit territory and he and Captain Burwell requested that we use all of our bombs and ammunition on the targets which he and Captain Burwell would point out.  He acted as observer in my plane and Captain Burwell, department commander at Ocotal, acted as observer in Lieut. McKittrick's plane.  All planes left Ocotal at 10:00 and arrived in vicinity of San Jose, approximately three miles southwest of Pueblo Nuevo, at 10:10.

 

4.  Captain O'Leary pointed out the group of houses occupied by bandit chiefs.  Direct hits with bombs were scored on all four of these houses.  I dropped several bombs and fired my fixed bun in the areas pointed out by Captain O'Leary as that in which the main bandit camp was located.  We did not see the camp nor did we see any movement in the area due to the heavy foliage.

 

5.  Having expended our ammunition and dropped our bombs, Lieut. Weir and myself proceeded to Condega at 10:30, arriving at 10:40.  Captain O'Leary disembarked and both planes left for Ocotal at 10:55, arriving at 11:05.  Lieut. McKittrick and Lieut. Dailey went to Ocotal to drop Captain Burwell.  All planes left Ocotal at 11:15, arriving at Managua at 12:25.

6.  A total of 37 bombs were dropped and approximately 950 rounds of ammunition were fired by all planes in this operation.

 

/s/  H. C. Major

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

17 October 1931

From:  Second Lieutenant Kenneth H. Weir, USMC

To:      The Operations Officer, Aircraft Squadrons

 

Subject:  Aircraft operations in vicinity of San Jose, 16 October 1931.

 

1.  Friday October 16, 1931 I took off from Managua at 0805 with full armament for Ocotal, flying number two position in Captain Major's formation.  Arrived Ocotal 0925.  Upon arrival there we were met by Captain O'Leary, GN, who gave us a sketch of a bandit camp at San Jose with instructions to attack that portion of San Jose lying south of stream.

 

2.  We took off from Ocotal at 1000, Captain O'Leary as observer for Captain Major, arriving at San Jose at 1010.  Upon arrival at San Jose we attacked buildings and location of bandit camp.  Captain Major's first bomb striking one building.  My mechanic, Pvt. Day, saw two men run from this building into an adjacent building, shown as bandit jefe's house on sketch, which was hit by my first bomb.  I then dropped two bombs in the brush surrounding the above houses.  I then dropped three bombs in area of bandit camp and two more on a house shown as Medina's house on sketch.  I expended eight bombs and approximately twenty-five rounds of ammunition from fixed gun.

3.  Captain Major landed Captain O'Leary at Condega at 1045, took off for Ocotal at 1050 arriving there at 1100.  Took off for Managua at 1105 arriving therea t 1225.

/s/  Kenneth W. Weir

 

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

17 October 1931

From:  Second Lieutenant Frank G. Daily, USMC

To:      The Operations Officer, Aircraft Squadrons

 

Subject:  Aircraft Operations in vicinity of San Jose, 16 October 1931.

 

1.  Friday, October 16, 1931, I took off from Managua at 0815 with full armament for Ocotal, flying in Lieutenant McKittrick's formation.  Upon arrival at Ocotal, 0930, we were met by Captain O'Leary, GN, who gave us a sketch of a bandit camp at San Jose with instructions to attack that portion of San Jose lying south of stream.

 

2.  We took off from Ocotal at 10:00, Captain Burwell, GN, as observer for Lieutenant McKittrick, arriving at San Jose at 1010.  I dropped nine bombs and fired my fixed gun, my mechanic firing the rear gun in the area designated by Captain O'Leary.

 

3.  Having expended our ammunition and dropped our bombs, Lieutenant McKittrick and myself returned to Ocotal, landing at 1045; took off for Managua at 1105, arriving there at 1225.

/s/  Frank G. Dailey

 

Source:  43A/17A/1.22

Aircraft Squadrons, 2nd Brigade

Managua, Nicaragua

Excerpts from Reports, 2 July - 29 October 1932

2 July 1932.   One contact during the past week ... [pilots] encountered a suspicious group 5 miles NE of Guapotal, 27 June 1932.  Eight bombs were dropped and 800 rounds of fixed gun and 100 rounds of free gun ammunition were fired. ...

 

9 July 1932.   ... There were one aerial contact during the past week ... one mile south of Licus.  Four bombs were dropped in creek where bandits were thought to be hiding ... Five holes in left wing of ... plane.

 

16 July 1932.   ... There were four bombs dropped in jungle where bandits were thought to have hidden camp.  There were no aerial contacts ...

 

30 July 1932.    ... Four bombs were dropped and 400 rounds ammunition expended during the past week near a suspicious group in vicinity of San Juan de Telpaneca.  No casualties were inflicted. ...

 

24 Sept 1932.   ... Three bombs were dropped in wooded area where bandits were suspected of hiding, no results. ...

29 October 1932.   ... Four bombs were dropped on wooded hill where bandits were suspected of hiding (123-319) - no visible results. ...

Source:  43A/16/25.5