AR banner
Search Tips Advanced Search
Back to Top
USAAF Worldwide Operations Chronology

This page contains hundreds of names, dates, locations. To help find the one(s) you're interested in, use our Highlighting facility.
Highlighting will ONLY find entries within this specific page.    

		COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES 

JUNE 1943


AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)
  
  TUESDAY, 1 JUNE 1943

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutian Islands, 2 P-40's, 1 B-24, and 1 F-5A fly weather
reconnaissance and photo runs and 8 B-25's, 18 P-38's, and 20 P-40's,
fly 7 attack missions to Kiska Island. Targets include parked aircraft
and installations, runway, gun positions, radar, and tents on South
Head, North Head, Gertrude Cove and Main Camp.
  The 36th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group, based on
Amchitka Island begins operating from Adak Island with B-24's.
  During Jun 43, the 73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28th Composite
Group transfers from Umnak Island to Amchitka Island with B-25's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    20 P-40's dive-bomb warehouses and railroad yards at Changanyi,
China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  During the month of June, HQ 40th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at
Brampton Grange, England from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, an attack by Wellingtons against Pantelleria
Island during the night of 31 May/l Jun is followed by Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's and B-17's while Northwest Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) P-40's attack gun positions on the island during the
day.
    In Italy, NASAF P-40's strafe seaplane base on Stagnone Island and
P-38's bomb the railroad near Balesrate. 
    In Sardinia, P-38's, B-26's, and B-25's, bomb Porto Torres harbor,
Porto Ponte Romano and Olbia harbor.
    HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 84th, 85th, 86th and
97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer from Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia
to Soliman, Tunisia with A-20's.
    HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th
and 440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Rabat Sale,
French Morocco to Sedrata, Algeria with B-26's.
    HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 445th, 446th, 447th
and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfers from Ain M'lila,
Algeria to Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia with B-25's.
    During Jun 43, the 14th and 53d Troop Carrier Squadrons, 61st Troop
Carrier Group, transfer from Lourmel, Algeria to Kairouan, Tunisia with
C-47's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  During Jun 43, the 67th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group which
has been operating from Guadalcanal with P-39's since Jan 43, returns to
it's base on New Caledonia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's hit Bogadjim and vicinity. B-24's bomb Lae
Airfield and nearby area.

WEDNESDAY, 2 JUNE 1943

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

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 5 B-25's, escorted by 10 P-4O's, bomb Pailochi Airfield. 18
P-4O's strafe troop barges and launches at Itu and 6 long columns of
troops E of Changyang.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 13th Bombardment Wing (Medium) arrives at Marks Hall, England from
the US.
  HQ 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 350th, 351st and 418th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's arrives at Thorpe Abbots,
England from the US. They will fly their first combat mission on 25 Jun
43.
  HQ 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 532d, 533d, 534th and
535th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Ridgewell,
England from the US. They will fly their first combat mission on 22 Jun
43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 324th Fighter Group and it's 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons
with P-40's transfer from an unknown location in Tunisia to Kairouan,
Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 1/2 Jun, Wellingtons of Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) hit Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean
and drop pamphlets on Naples, Italy. Fighters and medium bombers hit
Pantelleria during the following morning and afternoon. P-38's attack the
airfield at Milo, Sicily while P-40's strafe targets of opportunity
in Sardinia.
    HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 81st, 82d and 434th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's and HQ 340th Bombardment
Group (Medium) transfer from Sfax, Tunisia to Hergla, Tunisia.
    
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 2 B-24's on armed reconnaissance attack gun
positions, cargo boats, and shipping at Numa Numa and Tinputs.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Wewak, Boram, Dagua, 
and But. Isolated shipping strikes result in little damage to vessels and
barges.

THURSDAY, 3 JUNE 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
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    Weathered out from Kiska Island in the Aleutian Islands are 3
weather missions flown by 2 B-24's and 2 P-40's, as well as 2 attack
missions by 2 B-24's and 6 fighters.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    HQ 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Albrook Field to
Howard Field, Canal Zone.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 5th Air Defense Wing arrives at Duxford, England from the US. This
unit will be redesignated the 66th Fighter Wing in Jul 43.
  HQ 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 545th Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy) arrive with B-17's at Grafton Underwood, England from the US.
  HQ 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 552d, 553d and 554th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) arrive with B-26's at Snetterton Heath,
England from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Fighters, light and medium bombers of the Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical Air Force NATAF) attack defended 
positions on Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean following a raid on 
the town area and docks by Wellingtons during the night of 2/3 Jun.
    HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 48th and 49th Fighter Squadrons with
P-38's transfer from Telergma, Algeria to El Bathan, Tunisia.
    HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) and it's 309th Bombardment Squadron
(Dive) transfer with A-36's from La Senia, Algeria to Marnia, French
Morocco.
    HQ 325th Fighter Group and it's 317th and 318th Fighter Squadrons
transfer with P-40's from Montesquieu, Algeria to Souk-el-Khemis,
Tunisia.
    The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group
(Medium) transfers with B-25's from Sfax, Tunisia to Hergla, Tunisia.
    The 154th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance
Group transfers with P-38/F-5s from Korba, Tunisia to Nouvion, Algeria.
     The 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium),
340th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer with B-25's from Sfax, Tunisia
to Hergla, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands during the night of 3/4 Jun, B-17's bomb Kahili
Airfield on Bougainville Island and the Moliko River area. B-24's attack 
small vessels at Tinputs and Teop sinking 1 and firing the other.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-24's bomb a supply dump area at Dobo, New Guinea. Other targets
attacked in the Netherland East Indies suffer little damage.

FRIDAY, 4 JUNE 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-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss
  PV, Lockheed Ventura (USN)
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 6 B-24's following a Navy PV make a
radar-bombing run over North Head. 14 P-40's and P-38's bomb North Head,
Main Camp and Little Kiska Island. 4 P-38's and 1 B-24 flying air cover
over Attu Island make no enemy contact.
  The 404th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 28th Composite Group based on
Adak Island begins operating from Amchitka Island with B-24's.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The detachment of the 32d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group which
has been operating from Losey Field, Puerto Rico with P-40's returns to
it's base at Hato Field, Curacao.
    The 44th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 40th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) transfers with B-17's from Guatemala City, Guatemala to Howard
Field, Canal Zone.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 4th Air Defense Wing arrives at Debden, England from the US. This
unit will be redesignated the 65th Fighter Wing in Jul 43.
  HQ 14th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at Camp Lynn, England from
the US.
  The 544th, 546th and 547th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 384th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrive with B-17's at Grafton Underwood,
England from the US. The group will fly it's first mission on 22 Jun.
  The 555th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 386th Bombardment Group
(Medium) arrives at Snetterton Heath, England from the US with B-26's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack Grottaglie Airfield, leaving hangars and other
building in flames. B-24 gunners claim 3 fighters shot down.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 3/4 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Syracuse, Sicily; Catanzaro, Italy; and
Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean, which is also hit on the
following day by fighters, light, medium, and heavy bombers, of NASAF
and the Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF).
    HQ 27th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 17th and 91st Bombardment
Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-36's from Ras el Ma, French Morocco to
Korba, Tunisia.
    The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group transfers with P-
40's from Montesquieu, Algeria to Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia.
    The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group based at Maison
Blanche, Algeria begins operating it's P-39's from Monastir, Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields at Boram, Wewak and Dagua, New Guinea.
B-25's hit Koepang and Lautem, Timor.

SATURDAY, 5 JUNE 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
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutian Islands, 7 B-24's, 6 B-25's, and 6 P-40's fly weather
reconnaissance and radar-bombing missions over Kiska Island, being
handicapped by poor weather and mechanical trouble.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, P-40's strafe troop columns near Peiyang and hit a barge
and boat NW of Yoyang.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    During the early morning, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers, under
operational control of the IX Bomber Command, attack the harbor at
Catania, Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 4/5 Jun, Wellingtons hit docks and town area of
Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean. On 5 Jun, B-25's and P-38's
extend the attack on the island, hitting mainly gun positions. B-17's
hit the harbor and shipping at La Spezia, Italy. 
    In Sardinia, B-26's bomb Porto Ponte Romano while P-38's hit
airfields at Monserrato and Capoterra.
    "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3d
Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group transfers with B-17's and
F-5's from Algiers, Algeria to Le Kroub, Algeria.  "B" and "C" Flights
of the squadron are still in the US.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
which has been operating from Guadalcanal Island with B-24's since 25
Apr 43 returns to it's base on Fiji Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  HQ 345th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 498th, 499th, 500th and
501st Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) arrive with B-25's at Port Moresby,
New Guinea from the US. The group will fly it's first mission on 21 Jun.

SUNDAY, 6 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Beaufighters, Bristol (RAF)
  DB-7, Douglas Havoc
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 5 P-40's strafe trucks, barracks, and personnel at Tangyang; 
at least 15 trucks are burned and considerable damage is done to the
barracks area. 11 P-40's hit the approaches to a bridge at Puchi; 2
locomotives in the area are destroyed. 10 other P-40's attack Shasi
Airfield and hit river shipping; in the general area. 7 B-25's bomb the
airfield at Pailochi.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter
Command training with the RAF at Bristol, England with Beaufighters returns 
to it's base at Honiley, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's strike the harbor areas of Villa San Giovanni and
Reggio di Calabria, and ferry slips and railroad yards at Messina. B-24
gunners claim 8 fighters destroyed. B-25's of 2 groups hit Pantelleria
Island in the Mediterranean.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons hit the town and docks of Pantelleria Island during the
night of 5/6 Jun. The following afternoon, Spitfires, P-40's, P-38's,
B-26's, A-20's, A-36's, and B-25's of the NASAF and Northwest Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) continue pounding the island. The Allied air bombardment 
increases and is concentrated on coastal batteries and other gun 
emplacements as the second phase of air offensive against Pantelleria 
Island starts.
    HQ 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 379th, 380th, 381st and
428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-25's from Berteaux,
Algeria to Dar el Koudia, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, P-38's, P-40's, and Navy and Marine fighters
and dive bombers attack shipping off Buin scoring damaging hits on a
destroyer and 2 smaller vessels; 15 Japanese airplanes are claimed shot
down. Other P-38's and P-40's strafe the Luti Bay area of Choiseul Island,
New Guinea.
  HQ 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Fiji Island to
Guadalcanal Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  On Timor, B-24's hit the town of Koepang and the airfield at Penfoei.

MONDAY, 7 JUNE 1943

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

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 353d Fighter Group arrives at Goxhill, England from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-25's bomb gun emplacements at the airfield on Pantelleria Island
in the Mediterranean.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Following a night raid by Wellingtons on Pantelleria Island in the
Mediterranean, heavy, medium and light bombers, and fighters of the
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) pound the island throughout the afternoon.
    The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command attached to the
33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from Oued N'ja, French Morocco
to Fardjouna, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, P-38's and P-40's, along with Royal New Zealand
Air Force (RNZAF) P-40's and Navy and Marine fighters, intercept a large
force of fighter-escorted dive bombers on a mission against Allied
shipping off Guadalcanal Island. Fighters from the newly-opened Russell
Island bases initiate the interception. A running fight develops and
extends down to Guadalcanal Island. More than 20 Japanese aircraft are
downed; 9 Allied fighters are lost but all the pilots are recovered.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's attack Wewak, Lae, Madang, and Kesup 
hitting town areas and airfields, and strafe sampans on the Sepik River.

TUESDAY, 8 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, a C-47 is the first USAAF airplane to land
on Attu Island, landing fighters crews at Alexai Point. All other flying
is cancelled due to weather.

  ARMY AIR FORCES ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND
    The 4th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command
arrives at Gander Lake, Newfoundland from the US with B-24's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In French Indochina, 7 B-24's and 6 B-25's, with P-40 escorts, are
dispatched to bomb shipping and dock installations at Haiphong. Bad
weather prevents striking the primary targets; alternates, including
Hongay shipping, rail yard, and power facilities, Gia Lam Airfield, and
warehouses E of Hanoi are bombed. 
    P-40's bomb and strafe Japanese HQ at Tatung, China barracks E of
Lamaing, Burma on the Salween River, and a camp N of Lungling, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 22d Photographic Squadron (Light), 5th Photographic Reconnaissance
and Mapping Group, attached to the Eighth Air Force, arrives at Mount
Farm, England from the US with F-5's. The squadron will fly it's first
mission in Jul 43.
  The 350th, 351st and 352d Fighter Squadrons, 353d Fighter Group
arrives at Goxhill, England from the US with P-47D's.  The group will
fly it's first mission in Aug 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers bomb the Messina, Italy ferry
terminal. B-25's of 2 groups hit Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean,
directing their major effort at gun emplacements.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons pound the
town and docks on Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean during the
night of 7/8 Jun. The air offensive against the island increases during
the following day as fighters, light, medium and heavy bombers of the NASAF
and Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) continue to bomb throughout the
day. Naval forces bombard the harbor and shore batteries. Surrender
requests, dropped by airplane, bring no response. 
    In Sardinia, P-38's attack barracks N of Segariu and the airfield at
Villacidro.
    HQ 47th Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers from El Guerrah, Algeria
to Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia.
    The 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group
(Light) transfers with A-36's from Ras el Ma, French Morocco to Korba,
Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-24'a on armed reconnaissance bomb Kahili 
Airfield on Bougainville Island and Ballale Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In Timor, B-25's bomb Koepang and hit the area SE of Dili. B-24's
unsuccessfully attack shipping at Waingapoe, in the Sunda Islands and 
off Wewak, New Guinea.

WEDNESDAY, 9 JUNE 1943

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

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    6 P-4O's damage a railroad bridge at Puchi, China and strafe nearby
railroad yards.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, B-24's bomb the landing ground at Gerbini and the airfield
at Catania. B-25's hit Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean. Fighters
escort bombers and fly patrols and fighter sweeps.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Fighters, and medium and heavy bombers of the Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) continue pounding Pantelleria Island in the
Mediterranean in predawn hours and during the afternoon.  

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-24's on reconnaissance attack a small vessel
WNW of Cape Henpan. B-17's, P-40's, and P-38's' pound the airfields at
Munda and Vila.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, 2 B-24's bomb the town area of Manokwari and the airfield
at Nabire. A lone B-17 bombs Unea Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

THURSDAY, 10 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Beaufighters, Bristol (RAF)
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutian Islands, 7 B-24's, 8 B-25's, 12 P-40's, and 2 F-5A's fly
weather reconnaissance, attack, and photo missions to Kiska Island and
Little Kiska Island. Targets include gun batteries, runway, North Head and
Main Camp. 

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 9 P-40's on armed reconnaissance strafe 10 barges and a
gunboat at Chienli; 1 barge is set aflame. 10 P-40's intercept about 25
airplanes over Hengyang; 1 enemy bomber is shot down.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) issues a directive through the Chief
of Air Staff (C/AS), Royal Air Force (RAF), marking the official beginning
of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) of the USAAF and RAF against
sources of German war power. The RAF is to bomb strategic city areas at
night and the USAAF is to hit precise targets by daylight. The CCS
sanctions the Combined Operational Planning Committee as the agency for
coordinating the efforts of the CBO forces.
  HQ 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 552d, 553d, 554th and 555th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26's transfer from Snetterton Heath,
England to Boxted, England. The group will fly it's first combat mission on
30 Jul 43.
  The detachments of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command
at Cranfield, Usworth, and Bath, England return to their base at Honiley,
England. The squadron is attached to the RAF for training on Beaufighters.
  The 417th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command transfers from
Cranfield, England to Scorton, England. The detachments at Ayr, Scotland
and Uxbridge, Coltishall and Bristol, England transfer to Scorton. The
squadron is attached to the RAF for training on Beaufighters.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-25's, escorted by fighters, bomb Pantelleria Island in the
Mediterranean. The escorting fighters dive-bomb targets on the island.
Later, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers attack Reggio di Calabria
Airfield, Italy.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Following attacks during the night of 9/10 Jun by fighter-bombers,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) aircraft (fighters, and light, medium and heavy bombers)
maintain all-day attacks on Pantelleria Island; over 1,000 sorties are
flown. 
    The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
Menzel Temime, Tunisia to Sousse, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, P-38's and Navy fighters claim 4 aircraft downed
off the N tip of Malaita Island. B-17's and B-24's pound the airfield at
Kahili on Bougainville Island twice during the day.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  More than 20 B-17's and B-24's pound airfields in the Rabaul, New
Britain Island area. A single B-24 bombs the town of Sorong, New Guinea
and shipping at Kokas, New Guinea . 

FRIDAY, 11 JUNE 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
  Beaufighter, Bristol (RAF)
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 7 B-24's, 8 B-25's, 10 P-40's, 4 P-38's, and 
2 F-5A's fly weather, photo, reconnaissance, and attack missions to Kiska
Island. Main targets are Gertrude Cove and Main Camp, South Head, North
Head, runway, and offshore barges. Fighter bombing and strafing, and
subsequent bomber runs over emplacements, are effectively coordinated.

  CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
    The 3d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers from Salinas, Ecuador to David, Panama with B-24's.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    Eight P-40's hit a camp on the Salween River, trucks at Mangshih, and
warehouses at Tungling, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 62: 252 B-17's are dispatched against
the U-boat yard at Wilhelmshaven, Germany and the port area at Cuxhaven,
Germany; 218 hit the targets; we claim 85-20-24 Luftwaffe aircraft; we
lose 8 and 62 are damaged. Casualties are 3 KIA, 20 WIA and 80 MIA. The
raid on Wilhelmshaven demonstrates the difficulty of operating beyond
range of fighters escort as enemy fighters attacks prevent accurate
bombing of the target.
  HQ 388th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 560th, 561st, 562d and 563d 
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) arrive at Knettishall, England from the US 
with B-17's. The group will fly it's first combat mission on 17 Jul 43.
  HQ 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 564th Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy) arrive at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's. The group will
fly it's first mission on 9 Jul.
  The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, VIII Fighter Command transfers with
Beaufighters from Honiley, England to Acklington, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-25's attack islands of Pantelleria in the Mediterranean and
Lampedusa Island, Italy. Fighters  escort the medium bombers to
Pantelleria Island and fly cover during their bomb runs. After the British
1 Division is landed unopposed, Pantelleria surrenders unconditionally.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    An attack during the night of 10/11 Jun on Pantelleria Island in the
Mediterranean by Wellingtons is followed by morning and afternoon attacks
by fighters and bombers of the Northwest African Air Force (NAAF), in
conjunction with naval bombardment of the island. 
    HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 309th, 310th and 311th
Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-36's from French Morocco to
Tafaraoui, Algeria.
    The 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 2d Air Defense Wing transfers from La
Senia, Algeria to Rerhaia, Algeria. The air echelon is in England training
on Beaufighters.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's again bomb the airfield at Rabaul 
on New Britain Island and hit targets of opportunity on Gasmata Isalnd and 
along the shore of Keravia Bay.      
  In New Guinea, B-25's pound areas along Huon Gulf coast, hitting Kela
Point, Salamaua and the bridge at Nuk Nuk. P-40's strafe a submarine off
Cape Nelson.
  In Timor, Koepang is thoroughly blasted by B-24's while Penfoei and
Dili airfields are hit by light B-25 attacks. 
  The 432d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from
Charters Towers, Australia to Amberley Field, Townsville, Australia.

SATURDAY, 12 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  Oscar, Nakajima Ki-43, Army Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  A detachment of the 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group based at
Ft Glenn, Alaska begins operating from Attu Island with P-40's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 3d Bombardment Wing transfers from Elveden Hall, England to Marks
Hall, England.
  HQ 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 337th, 339th and 413th 
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Great Saling, 
England to Snetterton Heath, England.
  The 449th, 450th, 451st and 452d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 322d 
Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Rougham, England to 
Great Saling, England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-25's, escorted by P-40's, attack Lampedusa Island in the
Mediterranean. The island surrenders unconditionally, and Coldstream
Guards go ashore and take charge
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest Tactical
Air Force (Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF)) fighters, light, medium 
and heavy bombers hit Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean.
    In Sicily, B-17's and B-26's bomb Castelvetrano, Boccadifalco, and
Milo Airfields.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  USAAF fighters, along with Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), US Navy,
and US Marine Corps fighters, claim over 30 aircraft shot down during the 
interception of an enemy strike on Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands. 8 
Allied fighters are lost. 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-24's hit runways at Nabire and Kaimana; a lone B-25
bombs and strafes barges S of Langemak Bay.
  Dick Bong gets his 11th kill when he downs an Oscar.

SUNDAY, 13 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    In Burma, 9 B-25's attack the Meza railway bridge on the Mandalay-
Myitkyina line, causing minor damage.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 11 B-25's supported by 14 P-40's, bomb hangars and the depot
area at Nanchang Airfield.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 63: 151 B-17's are dispatched against
the Bremen, Germany U-boat yards; 122 hit the target claiming 2-2-1
Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 4 and 31 are damaged; casualties are 8 WIA and
32 MIA. A smaller force of 76 B-17's is dispatched against the Kiel,
Germany U-boat yards; 60 hit the target and claim 39-5-14 Luftwaffe
aircraft; we lose 22, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 23 are damaged;
casualties are 3 KIA, 20 WIA and 213 MIA. Heaviest fighter attacks to date
against Eighth Air Force accounts for 26 B-17's, mostly of the force
attacking Kiel.
  HQ 13th Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers from Marks Hall, England to
Camp Blainey, England.
  The 331st, 332d, 333d and 410th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 94th 
Bombardment  Group (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Earls Colne, England 
to Bury St Edmunds, England.
  The 338th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers with B-17's from Great Saling, England to Snetterton Heath,
England.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Sicily, US and Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers attack Catania
and Gerbini Airfields, causing severe damage to aircraft, runways,
hangars, and other installations. Our heavy bombers claim 5 fighters; 2
B-24's are down at sea. 
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and Northwest African Coastal Air 
Force (NACAF) carry out land and sea patrols and reconnaissance flights. 
Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing covers areas of 
Sardinia, Sicily, and the Italian mainland.
    HQ 3d Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group and it's 12th
Photographic Squadron (Light) transfers with F-5's from Algiers, Algeria to 
La Marsa, Tunisia.
    HQ 82d Fighter Group and it's 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadrons 
transfer with P-38's from Berteaux, Algeria to Souk-el-Arba, Algeria.
    The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force transfers with
F-5's from Algiers, Algeria to La Marsa, Tunisia.
    The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group which has been
operating it's P-39's from Monastir, Tunisia since 4 Jun returns to it's
base at Maison Blanche, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands,  B-24's and B-17's again bomb Kahili Airfield on
Bougainville Island. 
  The 371st and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group 
(Heavy) transfers from Kahuku and Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii
respectively to Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands with B-24's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's and B-24's bomb airfields in the
Rabaul area on New Britian Island and on Gasmata Island. 
  B-25's hit Dili and Koepang, on Timor and bomb and strafe barges off the
Huon Peninsula, at Jacob Island, off Cape Gerhards, and S of Cape Cretin,
New Guinea. Single B-24's bomb Malahang Airfield and attack a freighter in
Humboldt Bay, both in New Guinea.  

MONDAY, 14 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-26, Martin Marauder
  F4U, Vought Corsair (USN)
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  One B-24 from Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Islands bombs the runways at Tarawa
Atoll, Gilbert Islands. 

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    Eight P-40's intercept about 8 bombers and 20 fighters 25 mi (40 km)
SW of Nanchang, China. The P-40's claim 7 fighters shot down.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 323d Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 453d, 454th , 455th and 456th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Horham, England to
Earls Colne, England.
  The 349th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
arrives at Thorpe Abbots, England from the US with B-17's. The squadron
will fly it's first mission on 25 Jun.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 13/14 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Messina, Italy. Other NASAF and Northwest
Tactical Air  Force (NATAF) airplanes continue patrols and reconnaissance.
The Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing maintains flights
over Sardinia and Sicily.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, 18 B-25's, escorted by F4U's, hit Vila Airfield.
11 B-17's and B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville Island and hit 
nearby Shortland Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  A single B-24 bombs Lakunai Airfield at Rabaul on New Britain Island.

TUESDAY, 15 JUNE 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
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
  The 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 44th and 45th Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy) begin a movement from Howard Field, Canal Zone back to 
the US. The group will transition to B-29's and move to India in Apr 44.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    B-25's score 2 direct hits on the bridge at Myitnge, Burma.

  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    Ten B-25's, escorted by 12 P-40's, support Chinese ground forces by
bombing positions at Owchihkow, China.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Additional modifications of YB-40 escort bombers are completed in the
United Kingdom. It is now hoped that these B-17's converted to heavily
armored aircraft with great firepower will solve the problem of long-range
escort for bombers
  HQ 94th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Earls Colne, England to
Bury St Edmunds, England.
  HQ 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 334th, 335th, 336th and 412th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Framlingham, 
England to Horham, England.
  The 329th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers with B-24's from Bungay, England to Hardwick, England.
  The 565th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
arrives at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 14/15 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the airfields at Milo, Sciacca, Castelvetrano,
and Boccadifalco, Sicily. B-17's, B-25's, B-26's, and P-38's follow
during the morning hours with raids on the same targets and hit the 
airfield at Bo Rizzo and radio stations near Marsala, Sicily. Widespread 
photo reconnaissance of mainland Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia continues. 
    A detachment of the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 67th
Reconnaissance Group begins operating from Malta with F-5's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  B-24's bomb the airfield on Ballale Island, Solomon Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-24's bomb airfields at Rabaul on New Britain Island in predawn strikes
and hit Kendari Airfield, Celebes in the evening. 
  In New Guinea, a single B-25 attacks a power boat in Hanisch Harbor
and strafes a beach near Finschhafen.
 
WEDNESDAY, 16 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Sixth Air Force)
  The 25th and 395th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 40th Bombardment Group 
(Heavy) begin a movement from Howard Field, Canal Zone to the US. The 
squadrons will transition to B-29's and transfer to India in Apr 44.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The 566th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
arrives at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing continues coverage
of areas of mainland Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia.   
    HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and it's 29th, 47th and 49th Troop Carrier
Squadrons transfer with C-47's from Oujda, French Morocco to Kairouan, 
Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  Search aircraft report nearly 250 Japanese airplanes at Rabaul on New
Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago and other airfields jammed with 
aircraft. In air action in the Solomon Islands, about 120 Japanese aircraft 
converging on Allied vessels off Tulagi and Guadalcanal Islands in the
Solomon Islands are met by more than 100 Allied fighters (USAAF, Royal New 
Zealand Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps). The skies over Savo and 
Tulagi Islands, and Cape Esperance and Koli Point on Guadalcanal Island are 
filled with dogfights and flak from ship and ground guns. The battle results
in the largest single-day Allied aerial victory of the Solomon Islands 
campaign; 79 airplanes are claimed shot down by  Allied fighters, and AA 
claims 17 more; 6 Allied fighters are lost. The Japanese succeed in damaging 
3 ships (2 of which have to be beached) and cause considerable destruction
on Guadalcanal Island. 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-25's bomb Koepang and Oeikoesi on Timor and, along with A-20's, hit
barges and shore targets at several points along the coasts of NE New Guinea
and New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

THURSDAY, 17 JUNE 1943

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

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  During the night of 17/18 Jun, 4 B-24's take off from Funafuti Atoll,
Ellice Islands at 2-hour intervals to bomb Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert
Islands.  One aborts and another fails to find the target. The 2 heavy
bombers bombing the target hit runways, silence an AA battery, and blow up
an ammunition dump. The raid is a diversion in support of the first night
photo-reconnaissance mission by the VII Bomber Command, during which 3
B-24's photograph Mille Atoll in the Caroline Islands and nearby waters in
the Marshall Islands. 

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    P-40's strafe a warehouse and train S of Chiuchiang and a train N of
Nanchang, both in China. Road traffic E of Hanoi, French Indochina is also
attacked.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  HQ 4th Air Defense Wing transfers from Debden, England to Saffron Walden,
England. This unit will be redesignated 65th Fighter Wing on 7 Aug 43.
  The 567th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
arrives at Hethel, England from the US with B-24's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    B-24's attack airfields at Biscariy and Comiso, Sicily.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 16/17 Jun, Wellingtons bomb docks and a
marshalling yard at Naples, Italy.
    HQ 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 20th, 49th and 96th Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria 
to Ain M'lila, Algeria.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-25's administer a thorough pounding to the Madang and Salamaua, New
Guinea areas.  B-24's bomb Sorong, New Guinea and Boela, Moluccas Islands.
A single B-24 bombs the airfield at Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island
and, during the night of 17/18 Jun, a B-25 attacks power launches nearby,
sinking 1 and badly damaging 2 more.
  The 433d Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from
Charters Towers, Australia to Amberley Field, Townsville, Australia.

FRIDAY, 18 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-24, Douglas Dauntless
  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

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  The 58th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Seventh Air Force begins a movement
from Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii to Canton Island in the Phoenix
Islands with A-24's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    HQ 324th Fighter Group and it's 314th, 315th and 316th Fighter
Squadrons transfer with P-40's from Kairouan, Tunisia to El Haouaria,
Tunisia.
  
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    B-17's strike the Messina, Italy ferry slip and railroad yards while
P-38's bomb the airfield at Milo, Sicily. B-26's and B-25's, with P-38
escort, hit docks and shipping at Olbia, Sardinia and shipping at Golfo
Aranci, Italy. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and  Northwest
African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) airplanes maintain patrol and
reconnaissance flights. Northwest African Air Force (NAAF) aircraft claim
over 40 aircraft destroyed.
    The 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
Sousse, Tunisia to Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean.
    The 429th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers with B-17's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Ain M'lila,
Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands,  B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville
Island while B-25's hit Ballale Island and strafe barges in Wilson Strait.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-25's bomb and strafe power launches off Cape Gloucester, New Britain
Island and Finschhafen, New Guinea, sinking 1 and damaging 2 near the
Cape. A single B-17 bombs Unea Island, Bismarck Archipelago while an A-20
on armed reconnaissance during the night of 18/19 Jun bombs and strafes
Salamaua, New Guinea and nearby coastal areas.

SATURDAY, 19 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  Beaufighters, Bristol (RAF)
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  During the night of 18/19 Jun, 2 B-24's fly photo reconnaissance of
Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice
Islands.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  During the month of June, the 40th Bombardment Wing arrives at
Brampton Grange, England from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack ferry and railroad yards at Villa San
Giovanni, ferries in the Straits of Messina, and the harbor of Reggio di
Calabria.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 18/19 Jun, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb Syracuse, Sicily. Northwest Tactical Air Force
(NATAF), Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF), and Northwest 
African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing airplanes maintain patrols and
reconnaissance over areas of N Africa, the Mediterranean, Sicily,
Sardinia, and mainland Italy.
    HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Sousse, Tunisia to Pantelleria
Island in the Mediterranean.
    HQ 325th Fighter Group and it's 318th and 319th Fighter Squadrons
transfer with P-40's from Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia to Mateur, Tunisia.
    The air echelon of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force
with Beaufighters joins the ground echelon at La Senia, Algeria after 
training in England.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  During the night of 18/19 Jun, B-24's bomb Nauru Island in the Gilbert
Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-17's and B-24's thoroughly pound Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain
Island. A-20's hit barges in Hanisch Harbor and a trail near the village 
of Tamigudu, both in New Guinea. Single B-24's bomb the Finschhafen, New 
Guinea area and the airstrip at Rapopo on New Britain Island.

SUNDAY, 20 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  A-36, North American Apache
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  P-51, North American Mustang
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  During the night of 19/20 Jun, 3 B-24's from Funafuti Atoll in the 
Ellice Islands fly photo reconnaissance of Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall
Islands.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb
Messina, Sicily during the night of 19/20 Jun. The following morning B-26's
bomb the airfields at Milo, Castelvetrano, and Bo Rizzo, Sicily. The
Northwest Tactical Air Force (NATAF) and Northwest African Coastal Air
Force (NACAF) maintain patrols, reconnaissance, and convoy escort while
the Northwest African Photographic Reconnaissance Wing continues coverage
of areas in Sicily and mainland Italy.
    The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d Photographic Reconnaissance 
and Mapping Group transfers with F-5's from La Marsa, Tunisia to Ariana,
Tunisia. The squadron has a detachment operating on Malta.
    The 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Oujda, French Morocco to Kairouan, Tunisia.
    The 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group transfers with P-38's from
Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Mateur, Tunisia.
    The air echelon of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th 
Reconnaissance Group based at Nouvion, Algeria begins operating at Bou 
Ficha, Tunisia with P-51's.
    The 311th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Twelfth Air Force transfers with
A-36's from La Senia, Algeria to Sale, French Morocco. This squadron is
attached to the Northwest African Training Command and trains A-36 pilots.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, P-40's join Marine and Navy airplanes in a
strike against Vila Airfield on Kolokombara Island. Hits are scored on the 
runway and dump area.  B-24's blast the airfield and other targets at Kahili, 
and also bomb Kieta, both on Bougainville Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-24's bomb airstrip at Rapopo, and airfields at Keravat, and Rabaul, all
on New Britain Island and also hit Rabaul town area. A-20's pound the
airfield at Lae, New Guinea. 2 B-25's and an A-20 hit Finschhafen, New 
Guinea and barges and shoreline targets along the coast of New Britain.

MONDAY, 21 JUNE 1943

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

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutian Islands a fighters strip is completed at Shemya Island.
All missions are  cancelled due to weather for the tenth straight
day. 

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  One B-24 carries out armed photo reconnaissance over Nonouti Island, 
Beru Island, and Nukunau Island in the Gilbert Islands. 

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
    In China, 7 B-25's, with escort of 8 P-40's, bomb the village of 
Shihshow.  8 other B-25's, supported by 9 P-40's, are dispatched to attack 
the Japanese-held village of Hwajung but mistakenly bomb the friendly 
village of Nanhsien, killing over 50 Chinese.
    The 11th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 341st Bombardment Group (Medium)
transfers with B-25's from Kunming, China to Kweilin, China.  The squadron
has detachments operating from Hengyang, Suichwan, Nanning and Lingling
between Jun 43 and Jun 44.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    In Italy, B-24's attack the ferry terminal and surrounding areas at
Villa San Giovanni, and the harbor area and railroad yards at Reggio di
Calabria. Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers follow up with raids on the
same targets.
    HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group and it's 45th Troop Carrier Squadron 
transfer with C-47's from Guercif, French Morocco to Enfidaville, Tunisia.
 
  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    In Italy, Wellingtons bomb Naples during the night of 20/21 Jun. The
following day, B-17's hit the Naples railroad yards, Salerno marshalling
yard and trestle, Battipaglia marshalling yard, and Cancello Arnone air
depot. Fighters fly patrol, reconnaissance, and convoy escort. 
    HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and it's 59th Troop Carrier Squadron 
transfer with C-47's from Lourmel, French Morocco to Kairouan, Tunisia.
    HQ 480th Antisubmarine Group, AAF Antisubmarine Command is activated
at Port Lyautey, French Morocco to control Antisubmarine Squadrons
patrolling the Atlantic Ocean off Morocco.
    The 60th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
Sousse, Tunisia to Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean.
    The 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
from Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia to Mateur, Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In a predawn strike B-25's bomb Koepang on Timor Island. In New Guinea, 
A-20's bomb and strafe airfields at Lae and Malahang while B-25's blast the
airfield and general area at Salamaua. A single B-24 bombs MacDonald's 
Junction, New Guinea and strafes targets of opportunity along the coast S 
of Buka Island in the Solomon Islands.

TUESDAY, 22 JUNE 1943

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

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
  In the Aleutian Islands, a P-40 sights a submarine 5 mi (8 km) E of Zeto
Point. A B-24 then searches the area but makes no contact.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  3 B-24's from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands fly photo
reconnaissance of Beru Island, Nukunau Island, Tabiteuea Island, Onotoa
Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Arorae Island in the Gilbert Islands. 1 of the
heavy bombers strafes Arorae.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    Heavy bombers join B-25's in pounding the Ywataung, Burma marshalling
yard. Monywa, Burma is also thoroughly bombed.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 65: In the first large-scale daylight
raid on the Ruhr, 235 B-17's are dispatched to hit the chemical works and
synthetic rubber plant at Huls in the main attack; 183 bomb the target; we
claim 46-21-35 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 16 and 75 others are damaged;
casualties are 2 KIA, 16 WIA and 151 MIA; this plant, representing a large
percentage of the country's producing capacity, is severely damaged. 11
YB-40's accompany the Huls raid; 1 is lost. In a second raid, 42 B-17's
are dispatched to bomb the former Ford and General Motors plants at
Antwerp; 39 hit the target; they claim 1-2-9 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose
4, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 17 others are damaged; casualties are 1
KIA, 3 WIA and 40 MIA. An additional 21 B-17's fly an uneventful diversion.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's patrol over Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean; there are
no encounters with the enemy.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb
Salerno, Italy during the night of 21/22 Jun. Northwest African Coastal
Air Force (NACAF) Beaufighters sink a small vessel off E Sardinia.
    The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers with
C-47's from Matemore, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
    The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 1st Air Defense Wing transfers with
Beaufighters from La Senia, Algeria to La Sebala, Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-24's bomb the Taberfane, New Guinea area.

WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
  P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
  The 4th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command begins
a movement from Gander Lake, Newfoundland to England with B-24's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Royal Air Force (RAF) Liberators, under the operational control of the
IX Bomber Command, hit the airfield at Comiso, Sicily. Fighters patrol
over Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean without incident.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the
town of Olbia, Sardinia and lay mines in the harbor during the night of
22/23 Jun. Photographic reconnaissance airplanes continue missions, flying
over areas of mainland Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and the S coast
of France.
    HQ 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Sedrata, Algeria to
Djedeida, Tunisia.
    The detachment of the 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3d
Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group at Malta returns to it's base
at Ariana, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-25's and Navy fighters and dive bombers hit
Buki village on Buki Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  17 B-24's bomb shipping, dock area, factory and residential areas of
Makassar, Celebes Island. 2 light cruisers are damaged and many buildings
along Juliana Quay and in the town area are damaged or demolished. A
single B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs the airfield at Lae, New Guinea.
  HQ 348th Fighter Group and it's 340th, 341st and 342d Fighter Squadrons 
arrive at Port Moresby, New Guinea from the US with P-47's.

FRIDAY, 25 JUNE 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 (RAF)
  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, 2 photo and weather reconnaissance missions 
by 2 B-24's and 6 attack missions by 25 B-25's, 12 B-24's, and 2 P-38's 
hit Kiska Island. Targets include gun revetments at Gertrude Cove and AA
batteries. 
    The 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's
from Ft Glenn, Alaska to Shemya Island. The squadron also has detachments
operating from Amchitka and Attu Islands.

  ANTISUBMARINE (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
    The 19th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine Command
begins a movement from Gander Lake, Newfoundland to England with B-24's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 67: 275 B-17's make scattered attacks
on targets of opportunity in NW Germany when primary targets at Bremen and
Hamburg are obscured by clouds; 167 bomb targets and claim 62-11-40
Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 18 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and
another 61 are damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 14 WIA and 172 MIA. Of 7
YB-40 escort bombers dispatched only 4 are able to accompany formations to
the target area.
  HQ 387th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Chipping Ongar, England
from the US.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb docks
and marshalling yard at Olbia, Sardinia during the night of 24/25 Jun. On
the following day B-17's drop over 300 tons of bombs on Messina, Sicily
bombing the marshalling yard, the W and N part of town, warehouse area and
part of commercial quay.
    The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group transfers with
C-47's from Matemore, Algeria to Goubrine, Tunisia.
    The 34th, 37th, 95th and 432d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 17th 
Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Sedrata, Algeria to 
Djedeida, Tunisia. 
    The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 1st Air Defense Wing transfers with
Beaufighters from La Sebala, Tunisia to Monastir, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands during the night of 24/25 Jun, B-24's attack the
Kahili area on Bougainville Island and hit the airfield on Buka Island. 
During the following day B-25's, escorted by P-40's, hit the runway at 
Vila Airfield on Kolombangara Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  B-25's bomb and strafe several occupied villages in the Sepu, New Guinea
area.

SATURDAY, 26 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 
  
  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 16 bombers and 28 fighters fly 7 attack,
weather reconnaissance and photo missions to Kiska and Little Kiska
Islands, starting fires. Intense machinegun fire damages 4 P-38's. 

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  Air Marshall Trafford L Leigh-Mallory is given responsibility for
drafting air plans for the invasion of the Continent. His deputy is
Brigadier General Haywood S Hansell, Jr. 
  Eighth Air Force Mission Number 68: 165 B-17's are dispatched against
the Vilacoublay, France air depot; 12 hit the target while 6 hit the
secondary target, Poissy Airfield, and 39 bomb Tricqueville Airfield; they
claim 17-5-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 5 B-17's and 14 others are
damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 3 WIA and 51 MIA. 5 YB-40 escort bombers
take off to accompany heavy bombers but none are able to complete the
attack.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    During the night of 25/26 Jun, Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers,
under IX Bomber Command control, bomb Messina, Sicily.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Wellingtons bomb the Bari, Italy oil refinery during the night of
25/26 Jun. 
    HQ 314th Troop Carrier Group and it's 32d, 50th and 61st Troop Carrier
Squadrons transfer with C-47's from Berguent, French Morocco to Kairouan, 
Tunisia.
    HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th and
440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Sedrata, 
Algeria to Djedeida, Tunisia.
    The 10th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
    A detachment of the 68th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment
Group (Heavy) based at Shipdham, England begins operating from Benina,
Libya with B-24's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands during the night of 25/26 Jun, B-24's pound the
airfield on Ballale Island and bomb the Poporang-Buin-Faisi area. P-38's 
strafe the Rekata Bay area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  During the predawn and early morning hours, B-24's and B-17's bomb the
airfield and harbor at Rabaul, New Britain and the town of Lae, New Guinea. 
During the midday, B-25's hit the airfield at Lae and the town of Salamaua, 
New Guinea. In the early evening B-25's bomb Penfoei, Timor Island.

SUNDAY, 27 JUNE 1943

AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
  A-20, Douglas Havoc
  B-24, Consolidated Liberator
  B-25, North American Mitchell
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    On Kiska Island in the Aleutian Islands, 8 B-24's make a radar run but
return with their bombs due to weather. Later, 5 B-24's and 7 B-25's bomb
the Main Camp area and vicinity N of Salmon Lagoon. 14 B-25's bomb
Gertrude Cove, camp areas, and North Head, while 7 others abort due to
weather. 2 P-40's fly reconnaissance over Segula Island but overcast
prevents observations.

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    The 21st Photographic Squadron (Light), Fourteenth Air Force arrives at
Bishnupur, India from the US with F-5's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Beginning this date, the 20lst Bombardment Wing (Provisional)- the
93d, 44th, and 389th Bombardment Groups (Heavy)- of the Eighth Air Force
is attached to the Ninth Air Force for operations. 
    B-24's hit airfields at Kalamaki and Eleusis, Greece, damaging
buildings, runways, and parked airplanes; they claim 7 fighters shot down.
    HQ 57th Fighter Group and it's 64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons 
transfer with P-40's from Tunisia to Malta.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 26/27 Jun, Wellingtons bomb the marshalling yard
and port area of Naples, Italy.
    The 328th, 329th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 93d 
Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Hardwick, England begin operating from 
Bengasi, Libya with B-24's.
    The 506th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
based at Shipdham, England begins operating from Benina, Libya with B-24's.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville
Island and hit Ballale Island. A single heavy bomber on armed reconnaissance 
bombs Munda Airfield on New Georgia Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe occupied areas at Dumpu, Kaigulin,
and Kaiapit while A-20's strafe barges and shore installations at Labu
Lagoon. 
  B-24's hit Taka, Saumlakki and Malo Island in the Moluccas Islands and 
Boeroe Island in the Sunda Islands.

MONDAY, 28 JUNE 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
  F-5, Lockheed Lightning
  P-38, Lockheed Lightning
  P-39, Bell Airacobra
  P-40, Curtiss

AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
    In the Aleutian Islands, 6 B-25's bomb Gertrude Cove, Little Kiska
Island and the southern Main Camp area through holes in the overcast. The
mission is partly ineffective because of faulty bomb-release mechanisms. 

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
  A bombing mission against Nauru Island, Gilbert Islands from Funafuti
Atoll, Ellice Islands is hampered by engine trouble and bad weather. 1
B-24 had crashed at Palmyra Island, Oceania the previous day while en
route from the Hawaiian Islands to the staging base at Funafuti Atoll. Of
the 18 arriving at the forward base, 2 are released from duty because of
engine trouble, 2 crash on takeoff, and 8 are grounded after a second
crash. 6 heavy bombers are airborne for the mission, 2 abort, 2 fail to
find Nauru Island because of heavy front, and 2 drop bombs on the island,
with unobserved results.
 
CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    HQ 80th Fighter Group and it's 88th and 90th Fighter Squadrons arrive 
at Karachi, India from the US with P-40's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 69: 191 B-17's are dispatched against
the locks and submarine pens at Saint-Nazaire, France; 158 hit the target
between 1655 and 1713 hours local; we claim 28-6-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; we
lose 8 B-17's and 57 others are damaged; casualties are 3 KIA, 14 WIA and
50 MIA. 50 other B-17's are dispatched against Beaumont-le-Roger Airfield;
43 bomb the target between 1736 and 1740 hours local; 6 B-17's are damaged.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 27/28 Jun Northwest African Strategic Air Force 
(NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the Messina, Sicily marshalling yards and Villa 
San Giovanni, Italy. The following day, B-17's hit Leghorn, Italy, B-25's 
hit airfields near Olbia, Sardinia and Alghero, Sicily, B-26's attack the
landing ground at Milis, Sardinia, and fighters hit the airfield at
Decimomannu, Sardinia.
    HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and it's 11th Troop Carrier Squadron 
transfer with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.
    HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group and it's 16th, 17th and 35th Troop Carrier
Squadrons transfer with C-47's from Blida, Algeria to Kairouan, Tunisia.
    "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3d Photographic
Reconnaissance and Mapping Group transfers with F-5's from Le Kroub,
Algeria to La Marsa, Tunisia. "B" and "C" Flights are still in the US.
    The 27th and 71st Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group transfer with 
P-38's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Mateur, Tunisia.
    The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group transfers with P-40's from
Menzel Temime, Tunisia to Pantelleria Island in the Mediterranean.
    The 66th and 67th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) based at Shipdham, England begin operating from Benina, Libya with
B-24's.
    The 345th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group transfers with P-39's
from Maison Blanche, Algeria to Bone, Algeria.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
transfers with B-24's from the Fiji Islands to Guadalcanal Island in the
Solomon Islands.

TUESDAY, 29 JUNE 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
  B-40, Boeing Flying Fortress
  C-47, Douglas Skytrain
  P-40, Curtiss
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS
  
  BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
    The 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group arrives at Karachi, India
from the US with P-40's.

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 70: 108 B-17's are dispatched against
the air depot at Villacoublay, France and another 40 against the airfield
at Tricqueville, France; neither groups hit the target due to heavy cloud
cover and return to base; they claim 0-3-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 14 B-17's
are damaged. Another 84 B-17's are dispatched against the aeroengine works
at Le Mans, France; 76 hit the target between 1959 and 2003 hours local. 
Both of the 2 YB-40's dispatched as escorts are forced to abort. The lack
of success of the YB-40's in this and previous missions in Jun 43
convinces Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker, Commanding General Eighth Air
Force, that if the escort bomber is to succeed it must be able to carry
bombs and must be endowed with the same flight performance as the B-l7.
  The 548th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 385th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
arrives at Great Ashfield, England from the US with B-17's. The squadron
will fly it's first mission on 17 Jul 43.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers hit the airfield at Reggio di
Calabria, Italy. P-40's patrol the sea off Cap Bon, Tunisia; there are no
incidents.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    Wellingtons during the night of 28/29 Jun raid ferry slips and
marshalling yard at Messina, Sicily. Photographic reconnaissance airplanes
cover areas in N and S Italy, E Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and S France.
    HQ 1st Fighter Group transfers from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to
Mateur, Tunisia.
    HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 441st, 442d, 443d and
444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-26's from Montesquieu, 
Algeria to Massicault, Tunisia.
    The 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers
with C-47's from Thiersville, Algeria to El Djem, Tunisia.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe strong points along the Bitoi River
and A-20's pound a supply dump on the S side of Nassau Bay in preparation 
for allied amphibious landings which are to begin during the night of 29/30
Jun; a lone B-24 bombs building area W of Parsee Point near Salamaua; and
other B-24's bomb Nabire. 

WEDNESDAY, 30 JUNE 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
  F4F, Grumman Wildcat (USN)
  F4U, Vought Corsair (USN)
  P-40, Curtiss
  Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
  Wellington, Vickers (RAF)
  Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
  The VIII Fighter Command becomes independent of Royal Air Force (RAF)
operational control. All fighter groups are placed under control of the
4th Air Defense Wing.
  The 4th and 19th Antisubmarine Squadrons (Heavy), AAF Antisubmarine 
Command arrive at St Eval, England from Newfoundland with B-24's.

MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

  EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
    P-40's fly escort for a sea rescue airplane 35 mi (56 km) N of Cap
Bon, Tunisia.

  WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
    During the night of 29/30 Jun over 60 Wellingtons hit the area NW of 
Cape San Marco, Italy and the marshalling yard and surrounding area at 
Messina, Sicily.
    In Sicily the following day, B-17's bomb the airfields at Palermo and 
Boccadifalco, B-25's hit the airfield at Sciacca, and B-26's strike the
airfield at Bo Rizzo. 
    Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) airplanes sink 2 schooners 
off S and E Sardinia and damage a vessel off the W coast of Italy.
    HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 307th and 308th Fighter Squadrons 
transfer with Spitfires from Korba, Tunisia to Gozo Island, Malta.
    HQ 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) and it's 310th Bombardment Squadron
(Dive) transfer with A-36's from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Korba, Tunisia.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
  In the Solomon Islands, the invasion of New Georgia Island begins with
amphibious landings by US Army and US Marine Corps forces on nearby
Rendova Island. Subsidiary landings take place at other points in the New
Georgia area. USAAF and other allied fighters cover the landings. At 1100
hours, 30+ Zekes attack the beachhead; Allied fighters intercept, claiming 
16 shot down. At 1500 hours, a large force of fighters, dive bombers, and
torpedo-carrying bombers attack the vessels of the Task Force which is
handling the landings. F4U's, F4F's and AA down all the torpedo-carrying
bombers as they attack vessels however, a torpedo strikes the flagship, the
attack transport USS McCawley (APA-4), amidship severely damaging the vessel 
(later mistakenly sunk by US PT boats). Early in the evening about 30 more
Japanese aircraft return to the assault area. Allied fighters claim 18 of
these shot down. B-25's and US Navy dive bombers bomb Munda Airfield on New
Georgia. A B-24 strike on Kahili, Bougainville Island aborts because of bad 
weather.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
  In New Guinea, Allied amphibious forces begin landings, unopposed, at
Nassau Bay during the night of 29/30 Jun. Forces push N and S toward the
Bitoi River and Tabali Creek, respectively. Troops make contact with enemy
forces in the Cape Dinga area S of Nassau Bay. Australians open the
assault on Bobdubi Ridge and maintain pressure on the enemy in the Mubo
area. B-25's pound Bobdubi Ridge in support of the assault and hit forces
at Logui and Salamaua. B-25's also bomb the airfield at Cape Chater on
Timor Island. B-24's and B-17's bomb an airfield at Rabaul, New Britain
Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.  1 heavy bomber scores a hit on a cargo 
vessel off Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island.
  The 57th Troop Carrier Squadron, 375th Troop Carrier Group arrives at
Port Moresby, New Guinea from the US with C-47's

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

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

Top