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01/01/43
Twelfth AF
Gen Cannon becomes CG, XII BC. Col Peter S Rask takes cmd of XII A
Spt Cmd. B-17's hit harbor at Tunis, while B-26's hit M/Y. B-25's on
mission against shipping near La Goulette abort due to weather. Ftrs
escort bmr missions and C-47 transport runs and carry out routine
patrols.
01/01/43
Ninth AF
B-24's strike harbor at Tunis, hitting turning basin, area just SW of
it, and nearby rail junction. A few of the aircraft bomb SW and SE
coast of Sicily.
01/01/43
Tenth AF
6 B-25's attack railroad bridge near Myitnge, claiming several hits
on the tgt. The nearby A/F is also bombed.
01/01/43
Fifth AF
B-24's and B-17's bomb A/Fs at Rabaul, Gasmata, and Lae, and attack
shipping at Rabaul.
01/02/43
Eighth AF
4 radar-equipped B-24's fly 'moling,' or intruder, mission aimed at
harassing enemy in weather unsuitable for large missions by alerting
air-raid crews in area north of the Ruhr. This mission and 2
subsequent missions in Jan are foiled by clear weather over tgt
area.
01/02/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's bomb harbor and shipping at La Goulette. Escorting P-38's and
Me 109's engage in air battle, each side losing 2 airplanes. A-20's
and. DB-7's, with ftr escorts, consecutively raid Sousse harbor. In
afternoon, DB-7's again hit the harbor. B-26's, with ftr protection,
hit bridge N of El Djem. Ftrs fly escort, patrol, and rcn missions,
attacking enemy vehicles and aircraft. Several trucks and Ftrs are
claimed destroyed.
01/02/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb A/F at Heraklion. B-24's hit A/F at Kastelli/Pediada.
01/02/43
Tenth AF
CATF Ftrs continue to hit transportation tgts, strafing truck convoy
on Burma Road. The strikes begin near Loiwing and cover 30 mi of
highway. At least 5 trucks are destroyed and others damaged. 6 B-25's
bomb Monywa A/F.
01/02/43
Fifth AF
A-20's, B-25's, B-26's, and B-24's, hit A/F and T/Os at Lae and
Gasmata. Buna Mission is finally overrun by Australian and US
forces.
01/02/43
Eleventh AF
3 B-25's, 3 B-26's, and 8 P-38's heading for Kiska are forced back by
bad weather. The weather aircraft cannot see into Kiska Harbor or
Gertrude Cove. 2 B-24's fly photo rcn over Amchitka and encounter
poor weather. An OA-10 unsuccessfully searches islands E of Segula
for missing OA-10.
01/03/43
Eighth AF
68 HBs of VIII BC strike Saint-Nazaire U-boat base in first attack on
that installation since 23 Nov 42, and the heaviest attack to date
against submarine bases. Formation (instead of individual) precision
bombing is used for the first time by VIII BC, and considerable
damage is done to dock area. There is heavy ftr opposition, and
German flak is thrown up in an effective predirected barrage rather
than in the usual attempt to track the bmrs. 7 aircraft are lost and
47 damaged; 70 men are missing and 5 killed.
01/03/43
Twelfth AF
All XII FC units in Tunisia (Ftrs and LBS) attack tanks which, with
inf and arty Spt, have overrun French troops at Fondouk el Aouareb.
The ftrs and LBs attack the tanks as they move W from Fondouk.
Several tanks are reported destroyed or aflame and numerous other
tanks and vehicles damaged. Spitfires based in Algeria escort C-47's
on transport missions.
01/03/43
Ninth AF
RAF Baltimores, operating under IX BC, bomb Suda Bay and Timbakion
A/F. A few of the aircraft bomb Kapistri.
01/03/43
Fifth AF
P-40's strafe troops in waters off Buna as US-Australian ground
forces are mopping up in nearby Buna Mission area. B-26's along with
a single B-24, bomb A/F at Lae while a B-24 bombs Madang and an A-20
hits Salamaua. A lone B-24 strafes A/F at Gasmata.
01/03/43
Eleventh AF
All but 2 searches are canceled because of weather.
01/04/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's sent, in 2 forces, to bomb Bizerte are forced to abort by
heavy clouds over tgt. B-25's hit railroad yards at Kairouan while
A-20's attack Cherichera. Ftrs provide escort for the bmrs and for
C-47 transport runs, and fly rcn and patrol missions.
01/04/43
Ninth AF
Col Robert Kauch replaces Gen Adler as CO IX ASC.
01/04/43
Tenth AF
HBs from Gaya and Pandaveswar pound M/Y at Mandalay, halting
northbound flow of supplies. Tracks and cars in S half of the M/Y are
heavily bombed, causing fires visible for 70 mi. HBs also damage
15,000-ton transport at mouth of Rangoon R. 1 B-25 and 9 P-40's hit
rail tgts at Naba.
01/04/43
Fifth AF
B-26's pound Sanananda Pt area as preparations for allied offensive
in that sector get underway. A-20's and B-25's hit A/F, AA positions
and buildings at Lae. B-24's, on single-plane flights, bomb A/F at
Lae and attack schooners off Gasmata and Cape Kwoi.
01/04/43
Eleventh AF
6 B-24's, 3 B-25's, 3 B-26's, and 10 P-40's en route to Kiska, are
forced back near Segula by snow squalls and low ceiling. The weather
aircraft flies unsuccessful rcn over Kiska. Photo rcn is flown over
Amchitka. An OA-10 investigates flares reported near Kagalaska
Strait.
01/05/43
AAF
Gen Spaatz is designated Air CinC, Allied AF, in N Africa and, as
such, Chief Air Adviser to Gen Eisenhower, the CinC Allied
Forces.
01/05/43
Twelfth AF
Allied AF is activated. It includes Twelfth AF, EAC (RAF) and such
French air units as might be assigned or attached to it. The cmd
serves under direction of CinC, Allied Forces. System of area cmds in
NW Africa is reorganized. HQ announces that the Moroccan, W Algerian,
and C Algerian Comp Wgs are to be replaced by 2d, 1st, and 3d Air Def
Wgs, respectively, upon arrival of these units in the theater.
B-17's, with large P-38 escort, attack Sfax power station.
Ftr-escorted B-26's hit Kairouan A/F. Other ftrs fly patrols, rcn,
and C-47 escort.
01/05/43
Ninth AF
B-24's of 93d Gp bomb Sousse harbor (clouds obscure primary tgt at
Tunis). RAF Liberators of 160 Sq during 5/6 Jan, hit harbors at Tunis
and Sousse. Severe 2-day storm (4-5 Jan) sharply decreases capacity
of Bengasi port and forces British Eighth Army to make greater use of
more distant port of Tobruk.
01/05/43
Fifth AF
B-26's again pound Sanananda Point area as Australian inf and armd
elements reach Soputa and US forces of 128th Inf start NW along coast
toward Tarakena as preliminary moves to all-out assault on Sanananda
get under way. B-17's, A-20's, B-25's, and B-24's hit A/F at Lae, and
harbor, shipping, and A/F at Rabaul.
01/05/43
Eleventh AF
3 B-25's sink a 6,500-ton cargo vessel previously sighted by a PBY
off Holtz Bay, where a weather and armed rcn B-24 with direct bomb
hits sinks another freighter shortly afterwards. A B-24 flies photo
rcn over Amchitka, concentrating on Constantine Harbor. A Kiska
attack mission of 6 HBs, 6 MBs, and 12 ftrs is canceled due to
weather.
01/06/43
Twelfth AF
A-20's, in 2 forces, hit military camp S of Kairouan. B-25's hit
Kairouan railroad yards. Ftrs escort bmrs, carry out patrols and rcn
flights, and accompany C-47's on transport operations.
01/06/43
Fifth AF
B-26's pound forces in Sanananda Pt area; A-20's hit Lae A/F; B-17's,
B-24's, B-26's, and P-38's attack convoy heading SW off coast of New
Britain bound for Lae; a single B-24 bombs Gasmata A/F.
01/06/43
Eleventh AF
Rcn is flown over Amchitka, the Semichis, Agattu, and Attu. Flotsam
sighted outside of Holtz Bay confirms that freighter bombed on
previous day sank. 6 B-24's, 6 B-25's, and 12 P-38's take off to
attack Kiska. The P-38's and 1 B-24 turn back due to weather. The
B-25's find the tgt obscured and 5 Zeros waiting to intercept them,
whereupon they turn back without attacking. The 5 remaining B-24's
circle Kiska without contacting enemy airplanes. One of the B-24's,
exploiting a break in cloud cover, bombs Kiska submarine base area
which the others then bomb also through the clouds.
01/07/43
Twelfth AF
Allied AF GO makes Twelfth AF responsible for air spt of US land
forces in N Africa, and EAC responsible for spt of British First
Army. However, units are to be placed under operational control of
the other as the situation might dictate. B-26's bomb A/F and
barracks at Gabes while A-20's attack troop concentrations at
Kairouan. Ftrs escort both raids. Ftrs carry out several rcn missions
and escort transports of 51st TC Wg on routine missions.
01/07/43
Ninth AF
B-24's hit shipping in harbor at Palermo. Several other HBs abort
because of bad weather. 1 B-24 on special mission bombs Maiouli Quay
at Piraeus.
01/07/43
Tenth AF
P-40's blast fuel storage at Mangshih. CATF aircraft begin a series
of raids, lasting through 10 Jan, during which they destroy trucks
along Burma Road, barges on the Irrawaddy R, and stores in the Bhamo
area.
01/07/43
Fifth AF
Japanese convoy bound for Lae from New Britain is again attacked by
HBs, MBs, LBs, and ftrs (along with RAAF planes) in Solomon Sea off
Finschhafen and during its progress off S coast of Huon Peninsula
through Huon Gulf to Lae. Despite the heavy air resistance the convoy
reaches its destination. Ftrs also hit A/F at Lae.
01/07/43
Eleventh AF
6 B-25's and 12 P-38's dispatched to Kiska turn back due to cloud
cover. 6 B-24's circle over Kiska for 2 hrs until 4 can bomb the
submarine base. AA fire damages 3 of the attackers. Negative rcn is
flown over Amchitka, Kiska, Agattu, and Attu. Photos taken reveal use
of smoke pots by the defenders and also suggest construction of a ftr
strip along the ridge S of Salmon Lagoon.
01/08/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's hit docks at Ferryville and naval base at Bizerte. R-25's hit
bridges and rail junctions at Graiba and at Kalaa Srira while B-26's
hit Kairouan A/F. The HBs and MBs are escorted by P-38's. A-20's,
escorted by P-40's, bomb tank concentration near Gabes. Other ftrs
fly numerous patrols and rcn missions.
01/08/43
Ninth AF
B-24's hit Tunis after weather and engine trouble prevent planned
attack on Bizerte. RAF Liberators, under IX BC operational control,
attack rail junction near Tripoli."
01/08/43
Tenth AF
6 P-40's bomb and strafe Watugyi and Nsopzup and strafe other tgts. 6
B-25's bomb storage area at Bhamo."
01/08/43
Fifth AF
HBs, MBs, and LBs, with ftr cover, join RAAF airplanes in continued
pounding of convoy as it unloads about 4,000 reinforcements at Lae.
Enemy ftr cover and allied aircraft continue fierce air combat.
01/08/43
Eleventh AF
A B-24 flies photo rcn over Amchitka. Another B-24 aborts a weather
run over Kiska because of instrument trouble.
01/09/43
Twelfth AF
B-26's, with ftr escort, hit A/F 10 mi S of Tripoli while B-25's
attack shipping off N Tunisian coast. Ftrs fly rcn and patrol, and
escort C-47's.
01/09/43
Ninth AF
20 P-40's fly cover mission for RAF."
01/09/43
Tenth AF
5 B-25's, with escort of 9 P-40's, bomb Bhamo. Other ftrs strafe T/Os
in Wanling, Bhamo, and Loiwing areas.
01/09/43
Fifth AF
US HBs, MBs, LBs, and ftrs, along with RAAF planes, continue to pound
convoy as it leaves Lae. A/Fs, supply dumps, and troop concentrations
at Lae and at Salamaua are also hit. 4 days of attacks on the convoy
result in 2 transports sunk, several vessels damaged, and about 80
airplanes destroyed."
01/09/43
Eleventh AF
50-plus knot winds at Adak prevent missions.
01/10/43
Twelfth AF
Gen Craig takes cmd of XII A Spt Cmd. B-26's, with P-38 escort,
attack M/Y and oil tanks at Gabes. B-26's, sent against Sousse abort
because of bad weather. A-20's, with P-40 cover, hit military camp at
Kebili. Ftrs escort C-47 missions and fly rcn and patrols. 1 P-40, on
special mission, bombs German HQ at Kairouan.
01/10/43
Ninth AF
B-24's forced by overcast to divert from primary tgt of Bizerte,
strike La Goulette, the seaport of the city of Tunis. P-40's fly rcn
missions.
01/10/43
Tenth AF
MBs and HBs jointly attack Myitnge bridge, knocking out a span and
causing considerable damage to the entire tgt.
01/10/43
Fifth AF
Allied aircraft operating over Solomon Sea S of New Britain continue
to attack vessels of convoy which departed Lae on 9 Jan after
unloading reinforcements and supplies. Supply dumps and AA positions
in Lae area are also bombed."
01/10/43
SOPAC
P-39's and SBD's spt ground forces in Guadalcanal battle area.
Strong-point and ammo dump are destroyed."
01/11/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's bomb fort and town of Gadames and attack rail bridge and
highway bridge across the Oued el Akarit, NNW of Gabes. Escorting
P-38's engage in 25-min combat with attacking ftrs, shooting down 1
and severely damaging another. 2 P-38's are lost. B-25's bomb
shipping at NE Tunisian coast. Escorting P-38's claim 3 aircraft shot
down. Other ftrs fly patrol and rcn, and escort C-47 transport
missions.
01/11/43
Ninth AF
During 10/11 Jan, RAF Liberators, under IX BC control, bomb road
junction at Tripoli. During daylight, US B-24's hit harbor at Naples.
P-40's fly rcn and escort missions."
01/11/43
Tenth AF
Ftrs attack Bhamo, destroying barges, tugs, warehouses, and other
port facilities. The ftrs also strafe fuel drums along road between
Chefang and Mangshih and hit a truckful of soldiers near Ho-lu.
01/11/43
SOPAC
B-26's and P-39's hit Munda area.
01/12/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's bomb Castel Benito A/F S of Tripoli, claiming destruction of
at least 20 parked airplanes. HBs claim destruction of 14 attacking
aircraft in aerial combat. B-25's sent to hit shipping in Straits of
Sicily and in Gulf of Gabes fail to find tgts and return with bombs.
B-26's hit bridges at La Hencha and Chaaba, completely destroying 1
bridge. Ftrs fly patrols, rcn, and C-47 escort, and strafe moored
seaplanes and destroy numerous trucks during sweep over Ben Gardane
area.
01/12/43
Ninth AF
P-40's carry out 3 scramble interceptor missions, claiming 2 ftrs
shot down. RAF Liberators, under IX BC, hit Tripoli.
01/12/43
Fifth AF
B-24's, in single-plane actions, bomb Finschhafen and Madang
areas.
01/12/43
SOPAC
B-26's, P-38's, P-39's, and P-40's attack Munda. Other P-39's hit
forces on Guadalcanal.
01/12/43
Eleventh AF
2 B-24's cover a small US Army and Navy force landing unopposed at
Amchitka. 2 B-25's and 4 P-38 escorts also on this cover mission turn
back due to weather. Weather rcn is flown over Attu, Agattu, Semichis
and, lastly, over Kiska Harbor, where 4 ships are observed.
01/13/43
Eighth AF
64 HBs drop approximately 125 tons of bombs on the steel works,
locomotive works, and M/Y at Lille. Locomotive construction and
repair work are seriously impaired.
01/13/43
Twelfth AF
B-25's, with P 38 escort, bomb partially sunken freighter between
Tunisia and Sicily. Ftrs fly uneventful rcn and patrol.
01/13/43
Ninth AF
Weather prevents B-24's from attacking Tripoli and also causes B-25's
sent to bomb Bir Dufan to abort. P-40's fly cover for RAF
Baltimores.
01/13/43
Fifth AF
A-20's bomb and strafe Sanananda Pt area and forces along Sanananda
track. HBs and MBs hit dock facilities at Lae and A/Fs at Lae and
Salamaua.
01/13/43
Thirteenth AF
Thirteenth AF, XIII BC, and XIII FC are activated in S Pacific.
Thirteenth AF HQ is established on Espiritu Santo, FC HQ on New
Caledonia, and BC HQ on Espiritu Santo. Cmdrs are: Gen Twining,
Thirteenth AF; Col Harlan T McCormick, BC; Col Dean C Strother FC.
P-39's strafe forces on the beach at Kokumbona and hit Visale in spt
of ground offensive. Also MBs and ftrs hit A/F and adjacent areas at
Munda, and pound Rekata Bay area."
01/13/43
Eleventh AF
3 bmrs and 4 ftrs are in the air. Weather rcn airplane returns W of
Kiska due to high winds. Constantine Harbor is patrolled until
weather forces aircraft to return. Attack on Kiska is can celled.
01/14/43
International
Casablanca Conference opens. Churchill, Roosevelt, and CCS discuss
offensive in the Mediterranean and pledge to accept only
unconditional surrender.
01/14/43
Eighth AF
One sq of 4th Ftr Gp becomes the first in Eighth AF to be completely
equipped with P-47's.
01/14/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's, with ftr escort, attack docks and shipping at Sousse and
Sfax. B-25's, with P-38's, fly anti-shipping sweep in Straits of
Sicily; no ships are sighted but vehicles and troop concentrations
are strafed by ftrs on return trip. B-26's, with ftr escort, attack
rail junction at Kalaa Srira and junction and warehouse at Mahares.
Ftrs fly rcn, patrols, and C-47 escort.
01/14/43
Ninth AF
B-25's strike motor transport near Gheiada, with P-40's providing
cover. B-24's fail, because of weather, to locate Sousse harbor
(primary tgt), but several bomb in tgt area and along road near
Teboulba. RAF Liberators, under IX BC, hit Tripoli, Tagiura, and
supply dump at Misurata.
01/14/43
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe Labu area and small boats in Sachsen Bay. B-25's bomb
fuel dump and other sup plies along beach in vicinity of Voco Point
near Lae. B-24's carry out single-plane attacks on Madang and
Finschhafen, and also bomb Gasmata.
01/14/43
Thirteenth AF
P-39's, dropping improvised gasoline bombs in Guadalcanal battle area
around Mount Austen and Kokumbona pound forces and supplies
throughout the day. Others hit barges and launches at Kaimana Bay and
Aruligo Point.
01/15/43
Twelfth AF
B-26's attack rail road and highway bridge across Oued el Akarit, NNW
of Gabes. Escorting P-38's fight long battle with ftrs. 2 MBs and 2
P-38's are shot down. B-25's and B-26's fly 3 counter-shipping
missions N and NE off Tunisia, claiming 1 vessel left in flames.
Escorting ftrs strafe trucks and claim 10 aircraft shot down. Ftrs
fly several rcn and patrol operations, intercept enemy airplanes
attacking A/Fs in Labasse area, and escort transport aircraft.
01/15/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb harbor at Tripoli, scoring hits on vessels and on shore
areas near the harbor. P-40's fly sweep and FB operations as British
Eighth Army begins assault on Buerat line and drive on Tripoli. RAF
Liberators, under IX BC, hit road junction at Tripoli.
01/15/43
Tenth AF
6 B-24's hit shipping in Rangoon area, claiming 1 vessel sunk and
another damaged. 6 P-40's bomb barges at Bhamo; 6 others bomb
Nsopzup; 3 more hit footbridges and T/Os at Taihpa Ga, Yupbang Ga,
and other points in N Burma.
01/15/43
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe Sanananda Pt area as US troops envelop pockets along
Soputa-Sanananda road. B-25's bomb supply dumps at Lae while B-24's
hit A/F at Gasmata. B-24's carry out single-plane attacks on bridge
construction at Wewak and runway at Cape Gloucester.
01/15/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's, P-40's, P-39's, and P-38's attack shipping in C Solomons; 1
HB bombs Ballale I. Other P-39's hit forces in Guadalcanal battle
area and attack vessel off Kolombangara.
01/15/43
Eleventh AF
A total of 8 P-38's, 3 B-25's and a B-24 patrol Constantine Harbor,
fly rcn over Kiska, where 1 ship is sighted, and fly negative armed
rcn runs over Attu, the Semichis, and Buldir.
01/16/43
RAF
RAF HBs attack Berlin during 16/17 Jan for first time since 7 Nov 41.
Tgt indicator bombs are used for the first time.
01/16/43
Twelfth AF
B-26's on shipping strike in Straits of Sicily fail to find ships.
A-20's on armed rcn return to base with bombs when no tgts are
sighted. Ftrs and F-4's fly rcn and patrols. Spitfires escort C-47's
on ferry runs.
01/16/43
Ninth AF
B-24's hit Tripoli harbor and town area. RAF Liberators of 178 Bomb
Sq bomb road junction and Benito Gate at Tripoli. P-40's fly patrol,
scramble, and FB missions as British Eighth Army, having passed
through enemy's main defenses at Buerat, pushes toward Tripoli.
01/16/43
Tenth AF
P-40's intercept aircraft that attempt strike on Yunnani and claim 7
Zeros shot down in the air battle. Anticipating that the Japanese
planes will land at Lashio A/F, Chennault sends 6 MBs and 11 ftrs to
that field in hopes of catching the enemy on the ground. Finding no
aircraft there, the MBs and ftrs attack town of Lashio. This is last
raid by CATF before fuel shortage grounds the ftrs for the remainder
of the month and the MBs for 33 days. IATF B-25's hit Mandalay-Lashio
and Sagaing-Ye-u branch railroad lines with 3 strikes on 16 and 17
Jan, knocking out 2 important rail hubs. 10 B-25's bomb railroad
yards at Maymyo.
01/16/43
Fifth AF
A-20's pound Soputa Sanananda trail, Kurenada area, and area S of
Kumusi R, after which US and Australian ground forces open assault on
Sanananda which falls the next day. B-25's again bomb supplies at
Lae. B-24's carry out single-plane attacks on A/Fs at Gasmata and
town of Finschhafen, and cruiser ESE of Cape Orford.
01/16/43
Thirteenth AF
B-26's from Espiritu Santo join P-39's and P-38's in Guadalcanal
campaign, pounding the Japanese at Tassafaronga. Munda area is also
bombed. B-17's bomb Buin-Faisi area, concentrating on Kahili A/F on
Bougainville and Ballale A/F on Shortland I.
01/16/43
Eleventh AF
6 B-24's off to hit Kiska return due to weather. A B-24 flies
negative rcn over Buldir, the Semichis, Attu, and Agattu.
01/17/43
Twelfth AF
B-25's, with P-38 cover, attack rail junction at Graiba. Other B-25's
on shipping strike fail to locate vessels and return with bombs. Ftrs
fly routine rcn and patrols and escort C-47 missions.
01/17/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb Tripoli harbor. P-40's fly rcn, patrol, top cover, and FB
missions as British ground forces pursue enemy toward Tripoli,
reaching positions 10 mi E of Misurata on coast with Beni Ulid on the
S flank. During 17/18 Jan, RAF Liberators hit Castel Benito A/F and
road junction W of Homs.
01/17/43
Tenth AF
6 B-25's bomb railroad T/Os N of Monywa. 3 others bomb rail junction
at Maymyo.
01/17/43
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe Mambare Delta and hit positions between Bakumbari and
Salamaua. B-17's bomb landing grounds and shipping in Rabaul. R-25's
again pound supply stores at Lae. B-24's, operating individually,
attack Finschhafen and Madang wharf areas, Malahang A/F, A/F at
Gasmata, and a vessel SE of Rambutyo Is."
01/17/43
Thirteenth AF
P-39's pound mortar positions near Allied lines on Guadalcanal.
Ground supply lines to Mount Austen battle area reopen after 3 days
of being closed because their extension outran the capacity of the
native carriers. During the 3 days, B-17's from Henderson Field
airlift rations, water, and ammo to the troops, using what improvised
cargo parachutes are available and in many cases wrapping the
supplies in burlap or canvas and pushing them out.
01/18/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's, with ftr escort, bomb Castel Benito A/F. B-26's attack 2
vessels in Gulf of Hammamet. Ftrs fly rcn and patrols and escort C-47
runs.
01/18/43
Ninth AF
B-24's strike Tripoli harbor. P-40's fly top cover and FB mission.
Gen Montgomery orders accelerated day and night pursuit toward
Tripoli as contact with Rommel's forces is temporarily lost due to
terrain and obstacles.
01/18/43
USSR
Siege of Leningrad is raised after 17 months of bombardment.
01/18/43
Tenth AF
8 P-40's and a B-25 strike Kamaing."
01/18/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb motor pool and supply dumps at Lae. B-24's, operating
individually, bomb Madang and Malahang A/Fs and attack cargo ship SE
of Rambutyo I.
01/18/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's, P-38's, and P-40's attack shipping at Shortland I, bomb
Ballale I, and attackschooner S of Santa Isabel. Hits are scored on 2
vessels.
01/18/43
Eleventh AF
A B-24 on rcn reports 2 vessels in Kiska Harbor. Thereupon 4 B-24's,
4 B-26's, 1 B-25, and 6 P-38's fly out of Adak. Mechanical trouble
forces 2 B-26's to return. Bomb run is negative. Meanwhile bad
weather closes in on Kiska and Adak. 6 aircraft are lost. 1 B-24
lands in a 20 mph downwind and crashes into 2 P-38's while 3 other
B-24's are missing on return flight.
01/19/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's hit industrial area just S of Tunis and M/Y at Jabal al
Jallud. P-38's provide cover for HBs. B-25's hit Medenine and nearby
motor park. Ftrs continue routine rcn, patrol, and C-47 escort
missions.
01/19/43
Ninth AF
B-24's hit harbors at Tripoli and Sousse. B-25's hit Castel Benito
A/F and motor transport on road. Ground forces regain contact with
enemy. Coastal force reaches Homs while S column presses toward
Tarhunah.
01/19/43
Tenth AF
B-24's from Pandaveswar fly missions over Burma and Thailand. 1
flight bombs Thazi, a railroad junction S of Mandalay. The other
flight carries out photo rcn of Kanchanaburi and bombs docks at
Bassein during return trip. This rcn flight, the largest mission in
the theater to date, reveals construction of a new rail-line from
Thailand to Burma. 14 P-40's and a B-25 pound Kamaing.
01/19/43
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe troops in Kurenada area. B-25's hit barracks area and
supply dumps at Toeal and pound supply dumps at Lae. HBs carry out
individual attacks on various tgts at Lae, Madang, Cape Hollman, Cape
Saint George, Finschhafen, and Gasmata.
01/19/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's, escorted by P-38's and P-40's, bomb runway and revetments at
Munda.
01/19/43
Eleventh AF
The crew of one of the 3 B-24's missing from previous day's mission,
which had crashlanded at Great Sitkin I, is picked up by a Navy
tender. Weather precludes missions and searches.
01/20/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's hit Cap Mangin near Gabes when cloud cover prevents bombing of
primary tgt, Tripoli. B-25's hit shipping in Straits of Sicily. Ftrs
continue rcn and patrols, and C-47's continue transport flights with
ftr escort.
01/20/43
Ninth AF
B-24's hit harbor at Tripoli. P-40's fly top cover and FB operations
as enemy resistance to British adv stiffens in Homs-Tarhunah
area.
01/20/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb supply dumps at Lae. B-24's, operating singly, attack
Cape Gloucester, Gasmata, Madang, and Finschhafen. B-25's attack tgts
in Aroe Is.
01/20/43
Thirteenth AF
B-26's claim hit on destroyer off S Bougainville.
01/20/43
Seventh AF
Col Truman H Landon becomes CO VII BC.
01/20/43
Eleventh AF
Weather aircraft aborts shortly after takeoff. A B-24 and a Navy PBY
search without results for the 2 missing B-24's.
01/21/43
CCS
'Casablanca Directive' is issued. It broadly outlines the operations
of the BCs of the US and Britain located in UK as having primary
object of destruction of German military, economic, and industrial
systems and undermining of morale of German people. Primary tgts
listed in order of priority are submarine construction yards,
aircraft industry, transportation, oil plants, and other war
industries. It largely relieves VITI BC of supporting N African
operations.
01/21/43
Eighth AF
Gen Eaker completes paper called 'The Case For Day Bombing' which he
presents to Gen Arnold at Casablanca Conference Eaker then discusses
these ideas on the merits of daylight bombing with Churchill in
attempt to convince him of its effectiveness. Churchill later
concurs. This paper leads to development of CBO program.
01/21/43
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb highway and railroad bridge just N of Pont-du-Fahs.
B-26's hit 2 freighters NE of Cap Bon, sinking 1 and damaging the
other. Ftrs fly bmr and C-47 escort and fly sweeps and rcn, attacking
and destroying large number of trucks on Gabes-Ben Gardane road.
A-20's and ftr escort bomb and strafe tank and truck concentration
near Ousseltia in spt of elements of US 1st Armd Div which begins
Allied assault in effort to push enemy back in Ousseltia Valley into
which new enemy offensive under new Axis CG, Col Gen von Arnim, has
advanced in 4-day push.
01/21/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb Tripoli harbor. B-25's attack tgts along Surman-Az
Zawiyah road. P-40's fly FB missions against ground tgts as British
Eighth Army overcomes resistance in area. Enemy strengthens Tarhunah
area at expense of Homs front, causing Gen Montgomery to decide to
make main effort along coast."
01/21/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb A/F and shipping in Rabaul. In NE New Guinea B-25's hit
supply dumps and A/F. A single B-24 attacks cruiser at Amboina
harbor.
01/21/43
Thirteenth AF
HQ moves from New Caledonia to Espiritu Santo. B-17's, B-26's, and
P-39's pound bivouac and other tgts in Munda. B-17's also attack
shipping E of Kieta.
01/21/43
Eleventh AF
Weather rcn airplane flies. An attack run over Kiska and patrol over
Amchitka are called off due to weather. Air searches for 2 B-24's
missing since 18 Jan continues."
01/22/43
Twelfth AF
Another step is taken toward amalgamation of US and RAF air strength
in Allied AF. Air spt for US and British land forces in N Africa is
coordinated by formation of a new combined HQ, Allied A Spt Cmd,
subordinate to Allied AF and under cmd of Gen Kuter. The cmd consists
of XII A Spt Cmd, 242 Gp (RAF), a photo rcn unit, and other units
that might be assigned to it. B-17's, operating in 2 forces, bomb El
Aouina A/F in the morning. B-26's hit the A/F shortly after noon and
B-25's attack later in the afternoon. Other B-26's, on shipping
strike, severely damage a freighter in Straits of Sicily. Ftrs fly
escort for bmrs and for C-47's and carry out numerous rcn and patrol
missions. P-39's and P-40's spt allied ground assault in Ousseltia
Valley which has been halted by strong opposition. The ftrs silence
several machine-gun positions.
01/22/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb road junction near Tripoli. P-40's fly cover and FB
missions as British Eighth Army's 22d Armd Brig passes through 51st
Inf Div at Homs and drives beyond Castelverde. Forces to S adv to
within 17 mi of Tripoli.
01/22/43
Tenth AF
9 P-40's bomb and strafe Nsopzup and hit T/O S of town.
01/22/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb Lae terrace area. B-24's bomb Simpson Harbor and shipping
and searchlights at Rabaul, and attack vessel off Amboina. A-20's
strafe small boats in Baden Bay and at Woiba I. On this date Papua
Campaign ends with collapse of organized resistance on Sanananda
front. A decisive victory has been won by the Allied forces, the
first of the war against the Japanese on land.
01/22/43
Thirteenth AF
XIII FC moves from New Caledonia to Espiritu Santo.
01/22/43
Eleventh AF
Weather rcn aircraft finds Kiska closed in and flies negative search
mission for 2 missing B-24's. For first time weather airplane draws
AA fire through overcast at Kiska, suggesting that the Japanese have
fire-control radar.
01/23/43
Eighth AF
19 HBs bomb port facilities and U-boat base at Brest while 35 attack
the sub pens and supply shed at Lorient-Keroman. At Lorient, enemy
ftrs use new tactics of coordinated attacks in groups of 6 aircraft.
5 bmrs are shot down."
01/23/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's, in 2 forces, hit Bizerte naval base and shipping in the
immediate area. Much damage is done to base facilities and 1 motor
vessel is sunk. 75 to 100 ftrs attack formations, and HBs and
escorting P-38's claim 20 destroyed. B-26's hit shipping off NE
Tunisia, attacking several vessels and claiming 1 destroyed.
Escorting ftrs hit trucks and tanks near Enfidaville during return
flight. A-20's, and escorting P-40's, attack heavy gun battery,
machine-gun nests, and 2 inf cos while supporting ground forces in
battle area S of Ousseltia. Ftrs of XII A Spt Cmd destroy over 20
vehicles on Gabes-Ben Gardane highway.
01/23/43
Ninth AF
During 23/24 Jan, B-24's bomb Palermo harbor. P-40's fly cover and FB
missions during the day as Tripoli falls to Gen Montgomery's Eighth
Army.
01/23/43
Fifth AF
B-17's attack A/Fs at Rabaul and shipping off Cape Gazelle. B-25's
pound supply dumps in terrace area of Lae. B-24's, operating
individually, hit Madang and Finschhafen, and attack transports N of
Rabaul and at Simpson Harbor.
01/23/43
Thirteenth AF
US ground forces, aided by P-39's and USMC FBs, have by this date
pushed up Guadalcanal coast and taken Kokumbona and Poha R Valley.
The enemy has now lost control of good landing beach W of the A/Fs.
Captured with the beach are the arty pieces that have menaced
Henderson Field and ground forces in Mount Austen area. The enemy's
supply routes, comm systems, and ammo dumps are also lost.
01/23/43
Seventh AF
24 P-40's of 78th Ftr Sq fly from Barking Sands, Kauai, in the
Hawaiian Is to Midway (where they carry out patrols until 23 Apr 43).
This flight of about 1,100 nautical mi is the longest over-water
massed flight of single-engine planes made as of this date. The 78th
replaces the P-40's of the 73d Ftr Sq on Midway.
01/23/43
Eleventh AF
Weather rcn over Kiska and search mission for missing B-24's reveal
nothing. Enemy airplanes appear over Amchitka twice but inflict no
damage. During 18-23 Jan, a period of continuous storm and sudden
changes to extreme foul weather, non-combat losses were exceptionally
high as 13 aircraft were lost. No losses resulted from enemy
action.
01/24/43
Twelfth AF
Col Paul L Williams assumes cmd of XII A Spt Cmd. B-25's and B-26's,
operating in 2 forces, attack Medenine A/F. B-17's hit shipping in
Sousse harbor. Ftrs escort bmrs and attack vehicles and troop
concentrations along battleline in Tunisia.
01/24/43
Ninth AF
B-25's strike Medenine A/F. P-40's fly cover and FB missions as Axis
forces retreat W from Tripoli."
01/24/43
Tenth AF
492d Bomb Sq, not previously tried in battle, borrows 4 B-24's and 1
crew from 436th Sq and mounts a 9-plane strike against docks at
Rangoon. Hits are scored on the wharves, storage areas, and a
6,000-ton vessel in the harbor. P-40's bomb and strafe ammo stores at
Shaduzup.
01/24/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb A/F, harbor, and shipping at Rabaul. B-25's hit supply
dumps in terrace area of Lae. Single B-24's attack runways at Cape
Gloucester and Gasmata, and bomb Dili."
01/24/43
Eleventh AF
6 HBs and 6 MBs attempt attack on Kiska. MBs abort over
Semisopochnoi. HBs circle Kiska until weather closes in. 2 aircraft
bomb Amchitka harbor area before US interceptors, 6 P-38's and 1
B-24, arrive. 2 P-38's return due to mechanical troubles. The others
fly negative search over Kiska.
01/25/43
Twelfth AF
Bad weather cancels HB and MB missions. Ftrs fly rcn, patrol, and
C-47 escort.
01/25/43
Ninth AF
P-40's carry out FB operations. 7th Armd Div, in pursuit of enemy,
reaches Az Zawiyah.
01/25/43
Tenth AF
5 B-25's from Argatala bomb bridge (which the enemy is striving to
rebuild) at Myitnge. The S approach to the bridge is destroyed and
repair work on the bridge suspended. 3 B-25's add to destruction at
Mandalay M/Y, tearing up tracks, wrecking about 75 railroad cars, and
setting the freight house aflame. 3 other B-25's inflict similar
damage on M/Y at Naba. 6 B-24's pound Rangoon dock area.
01/25/43
Fifth AF
A-20's strafe areas in NE Papua where there appears to be some enemy
movement. B-25's blast supply dumps and AA and machine-gun positions
around Lae. Single B-24's attack runways at Gasmata and Cape
Gloucester, and runway and beached ship at Finschhafen.
01/25/43
SOPAC
Final phase of Guadalcanal offensive begins with orders of Gen Patch
to begin pursuit of enemy along NW coast toward Cape Esperance. Enemy
retreat is to be cut off by landing of a US bn just SW of the
cape.
01/25/43
Thirteenth AF
B-26's and P-38's hit A/F at Munda and bomb the wharf at Repirepi,
demolishing it. Other P-38's bomb installations in Rekata Bay area,
Santa Isabel I.
01/25/43
Seventh AF
6 B-24's, staging through Midway from Oahu, carry out photo rcn
mission over Wake and drop 60 bombs. They claim 1 ftr shot down.
01/25/43
Eleventh AF
P-38's are dispatched too late to engage 2 float-planes bombing
Amchitka. Rcn is flown over Kiska, Buldir, Semichis, Attu, and
Agattu. 1 B-24 and 4 P-38's fly 2 patrol missions over Amchitka. An
attack mission to Kiska is turned back by weather. B-25's
unsuccessfully search for missing aircraft.
01/26/43
Twelfth AF
B-26's on shipping strike abort because of weather which limits air
activity. Ftrs fly rcn and local patrol missions.
01/26/43
Ninth AF
Headwinds prevent B-24's from reaching Naples (primary tgt) before
dark, so they divert to Messina, bombing town and area around train
ferry terminal. P-40's fly FB operation, refueling at Castel
Benito.
01/26/43
Tenth AF
7 B-24's bomb shipping and dock area at Rangoon. 12 B-25's bomb
Mandalay M/Ys. 15 P-40's and 3 B-25's hit town area and bridge at
Shaduzup, railroad SW of Meza, and Naba M/Y."
01/26/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb shipping and Rapopo airstrip in Rabaul area. A-20's and
B-25's pound Lae area, concentrating on supply storage dumps. B-24's
carry out individual attacks on runways at Cape Gloucester and
Gasmata and hit Finschhafen.
01/26/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's bomb A/F on Ballale I. P-39's, along with Navy aircraft, bomb
AA positions and revetment area at Munda.
01/26/43
Seventh AF
3 B-24's, taking off from Funafuti in the Ellice Is, fly photo rcn
mission over Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Beru, and Tomama in the
Gilberts. The HBs attack merchant vessel in lagoon at Tarawa. P-40's
of 73d Ftr Sq fly from Midway to Kaneoke NAS in the Hawaiian Is, a
distance of about 1,400 mi, thus breaking the record set by the 78th
Sq on 23 Jan.
01/26/43
Eleventh AF
All missions canceled due to weather. 2 enemy airplanes strafe
Constantine Harbor.
01/27/43
Eighth AF
53 HBs make first Eighth AF attack on Germany, bombing naval base,
U-boat construction works, power plant, and docks at Wilhelmshaven. 2
other HBs bomb submarine base at Emden.
01/27/43
Twelfth AF
B-25's hit shipping off N coast of Algeria, attacking 2 destroyers
and leaving 1 on fire. B-26's on shipping strike fail to attack
sighted vessels because of weather. A-20's attack town of Al
Mazzunah. Ftrs escort bmrs and fly rcn and local patrols.
01/27/43
Ninth AF
During 26/27 Jan, B-24's bomb Naples and Messina. In afternoon, other
B-24's hit Palermo, after weather causes diversion from primary tgt
at Naples. British Eighth Army's 7th Armd Div meets stiffening
resistance near Zuwarah.
01/27/43
Fifth AF
A-20's hit huts and AA positions at Garrison Hill while B-25's pound
supply storage and runway at Malahang. Individual B-24's bomb
Finschhafen town, runway on tip of Huon Peninsula, and Gasmata
A/F.
01/27/43
Thirteenth AF
Gen Twining and a crew of 14 are down at sea between Guadalcanal and
Espiritu Santo. The entire group is rescued 6 days later. Gen
Twining's rubber raft had no radio, an item which COMGEN SOPAC, Gen
Millard Harmon, had been requesting for some time. This incident
results in the rapid appearance of dinghy radio sets in the area. 6
B-26's and 8 P-39's attack A/F at Munda."
01/27/43
Eleventh AF
Negative weather rcn sortie over Kiska. 4 P-38's fly protective
patrol over Amchitka. Upon their departure, 3 Japanese aircraft
appear and unsuccessfully bomb shipping but cause 3 casualties.
01/28/43
Twelfth AF
60 HBs and MBs in 3 waves (B-17's, B-25's, and B-26's) attack harbor,
shipping, and M/Ys at Sfax. All missions are escorted by P-38's.
P-40's of XII A Spt Cmd attack inf and arty while supporting French
and US ground forces in Ousseltia Valley where Allies gain control of
W exit and half of Kairouan Pass.
01/28/43
Fifth AF
A-20's bomb area from Garrison Hill to Komiatum Track and B-17's hit
Wewak area. B-24's carryout individual attacks at Salamaua, on cargo
vessel in Open Bay and nearby village in New Britain, and on
transport off Amboina.
01/28/43
Thirteenth AF
5 B-26's and 12 P-39's attack A/F at Vila on Kolombangara. P-38's and
P-40's, along with Navy aircraft, hit shipping between Choiseul and
Kolombangara, claiming hits on a tanker and a smaller vessel.
01/28/43
Seventh AF
1 B-24 flies photo rcn over Nauru and Ocean I.
01/28/43
Eleventh AF
Weather airplane encounters poor visibility over Kiska. 2 patrols fly
over Amchitka. The second runs into poor weather and aborts. Attack
on Kiska is canceled due to weather.
01/29/43
Twelfth AF
3 consecutive waves of B-17's attack docks and shipping at Bizerte.
B-26's hit El Aouina A/F while others on shipping strike between
Tunisia and Sicily severely damage a cargo liner. Ftrs escort bmrs
and C-47's and carry out rcn.
01/29/43
Fifth AF
B-25's pound area around Mubo, concentrating on positions on Garrison
and Mat Hill. Single B-24's bomb runways at Cape Gloucester and
Gasmata.
01/29/43
Thirteenth AF
B-26's and P-39's hit bivouac area at Vila, Kolombangara and A/F at
Munda Pt. B-17's bomb Kahili A/F.
01/29/43
Eleventh AF
Weather rcn over Kiska and patrol over Rat I, flown by 1 B-24, 2
B-25's, and 4 P-38's, are recalled early due to weather. All other
missions canceled.
01/30/43
Twelfth AF
Over 50 B-17's bomb docks and shipping at Ferryville. B-25's hit
railroad installations and warehouses at El Aouinet while B-26's bomb
railroad S of Reyville. Ftrs and A-20's carry out numerous strafing
and bombing operations against tanks, motor transport, and troop
concentrations along battleline in Tunisia between El Guettar and
Faid.
01/30/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb train ferry terminal at Messina. Direct hits are scored
on a ship and AA battery near terminal.
01/30/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb shipping and wharf facilities at Rabaul. A-20's strafe
and bomb Lae and area around Mubo in vicinity of Garrison Hill and
along Komiatum Track. B-24's, operating individually, bomb runway at
Gasmata and attack transport vessel in Open Bay.
01/30/43
Thirteenth AF
AA positions and A/F area at Munda Pt are pounded by B-17's, B-26's,
P-40's and P-39's.
01/30/43
Eleventh AF
2 patrols, each composed of 1 B-25 and 4 P-38's, fly over Amchitka
and are recalled early due to weather. 1 B-17, upon an alleged
submarine sighting, drops 4 depth charges and 1 bomb whereupon a
whale breaks water. Weather cancels other missions.
01/31/43
USAFIME
Gen Brereton, CG Ninth AF, assumes cmd of USAFIME.
01/31/43
Twelfth AF
B-17's hit harbor and shipping at Bizerte. B-26's bomb Gabes A/F.
Ftrs escort bmrs and attack ground tgts and furnish cover for ground
forces along battleline in Tunisia, mainly between Gafsa and
Faid.
01/31/43
Ninth AF
IX FC begins functioning at its HQ station at Kabrit, Egypt, Gen
Strickland is CG. B-24's hit railroad ferry installations at Messina
harbor. British 7th Armd Div finishes clearing Zuwarah.
01/31/43
Fifth AF
A-20's continue to pound positions between Mubo and Komiatum. B-17's
pound A/Fs, shipping, and town area at Rabaul. A single B-24 bombs
runway at Cape Gloucester, while a lone B-17 bombs runway at Wewak.
Other B-24's unsuccessfully attack isolated vessels over widespread
areas in Banda Sea and Solomon Sea."
01/31/43
Thirteenth AF
P-39's join Navy aircraft in attacks on shipping in Vella Gulf. Hits
are claimed on a destroyer. B-17's bomb ammo dump and A/F at Vila.
P-39's, P-38's, P-40's, and other Allied ftrs carry out sweeps over
Vila and over Munda.
01/31/43
Eleventh AF
Weather and photo rcn aircraft flies twice over Kiska. During first
mission near Attu the airplane is jumped by 6 ftrs which it eludes. 4
B-17's, 2 B-24's, 6 B-25's, 4 P-38's, and 4 P-40's then attempt
attack on Kiska. P-40's turn back with mechanical troubles. The other
aircraft find Kiska closed in and abort mission. 2 patrol missions,
each by 1 B-25 and 4 P-38's, fly over Amchitka. 2 enemy float-planes
bomb Constantine Harbor without results.
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