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12/01/42
Eighth AF
Gen Eaker replaces Gen Spaatz as CG. Spaatz flies to Algeria to serve
as air adviser to Gen Eisenhower, Theater Cmdr.
12/01/42
Twelfth AF
DB-7's and later B-17's bomb El Aouina A F, with P-38's escorting
both forces. P-38's on sweep over Djedeida area attack tanks NW of
town. Enemy counterattack is launched toward Tebourba, inflicting
heavy tank losses on BLADE Force, which, along with part of US 1st
Armd Div, was prepared to attack Tunis on 2 Dec.
12/01/42
Fifth AF
B-26's, A-20's, P-400's, and B-25's pound Buna area, but ground
forces fail in another attempt to capture the village. Australian
21st Brig, however, turns back from Giruwa 3 large loads of
reinforcements destined for Gona, then attacks and takes Gona,
forcing enemy back to Gona Mission for final stand.
12/01/42
Eleventh AF
B-24 flies rcn over Semichis and Attu. Other flights prevented by
weather.
12/02/42
Eighth AF
Gen Longfellow replaces Gen Eaker as CG VIII BC.
12/02/42
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb El Aouina A/F following DB-7 raid on same tgt; B-17's hit
Sidi Ahmed A/F and Bizerte harbor; and B-25's attack AA guns near
Gabes A/F. P-38's provide escort and fly rcn missions and sweeps,
claiming 8 aircraft and 1 tank destroyed. British First Army
withstands another counterattack on Tebourba.
12/02/42
Fifth AF
B-17's, B-25's, A-20's, and P-400's attack 4 destroyers off Buna and
Gona, and A/F and positions in Buna area and between Watutu Pt and
Cape Killerton. As the result of the strike against shipping, the
destroyers, originally bound for Gona with 800 reinforcements, land
the troops near mouth of the Kumusi R 12 mi to the N. After
bombardment of Gona, Allied ground forces attack in strength but are
again halted short of the village.
12/02/42
Eleventh AF
A B-24 finds Semi chi negative in detailed rcn, and Attu unchanged.
B-26 rcn finds Kiska closed by fog.
12/03/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's hit docks and shipping at Bizerte harbor. 2 of the escorting
P-38's are shot down by Me 109's. DB-7's, with P-38's as escort, bomb
El Aouina A/F. Spitfires and P-38's fly patrols and photo rcn over
wide areas of NW Africa, and carry out ftr sweeps during which
several ground tgts, including Gabes A/F, are attacked. British First
Army withdraws from Tebourba as German forces, through continuous
attacks, occupy the city during 3/4 Dec.
12/03/42
Fifth AF
A-20's, P-400's, and B-25's bomb and strafe Sanananda Pt and Buna
areas and attack small torpedo boat in Dyke Acland Bay. A lone B-17
attacks sub 75 mi SE of Rabaul. During 3/4 Dec, B-17's bomb A/Fs at
Lae and Salamaua. US roadblock on Soputa-Sanananda trail remains
precarious as Japanese maintain attacks from all sides and hold on
reinforcements.
12/03/42
Eleventh AF
2 bmrs and several ftrs fly rcn over Semichis, Kiska and Attu.
Constant air alert in Adak.
12/04/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's bomb shipping and docks at Bizerte. B-26's, with ftr escort,
attack the same tgt a half hour later. P-38's, F-4's, and a B-17 fly
rcn, while P- 38's attack vehicles and troop concentrations, mainly
in Gabes and Sfax areas."
12/04/42
Ninth AF
B-24's, in first attack bv US bmrs on Italy, hit Italian fleet and
docks at Naples. Hits are scored on numerous harbor installations, a
railroad yard, and 3 or 4 ships, including a battleship.
12/04/42
Eleventh AF
7 B-24's and 9 B-26's escorted by 16 P-38's take off upon a PBY rpt
of surface force SE of Amchitka. At interception point, area is
searched without result. PBY pilot later reports he saw 'clouds.' Rcn
is flown over Attu, Agattu, Semichi, Kiska, and Amchitka.
12/05/42
Twelfth AF
Gen Spaatz is announced as Acting Dep CinC for Air, Allied Force in
NW Africa. B-17's bomb docks and shipping at Tunis. B-25's hit Sidi
Ahmed A/F; DB-7's follow shortly with raid on same tgt while another
small force of the LBs hit Faid. Each raid is escorted by P-38's.
P-38's fly rcn over wide areas of Tunisia, a B-17 photographs
Sousse-Sfax-Gabes region, a Mosquito covers A/Fs and harbors in W
Sicily, and an F-4 flies photo rcn over S Sardinia.
12/05/42
Fifth AF
A-20's and B-25's pound Buna area. Allied ground forces again fails
to take the village, but some elements push to within 50 yards of
Buna, some break through to the sea, and others invest W bank of
Entrance Creek. Buna is thus completely isolated. B-24's bomb Kavieng
A/F.
12/05/42
SOPAC
Gen Marshall informs COMGENSOPAC that AAF units in SOPAC are
designated Thirteenth AF. This is first official step toward creation
of the new AF.
12/05/42
Seventh AF
5th and 11th Bomb Gps are formally transferred to SOPAC, along with
12th and 44th Ftr Sqs and an ordnance and a chemical co.
12/05/42
Eleventh AF
Negative rcn covers Attu, Agattu, the Semichis, Amchitka and Kiska.
12/05/42
ZI
I Concentration Cmd is disbanded, its functions being taken over by
the 4 domestic AFs and ATC.
12/06/42
Eighth AF
36 HBs attack Atelier d'Hellemmes locomotive works at Lille while a
smaller group of aircraft bomb Abbeville/Drucat A/F.
12/06/42
Twelfth AF
DB-7's, with ftr escort, bomb bridge over Medjerda R at El Bathan.
P-38's and F-4's fly patrols and rcn missions over parts of Algeria
and Tunisia. In ground fighting, German attack penetrates positions
of US 1st Armd Div (with British First Army) on El Guettar Mountains.
12/06/42
Ninth AF
B-24's sent to attack shipping at Tobruk fail to locate tgt due to
bad weather, but a few aircraft manage to bomb Misurata and 2 enemy
AFs. P-40's fly top cover for AF airplanes attacking Marble Arch.
12/06/42
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb Lakunai A/F and town of Rabaul. B-25's bomb A/F at Lae.
12/06/42
SOPAC
P-39's, strafing Munda discover trucks, steam rollers, and other
construction equipment, and evidence of 2 airstrips under
construction. B-17's will bomb Munda 21 times in Dec and continue to
hit it in Jan 43, as the Japanese continue to work at building the
strips despite the constant air strikes.
12/06/42
Eleventh AF
Rcn is flown over Attu, Agattu, Amchitka, Kiska and the Semichis.
12/07/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's, escorted by P-38's, attack docks and shipping at Bizerte.
Escorted DB-7's attack tanks in Tebourba-El Bathan area where
elements of British First Army continue to be hard pressed. Other
DB-7's sent to bomb at La Hencha and Sousse abort because of bad
weather. P-38's and P-40's fly numerous rcn missions over
Sousse-Sfax-Gabes area and patrols over Oran. B-17's and F-4's fly
photo rcn over Sousse-Sfax-Gabes and Tunis-Bizerte areas. 3 sqs of
B-24's of 93d Bomb Gp arrive in Africa from Eighth AF in UK. Ground
fighting subsides as enemy attacks in Tebourba area decrease in
intensity.
12/07/42
Fifth AF
B-25's pound area around Buna as ground forces attack the village and
clear trench at S edge. B-17's attack wrecked vessel off Gona and a
tanker off Gasmata. B-25's hit A/F at Lae.
12/07/42
Eleventh AF
Rcn mission over Semichis and Attu is flown. Rcn of Kiska is aborted
due to weather.
12/08/42
Eighth AF
VIII BC study of air attacks on sub pens indicates that available US
bombs are incapable of penetrating roofs of the pens from any bombing
level low enough to maintain accuracy.
12/08/42
Twelfth AF
Ftrs of 31st and 52d Gps patrol in Oran-La Senia-Tafaraoui area.
Weather prevents operations of all bmr and ftr units in E Algeria.
British First Army obtains permission to withdraw from areas W of
Tebourba and E of Medjez el Bab to more favorable positions slightly
to the W from which to prepare for move on Tunis.
12/08/42
Ninth AF
P-40's fly FB missions in battle area E of El Agheila.
12/08/42
Fifth AF
A-20's and B-25's pound AA positions at Buna and area around Buna
Mission and Cape Endaiadere as ground forces attack bunker positions
on S edge of Buna. P-38's hit wrecked vessel off Gona. B-24's bomb
Gasmata A/F. 6 destroyers carrying troops to reinforce Buna-Gona
beachhead are bombed by B-17's and a lone B-24 and turn back to
Rabaul.
12/08/42
Eleventh AF
Attempted bombing mission of Attu and Kiska by 6 B-24's and 6 B-26's,
escorted by 8 P-38's, is forced back by weather. Uneventful rcn is
flown by a B-24 and a B-26 over Attu, Agattu, Amchitka, Kiska, and
the Semichis.
12/09/42
Eighth AF
Special report on first 1,100 bmrs dispatched by VIII BC, 17 Aug to
23 Nov justifies high-level daylight precision bombing.
12/09/42
Twelfth AF
Heavy rains stop most air operations in E Algeria and Tunisia. A few
P-38's fly rcn S of Gafsa, and P-40's fly intercept mission over
Youks-les-Bains, damaging 1 airplane.
12/09/42
Ninth AF
P-40's fly ftr sweep over El Agheila region.
12/09/42
Fifth AF
B-26's pound Buna area as ground forces prepare for final assault on
the village. P-40's hit area along Sanananda-Soputa trail. In nearby
Gona, following air and arty bombardment, Australian forces overcome
resistance, taking the village in hand-to-hand combat.
12/09/42
SOPAC
Cmd at Guadalcanal passes from Gen Vandegrift, CG First Marine Div,
to Gen Patch, CG American Div. The battle-weary First Marine Div
gradually withdraws from Guadalcanal during Dec.
12/09/42
Eleventh AF
The daily weather aircraft cannot return to base due a sudden snow
squall and crashlands at Atka I. Attempted bombing mission to Kiska
Harbor by 3 B-26's and 6 P-38's is forced back by weather.
12/10/42
Twelfth AF
Due to heavy rains and waterlogging of A/Fs, aerial activity in
Algeria-Tunisia area practically ceases. Allied troops repulse
another armd and inf attack on Medjez el Bab. During 10/11 Dec,
elements of British 78th Div and US 1st Armd Div begin withdrawal to
Bedja area to refit. 1st Armd Div sustains heavy loss of equipment as
it withdraws.
12/10/42
Eleventh AF
The weather aircraft which crashlanded at Atka on the previous day is
sighted on the W end of the island, its fuselage broken off aft of
the wings. Crew, later brought back, is unharmed except for light
injuries of Gen Lynd, visiting IG. Uneventful rcn covers Attu, Kiska
and the Semichis. 4 B-26's and 6 P-38's abort a bomb run to Kiska due
to weather.
12/11/42
Twelfth AF
Twelfth AF creates 5 area cmds covering NW Africa from W coast of
Morocco to E coast of Tunisia. From W to E these are: Moroccan Comp
Wg (Col Rosenham R Beam); W Algerian Comp Wg (Col Lawrence P Hickey);
C Algerian Comp Wg (Col Paul L Williams); XII BC (Col Charles T
Phillips); and XII FC (Gen Blackburn). Gen Cannon becomes overall
cmdr of the 2 wgs in Algeria. B-25's with ftr escort, attack rail
bridge at La Hencha. P-38's fly sea patrol off N coast and over Gulf
of Tunis and rcn over Sousse region. Spitfires sweep over Medjez el
Bab, and Bone.
12/11/42
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb harbor and surrounding areas at Naples with good results.
P-40's fly several FB mission and sweeps over battle area in
preparation for ground assault on El Agheila which Gen Montgomery
schedules for 14 Dec.
12/11/42
Tenth AF
HBs of IATF attack shipping at Port Blair, with negative results.
12/11/42
Fifth AF
B-26's bomb A/F and T/O in Buna area. B-25's and B-26's hit A/F at
Lae.
12/11/42
Eleventh AF
Uneventful rcn cover Attu, Agattu, Amchitka, Kiska, and the Semichis.
3 B-26's and 4 P-38's rebomb and strafe previously bombed cargo
vessel in Kiska Harbor, scoring 2 more direct hits. The P-38's also
strafe and bomb Kiska Harbor submarine base and seaplane hangars,
camp area, and nearby gun emplacements."
12/12/42
Eighth AF
17 HBs bomb Rouen-Sotteville M/Y. Bad weather prevents large attack
planned for air installations at Romilly-sur-Seine.
12/12/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's, with P-38 escort, bomb rail facilities and harbor area at
Tunis. B-26's on mission to bomb at Sousse or La Hencha abort due to
very bad weather. P-38's and P-40's fly widespread rcn operations.
12/12/42
Ninth AF
P-40's fly sweeps and attack ground forces in El Agheila and Brega
area. RAF Liberators, under IX BC operational control, attack dock
area at Naples.
12/12/42
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe barges off Sanananda Pt while B-17's bomb A/Fs at Lae
and Salamaua.
12/12/42
SOPAC
US HBs begin series of daily attacks on Japanese A/Fs nearing
completion at Munda.
12/12/42
Eleventh AF
Attempted photo rcn over Kiska by a B-24 and 2 P-38's returns without
result due to weather. Another rcn B-24 is turned back by a weather
front W of Buldir I.
12/13/42
Twelfth AF
15 B-17's of 97th Gp hit harbor and docks at Tunis. 10 B-17's of
301st Gp bomb harbor and docks at Bizerte and are shortly followed by
19 B-24's of Eighth AF's 93d Gp attacking same tgt. B-25's hit harbor
area at Sousse while B-26's blast bridge N of Sfax. P-38's escort
both MB raids. P-38's, P-40's, and Spitfires fly rcn and patrols over
much of NW Africa. P-38's attack several tgts including vehicles N of
Gabes and a schooner off Cape Dimasse. C-47's fly 17 transport
missions between various points in NW Africa.
12/13/42
Ninth AF
Aircraft of WDAF, including more than 100 US P-40's, fly strafing and
bombing missions against ground forces which begin withdrawing from
El Agheila during early morning. British 51st Inf Div penetrates E
defenses of the town.
12/13/42
Fifth AF
Convoy of 5 destroyers is detected off Madang, as it attempts to
bring in reinforcements for beachhead in Buna area. B-17's and B-24's
attack as it moves S but fail to deter its progress. A-20's bomb and
strafe Cape Killerton area while B-17's bomb Salamaua area. B-26's
hit A/F at Gasmata.
12/13/42
Eleventh AF
Largely negative rcn is flown over Attu, Agattu, Kiska, Amchitka, and
the Semichis by 2 B-24's and 2 P-38's.
12/14/42
Eighth AF
IG report states that drain of stocks from Eighth AF for purpose of
equipping Twelfth AF is hindering greatly the trg and combat program
of Eighth AF gps.
12/14/42
Twelfth AF
B-24's bomb harbor and shipping at Bizerte while B-17's hit similar
tgts at Tunis. DB-7's make 2 attacks on M/Y at Sfax. P-38's and
P-40's fly escort. P-38's attack vessels off N Tunisian coast, road
between Tunis and Bizerte, train near Kerker, trucks near Chaaba, and
El Djem, and train near La Hencha. P-40's fly sweeps; F-4's carry out
photo rcn over areas of Tunisia; C-47's fly 19 transport mission
between various points in NW Africa."
12/14/42
Ninth AF
P-40's continue to pound retreating forces E of El Agheila As British
7th Armd and 51st Inf Div push W, 2d NZ Div pushes SW and rounds
enemy's right flank, then heads NW towards coast to cut off retreat.
12/14/42
Fifth AF
Troop-carrying destroyers, attacked by Fifth AF aircraft on 13 Dec,
reach mouth of Mambare R and unload without being detected. However,
Fifth AF MBs, LBs and ftrs, along with RAAF airplanes, subsequently
deliver damaging blows against these troops and their supplies and
also hit forces along Kumusi R, in Cape Endaiadere area, and along
the Mambare R. The destroyers are attacked off Cape Ward Hunt by MRs
and HBs. A/Fs at Lae and Gasmata are also bombed.
12/15/42
Twelfth AF
B-26's attack El Aouina A/F while B-17's bomb harbor area. Other
B-17's hit harbor at Bizerte. F-4's fly several photo rcn missions
over coastal Tunisia covering area from Bizerte to Gabes, ftrs fly
routine patrols, and C-47's carry out numerous courier and transport
missions in NW Africa.
12/15/42
Ninth AF
B-24's, opening Ninth AF offensive against Tunisian ports, hit
railroad yard, repair shop, and roundhouse at Sfax. RAF B-24's,
operationally controlled by IX BC, hit Naples harbor during 15/16
Dec. B-25's and P-40's strike at retreating troops and vehicles
between El Agheila and Merduma, as 2d NZ Div drives to coast in
Merduma area to obstruct the retreating forces.
12/15/42
Fifth AF
A-20's hit forces along Mambare R while a B-24 bombs wrecked ship at
Gona.
12/16/42
Twelfth AF
DB-7's bomb rail junction E of Mateur and hit town area of Massicault
and nearby vehicle dispersal area. P-38's attack ships off N coast of
Tunisia scoring hit on 1 vessel. Other P-38's fly rcn missions,
exchanging ineffective fire with enemy airplanes. C-47's continue
transport and courier missions in NW Africa. Col Carlyle H Ridenour
takes over as CO XII BC.
12/16/42
Ninth AF
P-40's fly FB missions and sweeps over battle area as enemy, breaking
into small dets, manage; to withdraw from El Agheila positions after
hard fighting and heavy losses. B-25's hit concentrations and
transport tgts.
12/16/42
Fifth AF
A-20's and B-26's bomb forces in Buna area and at mouth of Kumusi R,
and strafe barge and lagoon shoreline S of the Kumusi's mouth. B-24's
attack wreck off Gona, cargo vessel in Bismarck Sea, and a destroyed,
2 cargo ships, and 2 tankers in Solomon Sea, SE of Cape Orford.
12/17/42
N Africa
Adm Darlan announces French Fleet units at Alexandria, Dakar, and N
African ports are joining Allied forces.
12/17/42
Twelfth AF
36 B-17's hit harbors and dock; at Tunis and Bizerte, claiming damage
to both tgts and destruction of 1 vessel and 3 aircraft at Tunis.
DB-7's and A-20's hit military installations N and W of Gabes A/F and
landing ground near Sidi Tabet. B-25's and B-26's on shipping raid in
Gulf of Tunis fail to sight vessels. P-38's and Spitfires escort all
the bomb missions. P-38's on sea mission off N Tunisia engage German
aircraft in combat, claiming 1 destroyed. Other P-38's and F-4's fly
rcn over Tunisia."
12/17/42
Tenth AF
CATF planes pound Lashio.
12/17/42
Fifth AF
B-26's bomb Buna mission while US ground forces make fruitless
attacks on The Triangle now dubbed 'Bloody Triangle.'
12/17/42
SOPAC
US 132d Inf opens preliminaries for offensive on Guadalcanal with
attack on positions in Mount Austen area which overlooks Henderson
Field. The enemy offers bitter resistance. AAF aircraft, especially
P-39's, and Marine SBD's, provide spt and continue to do so as the
offensive progresses, cutting off Japanese forces from coastal supply
points, hitting reinforcements moving through the jungle, and
destroying ammo dumps."
12/17/42
Eleventh AF
A rcn sortie is flown over Attu, Agattu, Kiska, Amchitka, and the
Semichis. 2 attacks by 5 B-24's, 2 B-25's, and 4 B-26's--the second
attack escorted by 8 P-38's--take off for Kiska. Only the first
mission, 4 B-24's, gets through and hits submarine base area, marine
railway, buildings, and communication facilities. Second mission
aborts due to weather. P-38's and B-24's also fly offshore patrol
between Vega Pt and Little Kiska.
12/18/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's, with P-38 escort, hit Bizerte harbor and shipping offshore.
Direct hit scored on 1 vessel Attacks by ftrs result in loss of 1 HB
and 4 ftrs. 3 enemy ftrs are destroyed and others damaged. B-26's and
P-38 escorts attack M/Y at Sousse, hitting station, roundhouse, and
other buildings, tracks, and a train. Heavy AA accounts for 2 MBs.
DB-7's, with ftr escort, hit landing ground and dispersal area near
Mateur and attack railroad yards in the town. P-38's and P-40's fly
rcn missions and sweeps over Tunisia and attack ground tgts,
including a train N of Sfax and trucks near Sainte-Marie-du-Zit.
C-47's continue transport missions in NW Africa.
12/18/42
Ninth AF
93d Bomb Gp, Eighth AF, is attached to IX BC for operations. P-40's
fly rcn and patrol as British Eighth Army's lead div, 2d NZ, clashes
with enemy rear guards at Nofilia. B-17's hit shipping and harbor
installations at Sousse. RAF B-24's, under IX BC, follow with raid on
same tgt during 18/19 Dec.
12/18/42
Fifth AF
A-20's hit positions at Kurenada in Cape Endaiadere area where Allied
ground forces launch concerted assault. B-17's attack convoy in
Astrolabe Bay off Madang, while B-24's bomb Alexishafen area. B-24's
bomb A/F at Lae and attack the convoy off Madang and a transport NW
of Lorengau.
12/18/42
Eleventh AF
A B-24 flies rcn over Kiska, Attu, Agattu, and Semichis.
12/19/42
Twelfth AF
Rain curtails operations. A-20's and DB-7's, with ftr escort, hit M/Y
at Sfax. Ftrs fly routine patrol in Oran area.
12/19/42
Fifth AF
A-20's and B-25's hit Buna Mission area in which Australian forces
again attacking The Triangle are halted by fierce crossfire. B-24's
and B-17's attack warships, transports, and cargo vessels off Madang
in Astrolabe Bay and NNW of Finschhafen off coast of Huon Peninsula.
B-25's bomb A/F at Lae."
12/19/42
Eleventh AF
2 B-24's fly rcn and patrol over Amchitka and Kiska. 4 escorting
P-38's turn back due to weather and mechanical difficulties.
12/19/42
Eighth AF
72 HBs attack air de pot at Romilly-sur-Seine in effective raid. 6
bmrs are lost to ftrs.
12/20/42
Twelfth AF
Operations are severely curtailed as result of heavy rains. C-47's
maintain transport and courier service. Ftrs fly rcn and scramble
missions.
12/20/42
Ninth AF
B-24's sent to attack Sousse harbor, abort because of 2 weather; 3
bomb wrecked vessel N of Sfax.
12/20/42
Tenth AF
CATF bmrs hit Lashio. Japanese airplanes bomb Calcutta and vicinity,
hitting docks, shipping, and A/Fs in the area.
12/20/42
Fifth AF
A-20's and B-25's pound Giropa Pt and area around Buna Mission near
which are located strong bunker positions. After preparatory
bombardment Australian forces again assault the positions, attacking
twice under cover of smoke, but are beaten back. A decision is made
to bypass The Triangle.
12/20/42
Eleventh AF
4 B-26's, 5 B-24's, 4 B-25's, and 9 P-38's make a coordinated
bombing, strafing, and incendiary attack on Kiska Harbor
installations and vicinity, especially on the submarine base and near
the marine railway and gun emplacements. A direct hit is scored on a
probable ammo dump. P-38's also strafe previously damaged cargo ship
off Trout Lagoon. 1 B-24 and 2 P-38's fly photo and rcn patrol over
Attu, Agattu, Semichis, and Amchitka."
12/21/42
Twelfth AF
Weather prevents B-17's from bombing Sfax or secondary tgt, Gabes.
P-38's on scramble over Youks-les-Bains down 2 Ju 88's. P-40's
destroy a tank and several cars and trucks with trailers in Kairouan
area. F-4's fly 3 photo rcn missions over area between Bizerte and
Gabes while C-47's continue transport and courier missions.
12/21/42
Ninth AF
B-24's of 93d Bomb Gp abort mission against Sousse harbor due to
weather. 6 RAF Liberators, under IX BC control, attack the harbor;
results are not observed. Light forces of British Eighth Army
overtake enemy rearguard at Sirte and are halted temporarily.
12/21/42
Fifth AF
B-17's attack vessels in Finschhafen harbor while B-24's carry out
single-bmr strikes on cargo ship N of Finschhafen and barges at mouth
of the Mambare R and off Cape Ward Hunt.
12/21/42
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies uneventful rcn over Amchitka, Kiska, Semichis, and Attu.
A B-24 and 2 P-38's abort photo mission due to weather.
12/22/42
Twelfth AF
Solid overcast prevents B-17's from bombing Bizerte or alternate tgts
of Sousse and Sfax. P-40's shoot up train in Kairouan and destroy
trucks on Sfax-Faid road. F-4's continue rcn between Bizerte and
Gabes-Medenine area. C-47's continue courier missions. British 5
Corps of First Army renews drive on Tunis. 2d Coldstream Gds attack
Djebel el Ahmera (Longstop Hill) NE of Medjez el Bab.
12/22/42
Ninth AF
B-24's of 93d Gp and RAF Liberators are dispatched against harbor at
Sousse. Only 2 HBs reach tgt. Others are forced to return because of
weather, but a few manage to bomb Monastir and railroads at Mahdia.
12/22/42
Tenth AF
CATF aircraft bomb Lashio.
12/22/42
Fifth AF
B-25's pound Maimba mission and village near Buna when ground forces
continue to resist stubbornly. B-17's hit ship in harbor at Arawe
while a single 3-24 attacks a transport off Gasmata.
12/22/42
Ninth AF
26 B-24's staging 42 through Midway from Hawaii bomb Wake I during
22/23 Dec.
12/22/42
Eleventh AF
All missions including a B-24 weather run canceled due to weather.
12/23/42
AAF
Committee of Operations Analysts, in process of formulating a basis
for tgt selection, presents an interim report stating principle of
concentration of bombardment against a few essential industries or
services.
12/23/42
Twelfth AF
Total cloud cover causes B-17's, escorted by P-38's, to abort bombing
mission against Tunis and Bizerte A/Fs. Spitfires fly routine patrol
over Oran-Tafaraoui area. C-47's fly courier missions. Elements of US
1st Div, after relieving 2d Coldstream Gds on Djebel el Ahmera, are
forced to withdraw by German counterattack.
12/23/42
Ninth AF
324th Ftr Gp arrives in Egypt to join Ninth AF.
12/23/42
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe troops near Gona and at Woiba Is. B-25's bomb Cape
Gloucester A/F, and at tack ship at Pilelo I. B-24's carry out
single-bmr attacks on transport WSW of Cape Orford, a vessel NW of
Lorengau, a cargo ship at Arawe, and the Cape Gloucester A/F.
12/24/42
Eighth AF
First P-47's arrive in ETO. However, because of VHF radios and engine
difficulties, the P-47's are not sent into combat until Apr 43.
12/24/42
N Africa
Adm Darlan is assassinated in Algiers. Gen Giraud becomes acting
French ruler of African colonies."
12/24/42
Twelfth AF
Weather restricts operations to routine C-47 courier lights, Spitfire
patrols in Oran-Tafaraoui area, and an attack by 4 P-40's on bridge N
of Gabes. During conference with Gen Eisenhower, Gen Sir Anderson, CG
British First Army, decides to cease attack Oil Tunis until after
rainy season. British forces retake positions on Djebel el Ahmera.
12/24/42
Ninth AF
B-24's sent to bomb Tunis abort because of weather. B-24's attack
harbor at Naples during 23/24 Dec; 1 bombs Taranto.
12/24/42
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe troops near Kel and along N Amboga R and trail. B-17's
and B-24's hit shipping and A/F at Gasmata. Other B-24's, operating
singly, bomb Lae, a schooner in Vitiaz Strait, and the harbor at
Arawe.
12/24/42
SOPAC
3 P-39's and USMC F-4F's and SBD's carry out their most devastating
raid on Munda, claiming 24 ftrs destroyed on the ground and in the
air. None of the attacking ftrs are lost."
12/24/42
Eleventh AF
The rcn aircraft over Kiska finds shipping there unchanged. Weather
cancels other missions.
12/25/42
Twelfth AF
P-40's bomb troop concentration at Sfax. P-38's sent to bomb convoy
off N Tunisia fail to sight ships. Germans retake Djebel el Ahmera.
12/25/42
Fifth AF
A B-17 attacks sub in Wide Bay off New Britain; 1 B-24 attack runways
at Cape Gloucester and another bombs Lae.
12/25/42
Eleventh AF
A-24 takes photos of Kiska and Attu and unsuccessfully bombs 6 barges
between Gertrude Cove and Kiska Harbor. The B-24 then sights 8 float
Zeros. 3 unsuccessfully attempt to attack the HB.
12/26/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's, with ftr escort, hit harbor and shipping at Bizerte; heavy AA
and ftr attacks account for 2 HBs and 2 P-38's, P-38's claim 2
FW-190's destroyed. Other B-17's, with P-40 escort, bomb harbor and
shipping at Sfax; HBs claim 3 vessels sunk. P-38's on rcn attack
locomotives and motor vehicles S of Tunis and W of Sousse. P-40's
strafe barges off Sousse, destroying 1 of them, and strafe ground
tgts during rcn over Kairouan-Sousse-Kasserine area. Spitfires patrol
Oran area. C-47's continue transport runs. During 26/27 Dec
transports drop det of US paratroops at bridge N of El Djem.
12/26/42
Ninth AF
B-24's are dispatched against Tunis harbor during 26/27 Dec; hit
primary tgt while 2 others bomb Sousse and Sfax.
12/26/42
Tenth AF
12 IATF B-24's bomb railroad station, dock area, arsenal, and power
plant at Bangkok. CATF B-25's hit Lashio.
12/26/42
Fifth AF
HBs carry out single bmr attacks against Cape Gloucester,
Finschhafen, and Madang, and attack shipping off New Britain.
Japanese aircraft from Rabaul attack Doboduru but are driven off by
Fifth AF ftrs.
12/26/42
SOPAC
Gen Mulcahy, USMC, arrives on Guadalcanal with Second Marine Aircraft
Wg and assumes operational control of all aircraft on the island,
including those of the AAF."
12/26/42
Eleventh AF
6 B-24's and 9 P-38's attack Holtz Bay but do not find the 8 float
Zeros seen there the previous day. The P-38's strafe Attu
installations at minimum altitude. The B-24's bomb Sarana Bay. AA
fire downs one P-38 and damages another. Later 6 B-25's and 4 P-38's
over Kiska and Gertrude Cove abort due to low ceiling. An OA-10 flies
rcn over NE Kiska.
12/27/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's, escorted by P-38's, bomb shipping and dock facilities at
Sousse, damaging docks and warehouses and claiming direct hits on 4
vessels. P-38's and P-40's fly several rcn missions over Tunisia
while Spitfires patrol Oran and Bone areas. C-47 transport flights
continue. British First Army repels attack in Medjez el Bab area.
12/27/42
Fifth AF
B-17's pound shipping at Rabaul while B-26's hit tgts in Gona area. A
single B-24 hits runway at Finschhafen.
12/27/42
Eleventh AF
2 B-24's flying rcn over Kiska and Amchitka abort in bad weather.
12/28/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's bomb dock and harbor installations at Sousse. P-38's provide
escort. P-38's and P-40's on patrol and rcn missions claim 4
airplanes downed in combat and several vehicles destroyed at various
points in Tunisia. C-47's, some escorted by Spitfires, continue
courier and ferry missions. F-4's fly rcn over Tunis, Sousse and Sfax
areas, and Spitfires patrol Oran and Bone areas.
12/28/42
Ninth AF
During 27/28 Dec and during day, B-24's, including RAF Liberators
under IX BC control, bomb harbor at Sousse, hitting vessels and dock
installations. British Army patrols reach point E of Buerat,
overlooking Wadi el Chebir, without opposition.
12/28/42
Tenth AF
CATF B-25's, with ftr spt, hit Magwe.
12/28/42
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Rabaul, Gasmata and Lae."
12/28/42
Eleventh AF
Icing conditions and low visibility prevent all flying.
12/29/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's attack Sousse docks and harbor; P-38's provide escort. DB-7's
and A-20's hit bridges at La Hencha; escorting P-40's strafe flatcars
and locomotive at Sainte-Juliette. P-38's attack tank depot SE of
Pont-du-Fahs; DB-7's and A-20's follow with attack on same tgt.
P-38's and P-40's fly rcn missions and patrols over wide areas of
Algeria and Tunisia. C-47's continue transport missions throughout NW
Africa.
12/29/42
Ninth AF
B-24's sent to bomb Tunis harbor during 29/30 Dec find tgt obscured
by clouds and attack Sousse instead.
12/29/42
Tenth AF
12 B-24's attack shipping in Rangoon vicinity.
12/29/42
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe forces and occupied areas at Lokanu and along W bank of
Amboga R. B-24's carry out single-bmr attacks on A/Fs at Lae and
Gasmata.
12/29/42
Eleventh AF
B-24 flies negative rcn over Rat I and Amchitka. Scheduled Kiska
attack and Amchitka rcn missions are canceled by bad weather.
12/30/42
Eighth AF
40 HBs hit submarine base at Lorient, which now shows cumulative
effect of repeated bombardment."
12/30/42
Twelfth AF
B-17's, with P-38 escort, attack docks and M/Y at Sfax. B-25's
escorted by P-38's, follow with attack on same M/Y. DB-7's hit troop
concentration near Gabes, this attack being followed by A-20 raid on
the A/F. During afternoon more DB-7's hit Gabes, concentrating on the
A/F. P-40's and P-38's furnish escort for the raids on Gabes. A-20's
hit fuel dump at El Aouinet; on return flight, escorting P-40's
strafe near El Guettar. P-38's fly 2 rcn missions to Tripoli, 1
flight destroying several trucks on return trip. P-40's and F-4's fly
uneventful rcn missions.
12/30/42
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb shipping at Rabaul. A-20's strafe forces in Duvira Creek
area while B-24's carry out single-bmr attacks on A/F at Lae, Madang
Village, and troops and vehicles at Wewak. A B-17 strafes a schooner
in Jacquinot Bay.
12/30/42
Eleventh AF
B-25's and 14 P-38's approach Kiska Harbor at minimum altitude for a
bombing and strafing attack. 2 ships and 3 submarines, newly arrived,
are covered by Zeros. 4 of them engage the approaching P-38's in a
dogfight. 2 P-38's are shot down and 4 Zeros are scored as probable.
The B-25's meanwhile attack the ships with unobserved results. One
B-25 is shot down off Little Kiska. A PBY picks up survivors, but
fails to return. Kiska Harbor is then attacked once more by 5 B-24's,
4 B-25's, and 4 B-26's. They claim 2 hits on both vessels observing
explosions on the smaller ship. A B-24 photographs Amchitka. Weather
rcn of Near Is is canceled due to weather. Aerial rcn observes for
first time Japanese use of smoke screen at Kiska Harbor.
12/31/42
Ninth AF
B-24's, including RAF Liberators, bomb shipping and dock area at Sfax
with good results.
12/31/42
Twelfth AF
LBs, with ftr escort, make 2 attacks on Sousse, bombing railroad
yards and docks. Escorted B-17's hit harbor at Sfax while B-26's,
with ftr protection, hit A/F area at Gabes and shipping and rail
bridges in Bizerte-Tunis area. P-38's and P-40's, flying rcn, destroy
several vehicles. Other ftrs fly routine patrols and escort C-47's on
transport missions.
12/31/42
Tenth AF
P-40's on armed rcn hit railroad T/Os from Naba to Pinbaw. A-20's
strafe forces in Sanananda and Giruwa area and along Amboga R. B-26's
pound forces on N shore of Markham R near its mouth, while A-20's
strafe parked aircraft at Lae. B-24's operating singly, bomb A/F at
Gasmata and attack shipping in Wide Bay and Saint George Channel.
12/31/42
SOPAC
B-26's of 69th Bomb Sq arrive on Guadalcanal.
12/31/42
Eleventh AF
6 B-24's, covered by 9 P-38's, attack Kiska Harbor, hitting 2 cargo
vessels. 1 of 6 intercepting ftrs is probably shot down. 1 B-25
searching for a Navy aircraft missing since the previous day also
flies rcn over Semisopochnoi, Segula, Little Sitkin, Gareloi, and
Amchitka.
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