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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.
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