Bombing run Curtiss 'Helldivers' (SB2Cs) with fighter cover head out on a mission.

Bombing run Curtiss 'Helldivers' (SB2Cs) with fighter cover head out on a mission. Successors to the 'Dauntless', veteran scout bombers of the Navy, the 'Helldivers' made their first appearance in the November 1943 raids on Rabaul. Following the November 11 raid, our carrriers under Sherman and Montgomery were subjected to heavy attack, but no damage was inflicted on our ships. Almost 90 Nip planes were shot down, including a record day's total of 55 by the 'Essex' Fighting Nine.