08/01/43
NAAF
During 31 Jul/1 Aug NASAF Wellingtons drop leaflets on Rome and
Naples, and bomb Randazzo and Adrano. During following day, B-17's
bomb Capodichino A/F, and B-25's hit Milazzo. NATAF LBs and MBs hit
Paterno, Randazzo, Adrano, Bronte, Santa Maria di Licondia, and motor
transport in Orlando area. NACAF Beaufighters score hits on shipping
between Sardinia and Italy. US ground forces adv E along coast of
Sicily, approach Troina further inland, and begin movement to flank
defenses. British, to S, penetrate into Regalbuto.
08/01/43
Ninth AF
177 B-24's, of IX BC (including HBs on loan from Eighth AF) are
dispatched to bomb oil refineries at Ploesti and nearby Campina. The
operation (TIDALWAVE) is costly, 54 planes and 532 airmen being lost,
but damage to the tgts is severe. More than 230 P-40's, largest Ninth
AF total to date, attack Adrano, area near Randazzo, Messina,
Milazzo, Taormina, and shipping in Straits of Messina.
08/01/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's hit E approach of the road bridge at Shweli, damaging cable
anchorages and pylons but leaving bridge usable.
08/01/43
Fifth AF
A lone B-24 bombs A/F at Lae.
08/01/43
Thirteenth AF
P-40's and Navy aircraft again hit Munda, bombing AA positions, ammo
dumps, and other tgts. 21 B-24's, 16 P-38's, and P-40's, and 30-plus
Navy airplanes pound Kahili A/F; other P-40's and 80-plus Navy
aircraft hit shipping in nearby waters.
08/01/43
Eleventh AF
7 B-24's bomb Kiska Main Camp area through overcast.
08/02/43
Atlantic
4th Antisub Sq sinks U706 in E Atlantic, 46-15N 10-25W.
08/02/43
Eighth AF
MBs attack Merville and Saint-Omer/Ft Rouge A/Fs.
08/02/43
NAAF
NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs hit trucks, dump and road junction in NE
Sicily, docks and shipping at Milazzo, Messina and in Reggio di
Calabria area, and T/Os (mainly motor transport) from Barcellona S to
Adrano. In Sicily, US ground forces push slowly W while British
troops gain control of Regalbuto and fight indecisively in streets of
Centuripe.
08/02/43
Ninth AF
P-40's attack shipping in Straits of Messina and off Milazzo.
08/02/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb supply dumps on shores of Hansa Bay and T/Os along
Francisco R. A-20's hit Buiambun and B-25's pound barges from Lae to
Bogadjim, from Lae to Kepler Pt, and from Bubui R to Lepsius Pt.
B-24's bomb Lae harbor, Salamaua, and W shore of Voco Pt.
08/02/43
Thirteenth AF
B-25's, B-17's, P-40's, and Navy ftrs pound shores of Bairoko harbor.
B-24's, B-25's, P-40's and Navy F- 4U's hit supply area on W side of
Webster Cove.
08/02/43
Eleventh AF
8 B-24's, 9 B-25's, and 8 P-38's hit Kiska in 2 waves bombing and
strafing North Head, and coast guns on Little Kiska, scoring several
hits. 1 or 2 enemy aircraft over Attu cannot be intercepted due to
weather.
08/03/43
Eighth AF
Gen Kepner becomes CG, VIII FC."
08/03/43
NAAF
NATAF LBs hit tac tgts in battle area in Sicily. Ftrs, LBs, and MBs
hit shipping in Straits of Messina and at Milazzo and attack Adrano
and Biancavilla and gun emplacements and bridges in the area. US
forces continue E along N coast toward Furiano R. At Troina, further
inland, enemy continues firm resistance.
08/03/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb Adrano and its highway approaches. Over 300 P-40's,
largest Ninth AF total to date, attack harbors and shipping at
Milazzo and Messina, and give direct spt to British ground forces in
Catania-Bronte area.
08/03/43
Fifth AF
B-25's, B-17's, and B-24's bomb barges, small craft, villages,
grounded planes, trails, and military camps at numerous points,
including areas in or around Bogadjim, Salamaua, Manokwari, and Larat
and along Bubui, Masaweng, Mindjim, and Kofebi Rivers and Bogadjim
Road. Also bombed are W coast of Borgen Bay and island in Marien
Harbor.
08/03/43
Eleventh AF
6 attack missions 2 of which abort--are flown to Kiska by B-24's,
B-25's, P-38's, and P-40's. Numerous tgts hit and strafed include
installations at North Head and South Head.
08/04/43
Eighth AF
33 B-26's hit shipyards at Le Trait.
08/04/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb Naples submarine base. B-26's and B-25's hit
railroad bridge at Catanzaro and railroad at Paola. NATAF MBs, LBs,
and ftrs attack comm tgts, gun positions, and storage areas in
Milazzo-Adrano-Biancavilla and Bronte-Riposto-Fiumefreddo areas. A
number of NATAF aircraft hit rail sidings on toe of Italy and attack
shipping off Messina. In Sicily, British cross Salso R with 2 divs,
while other forces prepare to drive on Catania and others continue
toward Misterbianco.
08/04/43
Ninth AF
P-40's attack shipping at Messina and spt ground forces at N end of
Mount Etna. US troops are halted by fierce opposition at Furiano R
and at Troina.
08/04/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb and strafe Itni R area and hit several villages on
Selaroe I. Single B-24's bomb dump area on Francisco R and Cape
Gloucester A/F.
08/04/43
Thirteenth AF
B-25's, and Navy dive bmrs, bomb Gurasai-Kindu area. Some of the MBs
also strafe areas emitting intense small arms fire, silencing it.
P-38's and P-40's claim 11 ftrs downed in series of running battles
over C Solomons.
08/04/43
Eleventh AF
Between 0855 and 1846, 153 tons of bombs are dropped on Kiska, a new
one-day record. 6 armed weather, photo and rcn missions, flown by 3
B-24's, 2 P-40's, and 2 F-5A's bomb through clouds, take photos and
observe fires in Main Camp and on Little Kiska. Later 48 B-25's, 22
B-24's, 16 A-24's, 8 P-40's, and 40 P-38's fly 17 bombing and
strafing attacks to Kiska. Tgts hit include buildings near radio
station, and gun battery area on North Head. Little Kiska and Segula
I are also strafed.
08/05/43
NAAF
NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs attack troops, roads, and gun positions at
Adrano and Troina and surrounding areas in spt of Allied ground
forces, hit motor transport behind enemy lines in Sicily and on toe
of Italy, and sink or damage over 20 small vessels and barges at
Milazzo and in Straits of Messina. NASAF B-17's, operating in 2
forces, hit Messina docks and railroad yards. B-25's bomb Guspini
switching station, and P-40's, after escorting the B-25's, attack and
probably sink U-boat off SW Sardinia. US forces open assault on San
Fratello ridge, and further inland gain positions overlooking Troina.
Enemy withdraws from town during night. British 13 Corps overruns
Paterno, Misterbianco, and Catania, British 30 Corps continues toward
Adrano.
08/05/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb town, roads, and road junctions of Francavilla. P-40's
attack Messina harbor and shipping in the Straits of Messina.
08/05/43
Fifth AF
More than 30 B-25's pound barges near Madang and at Alexishafen, and
hit Nuru R bridge and towns of Bogadjim and Saidor. A single B-24
bombs Finschhafen while another hits Vitu Is. Lt Col Malcolm A Moore
takes cmd of newly formed Second Air TF based at recently constructed
adv A/F at Tsili Tsili. Strikes from here will facilitate operations
against Lae.
08/05/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's bomb shore of Rekata Bay W of Brokeiello Pt area. B-25's and
Navy ftrs strafe barges on NE coast of Gizo I. Munda A/F, principal
objective of C Solomons campaign, is taken by XIV Corps forces after
12 continuous days of fierce fighting in jungle area.
08/06/43
Caribbean
10th Bomb Sq and USN land-based aircraft sink U-615 at 12-38N 64-15W.
08/06/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb coastal roads near Messina. B-26's and B-25's hit
road junction SW of Badiazza and railroad bridges N of Gesso. NATAF
LBs and MBs hit roads, junctions, and buildings in Troina, Adrano,
Bagnara, Biancavilla, Tortorici, Bronte, Piraino, and Randazzo areas.
FBs hit shipping from Vibo Valentia, S to Straits of Messina. US
troops are unable to cross Furiano R as fierce resistance continues.
At Troina troops push through town and 1 mi to E before opposition
halts them. British take Biancavilla, and Adrano falls as enemy pulls
out during 6/7 Aug."
08/06/43
Ninth AF
60-plus B-25's hit Bronte, Catania, and Randazzo and the area N of
Adrano-Biancavilla road. Over 20 others bomb road intersections in
Adrano and Bronte. Over 100 P-40's attack shipping and shore tgts in
Messina area while 30 others attack shipping on W coast of Sicily.
08/06/43
Fifth AF
B-24's, during 6/7 Aug bomb Laha A/F.
08/06/43
Thirteenth AF
20 P-39's and P-40's hit Tanagaba Harbor area. 24 B-17's and B-24's,
24 B-25's, and 50 plus Navy and Marine ftrs and dive bmrs pound
Rekata Bay area, hitting bivouac and supply areas.
08/07/43
NAAF
Throughout the day NATBF MBs and LBs pound Randazzo, the enemy's key
withdrawal point. Maletto is also bombed. P-40's and A-36's strafe
and bomb small craft between Sicily and mainland Italy, motor
transport near Randazzo, warehouse N of Messina, dumps on toe of
Italy, and vehicles and comm tgts in Sant' Agata di Militello,
Bronte, Cesaro, Tortorici, Castiglione di Sicilia and Riposto areas.
NASAF B-25's in 2 forces hit Crotone landing ground while B-26's bomb
Marina di Catanzaro railroad bridge and highway bridge over Angitola
R. US forces improve positions on N coast in San Fratello region
against heavy resistance. During 7/8 Aug, small amphibious force
lands on coast 2 mi E of Sant' Agata di Militello, greatly aiding
progress along coast. Other forces begin drive on Randazzo.
08/07/43
Ninth AF
150 B-25's attack Randazzo. Over 140 P-40's attack shipping at
Messina and in the Straits, and shipping and shore-supply stores
along NE coast of Sicily.
08/07/43
Fifth AF
B-40's on armed rcn from Sinti to Yoyang to Sienning, strafe and bomb
several T/Os; 3 locomotives are exploded and another damaged, a water
tank is knocked down, and several railroad stations are heavily
damaged. 4 other P-40's attack convoy E of Hong Kong; 1 freighter is
hit amidships, causing heavy damage; 2 other vessels are also
effectively damaged.
08/07/43
Fifth AF
B-24's pound Dagua But, and Tadji. A-20's hit barges on Bubui R.
B-26's bomb Cape Gloucester A/F while B-25's sweep along NW coast,
bombing and strafing barges and enemy-occupied villages.
08/07/43
Thirteenth AF
24 B-24's, along with 20 P-40's and P-39's and 20 plus Navy F-4U's,
pound Kahili A/F. Allied airplanes claim more than 30 Japanese shot
down. 6 US aircraft are lost.
08/08/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's hit highway and rail bridges at Angitola, while P-38's
strafe trains and other T/Os SW of the town. NATAF LBs and MBs pound
Randazzo. Ftrs hit road tgts N of Etna, shipping in Straits of
Messina and cover ground forces at Saint' Agata di Militello.
08/08/43
Ninth AF
Over 90 B-25's bomb Randazzo area. More than 130 P-40's hit shipping
at Messina and provide ground spt in NE Sicily as US and British
forces push E and N, capturing Saint' Agata di Militello, Monte
Camolato, and Bronte.
08/08/43
Fifth AF
B-24's attack Larat, shipping at Semboh, and barges at Kokas.
08/08/43
Thirteenth AF
23 B-25's, with P-38's, P-39's, and Navy F-4U's as cover, bomb Vila
and Buki harbor.
08/09/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb crossroads N of Messina, B-25's hit Catanzaro and
Soverato R bridges, B-26's attack Angitola R bridges, P-40's sweep
over S Sardinia, and P-38's hit lighthouse and other T/Os in S Italy.
NATAF bmrs hit Gesso road junction. Ftrs concentrate on highways and
junctions and also hit rail sidings and gun positions in areas around
Linguagossa, Floresta, Falcone, Patti, Orlando, Novara di Sicilia,
and Milazzo. US troops reach Torrenuovo, and, to the S, drive enemy
back to Simeto R between Cesaro and Randazzo.
08/09/43
Ninth AF
B-25's hit Divieto and nearby tunnel W of Spadafora San Martino, and
attack special points in battle area of NE Sicily. P-40's hit
shipping at Messina, Milazzo, and Palmi."
08/09/43
Fifth AF
B-17's, B-24's, and B-25's bomb Salamaua, Lae, Nuk Nuk, Somoa harbor
at mouth of Francisco R, barge near Reiss Pt, and bridges on
Bogadjim-Ramu road, Barges and machine- gun positions along Borgen
Bay, installations at Unea I, and T/Os at Alilit are bombed. Amboina
is thoroughly pounded.
08/09/43
Thirteenth AF
10 B-25's with ftr cover, bomb Vila. Shortly there-after 22 B-24's
strike the same tgt.
08/09/43
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies photo rcn over various Kiska sites.
08/10/43
NAAF
Gen Dunn takes cmd of NAAF TCC (Prov). NASAF P- 38's bomb and strafe
comm tgts on toe of Italy. Bridges at Angitola and N of Locri are
attacked. NATAF planes fly anti- shipping sweeps over costal areas of
NE Sicily and Straits of Messina, carry out armed rcn over battle
areas and toe of Italy, and bomb Randazzo. US Seventh Army forces
pursue enemy to point W of Naso near N coast of Sicily. During 10/11
Aug, 3d Inf Div makes amphibious landing on coast, outflanking enemy
E of Capo d'Orlando. 9th Inf Div reaches point N of Bronte.
08/10/43
Ninth AF
B-25's attack Randazzo while P-40's bomb and strafe shipping on SW
coast of Italy and in Straits of Messina.
08/10/43
Fifth AF
Over 20 B-24's pound A/Fs in Salamaua area. 12 B-25's hit barges in
Lae area and AA positions W of Borgen Bay. 6 A-20's bomb and strafe
barges in Labu Lagoon and in Gasmata area.
08/10/43
Thirteenth AF
Col William A Matheny becomes acting CG, XIII BC, a position he is
officially assigned to on 30 Sep. P- 40's and P-39's turn back about
40 ftrs attacking US bulldozers working on Munda A/F.
08/10/43
Eleventh AF
P-38's, P-40's, A-24's, B-24's and B- 25's bomb and strafe various
Kiska tgts. Direct hits are scored on revetments W of Wheat Grove and
on gun emplacements, as well as on buildings on Little Kiska.
08/11/43
International
Quebec Conference begins. Roosevelt and Churchill discuss entire
spectrum of world operations and decide on future action of Anglo-US
armed forces.
08/11/43
NAAF
NASAF again hits comm tgts on toe of Italy. B-17's hit Terni M/Y,
B-25's bomb Angitola R bridges, and B-26's and P-38's attack bridge
at Catanzaro. NATAF FB's spt US Seventh Army's landing E of Orlando
by attacking troop concentrations, gun positions, and comm lines
leading to the area. US Seventh Army forces take Naso and press
closer to Randazzo. MBs apt British Eighth Army by raiding
Flumefreddo and Randazzo area.
08/11/43
Ninth AF
Over 90 B-25's bomb bridge, roads, railway, and city area in and
about Randazzo. About 170 P-40's hit Randazzo, shipping at Milazzo
and Messina, road and train near Messina, and troop movements and
evacuations in NE Sicily.
08/11/43
Fifth AF
A B-24 on armed rcn sinks enemy freighter NW of Kavieng. Second Air
TF completes movement to Tsili Tsili A/F.
08/11/43
Thirteenth AF
5 B-24's hit supply area on E side of Suavanau Pt and at Papatura Fa
I.
08/11/43
Eleventh AF
B-24's, B-25's, A-24's, and P-38's pound Kiska tgts in 11 attack
missions. Later, 10 rcn, strafing and photo missions to Kiska are
flown by 3 P-38's, 26 P-40's, 4 F-5A's and 1 B-24. 9 B-24's from Attu
drop bombs and incendiaries on Paramushiru I tgts, including
Kash-iwabara A/F and Shimushu I where Kataoka naval base and staging
area are hit. 40 enemy aircraft challenge the attackers, which score
4 confirmed kills, 1 probable, and 4 possibles.
08/12/43
Eighth AF
243 HBs attack tgts in the Ruhr, concentrating on manufacturing
installations at Bonn and synthetic oil industries at Gelsenkirchen.
26 airplanes are lost on mission."
08/12/43
NAAF
NASAF B-25's attack landing grounds at Crotone, and B-26's hit
Grazzanise A/F. MBs claim 9 ftrs shot down. NATAF P-40's and A-36's
hit shipping along NE coast of Sicily and in Straits of Messina,
attack gun positions and vehicles at Capo Calava and E of Randazzo,
and hit bridge at Taormina and roads in Maletto-Fiumefreddo areas.
NATAF bmrs athek Patti, Falcone, Barcellona, and Nunziata. US Seventh
Army continues to pursue enemy E along N coast. Further inland US
forces gain favorable position from which to assault Randazzo, but
enemy withdraws during 12/13 Aug, precluding attack. British Eighth
Army seizes Maletto and Riposto."
08/12/43
Ninth AF
7 B-25's attack Falcone, Patti, Novara di Sicilia, and Barcellona.
P-40's bomb and strafe shipping at Messina.
08/12/43
Fifth AF
B-25's hit Bogadjim Yaula road. A-20's bomb and strafe Gasmata and
nearby barges. A B-24 hits Cape Gloucester A/F.
08/12/43
Thirteenth AF
20-plus B-24's, with P-40 and F-4U cover, bomb Kahili A/F, causing
considerable damage in dispersal and runway areas. The Allied
airplanes claim 11 Zeros shot down. 1 P-40 and 1 F-4U are lost.
08/12/43
Eleventh AF
From Adak B-24's and B-25's fly 26 bombing, strafing, and radar and
photo rcn sorties over Kiska tgts. From Amchitka P-40's, P-38's,
B-24's, B-25's, and A-24's fly 70 bombing sorties over the island and
are joined by B-24's, P-40's, and F-5A's flying 6 rcn and photo
sorties. Tgts include runway, harbor and shipping installations, army
barracks, and Rose Hill area.
08/13/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb Lorenzi M/Y, and B-25's and B-26's hit Littoria
M/Y. Other B-25's hit vessel off Pizzo. P-40's fly sweep over S
Sardinia, strafing small boats, power station, and railroad junction
NATAF LBs and MBs bomb Piedimonte, Falcone, and bridges N of
Scaletta. A-36's and ftrs hit tgts in NE Sicily, Straits of Messina
and on toe of Italy, including Gioia Tauro, Barcellona, road junction
E of Randazzo, M/Y and trucks at Spadafora, trucks between Taormina
and Baracca, and barges, ferries, and small vessels in the Strait of
Messina. US Seventh Army enters Randazzo with out opposition. Coastal
forces continue E toward Patti.
08/13/43
Ninth AF
61 B-24's hit aircraft factory at Wiener-Neustadt in first Ninth AF
raid on Austria. Over 80 B-25's hit Piedimonte, Falcone, and shipping
at Messina. More than 200 P-40's attack shipping and bridges along SW
Italian coast, hit shipping in Straits of Messina, and fly armed rcn
and FB operations in NE Sicily.
08/13/43
Fourteenth AF
4 P-40's bomb and strafe enemy installations at Lungling.
08/13/43
Fifth AF
59 B-24's, B-17's, and B-26's drop 175 tons of bombs in Salamaua area
in the heaviest single day strike by Fifth AF to date. 9 other B-24's
bomb oil center at Balikpapan during late night raid; the round trip
covers 1,200 mi.
08/13/43
Thirteenth AF
4 P-40's become the first Allied aircraft to land on the
reconstructed Munda A/F; after refueling, they are sent on a sweep of
the Kolombangara coast. 9 B-17's, with ftr cover, bomb Kape Harbor
depot; 2 others on armed rcn bomb Vila. 12 B-25's bomb supply areas
in Rekata Bay area. 2 B-24's on armed rcn hit Suavanau Pt, 8 bomb
Ballale I A/F, and 13 bomb Kahili A/F.
08/13/43
Eleventh AF
7 B-26's from Adak bomb tgts at Main Camp and North Head at Kiska and
Little Kiska. A B-24 flies a special rcn mission. From Amchitka
B-24's, B-25's, A-24's, and P-38's fly 8 more bombing missions
against Kiska pounding Camp area, gun emplacements, buildings,
shipping, and airstrip revetments.
08/14/43
NAAF
NASAF P-38's sweep toe of Italy but find little enemy movement. NATAF
ftrs, MBs, and Lbs, 3 hit refueling depot at Nicola, near Gesso, road
junction N of Palmi, shipping in straits and along W coast of Italy N
to Gioia, and numerous T/Os in NE Sicily and S Italy as enemy
continues orderly evacuation from Sicily to mainland Italy across
Straits of Messina. US troops speed E along coast to Barcellona area
and also continue pursuit of enemy E of Randazzo.
08/14/43
Ninth AF
61 B-24's, on loan from Eighth AF bomb Me 109 factory at
Wiener-Neustadt. B-25's attack road junctions and vehicle
concentrations along NE coast of Sicily and bomb crossroads N of
Palmi. P-40's hit shipping in Milazzo and Messina area and along
Italian coast in Palmi area.
08/14/43
Fifth AF
More than 60 B-24's, B-17's, and B-25's pound Salamaua area battle
zone. With close air and arty spt, US forces push to crest of
Roosevelt Ridge. Enemy retains several ridges along Dot Inlet. A-20's
strafe barges near Finschhafen. B-25's hit barges at Talasea and Rein
Bay, and B-25's bomb Koepang.
08/14/43
Thirteenth AF
9 B-17's bomb Rekata Bay area."
08/14/43
Eleventh AF
2 B-24's fly special radar ferret and rcn missions. 1 B-26, 8 B-24's,
and 10 P-38's then fly 2 attack missions to Kiska, bombing with
unobserved results.
08/15/43
Eighth AF
Over 300 HBs are dispatched to bomb GAF A/Fs in France and the
Netherlands. The majority concentrates on Vlissingen A/F and on A/Fs
at Lille and Merville. MBs attack Saint-Omer/Ft Rouge A/F and the Mn
at Abbeville.
08/15/43
NAAF
NASAF B-25's and B-26's bomb Sibari railroad junction and M/Y, and
P-38's hit trains, troops, radar, and Staletti railroad tracks and
tunnel. P-40's attack bivouac area near Monserrato. During 16/16 Aug,
US Seventh Army troops land on Sicilian N coast NW of Barcellona to
block enemy withdrawal. 3d Inf Div heads along N coast to Spadafora.
British Eighth Army troops complete drive around Mount Etna as
Randazzo-Linguaglossa road is closed. Linguaglossa and Taormina are
taken.
08/15/43
Ninth AF
B-25's hit shipping along beaches of Sant' Agata di Militello. Over
180 P-40's attack shipping at Messina and in the Straits of Messina.
Enemy forces withdrawing to mainland Italy are pounded severely by
constant air attacks.
08/15/43
Fifth AF
HBs again hit Salamaua area. 12 Japanese bmrs, escorted by more than
20 ftrs, attack Tsili Tsili A/F for first time. Intercepting P-39's
claim 14 airplanes downed. 3 P-39's are lost.
08/15/43
Thirteenth AF
COMAIR, New Georgia cmd post, recently opened at Munda Pt by Gen
Mulcahy, USMC, conducts its first full day of operations. Ftrs are
sent to cover amphibious landings at Vella Lavella I where elements
of 25th Inf Div, and supporting units, go ashore in Barakoma area and
establish beachhead. Allied airplanes knock down about 25 Japanese
aircraft (7 by AAF ftrs) attacking the landings. Corsairs also claim
10 Japanese shot down over Kahili. B-25's bomb Papatura Fa and Ighiti
Is in Rekata Bay area.
08/15/43
Eleventh AF
US and Canadian troops invade Kiska and discover that the Japanese,
under the cover of fog, evacuated their garrison. A P-38 bombs and
strafes Sniper Hill.
08/16/43
Eighth AF
169 HBs, escorted all the way to the tgt by P-47's using drop tanks,
hit Le Bourget air depot in the Paris area. Smaller strikes are made
at Poix and Abbeville/Drucat A/Fs. MBs hit locomotive works at
Denain, and A/Fs at Beaumont-le-Roger, and Bernay/Saint Martin.
08/16/43
NAAF
NASAF MBs hit Staletti and temporary bridge at Angitola. NATAF Lbs
and MBs hit shipping in Straits of Messina and from N of Messina to
Capo Peloro. A-36's and P-40's concentrate on comm tgts on toe of
Italy, hitting trains, trucks, railroad yards, and sidings at
Nicastro, Lamezia, Amantea, and Sambiase. Also bombed are barges,
ferries, and small vessels off Messina and in Golfo di Sant' Eufemia.
08/16/43
Ninth AF
86 B-24's bomb city area and A/Fs at Foggia. Over 50 B-25's hit
landing craft concentrations near Ganzirri and Messina, and 100-plus
P-40's hit shipping at Messina and in Straits of Messina, as enemy
continues withdrawal of rear guard troop to mainland Italy. Before
midnight, US patrols enter Messina, which is under fire from Italian
coast.
08/16/43
Tenth AF
Bmrs hit and claim 2 small vessels sunk about 130 mi S of Rangoon.
08/16/43
Fourteenth AF
4 P-40's bomb town of Tengehung.
08/16/43
Fifth AF
Oil tanks at Balikpapan are hit by 2 B-24's. 5 B-25's bomb Larat. 15
P-38's and 32 P-47's intercept 25 ftrs preparing to attack transport
vessels near Tsili Tsili. The strike is completely thwarted and 12
ftrs shot down. This marks first combat use of the P-47 in SWPA.
08/16/43
Thirteenth AF
9 B-24's bomb Papatura Fa I. 12 B-25's, 5 B-17's, and 30-plus Navy
planes attack Vila A/F.
08/16/43
Eleventh AF
A B-24 rcn flight reconnoiters North Head, Main Camp, and northern
Kiska, and observes friendly forces' unopposed adv into Main Camp.
08/17/43
Eighth AF
On first anniversary of US HB operations from UK, 315 B-17's launch
two-pronged attack into Germany, marking deepest penetration of
German territory to date. The critical tgts are the Messerschmitt
complex at Regensburg and the anti friction-bearing factories at
Schwein-furt. The bmrs unload a 724 ton bomb load, causing extensive
damage. Every important building in the complex at Regensburg is
damaged, and there are 80 HE hits on the 2 main bearing plants at
Schweinfurt. 60 US aircraft are lost in fierce air battle that
extends to the tgts and continues after the bombing. 4th Bomb Wg,
after bombing Regensburg, continues to bases in N Africa. During
17/18 Aug RAF begins CROSSBOW, massive attacks on German V-weapon
sites. About 670 aircraft drop 2,000 tons of bombs on Peenemunde.
08/17/43
NAAF
Sicily campaign ends with official entry of US Seventh Army's 3d Div
into Messina at 1000. British force from Ali arrives shortly there
after. Fall of Sicily paves way for it stepped-up air offensive
against Italy. About 180 NASAF B-17's attack Istres-IoTube and
Salon-de-Provence A/Fs. Around 100 MBs attack comm tgts on N part of
Italian toe, hitting Battipaglia and Castrovillari with damaging
effect; escorting P-38's strafe vehicles in the area. NATAF ftrs and
LBs pound shipping in Straits of Messina and Gulf of Gioia, hit rail
center at Lamezia, and harass enemy movement on the Italian toe.
08/17/43
Ninth AF
More than 200 P-40's hit shipping at Messina, at Palmi, and in Gulf
of Gioia.
08/17/43
Fourteenth AF
23 B-24's, operating in 3 waves, bomb barracks at Cau Lo. 4 P-40's
bomb town of Mangshih.
08/17/43
Fifth AF
More than 50 B-24's and B-17's make predawn attack on Wewak and
satellite A/Fs at Boram, Dogaw, and But, and also hit Tadji and
Madang. During midmorning, 30 plus B-25's, with over 80 P-38's
covering, carry out the day's second bombing and strafing strike on
Boram, Wewak, and Dagaw. This begins campaign to neutralize Japanese
A/Fs in preparation for offensive against Lae. A-20's again hit enemy
forces in Salamaua area. B-24's bomb oil facilities at Balikpapan.
08/17/43
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies over Kiska watching friendly forces land on shore of E
Kiska Lake.
08/18/43
Eighth AF
MBs hit A/Fs at Woensdrecht and Ypres-Vlamertinge. Primary tgt of
Lille/ Vendeville A/F is not bombed because of mechanical trouble
with comm equipment and bombsight in lead plane.
08/18/43
NAAF
NASAF ftrs and MBs hit barracks and railroad at Gonnesa, sink small
vessel in Golfo di Sant' Eufemia, and bomb and strafe railway
station, bridge, and tracks at Soverato, bridges and road junction at
Angitola, and highway and road junction at Staletti. NATAF airplanes
hit gun positions and road and rail transport in S Italy.
08/18/43
Ninth AF
P-40's attack motor transport between Scilla and Bagnara, and bomb
shipping off Scilla.
08/18/43
Fifth AF
More than 70 B-24's, B-25's, and B-17's, with cover of almost 100
ftrs, blast A/Fs at Wewak, Boram, Dagua, and But. The midmorning
attacks cause heavy destruction of Japanese airplanes on the ground,
and US ftrs and bmrs claim over 30 enemy aircraft shot down.
08/19/43
Eighth AF
93 HBs hit A/Fs at Flushing and Gilze-Rijen. Smaller numbers strike
at Amiens and Poix. MBs attack Amiens/Glisy and Poix A/Fs.
08/19/43
NAAF
Over 160 NASAF B-17's bomb Foggia M/Y, while almost 100 MBs hit M/Ys
at Sapri and Salerno. The HBs, MBs, and escorting P-38's claim 34
enemy planes shot down, against 8 losses. NATAF A-36's attack
Catanzaro M/Y. P-40's on sweeps over Italian toe attack train near
Melito di Porto Salvo and strafe small number of trucks.
08/19/43
Ninth AF
About 70 B-24's bomb M/Y at Foggia. P-40's fly coastal rcn over toe
of Italy and bomb roads and buildings.
08/19/43
Tenth AF
Gen Davidson becomes CG Tenth AF."
08/19/43
Fifth AF
B-24's attack Manokwari, sink small craft near Babo, and bomb Larat
and Saumlakki. B-26's hit Koepang, Fuiloro, and Lautem.
08/19/43
Thirteenth AF
B-25's, operating in pairs and with ftr escort, hit barges at Timbala
Bay and Kakasa, radio station on Gill I, and beached vessel in Paraso
Bay. From this date through 26 Aug, Japanese airplanes attack Allied
forces in Barakoma area of Vella Lavella, losing a considerable
number of aircraft (claims total about 50) to Allied ftrs and ground
fire without doing any great damage to the Allies.
08/20/43
Eighth AF
B-26's and A-20's carry out light raids on Dornier air frame factory
at Flushing and M/Y at Abbeville."
08/20/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's hit Capua and Aversa M/Y, while B-25's bomb Benevento
M/Y, and P-40's attack A/F at Monserrato. NATAF ftrs hit road and
railway at Gioia and trucks near Locri during missions along E and W
coast of Italian toe.
08/20/43
Ninth AF
P-40's strafe and bomb shipping off Italian toe and comm tgts on
land. Hits are scored on bridges, railway yards, and railway cars.
08/20/43
CBI
AAF, India-Burma Sector, China-Burma-India Theater is activated at
New Delhi. Gen Stratemeyer assumes cmd. Components include Tenth AF,
CBI ASC (Prov), CBI Trg Unit (Prov), and several lesser units.
08/20/43
Tenth AF
X AFSC personnel and organizations are absorbed by CBI ASC (Prov)
which is activated on this date at New Delhi. Gen Oliver, CG X AFSC,
becomes CG CBI ASC.
08/20/43
Fourteenth AF
6 B-25's, with ftr escort, bomb Tien Ho A/F at Canton; the MBs and
ftrs claim 5 interceptors shot own. 15 P-40's intercept 21 ftrs over
Kweilin; 2 P-40's and 21 Zeros are shot down.
08/20/43
Fifth AF
24 B-24's, escorted by 46 P-38's, hit Boram A/F in late morning;
P-38's claim 19 ftrs shot down. A-20's bomb Lae and hit Salamaua area
where enemy forces have abandoned positions on Mount Tambu and
Komiatum Ridge and are manning last-ditch defensive position at
Salamaua. B-25's strafe barges near Cape Gloucester.
08/20/43
Thirteenth AF
HQ XIII BC moves from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal.
08/21/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's and B-17's bomb M/Ys at Villa Literno and Aversa. P-38
escort also attacks Aversa. NASAF aircraft claim over 20 enemy ftrs
shot down. NATAF Fbs hit traffic on Bovalino-Bagnara road.
08/21/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack railroad station, M/Y, and air depot at Cancello
Arnone.
08/21/43
Fourteenth AF
14 B-24's, 7 B-25's, and 11 P-40's attack docks and A/F at Hankow. A
large force of ftrs, estimated at more than 60, attacks the HB
formation, shooting down 2 of the B-24's. Gunners on HBs claim more
than 40 ftrs shot down. In Hengyang area, 19 P-40's battle 33
airplanes, shooting down 5 Zeros. S of Changsha, 9 P-38's clash with
12 Zeros, shooting down 3.
08/21/43
Fifth AF
B-25's pound But and Dagua A/Fs. B-17's bomb Bogadjim area. Single
B-24's hit Salamaua area and T/O at Malahang. B-24's carry out
damaging strike against Pombelaa.
08/21/43
Thirteenth AF
B-25's and ftrs strafe barges in Doveli Cove and Marquana and Paraso
Bays.
08/21/43
Eleventh AF
During the Aleutian Campaign 3 Jun 42-21 Aug 43 Eleventh AF destroyed
69 aircraft, sank 21 and damaged 29 ships, and lost 29 of its own
aircraft.
08/22/43
Eighth AF
35 B-26's hit Beaumont-le-Roger A/F.
08/22/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's, with escort of NATAF A-36's, bomb Mn at Salerno. MBs
and escort claim 26 enemy ftrs destroyed. NATAF ftrs on armed rcn hit
motor transport S of Locri-Gioia Tauro area and NE of Bagnara.
08/22/43
Ninth AF
All ftr and MB gps of Ninth AF are transferred to Twelfth AF.
08/22/43
Fourteenth AF
4 P-40's bomb Japanese HQ and supply dump at Tengehung, and strafe
trucks and troops in the area; 2 others strafe road traffic between
Tengehung and Lungling.
08/22/43
Fifth AF
B-25's strike Dili. As result of air offensive against Wewak and
satellite A/Fs, Japanese airpower on New Guinea is sufficiently
neutralized for 4 Allied destroyers to proceed along coast from Milne
Bay to Finschhafen. After bombarding Finschhafen during 22/23 Aug,
the warships return to Milne Bay.
08/22/43
Thirteenth AF
B-25's and naval dive bmrs, escorted by ftr aircraft, bomb barge
centers on W Vella Lavella I."
08/23/43
Ninth AF
B-24's hit Mn at Bari.
08/23/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's bomb Battipaglia M/Y. FBs hit factory and barracks near
Cagliari. NATAF P-40's and A-36's escort NASAF B-26's, and Spitfires
fly uneventful tac rcn over NE Sicily and toe of Italy.
08/23/43
Tenth AF
B-25's fly low-level strike against Myitnge bridge, knocking out a
center span and badly damaging 2 others.
08/23/43
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb town and A/F of Kendari. B-25's hit tgts in Aroe Is.
B-25's pound Kela. B-25's hit Marawasa, Finschhafen, and Lillum Saun.
08/23/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's and P-39's strafe T/Os on Wagina I.
08/24/43
Eighth AF
86 HBs hit aircraft works in main strike at Villacoublay. Other
planes bomb A/Fs at Conches and Evreux. 84 B-17's, which had flown to
N Africa after attacking Regensburg on 17 Aug, bomb Bordeaux on
return flight to UK.
08/24/43
NAAF
NATAF FBs hit railroad tunnel and cruiser offshore at Sapri, tracks
and buildings at Castrovillari, and town area at Sibari. DAF
(British) airplanes strafe motor transport N of Reggio di Calabria
and provide withdrawal cover for the NATAF Fbs."
08/24/43
Fourteenth AF
7 B-24's and 6 B-25's, escorted by 22 P-40's and P-38's, bomb A/Fs at
Hankow and Wuchang. 4 B-24's are lost. The HBs, MBs, and ftrs claim
24 enemy interceptors shot down.
08/24/43
Fifth AF
B-24's thoroughly pound Wewak and bomb Salamaua. B-25's bomb Larat
and barges E of Wotap.
08/24/43
Thirteenth AF
25 B-24's, with ftr escort, bomb Papatura Fa I and attack E shore of
Ringa Cove. P-39's strafe barges at Kakasa.
08/24/43
ZI
AAF Antisub Cmd is redesignated I BC after AAF and USN reached
agreement under which the AAF withdrew from antisub operations;
subsequently, I BC, Second AF, is redesignated XX BC.
08/25/43
Eighth AF
US HBs are assigned role of bombing important GAF targets in
Operation STARKEY, designed to contain enemy forces in west to
prevent their transfer to Eastern Front, and to serve as dress
rehearsal in Pas de Calais area for invasion of W Europe. Allies hope
to provoke Luftwaffe into prolonged air battle. MBs hit A/Fs of
Triqueville, Bernay/Saint Martin, and Beaumont-le-Roger and the power
station at Le Grand-Quevilly.
08/25/43
NAAF
Around 135 B-17's and 140 P-38's attack satellite A/Fs at Foggia.
NATAF FBs hit trucks S of Sinopoli.
08/25/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb M/Y at Foggia.
08/25/43
Fourteenth AF
8 B-25's, with ftr escort, bomb Kowloon Docks at Hong Kong.
08/25/43
SE Asia
Adm Mountbatten is appointed Supreme Allied Cmdr, SE Asia.
08/25/43
Fifth AF
Almost 100 B-24's, B-25's, and B-17's carry out an hourlong strike
against Hansa Bay area, Nubia, and Awar, and nearby shipping. Small
flights of B-24's attack Finschhafen and hit transport off New
Hanover. A-20's hit Gasmata. B-25's bomb tgts on Timor.
08/25/43
Thirteenth AF
13 B-25's, along with 40-plus dive bmrs and an escort of ftr
aircraft, pound barge centers at Webster and Ringa Coves. 6 B-24's,
along with 24 ftrs, hit Kahili A/F. Other P-40's strafe large motor
vessels and a barge in NW part of the Slot.
08/26/43
Eighth AF
36 MBs raid Caen/Carpiquet A/F."
08/26/43
NAAF
DAF is assigned to NATAF, along with American units of Ninth AF which
have been an operational part of DAF and NATBF. Over 80 NASAF B-17's,
with P-38 escort, bomb Capua A/F. More than 100 ftr-escorted MBs hit
Grazzanise A/F and satellite field. P-40's bomb Carloforte and strafe
S part of Sardinia. NATAF MBs and LBs bomb tgts on toe of Italy,
including railroad junction at Locri and gun positions at Reggio di
Calabria and Villa San Giovanni.
08/26/43
Ninth AF
316th TC Gp, less 1 sq, is transferred to Twelfth AF.
08/26/43
Fourteenth AF
15 B-24's, with escort of 17 ftrs, bomb Kowloon Docles at Hong Kong.
5 Japanese interceptors are shot down. 5 B-25's, supported by 11
P-40's, bomb Tien Ho A/F at Canton; in a battle with enemy
interceptors 1 P-40 is lost; the MBs and P-40's claim 5 Zeros downed.
08/26/43
Thirteenth AF
11 B-25's and 60 plus Navy dive bmrs, escorted by ftrs, pound AA
positions and barges at Ringa and Webster Coves and at Nusatuva I.
P-40's strafe 2 large motor boats and a 100-ft steam vessel off
Ganongga. 7 B-24's bomb Papatura Ite and supply areas on Papatura Fa.
16 B-24's, with ftr escort, bomb Kahili A/F. P-39's strafe buildings
on Gizo I and at Kolulavabae Inlet.
08/26/43
Eleventh AF
The Eleventh's striking power shrinks rapidly as the 36th, 73d, 21st,
and 406th Bomb Sqs are ordered to prepare for departure to CONUS.
08/27/43
Eighth AF
Over 180 HBs attack German rocket-launching site construction at
Watten. This is the first of the Eighth's missions against V-weapon
sites (later designated NOBALL tgts). 36 B-26's hit Poix A/F. Mission
to bomb Rouen power station is aborted because of bad weather and
extremely heavy enemy ftr opposition.
08/27/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb Sulmona Mn, and MBs hit Benevento and Caserta Mns.
Nearly 150 P-38's escort the bmrs. NATAF MBs, LBs, and ftrs attack
tgts in S Italy, including Catanzaro rail and road junction, guns
near Reggio di Calabria, Sibari rail junctions, Cetraro M/Y, barracks
at Tarsia, train and repair shops at Paola, and barge at Diamante.
08/27/43
Fourteenth AF
5 P-40's strafe large truck convoy between Sintsiang and Yoyang,
destroying 6 trucks and damaging 15 others; 1 P 40 is downed by
ground fire. 6 other P-40's hit comm lines between Yoyang and Hankow;
tgts include 2 small steamboats, a gunboat, several railroad cars,
and a water tower.
08/27/43
Fifth AF
B-26's attack bridges in Bogadjim area. A-20's bomb and strafe barges
and troops along Bubui R in Lae area. B-25's bomb Dili and Cape
Chater airstrip.
08/27/43
Thirteenth AF
10 SB-24's (Snoopers) equipped with radar devices that permit blind
bombing, begin operations from Camey Field, Guadalcanal. 12 B-25's, 8
P-40's, and 8 Navy F-4U's strafe barges and shoreline tgts at Kakasa.
P-39's strafe barges and shore tgts at Ringa Cove.
08/28/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb M/Y at Terni. B-26's hit Aversa M/Y and Sparanise.
B-25's hit Cancello Arnone M/Y. P-40's fly intruder mission over
Sardinia, bombing and strafing industry and town area. NATAF LBs and
MBs attack railroad facilities at Lamezia and Catanzaro. FBs hit road
and rail junctions, and M/Ys at Castrovillari, Cosenza, and
Catanzaro.
08/28/43
Fifth AF
26 B-25's bomb and strafe dumps and shipping in Hansa Bay area,
sinking a small freighter, a power launch, and 8 barges and luggers.
20 B-17's and A-20's bomb jetties at Lae and Voco Pt and hit barges
in Samoa Harbor between Lae and Salamaua.
08/28/43
Thirteenth AF
B-25's, P-40's, and Navy F-4U's bomb and strafe barges, buildings,
and personnel in Sigolehe I-Barora Ite I area.
08/29/43
Eighth AF
Gen Kepner succeeds Gen Hunter as CG VIII FC.
08/29/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's hit Orte M/Y, and B-26's bomb Torre Annunziata. NATAF
ftrs escort the NA SAF bmrs, hit rail junction at Bagnara, bridge and
town of Angitola, gun positions in Villa San Giovanni-Reggio di
Calabria areas, and M/Y at Lamezia."
08/29/43
Fourteenth AF
9 B-25's, with ftr escort, bomb A/F at Chingmen.
08/29/43
Fifth AF
35 B-24's, escorted by 44 P-38's, strike A/Fs at Wewak and Boram. 48
B-25's and 2 B-17's bomb and strafe Alexishafen and Bogadjim areas.
A-20's hit dumps in Gasmata area. B-24's bomb Babo and Adodo.
08/30/43
Eighth AF
482d Bomb Gp, a Pathfinder gp fitted with British Oboe and H2X and US
H2X blind-bombing equipment, becomes operational. 31 B-26's raid
ammunition dump at Foret d'Eperlecques near Saint-Omer.
08/30/43
NAAF
B-17's of NASAF bomb Viterbo A/F. B-25's hit Civitavecchia M/Y.
B-26's bomb Aversa M/Y. P-40's strafe radar station at Pula. NATAF
MBs and LBs attack M/Ys at Marina di Catanzaro and Paola, and gun
emplacements and bivouac S of Reggio di Calabria. A-36's bomb M/Ys at
Sapri and Lamezia and hit town of Pellaro.
08/30/43
Fourteenth AF
13 B-25's, some with P-40 spt, attack Owchihkow and Shihshow,
blasting fuel stores and several buildings; the P-40's strafe gun
positions outside Shihshow. 10 P-38's and P-40's on armed rcn from
Sinti to Yoyang to Sienning, strafe and bomb several T/Os; 3
locomotives are exploded and another damaged, a water tank is knocked
down, and several railroad stations are heavily damaged. 4 other
P-40's attack convoy E of Hong Kong; 1 freighter is hit amidships,
causing heavy damage; 2 other vessels are also effectively damaged.
08/30/43
Fifth AF
B-24's pound Dagua, But, and Tadji. A-20's hit barges on Bubui R.
B-26's bomb Cape Gloucester A/F while B-25's sweep along NW coast,
bombing and strafing barges and enemy-occupied villages.
08/30/43
Thirteenth AF
24 B-24's, along with 20 P-40's and P-39's and 20 plus Navy F-4U's,
pound Kahili A/F. Allied airplanes claim more than 30 Japanese shot
down. 6 US aircraft are lost.
08/31/43
Eighth AF
106 HBs hit Amiens,' Glisy A/F and nearby tgts; A/F is severely
damaged. 36 B-26's bomb Lille/Vendeville A/F, and 34 others strike
power station at Mazingarbe.
08/31/43
NAAF
About 150 NASAF B-17's blast Pisa M/Y, doing large amount of damage.
NATAF MBs and LBs bomb Cosenza M/Y and road-railway junction in
Catanzaro during morning, and in afternoon bomb area around Cosenza
when clouds prevent hitting specific tgts. FBs hit Sapri railroads
and seaplane base. During night LBs hit bivouac areas SE of Reggio di
Calabria.
08/31/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb Pescara M/Y. HBs claim 9 enemy ftrs destroyed.
08/31/43
Fourteenth AF
7 B-24's bomb Gia Lam A/F. 22 P-40's and 2 P-38's bomb dike near Co
Bi barracks. 6 B-25's hit Ichang A/F while 3 others attack oil
storage area to the E. P-40's also hit the oil stores. 3 P-40's claim
heavy damage to freighter off Stonecutter's I near Hong Kong. 4
P-38's dive-bomb Yoyang railroad yards and Sinti warehouses. A P-38
is shot down by ground fire.
08/31/43
Fifth AF
Bmrs fly scattered strikes against shipping and shore tgts in Saint
George Channel, and NEI.
08/31/43
Thirteenth AF
P-40's, in running battle over Vella Lavella, claim 5 Japanese
airplanes shot down. Other P-40's strafe barges in Timbala Bay. 22
B-25's and 50 Navy airplanes bomb gun positions and radio station at
Vila.
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