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Composite Squadron (VC) 40- World War II

Exhibits & Collections > History Up Close


The expansion of naval aviation during World War II resulted in the creation of new types of squadrons, including Composite Squadrons (VC), which first appeared in 1943.  Among them was VC-40, which was  land-based in the Solomon Islands during 1943-1944.  Its Indian head insignia featured the squadron's unofficial nickname of "Red's Raiders" inspired by squadron skipper Lieutenant Commander "Red" Pennoyer.
Seaplanes A group photograph showing members of Composite Squadron (VC) 40 on Bougainville at the conclusion of their combat tour.  The squadron's combat tally displayed on the board shows 1084 sorties with successful destruction of aircraft, ships, and enemy antiaircraft positions.  Note that the squadron flew SBD Dauntless dive bombers and TBF Avenger torpedo bombers during their tour.
With a 1,000 lb. bomb on the centerline and a 100 lb. bomb on each wing, an SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber of Composite Squadron (VC) 40 taxis to the end of the runway on Torokina for take off on a strike against Talili Bay west of Rabaul on 6 April 1944.  This aircraft was part of a ninety-plane strike group consisting of both Navy and Marine Corps planes.
Composite Squadron (VC) 40's combat tour in the South Pacific between August 1943 and April 1944  included numerous shifts to new airfields as Allied forces advanced up the Solomon Islands chain.  Conditions were rustic, as evidenced by pilots and aircrewmen seated on a log for a pre-flight briefing on Bougainville.

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