USAAF Combat Operations 1941

USAAF Worldwide Operations Chronology
                 COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES 
                 
JULY 1943


AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-4, Lockheed Lightning
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)
  
  THURSDAY, 1 JULY 1943

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    During the month of July:
      The 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy) 
based on Umnak Island ceases operating from Amchitka Island, and
      The detachment of the 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group that
has been operating from Amchitka Island with P-40's since May 43 returns to 
it's base on Shemya Island, and
      The 632d and 633d Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 407th Bombardment 
Group (Dive) based at Drew Field, Tampa, Florida begin operating from
Amchitka Island with A-36's.

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND)
    During the month of July: 
      a. The 3d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing,
based at Ft. Dix Army Air Base, New Jersey with B-24's, ceases flying ASW
missions.
      b. The 8th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing 
based at Miami Army Air Field, Florida begins operating with B-24's from 
Trinidad and other bases in the Caribbean.
      c. The 16th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing,
based at Charleston Army Air Field, South Carolina with B-25's, ceases
flying ASW missions.
      d. The 27th, 30th and 392d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 30th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at March Field, California with B-24's,
ceases flying ASW missions. The squadrons have been flying these missions
since Jan 42.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    The 2d Troop Carrier Squadron, Assam Air Base Command, transfers with
C-47's from Yangkai, China to Dinjan, India.
    During the month of July, the detachment of the 9th Photographic
Squadron (Light), Tenth Air Force operating from Dinjan, India with F-
4's and F-5's returns to its base at Pandaveswar, India.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  A memo by Major General Barney Mc Giles for General Henry H "Hap"
Arnold, Commanding General, USAAF, stresses great need for more fighter
escort for strategic bombing missions. The present ratio of less than 1
fighter group to 4 heavy bomber groups is held to be completely
insufficient and a minimum ratio of 1 to 2 is suggested.
  Brigadier General Frederick L Anderson Jr replaces Brigadier General
Newton Longfellow as Commanding General VIII Bomber Command.
  HQ 14th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) transfers from Hethel, England to Camp 
Thomas, England.
  HQ 20th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) transfers from Camp Lynn, England to
Cheddington, England.
  The 556th, 557th, 558th and 559th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 387th 
Bombardment Group (Medium) arrive at Chipping Ongar, England from the US 
with B-26's.
  During the month of July, HQ 99th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at
Aldermaston, England from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's, along with Twelfth Air Force fighters, fly armored 
reconnaissance of S Sicily and convoy patrol in the Cap Bon, Tunisia area 
and off Kebili, Tunisia. Royal Air Force (RAF) Halifaxes hit Catania, 
Sicily railway yards.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 30 Jun/l Jul, Wellingtons bomb barracks and
railway station at Cagliari, Sicily. Northwest African Coastal Air Force
(NACAF) flies patrol, reconnaissance, and convoy protection.
    The 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Matemore, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
    The 18th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Blida, Algeria to Kairouan, Tunisia.
    The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
    The 312th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 86th Bombardment Group (Dive)
transfers with A-36's from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Korba, Tunisia.
    During the month of July:
      HQ 52d Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Oujda, French Morocco to
Kairouan, Tunisia, and
      HQ 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers from Matemore, Algeria to
Goubrine, Tunisia, and
      The 1st and 2d Antisubmarine Squadrons (Heavy), 480th
Antisubmarine Group (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command, based at Port
Lyautey, French Morocco operate from Agadir, French Morocco with B-24s.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  During the month of July, the 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d
Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers with B-25's from Guadalcanal
Island, Solomon Islands to New Caledonia; the squadron continues to
operate from Guadalcanal until Oct 43.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe forces in the Duali area as
nearby Allied troops consolidate positions along the S arm of the Bitoi
River; other A-20's strafe the Lae area; and B-25's hit Kela Point and
Logui. B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Rabaul on New Britain Island
in the Bismarck Archipelago.
  The 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's
from Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia to Amberley Field, Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia. The squadron has yet to enter combat.

FRIDAY, 2 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F4U, Vought Corsair (USN)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-51, North American Mustang
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 
  
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    3 bombers and 4 P-38's fly 4 reconnaissance missions over Kiska and
Segula Islands. 17 B-24's and 16 B-25's then attack Kiska Island in 5 
missions, 2 of them radar-guided. Fires are started at several of the
targets, which include Gertrude Cove, the harbor, and buildings in the
Main Camp area. Intense AA fire damages 3 aircraft. 2 B-25's on a
submarine attack hit the Kiska seaplane ramp after making no contact
with the target. 2 P-40's cover troops which make an unopposed landing
on Rat Island.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's bomb airfields at Lecce, Grottaglie and San Pancrazio
Salentino, Italy.  In Sicily, B-25's hit the airfield and surrounding area 
at Sciacca; P-40's, escorting bombers to Sciacca, shoot down a fighter and 
damage 1. 2 P-40's are lost.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons 
hit Palermo and Cagliari during the night of 1/2 Jul; and Northwest African 
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) B-25's hit Castelvetrano during the day. 
Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft attack 2 vessels off 
the W coast of Italy and fly patrols, reconnaissance, and convoy protection.
    The air echelon of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th
Reconnaissance Group transfers with P-51's from Bou Ficha, Tunisia to
Korba, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  B-25's and US Navy F4U's bomb and strafe a small vessel in the anchorage
at Bairoko, New Georgia, Solomon Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's pound defenses in the Kela Point area and a
trail near Logui while a lone B-24 bombs the Salamaua area. The Allied
invasion force (the MacKechnie Force) holds firm a beachhead on Nassau Bay,
and makes contact with Australian forces to the N. B-17's and B-24's again 
attack airfields at Rabaul on New Britain Island in the Bismrack
Archipelago.

SATURDAY, 3 JULY 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-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    6 B-24's bomb Main Camp on Kiska Island and take photos of Segula
Island.

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 15th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing, based
at Jacksonville Municipal Airport, Florida, ceases operating from Langley
Field, Virginia and returns to Jacksonville with their B-24's

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    B-25's hit the oft-bombed bridge at Myitnge, Burma, knocking the S
end span into the river.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Lieutenant General Jacob L Devers, Commanding General European Theater
of Operations, US Army (ETOUSA), in a report to General Henry H "Hap"
Arnold, praises the proficiency of the VIII Bomber Command bombardiers
but stresses a dire need for high-altitude gunnery training.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-25's hit airfield at Comiso, Sicily. P-40's fly escort over Sicily
and over Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean, claiming destruction
of 1 fighter.
    The 564th, 565th, 566th and 567th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
389th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Hethel, England begin operating
with B-24's from Bengasi, Libya.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 2/3 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons attack Olbia, Sardinia and Trapani, Sicily. The
following day, B-17's and B-25's hit Chilivani, Italy, and the airfields
at Monserrato and Alghero, Sardinia. In Sardinia, fighters hit radar
stations at Pula and Alghero, while B-26's bomb the airfields at Milis
and Capoterra. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
A-20's hit the area around Marsala and airfields at Sciaccay and
Trapani.
    The ground echelon of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter),
68th Reconnaissance Group transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Tunis,
Tunisia. The air echelon is at Korba, Tunisia.
    The 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group transfers with
Spitfires transfers from Korba, Tunisia to Gozo Island, Malta.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's bomb the airfield and AA positions at
Munda on New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-24's bomb airfields in the Rabaul, New Britain Island area and hit
Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island. Koepang on Timor Island is attacked
by 2 B-25's. A lone B-17 bombs landing strip at Cape Gloucester on New
Britain Island.

SUNDAY, 4 JULY 1943 (INDEPENDENCE DAY)

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
  Bf 109, Messerschmitt
  Halifax, Handley Page (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    B-24's attack the Shweli, Burma road bridge but fail to cause 
appreciable damage.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 71: 192 B-17's are dispatched
against aircraft factores at Le Mans and Nanes, France; 166 make a very
effective attack; we claim 52-14-22 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 7 with 1
damaged beyond repair and 53 others damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 9 WIA
and 70 MIA. 83 other B-17's are dispatched against submarine yards at La
Pallice, France; 71 hit the target between 1201 and 1204 local; we claim
0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 1 and 1 is damaged; casualties are 10
MIA. Bombing is extremely accurate.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Royal Air Force (RAF) Halifax aircraft bomb the Catania, Sicily.
railroad yards during the night of 3/4 Jul. B-25's hit the airfield at
Comiso, Sicily. P-40's escort bombers and convoy and fly sea-search for
a missing pilot. Fighters claim 3 Bf 109's shot down. 4 P-40's are lost.
    The 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group transfer
with P-40's from Tunisia to Malta.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 3/4 Jul, Wellingtons hit Trapani, Sicily and Lido 
di Roma, Italy. Leaflets are dropped in the Rome, Italy area. In Sicily, 
B-17's and B-26's hit the airfields at Catania and Gerbini; B-25's bomb 2 
satellite airfields near Gerbini; and Northwest African Tactical Air Force 
(NATAF) A-20 and medium bombers hit airfields at Comiso, Trapani, Sciacca, 
and Castelvetrano.
    The 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's
from Telergma, Algeria to El Bathan, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  B-17's pound Bairoko, New Georgia Island.

MONDAY, 5 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's attack the harbor, harbor installations, railway
yards, and oil storage at Messina while B-25's hit the airfields at
Sciacca and Biscari. P-40's fly uneventful sea patrol. Royal Air Force
(RAF) heavy bombers strike railroad yards at Catania, Sicily.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the
airfields at Villacidro, Sardinia and Catania, Sicily during the night
of 4/5 Jul. In Sicily, NASAF fighters, medium and heavy bombers hit main
and satellite airfields at Gerbini and radar stations at Marsala and
Licata; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium 
bombers hit Sciacca and airfields at Trapani, Comiso and Biscari.
Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) airplanes maintain sea
patrol, reconnaissance, and convoy escort.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 9 B-24's over Buin, Bougainville Island fail to
find shipping and bomb Munda, New Georgia Island, and Ballale Island
instead.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe the airfield at Salamaua, Komiatum 
Track, and HQ areas at Kela and Salamaua.

TUESDAY, 6 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-40, Curtiss
  PV, Lockheed Ventura (USN)
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-24's and 2 P-40's on 3 weather
reconnaissance missions report Kiska Island overcast, and take photos of
Segula Island. 6 B-24's bomb Main Camp on Kiska. 8 B-25's abort a radar
run over Kiska Island when 1 has engine trouble and the others fail to
locate a PV Pathfinder. They sight a submarine which crash-dives
immediately.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 5 B-25's and 8 P-40's hit runway and revetment area at
Pailochi Airfield.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 385th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 549th, 550th, and 551st
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Great Ashfield,
England from the US joining the 548th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) which
arrived on 29 Jun 43. The group will fly it's first combat mission on 17
Jul 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's strike satellite airfields at Gerbini; B-25's hit
the airfields at Biscari and Gerbini while P-4O's escort bombers, patrol, 
and carry out dive-bombing operations.
    The 85th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
from Tunisia to Malta.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
hit Gerbini Airfield and 2 satellites during the night of 5/6 Jul; during 
predawn hours and throughout the day, light and medium bombers of Northwest 
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) bomb airfields at Biscari, Sciacca, 
Trapani, and Comiso; NASAF B-17's again hit Gerbini Airfield and 3 
satellite fields; B-25's bomb Biscari Airfield. Northwest African Coastal 
Air Force (NACAF) maintains sea patrol and convoy protection.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-17's and B-24's pound airfields at Kahili,
on Bougainville Island, on Ballale Island and on Buka Island. B-25's hit
a beached destroyer at Bamberi, New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-25's attack the airfield at Penfoei on Timor Island and hit Labu
Lagoon area in New Guinea.

WEDNESDAY, 7 JULY 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-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ZONE OF INTERIOR (HQ, USAAF)
    The Army Air Forces Training Command is established to take over the
functions formerly assigned to the Technical Training and Flying Training 
Commands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    7 B-25's and 22 P-40's attack shipping at Canton, China. At least 2
interceptors are shot down.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 7th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group arrives at Mount
Farm, England from the US.
  HQ 352d Fighter Group and it's 328th, 486th and 487th Fighter Squadrons 
with P-47D's arrive at Bodney, England from the US. The group will fly 
it's first combat mission on 9 Sep 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The German sub, U-95l, is sunk in E Atlantic, 37-40N 15-30W, by
a B-24 of the 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy).

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's hit airfields at Gerbini and the rail line N of 
Brucoli; and B-25's bomb the airfield and surrounding areas at Biscari and 
Comiso. P-40's bomb and strafe Lucca Airfield, Italy.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Palermo, 
Sicily and airfields at Villacidro, Milis, and Pabillonis, Sardinia during 
the night of 6/7 Jul. In Sicily during the day, B-17's, B-25's, and B-26's 
bomb Gerbini satellite fields and Bo Rizzo Airfield, as P-40's fly 
a diversionary sweep over the W part of Sicily; Northwest African Tactical 
Air Force (NATAF) A-20's hit Sciacca during the night of 6/7 Jul, and the 
following day bomb airfields at Trapani, Biscari, Comiso, Bo Rizzo, and 
Mazara del Vallo, and hit Sciacca, and Marsala radar stations, 
Caltanissetta and Porto Empedocle.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and P-38's attack Vila Airfield on
Kolombangara Island and B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's and B-25's, along with Royal Australian Air Force 
(RAAF) airplanes, operate in direct support of Allied ground operations in 
the Mubo area, dropping over 100 tons of bombs on numerous targets as 
the MacKechnie Force begins an assault on Bitoi Ridge and Australian forces 
(2/6 Battalion) capture Observation Hill, an important terrain feature W 
of Mubo.

THURSDAY, 8 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    9 B-25's fly a special mission to Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    22 B-24's, escorted by 13 P-40's, attack shipping, docks, and a cement
works at Haiphong, French Indochina.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 479th Antisubmarine Group is activated at St Eval, England.  The group 
is assigned to the AAF Antisubmarine Command and controls all Antisubmarine 
Squadrons in England.
  The 354th, 357th and 358th Fighter Squadrons, 355th Fighter Group, arrive 
at Steeple Morden, England from the US with P-47D's. They will fly their 
first combat mission on 14 Sep 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ANTISUBMARINE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    German sub, U-232, is sunk off Portugal, 40-37N 13-4lW, by a B-24 of 
the 2d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy).

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's attack the Catania railway station, telegraph and
telephone buildings, and industrial area; B-25's hit the airfields at
Biscari and Comiso and nearby areas; and P-40's attack Biscari Airfield, 
escort bombers over Sicily, and carry out sea patrol.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
     In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons 
bomb airfields at Comiso and Catania during the night of 7/8 Jul. During 
the day, B-17's, B-25's, and B-26's make several strikes against Gerbini 
and its satellite fields; P-38's strafe radar installations in the E part 
of Sicily; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light bombers hit 
Sciacca Airfield while medium bombers hit airfields at Biscari and Comiso; 
A-36's attack trucks, a train, railroads, highways, a sulphur plant, and a 
marshalling yard at several points in Sicily.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's continue to pound enemy positions around Mubo and 
along the coast of NE New Guinea, hitting Kela Point and village, Malolo, 
Buigap Creek, and trails from Salamaua Airfield and Kennedy's Crossing to 
Logui.
  The 319th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers with B-24's from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia to Port 
Moresby, New Guinea.

FRIDAY, 9 JULY 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-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 23d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing, based
at Drew Field, Tampa, Florida begins operating from Langley Field, Hampton,
Virginia with B-25's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    B-25's bomb the railroad bridge on the Mu River between Ywataung and 
Monywa, Burma scoring 2 direct hits and leaving the bridge temporarily 
unusable.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 56th Fighter Group and it's 63d Fighter Squadron with P-47D's transfer 
from Horsham St Faith, England to Halesworth, England.
  HQ 355th Fighter Group arrives at Steeple Morden, England from the US to 
join the three squadrons that arrived yesterday.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's bomb airfields at Maleme, Crete, and Comiso and Taormina, Sicily. 
In Sicily, B-25's hit Sciacca landing ground and Biscari Airfield and 
dispersal areas while P-40's escort bombers over Castelvetrano, and Milo 
Airfields. This pre-invasion air bombardment of Sicily provides air 
superiority over the enemy. British and US airborne contingents are dropped 
on the island during the night of 9/10 Jul to help facilitate the amphibious 
assault of seaborne troops which are to land tomorrow morning. This is the 
first major airborne operation to be undertaken by the Allies in World War 
II, and subsequently becomes the subject of intensive study.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 8/9 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air 
Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the airfields at Catania, Gerbini, and 
Comiso, and throughout the following day B-17's, B-25's, B-26's, and 
fighters attack other targets, including Sciacca and Biscari Airfields, 
Gerbini satellite field, and Cape Passero Island radar stations; and 
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) planes hit Sciacca and Milo 
Airfield during the night of 8/9 Jul, and on 9 Jul hit Milo and Biscari 
Airfields, Sciacca, Porto Empedocle, HQ at Taormina, a junction NE of Gela, 
the Canicatti area, and targets of opportunity.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands during the night of 8/9 Jul, B-24's bomb Kahili
Airfield and Buin on Bougainville Island, and Poporang Island. B-25's and 
several fighters sent against forces near Vella Lavella Island, fail to 
locate the target and strafe Buki and Ganongga Islands, and a destroyer 
beached on SE Kolombangara Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's hit forces in the vicinity of Old Bobdubi, Malolo, 
and Busama. On Timor Island, B-25's hit landing fields, Dili, and Cape
Chater.

SATURDAY, 10 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    The Eleventh Air Force attacks the Japanese Home Islands for the first 
time as 8 B-25's raid Paramushiru Island in the Kurile Islands, scoring 
hits on the S part of Shimushu Island, Paramushiru Island, Kurile Strait, 
and northern Paramushiru Island, in dead reckoning runs when solid cloud 
cover prevents a maximum altitude attack.  No AA fire is encountered and no 
enemy aircraft are sighted. The B-25's stage through Attu Island on 
returning to Adak Island. 6 B-24's, originally slated to accompany the 
B-25's to Paramushiru Island and 5 other B-25's are on short notice 
dispatched to attack a convoy off Attu Island. They claim 2 medium 
freighters sunk in deck-level strikes.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    9 B-24's bomb the dock area at Haiphong, French Indochina.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VII Bomber Command Mission Number 72: 121 B-17's and 5 YB-40's are
dispatched to the Caen/Carpiquet Airfield and 64 B-17's are dispatched to 
the Abbevile/Drucat Airfield, both in France; 34 hit Caen at 0832 hours 
while 36 hit Abbeville at 0729-0735 hours; they claim 17-7-6 Luftwaffe 
aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost while 33 others are damaged; casualties are 1 WIA 
and 10 MIA. In a second raid, 101 B-17's are dispatched against Le Bourget 
Airfield, Paris but the mission is abandoned due to cloud cover.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's attack the marshalling yard at Catania and airfield at
Vibo Valentia; and B-25's hit Palazzolo, Sciacca, Catania, Agrigento,
Floridia, Giarratana, Biscari, Syracuse, and Piazza Armerina while fighters 
cover the assault beach areas.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 9/10 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air 
Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Catania, Syracuse, the Syracuse Isthmus 
seaplane base and the railroad station at Syracuse, and Caltagirone; North-
west African Air Force Troop Carrier Command flies airborne operations to 
drop British and US paratroops; the US Seventh and British Eighth Armies 
make amphibious landings on the S and SE coast of Sicily.  Northwest Afri-
can Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-36's hit railroads, road junctions, 
trains, and vehicles while P-40's fly cover for amphibious landinps. NATAF 
light and medium bombers hit airfields at Sciacca, Canicatti, Ponte Olivo, 
and Trapani, and towns and surrounding areas of Caltagirone and Palazzolo. 
Throughout the day NASAF B-17's and B-25's bomb Milo and Sciacca 
Airfields, Gerbini satellite fields, and towns of Palazzolo and 
Caltanissetta, Sicily. P-38's on sweep strafe radar installation. 
    HQ 3d Air Defense Wing transfers from Tunisia to Licata, Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-24's pound Kahili Airfield on Bougainville
Island. Seabees report a 3,300-ft (1,006 m) airstrip at Segi Point on New 
Georgia Island available for limited operations; this provides an emergency 
landing field only 40 mi (64 km) from Japanese facilities at Munda, New 
Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's pound Salamaua, Logui, and the SE bank of the
Francisco River as Allied ground forces effect junction at Buigap Creek
cutting communications between Salamaua and Mubo; a single B-24 bombs the 
village of Kela. B-24's bomb Boela on Ceram Island in the Moluccas Islands 
and Babo, New Guinea.

SUNDAY, 11 JULY 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-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 5 B-24's take off to attack Paramushiru
Island in the Kurile Islands and fly a shipping search but are turned
back by bad weather. A shipping search by 5 B-25's finds nothing. 6
B-25's and 6 B-24's in 3 missions (one by radar) attack North Head and
Main Camp on Kiska Island sighting new excavations near Sredni Point,
strafe a tent near Haycock Rock, and also fly over Segula Island.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  3 B-24's from Funafuti Island in the Ellice Islands fly a photo
reconnaissance mission to Little Makin Island in the Gilbert Islands; 2
of the B-24's bomb the island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    A few B-24's hit the port of Haiphong, French Indochina.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 3 B-24's bomb the Haiphong harbor area, 3 bomb
shipping in the Campha Port area, and 8 pound positions and barracks area
at Kunlong, China; and P-40's strafe traffic between Lao Kay and Cha Pa,
and hit oil storage area SW of Lao Kay.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's hit airfields at Vibo Valentia, Sicily and Reggio di Calabria,
Italy. In Sicily, B-25's hit airfields at Trapani, Milo and Bo Rizzo, and
areas between Sciacca and Enna. P-40's escort bombers and provide beach
cover as invasion forces push inland in Sicily. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army's II Corps is hit by a
counterattack, mainly in the Gela region. The attack is repelled, but an
airdrop of a contingent of 82d Airborne Division troops results in heavy
casualties.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) planes hit
Milo and Sciacca Airfields during the night of 10/11 Jul and numerous
tactical targets during the day, including town areas, vehicle convoys,
bridges, trains and roads; NASAF B-17's bomb the Catania marshalling yard
while B-26's hit Milo Airfield and Gerbini satellite airfields; and
B-25's and P-38's hit Sciacca Airfield and the town of Caltanissetta.
Throughout the day NASAF fighters attack truck convoys on Sicilian
highways, and hit gun positions and targets of opportunity.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-24's and B-17's attack Kahili Airfield on 
Bougainville Island, hitting revetments E and W of the strip.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's and B-25's blast positions in the battle zone
from Nassau Bay inland to the Mubo area, hitting the trail ketween Logui
and Kennedy's Crossing, the Bobdubi and Bobdubi Ridge areas, Salamaua,
Kela Point and villages scattered through the area. Other B-25's bomb
Penfoei on Timor Island. B-17's and B-24's pound airfields in the Rabaul
area on New Britain Island.
  The 19th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 22d Bombardment Group (Medium)
transfers with B-26's from Woodstock, Queensland, Australia to Dobodura,
New Guinea. The 19th, which has been in combat in the SWPA since Apr 42,
was pulled out of combat in Jan 43 for R&R. The squadron will fly it's
first combat mission on this tour on 27 Jul 43.

MONDAY, 12 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-4, Lockheed Lightning
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 7 B-24's attack docks and shipping at Campha
Port, shipping at Ha Long Bay, and railroad yards, power plant, and
warehouses at Hongay. The B-24's claim critical damage to 2 freighters;
and P-40's strafe trucks S of Ha Giang.
    The flight of the 9th Photographic Squadron (Light), Tenth Air Force
operating from Kunming, China and it's detachment operating from Kweilin,
China with F-4's return to their base at Pandaveswar, India.
    The 21st Photographic Squadron (Light), 5th Photographic
Reconnaissance and Mapping Group dispatches a flight with F-5's from
Bishnupur, India to Kunming and Kweilin, China.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    A B-24 of the lst Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) sinks U-506 near
Portugal at 42-30N 16-30W.

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack the harbor, ferry slip, and marshalling yard
at Reggio di Calabria, and the ferry slip and railroad yards at Villa San
Giovanni. In Sicily, B-25's hit Bo Rizzo Airfield while P-40's patrol
over the Licata area. On the ground in Sicily, with bridgeheads firmly
established by the end of day, British and US troops make contact at
Ragusa. Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers bomb Reggio di Calabria
Airfield, Italy.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 11/12 Jul, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons pound Trapani, Marsala, Mazara del Vallo,
and Montecorvino-Rovello Airfield and Northwest African Air Force Troop
Carrier Command drops paratroops in front of the forward lines in the
battle area; more than 20 C-47's fail to return from mission; during the
following day, B-17's hit Messina railroad bridges, medium and light
bombers hit Gerbini satellite field, Agrigento, Canicatti, and Milo
Airfield. Fighters hit trucks, trains, troops, tanks, and other targets
of opportunity during sweeps over Sicily. Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) fighters and light bombers hit Milo Airfield, Sicilian
beaches, Termini harbor and town, Ninfa rail junction, several trains,
numerous vehicles, and communications targets throughout Sicily.
Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft fly convoy escort
and carry out shipping strikes in Tyrrhenian Sea and W of Corsica and
Sardinia.
    HQ XII Air Support Command transfers from Tunisia to Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 10 B-25's attack Vila Airfield on Kolombangara
Island, which is hit later in the day by B-24's on armored
reconnaissance. 17 B-24's pound the airfield on Ballale Island. Several
fighters join US Navy dive bombers in strikes on AA and bivouacs in the
Munda area on New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  13 B-24's bomb airfields and the town area in Rabaul, New Britain
Island and vicinity. In the Moluccas Islands, 2 B-25's hit Lingat Air-
field and Selaroe Island villages. A lone B-17 bombs Garove Island in the
Bismarck Archipelago.

TUESDAY, 13 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  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
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    16 B-25's lay mines in the Irrawaddy River, Burma.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's strike airfields at Crotone, Italy and Vibo Valentia, Sicily.
In Sicily, B-25's attack the Leonforte road and harbor at Termini; and
P-40's patrol the Licata area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 12/13 Jul, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons hit Caltanissetta, Gerbini Airfield, and
Enna. During the day, B-17's, B-25's, B-26's, and fighters attack Enna,
Milo Airfield, Carcitella landing ground, Randazzo, and targets of
opportunity. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) aircraft hit
truck convoys, trains, railway stations, troops, and numerous targets of
opportunity over wide areas in Sicily. Northwest African Coastal Air
Force (NACAF) continues sea patrols, reconnaissance, and convoy protec-
tion and attack ship convoy NE of Palermo, Sicily. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the British effort to break out onto Catania
Plain by establishing bridgehead over Simeto River near Lentini is firmly
opposed.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 309th Fighter Squadron transfer with
Spitfires from Gozo Island, Malta to Ponte Olivo, Sicily.
    The air echelon of the 23d Photographic Squadron (Light), 5th Photo-
grahic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group arrives at La Marsa, Tunisia from
the US with F-5's. The ground echelon is still at Colorado Springs,
Colorado and will not leave the US until 8 Aug; they will arrive at La
Marsa on 8 Sep.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's, operating individually, bomb the
airfield, town area, harbor, and other targets in the Lae area; B-25's
blast positions in the Salamaua area, along the road between Kela and
MacDonald's Junction, and hit AA guns at Salamaua and MacDonald's Junc-
tion; and ground forces clear the Mubo area and Lababia Ridge of the
enemy.
  HQ 375th Troop Carrier Group arrives at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
from the US.

WEDNESDAY, 14 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-51, North American Mustang
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 73: Three targets are struck in
France, i.e.:
    1. 111 B-17's and 5 YB-40's are dispatched against the aircraft works
at Villacoublay, France; 101 hit the target at 0811-0815 hours; they
claim 15-7-16 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-17's are lost and 67 damaged;
casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 21 MIA.
    2. 64 B-17's are dispatched against Amiens/Glisy Airfield; 53 hit the
target at 0742 hours; they claim 9-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is
lost, 3 are damaged beyond repair and 34 are damaged; casualties are 6
KIA, 3 WIA and 10 MIA.
    3. 84 B-17's are dispatched against LeBourget Airfield, Paris; 52 hit
the target at 0750-0820 hours; they claim 41-27-32 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4
B-17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 50 damaged; casualties
are 16 WIA and 41 MIA.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's and Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers hit rail-
road, marshalling yard, harbor, and oil storage facilities at Messina;
B-25's hit the Enna and Palermo areas; and P-40's patrol Licata and
attack the Lentini area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 13/14 Jul, Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Palermo and Messina, and C-47's drop
paratroops in advance of Allied troops to secure a bridge at Primosole.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) aircraft hit ammo dumps,
trains, rail junctions, bridges, vehicle convoys, and other targets of
opportunity in the Sicilian countryside, and bomb several town areas
including Enna and Palermo during several raids throughout the night of
13/14 Jul and the following day. During the day, B-17's, B-26's, B-25's,
and fighters hit Naples, Italy and Messina, Enna, Marsala, and Randazzo,
and numerous targets of opportunity in Sicily. Northwest African Coastal 
Air Force (NACAF) continues sea patrols, reconnaissance, and convoy 
protection.    
    On the ground in Sicily, British forces attempting to establish a
bridgehead at the Primosole bridge on the Simeto River near Lentini 
continue to face strong opposition.
    The detachment of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3d Photo-
graphic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, operating from Le Kroub,
Algeria with B-17's and F-5's returns to it's base at La Marsa, Tunisia.
    The air echelon of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th
Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Korba, Tunisia to Ponte Olivo,
Sicily with P-51's. The ground echelon will remain at Tunis, Tunisia
until Friday.
    The 307th and 308th Fighter Squadrons, 31st Fighter Group, transfer
with Spitfires from Gozo Island, Malta to Ponte Olivo, Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and P-40's strike small craft in Hunda
Cove and Beagle Channel off New Georgia Island; 2 barges and a small
vessel are claimed destroyed. B-24's and B-17's pound airfields on
Ballale Island and Buka Island, and at Kahili on Bougainville Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe the Orodubi area; and a single
B-17 hits Lae. B-24's bomb Koepang on Timor Island.

THURSDAY, 15 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  L-4, Piper Cub
  L-5, Stinson Sentinel
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 1 B-24 and 2 P-39's fly reconnaissance over
Kiska and Segula Islands. 9 B-24's and 14 B-25's bomb Kiska Island
targets including AA batteries at North Head, Jeff Cove and Gertrude
Cove. Fires are started. 1 bomber turns back with 3 engines and jettisons
bombs, another crashes on return. AA fire damages a B-25.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    The 71st Liaison Squadron is activated at Ondal, India, assigned to
the Tenth Air Force. The squadron will be equipped with L-4's and L-5's
and enter combat in Oct 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's strike main airfield and 2 satellite fields at Foggia, Italy.
In Sicily, B-25's bomb Palermo, Cape Gallo, Salina Island, and Cape
Zifferano; and P-40's patrol over the Licata area.          

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 14/16 Jul, Wellingtons of the Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) hit airfields and docks at Naples, Italy
while Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium
bombers bomb Palermo, Sicily and fly armored reconnaissance, attacking
roads and convoys, over extensive areas of Sicily. During the day, NASAF
medium bombers bomb Vibo Valentia, Sicily, while heavy bombers hit Villa
San Giovanni, Italy. NASAF fighters fly numerous strafing and bombing
missions against trains, road junctions, radar installations, truck
convoys, railway stations, and targets of opportunity throughout Sicily.
Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) airplanes fly sea patrols,
reconnaissance, convoy escort, and hit shipping off the W coast of
Corsica and E coast of Sardinia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's, P-40's, and P-38's strafe 2 barges NE
of Ganongga Island, leaving them sinking. A large enemy force, estimated
at 27 bombers and 40-50 Zekes, is intercepted over Vella Lavella Island
by USAAF and other Allied fighters, which claim 15 bombers and 30 Zekes
destroyed, against 3 losses.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, A-20's hit positions along the Orodubi-Komiatum Track.

FRIDAY, 16 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Beaufighter, Bristol
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Air Support Command Mission Number 1: 16 B-26B's are dispatched
against the marshalling yard at Abbeville, France; 14 hit the target at
2000 hours; 10 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA. With this mis-
sion, the VIII Air Support Command begins combat operations, having
acquired the 322d, 323d, 386th, and 387th Bombardment Groups (Medium).

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's attack Bari Airfield, Italy; enemy fighters attack persistently 
and 3 B-24's are shot down; they claim 11 fighters destroyed in combat. 
B-25's bomb Randazzo and Valguarnera, Sicily. Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy 
bombers hit Reggio di Calabria Airfield, Italy.
    HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Tunisia to Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 15/16 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the dock, marshalling yards, and airfields at
Vibo Valentia, Sicily and Crotone, Reggio di Calabria, and Villa San
Giovanni, Italy, while Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
and medium bombers carry out numerous missions against Randazzo, Sicily
and roads in Sicily. During the day NATAF fighters, light and medium
bombers bomb Valguarnera, Sicily and targets of opportunity in north
central Sicily. 
    On the ground in Sicily, British troops establish a bridgehead across
the Simeto River.
    The ground echelon of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter),
68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Tunis, Tunisia to Ponte Olivo,
Sicily joining the air echelon which arrived on Tuesday.
    The air echelon of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 2d Air Defense
Wing, which has been training in England with Beaufighters, joins the
ground echelon at Rerhaia, Algeria. The squadron will enter combat on 24
Jul.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands 30+ B-24's and B-17's pound Kahili Airfield 
on Bougainville Island. In the Buin, Bougainville Island-Faisi Island 
area, 7 B-24's join 70+ US Navy dive bombers and 100+ USAAF, Royal 
New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), US Navy, and US Marine Corps fighters in 
an attack on shipping. Allied airplanes claim 40+ aircraft destroyed 
or damaged; 7 vessels, including a destroyer, are sunk.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  A single B-24 bombs forces at MacDonald's Junction, New Guinea. Royal
Australian Air Force (RAAF) airplanes hit positions to the SW.

SATURDAY, 17 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-18, Douglas Bolo.
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  L-4, Piper Cub
  L-5, Stinson Sentinel
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
 
  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 7th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing, based
at Jacksonville Municipal Airport, Florida with B-18's but operating from 
Edinburgh Field, Trinidad, ceases flying ASW missions.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    The 71st Liaison Squadron, Tenth Air Force, transfers from Ondal,
India to Ramgarh, India and begins training with L-4's and L-5's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 74: The two primary targets are the 
rail industry at Hannover, Germany and the aviation industry at Hamburg,
Germany. Both missions are recalled due to weather but the bombers hit
three targets, i.e.:
    1. 205 B-17's and 2 YB-40's are dispatched against Hannover; 33 hit
targets of opportunity; they claim 32-7-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is
lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair and 50 are damaged; casualties are 1
KIA, 9 WIA and 3 MIA.
    2. 125 B-17's are dispatched against Hamburg; 1 hits a convoy and 21
attempt to bomb the Fokker plant at Amsterdam, The Netherlands which is
obscured by clouds; the target is missed and 150 civilians are killed;
they claim 28-9-33 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost, 1 is damaged
beyond repair and 41 are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 14 MIA.
  VIII Air Support Command Mission Nubmer 2: B-26's fly a diversion to
the Cayeux, France area.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    About 80 B-24's bomb the Naples, Italy marshalling yard in face of
fierce fighter opposition; 1 B-24 is shot down and several are damaged;
they claim 23 fighters destroyed in combat. In Sicily, B-25's hit Catania
and the rail yards and roads at Paterno; and P-40's fly escort to Gela
and Comiso. Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers hit Reggio di Calabria,
Italy.
    The 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, transfers with P-40's
from Malta to Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 16/17 Jul and the following day North-
west African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, light and medium
bombers, hit Catania, Paterno, the Riposto railroad station, and targets
of opportunity (vehicles, tanks, trains, guns). During the day, 200+
B-25's, B-26's, and B-17's bomb Naples, Italy, concentrating on the
marshalling yard. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US 45th and 1st Infantry Divisions cross
the Salso River S and E of Caltanissetta. The British 30 Corps expands
the Simeto River bridgehead and drives toward Catania in the coastal
sector while 51 Division crosses the Simeto River and reaches to within
10 miles (16 km) of Paterno.
    HQ 350th Fighter Group and it's 345th Fighter Squadron transfer with
P-39's from Maison Blance, Algeria to Rerhaia, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 7 B-24's and 70+ US Navy and Marine Corps
airplanes, escorted by 100+ USAAF and Allied fighters, attack shipping
off Buin, Bougainville Island. The B-24's claim hits on 2 cargo vessels,
and the dive bombers claim serious damage of 3 destroyers, a patrol ship,
an oiler, a merchant ship, and the 2 cargo vessels. In the air battle,
Allied aircraft claim 40+ Zekes and at least 4 float planes shot down; 
5 Allied airplanes are lost.
  The 75th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium),
which has been operating from New Caledonia Island with B-25's, returns 
to it's base on Guadalcanal Island. 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  During the night of 17/l8 Jul, B-25's bomb Lautem on Timor Island while
B-24's bomb Adaoet Island in the Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea during
the day, B-25's pound the airfield, Army HQ and defensive positions, and
the general area in and around Salamaua as Allied forces from the Nassau
Bay-Mubo area begin a drive on Salamaua; the drive is a secondary effort
designed to divert enemy attention from a subsequent Allied campaign to
secure the Markham River Valley and Huon Peninsula and thus gain control
of Vitiaz Strait and Dampier Strait.

SUNDAY, 18 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-24's and 6 B-25's bomb Gertrude Cove and
Main Camp on Kiska Island. 6 B-24's bomb shipping targets between Paramu-
shiru Island and Shimushu Island in the Kurile Islands and completed
runway at Murakami Bay on Paramushiru Island, which is also photographed.
They observe fires among buildings S and E of this runway. Some of the
observed aircraft take to the air and vainly pursue the attackers.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  6 B-24's, flying out of Funafuti Island in the Ellice Islands, bomb
Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.  Japanese bombers
raiding Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands are forced to jettison their
bombs at sea because of intense AA and fighter defense.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    7 B-24's bomb shipping at Haiphong and Hongay, French Indochina.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-25's bomb Randazzo and Catania, Sicily.
    The 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group, transfer
with P-40's from Malta to Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 17/18 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb airfields at Montecorvino, Sicily and Pomiglian-
o, Italy, while Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
bombers bomb Catania, Sicily and carry out reconnaissance of extensive
areas of Sicily. During the day, NATAF A-36's hit Santa Caterina, Adrano,
Lercara, and Termini Imerese, Sicily. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army makes rapid progress
against light opposition. The British Eighth Army continues their advance, 
but 13 Corps continues to meet strong resistance near Catania.
    HQ 27th Bombardment Group (Ligth) and it's 16th, 17th and 91st
Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-36's from Korba, Tunisia to
Sicily. The 27th will be redesignated the 27th Fighter-Bomber Group on 23
Aug 43; the 16, 17th and 91st will be redesignated the 522d, 523d and
524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons respectively.
    HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Pantelleria Island in the Medi-
terranean to Licata, Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 21 B-24's, 20+ P-40's and P-38's, and 140+ US
Navy and Marine Corps dive bombers and fighters thoroughly blast the
Kahili area on Bougainville Island; 15 B-24's concentrate on the air-
field; many AA positions are attacked, as are revetments and runways.
Hits are claimed on 2 destroyers, and a light craft is sunk. The Allied
airplanes claim 21 fighters shot down; 9 US US Navy aircraft are lost. A
B-25 off New Georgia Island strafes a motor launch.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  During the night of 18/19 Jul, B-24's bomb the harbor area at Makassar
on Celebes Island. In New Guinea, several B-25's, a B-24, and an A-20 bomb
and strafe Lokanu, Boisi, Tambu Peninsula, Dot Island, Salamaua, and
Komiatum as US forces secure the S headland of Tambu Bay for a supply
base. Other B-25's attack barges and shipping off New Britain Island in
the Bismarck Archipelago sinking a small cargo vessel off Cape Kwoi.

MONDAY, 19 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-24, Douglas Dauntless
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Boston, Douglas (RAAF)
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-51, North American Mustang
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    The 633d, 634th and 635th Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 407th 
Bombardment Group (Dive), based at Drew Field, Tampa, Florida begin 
operating from Amchitka Island in the Aleutian Islands with A-24's. The 
squadron will fly combat missions 4-13 Aug. 

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 14th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing, based
at Camp Edward Army Air Field, Falmouth, Massachusetts, begins operating
from Langley Field, Hampton, Virginia with B-24's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    B-25's damage the approaches to the Shweli, Burma road bridge.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    4 B-24's attack cement works at Haiphong, French Indochina.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    100+ B-24's attack the Littoria, Italy marshalling yards and nearby
airfield. On the return flight railroads at Orlando, Sicily and Anzio,
Italy are bombed. B-25's hit Catania and Randazzo, Sicily. P-40's escort
C-47's.
    The 64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group,
transfer with P-40's from Malta to Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 18/19 Jul, Wellingtons drop over 800,000 leaflets
on Rome, Italy. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
bombers attack Catania, Sicily. During the following day, about 150
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the Rome, Italy
railroad yards; B-25's and B-26's hit nearby Ciampino Airfield, Italy;
P-40's bomb rail facilities in the Alcamo, Sicily area; and NATAF A-36's
attack trains and motor transport in W Sicily. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army continues to push N and
NW while the British Eighth Army's 13 Corps still faces firm resistance
near Catania.
    The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance
Group, transfers with P-51's from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Gela, Sicily.
    The 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers with
Spitfires from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Agrigento, Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-17's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville
Island. B-17's and B-25's hit the airfield on Ballale Island. B-25's in
support of ground forces hit positions in the Bairoko battle area on New
Georgia Island where enemy resistance is fierce.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, a B-25 bombs a bridge over the mouth of the Francisco
River; a B-17 hits Finschhafen Airfield; and Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) Bostons attack a gun position at Komiatum and a military camp at
Erskine Creek.

TUESDAY, 20 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-18, Douglas Bolo
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-4, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND)
    The air echelon of the 7th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th
Antisubmarine Wing, which has been operating from Edinburgh Field,
Trinidad with B-18's since Apr 43, returns to it's base at Jacksonville
Municipal Airport, Florida.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    B-24's attack Mandalay, Burma.
    The 491st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group
(Medium), based at Chakulia, India sends a detachment of ground personnel
to Gaya, India.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 4 P-40's bomb a warehouse area at Tengchung; 6 others strafe
river traffic and railroad targets of opportunity at Sinti, Changanyi,
Tingszekiao, Kaiyu, and near Puchi.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    In the Bay of Biscay, a B-24 of the 19th Antisubmarine Squadron
(Heavy) sinks U-588 at 45-10N 09-42W.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-25's attack Randazzo and Taormina; and Royal Air Force
(RAF) heavy bombers hit Vibo Valentia Airfield.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 19/20 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Aquino, Sicily and Capodichino, Italy Airfields
while Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) medium and light
bombers attack vehicles, roads, and town areas around and in Randazzo,
Santo Stefano di Camastra, Orlando, and Nicosia, Sicily. During the day,
NASAF fighter-bombers attack targets of opportunity in W Sicily while
NASAF medium bombers strike Montecorvino Airfield. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army and British Eighth Army
continue to push NW and N. The US 82d Airborne Division takes Sciacca and
Menfi; the US 9d Infantry Division clears Santo Stefano Quisquina and the
heights N of Mussomeli; the US 2d Armored Division, with British units,
takes Enna and drives on to Villapriolo. The Canadian 1 Division pushes
to the Leonforte area; the British 51 Division attacks the German air-
field near Sferro; 13 Corps is halted by strong opposition on the
Catania Plain.
    HQ 86th Fighter Group transfers from Korba, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily.
    The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d Photographic Reconnaissance
and Mapping Group, based at Ariana, Tunisia begins operating from Gela
and Ponte Olivo, Sicily with F-4's.
    The 309th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 86th Bombardment Group (Dive)
transfers with A-36's from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Gela, Sicily. The 310th
and 312th Bombardment Squadrons (Dive) of the same group transfer from
Korba, Tunisia to Gela with A-36's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 18 B-24's bomb airfields at Kahili on Bougain-
ville Island and on Ballale Island. Fighters strafe barges in Pakoi Bay,
New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea US ground forces begin the struggle for the heights
commanding Tambu Bay and Dot Inlet; A-20's and B-25's pound Madang
Airfield and area, the Komiatum, Logui, areas along the Gum River and S 
of the Gogol River, the Gori River bridge area, and Bogadjim. On Timor
Island, B-25's bomb Lautem, Dili, and Cape Chater Airfield. A single B-24
bombs Arawe on New Britain Island.

WEDNESDAY, 21 JULY 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-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 9 B-24's bomb Kiska Island targets, includ-
ing the runway, North Head, and Main Camp area where fires are observed.
Poor weather cancels other scheduled missions.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, about 20 B-25's bomb Randazzo and P-40's escort C-47's to
Licata and return.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 20/21 Jul, Wellingtons of the Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) hit Crotone Airfield and the Naples marshal-
ling yard in Italy; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
bombers hit motor transport convoys in the Randazzo, Sicily area. During
the day, NASAF B-17's bomb Grosseto Airfield, Italy. 
    On the ground in Sicily, US Rangers seize Castelvetrano and the
airport; the US 82d Airborne Division takes San Margherita and the US 3d
Infantry Division takes Corleone; the US 45th Infantry Division, pushing
NW, takes Valledolmo; and the US lst Infantry Division clears Alimena.
In the British 30 Corps area, the Canadian l Division takes Leonforte.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to 
Agrigento, Sicily.
    HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 84th Bombardment Squadron
(Light) transfer with A-20's from Soliman, Tunisia to Malta. The 307th
and 309th Fighter Squadrons, 31st Fighter Group, transfer with Spitfires
from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Agrigento, Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands in a series of sorties in support of ground
forces, 22 B-25's, 50+ USAAF and US Navy fighters, and 170+ US Navy dive
bombers blast positions in the Bairoko area on New Georgia Island; 135
tons of bombs are dropped.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, 50+  B-25's again thoroughly pound the Madang area;
other B-25's hit the junction of the Gori and Ioworo Rivers and the
village of Bogadjim; and B-26's bomb barges and jetties W of Voco Point.
Single B-24's bomb Finschhafen Airfield, New Guinea and the town of
Rabaul on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.
  The 66th Troop Carrier Squadron, Fifth Air Force, arrives at Port
Moresby, New Guinea from the US with C-47's. The squadron will begin
aerial transportation in the theater on 27 Jul.

THURSDAY, 22 JULY 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-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 26 B-25's, 17 B-24's, 13 P-40's, and 20
P-38's hit North Head, Main Camp, and the submarine base at Kiska Island,
as well as coastal defenses and AA guns at both Kiska and Little Kiska
Islands, starting numerous fires. Intense and heavy AA fire downs one
B-25 (crew saved) and damages 18 aircraft of which another B-25 crashes
at base. 1 B-25 photographs the S and W Kiska Island shores. 1 B-24 flies
radar reconnaissance over Kiska Island.
    The 77th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28th Composite Group, based
on Adak Island begins operating from Attu Island with B-25's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The results of the first phase of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO)
are good according to a report of the British Joint Intelligence Commit-
tee. The report maintains the CBO has caused Germany to adopt a defensive
air strategy resulting in more than half its fighter strength being
employed on the Western Front at the expense of the Eastern and Mediter-
ranean Fronts as well as causing considerable damage to transportation,
the synthetic rubber industry, and the fuel, iron, and coal industries of
the Ruhr.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's escort C-47's to Ponte Olivo, Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 21/22 Jul, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Capodichino Airfield and Salerno marshalling
yard in Italy. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
light bombers hit Randazzo, the railroad at Falcone, and the road W of
Marina. In Italy during the day, 100+ B-17's bomb the Battipaglia mar-
shalling yard and Foggia; B-26's hit a Salerno bridge and marshalling
yard; and fighters fly a sweep over Maddalena Island, strafing factories,
trucks, and small vessels. In Sicily, NATAF light bombers bomb Adrano,
Paterno, Troina, and Misterbianco. 
    On the ground in Sicily, US Seventh Army troops take Palermo; and the
1st Infantry Division continues N, taking Bompietro.
    The 85th and 86th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), transfer from Soliman, Tunisia to Malta with A-20's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 20+ B-17's and B-24's, 40+ US Navy dive bomb-
ers, and 100+ Allied fighter aircraft attack shipping in the area off
Buin, Bougainville Island. A sea-plane carrier is sunk, and damaging
hits are claimed on several other vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, 50+ B-24's, B-25's, and B-26's blast troops, AA guns,
defensive positions, and targets of opportunity in the battle zones at
Komiatum, on Komiatum Ridge, at Kela Mountain, at Salamaua, and along
trails near Komiatum and Salamaua. B-24's bomb an oil refinery, docks,
and railroad yards at Soerabaja, Java. B-25's hit targets of opportunity
on Selaroe Island in the Moloccas Islands.

FRIDAY, 23 JULY 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
  Beaufighter, Bristol
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 23d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing, which
has been operating from Langley Field, Hampton, Virginia with B-25's,
returns to it's base at Jacksonville Municipal Airport, Florida.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's escort C-47's to Licata, Sicily. Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy
bombers hit Reggio di Calabria, Italy Airfield.  

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's, B-25's, and
B-26's bomb Leverano and Crotone, Italy, and Aquino Airfield, Sicily. In
Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) medium bombers and
fighters bomb and strafe Misterbianco, transport in the Nicosia-Troina-
Randazzo areas, and bridges and landing craft in the coastal area around
Santo Stefano di Camastra and Orlando.
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army mops up in W Sicily. The
British Eighth Army's 30 Corps meets firm opposition as it moves E from
Leonforte.
    HQ XII Bomber Command transfers from Constantine, Algeria to Tunis,
Tunisia.
    The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
transfers with A-20's from Soliman, Tunisia to Malta.
    A detachment of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 2d Air Defense
Wing, based at Rerhaia, Algeria begins operating from Protville, Tunisia
with Beaufighters. The squadron will fly it's first combat mission
tomorrow.
    A detachment of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 1st Air Defense
Wing, based at Monastir, Tunisia begins operating from Protville, Tunisia
with Beaufighters.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and P-40's, along with US Navy dive
bombers, pound the Rekata Bay area on Santa Isabel Island. The 67th
Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, transfers with P-39's from New
Caledonia Island to Woodlark Island off the SE coast of New Guinea.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's, B-26's, B-24's, and B-17's again pound targets
in coastal NE New Guinea, hitting Malolo, Asini, Busama, Voco Point, and
Salamaua, blasting barges from Hanisch Harbor to Wald Bay and Cape
Busching, and thoroughly bomb Bogadjim. 

SATURDAY, 24 JULY 1943

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

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 62 P-40's fly 9 missions to Kiska Island [2
of them with Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots] bombing the runway
and scoring many hits. An AA battery takes a direct hit and explodes. AA
guns are strafed on North Head and Little Kiska Island. Intense AA fire
downs 1 P-40.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  8 B-24's from Midway Island attack Wake Island, bombing oil storage,
barracks, and a gun emplacement. 20-30 Zekes attack the formation; 9
fighters are claimed destroyed; 1 B-24 is lost in a collision with a
falling Japanese fighter.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 75: Three targets in Norway are
attacked. This is Eighth's first mission to Norway and its longest (1,900
miles or 3,040 km round trip) to date. 
    1. 179 B-17's and 1 YB-40 are dispatched against the nitrate works at
Heroya, Norway; 167 aircraft hit the target at 1317-1414 hours; they
claim 9-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost and 53 are damaged;
casualties are 3 WIA and 10 MIA. Work at the plant is disrupted for 3.5
months, and unfinished aluminum and magnesium plants are damaged and
subsequently abandoned by the Germans. 
    2. 45 B-17's are dispatched against the port area at Trondheim; 41
hit the target; they claim 4-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is damaged
beyond repair and 9 are damaged; casualties are 3 WIA.
    3. 84 B-17's are dispatched against the port area at Bergen; they
find 10/10 cloud cover and return to base with their bombs.
  Crews successfully experiment with a new assembly procedure for occasions
when bad weather conditions prevent ascent in formation. Aircraft take
off individually on instruments, proceed to a designated splasher beacon
for group formation, and then along line of 3 splasher beacons for force
assembly. The method works well and makes possible many future missions
which might otherwise have been abandoned.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, P-40's fly armored reconnaissance and fighter-bomber
missions over the Adrano and Milazzo areas. The attacks are concentrated
against motor transport targets.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's and
B-25's bomb the railroad yards at Bologna and B-26's hit the railroad
yards at Paola. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighter-bombers hit barges, warships, and docks in the Messina-Milazzo
area and transport NE of Mount Etna. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army continues to mop up the
W part of Sicily. Further E, the US 45th Infantry Division takes Cefalu
and Castelbuono while the US 1st Infantry Division seizes Gangi and heads
toward Nicosia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  On New Georgia Island in the Solomon Islands, 48 fighters join US Navy
and Marine dive bombers in support of ground forces in the Bairoko area.
Later in the day gun positions at Bibolo Hill near Munda are hit, along
with other targets.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-25's bomb Lautem, Fuiloro, Koepang, and Tenau on Timor Island, the
airfield and surrounding areas at Lae, New Guinea, and attack barges in
the Wapelik and Cape Busching area of New Britain Island and villages on 
the Itni River on New Britain.

SUNDAY, 25 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  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
  SBD, Douglas Dauntless (USN)
  TBF, Grumman Avenger (USN)
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 40 P-40's fly 7 attack missions [2 by Royal
Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots] against Kiska Island, bombing and
strafing North Head AA batteries, the runway, Main Camp, and Little Kiska
Island.
    HQ 343d Fighter Group transfers from Adak Island to Amchitka Island.
    The 406th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group
(Medium), based at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Territory of Alaska begins
operating from Adak Island with B-25's.

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND)
    The 15th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing,
based at Jacksonville Municipal Airport, Florida begins operating from
Batista Field, Cuba with B-24's. 

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 72d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, transfers from Wheeler
Field, Oahu to Hilo Field, Hawaii, Territory of Hawaii with P-39's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    9 B-25's, escorted by 17 P-40's and P-38's, bomb Hankow Airfield,
China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 76: Three locations in Germany are
targetted; 19 heavy bombers are lost, mostly to effective formation
attacks by German fighters. The raid on Hamburg is part of 6 Combined
Bomber Offensive (CBO) missions against that port city and follows a raid
of the previous night during which nearly 750 Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy
bombers did tremendous damage to the target. The three targets are:
    1. 123 B-17's are dispatched against the diesel engine works at
Hamburg but due to cloud cover, 100 hit the shipyard at 1630-1645 hours;
they claim 38-6-27 Luftwaffe aircraft; 15 B-17's are lost and 67 damaged;
casualties are 1 KIA, 5 WIA and 150 MIA.
    2. 59 B-17's are dispatched against the Kiel Shipyard but return
because of cloud cover.
    3. 141 B-17's are dispatched against the aviation industry at Warnem-
unde; 118 hit the Kiel Shipyard at 1630-1700 hours; they claim 6-0-0
Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 50
are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 40 MIA.
  VIII Air Support Command Mission Number 3: 18 B-26B's are dispatched
against the coke ovens at Ghent, Belgium; 13 hit the target at 1458 
hours; 6 aircraft are damaged.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ITALY
    King Victor Emmanuel III announces the fall of the Benito Mussolini
government. Marshall Pietro Badoglio becomes premier and takes command of
the Italian army.

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-25's bomb docks and shipping at Milazzo; almost 100
P-40's strafe and bomb Milazzo, Taormina, and Catania harbor. Other
P-40's escort C-47's.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF), medium and
light bombers, and fighters during night and day raids, attack shipping
and docks at Milazzo and in the Santo Stefano di Camastra-Orlando area,
and hit roads and motor transport, bridges and armor concentration in the
Orlando-Adrano-Troina-Nicosia areas.
   On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army makes slow progress along
the N coastal road, while the British Eighth Army's 30 Corps takes part
in hard fighting in the Agira area.
    HQ 1st Air Defense Wing transfers from Sousse, Tunisia to Palermo,
Sicily. This unit will be redesignated the 62d Fighter Wing on 7 Aug 43.
    HQ 14th Fighter Group transfers from El Bathan, Tunisia to Ste-Marie-
du-Zit, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, Lieutenant General Nathan F Twining, USAAF,
becomes Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOLS). Fighter Command and Bomber
Command, Solomons, are taken over by Brigadier General Dean C Strother
USAAF, and Colonel William A Matheny, USAAF, respectively; Strother
retains his position as Commanding General XIII Fighter Command.
  The Japanese try to hit US forces on Rendova Island but Allied fighters
shoot down several Zekes (8 claimed) and force the enemy bombers to drop
their bombs indiscriminately. On New Georgia Island, the final push on
the Japanese base at Munda opens with a bombardment by 7 destroyers and
the heaviest air attack in the South Pacific (SOPAC) Theater to date;
170+ B-24's, B-25's, B-17's, TBF's, and SBD's, covered by 70+ fighters,
pound the target thoroughly, dropping more than 145 tons of bombs in
little more than a half hour; later in the afternoon 10 more B-24's, with
fighter cover, bomb Bibolo Hill, and SBD's and TBF's dive-bomb gun
positions; and later in the day, gun positions NE of Kindu Village are
hit. The 43d and 37th Infantry Divisions open the ground assault against
the firmly entrenched enemy.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  Single B-24's attack a large transport vessel WNW of Buka Passage in
the Solomon Islands and bomb Lingat and Adaoet Islands in the Moluccas
Islands, and the area near Finschhafen, New Guinea.

MONDAY, 26 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Fw 190, Focke Wulf (Luftwaffe)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 3 bombers and 5 fighters fly 5 armored
reconnaissance missions to Kiska Island. 32 B-24's, 38 P-4O's, and 24
P-38's fly 13 attack raids, bombing and scoring hits on numerous Kiska
Island and Little Kiska Island targets, including North Head, Main Camp,
the runway, Gertrude Cove, AA batteries, and on a suspected submarine in
Kiska Island harbor. A submarine is sighted near Rat Island. AA fire
claims 1 P-40 (pilot rescued), and damages 3 others. 1 B-25 and 15 P-38's
fly 2 air cover missions to Kiska Island for the US Navy. Over 1O4 tons
of bombs are dropped on Kiska Island this day, highest one-day bomb load
so far dropped by the Eleventh Air Force.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The last mission against Wake Island from Midway Island is flown. 8
B-24's bomb targets including oil storage area. 20+ fighters (including
an aircraft identified as a possible Fw 190) intercept the formation. The
B-24's claim 11 of the fighters shot down.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    5 B-25's, escorted by 12 fighters, bomb Hankow Airfield, China. An
estimated 30-50 fighters intercept the force; the B-25's and fighters
claim 14 airplanes shot down and 17 probably destroyed; 1 P-40 is lost.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 77: Two targets in Germany and a
convoy are hit, i.e.:
    1. 119 B-17's and 2 YB-40's are dispatched against rubber factories
at Hannover; 96 hit the target at 1200-1243 hours; they claim 40-9-28
Luftwaffe aircraft; 16 B-17's are lost; casualties are 4 KIA, 22 WIA and
126 MIA.
    2. 49 of 61 B-17's dispatched against Hannover hit a convoy and other
targets of opportunity; they claim 15-1-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17's
are lost; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 51 MIA.
    3. 54 of 121 B-17's dispatched against Hannover hit the U-boat yards
at Hamburg at 1159-1200 hours; they claim 5-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 
B-17's are lost; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 20 MIA.
  A total of 3 B-17's are damaged beyond repair and 86 are damaged on
this mission. Mission results are good but costly; 24 aircraft are lost,
mostly to enemy fighters. 
  VIII Air Support Command Mission Number 4: 18 B-26B's are dispatched
against the Saint-Omer/Longuenesse Airfield in France; 15 hit the target
at 1112 hours; 4 aircraft are damaged.
  HQ 41st Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at Brampton Grange, England
from the US. This unit will be redesignated 41st Combat Bombardment Wing
(Heavy) on 13 Sep 43.
  HQ 390th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 568th, 569th, 570th and
571st Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) arrive at Framlingham, England from
the US with B-17's. The group will fly it's first mission on 12 Aug and
remain at this station until Aug 45.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily,  B-25's bomb Milazzo, Paterno, and Adrano; and P-40's
strafe and bomb Catania and shipping at Riposto harbor.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily during the night of 25/26 Jul, Northwest African Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) medium bombers attack Milazzo, Adrano, and Paterno;
throughout the day light bombers hit Regalbuto at intervals, and fighter-
bombers harrass shipping, rail, and road movements. Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's bomb the Marina di Paola, Italy
marshalling yard.
    HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group and it's 16th, 17th, 18th and 35th Troop
Carrier Squadrons transfer from Kairouan, Tunisia to El Djem, Tunisia
with C-47's.
    The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, transfers
from El Djem, Tunisia to Gourbrine, Tunisia with C-47's.
    The 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, transfers from El
Bathan, Tunisia to Ste-Marie-du-Zit, Tunisia with P-38's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-24's, P-38's, P-40's, and Navy aircraft hit a
bivouac area and the runway at Kahili on Bougainville Island. B-25's,
P-40's, and US Navy fighters over S Kolombangara Island hit the E shore
of Webster Cove and bivouac area and buildings on Simbo Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea 40+ B-24's and B-17's bomb Salamaua, Malolo Mission,
Komiatum, Komiatum Ridge, and Lae Airfield.
  The 65th Troop Carrier Squadron, Fifth Air Force, arrives at Port
Moresby, New Guinea from the US with C-47's. The squadron flies it's
first mission upon arrival.

TUESDAY, 27 JULY 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
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 12 bombers and 20 fighters take off on 5
attack missions to Kiska Island. Several of the fighters jettison bombs.
The other aircraft hit Main Camp, North Head and Little Kiska Island.
    The 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers from Umnak Island to Shemya, Island. The air echelon is operat-
ing from Amchitka Island.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
 
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    10 B-24's attack shipping in the Samah Bay area of Hainan Island,
claiming severe damage to 2 vessels; 25-30 fighters intercept the B-24's.
13 fighters are claimed shot down; no B-24's are lost. 6 B-25's, support-
ed by 14 fighters, attack targets of opportunity on Stonecutter's Island,
in the Hong Kong area after failing to locate a reported freighter in the
area.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Air Support Command Mission Number 5: 18 B-26B's are dispatched
against Tricqueville Airfield, France; 17 hit the target at 1825 hours.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's attack tactical targets in battle area in NE Sicily, and
others hit shipping at Catania, Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's hit the airfield at
Capua and the railroad at Lioni, Italy. B-25's and B-26's bomb the landing
ground at Scalea, Sicily. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) 
fighters and light bombers continue bombing and strafing of ports, shipping, 
bridges, landing grounds, and motor transport in Sicily as the US Seventh 
Army reaches Tusa and San Mauro and pushes toward Nicosia.
    The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from 
Agrigento, Sicily to Palermo, Sicily with Spitfires.
    The 309th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 86th Bombardment Group
(Light), transfers from Gela, Sicily to Barcelona, Sicily. This squadron
will be redesignated the 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 23 Aug 43.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, Brigadier General Ray L Owens becomes Command-
ing General, Thirteenth Air Force. B-17's bomb airfields at Kahili on
Bougainville Island and Ballale Island. 8 P-38's and 70+ US Navy and
Marine Corps aircraft again attack the Munda area on New Georgia Island,
hitting positions on Bibolo Hill and targets at Gurasai, Munda Point, and
Munda Airfield.
  The 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
based on Espitu Santo in the Hebrides Islands begins operating with B-24's
from Funafuti Island in the Ellice Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, 35 B-25's and 18 B-24's pound the Salamaua area in one
of the largest single-strike attacks of Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA).
Airfield and supply storage at Salamaua, the town of Kela and nearby
hilltop positions, and defensive positions between the road and beach at
Logui are hit; 5 other B-25's hit barges between Pommern Bay and Finschh-
afen, and the concentration and supply area at Voco Point; a lone B-24 on
armored reconnaissance bombs targets of opportunity on Mundua and Unea
Islands.

WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  Fw 190, Focke Wulf (Luftwaffe)
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 333d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, transfers from Hilo,
Hawaii to Bellows Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with P-39's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    6 B-25's, with escort of 9 P-40's, bomb Taikoo Docks at Hong Kong.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)

  ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    In the Bay of Biscay, German submarine, U-404, is sunk by a B-24 of
the 4th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) and a Royal Air Force (RAF) Libera-
tor of No. 224 Squadron, at 45-53N 09-23W.

  STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
    VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 78: The aviation industry in 
Germany is targetted but bad weather hampers the raids. The targets are:
      1. 182 B-17's are dispatched against the Fieseler Works at Kassel,
Germany; 58 hit the target at 1027-1054 hours; they claim 27-15-22
Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17's are lost, 4 are damaged beyond repair and 54
damaged; casualties are 15 WIA and 71 MIA.
      2. 120 B-17's are dispatched to the Fw 190 plant at Oschersleben,
Germany; 37 hit the target; they claim 56-19-41 Luftwaffe aircraft; 15 B-
17's are lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 64 damaged; casualties are
11 WIA and 134 MIA.
  This is the deepest US bomber penetration into Germany to date. The
raid achieves good results however, 22 B-17's are lost as fighters score
first effective results with rockets. 105 P-47's, equipped with jettison-
able belly tanks for the first time on a mission, escort the B-17's into
Germany; other P-47's, going more than 30 miles (48 km) deeper into
Germany than they have penetrated before, meet the returning bombers.
They surprise about 60 German fighters and destroy 9 of them; 1 P-47 is
lost. 
    VIII Air Support Command Mission Numbers 6 and 7: The primary targets
are in Belgium and France, i.e.:
      1. 18 B-26B's are dispatched against the coke ovens at Zeebrugge,
Belgium; 17 hit the target at 1105 hours; 3 B-26's are damaged.
      2. 18 B-26B's are dispatched against Tricqueville Airfield, France
but the mission is recalled when the accompanying fighters do not join
up.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, almost 100 P-40's hit shipping at Catania and Santa Teresa
di Riva, fly patrol over the Straits of Messina, and bomb encampments.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
     Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fighters sweep over S
Sardinia. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
bombers hit Regalbuto, Milazzo, and Centuripe; A-36's and P-40's hit
heavy traffic on the Troina-Randazzo road, bridges and roads N and W of
Cesaro, the landing ground at Falcone, and buildings near Randazzo.
     On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army takes Nicosia and
pushes toward Santo Stefano di Camastra. The British Eighth Army takes
Agira. Allied cargo vessels begin arriving at Palermo, and Lieutenant
General Harold R Alexander, 15 Army Group Commanding General, moves his
HQ to Sicily.
    HQ 320th Bombardment Group and it's 443d Bombardment Squadron (Medi-
um) transfer from Massicault, Tunisia to El Bathan, Tunisia with
B-26's.
    The 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, transfers
from El Djem, Tunisia to Gourbrine, Tunisia with C-47's.
    The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, transfers from
Fardjouna, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily with P-40's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and US Navy aircraft hit gun positions
and other targets at Webster Cove on New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  On New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's attack barges
and fuel dump between Cape Raoult and Rein Bay and hit the airfield at
Cape Gloucester and 2 destroyers offshore; single B-24's bomb Unea
Island and unsuccessfully attack shipping in Saint George Channel between
New Ireland and New Britain Islands. In New Guinea, B-24's bomb Manokwari
and Larat and Boela on Ceram Island in the Moluccas Islands. On Timor
Island, B-25's hit the town of Lautem and the airfield at Cape Chater.

THURSDAY, 29 JULY 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  Beaufighter, Bristol
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 1 B-17 scouts Kiska Island and bombs the
Main Camp area.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 2 flights of B-25's blast the previously bombed Mu River 
bridge between Ywataung and Monywa. The bridge is hit heavily with 1 span
left submerged in the river.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    18 B-24's, with fighter escort, bomb shipping and dockyard installa-
tions at Hong Kong. Kowloon and Taikoo Docks and the old Royal Navy yards
are hit. 4 P-40's attack a Japanese force of 23 bombers and 30 fighters
attacking Hengyang, China; 1 Japanese fighter is downed.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 79: 2 locations in Germany are the
targets for this mission:
    1. 167 B-17's and a YB-40 are dispatched to the shipyards at Kiel;
91 hit the shipyard at 0901 hours and 48 hit targets of opportunity; they
claim 48-6-33 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17's are lost, 2 are damaged beyond
repair and 62 are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 8 WIA and 61 MIA.
    2. 81 B-17's are dispatched to the Heinkel Works at Warnemunde; 54 hit 
the target at 0922-0924 hours; they claim 0-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 
B-17's are lost and 7 damaged; casualties are 40 MIA.  
  VIII Air Support Command Missions 8 and 9: 2 airfields are the target:
    1. 18 B-26B's are dispatched against Schipol Airfield at Amsterdam,
The Netherlands; the mission is aborted due to a navigational error.
    2. 21 B-26B's are dispatched against Ft. Rouge Airfield, France; 19
hit the target at 1828 hours; 8 B-26's are damaged.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, 200+ P-40's, to date the largest number of fighters
operating in 1 day during the Sicilian campaign, attack Messina Riposto, 
shipping at Catania, Santa Teresa di Riva, Taormina, Milazzo, and in the 
Straits of Messina.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's hit Aquino Air-
field, Sicily. B-17's bomb Viterbo Airfield, Italy. In Sicily, Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light bombers hit Regalbuto,
Milazzo, shipping off Messina, and gun positions and motor transport in NE
Sicily. 
    On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army almost completes the mopup 
of W Sicily, approaches Santo Stefano Quisquina, advances on Mistretta, and 
takes 3 islands off Trapani. The British Eighth Army opens an assault during
the night of 29/30 Jul along an axis of Catenanuova-Adrano.
    The detachment of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 2d Air Defense
Wing, operating from Protville, Tunisia with Beaufighters returns to it's
base at Rerhaia, Algeria.
    The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 1st Air Defense Wing, transfers from
Monastir, Tunisia to La Sebala, Tunisia with Beaufighters. The detachment
at Protville, Tunisia also transfers.
    The 441st, 442d and 444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th
Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from Massicault, Tunisia to El
Bathan, Tunisia with B-26's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's, B-24's, and B-25's bomb Kela Point and village, 
and Salamaua town and peninsula area. On New Britain Island in the Bis-
marck Archipelago, B-25's, B-26's, and a B-24 attack Army HQ, barges, and 
villages in the Natamo vicinity, shipping off Cape Gloucester, Borgen Bay,
along the coast from Ring Ring Plantation to Roebuck Point and barges off
Cape Dampier, New Guinea. P-40's strafe targets of opportunity.

FRIDAY, 30 JULY 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 (USN)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    15 P-40's over the Hengyang, China area make contact with 39 Japanese
fighters and 24 bombers. In the ensuing battle, 3 bombers and 2 fighters 
are downed; 2 P-40's are lost.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 80: The aviation industry at Kassel,
Germany is targetted for today:
    1. 119 B-17's are dispatched to the Bettenhausen Fieseler Works; 94 
hit the target at 0910-0917 hours; they claim 40-7-29 Luftwaffe aircraft; 
6 B-17's are lost, 5 are damaged beyond repair and 64 are damaged;
casualties are 11 KIA, 10 WIA and 52 MIA.
    2. 67 B-17's are dispatched to the Waldau Fieseler Works; 40 hit the 
target at 0925-0928 hours; they claim 8-6-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17's 
are lost and 18 are damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 45 MIA.
  107 P-47's with auxiliary tanks escort these raids and they surprise the 
attacking Luftwaffe fighters over Bocholt, Germany as the enemy is not yet 
accustomed to fighter escort penetration beyond the coastal fringe. They
claim 25-4-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 P-47's are lost and 1 is damaged beyond
repair; casualties are 6 MIA.
  VIII Air Support Command Mission Numbers 10A and 10B: 2 airfields are
targetted:
    1. 24 B-26B's are dispatched to the Woensdrecht Airfield, The Nether-
lands; 11 hit the target at 0657 hours; 1 B-26 is lost, 1 is damaged
beyond repair and 5 are damaged; casualties are 7 WIA and 6 MIA.
    2. 24 B-26B's are dispatched to the Courtrai/Wevelghem Airfield,
France but the mission is recalled because the escorting fighters are fog
bound on the ground.
  In the 2 B-26 missions, the B-26 crews claim 6-5-1 Luftwaffe aircraft.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, 100+ P-40's attack shipping at Milazzo, Messina, and
Riposto, and hit targets in the battle area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb 
Grottaglie Airfield and B-25's hit the airfield at Pratica di Mare. In
Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's bomb Milazzo
and hit gun positions N and E of Centuripe and fighters hit shipping off
Milazzo.
    On the ground in Sicily, the enemy evacuates Santo Stefano Quisquina,
with a rear guard action. The British take Catenanuova and push on to the
NE.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 9 B-24's, with an escort of 16 P-38's and P-40's
and 40+ US Navy F4U's, pound the airfield on Ballale Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's bomb Salamaua and Kela; B-25's hit barges off Huon
Peninsula and villages in the Finschhafen area; and A-20's destroy several
barges at Hanisch Harbor and Langemak Bay. Single B-24's bomb Cape Glouce-
ster on New Britain Island and Unea Island.

COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES

SATURDAY, 31 JULY 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

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, transfers from Barking
Sands, Oahu to Haleiwa Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with P-40's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    9 B-24's mine the Rangoon River in Burma during the night of 31 Jul/1
Aug.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    HQ 402d Bombardment Group (Medium) is disbanded at Kunming, China.
This group, which had been activated in China on 19 May 43, never had any
squadrons assigned nor was it fully manned.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Air Support Command Missions Number 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D: The
targets are 4 airfields in France:
    1. 21 B-26B's are dispatched against Merville Airfield; 20 hit the
target at 1120 hours; 2 B-26's are damaged.
    2. 21 B-26B's are dispatched against Poix/Nord Airfield; 19 hit the
target at 1122 hours; 1 B-26 is lost and 5 ared damaged; casualties are 7
MIA.
    3. 21 B-26B's are dispatched against Abbeville/Drucat Airfield and all
hit the target at 1617 hours.
    4;. 21 B-26B's are dispatched against Tricqueville Airfield; 18 hit
the target at 1623 ours; they claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B-26's are
damaged.
  Lille and Amiens, France are bombed by Royal Air Force (RAF) bombers,
also fighter-escorted, in conjunction with US raids.
  HQ 392d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 576th Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy) arrive at Wendling, England from the US with B-24's. They will 
fly their first combat mission on 6 Sep 43 and remain at this station
until Jun 45.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's fly escort missions and hit shipping in the Milazzo, Sicily
area.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's bomb 
Adrano; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, light and 
medium bombers hit Paterno, Santa Maria di Licondia and Centuripe, the
general area around Paterno, and vessels in the Milazzo-Orlando area. 
    On the ground in Sicily, US ground forces prepare to attack E along 
the coast, and further inland press toward Troina. The British, to the
S, are fiercely opposed W of Regalbuto.
    HQ 42d Bombardment Wing (Medium) is transferred without personnel and
equipment from the US to North Africa. Groups will be assigned in Aug 43.
    HQ 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 20th Bombarmdent Squadron
(Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Ain M'lila, Algeria to Massicault,
Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  On New Georgia Island in the Solomon Islands, 17 P-40's and P-39's join 
90+ US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft in pounding guns and defensive 
positions on Bibolo Hill as Allied ground forces close in on airfield at 
Munda. B-17's, B-25's, P-40's, and US Navy aircraft attack the airfield
at Vila on Kolombangara Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's hit the Finschhafen area and barges at Hanisch 
Harbor and Mange. B-25's and A-20's blast several barges in the Cape 
Gloucester area of New Britain Island. B-24's bomb Waingapoe on Sumba 
Island in the Sunda Islands.
  HQ 375th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

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 •
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