Mosquito Base Operations K47 Chunchon AIR-STRIKE
and
The Mosquito
Lt. A.E. (Gus) Breen, 2RAR, 6148 TCS
By an Aussie Observer, 1RAR/2RAR



Mosquito Exile 3 - this is Acme Eleven dash one (11-1) in-bound with four chicks at angels one five.
( JARGON -? Maybe so, let's call it 'AIR-SPEAK'.

Roger Acme 11-1 RV over Papa San at 678470 and circle.

This is the link-up between four carrier based F9F Panther Jets and their seeing-eye dog - the Mosquito - a T-6 Harvard WW11 trainer aircraft. Armed with 12 White Phosphorus Smoke rockets, for target marking. Crewed by an American pilot and army observer, with occasional 'intruding' UK, NZ, Canadian, or Australian Observers.

Large White Phosphorous Smoke Rocket
Home of the Mosquitos

Based at K47 Chunchon, central Korea,the Mosquitos flew a dawn to dusk vigil accross the Chinese front-line positions; and behind them to a depth of twelve miles.

Their role - to execute a pre-mission briefing, respond to T.A.C.P. (Tactical air control party), or seek targets of opportunity before directing the ensuing air-strike.

A Mosquito, a T-6G Texan

Enemy Artillery and Mortar positions, Bunkers, Personal shelters, trucks, troops, tanks, and anti-aircraft sites. They were all constantly under barrage from the air. Ground and carrier based F84 Thunderjets, F86 Sabres, F9F Panthers, A.D. Skyraiders and F4U Corsairs were on constant stand-by to answer the T.A.C.P./ Mosquito.

An Air-strike North of Punchbowl Area


\

Let us now return to the fighter-bomber Flight Leader.

Acme 11-1 Exile 3. Follow the S/E ridge of Papa San to the river. You will see that it curves into a Dogs-Head - map referance 687429. Your target is on that ridge 400 metres N/W of the other Dogs-Head. Heavy Mortar position, Bunkers, personal shelters.--Repeat map referance 684433. Each aircraft acknowledge.

Acme 11 Roger 1-2-3-4. __ Acme Exile 3, watch target area for coloured identification smoke.

Attacking Papa-San, Central Korea

Throughout this procedure the Mosquito pilot is twisting, turning and jinking, evading the flak. The Observer is the radio man/map reader, he requests coloured smoke through the T.A.C.P. who in turn contact the supporting artillery.

Yellow 'Splash on the Marking Round'- it's on target.

Acme 11 Exile 3 -- all report sighting. Roger 1-2-3-4.

High winds can dissipate smoke quickly, making it difficult to retain target identification. In such cases the Mosquito completes the task-diving through the concentrated ACK-ACK and small arms fire. Then to release its rockets before scampering back over friendly real estate. ( Tender memories of those red 'Golf-balls' zapping past the canopy.)

It is now the jets turn.

Acme 11 - Exile 3. Commence dive-bombing run N/E to S/W heading towards Friendlies T shaped white ground panels on nearest Friendly position 1000 metres South. Break right over enemy on bomb release then left over our lines. Your nearest emergency L strip is 1800 metres S/W. Acme 11 Roger 1-2-3-4. Stand by for Flak suppression.

Acme 11 Exile 3 You're clear to roll.
RogerAcme 11- 1 is rollin-in. Acme 11 Exile 3 -- I have you in sight. 2 bombs gone - break right - you're cleared to break left.

Wowee!! That Flak was heavy!
Exile 3 Nice flying Acme 11-1, right on target.
Acme 11-2 Exile 3,stand by - take it 100 metres up the slope.
Acme 11-2 Roger- I'm rolling. AND SO ON.


The more intrepid fighter/bomber crews on occasions, sought permission to strafe if cleared. The quite spectacular sight of two aircraft travelling at 450 knots - almost abreast - on the deck - their .50 cals playing a merry tune, evoked quite some interest.

The finale -- A post strike reconnaissance by the Mosquito, completing a damage assessment and report, to both the Flight Leader and the T.A.C.P.


To be attached to the 6148 Tactical Control Squadron ( the Mosquitos ) from April 5th. to July 5th. 1953, and to complete 76 missions in that time was indeed a priviledge.
1/Lt Earl Marsh prior to flying one of his 100 missions I knew and flew with some top pilots - fearless - fun loving Americans many of whom remain friends. For a young Infantry man, it was a unique posting, fully testing my map reading, target identification and radio skills. Jim Sullivan prior to attack in support of 3rd Infantry Division

Four Australians enjoyed the experience -- two survive today.
(09/26/2002)



Gus Breen Royal Australian Regiment.

A.E. "Gus" Breen was educated at Waverley College, Sydney, 1942-47. He graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in December 1951 and was allocated to the Corps of Infantry. Posted to 1 RAR Korea as a Platoon Commander (Lieutenant) he saw further service with 2 RAR when it relieved 1 RAR. He was seconded to the 6148 Tactical Control Squadron, 5 USAF, April 1953 as an Aerial Observer. Crash Landing, while attempting an Emergency approach


For his Korea War service Gus was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (USA) and the Air Medal (USA).



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