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04/01/43
NAAF
During 31 Mar/1 Apr, Wellingtons bomb Bizerte docks and Karouba Bay seaplane
base. During day, A-20's bomb La Fauconnerie and El Djem A/Fs. Ftrs, carrying
out rcn missions over wide areas of Tunisia, attack motor transport, tanks,
and guns in Sidi Mansour-Djebel Tebaga area. British MBs, LBs, and ftrs hit
gun positions N of Oued el Akarit and hit Sfax-El Maou A/F.
04/01/43
Ninth AF
P-40's escort bmr missions. MBs and LBs hit parked airplanes and AA batteries
at El Maou A/F at Sfax."
04/01/43
Tenth AF
16 B-25's bomb Maymyo railroad sheds. 8 others hit railroad yards at Ywataung.
12 P-40's intercept 9 Zeros near Lingling, claiming 7 shot down. 1 P-40 is lost.
04/01/43
Fourteenth AF
Japanese force of 9 ftrs is intercepted in Lingling area by P-40's. 7 ftrs are
shot down. 1 P-40 is lost.
04/01/43
Fifth AF
B-17's attack convoy off Kavieng, A/Fs at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester, and town
of Madang. Flights of from 1 to 3 MBs or HBs hit several other tgts, mostly
isolated shipping and coastline tgts, in NEI and in Solomon Sea.
04/01/43
Thirteenth AF
42 ftrs (P-38's and Navy and Marine aircraft) are sent over the Russells to
intercept Japanese aircraft trying to hit US stockpiles on Guadalcanal, naval
base at Tulagi, and the incomplete airstrips in the Russells. The air battle
lasts for nearly 3 hours. 6 US ftrs are lost, against claims of 20 Japanese
airplanes.
04/01/43
Eleventh AF
A joint directive by CINCPAC and CG Western Def Cmd orders preparations for
LANDGRAB (invasion of Attu). 16 B-24's, 5 B-25's, and 12 P-38's sorties are
flown against Kiska from Adak and Amchitka. Tgts include ship in Gertrude Cove,
North Head area, Main Camp and beach. AA fire damages 2 bmrs. Rcn covers Kiska,
Attu, Buldir, and Semichis.
04/02/43
NAAF
B-25's and A-20's bomb A/F at La Fauconnerie.
04/02/43
Ninth AF
During 1/2 Apr, RAF Liberators, under IX BC, bomb ferry terminal at Messina
and A/F at Crotone. During the day, 2 B-24's on special mission bomb ferry terminals
at Messina and Villa San Giovanni. 24 B-24's sent to attack Palermo abort because
of heavy clouds over tgt. 27 B-24's sent against Naples find the tgt totally
obscured by clouds; 9 bomb the area through overcast and 3 bomb Augusta and
Crotone. P-40's fly 9 armed rcn and 6 FR and escort missions.
04/02/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's hit Thazi railroad junction.
04/02/43
Fifth AF
A-20'.s hit Kitchen Creek area and Labiabi-Duali area. Single B-24's attack
Salamaua, Finschhafen, bridge at Rempi, and A/Fs at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.
04/02/43
Thirteenth AF
P-38's and P-40's attack and set fire to a small cargo vessel in Kokolope Bay.
04/02/43
Eleventh AF
18 B-24's bomb Kiska tgts including North Head. 6 B-25's, 16 P-38's, and 24
P-40's in 6 missions from Amchitka to Kiska, bomb Main Camp and submarine base
areas. 4 B-24's bomb runway at Attu. All aircraft, including 2 B-25's colliding
in the air, return safely.
04/03/43
NAAF
Weather cancels NASAF bmr operations. NATAF ftrs strafe tanks and trucks at
Kebira and Jabal Nasir Allah, and claim 14 aircraft downed in aerial combat
over Djebel Berda. B-25's bomb A/F at Sainte-Marie du Zit. WDAF LBs hit motor
transport and gun positions N of Oued el Akarit.
04/03/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb Sfax-El Maou area during 2/3 Apr. P-40's fly FB missions N of Gabes.
04/03/43
Tenth AF
17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb Myitnge bridge, scoring hits on both
approaches.
04/03/43
Fifth AF
A-20's hit Kitchen Creek. B-17's pound shipping and A/F at Kavieng. Single B-24's
bomb Kavieng and hit Korindindi.
04/04/43
Eighth AF
85 HBs hit industrial installations in Paris area, including Renault armament
works and motor works, which are severely damaged. Fierce ftr opposition accounts
for 4 US bmrs.
04/04/43
NAAF
B-25's bomb small shipping at Carloforte and landing ground at El Djem. B-17's
hit Capodichino A/F and M/Y at Naples. P-38's dive-bomb beached freighter off
Cape Zebib. Other P-38's escort the bombing raids. NATAF A-20's hit La Fauconnerie
A/F while B-25's hit El Djem and Sainte-Marie du Zit A/Fs. Ftrs accompany LBs
and MBs on attacks, and carry out numerous patrols, rcn flights, and ftr sweeps
over battle areas of Tunisia.
04/04/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack Naples, concentrating on dock area. RAF Liberators, under IX BC,
bomb Palermo.
04/04/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's hit Maymyo engine sheds. 9 others bomb Pyawbwe railroad yards. 7 B-24's
heavily damage Thilawa oil refinery.
04/04/43
Fifth AF
B-25's and A-20's pound areas along Huon Gulf, around Kitchen Creek and Heaths
and Lane Plantations. B-17's bomb town area, and A/F at Kavieng. Single B-17's
bomb Salamaua and Cape Gloucester.
04/04/43
SOPAC
Adm Mitscher assumes position of COMAIRSOLS.
04/05/43
Eighth AF
82 HBs bomb industrial tgts in Antwerp area. Main force is directed at Erla
aircraft factory and Erla engine works. Strong ftr opposition claims 4 bmrs.
04/05/43
NAAF
During 4/5 Apr, NASAF Wellingtons bomb Trapani docks and shipping. During day,
B-17's bomb A/Fs at Sidi Ahmed, Tunis, Boccadifalco, and Milo. B-25's hit A/F
at Bo Rizzo and attack convoy off Cap Bon. P-38's fly several ftr sweeps over
Straits of Sicily. 1 force of ftrs claims 16 airplanes destroyed. NATAF A-20's
hit A/F at El Djem and La Fauconnerie. Ftrs attack E-boats off Pont-du-Fahs
and vehicles S of Bou Hamran, and fly sweeps, rcn, and patrol over battle area
in Tunisia. WDAF and NACAF airplanes hit motor transport W of Cekhira, bomb
Djebel Zitouna A/F, and strike shipping in Straits of Sicily. During the day
NAAF aircraft claim destruction of nearly 50 aircraft in aerial combat. Today
starts Operation FLAX (5-22 Apr) which is designed to destroy, in air and on
ground, enemy air transports and escorts employed in ferrying personnel and
supplies to Tunisia.
04/05/43
Tenth AF
17 B-25's bomb railroad tgts at Mandalay; 2 others hit Ngamya. 3 B-24's bomb
Prome railroad yards; 5 hit Mahlwagon yards and roundhouse. 12 P-40's and a
B-25 spt ground forces in N Burma.
04/05/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's on armed rcn strafe 15 horse-drawn wagons at Wanling.
04/05/43
Fifth AF
Single B-17's attack occupied areas at several points along Huon Gulf coast,
hit Finschhafen on Huon Peninsula, bomb Madang and other points on N coast of
New Guinea and hit Cape Gloucester.
04/05/43
Eleventh AF
Rcn covers all islands W of Kiska with negative results. 16 B-24's and 6 B-25's
bomb Attu runway and Kiska's Main Camp and runway. 4 P-38's fly top cover. Later,
3 B-25's, 16 P-40's, and 16 P-38's bomb Kiska again.
04/06/43
NAAF
During 5/6 Apr, Wellingtons bomb dock and shipping at Tunis. During day, B-25's
and P-38's attack shipping in Straits of Sicily. 2 forces of B-17's bomb convoy
further W, near Zembra I, and hit convoy off Bizerte. Other B-17's bomb docks
and ships at Trapani. B-25's and A-20's attack landing grounds and A/Fs at Enfidaville,
La Fauconnerie, and El Djem. La Fauconnerie bears brunt of attacks and is well
covered. Ftrs escort the bombing raids, fly rcn missions, and attack scattered
enemy movement.
04/06/43
Ninth AF
B-25's fly 2 missions against concentrations in Oued el Akarit region, scoring
hits on buildings, tanks, and numerous vehicles. B-24's hit ferry and slips
at Messina harbor. RAF HBs, under IX BC control, bomb Naples area and rail facilities
in Messina. P-40's fly escort, ftr sweep, and strafing operations, attacking
guns, vehicles, and personnel as British Eighth Army begins assault on Oued
el Akarit from which enemy begins withdrawing during the night.
04/06/43
Tenth AF
6 B-24's attack Pazundaung bridge, damaging S approach.
04/06/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb town area and AA positions at Salamaua. Single B-17's bomb Gasmata
and Finschhafen while another strafes Cape Gloucester.
04/06/43
Thirteenth AF
Col James M Fitzmaurice becomes CO XIII BC.
04/07/43
NAAF
NASAF Wellingtons attack Tunis and Jabal al Jallud M/Y. Weather cancels all
other NASAF missions except for 2 rcn sorties. All available airplanes of XII
A Spt Cmd and WDAF hit ground forces which are retreating in all sectors. Ftrs
fly sweeps over Medjez el Bab (claiming 3 ftrs downed), scramble mission NW
of Oued Zarga (5 ftrs are claimed destroyed), and over 100 other sorties (no
encounters). Highway and motor transport are bombed between Sfax and Sousse.
LBs, MBs, and FBs attack concentrations N of Oued el Akarit line. US II Corps
makes contact with British Eighth Army on Gabes-Gafsa road.
04/07/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack Palermo harbor. B-25's bomb retreating columns which are being
pursued N of Oued el Akarit by British Eighth Army's 30 and 10 Corps. Ftrs carry
out bombing and strafing operations in battle area.
04/07/43
Tenth AF
2 MBs temporarily knock out bridge on Ye-u railroad branch, crossing the Mu
R between Ywataung and Monywa. 18 B-25's, in 2 forces, bomb Ywataung M/Y. P-40's
spt ground forces N of Shingbwiyang. 6 B-24's bomb Japanese HQ at Toungoo.
04/07/43
Fifth AF
B-25's hit areas along NE coast of New Guinea from Mur to Singor. B-24's bomb
landing ground at Babo and town area of Fak. Single HBs attack shipping and
coastal tgts at Lae, Salamaua, Finschhafen, Wewak, Cape Gloucester, and off
Lorengau and Kavieng.
04/07/43
Thirteenth AF
A large force of Japanese dive bmrs and ftrs is reported by coast watchers to
be moving down the 'Slot.' In its path are a convoy off E coast of Guadalcanal,
shipping at Koli Pt, and a TF at Tulagi. Every operable ftr (76) on Guadalcanal
is sent up, and the bmrs are moved to SW tip of the island for safety. The air
battle takes place off the Russells, near Tulagi, and over the convoy. AAF P-38's
and P-39's and Marine and Navy Corsairs and Wildcats claim 39 aircraft shot
down, 13 by AAF ftrs. Allied losses total 7 ftrs.
04/07/43
Eleventh AF
The rcn airplane aborts shortly after takeoff due to weather.
04/08/43
Eighth AF
56th and 78th Ftr Gps become operational. Added to 4th Gp (already operational),
this enables VIII FC to increase activity and paves way for its coming role
of escorting bmrs on deep penetrations into enemy territory.
04/08/43
NAAF
Weather prevents all NASAF operations except minimum weather rcn. NATAF P-40's
and Spitfires fly sweeps and armed rcn over Faid Pass-Fondouk el Aouareb-Kairouan-Ousseltia
area as British IX Corps attacks Fondouk. Other ftrs fly widespread rcn and
sweeps, attacking motor transport S of Zaghouan. WDAF ftrs hit retreating columns
in Cekhira-Sfax area.
04/08/43
Ninth AF
P-40's fly 29 bmr escort, armed rcn, and FB missions against retreating columns
along coast N of Gabes."
04/08/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb Meiktila A/F. 6 B-24's attack A/F at Heho. Ft Bayard A/F is strafed
by 9 P-40's. Enemy stores at Ningam are hit by 4 P-40's and a B-25.
04/08/43
Fifth AF
B-17's and B-24's carry out small harassing strikes, bombing Ulamoa, Finschhafen,
and A/F at Kavieng."
04/08/43
Eleventh AF
Weather airplane scouts Kiska and islands W of it with negative results.
04/09/43
NAAF
Ftrs continue rcn of N half of Tunisia and Straits of Sicily and hit enemy movement
and defs over wide areas between Sfax and Enfidaville.
04/09/43
Ninth AF
340th Bomb Gp is assigned to Ninth AF. P-40's in FB role attack Sfax, as British
Eighth Army, in pursuit of retreating enemy, reaches position a few mi to the
SW on the coast.
04/09/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb and strafe A/F and town and dock areas at Madang. A-20's hit Kitchen
Creek-Mubo area. Single B-17's attack barges at Bogia, Alexishafen, and Finschhafen,
and hit town of Wewak. Vehicles at Lorengau on Manus are strafed.
04/09/43
Eleventh AF
A B-24 flies rcn over Kiska, Attu, and the Semichis. P-40's fly rcn over Kiska.
04/10/43
NAAF
During 9/10 Apr, Wellingtons bomb troops and transport on roads in area surrounding
Enfidaville. The following day, B-17's hit ships at La Maddalena while B-26's
follow up the Wellingtons with raid on roads and military concentrations near
Enfidaville. FBs also hit ground tgts in Enfidaville areas. Ftrs escort bmrs,
carry out rcn, and fly sweeps over battle area from Medjez el Bab to Sousse.
04/10/43
Ninth AF
HQ IX FC is transferred to Tripoli. Personnel are to be moved from Egypt, over
a period of several weeks. B-24's bomb harbor at Naples. RAF Liberators, under
IX BC control, hit Palermo. Allied ground forces take Sfax and continue N to
La Hencha.
04/10/43
Fifth AF
B-17's and B-24's pound town and dock area of Wewak. Some of the B-17's also
bomb Cape Boram and Kairiru I, while some of the B-24's hit Alexishafen and
shipping on Wewak. B-25's pound harbors at Bobia and Uligan. A lone B-17 strafes
barges SE of Bogia and trucks at Cape Croisilles while another bombs A/F at
Arawe.
04/10/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's continue to fly harassing strikes as 3 of the HBs hit Kahili A/F.
04/10/43
Eleventh AF
Weather rcn B-24 observed 4 unidentified aircraft near Segula. 3 B-25's, 17
P-40's, and 6 P-38's fly 5 attack missions to Kiska, and negative searches for
unidentified airplanes at Segula. Last mission finds Kiska closed in and returns
with bombs.
04/11/43
NAAF
During 10/11 Apr, Wellingtons bomb A/Fs at Decimomannu and Monserrato. During
day, P-38's carry out ftr sweeps and rcn flights, claiming numerous aircraft
shot down, including 21 transports destroyed between Cap Bon and Marsala. B-26's
bomb Oudna A/F, B-25's hit Sainte-Marie du Zit A/F, and B-17's strike harbors
of Tunis, Marsala, and Trapani. FBs and lbs blast trucks S of Enfidaville road,
trucks E of Kairouan, Sousse docks, and numerous other tgts in the NE quarter
of Tunisia.
04/11/43
Ninth AF
Col Wycliffe E Steele assumes cmd of IX ASC, succeeding Col John D Corkille.
B-24's attack Naples harbor. AA is intense and ftrs attack B-24's from all sides,
knocking 1 down. The B-24's claim destruction of 3 ftrs. B-25's attack motor
transport and concentrations N of Sfax as Allied ground troops push toward Sousse.
04/11/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb Lae and Finschhafen. Single B-24's bomb Finschhafen 3 times and
hit Madang once. B-25's hit Vila Salazar and another village on Timor. Enemy
airplanes attack Oro Bay and destroy 2 merchant vessels.
04/11/43
Thirteenth AF
P-38's and Navy ftrs strafe gun positions in Rekata Bay area. B-17's bomb A/Fs
at Kahili and on Ballale I.
04/11/43
Eleventh AF
4 B-25's, 22 P-40's, and 8 P-38's hit Kiska 5 times. Last mission aborts due
to weather. The other 4 bomb various tgts starting large fires. Some ftrs strafe
Little Kiska.
04/12/43
Eighth AF
Board of 5 officers of Eighth AF and one of RAF complete formulation of plan
for CBO from UK in accordance with mission prescribed by CCS in Casablanca Directive.
04/12/43
NAAF
B-17's bomb harbors at Bizerte, and Trapani, and hit shipping in Straits of
Sicily. B-25's and A-20's bomb A/Fs at Oudna and Sainte-Marie du Zit. Aircraft
of tac units hit enemy movements and fly sweep and rcn throughout NE Tunisia
following attack during 11/12 Apr by British aircraft, mainly in Enfidaville,
Zaghouan, and Bou Ficha areas.
04/12/43
Ninth AF
B-24's of 376th Gp, sent to attack Naples harbor, are prevented by bad weather
from bombing primary. About half return without bombing while the others hit
Cosenza and Crotone. Other HBs of same group, in subsequent mission, bomb Naples
and secondary tgt of Pizzo. RAF Liberators, under IX BC, are dispatched against
Palermo. The primary is attacked, in spite of total cloud cover, but most of
bomb tonnage is dropped in Messina harbor. In ground action, British 10 Corps
captures Sousse and heads N.
04/12/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's hit A/F at Magwe. P-40's bomb and strafe ammo and supply dump at Walawbum.
04/12/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe more than 20 vehicles 25 mi E of Loiwing.
04/12/43
Fifth AF
B-24's and B-17's pound A/Fs at Rabaul and Gasmata, shipping in Saint George
Channel, T/Os in Ubili and Talasea areas, shipping in Hansa Bay, A/Fs at Lae
and Nubia, and Bogia harbor. B-24's, operating individually, attack several
tgts, scoring hits on Madang dock area and at Toeal. Japanese planes attack
Port Moresby in strength but do little damage.
04/12/43
Thirteenth AF
Single B-24's continue snooper strikes, hitting Kahili A/F twice during the
evening.
04/12/43
Eleventh AF
3 B-25's, 24 P-40's, and 13 P-38's fly 7 missions to Kiska. The ftrs also strafe
Little Kiska. AA fire damages 1 P-40 and 1 P-38. The P-38 force-lands safely.
04/13/43
NAAF
B-17's pound A/Fs at Castelvetrano and Milo, B-25's hit Oudna A/F, and P-38's
bomb cruiser at La Maddalena and other shipping at Porto Torres. Ftrs maintain
sweeps and armed rcn over NE Tunisia and Straits of Sicily. During 12/13 Mar,
British airplanes bomb Megrine landing ground.
04/13/43
Ninth AF
B-24's are dispatched against harbor at Catania. Total cloud cover prevents
visual contact with tgt. 1 drops bomb in tgt area, but others jettison load
or return to base without bombing. P-40's fly convoy escort. British Eighth
Army's 10 Corps, continuing N reaches antitank ditch guarding new enemy positions
at Enfidaville and unsuccessfully attempts, on limited scale, to force retreat
before the line can be strengthened.
04/13/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb Myitnge bridge without inflicting further damage to the structure.
9 others hit Monywa A/F. 6 P-40's knock out bridge at Shaduzup.
04/13/43
Fifth AF
A-20's bomb and strafe Labiabi area while a single B-17 bombs runway at Finschhafen.
04/13/43
Thirteenth AF
P-38's and Navy aircraft bomb A/F at Munda and Strafe barge at Bambatana.
04/13/43
Eleventh AF
15 B-24's, 15 B-25's 28 P-38's and 20 P-40's fly 11 attacks to Kiska. 43 tons
of bombs are dropped on Main Camp, North Head, and runway. Ftrs attack Main
Camp causing large fires, and also strafe aircraft on the beach. Heavy AA fire
damages 2 P-38's, 1 of which later crashes into the sea, and 1 B-25."
04/14/43
NAAF
During 13/14 Apr, NATAF Hurricanes and Bisleys bomb La Sebala A/F and attack
transport on Tunis-Pont-du-Fahs road, and WDAF LBs and MRs hit A/Fs at Sainte-Marie
du Zit and Korba during 13/14 Apr. During the day, B-17's bomb Elmas, Monserrato,
and El Aouina A/Fs. P-38's escort HBs and fly bombing and strafing mission against
beached vessel SE of Cape Zebib. A-20's bomb Bordj Toum. FBs hit motor convoy
near Grich el Oued and trucks NE of Dechret Ben Saidane and battery E of Djedeida.
Ftrs fly rcn and sweeps throughout Tunisian battle area. NACAF planes maintain
sea rcn and patrols.
04/14/43
Ninth AF
P-40's fly convoy escort, and carry out ftr sweeps over area as British Eighth
Army's 10 Corps continues to make quick jabs at positions at Enfidaville. These
attempts to force enemy retreat are unsuccessful.
04/14/43
Tenth AF
P-40's, dropping 1,000 lb bombs, hit A/Fs at Myitkyina and Manywet, rendering
runways at both unusable."
04/14/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe pack horses S of Tengchung, barracks and warehouses in Lungling,
and cattle and trucks N of Lungling.
04/14/43
Fifth AF
HBs and MBs carry out widespread but unsuccessful attacks on individual enemy
vessels. Japanese aircraft carry out heavy attack on Milne Bay area, severely
damaging 1 vessel, beaching 1 vessel, and hitting 2 others, but doing very little
damage to AAF facilities in the area. AA defenses and the 40-plus P-40's and
P-38's that intercept the enemy strike claim 14 airplanes shot down."
04/14/43
Thirteenth AF
XIII AFSC is activated.
04/14/43
Eleventh AF
30 P-40's, 17 P-38's, 9 B-24's and 6 B-25's fly 10 missions to Kiska, bombing
and strafing runway, North Head area, installations, parked seaplanes, and facilities
on Little Kiska.
04/14/43
ZI
Weather Wg is activated to assume responsibility from HQ AAF or supervision
of AAFWS (established in 1937 and designated AAF-WS in 1942).
04/15/43
NAAF
NASAF Wellingtons bomb Decimomannu, Villacidro, and Elmas A/Fs during 14/15
Apr. NATAF ftrs attack tanks and trucks at Oum El Djema and concentration near
Sidi Ahmed, while others fly rcn and patrols during the day. NACAF B-26's on
armed rcn of Naples area attack vessel S of Ustica I.
04/15/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack Catania and Palermo. B-25's hit A/F and area near fuel dump at
Sainte-Marie du Zit. P-40's fly rcn and sea patrol. RAF Liberators, under IX
BC, hit Naples and Messina.
04/15/43
Tenth AF
10 B-25's bomb Mandalay M/Y; 9 more bomb M/Y at Ywataung. 8 B-24's hit Thilawa
oil refinery while 7 others hit Prome.
04/15/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb A/Fs at Rabaul, Gasmata, and Lae.
04/15/43
Eleventh AF
Rcn over Kiska, Attu, Semichis, and Agattu spots no new enemy activities. 2
bmr missions from Adak and 11 ftr missions from Amchitka, composed of 23 B-24's,
20 B-25's, 25 P-38's, and 44 P-40's, hit Kiska. 1 F-5A takes photos. 85 tons
of bombs are dropped. Fires result on North Head and Little Kiska. 1 B-24 shot
down in flames, 4 bmrs receive battle damage.
04/16/43
Eighth AF
2 groups of HBs, totaling 77, hit bridges, ports, and naval facilities at Lorient
and Brest. Ftr opposition strong.
04/16/43
NAAF
NATAF ftrs strafe trucks during 15/16 Apr and during following day. A-20's and
FBs bomb Djqobel el Raar and concentrations located in various wadis in battle
area. NACAF maintains sea rcn and patrols. NASAF B-17's bomb dock area at Palermo.
B-25's and B-26's hit Oudna landing ground while P-38's bomb vessels near Cape
Zebib and at Cape el Ahmar.
04/16/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack tanker in Catania harbor, scoring several hits on tgt and in surrounding
area. Ftrs fly sea patrol. British Eighth Army abandons attempts to force retreat
from Enfidaville by quick jabs and prepares to launch full-scale assault during
19/20 Apr.
04/16/43
Tenth AF
P-40's, bombing railroad bridge near Mogaung, score a direct hit on the tgt
and blow up both approaches, leaving the bridge temporarily unserviceable. Later
in the day the bridge near Pinbaw is demolished by direct hits. 8 B-24's hit
Rangoon M/Y. 9 B-25's bomb Thazi rail junction, while 9 more, weathered out
of Maymyo, hit rail tgts in Mandalay.
04/16/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe group of buildings E of Tengchung.
04/16/43
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Kaimana, Wewak, Madang, and Lae. B-17's pound shipping at Wewak,
leaving 3 vessels sunk or in sinking condition. B-25's bomb Vila Salazar.
04/16/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's bomb Kahili A/F.
04/16/43
Eleventh AF
Kiska is bombed and strafed 13 times. A total of 13 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's,
29 P-38's, and 2 F-5A's cover tgts which include installations in the Holtz
Bay area and gun positions on North Head.
04/17/43
Eighth AF
106 HBs attack FockeWulf factory at Bremen in the Eighth's largest mission to
date. A mass of ftrs attacks during bomb run, shooting down 15 bmrs while flak
claims another. CG, VIII FC, expresses need for 20 ftr gps to neutralize growing
German ftr opposition to CBO.
04/17/43
NAAF
During 16/17 Apr, NASAF Wellingtons bomb N quay in Bizerte harbor. Shortly after
noon B-17's bomb shipping and docks at Ferryville and Palermo. B-25's hit town
area and M/Y at Mateur. Ftrs provide escort. NATAF Bisleys bomb La Sebala A/F
and A-20's hit Ksar Tyr and concentrations NE of Grich el Oued. Ftrs fly escort
and rcn missions. NACAF airplanes fly sea patrol and rcn and attack shipping
in Strait of Sicily.
04/17/43
Ninth AF
B-24's (including RAF 178 Sq, under IX BC control) bomb Catania. P-40's fly
sweeps, sea patrol, and FB missions.
04/17/43
Tenth AF
7 MBs bomb Myitnge bridge, scoring 4 damaging hits. 10 others hit Myitnge railway
works. 16 P-40's damage bridge at Kamaing, attack town of Nanyaseik, and score
hits on N approach to bridge at Namti. 6 B-24's damage S approach to Pazundaung
railroad bridge.
04/17/43
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Amboina. A single B-24 scores hits on NW shore of Hollandia Bay.
04/17/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's during 16/ 17 Apr again fly strike against Kahili A/F.
04/17/43
Eleventh AF
7 B-24's bomb and score 8 direct hits on runway and gun emplacements at Attu.
1 B-24 and 2 F-5A's abort due to weather. 4 B-25's, 31 P-38's, and 14 P-40's
hit Kiska 9 times, bombing installations and strafing gun emplacements and 3
parked airplanes.
04/18/43
NAAF
During 17/18 Apr, Wellingtons bomb Tunis docks and M/Y. During day, over 75
B-17's attack Boccadifalco A/F and Palermo M/Y while B-25's hit Alghero-Fertilia
A/F and shipping at Porto Torres. P-38's escort the B-17's and B-25's. NATAF
Bisleys hit La Marsa landing ground while ftrs fly rcn and scramble missions.
NACAF ftrs fly rcn and patrols, attacking vessels, troop columns, and trucks
in Tunisian coastal area, and Beaufighters attack Decimomannu A/F.
04/18/43
Ninth AF
57th Ftr Gp is credited with 77 German transport planes over Cap Bon area. B-24's
attack Catania. P-40's fly sweeps, armed rcn, escort, and FB missions. B-25's
hit landing grounds.
04/18/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe enemy-held supply village SE of Tengchung.
04/18/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb A/F at Penfoei. Single B-24's hit Finschhafen and Saidor area.
04/18/43
Thirteenth AF
Maj John W Mitchell leads flight of 16 P-38's (2 others abort) on a low-level,
circuitous, over-water trip from Guadalcanal to a spot up the Bougainville coast
from Kahili to intercept flight of Adm Yamamoto, head of Imperial Japanese Navy,
who, according to US intelligence, is on an inspection trip in the S Pacific
and is due in Ballale at 0945. Adm Yamamoto's well-known punctuality is calculated
to allow the interception to take place at 0935 at a point 35 mi from Kahili.
2 hrs and 15 mins after takeoff at 0725, as the P-38's streak toward Bougainville
at almost sea level, the flight of 2 bmrs and 6 Zeros appears just ahead. The
4-aircraft attack section under Capt Thomas G Lanphier Jr bores in. The Zeros
spot the attacking P-38's at about 1 mi and try in vain to cut off the attack
as the bmrs attempt to escape. In the air battle, Capt Lanphier and 1st Lt Rex
T Barber shoot down the bmr carrying Yamamoto.
04/18/43
Eleventh AF
22 P-38's (some flown by RCAF pilots), and 37 P-40's hit Kiska 9 times. Submarine
base and gun emplacements on North Head are bombed and gun emplacements near
submarine base are silenced.
04/19/43
NAAF
During 18/19 Apr, NATAF Bisleys bomb La Marsa landing ground and roads nearby,
and attack activity on beach at Reyville. During day, NASAF B-17's bomb shipping
at Tunis. B-25's and A-20's raid La Sebala A/F. FBs attack tanks in battle area.
NACAF maintains sea rcn and patrols as far as Sardinia and sea approaches to
Naples. NAAF aircraft claim over 100 aircraft destroyed during the day.
04/19/43
Ninth AF
B-25's hit landing grounds and defensive positions, and P-40's escort bmrs and
fly ftr sweeps as British Eighth Army opens assault on Enfidaville positions.
04/19/43
Tenth AF
P-40's hit bridges in Burma, seriously damaging Namti railroad bridge between
Mogaung and Myitkyina. 9 B-24's bomb Rangoon's main railroad station.
04/19/43
Fifth AF
Col Roger M Ramey succeeds Gen Howard K Ramey as CO V BC. Single MBs or HBs
bomb A/Fs at Hollandia, Lae, Cape Gloucester, and Gasmata.
04/19/43
Eleventh AF
9 missions involving 14 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's, and 23 P-38's are flown
to Kiska. First mission is weathered out of primary tgt, Attu, and directed
to Kiska. Bombing and strafing concentrates on 4 grounded ships and submarine
base area where fires are started. One ship, believed to serve as power station,
is set afire.
04/20/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's and B-25's bomb landing grounds of Mabtouha, La Marsa, La Sebala,
Sidi Ahmed, Creteville, and near Protville. NATAF ftrs fly escort, carry out
rcn, and attack various Tunisian A/Fs. NACAF continues sea patrols and rcn as
far-reaching as the approaches to Naples.
04/20/43
Ninth AF
P-40's fly sweeps, rcn, and FB missions as British ground forces take Enfidaville
and push N. Forces on left are checked by stubborn enemy resistance at Djebel
Garci."
04/20/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's bomb engine sheds at Thazai.
04/20/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb Wewak, Nubia, and Boram A/Fs and shipping off Wewak. B-24's bomb
Kaimana and T/Os on Kendari I.
04/20/43
Seventh AF
22 B-24's, from Funafuti, carry out photo-bombing mission over Nauru. Several
direct hits on runways and dispersal areas are claimed.
04/20/43
Eleventh AF
10 bombing and strafing missions by 15 B-24's, 16 B-25's, 10 P-38's, and 32
P-40's hit shipping in harbor at Kiska and gun positions in North Head. Other
tgts include buildings in Main Camp area and runway.
04/21/43
NAAF
Weather prevents completion of any missions by NASAF. NATAF ftrs and LBs hit
landing grounds and military traffic on roads, fly sweeps and armed rcn, and
attack ground forces and aircraft in Medjez el Bab-Goubellat area where an enemy
counterattack by armd and inf columns during 20/21 Apr ends in costly failure.
04/21/43
Ninth AF
RAF Liberators, under IX BC control, bomb Naples. P-40's bomb and strafe barges
along coast. British Eighth Army meets such fierce opposition at Takrouna that
Gen Montgomery decides to confine offensive to coastal region.
04/21/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's bomb railroad yards at Maymyo, and 9 more bomb area around Myitnge
bridge. 16 B-24's are dispatched to bomb Bangsue Arsenal and other tgts in Bangkok,
but only 4 reach tgt area and loose bombs over the city.
04/21/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb Kaimana and Laga. Single B-17's attack coastal villages in NE New
Guinea and hit Ubili and Gasmata.
04/21/43
Eleventh AF
Cmdr NORPACFOR places all Army and Navy Air Forces (TG 16.1) under Gen Butler.
The Army Air Striking Unit (Eleventh AF) is designated Task Unit 16.1.1 and
the Naval Air Search Unit (Patrol Wing Four) is designated Task Unit 16.1.2.
2 P-38's take off for Kiska but abort mission.
04/22/43
NAAF
NASAF B-25's bomb 2 landing grounds near Protville while B-26's hit harbor at
Carloforte. NATAF ftrs and LBs fly sweeps, rcn, and patrols and attack positions
at Djebel el Ahmera, (Longstop Ridge) Sidi Nsir, Djebel el Ajred (Bald Hill),
and other points as British First Army's 5 Corps launches start of final phase
of assault on Tunisand Bizerte, attacking on front N and S of Medjez el Bab.
04/22/43
Ninth AF
P-40's fly ftr sweeps over battle area along Gulf of Hammamet.
04/22/43
Fifth AF
A-20's and B-25's pound Lababia-Duali area on Nassau Bay. Single B-17's bomb
Dobo and Nubia area, and strafe Ubili.
04/22/43
Seventh AF
A/F on Funafuti is bombed twice during 21/22 Apr by Japanese. 2 B-24's are destroyed
and 5 others damaged.
04/23/43
International
CCS issues directive making British Gen Morgan CoS to Supreme Allied Commander
(Designate). This title, COSSAC, describes both the office and the man who heads
it. COSSAC is the seed of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force.
It is charged with continuance of planning for eventual invasion of Western
Europe.
04/23/43
NAAF
NASAF B-25's and B-26's bomb Arbatax harbor, vehicles, and railroad at Mateur,
and Mateur- Bedja road. B-17's attack vessels N of Sicily. NATAF ftrs, LBs,
and MBs carry out large number of missions against positions in NE Tunisia and
particularly along battleline area from near Pont-du-Fahs N to the Mediterranean
as US II Corps begins drive on Bizerte in Jefna-Sidi Meftah area.
04/23/43
Ninth AF
B-25's attack a landing ground, troops, and arty N of Enfidaville. P-40's fly
escort, sweeps, and FB missions in battle area.
04/23/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb Mandalay warehouse area. 5 P-40's damage approaches to bridge
at Shaduzup.
04/23/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe 15 truck convoy SW of Lungling.
04/23/43
Fifth AF
Single B-24's bomb A/F and town area at Finschhafen and score direct hit on
cargo vessel SE of Kavieng."
04/23/43
Seventh AF
12 B-24's from Funafuti attack Tarawa Atoll, bombing gas storage and barracks
areas.
04/24/43
NAAF
NASAF Wellingtons bomb N quay at Bizerte harbor during 23/24 Apr. Bad weather
the following morning cancels NASAF operations. NATAF ftrs, although hampered
by bad weather, attack guns, troops, and trucks in battle area from Pont-du
Fahs N to the sea. Fierce ground fighting continues in Jefna area.
04/24/43
Ninth AF
RAF Liberators, under IX BC, bomb Naples. P-40's escort bmrs, fly sweeps, and
carry out FB operations against troops in battle area N of Enfidaville.
04/24/43
Fourteenth AF
9 B-25's, escorted by 11 P-40's, bomb Namtu mines and railroad yards. 7 of the
P-40's strafe mine and smelter area. 13 P-40's intercept 25 ftrs near Lingling
and hoot down 5.
04/24/43
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Kendari A/F. B-25's pound Dili A/F. A-20's bomb and strafe positions
in Mubo area. Single B-24's attack Lae, Gumbi, Biliau, and Singor, and bomb
runway at Cape Gloucester.
04/24/43
Eleventh AF
2 P-38's bomb Kiska and strafe personnel near Mutton Cove. Weather cancels other
missions.
04/25/43
NAAF
Weather prevents NASAF bombing missions. NATAF ftrs attack positions and vehicles
in battlearea. LBs and MBs bomb S landing ground at Soliman, positions NW of
Enfidaville, and several other points in battle area as Allied ground forces
continue adv on Bizerte and Tunis.
04/25/43
Ninth AF
B-25's attack landing grounds, concentrations, and vehicles N and NW of Enfidaville.
P-40's escort bmrs and fly ftr sweeps over battle area.
04/25/43
Tenth AF
11 B-25's attack Ywataung railroad yards and vicinity.
04/25/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb Wewak A/F and towns of Madang and Saidor. A-20's bomb and strafe
positions at Green's Hill. Single B-24's hit A/Fs at Madang and Finschhafen.
04/25/43
Thirteenth AF
3 B-24's fly harassing strike during 25/26 Apr against Kahili A/F. 12 others
bomb same tgt later during the night.
04/25/43
Eleventh AF
15 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's, 23 P-38's, and 1 F-5A fly 12 missions to Kiska
and Attu. Tgts include Holtz Bay, North Head, South Head, beach areas, runway,
shipping, and submarine base.
04/26/43
NAAF
During 25/26 Apr, NASAF Wellingtons bomb Decimomannu, Elmas, and Villacidro
A/Fs. On following afternoon, B-17's strike A/F at Grosseto. B-25's bomb railroads
at Mateur and town of Tebourba, while B-26's and P-38's hit shipping near Marettimo
and Porto Ponte Romano. NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs hit area NW of Enfidaville,
bomb Soliman S landing ground, hit vessels off Cap Bon, and attack Ksar Tyr,
roads in Pont-du-Fahs-Zaghouan-Cheylus area, Massicault area, and numerous positions
along battleline in NE Tunisia.
04/26/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb A/F, hangars, and dispersal area at Bari. B-25'S hit landing ground
at Soliman S. RAF Liberators, under IX BC control, hit Bari and Barletta, P-40's,
escorting bmrs, claim 4 Me 109's destroyed.
04/26/43
Tenth AF
7 B-24's bomb warehouses WSW of C railroad station at Rangoon. 7 others blast
Thilawa oil refinery, causing heavy damage. 10 B-25's pound Heho A/F and 16
attack Kanaung A/F.
04/26/43
Fourteenth AF
A Japanese force of 12 bmrs and 15 ftrs hit Yunnani A/F with surprise raid.
5 P-40's and 1 C-47 are destroyed. 15 other P-40's are damaged. 5 US personnel
and several Chinese laborers are killed.
04/26/43
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Lae and Finschhafen. A single B-17 carries out harassing attacks
on Arawe, Ubili, and Gasmata.
04/26/43
Eleventh AF
11 B-24's, 15 B-25's, 36 P-40's, 21 P-38's and 1 F-5A fly 15 missions to Kiska.
24 of the P-40 sorties are flown by RCAF pilots. 5 B-25's abort mission due
to weather. Bombs are dropped on North Head runway and nearby area, radar, gun
installations, Main Camp and on Little Kiska.
04/26/43
ZI
Comm Wg is activated to assume responsibilities from HQ AAF for supervision
of AACS (established in 1938).
04/27/43
Twelfth AF
Gen Quesada is named CG XII FC but had actually assumed office in mid-Mar.
04/27/43
NAAF
NASAF B-25's hit shipping W of Zembra I off Cap Bon. B-17's, with P-38 escort,
bomb Villacidro A/F. NATAF planes (ftrs, LBs, and MBs) hit numerous tac tgts
in NE Tunisia, including Sidi Ahmed A/F and troops, tanks, trucks, and gun positions
at Massicault, on Pont-du-Fahs road, Ksar Tyr, Bir Meherga, and other points
along battleline.
04/27/43
Ninth AF
P-40's bomb and strafe concentrations N and NW of Enfidaville.
04/27/43
Tenth AF
19 B-25's bomb engine sheds at Thazi. P-40's hit positions S of Sarenghkyet.
04/27/43
Fifth AF
A-20's bomb and strafe forces in Green's Hill-Mubo area. B-25's bomb village
near Beru. HBs, operating individually, attack vessels NNW of Dobo, Nabire,
Cape Gloucester, Cape Goltz, Gasmata, New Britain, and small vessels and T/Os
in Marienberg, Wewak, and Finschhafen areas.
04/27/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's pound Vila and A/F on Ballale I. B-17's hit Kahili A/F.
04/27/43
Eleventh AF
1 B-25 unsuccessfully investigates reported submarine 4 mi W of Bay Is. 4 P-38's
bomb Main Camp, then scout Buldir.
04/28/43
NAAF
NASAF B-25's and P-38's attack 2 vessels off NE Tunisia in Straits of Sicily.
Other B-25's hit Tunis shipping while B-26's bomb landing grounds at Mabouban
and Mabtouha. NATAF aircraft bomb concentrations near Saint-Cyprien and Ksar
Tyr, shipping off Tunis, and numerous positions and vehicles along Tunisian
battleline and surrounding areas as US 9th Div continues; W astride the Sedjenane
R and 1st and 34th Divs continue to face fierce opposition S of Jefna in Sidi
Meftah area.
04/28/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack harbor at Naples and ferry slip at Messina. Gunners claim 5 ftrs
destroyed. P-40's escort bmrs and attack troops in battle area N of Enfidaville.
04/28/43
Tenth AF
9 P-40's intercept 21 MBs and 21 ftrs about 100 mi SW of Kunming. The P-40's
claim 11 airplanes shot down. 9 B-25's pound docks at Monywa. 10 others attack
river traffic in Katha vicinity.
04/28/43
Fourteenth AF
About 20 Japanese MBs and a like number of ftrs attack A/Fs at Kunming. High
winds prevent bombing accuracy and little damage is done to the A/F. Several
Chinese villagers near the field are killed. Gen Glenn, recently arrived to
become Gen Chennault's CoS, is wounded. Defending P-40's shoot down 10 aircraft.
04/28/43
Fifth AF
B-25's attack 2 vessels NNW of Dobo. Single B-17's hit buildings N of Finschhafen
A/F, Wilwilan village, and T/Os along coast of NE New Guinea from Nankina R
to Mur.
04/28/43
Thirteenth AF
3 B-24's continue snooper missions over Bougainville, bombing A/F at Kahili.
04/29/43
NAAF
During 28/29 Apr, NASAF Wellingtons bomb El Aouina A/F. On following morning,
P-38's hit shipping S of Marettimo 1. In afternoon B-26's bomb landing ground
near Protville and P-40's hit vessels along NE Tunisian coast. NATAF ftrs, LBs,
and MBs attack shipping in Gulf of Tunis, positions at Mateur and Derourhi,
concentrations SW of Saint-Cyprien and NE of Ksar Tyr, and landing craft near
Tunis.
04/29/43
Ninth AF
B-25's attack ground installations; in battle area. P-40's escort bmrs and fly
bombing and strafing operations against vessels as far N as Zembra I.
04/29/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's attack shipping at Rangoon. 18 others bomb Myitnge engine sheds and
the oft-attacked Myitnge bridge. 6 P-40's bomb and strafe Tahona.
04/29/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb Koepang. B-24's hit Halong while individual HBs attack Finschhafen,
Madang Gumbi, and in Singor area.
04/29/43
Thirteenth AF
Single B-24's bomb Numa and Vila. 2 B-17's hit Kahili. P-38's, along with Navy
and Marine airplanes, pound Gatere and Pelipelpi Bay. 6 B-24's hit Kieta while
P-39's join Navy aircraft in pounding bivouac area at Vila A/F.
04/30/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's and P-38's hit shipping off Tunis while B-25's strike shipping
near Cap Bon and Tunis-Medjez el Bab highway. NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs, hit
positions near Mateur, Bir Meherga, and Ksar Tyr, concentrations near Furna,
shipping in Gulf of Tunis and near Cap Bon, and attack isolated vehicles and
troops along battleline as US II Corps makes substantial gains in Jefna area."
04/30/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack Messina ferry; bombs hit tgt area and nearby M/Y and city area.
P-40's fly FB missions against shipping with excellent results, claiming 1 destroyer
and 3 other vessels sunk, and 2 destroyers and 2 boats damaged. Ftrs claim 5
Me 109's shot down. 3 P-40's are lost.
04/30/43
Tenth AF
16 B-25's pound Gokteik Viaduct, damaging the N end. 4 others bomb Maymyo railroad
yards. 5 B-24's bomb Sule Pagoda wharves at Rangoon. 4 P-40's and a B-25 hit
Mohnyin, while 6 P-40's attack camp S of Weshi.
04/30/43
Fifth AF
Single B-24's bomb Lae and A/Fs at Cape Gloucester and Gasmata.
04/30/43
Thirteenth AF
5 B-17's bomb bivouac area and revetments at Kahili A/F.
04/30/43
Eleventh AF
4 B-25's, 17 P-38's, and 7 P-40's fly 4 missions to Kiska. Only the P-38's get
through and blast Gertrude Cove, Main Camp, the submarine base and a ship.