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USAAF Worldwide Operations Chronology

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            	 COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES

FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  F-4, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  
  MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY 1943

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, all missions are cancelled due to weather.  Enemy
aircraft bomb and strafe Amchitka harbor and shipping without inflicting
damage.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s ceases operating from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice Islands and 
returns to base (Dillingham Field, Territory of Hawaii).

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 7 B-24s of the India Air Task Force from Pandaveswar, India 
bomb the Arakan tea sheds on the Rangoon River near Rangoon harbor.
  The 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Tenth Air Force, with F-4s,
is based at Pandaveswar, India with a detachment at Kunming, China.  A
detachment of the detachment begins operating from Kweilin, China sometime
in February 1943.  On 6 Feb 43, this squadron is redesignated the 9th
Photographic Squadron (Light).

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 4th Fighter Group dispatches 20 Spitfire Mk Vs on uneventful
defensive and fighter patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 9th Fighter Wing is established at El Kabrit upon arrival from the 
U.S.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the harbor and shipping at Tunis and shipping in
La Goulette harbor.  Fighters escort bombers and cover ground forces in the
Sened-Maknassy area.  A-20s and P-40s bomb tank and vehicle a concentration
near Sidi Khalif.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s, P-39s and P-40s, along with Navy and Marine
aircraft, attack 4 destroyers of the Tokyo Express north of Vangunu Island;
unlike previous missions, these destroyers are dispatched to evacuate the
Japanese troops from Guadalcanal.  Hits on 2 of the ships cause fires.  At
night, 19 more destroyers come in, evacuate troops and, after losing one
destroyer to a mine, are well away by dawn.  B-17s attack shipping in the 
Shortland-Bougainville area, claiming 3 direct hits on cargo vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the runway and aircraft dispersal
areas at Rabaul, New Britain Island.
  In New Guinea, a lone B-24 bombs the runway at Finchhafen, then flies
east to New Britain Island where it bombs the runway at Cape Gloucester and
unsuccessfully attacks a ship in Open Bay.

TUESDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Ventura, Lockheed

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, P-40s strafe aircraft, AA positions and targets of opportunity
at Kentung.
  The 1st Troop Carrier Squadron, Tenth Air Force, attached to the
India-China Wing, Air Transport Command, with C-47s arrives at Chabua,
India from the U.S.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 32: 61 B-17s and 22 B-24s are dispatched
against the Hamm, Germany marshalling yards.  The formation encounters bad
weather over the North Sea and returns to base.
  VIII Fighter Command Circus 257 (a Circus was a heavy fighter escort of a
small force of attack or bomber aircraft to entice the Luftwaffe up): 25
Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group escort 12 Venturas on an
uneventful Circus.  Nine other Spitfires of the 4th Fighter Group fly an
uneventful ship patrol.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 324th Fighter Group and it's 314th Fighter Squadron with P-40s 
transfers from El Amiriya, Egypt to El Kabrit, Egypt.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s, in coordinated attacks, bomb El Maou
Airfield at Sfax.  A-20s, with P-40s and P-39s escorting, bomb a munitions
dump in the battle area.  Other fighters fly cover missions for ground
forces along the battleline and carry out reconnaissance operations.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s, along with escorting P-40s and P-38s, attack
shipping off Shortland Island.  Of 20 Japanese aircraft which intercept, 9
are claimed destroyed.  Other B-26s, P-38s and P-39s attack Munda Airfield
on New Georgia.
  The 18th Photographic Mapping Squadron, 4th Photographic Group with B-25s
transfers from Dumbea, New Caledonia to Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.  The
bulk of the air echelon remains in the U.S.  This squadron is redesignated
18th Photographic Squadron (Heavy) on 6 Feb 43.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the airfield at Rabaul.  B-24s
attack shipping between Lolobau Island and New Britain and north of Open
Bay, bomb Gasmata Island runway and hit Timika.
  In New Guinea, A-20s continue to bomb and strafe positions on the high
points between Mubo and Komiatum.
  The 319th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Iron Range, Queensland, Australia to Darwin, 
Northern Territory, Australia.

WEDNESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Ventura, Lockheed

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Fighter Command Circus 258 (a Circus was a large force of fighters
escorting a small force of bombers to entice the Luftwaffe up to fight): 22
Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group escort 12 Venturas on an
uneventful Circus 258.
  The 4th Fighter Group also flies 25 sorties on uneventful offensive
missions.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s hit the harbors at Palermo, Sicily and Messina, Italy;
one bombs Plati, Italy.
    The 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers
from El Amiriya, Egypt to El Kabrit, Egypt.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-26s attack Gabes and vessels between Tunisia and Sicily. 
B-25s hit bridges over the river north of Maknassy, damaging the railroad
bridge.  A-20s hit tanks and vehicles further north, and attack a large
howitzer and numerous trucks east of Ousseltia.
    The 81st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25s transfers from Tmed El Chel, Libya to Berteaux, Algeria.  These
units are attached to the XII Air Support Command.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-39s, P-38s and P-40s, along with Navy and Marine
aircraft, attack Munda Airfield on New Georgia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s continue to strike along the Mubo-Komiatum Track. 
B-25s bomb Dobo on Wamar Island.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s and B-24s attack the runway on Gasmata
Island, Simpson Harbor, the Cape Gazelle area and the airfield at Cape
Gloucester.

THURSDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F4F, Grumman Wildcat
  Ju 88, Junkers
  Me 110, Messerschmitt
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  SBD, Douglas Dauntless
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  TBF, Grumman Avenger
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance aircraft over Kiska, jumped
by 3 fighters, shoots 1 down.  It is followed by 3 B-17s, 3 B-24s, 3 B-25s,
4 P-38s and 8 P-40s.  The B-24s blast the North Head submarine base, and
score near misses on a cargo ship.  The B-25s hit the vicinity of the Main
Camp area; 3 of 5 floatplanes which intercept are shot down.  The P-40s
strafe Kiska ground installations and sight a fighter strip southwest of
Salmon Lagoon.  Two Amchitka fighter patrols are flown;  the first also
strafes gun emplacements on Vega Point.  Five enemy bombers strike
Amchitka. 

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 6 B-25s, bombing from 6,000 feet, and 7 B-24s, bombing from
14,500 feet, attack the Myitnge bridge south of Mandalay, damaging the 
southern approach; 3 other B-25s bomb the Myitnge railroad shops.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews, USAAF, assumes command of the European
Theater of Operations, US Army.  (Also see Western Mediterranean below.)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 33: 65 B-17s of the 1st Bombardment Wing and
21 B-24s of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the Hamm,
Germany marshalling yards.  The B-24s turn back before hitting the Dutch
coast when the temperature drops below the lowest limit of the thermometers
(-40 degrees C).  Heavy clouds cover Hamm so three of four B-17 groups 
(39 B-17s) attack the marshalling yard, port area and industries in Emden, 
Germany between 1200 and 1215 hours local dropping 92.25 tons of bombs.  We
claim 25 enemy fighters destroyed, 8 probably destroyed and 6 damaged; 5
B-17s are lost; human casualties are 17 WIA and 50 MIA.  Bombers are opposed 
for the first time by Ju 88 and Me 110 twin-engine fighters.
  The 4th Fighter Group dispatches 21 Spitfire Mk Vs on uneventful fighter
patrols and an air-sea rescue search.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    The 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25s transfers from Tmded El Chel, Libya to Berteaux, Algeria.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    The North African Theater of Operations, US Army is established with 
Lieutenant General Dwight D. Eisenhower as commander.  (Also see European
Theater of Operations above.)
    In Tunisia, B-17s hit Gabes Airfield and a landing ground west of the
town.  Weather prevents completion of a medium bomber mission against a
landing ground further southwest.  Fighters escort the bombers and C-47s
and fly reconnaissance over the battle area.
    
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, a single B-17 joins Navy aircraft in pounding Kahili
Airfield on Bougainville.  Other Navy aircraft hit Munda Airfield on New
Georgia.  The second evacuation Tokyo Express, 22 destroyers covered by 25 
Zekes, comes down The Slot.  The destroyers are attacked 200 miles (320 km)
north of Guadalcanal by 12 SBDs and 13 TBFs covered by 8 P-39s, 4 P-38s and 
16 F4Fs; 1 destroyer is disabled and another slightly damaged.  The P-39s get 
1 Zeke, the F4Fs claim 6, the TBFs 2 and the SBDs 1; we lose 1 F4F, 1 SBD
and 4 TBFs.  An hour later, the same Express is hit by 12 SBDs escorted by
10 F4Fs and 4 P-40s of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group; 2
destroyers are slightly damaged.  The P-40s claim 3 Zekes, the F4Fs 4 and
the SBDs 2; we lose 1 P-40, 2 F4Fs and 2 SBDs.  The destroyers successfully
evacuate Japanese troops.
  The 70th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-26s returns to its base on Fiji Island after operating from
Guadalcanal since 9 Jan 43.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s and B-25s bomb Lae Airfield and harbor and nearby AA
positions, and hit forces in the Mubo, Komiatum, Zaka and Wau areas. 
Japanese forces begin retreating in disorder from the Wau area toward Mubo.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, heavy bombers hit the airfields at Rabaul,
Gasmata Island and Cape Gloucester, score hits on a vessel off Arawe, and
attack small boats at Lorengau, sinking 1 boat.
  HQ 22d Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 19th and 33d Bombardment 
Squadrons (Medium) with B-26s transfer from Iron Range, Queensland, 
Australia to Woodstock, New South Wales, Australia.  The group, which has
been in combat since Apr 42, ceased combat operations in Jan 43 for R and
R.  The B-26s of the 19th are overhauled and stripped of all paint and bear
the title "The Silver Fleet."  The 33d, and the group's other two squadrons, 
the 2d and 408th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) at Reid River, Queensland, 
Australia, begin transitioning from B-26s to B-25Ds.

FRIDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 6 B-24s bomb the railroad station area at Rangoon.  P-40s bomb
a railway cut west of Meza, and having blocked the line, strafe a halted
train.  Six B-25s attack the Myitnge bridge but fail to knock out the
target but damage the approaches.  P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the 
Kentung area.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Spitfires of the 4th Fighter Group fly 8 sorties; 2 on uneventful patrols
and 6 to strafe an shipping convoy.  Two corvettes and a merchant ship are
damaged in the convoy; 1 Spitfire is shot down and the pilot is listed as
MIA.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, bad weather cancels heavy and medium bomber missions. 
Fighter fly reconnaissance missions (strafing trucks near Jabal Ash Shamsi),
local patrols and escort for C-47s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb Rabaul Airfield on New Britain
Island.  Heavy bombers carry out individual attacks on shipping off Papua 
and New Britain Island and hit the town of Rabaul and the airfield on Gasmata 
Island.
  In the Moluccas Islands, B-24s blast docks and shipping at Amboina.
  In New Guinea, B-25s hit Dobo.  A-20s continue to bomb and strafe forces
around Zaka, Sappa, Mubo and Gona.

SATURDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  Beaufighter, Bristol
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-400, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance is flown over Kiska and Attu
Islands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 16 fighters follow the Mali River to Hpunkizup where they
destroy about 20 trucks loaded with bridge repair equipment and completely
decimate the village.  Heavy bombers attack the bridge at Myitnge but fail
to seriously damage the target.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Six Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly uneventful shipping
patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    The 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Abu Sueir, Egypt to Gambut, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, XII Bomber Command cancels missions because of weather. 
P-40s and P-39s fly reconnaissance and strafing missions between Sidi bou
Zid and Sfax.  Spitfires escort transport and evacuation missions.
    The Luftwaffe attacks an Allied convoy between Oran and Algiers and
badly damages some ships.
    The 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons, 31st Fighter Group with Spitfire 
Mk Vs transfer from Tafaraoui, Algeria and La Senia, Algeria respectively to 
Thelepte, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  The 370th and 424th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment 
Group (Heavy) based at Kipapa Field and Dillingham Field, Territory of 
Hawaii respectively with B-24s begin operating from Espiritu Santo, New 
Hebrides.
  The 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
based at Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii with B-24s begins operating
from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe forces along the track from Mubo to
Komiatum to Salamaua and hit the enemy in the Mambare River delta.  An
Australian coast watcher reports that there are 60+ Japanese aircraft on
Lae Aerodrome; the Fifth Air Force dispatches 7 B-25s, 1 B-24, 22 P-38s, 11
P-39s, 5 P-400s and 8 P-40s plus 5 Royal Australian Air Force Beaufighters
to attack the airfield.  When they arrive, they find the aircraft gone; the
Japanese are attacking Wau Airfield.  The airfield is attacked and bombed
and on the way back to base, the Allied aircraft encounter 9 Japanese
bombers escorted by several dozen Zekes.  In the melee that follows, we
claim 25 aircraft shot down without any losses; 12 Zekes were shot down by
the P-39s and P-400s of the 40th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group while
the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group with P-40s claim 7.  A single 
B-24 hits cargo vessels off Finschhafen and Powell Point, claiming 1 vessel 
destroyed, and attacks troop barges in Riebeck Bay, causing several 
casualties.  
  The 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-400s
transfers from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Mareeba, Queensland, Australia. 
This unit has been operating in New Guinea since Jul 42.

SUNDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 1 B-17 flies weather reconnaissance over Kiska.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s it the harbor at Naples, scoring a direct hit on 1
vessel and hits on others.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Sardinia, over 50 B-17s and B-26s bomb Elmas Airfield and the
seaplane base at Cagliari; P-38s provide escort.
    In Tunisia, fighters and A-20s fly reconnaissance over large areas of
eastern Tunisia; fighters strafe gun batteries in the Gafsa-Maknassy area.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Thelepte,
Tunisia.  The 307th Fighter Squadron with Spitfire Mk Vs, assigned to the 
31st, transfers from Maison Blanche, Algeria to Thelepte
    The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Thelepte, Tunisia to Telergma, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  During the night, the third and last Tokyo Express comes down to
Guadalcanal covered by a rain squall.  The three Expesses have taken off
11,706 men from Guadalcanal to fight another day.
  The 12th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from
Efate Island, New Hebrides to Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, a single B-24 bombs Dobo and Babo, while another bombs
Timika and Kaukenau.

MONDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance is flown over Kiska, Agattu, and
Attu Islands.  Five B-24s and 5 B-25s bomb the Kiska Camp area and hit a 
water tank and buildings.  Two B-25s bomb North Head through the overcast.  
Four P-38s and a B-25 patrol over Amchitka Island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 18 B-24s of the India Air Task Force pound the Rangoon
marshalling yard, wrecking locomotive ships and destroying the railroad
station.  Three other B-24s bomb the runway at Mingaladon.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s attack ferry installations at Messina.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the docks and shipping at Sousse; B-26s and
B-25s bomb Gabes Airfield, also hitting the nearby marshalling yard.  Two
forces of A-20s attack a vehicle and troop concentration east of Faid. 
Fighters escort the bomber missions, strafe the Sened-Maknassy area and the
landing ground at Kebili, and fly routine reconnaissance and patrols.
    HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-
Bains, Algeria for R&R.  The group is short of pilots and has only 13 
P-40Fs left after continuous combat since Nov 42.  The group's 3 squadrons, 
the 58th, 59th and 60th Fighter Squadrons, all transfer this week.
    HQ 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 340th and 341st Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17s transfer from Biska, Algeria to Chateau-du-
Rhumel, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s and Navy aircraft bomb Munda Airfield on New
Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s pound Japanese forces in the Mubo area; B-25s bomb
the Dobo town area.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, a single B-24 bombs the airfield on Gasmata
Island.

TUESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  HQ 318th Fighter Group transfers from Hickam Field to Bellows Field,
Territory of Hawaii.
  The 19th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Bellows Field to NAS Barbers Point, Territory of Hawaii.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Crete, B-25s bomb several airfields.
    HQ 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Fayid, Egypt to
Benina, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb Kairouan Airfield.  Fighters strafe AA and
machineguns and trucks in the Faid Pass, buildings near Mezzouna, trucks in
the Station de Sened area, and fly escort and reconnaissance missions.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-26s, escorted by P-38s and P-39s, pound the airfield 
at Vila on Kolombangara Island.  Other P-38s join Navy aircraft in attacking 
Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island.  Organized Japanese resistance ends on
Guadalcanal at 1625 hours local and the island is declared secure even
though some isolated pockets of Japanese troops remain.
  The 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium)
with B-25s and B-26s permanently transfers from the New Hebrides Islands to
Guadalcanal and participates in the mission described above.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Celebes, B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield.
  In New Guinea, A-20s hit the Malahang area.

WEDNESDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance aircraft aborts the mission
due to radio failure.  Four B-24s, 2 B-17s, 8 B-25s and 8 P-38s attack
Kiska Island; hits are observed on the landing strip and near the hangar and
buildings.  Two patrol missions, each by 4 P-38s and 1 B-25, are flown over
the American-held Amchitka Island.
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 30th Fighter Squadron, 37th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Anton, Panama to Aguadulce, Panama.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 8 B-25s bomb rolling stock at Maymyo.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  German submarine, U-519, is sunk northwest of Spain (47-05N 18-34W) by a
B-24 of the 2d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing
attached to the 1st Antisubmarine Group (Provisional).
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly two uneventful sorties on
shipping patrol.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24s sent to attack Palermo are forced to abort due to bad
weather.  They jettison their bombs or return to base with them.  One
aircraft scores a direct hit on a Sicilian highway.
    In Libya, rainfall delays the British Eighth Army assault on the Mareth
Line positions at Ben Gardane.
    HQ 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 512th, 513th and 514th 
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-24s transfer from Abu Sueir, Egypt to 
Gambut, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily,
claiming 1 vessel sunk and another badly damaged.
    In Tunisia, weather cancels heavy and medium bomber missions.  P-39s
and Spitfires of the XII Air Support Command strafe gun batteries,
machinegun nests, vehicles and troops in the Maknassy-Station de Sened-Bou
Hamran area.
    The 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s and Navy aircraft attack Munda Airfield on New
Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  HQ 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 320th and 321st Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy) with B-24s transfer from Iron Range, Queensland,
Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Crete, RAF Liberators under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command are sent against Heraklion Airfield during the night of 10/11 Feb. 
Severe weather causes them to abort near the south coast of Crete.
    The 415th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Tobruk, Libya to Benina, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    Bad weather cancels all heavy and medium bomber missions.
    In Tunisia, A-20s hit Station de Sened.  Fighters escort light bombers
and transports, and fly reconnaissance and patrols.
    A detachment of the 111th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group
based at Oujda, French Morocco with A-20s begins operating from La Senia,
Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-26s, P-38s and P-39s bomb the airfields at Munda on
New Georgia Island and Vila on Kolombangara Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s carry out a predawn harassing strike
over Rabaul on New Britain Island.

FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-400, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance and attack missions against
Kiska Island and a fighter patrol over Amchitka Island are broken off due 
to weather.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s based at Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii ceases operating
from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands after 6 days.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 7 B-24s of the India Air Task Force pound the Myitnge bridge
area but fail to damage the bridge itself.  This strike marks the first
use of 2,000 pound blockbusters in the CBI Theater.  Twelve other B-24s 
bomb the Mahlwagon marshaling yard and railway station at Rangoon.  Twelve 
P-40s hit barracks near Lonkin.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 18 uneventful sorties, 16 on
shipping patrols and 2 on defensive patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, heavy and medium bomber missions are cancelled due to
weather.  A-20s attack gun installations west of Station de Sened. 
Fighters escort A-20s and C-47s, and fly routine patrols.
    The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-400s
transfers from Oujda, French Morocco to La Senia, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s, along with Navy aircraft, attack the Munda, New
Georgia area, hitting AA at Rapa and setting fires at Kokengolo.  B-26s and
P-39s follow with a strike on the Munda Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s, operating individually, attack a
sawmill at Ubili, a runway at Cape Gloucester, and the harbor and airfield
at Rabaul, New Britain Island, and score a possible hit on a 6,000-ton
vessel in the Solomon Sea between New Britain Island and Bougainville
Island in the Solomons.

SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  F4U, Vought Corsair
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  PB4Y, Consolidated Liberator
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance is flown over Kiska, Attu,
Agattu, the Semichis, and Buldir Island.  Five heavy bombers, 6 medium
bombers and 10 P-38s bomb and strafe Kiska targets including the Camp area,
landing strip, and shipping.  Of 5 float-type fighter which attack, P-38s
shoot down 3.  Four P-38s and 1 B-25 fly a patrol mission over Amchitka 
Island and Little Kiska; a B-25 shoots down a floatplane. 

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 7 heavy bombers from Gaya, India bomb the Rangoon marshalling
yard, scoring over 30 direct hits on the target.  P-40s hit a headquarters
at Lonkin, buring 12 barracks.  Nine B-25s hit rolling stock in the
marshalling yard at Paukkan and along the rail line from Shwebo to Sagaing.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 24 sorties on shipping
patrols.  One aircraft is lost and the pilot was killed.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s bomb the Naples area and Crotone Airfield and the city
area under storm conditions.
    In Crete, RAF Liberators under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command attack Heraklion Airfield during the late afternoon and early
evening.  One Liberator hits the Kastelli/Pediada Airfield on the return
trip.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Tunisia, B-26s bomb El Aouina Airfield.  Fighters escort the B-26s,
strafe tanks near Station de Sened, and destroy several trucks and staff
cars in the Faid area.
    The 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
    The 414th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-17s transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, 9 PB4Ys escorted by 4 P-38s and 11 F4Us and 6 B-24s
escorted by 4 P-38s and 7 P-40s take off on separate missions to hit
shipping in the Shortland Island-Buin, Bougainville area.  The PB4Ys drop
their bombs on a cargo ship at 1130 hours, score no hits and return to base
with their escort.  The B-24s attack a cargo ship from 14,000 feet just
after 1200 scoring 1 hit.  On the way to the target, 3 P-40s and 2 P-38s
had aborted the mission leaving the B-24s with an escort of 2 P-38s and 4
P-40s; this force is attacked by 45 enemey fighters over the target.  Three
B-24s, 2 P-40s and 4 P-38s are lost on this mission due to engine trouble,
AA and enemy action.  This is the baptism of fire in the Solomons for the 
B-24s of the 424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group 
(Heavy) which has just come down from Hawaii.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20s pound forces in and around Mubo while B-25s hit the
Lae area.
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, a single B-24 bombs the sawmill area at
Ubili and a B-17 hits targets of opportunity in the Rabaul area.

SUNDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F4U, Vought Corsair
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  PB4Y, Consolidated Liberator
  Pete, Mitsubishi F1M, Navy Type 0 Observation Seaplane
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance aircraft turns back due to
weather, as does the morning patrol of 1 B-25 and 4 P-38s flying over
Allied held Amchitka Island.  Other missions from Adak are also called off.  
Seven enemy float-type aircraft bomb and strafe the Constantine Harbor area 
on Amchitka Island without effect.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, B-25s unsuccessfully attack the bridge at Myitnge.  Fourteen
P-40s hit the town area of Maingkwan and the barracks to the southwest.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 34:  The 1st Bombardment Wing dispatches 74
B-17s against the Hamm, Germany marshalling yards.  The mission is
cancelled due to weather and the aircraft are recalled before they pass the
European coast.  We claim 1 enemy aircraft destroyed; 1 B-17 is damaged.
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 18 uneventful sorties on
shipping patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s on a shipping strike return with their
bombs when no vessels are sighted.
    In Tunisia, all heavy and medium bomber missions are cancelled by bad
weather.  Fighters strafe vehicles and gun emplacements in the El
Guettar-Sened-Maknassy areas, and hit tanks and trucks near Sisi Saad. 
A-20s bomb tanks in the Faid Pass, trucks near Maknassy and southwest of
Faid, the town of Maknassy, and railroad yards at Station de Sened.  Enemy
ground forces, both armored and infantry, begin a drive, supported by
artillery and dive bombers, against Allied forces east of Sidi bou Zid.
    HQ 350th Fighter Group transfers from Oujda, French Morocco to Oran, 
Algeria. The group's 345th and 346th Fighter Squadrons with P-39s and P-400s
transfer from Oujda to La Senia, Algeria.
    The 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group with P-38s transfers from
Biskra, Tunisia to Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, 9 PB4Ys escorted by 10 P-38s and 12 F4Us attack shipping
in the Buin, Bougainville-Shortland Island area.  The bombers score several
hits on a cargo ships and near misses on two others.  The formation is then
attack by 30 Zekes and about 15 floatplanes.  In the ensuing battle, we
claim 14 Zekes and 1 Pete shot down; Japanese records show they lost 3
Zekes.  We lose 2 PB4Ys, 4 P-38s and 2 F4Us.  Because of the losses
suffered yesterday and today, all daylight bombing missions in the northern
Solomons are halted until adequate fighter protection can be furnished.  
P-39s and Navy aircraft bomb and strafe Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island 
and hit AA positions and other targets at Munda Point.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s and B-24s pound the Rabaul area, and
also bomb the Kokopo area, Watom Islands, vessels off Kokop and off Cape
Nelson; individual B-24s hit the sawmill at Ubili.
  In New Guinea, individual B-24s attack the Madang area while B-25s bomb
the airfield at Lae.

MONDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance B-24 is soon called off due to
weather.  All other missions are cancelled.  Six float-type Japanese
aircraft bomb and strafe Allied held Amchitka Island, hitting the runway and 
causing casualties.
  The 18th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from 
Adak Island to Amchitka Island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, B-24s strike the bridge at Myitnge for the second consecutive
day but cause little damage.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 35:  The 2d Bombardment Wing dispatches 23
B-24s against the port area and shipping at Dunkirk, France; 21 aircraft
drop 62 tons of bombs at 1540 hours local.  We claim 3 enemy aircraft
destroyed and 1 possibly destroyed; we lose 2, 1 is damaged beyond repair
and 7 are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA and 24 MIA.
  The Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 30 uneventful sorties on
shipping patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    The Desert Air Task Force (DATF) is established with Brigadier General
Auby C Strickland as Commanding General.  Whereas Desert Air Task Force
HQ, organized on 22 Oct 42, controlled US Army Mid East Air Force (USAMEAF)
tactical operations in the Western Desert, this new organization, with HQ at 
Tripoli, Libya, supervises, operationally and administratively, all Ninth 
Air Force units west of, and including, Marble Arch.  In addition, General 
Strickland is commander of US troops in the area.
    In Italy, B-24s attack the harbor at Naples, scoring direct hits on 2
vessels.
    In Libya, British Army ground forces resume operations toward the
Mareth Line as weather improves.
    Colonel Hugo P Rush succeeds Brigadier General Patrick W Timberlake as 
Commanding Officer of IX Bomber Command, which transfers from Ismailia, 
Egypt to Bengasi, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In Sicily, B-17s hits the harbor and shipping at Palermo.
    In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s attack Kairouan Airfield.  Fighters support
Allied ground forces being pushed back from the Faid-Sidi bou Zid area to 
positions at Sbeitla, Kasserine and Feriana.  Enemy troops, vehicles, gun
positions, and tanks are repeatedly attacked. Fighters hit similar targets
in the Gafsa-Bou Hamran area.
    Because of the German advance in Tunisia, the forward air base at
Sbeitla, Tunisia is evacuated.
    The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20s transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria due
to the German assault.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-26s, P-39s and P-40s attack Vila Airfield on
Kolombangara Island.  B-24s, hindered by effective AA fire, bomb the
airfields at Kahili, Bougainville Island and on Ballale Island; 2 B-24s are
lost.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  On New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s again bomb the town 
of Rabaul and hit the area nearby west of Simpson Harbor.  A single B-17 
attacks Rapopo Airfield.
  In the Celebes, B-24s pound shipping and the town area at Amboina, Ceram
Island, Netherlands East Indies.
  In New Guinea, B-25s pound supply dumps at Malahang.  B-24s operating
singly bomb the runway at Finschhafen, and claim a direct hit on a vessel
in Stettin Bay.
  On Portugese Timor, B-25s attack the town and airfield of Dili.

TUESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  L-4, Piper Cub
  Liberator, Consolidated
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance aircraft flies over Kiska,
Attu, Agattu, the Semicis and Buldir Islands.  Five B-24s, 6 B-25s, 6 P-38s 
and 1 B-25 photographic aircraft take off for Kiska but do not attack due to
weather.  One P-40, accompanying several P-38s on the Amchitka Island 
fighter patrol, lands on Amchitka strip; an afternoon patrol of 7 P-40s and 1
transport also land at the strip which is now safe for limited operations.
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    A detachment of the 22d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group with P-40s
and P-39s which has been operating from Zandery Field, Surinam since 16
Sep 42 returns to its base at Waller Field, Trinidad.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 18 P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the Nsopzup and
Hpunkizup areas.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 36:  71 B-17s of the 1st Bombardment Wing and
18 B-24s of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the locks and 
U-boat base at Saint-Nazaire, France; 59 B-17s and 6 B-24s drop 160 tons of
bombs between 1052 and 1055 hours local.  We claim 20 Luftwaffe aircraft
destroyed, 12 probably destroyed and 2 damaged; we lose 6 B-17s and 2 B-24s
with 28 B-17s and 2 B-24s damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 7 WIA and 81 MIA.
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 34 uneventful sorties on
fighter patrols.
  The 13th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d Photographic Group with F-5s
and L-4s transfers from Podington to Mount Farm, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Crete, RAF Liberators under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command bomb Heraklion Airfield during the night of 16/17 Feb.
    In Tunisia, the British Eighth Army's 7 Armored Division drives into
Ben Gardane, an outpost of the Mareth Line.
    The 83d and 434th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12 Bombardment Group 
(Medium) with B-25s transfer from Gambut, Libya to Castel Benito, Libya.
    The 345th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Tobruk, Libya to Benina, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s dispatched on a shipping mission abort due
to weather.
    In Tunisia, all heavy and medium bomber operations are cancelled due to
weather.  A-20s, in support of hard-pressed Allied ground forces, bomb gun
positions west of Sidi bou Zid.  Fighters fly repeated strafing missions
against troops and vehicles in the Gafsa area.
    The 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20s transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria due
to the German assault.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  Rear Admiral Charles P Mason becomes Commander Aircraft Solomon Islands 
(COMAIRSOLS) with operational control of all Royal New Zealand Air Force 
(RNZAF), USAAF, USMC and USN aircraft in the Solomon Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb a warehouse at Ubili on New
Britain Island.
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb Malahang Airfield and strafe targets of
opportunity on the Salamaua peninsula.

WEDNESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather cancels all missions and also the laying of mat
at the Amchitka Island airstrip.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  The 2d Troop Carrier Squadron, Tenth Air Force with C-47s arrives at
Yangkai, China from the U.S.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 38 uneventful sorties on
patrol during the day.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
    The Twelfth Air Force and other organizations of the Allied Air Force 
are transferred to the North African Air Force (NAAF) which supplants the 
Allied Air Force.  NAAF, in turn, becomes part of the Mediterranean Air 
Command (MAC), a new air command which comes into existence on this date
with RAF Air Chief Marshall Arthur Tedder as commander.  MAC also includes
the RAF Middle East Air Command (later RAF, Middle East) and the RAF Malta
Air Command (later RAF, Malta).  The Commanding General of NAAF is General
Carl Spaatz, USAAF.
    In Sardinia, over 40 B-17s bomb Elmas Airfield;  B-25s and B-26s hit
the Villacidro and Decimomannu Airfields.
    In Tunisia, fighters escort bombers and support ground forces in the
Sbeitla-Kasserine-Feriana area.  The fighters, along with A-20s, attack and
destroy numerous tanks, trucks and other vehicles moving against hard-
pressed British First Army forces.
    The two airfields at Thelepte, with 124 operational aircraft on the,
are abandoned because of the German advance.  Eighteen unflyable aircraft
are burned after 60,000 gallons (227,100 liters) of aviation fuel are 
poured on them.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-
Bains, Algeria.  The group's 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons with 
Spitfire Mk Vs transfer from Thelepte to Tebessa, Algeria.
    HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st and 92d Fighter Squadrons with P-39s 
transfer from Thelepte, Tunisia to Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria.
    The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Telergma, Algeria.
    The 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group with P-38s transfers from
Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-39s join Navy fighters and dive bombers in a strike
against Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island.  Single B-24s bomb Nusave
Island and the airfields on Ballale Island and at Kahili on Bougainville
Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  On New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s, operating
individually, strike Gasmata Airfield and Pondo Harbor, Bobo and the
sawmill at Ubili.

THURSDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance determines that 3 ships at
Attu Island to be friendly.  P-40s on local patrol over Amchitka Island 
encounter and shoot down 2 enemy fighters.
    The 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
operating under control of the 28th Composite Group with B-24s from Umnak
Islands begins operating from Amchitka Island.
  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 45th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with LB-30s transfers from David, Panama to the Galapagos Islands.  

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 26 uneventful sorties during
the day on shipping and defensive patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    HQ North African Air Force (NAAF) is set up under General Carl Spaatz, 
USAAF, and the Twelfth Air Force becomes a paper outfit.  Six principal
subordinate commands are specified, i.e.:
    North African Air Support Command (NAASC)
    North African Coastal Air Force (NACAF)
    North African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing (NAPRW)
    North African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
    North African Training Command (NATC)
Twelfth Air Force Units assigned to NAAF described above are:
    NAASC: XII Air Support Command [33d and 81st Fighter Groups and 47th 
           Bombardment Group (Light)]
    NACAF: XII Fighter Command (31st, 52d and 350th Fighter Groups)
    NAPRW: 3d Photographic Group
    NASAF: XII Bomber Command [97th and 301st Bombardment Groups (Heavy); 
           17th, 310th and 319th Bombardment Groups (Medium); 1st, 14th 
           and 82d Fighter Groups; and the 68th Observation Group]
    NATC: 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light)
    In Algeria, weather cancels heavy and medium bomber operations.
    In Tunisia, fighters provide direct support for the British First Army
in the Sbeitla-Kasserine-Feriana areas.
    HQ 1st Fighter Group and it's 27th Fighter Squadron P-38s transfers 
from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria.
    The 342d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-17s transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-24s pound the airfield at Munda on New Georgia Island.
B-17s attack the Kahili, Bougainville area and shipping nearby.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24s unsuccessfully attack shipping off
Cape Gloucester and Cape Orford.
  In New Guinea, B-25s bomb the Barar area.  Individual B-24s bomb the
Finschhafen landing ground and the Madang area.
  In Portugese Timor, B-25s unsuccessfully attack shipping off Dili.
  The 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s
transfers from Archerfield Airdrome near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 
to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

FRIDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather cancels all missions except limited weather
reconnaissance.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, P-40s dive-bomb a Japanese HQ at Hpunkizup and afterwards
strafe a rail defile south of Meza, burying about 100 feet of track.  Five
B-25s bomb the rail terminal at Sagaing.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 26 uneventful sorties
during the day; 2 on defensive patrols and 24 on an offensive sweep of the
St. Omer, France area.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25s bomb the Gabes western area through heavy clouds.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In Algeria, weather prevents heavy and medium bomber operations.
    In Tunisia, fighters and A-20s of the XII Air Support Command are
grounded and unable to support ground forces as the enemy opens an attack
on Kasserine with infantry and tanks supported by artillery.
    The 93d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from
Port Lyautey, French Morocco to Berteaux, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s bomb shipping and a seaplane base between Buin and
Faisi, Bougainville Island and at Ballale Island and hit the Kahili
Airfield on Bougainville.
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe forces in the Butibum and Angari
areas.
  B-24s carry out single-plane attacks agains shipping at Salamaua, New
Guinea, off Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island and at Gasmata Island.

SATURDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  PBY, Consolidated Catalina (USN)
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, reconnaissance over Kiska Island finds weather favorable 
and 5 B-24s, 7 B-25s and 8 P-38s take off to attack.  The fighters hit the 
Main Camp area; the bombers bomb North Head, the Main Camp area and the 
runway.
  The 11th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Fort Glenn on Umnak Island to Adak Island.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  Three B-24s of the 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) operating from Canton 
Island in the Phoenix Islands photograph Makin Island, Abaiang Island and 
Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands and attack shipping at Tarawa.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 17 P-40s bomb a factory, oil tanks, and railroad tracks at
Sahmaw.  Thirteen B-24s attack the Gokteik Viaduct but fail to damage the
structure.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 14 uneventful sorties during
the day on shipping patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Crete, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command, bomb Heraklion and Kastelli/Pediada Airfields during the night of
19/20 Feb.
    In Italy, B-24s bomb Crotone, Naples, Amantea, Palmi, Nicotera and
Rosarno.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    Weather again severely limits operations.
    In Tunisia, a handful of P-39s strafe trucks and half-tracks in the
Kasserine area as the enemy breaks through the Kasserine Pass and thrusts
north and west toward Thala and Tebessa.
    HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to
Telergma, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-17s and PBYs bomb Ballale Island and Kahili on
Bougainville Island.  B-24s pound Vila on Kolombangara Island.  During the
night of 19/20 Feb and day strikes, P-39s and Navy aircraft attack the
Munda area on New Georgia Island, hitting the airfield and nearby Lambeti
and Munda Point.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-17s bomb a landing ground at Kahili, Bougainville Island, and at
Ballale Island in the Solomons, and Gasmata Airfield in the Bismarck
Archipelago.

SUNDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, weather prevents all flying from Adak Island.  Fighters
based on Amchitka Island patrol Kiska.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    The North African Tactical Air Force assumes operational control of the
Western Desert Air Force; tactical groups remain administratively assigned to
the Ninth Air Force. 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-25s hit the railroad yards at Gafsa.  Weather foils 3
attempts by P-39s and Spitfires to furnish support to ground forces
battling the German drive north and west of the Kasserine Pass.  Only 2
P-39s are able to reach the enemy and strafe tanks and trucks.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from Tebessa, Algeria to Youks-les-
Bains, Algeria.  The 308th Fighter Squadron assigned to the group transfers 
its Spitfire Mk Vs from Tebessa to Canrobert, Algeria.
    The 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group 
(Light) with A-20s transfer from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, 
Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, USAAF, US Navy, US Marine Corps and Royal New Zealand 
Air Force (RNZAF) fighters from Guadalcanal provide air support as the 103d
Infantry Regiment and 152d Field Artillery Battalion (105 mm Howitzer
Tractor-Drawn), 43d Infantry Division land on three beaches in the Russell
Islands 30 miles northwest of Guadalcanal.  The landings are unopposed; the 
169th Infantry Regiment lands tomorrow.  The 103d was a Maine National Guard 
unit activated in Feb 41; the 169th was a Connecticut NG unit activated at the 
same time.  Airfields will be built on the island.  Fifth Air Force aircraft 
had aided this operation by bombing the airfields in the Buin and Kahili 
area on Bougainville Island and the airfield on Ballale Island on Friday and 
Saturday.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Celebes, B-24s bomb the harbor and shipping at Amboina, Ambon
Island, Netherlands East Indies.
  In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe several occupied villages and tracks
throughout the Mubo-Komiatum-Salamaua region.

MONDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Bf 109, Messerschmitt
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-400, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 16 bombers and 8 fighters abort a mission against Kiska
Island due to weather.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, B-24s mine the Gulf of Martaban between Pagoda Point and the
mouth of the Rangoon River during the night of 22/23 Feb.  Twenty four
B-24s and RAF Liberators fly a diversionary strike against the city of
Rangoon and the Mingaladon Airfield.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Gambut, Libya to
Soluch, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, A-20s of the 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and fighters, 
flying close support to Allied ground forces, aid in repulsing Field 
Marshall Rommel's drive toward Thala and Tebessa.  The 47th flies 11 
missions and bomb at minimum altitude; 1 A-20 is lost after being hit by 3 
Bf 109s; several aircraft sustain wing damage from ripping antennae off 
German tanks and trucks.  At 1915 hours local the enemy begins a general 
withdrawal toward Kasserine.  B-17s bomb the Kasserine Pass while B-25s hit
the nearby bridge and escorting P-38s strafe retreating troops.  Other B-25s 
hit the railway yards at Gafsa.  P-39s of the 154th Observation Squadron, 
68th Observation Group fly 17 attack-reconnaissance sorties over the 
Kasserine area destroying 3 tanks and damaging 10 trucks while losing 1 
aircraft.
    HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st and 92d Fighter Squadrons with 
P-39s transfer from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
    The 307th and 309th Fighter Squadrons, 31st Fighter Group with Spitfire 
Mk Vs transfer from Tebessa, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s, P-39s and Navy aircraft hit the Rekata Bay area
and barges in Sambi Bay on Santa Isabel Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Admiralties, a B-24 hits Lorengau Airfield on Manus Island.
  In New Guinea, B-25s pound the Lae area while to the south A-20s hit
forces at Buibuining, Waipali, Guadagasal and along trails in the
surrounding areas.  A single B-17 bombs Lae.
  The 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-400s
transfers from Milne Bay, New Guinea to Mareeba, Queensland, Australia.
  The 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s
transfers from Garbutt, Australia to Archerfield Airdrome near Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia.

TUESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 17 bombers and 8 fighters bomb the Main Camp area on
Kiska Island while an F-5A flies a photographic mission.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 8 P-40s knock out the railroad bridge west of Myitkyina. 
Several B-24s attack the bridge at Myitnge; the strike fails to damage the
structure itself but batters the southern approach.
  In India, 46 Japanese bombers and fighters are intercepted over Chabua
Airfield by P-40s.  In a running battle, the P-40s claim at least 14
aircraft shot down.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s attack the Messina ferry slip, scoring direct hits and
leaving the target area burning.
    In Tunisia, B-25s hit Arram in the Mareth Line during the late evening.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s attack shipping north of Cap Bon, claiming
1 vessel sunk.
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb Kairouan Airfield and hit troops retreating
through the Kasserine Pass.  B-25s and B-26s hit the Kasserine Pass and the
bridge nearby.  A-20s and fighters also attack retreating columns in the
Kasserine area.
    The 3d Air Defense Wing arrives at Oran, Algeria to control air defense
units in the Oran area as part of the North African Coastal Air Force.
    HQ 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy), a B-17 unit, arrives at Navarin, 
Algeria from the US.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the town and harbor area of
Rabaul on New Britain Island.
  In New Guinea, A-20s continue to pound the occupied villages and trails
in the Buibuining-Waipali and Guadagasal-Mubo areas.  B-25s bomb and strafe
Angari and Yangla.

WEDNESDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-400, Bell Airacobra
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, all except one mission of 4 P-40s, to Kiska Island, 
are called off.  The P-40s make no contacts, however.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, P-40s knock out the southern span of the railroad bridge
northeast of Pinbaw.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker, Commander Eighth Air Force, is advised by
the War Department of the Combined Chiefs of Staff decision to employ his
fighter units primarily in an offensive role in support of the bombers.
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 14 uneventful sorties on
shipping patrols.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, B-25s sink several barges northeast of Cap Bon.
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb Kairouan Airfield.  B-26s and B-17s bomb enemy
columns in Kasserine Pass and hit the town of Kasserine, while B-25s attack
highway traffic near Sbeitla.  A-20s and fighters hit motor transport in a
wide area around Kasserine and Sbeitla.
    HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st and 92d Fighter Squadrons with P-39s
transfer from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria 
reversing a move made last Wednesday.
    The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with A-20s
transfers from Oujda, French Morocco to join its detachment at Youks-les-
Bains, Algeria.  Prior to WWII, the 154th was an Arkansas National Guard 
unit.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, B-24s bomb Kahili and Faisi on Bougainville Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s again hit shipping at Rabaul, New
Britain Island.
  In New Guinea, A-20s continue to attack forces at the Guadagasal Saddle,
Waipali, trails from Waipali to the Guadagasal Saddle and Mubo, and in the
area of the Waria River mouth.  B-25s pound Lae, Angari, Yangla, the
Malahang landing strip, and smaller villages in the area.
  B-24s continue single-plane harassing strikes on shipping and airfields
in coastal areas of Portugese and northeastern New Guinea and in the
Solomon Sea off Cape Saint George.
  HQ 8th Fighter Group and its 35th Fighter Squadron P-39s and P-400s
transfer from Milne Bay, New Guinea to Mareeba, Queensland, Australia.

THURSDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F4U, Vought Corsair
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 4 P-40s sweep Kiska Island.  Six B-24s and 5 B-25s bomb
the Main Camp and North Head areas of Kiska.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, fighters from Dinjan dive-bomb a bridge 10 miles (16 km) west
of Myitkyina.  A single span is knocked out and another damaged.  B-24s
again fail to damage the Myitnge Bridge.
  In India, more than 40 Japanese aircraft attack Dinjan Airfield; 32
intercepting P-40s claim 14 destroyed and 15 probably destroyed.
  The 436th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Gaya, India to Bishnupur, India.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples harbor and Crotone during the night of
24/25 Feb.
    In Tunisia, B-25s attack motor transport on the Arram road.
    The 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th 
Bombardment  Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfer from Gambut, Libya to Soluch, 
Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, B-17s bomb El Aouina Airfield.  Fighters and A-20s hit
troops and military traffic in the Thala-Kasserine-Sbeitla areas and along
the Gafsa-Feriana road.  Other fighters carry out widespread reconnaissance
and patrol missions.  British First Army and US troops of the II Corps
occupy Kasserine Pass.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 307th Fighter Squadron with Spitfire Mk
Vs transfer from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Kalaa Djerda, Tunisia.  The
308th Fighter Squadron also with Spitfire Mk Vs transfers from Canrobert,
Algeria to Kalaa Djerda.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s, P-40s and F4Us sweep the Kahili, Bougainville
Island area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, heavy bombers continue to attack shipping,
airfields, and the town area at Rabaul, New Britain Island.  The airfield
on Gasmata Island is also bombed.
  In New Guinea, A-20s again bomb and strafe forces at the Guadagasal Saddle
and vicinity.

FRIDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Ventura, Lockheed (RAF)
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, Dinjan, India based P-40s hit a bridge northeast of Pinbaw,
destroying a span and damaging other parts of the bridge.
  The 492d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-24s transfers from Gaya, India to Bishnupur, India.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 37:  76 B-17s of the 1st Bombardment Wing and
17 B-24s of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against Bremen, Germany.
The primary target is overcast so 59 B-17s and 6 B-24s attack the docks and 
surrounding areas of Wilhelmshaven, Germany dropping 164.25 tons of bombs
between 1123 and 1125 hours local.  We claim 21 Luftwaffe fighters
destroyed, 9 probably destroyed and 5 damaged; we lose 5 B-17s and 2 B-24s
plus 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair; casualties are 14 WIA and 73 MIA.  The 
Luftwaffe attempts air-to-air bombing by fighter aircraft and the use of
parachute bombs fired by AAA.
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 82 uneventful sorties; 6 on
shipping patrols and 76 on 3 missions escorting Venturas attacking
Dunkirk, France. [NOTE: At this time, there were 3 squadrons flying Ventura
Mk Is and Mk IIs assigned to RAF Bomber Command and based in Norfolk,
England.  No. 21 Squadron, RAF, was based at Methwold; the other 2 squadrons, 
No. 464 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and No. 487 Squadron, 
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), were based at Feltwell.]

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40s carry out fighter-bomber missions as ground forces
maintain pressure on the enemy along the coast and on the Gabes road. 
B-25s attack roads and motor transport in the Arram area during the night
of 26/27 Feb.
    General Bernard L. Montgomery sets 20 Mar as D-Day for an attack on the
Mareth Line.
    The 328th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 93d 
Bombardment Group (Heavy) cease operations from Gambut, Libya with B-24s and 
return to their base at Hardwick, England.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    Lieutenant General James H. Doolittle assumes command of the XII Bomber
Command.
    In Tunisia, B-17s, with P-38 escort, attack the docks and shipping at
Bizerte after RAF Wellingtons hit the same target the previous night. 
Fighters hit trucks in the Pinchon-Ousseltia area and fly numerous
reconnaissance missions.  Colonel-General Jurgen von Arnim's 5th Panzer
Army opens an offensive on a broad front toward Bedja and Medjez el Bab.
    The 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group with Spitfire Mk Vs
transfers from Youks-les-Bain, Algeria to Kalaa Djerda, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s and Navy aircraft hit Vila on Kolombangara Island
during the night of 25/26 Feb.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s and B-24s bomb the airfield on Gasmata
Island.
  In New Guinea, A-20s hit the Buibuining-Waipali area while a single B-17
bombs the airfields at Lae and Salamaua.  Other B-17s attack shipping and
the airfield at Wewak and a single B-17 attacks shipping in Hixon and Open
Bays.

SATURDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Ventura, Lockheed (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutians, 6 B-24s, 6 B-25s and 4 P-38s bomb and strafe the Main
Camp area on Kiska Island.  On the return trip, a weather aircraft flies
reconnaissance and makes a bombing and strafing run on Attu Island and
nearby barges with negative results.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, 24 P-40s bomb and strafe Waingmaw.  Direct hits are scored on a
warehouse and fuel and ammunition dump.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission 38:  63 B-17s of the 1st Bombardment Wing and
15 B-24s of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the U-boat pens,
port and naval facilities at Brest, France; 46 B-17s and 14 B-24s drop 155
tons of bombs on the target between 1455 and 1500 hours local; 2 B-24s are
damaged; there are no casualties.  
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 40 uneventful sorties; 16 on
shipping patrols and 24 as part of an escort for RAF Venturas bombing
Dunkirk, France.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Tunisia, P-40s fly top cover, strafing, and fighter-bomber missions
against positions along the Mareth Line.
    The 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-24s transfers from Gambut, Libya to Soluch, Libya.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In Sardinia, B-17s bomb the Cagliari area and ships north of Capo
d'Orlando.
    In Tunisia, RAF Wellingtons hit Bizerte.  Fighters fly sweeps and
reconnaissance, attacking ground forces at points along the battleline,
including the Medjez el Bab area where the enemy advance is being halted.
    The 37th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group with P-38s arrives at La
Senia, Algeria from the U.S.  This squadron will become the third squadron
of the 14th Fighter Group when it is reassigned to the 14th on 1 Mar.
    The 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
with A-20s transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria.
    A detachment of the 111th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group 
with A-20s ceases operating from La Senia, Algeria and returns to its base
at Oujda, French Morocco.  Prior to WWII, the 111th was a Texas National
Guard unit.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-40s and P-38s join Navy aircraft in an attack on small
vessels off Vella Lavella Island; hits are claimed on 2 vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25s hit Japanese-occupied villages in the Labu area. 
B-17s, operating individually, strafe a schooner off Matiu Point and bomb
Finschhafen Airfield.

SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-29, Lockheed Hudson
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Bf 109, Messerschmitt
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-70, Douglas
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutians, reconnaissance is flown over Kiska, Buldir, Semichis,
Attu, and Agattu, with negative results.  Six B-24s and 6 B-25s bomb the
Main Camp area on Kiska Island.
  CARIBBEAN (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 23d Antisubmarine Squadron (Medium), 26th Antisubmarine Wing with
A-29s based in Washington State begins operating from Batista Field, Cuba.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)
  In Burma, P-40s from Dinjan, India knock out a bridge near Kazu and bomb
and strafe Nsopzup.  Eight B-25s hit the Thazi railroad junction.
  In China, 6 B-25s from Kunming, with fighter escort, bomb a storage area 
at Mangshih.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Spitfire Mk Vs of the 4th Fighter Group fly 12 uneventful patrol sorties.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force)
    In Tunisia, fighters and fighter-bombers hit troops, tanks, and motor
transport along the Tunisian battleline southwest of Maleur, at Sidi Nsir
near Pont-du-Fhas, northeast of Bedja, and in the Goubellat area.  The 17th
Bombardment Group (Medium) sends 9 B-26s to destroy the La Hencha Bridge
between Gabes and Sfax.  Their escort is jumped by Bf 109s and the bombers
turn back.
    HQ 325th Fighter Group and it's 317th and 318th Fighter Squadrons with
P-40Fs arrive at Tafaraoui, Algeria from the U.S.
    The 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with P-38s transfers from 
Berteaux, Algeria to Mediouna, French Morocco for R&R.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomons, P-38s and Navy aircraft attack Vila Airfield on
Kolombangara Island.  B-24s bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville Island and
also hit Ballale Island.
  Detachment B, 6th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group with 5 P-70s
begins operating from Guadalcanal.  This squadron is based in Hawaii.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, a lone B-17 bombs Lae Airfield.

SOURCES: 
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force History,
  Headquarters USAF, 1961, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
COMBAT SQUADRONS OF THE AIR FORCE, WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force
  History, Headquarters USAF 1982
THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by the 
  Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1973
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman, ISBN 1-85409-071-2

Jack McKillop
USAF (Airways and Air Communications Service)
1955-59
• With grateful thanks for the scholarship of Kit Carter, Robert Mueller and Jack McKillop •
• Thanks also to Charles McGrew •
Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them. Franklin Delano Roosevelt

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