# USAAF Chronology:

                   COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES

    THURSDAY, 1 APRIL 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
      P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)
      Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        A joint directive by Commander-in-Chief, Pacific and Commanding General
    Western Defense Command orders preparations for Operation LANDGRAB, the
    invasion of Attu Island.
      In the Aleutians, 16 B-24, 5 B-25, and 12 P-38 sorties are flown against
    Kiska Island from Adak and Amchitka Islands. Targets include a ship in
    Gertrude Cove, the North Head area, the Main Camp and the beach. AA fire
    damages 2 bombers. Reconnaissance covers Kiska, Attu, Buldir, and Semichis
    Islands.
        During April, the 73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28th Composite
    Group with B-25's transfers from Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska to
    Umnak Island.

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force)

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 16 B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad sheds. Eight others hit
    the railroad yards at Ywatsung.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, a Japanese force of 9 fighters is intercepted in the Lingling
    area by P-40's. We claim 7 fighters shot down; we lose 1 P-40.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      The 83d and 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group with P-47C's
    transfer from Goxhill, England to Duxford, England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's escort bomber missions. Medium and light bombers hit
    parked airplanes and AA batteries at El Maou Airfield at Sfax.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia during the night of 31 Mar/1 Apr, RAF Wellingtons bomb the
    Bizerte docks and Karouba Bay seaplane base. During the day, A-20's bomb La
    Fauconnerie and El Djem Airfields. Fighters, carrying out reconnaissance
    missions over wide areas of Tunisia, attack motor  transport, tanks, and
    guns in the Sidi Mansour-Djebel Tebaga areas. British medium and light
    bombers, and fighters hit gun positions N of Oued el Akarit and hit
    the Sfax-El Maou Airfield.
        The 17th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group (Light)
    with A-20's transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Ras El Ma, French Morocco.
        The 96th Fighter Squadron, 92d Fighter Group with P-38's transfers from
    Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, 42 fighters (P-38's and Navy and Marine aircraft) are
    sent over the Russell Islands to intercept Japanese aircraft trying to hit
    US stockpiles on Guadalcanal, the naval base at Tulagi, and the incomplete
    airstrips in the Russells. The air battle lasts for nearly 3 hours. Six US
    fighters are lost, against claims of 20 Japanese airplanes destroyed.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's attack a convoy off Kavieng, and
    airfields at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.
      In New Guinea, B-17's attack the town of Madang.
      Flights of from l to 3 medium or heavy bombers hit several other targets,
    mostly isolated shipping and coastline targets in the Netherlands East
    Indies and in the Solomon Sea.

    FRIDAY, 2 APRIL 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 18 B-24's bomb Kiska targets including North Head. Six
    B-25's, 16 P-38's, and 24 P-40's in 6 missions from Amchitka to Kiska, bomb
    the Main Camp and submarine base areas. Four B-24's bomb the runway at
    Attu. All aircraft, including 2 B-25's colliding in the air, return safely.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 8 B-25's hit the Thazi railroad junction.
        A detachment of the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group with
    P-40's which has been operating from Sadiya, India since Nov 42 transfers
    to Jorhat, India.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy during the night of 1/2 Apr, RAF Liberators, under the
    operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb the ferry terminal at
    Messina and the airfield at Crotone. During the day, 2 B-24's on a special
    mission bomb the ferry terminals at Messina and Villa San Giovanni;
    27 B-24's sent against Naples find the target totally obscured by clouds; 9
    bomb the area through overcast and 3 bomb Augusta and Crotone.
        In Sicily, 24 B-24's sent to attack Palermo abort because of heavy
    clouds over the target.
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly 9 armored reconnaissance and 6 fighter-bomber
    and escort missions.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, B-25's and A-20's bomb the airfield at La Fauconnerie.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, P-38's and P-40's attack and set fire to a small cargo
    vessel in Kokolope Bay.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, A-20's hit the Kitchen Creek area and the Labiabi-Duali
    area.  Single B-24's attack Salamaua, Finschhafen and the bridge at Rempi.
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24's hit the airfields at Gasmata
    and Cape Gloucester.

    SATURDAY, 3 APRIL 1943

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb the Myitnge bridge,
    scoring hits on both approaches.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      HQ, 78th Fighter Group transfers from Goxhill, England to Duxford,
    England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, B-25's the bomb Sfax-El Maou area during the night of 2/3
    Apr. P-40's fly fighter-bomber missions N of Gabes.
        HQ, 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 434th Bombardment Squadron
    (Medium) with B-25's transfer from El Assa, Libya to Medenine, Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
    bomber operations.
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters
    strafe tanks and trucks at Kebira and Jabal Nasir Allah, and claim 14
    aircraft downed in aerial combat over Djebel Berda. B-25's bomb the
    airfield at Sainte-Marie du Zit. Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) light
    bombers hit motor transport and gun positions N of Oued el Akarit.
        HQ, 81st Fighter Group and its 93d Fighter Squadron with P-39's
    transfer from Thelepte, Tunisia to Bone, Algeria to patrol the coast of
    Africa and protect Allied shipping in the Mediterranean.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, A-20's hit Kitchen Creek while single B-24's bomb
    Korindindi.
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's pound shipping and the airfield at
    Kavieng while single B-24's bomb Kavieng.

    SUNDAY, 4 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      F-5, Lockheed Lightning
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-39, Bell Airacobra

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 8 B-25's hit the Maymyo engine sheds. Nine others bomb the
    Pyawbwe railroad yards. Seven B-24's heavily damage the Thilawa oil
    refinery.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission 49: 97 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing are
    dispatched against industrial installations in the Paris, France area
    including the Renault armament works and motor works.  85 aircraft drop 251
    tons of bombs on the target between 1414 and 1417 local and cause severe
    damage.  We claim 47-13-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 4 B-17s and 16 others
    are damaged by fierce fighter opposition. Casualties are 6 WIA and 39 MIA.
      The 13th Photographic Squadron (Light) flew 3 F-5 sorties in Belgium and
    France; 1 F-5 is missing.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack Naples, concentrating on the dock area.
        In Sicily, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
    Command, bomb Palermo.
        The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
    with B-25's transfers from El Assa, Libya to Medenine, Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Italy, B-25's bomb small shipping at Carloforte on San Pietro
    Island. B-17's hit Capodichino Airfield and the marshalling yards at
    Naples.
        In Tunisia, P-38's dive-bomb a beached freighter off Cape Zebib. Other
    P-38's escort the bombing raids. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
    (NATAF) A-20's hit La Fauconnerie Airfield while B-25's hit El Djem and
    Sainte-Marie du Zit airfields. Fighters accompany light and medium bombers
    on attacks, and carry out numerous patrols, reconnaissance flights, and
    fighter sweeps over the battle areas of Tunisia.
        The 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group (Light)
    with A-20's transfers from Nouvion, Algeria to Ras el Ma, French Morocco.
        The 111th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with A-20's and
    P-39's transfers from Oujda, French Morocco to Guercif, French Morocco.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher assumes the position of Commander Air
    Solomons (COMAIRSOL) which has operational control of all Royal New Zealand
    Air Force (RNZAF), USAAF, USMC and USN aircraft in the South Pacific.
      A detachment of the 18th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 4th Photographic
    Group with B-25's begins operating from Espiritu Santo.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's and A-20's pound areas along the Huon Gulf, around
    Kitchen Creek and the Heaths and Lane Plantations. Single B-17's bomb
    Salamaua.
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's bomb the town area and airfield at
    Kavieng. Single B-17's bomb Cape Gloucester.

    MONDAY, 5 APRIL 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
      P-47, Republic Thunderbolt
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, reconnaissance covers all islands W of Kiska with
    negative results. 16 B-24's and 6 B-25's bomb the Attu runway and Kiska's
    Main Camp and runway. 4 P-38's fly top cover. Later, 3 B-25's, 16 P-4O's,
    and 16 P-38's bomb Kiska again.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 17 B-25's bomb railroad targets at Mandalay; 2 others hit
    Ngamya. Three B-24's bomb the Prome railroad yards; 5 hit the Mahlwagon
    yards and roundhouse. 12 P-40's and a B-25 support ground forces in N
    Burma.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In Burma, P-40's on armored reconnaissance strafe 15 horse-drawn wagons
    at Wanling.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission 50: 104 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing
    are dispatched against industrial targets in the Antwerp, Belgium area.
    The main force is directed at the Erla aircraft factory and Erla engine
    works.  82 B-17's drop 245.5 tons of bombs at 1530 hours local.  We claim
    23-8-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; we lose 4 to strong Luftwaffe fighter
    opposition; 13 aircraft are damaged.  Casualties are 3 WIA and 40 MIA.
      HQ 56th Fighter Group and it's 61st, 62d and 63d Fighter Squadrons with
    P-47C's transfer from Horsham St Faith, England to Halesworth, England.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sicily during the night of 4/5 Apr, Northwest African Strategic Air
    Force (NASAF) Wellingtons bomb the Trapani docks and shipping. During the
    day, B-17's bomb the airfields at Boccadifalco and Milo.
        In Tunisia, B-17's bomb airfields at Sidi Ahmed and Tunis. B-25's hit
    the airfield at Bo Rizzo and attack a convoy off Cap Bon. P-38's fly several
    fighter sweeps over the Straits of Sicily. One force of fighters claims 16
    airplanes destroyed. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's
    hit the Airfield at El Djem and La Fauconnerie. Fighters attack E-boats
    off Pont-du-Fahs and vehicles S of Bou Hamran, and fly sweeps,
    reconnaissance, and patrol over the battle area in Tunisia. Western Desert
    Air Force (WDAF) and Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft hit
    motor transport W of Cekhira, bomb Djebel Zitouna Airfield, and strike
    shipping in the Straits of Sicily. During the day Northwest African Air
    Force (NAAF) aircraft claim destruction of nearly 50 aircraft in aerial
    combat. Today starts Operations FLAX (5-22 Apr) which is designed to
    destroy, in the air and on the ground, enemy air transports and escorts
    employed in ferrying personnel and supplies to Tunisia.
        HQ 325th Fighter Group transfers from Tafaraoui, Algeria to
    Montesquieu, Algeria.
        The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
    with A-20's transfers from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
        The 91st and 93d Fighter Squadrons, 81st Fighter Group with P-39's
    transfer from Thelepte, Tunisia to Bone, Algeria.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, single B-17's attack occupied areas at several points
    along the Huon Gulf coast, hit Finschaffen on the Huon Peninsula, bomb
    Madang and other points on the N coast of New Guinea and hit Cape
    Gloucester on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago.

    TUESDAY, 6 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-39, Bell Airacobra
      P-40, Curtiss
      P-51, North American Mustang
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 6 B-24's attack Pazundaung bridge, damaging the S approach.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-24's hit the ferry and slips at Messina harbor.
        In Italy, RAF Liberators, under IX Bomber Command control, bomb the
    Naples area and rail facilities in Messina, Sicily.
        In Tunisia, B-25's fly 2 missions against concentrations in the Oued el
    Akarit region, scoring hits on buildings, tanks, and numerous vehicles.
    P-40's fly escort, fighter sweep, and strafing operations, attacking guns,
    vehicles and personnel as the British Eighth Army begin their assault on
    Oued el Akarit from which the enemy begins withdrawing during the night.
        HQ 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it"s 514th Bombardment Squadron
    (Heavy) with B-24's transfer from Soluch, Libya to Bengasi, Libya.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-17's bomb the docks and ships at Trapani.
        In Tunisia during the night of 5/6 April, Wellingtons bomb the dock and
    shipping at Tunis. During the day, B-25's and P-38's attack shipping in the
    Straits of Sicily. Two forces of B-17's bomb a convoy further W, near
    Zembra Island and hit a convoy off Bizerte. B-25's and A-20's attack
    landing grounds and airfields at Enfidaville, La Fauconnerie, and El Djem.
    La Fauconnerie bears the brunt of the attacks and is well covered. Fighters
    escort the bombing raids, fly reconnaissance missions, and attack scattered
    enemy movement.
        HQ 27th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 91st Bombardment Squadron
    (Light) with A-20's transfer from Nouvion, Algeria to Ras el Ma, French
    Morocco.
        The 92d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from
    Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Maison Blanche, Algeria.
        The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with P-39's and
    P-51's transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Sbeitla, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      The 70th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group based on Fiji but operating
    from Guadalcanal with P-39's, transfers to Guadalcanal.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER F OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's bomb the town area and AA positions at Salamaua.
    Single B-17's bomb Finschhafen.
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-17's bomb Gasmata while another
    strafes Cape Gloucester.

    WEDNESDAY, 7 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      F4F, Grumman Wildcat (USN)
      F4U, Chance Vought Corsair (USN)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-39, Bell Airacobra
      P-40, Curtiss
      Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, the reconnaissance airplane aborts shortly after
    takeoff due to weather.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 2 B-25's temporarily knock out a bridge on the Ye-u railroad
    branch, crossing the Mu River between Ywataung and Monywa. Eighteen B-25's,
    in 2 forces, bomb the Ywataung Marshalling Yard. P-40's support ground
    forces N of Shingbwiyang. Six B-24's bomb Japanese HQ at Toungoo.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-24's attack Palermo harbor.
        In Tunisia, B-25's bomb retreating columns which are being pursued N of
    Oued el Akarit by the the British Eighth Army's 30 and 10 Corps. Fighters
    carry out bombing and strafing operations the battle area.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
    attack Tunis and the Jabal al Jallud Marshalling Yard. Weather cancels all
    other NASAF missions except for 2 reconnaissance sorties. All available
    airplanes of the XII Air Support Command and Western Desert Air Force
    (WDAF) hit ground forces which are retreating in all sectors. Fighters fly
    sweeps over Medjez el Bab (claiming 3 fighters downed), a scramble mission
    NW of Oued Zarga (5 fighters are claimed destroyed), and over 100 other
    sorties (no encounters). Highway and motor transport are bombed between
    Sfax and Sousse. Light and medium bombers, and fighter-bombers attack
    concentrations N of the Oued el Akarit line. Units of the US II Corps make
    contact with the British Eighth Army on the Gabes-Gafsa road.
        HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons
    with Spitfires transfer from Thelepte, Tunisia to Djilma, Tunisia.
        The 318th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group with P-40F's transfers
    from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Montesquieu, Algeria.  The squadron will fly
    it's first combat mission on 17 Apr 43.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, a large force of Japanese dive bombers and fighters is
    reported by coast watchers to be moving down the "Slot." In its path are
    a convoy off the E coast of Guadalcanal, shipping at Koli Point, and a Task
    Force at Tulagi. Every operable fighter (76) on Guadalcanal is sent up, and
    the bombers are moved to the SW tip of the island for safety. The air
    battle takes place off the Russells, near Tulagi, and over the convoy.
    USAAF P-38's and P-39's and Marine and Navy F4F's and F4U's claim 39
    aircraft shot down, 13 by USAAF fighters. Allied losses total 7 fighters.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's hit areas along the NE coast from Mur to Singor.
    B-24's bomb the landing ground at Babo and town area of Fak Fak. Single
    heavy bombers attack shipping and coastal targets at Lae, Salamaua,
    Finschhafen and Wewak; Cape Gloucester and Kavieng in the Bismarck
    Archipelago; and off Lorengau, in the Admiralty Islands.

    THURSDAY, 8 APRIL 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, The weather airplane scouts Kiska and islands W of it
    with negative results.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
         In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb Meiktila Airfield; 6 B-24's attack the
    airfield at Heho; and Ft Bayard Airfield is strafed by 9 P-40's. Enemy
    stores at Ningam are hit by 4 P-40's and a B-25.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      In England, 56th and 78th Fighter Groups become operational. Added to the
    4th Fighter Group (already operational), this enables VIII Fighter Command
    to increase activity and paves the way for its coming role of escorting
    bombers on deep penetrations into enemy territory.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly 29 bomber escort, armed reconnaissance, and
    fighter-bomber missions against retreating column along coast N of Gabes.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        Weather prevents all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
    operations except minimum weather reconnaissance.
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's and
    Spitfires fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over the Faid Pass-Fondouk
    el Aouareb-Kairouan-Ousseltia area as the British X Corps attacks Fondouk.
    Other fighters fly widespread reconnaissance and sweeps, attacking motor
    transport S of Zaghouan. Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) fighters hit
    retreating columns in the Cekhira-Sfax area.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      HQ 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 4 squadrons, the 26th, 42d,
    98th and 431st Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17E's and F's, transfer
    from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands to the Territory of Hawaii.
    Group HQ and the 431st go to Hickam Field; the 26th to Bellows Field, the
    42d to Kualoa Point; and the 98th to Mokuleia.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's and B-24's carry out small harassing
    strikes, bombing Ulamoa, Finschhafen, and the airfield at Kavieng.

    FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, a B-24 flies reconnaissance over Kiska, Attu and the
    Semichis.  P-40's fly reconnaissance over Kiska.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's in a fighter-bomber role attack Sfax, as the
    British Eighth Army, in pursuit of the retreating enemy, reaches a position
    a few miles to the SW of the coast.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, fighters continue reconnaissance of the N half of Tunisia
    and the Straits of Sicily and hit enemy movement and defenses over wide
    areas between Sfax and Enfidaville.
        HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 443d Bombardment Squadron
    (Medium) with B-26B's transfer from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Montesquieu,
    Algeria.
        The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group with P-40F's transfers
    from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Montesquieu, Algeria. The squadron will fly
    it's first mission on 17 Apr 43.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe the airfield and town and dock
    areas of Madang.  A-20's hit the Kitchen Creek-Mubo area.  Single B-17's
    attack barges at Bogia, Alexishafen and Finschhafen and hit the town of
    Wewak.
      In the Admiralities, vehicles at Lorengau on Manus Island are strafed.

    SATURDAY, 10 APRIL 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
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance B-24 observes 4 unidentified
    aircraft near Segula. Three B-25's, 17 P-40's, and 6 P-38's fly 5 attack
    missions to Kiska, and negative searches for the unidentified airplanes at
    Segula. The last mission finds Kiska closed in and returns with bombs.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's bomb the harbor at Naples.
        In Sicily, RAF Liberators, under operation control of the IX Bomber
    Command, hit Palermo.
        In Tunisia, Allied ground forces take Sfax and continue N to La Hencha.
        HQ IX Fighter Command is transferred from Egypt to Tripoli, Libya.
    Personnel are to be moved from Egypt over a period of several weeks.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sardinia, B-17's hit ships at La Madallena.
        In Tunisia during the night of 9/10 Apr, Wellingtons bomb troops and
    transport on roads in the area surrounding Enfidaville. The following day,
    B-26's follow up the Wellingtons with raids on roads and military
    concentrations near Enfidaville. Fighter-bombers also hit ground targets
    in the Enfidaville areas. Fighters escort bombers, carry out reconnaissance,
    and fly sweeps over the battle area from Medjez el Rah to Sousse.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, B-24's continue to fly harassing strikes as 3 of the
    heavy bombers hit Kahili Airfield.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-17's and B-24's pound the town and dock area of Wewak.
    Some of the B-17's also bomb Cape Boram and Kairiru Island while some of
    the B-24's hit Alexishafen and shipping off Wewak. B-25's pound the harbors
    at Bobia and Uligan. A lone B-17 strafes barges SE of Bogia and trucks at
    Cape Croisilles while another bombs the airfield at Arawe.
      The 8th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 3d Bombardment Group (Dive) with
    A-20's transfers from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura, New Guinea.  On
    25 May 43, the group and it's 4 squadrons will be redesignated Bombardment
    Group/Squadron (Light) to reflect it's true mission.

    SUNDAY, 11 APRIL 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 4 B-25's, 22 P-40's, and 8 P-38's hit Kiska 5 times.
    The last mission aborts due to weather. The  other 4 missions bomb various
    targets starting large fires. Some fighters strafe Little Kiska.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack Naples harbor. AA is intense and fighters
    attack B-24's from all sides, knocking 1 down. The B-24's claim destruction
    of 3 fighters.
        In Tunisia, B-25's attack motor transport and concentrations N of Sfax
    as Allied ground troops push toward Sousse.
        HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th and 487th Bombardment
    Squadrons (Medium) with B-25C's transfer from El Kabrit, Egypt to Medenine,
    Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sardinia during the night of 10/11 Apr, Wellingtons bomb airfields
    at Decimomannu and Monserrato.
        In Sicily, B-17's strike the harbors of Marsala and Trapani.
        In Tunisia, P-38's carry out fighter sweeps and reconnaissance flights,
    claiming numerous aircraft shot down, including 21 transports destroyed
    between Cap Bon and Marsala. B-26's bomb Oudna Airfield, B-25's hit
    Sainte-Marie du Zit Airfield, and B-17's strike the harbor of Tunis.
    Fighter-bombers and light bombers blast trucks S of the Enfidaville road,
    trucks E of Kairouan, the Sousse docks, and numerous other targets in the
    NE quarter of Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, P-38's and Navy fighters strafe gun positions in the
    Rekata Bay area. B-17's bomb airfields at Kahili and on Ballale Island.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-17's bomb Lae and Finschhafen. Single B-24's bomb
    Finschhafen 3 times and hit Madang once. Enemy airplanes attack Oro Bay and
    destroy 2 merchant vessels.
      In Timor, B-25's hit Vila Salazar and another village.

    MONDAY, 12 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-39, Bell Airacobra
      P-40, Curtiss
      P-51, North American Mustang
      Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

       ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
         In the Aleutians, 3 B-25's, 24 P-40's, and 13 P-38's fly 7 missions to
    Kiska. The fighters also strafe Little Kiska. AA fire damages 1 P-40 and 1
    P-38. The P-38 force-lands safely.

       AAF ANTISUBMARINE COMMAND
         The 6th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing
    arrives at Gander Lake, Newfoundland, Canada from the U.S. with B-24's.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 9 B-25's hit the airfield at Magwe. P-40's bomb and strafe
    the ammunition and supply dump at Walawbum.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In Burma, P-40's strafe more than 20 vehicles 25 mi (40 km) E of
    Loiwing.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      In England, a Board of 5 officers of the Eighth Air Force and 1 of the
    Royal Air Force complete formulation of a plan for the Combined Bomber
    Offensive (CBO) from the United Kingdom in accordance with the mission
    prescribed by the Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) in the Casablanca
    Directive.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's of the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) sent to attack
    Naples harbor, are prevented by bad weather from bombing the primary
    target. About half return without bombing while the others hit Cosenza and
    Crotone. Other heavy bombers of the same group, in a subsequent mission,
    bomb Naples and the secondary target of Pizzo.
        In Sicily, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
    Command, are dispatched against Palermo. The primary target is attacked, in
    spite of total cloud cover, but most of bomb tonnage is dropped in Messina,
    Italy harbor.
        In ground action in Tunisia, the British 10 Corps captures Sousse and
    heads north.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-17's bomb the harbor at Trapani and hit shipping in the
    Straits of Sicily.
        In Tunisia, B-17's bomb the harbor at Bizerte. B-25's and A-20's bomb
    airfields at Oudna and Sainte-Made du Zit. Aircraft of tactical units hit
    enemy movements and fly sweep and reconnaissance throughout NE Tunisia
    following the attack during the night of 11/12 Apr by British aircraft,
    mainly in the Enfidaville, Zaghouan, and Bou Ficha areas.
        HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons
    with Spitfires transfer from Djilma, Tunisia to Le Sers, Tunisia.
        HQ 33d Fighter Group and it's 59th and 60th Fighter Squadrons with P-
    40's transfer from Berteaux, Algeria to Ebba Ksour, Tunisia. The 59th has
    been operating from Thelepte, Tunisia since 20 Mar.
        The 2d, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52d Fighter Group with Spitfires
    transfer from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Le Sers, Tunisia.
        The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with P-39's and
    P-51's transfers from Sbeitla, Tunisia to Le Sers, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, single B-24's continue snooper strikes, hitting Kahili
    Airfield twice during the evening.
      The 68th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group with P-40's (and some P-
    39's) transfers from Guadalcanal to Fiji but continues to operate from
    Guadalcanal until Dec 43.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-24's and B-17's pound the airfields at
    Rabaul and Gasmata, shipping in the Saint George Channel, and targets of
    opportunity in the Ubili and Talasea areas.
      In New Guinea, B-24's and B-17s hit shipping in Hansa Bay, the airfields
    at Lae and Nubia and Bogia harbor. B-24's, operating individually, attack
    several targets, scoring hits on the Madang dock area and at Toeal.
    Japanese planes attack Port Moresby.

    TUESDAY, 13 APRIL 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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 15 B-24's, 15 B-25's, 28 P-38's and 20 P-40's fly 11
    attacks to Kiska; 43 tons of bombs are dropped on the Main Camp, North
    Head, and runway. Fighters attack the Main Camp causing large fires, and
    also strafe aircraft on the beach. Heavy AA fire damages 2 P-38's, 1 of
    which later crashes into the sea, and 1 B-25.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the Myitnge bridge without inflicting further
    damage to the structure. Nine others hit Monywa Airfield. Six P-40's knock
    out a bridge at Shaduzup.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-24's are dispatched against the harbor at Catania. Total
    cloud cover prevents visual contact with the target. One drops bombs in the
    target area, but others jettison their load or return to base without
    bombing.
        In the Mediterranean, P-40's fly convoy escort.
        In Tunisia, the British Eight Army's 10 Corps, continuing N reaches an
    anti-tank ditch guarding new enemy positions at Enfidaville and
    unsuccessfully attempts, on a limited scale, to force a retreat before the
    line can be strengthened.
        The 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment
    Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer from El Kabrit, Egypt to Medenine,
    Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-17's pound the airfields at Castelvetrano and Milo.
        In Sardinia, P-38's bomb a cruiser at La Maddalena and other shipping
    at Porto Torres.
        In Tunisia,  B-25's hit Oudna Airfield. Fighters maintain sweeps and
    armored reconnaissance over NE Tunisia and the Straits of Sicily. During
    the night of 12/13 Mar, British airplanes bomb Megrine landing ground.
        HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 84th Bombardment Squadron
    (Light) with A-20's transfer from Thelepte, Tunisia to Souk-el-Arba,
    Tunisia.
        The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from
    Berteaux, Algeria to Ebba Ksour, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, P-38's and Navy aircraft bomb the airfield at Munda and
    strafe a barge at Bambatana

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe the Labiabi area while a single
    B-l7 bombs the runway at Finschhafen.

    WEDNESDAY, 14 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Betty, Mitsubishi G4M, Navy Type 1 Attack Bomber
      Blenheim, Bristol (RAF)
      Hurricane, Hawker (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        30 P-40's, 17 P-38's, 9 B-24's and 6 B-25's fly 10 missions to Kiska,
    bombing and strafing the runway, North Head area, installations, parked
    seaplanes, and facilities on Little Kiska.

      ZONE OF INTERIOR (HQ USAAF)
         The Weather Wing is activated at Asheville, North Carolina to provide
    scientific weather information for the USAAF and the rest of the Army. This
    new wing assumes responsibility from HQ USAAF for the supervision of the
    Army Air Forces Weather Service which was established in 1937.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, P-40's dropping 1,000 pound (454 kg) bombs, hit airfields at
    Myitkyina and Manywet, rendering the runways at both unusable.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, P-40's strafe pack horses S of Tengchung, barracks and
    warehouses in Lungling, and cattle and trucks N of Lungling.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly convoy escort, and carry out fighter sweeps over
    the battle area as the British Eighth Army's 10 Corps continues to make
    quick jabs at positions at Enfidaville. These attempts to force an enemy
    retreat are unsuccessful.
        The 314th, 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group with
    P-40's transfer from Libya to Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sardinia, B-17's bomb the Elmas and Monserrato Airfields.
        In Tunisia during the night of 13/14 Apr, Northwest African Tactical
    Air Force (NATAF) Hurricanes and Blenheims bomb La Sebala Airfield and
    attack transport on the Tunis-Pont-du-Fahs road, and Western Desert Air
    Force (WDAF) light and medium bombers hit the Airfields at Sainte-Marie du
    Zit and Korba. During the day, B-17's bomb El Aouina Airfield. P-38's
    escort the heavy bombers and fly a bombing and strafing mission against a
    beached vessel SE of Cape Zebib. A-20's bomb Bordj Toum. Fighter-bombers
    hit a motor convoy near Grich el Oued and trucks NE of Dechret Ben Saidane
    and a battery E of Djedeida. Fighters fly reconnaissance and sweeps
    throughout the Tunisian battle area. Northwest African Coastal Air Force
    (NACAF) planes maintain sea reconnaissance and patrols.
        HQ 52d Fighter Group transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Le
    Sers, Tunisia.
        The 441st, 442d and 444th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th
    Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-26B's transfer from Tafaraoui, Algeria to
    Montesquieu, Algeria.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, heavy and medium bombers carry out widespread but
    unsuccessful attacks on individual enemy vessels. Japanese aircraft carry
    out a heavy attack on the Milne Bay area, severely damaging 1 vessel,
    beaching 1 vessel, and hitting 2 others, but doing very little damage to
    USAAF facilities in the area. AA defenses and the 40+ P-40's and P-38's
    that intercept the enemy strike claim 14 airplanes shot down.
      Dick Bong becomes a Double Ace when he gets his 10th kill, a Betty.

    THURSDAY, 15 APRIL 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-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, reconnaissance over Kiska, Attu, Semichis, and Agattu
    spots no new enemy activities. Two bomber missions from Adak and 11 fighter
    missions from Amchitka, composed of 23 B-24's, 20 B-25's, 25 P-38's, and 44
    P-40's, hit Kiska; 1 F-5A takes photos; 85 tons of bombs are dropped. Fires
    result on North Head and Little Kiska. One B-24 is shot down in flames and
    4 bombers receive battle damage.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 10 B-25's bomb the Mandalay Marshaling Yard; 9 more bomb the
    marshaling yard at Ywataung. Eight B-24's hit the Thilawa oil refinery
    while 7 others hit Prome.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
    Command, hit Naples and Messina.
        In Sicily, B-24's attack Catania and Palermo.
        In Tunisia, B-25's hit the airfield and area near a fuel dump at
    Sainte-Marie du Zit. P-40's fly reconnaissance and sea patrol.
        HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Medenine, Tunisia to
    Sfax, Tunisia.
        The 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    with B-24D's transfers from Soluch, Libya to Bengasi, Libya.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Italy, Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) B-26's on armed
    reconnaissance of the Naples area attack a vessel S of Ustica Island.
        In Sardinia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
    bomb Decimomannu, Villacidro, and Elmas Airfields during the night of 14/15
    Apr.
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters
    attack tanks and trucks at Oum EL Djema and a concentration near Sidi
    Ahmed, while others fly reconnaissance and patrols during the day.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      The 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium)
    with B-25's arrives on Guadalcanal from the U.S.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17's bomb the airfields at Rabaul and
    Gasmata.
      In New Guinea, B-17's bomb the airfield at Lae.
      The 7th and 8th Fighter Squadrons, 49th Fighter Group with P-40's
    transfer from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura, New Guinea.

    FRIDAY, 16 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      B-26, Martin Marauder
      F-5, Lockheed Lightning
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, Kiska is bombed and strafed 13 times. A total of 13
    B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's, 29 P-38's, and 2 F-5A's cover targets which
    include installations in the Holtz Bay area and gun positions on North
    Head.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, P-40's, bombing a railroad bridge near Mogaung, score a
    direct hit on the target and blow up both approaches, leaving the bridge
    temporarily unserviceable. Later in the day the bridge near Pinbaw is
    demolished by direct hits. Eight B-24's hit the Rangoon Marshaling Yard,
    9 B-25's bomb the Thazi rail junction, while 9 more, weathered out of
    Maymyo, hit rail targets in Mandalay.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, P-40's strafe a group of buildings E of Tenchung.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 51: 25 B-24's are dispatched
    against the Brest, France U-Boat base while 83 B-17's are dispatched
    against the Lorient, France U-Boat base. 19 B-24's drop 52 tons on Brest at
    1337-1338 hours; the B-24's claim 2-3-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24's are
    lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 9 are damaged; casualties are 3 WIA
    and 31 MIA. 59 B-17's bomb Lorient at 1412-1414 hours dropping 147 tons of
    bombs; they claim 9-4-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost and 8 are damaged;
    casualties are 7 WIA and 10 MIA. The attack is hindered by an effective
    smoke screen and strong fighter opposition.
      HQ 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Great Saling, England from
    the U.S.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-24's attack a tanker in Catania harbor, scoring several
    hits on the target and in surrounding areas.
        In Tunisia, fighters fly sea patrol. The British Eighth Army abandons
    their attempts to force a German retreat from Enfidaville by quick jabs and
    prepares to launch a full-scale assault during the night of 19/20 Apr.
        The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
    and 488th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium),
    both with B-25's, transfer from Medenine, Tunisia to Sfax, Tunisia.
        The 512th and 513th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment
    Group (Heavy) with B-24's transfer from Soluch, Libya to Bengasi, Libya;.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb
    the dock area at Palermo.
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters strafe
    trucks during the night of 15/16 Apr and during the following day. A-20's
    and fighter-bombers bomb Djqobel el Raar and concentrations located in
    various wadis in the battle area. Northwest African Coastal Air Force
    (NACAF) aircraft maintain sea reconnaissance and patrols. NASAF B-25's and
    B-26's hit the Oudns landing ground while P-38's bomb vessels near Cape
    Zebib and at Cape el Ahmar.
        The 85th and 86th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group
    (Light) with A-20's transfer from Thelepte, Tunisia to Souk-el-Arba,
    Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, B-17's bomb Kahili Airfield.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-24's bomb Kaimana, Wewak, Madang, and Lae. B-17's pound
    shipping at Wewak, leaving 3 vessels sunk or in sinking condition.
      In Timor, B-25's bomb Vila Salazar.

    SATURDAY, 17 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Blenheim, Bristol (RAF)
      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 Aleutians, 7 B-24's bomb and score 8 direct hits on the runway and
    gun emplacements at Attu. One B-24 and 2 F-5A's abort due to weather. 4
    B-25's, 31 P-38's, and 14 P-40's hit Kiska 9 times, bombing installations
    and strafing gun emplacements and 3 parked airplanes.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 7 B-25's bomb the Myitnge bridge, scoring 4 damaging hits.
    Ten others hit the Myitnge railroad works. Sixteen P-40's damage the bridge
    at Kamaing, attack the town of Nanyaseik, and score hits on the N approach
    to the bridge at Namti. Six B-24's damage the S approach to the Pazundaung
    railroad bridge.

    EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
      VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 52: 115 B-17's are dispatched against
    the Focke-Wulf factory at Bremen, Germany the Eighth Air Force's largest
    mission to date. A mass of fighters attacks during bomb run, shooting down
    15 while flak claims another. We claim 63-15-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 39
    B-17's are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 4 WIA and 159 MIA.
      The Commanding General, VIII Fighter Command, expresses the need for 20
    fighter groups to neutralize growing German fighter opposition to the
    Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO).

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-24's (including Liberator Mk II's of the RAF 178 Squadron,
    under operational control of the IX Bomber Command) bomb Catania.
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly sweeps, sea patrol, and fighter-bomber missions.
        HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th and 487th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's and the 434th Bombardment
    Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer
    from Medenine, Tunisia to Sfax, Tunisia.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sicily, B-17's bomb shipping and docks at Palermo.
        In Tunisia during the night of 16/17 April, Northwest African Strategic
    Air Force (NASAF) Wellington's bomb the N quay in Bizerte harbor. Shortly
    after noon, B-17's bomb shipping and docks at Ferryville. B-25's hit  the
    town area and marshaling yard at Mateur. Fighters provide escort. Northwest
    African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) Blenheims bomb La Sebala Airfield and
    A-20's hit Ksar Tyr and concentrations NE of Grich el Oued. Fighters fly
    escort and reconnaissance missions. Northwest African Coastal Air Force
    (NACAF) airplanes fly sea patrol and reconnaissance and attack shipping in
    the Strait of Sicily.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, B-17's during the night of 16/17 Apr again fly a strike
    against Kahili Airfield.
      HQ 18th Fighter Group transfers from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Moluccas, B-24's bomb Amboina.
      In New Guinea, a single B-24 scores hits on the NW shore of Hollandia
    Bay.

    SUNDAY, 18 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Beaufighter, Bristol
      Beaufort, Bristol
      Betty, Mitsubishi G4M, Navy Type 1 Attack Bomber
      Bf 109, Messerschmitt
      Bf 110, Messerschmitt
      Ju 52/3m, Junkers
      Mc 202, Macchi Folgore (Thunderbolt)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      P-70, Douglas
      Spitfire, Vickers Supermarine
      Wellington, Vickers
      Zeke, Mitsubishi A6M, Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 22 P-38's (some flown by Royal Canadian Air Force
    pilots) and 37 P-40's hit Kiska 9 times. The submarine base and gun
    emplacements on North Head are bombed and gun emplacements near the
    submarine base are silenced.

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      In the Ellice Islands, the 371st and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
    307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii
    with B-24's begin operating from Funafuti.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, P-40's strafe an enemy-held supply village SE of Tengchung.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        Off Cap Bon, 46 P-40F's of the 57th Fighter Group's three squadrons
    (64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons) and the attached 314th Fighter
    Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, plus 11 Spitfires of the RAF 92 Squadron
    flying top cover, take off to patrol. At approximately 1800 hours, they spot
    2 Bf 109's and an armada of 65 Ju 52/3m transports heading back to Sicily
    for more supplies. The transports are in three great vees, covered by 16 Bf
    109's and Mc 202's and 5 Bf 110's. The 64th Fighter Squadron and the RAF
    Spitfires stay high; the remaining 3 squadrons of P-40's attack the
    Luftwaffe formation and down 24 Ju 53/3m's and 16 fighters; another 35 Ju
    52/3m's crash along the coast.
        In Sicily, B-24's attack Catania.
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly sweeps, armored reconnaissance, escort, and
    fighter-bomber missions. B-25's hit landing grounds.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia during the night of 17/18 Ap, RAF Wellingtons bomb the Tunis
    docks and marshaling yard. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
    Blenheims hit the La Marsa landing ground while fighter fly reconnaissance
    and scramble missions. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) fighters
    fly reconnaissance and patrols, attacking vessels, troop columns, and truck
    in the Tunisian coastal area,
        In Sicily, over 75 B-17's, escorted by P-38's, attack Boccadifalco
    Airfield and the Palermo Marshaling Yard.
        In Sardinia, B-25's, escorted by P-38's, hit the Alghero-Fertilia
    Airfield and shipping at Porto Torres while Beaufighters attack the
    Decimomannu Airfield.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, Major John W Mitchell leads a flight of 16 P-38's (2
    others abort) on a low-level, circuitous, over-water trip from Guadalcanal
    to a spot up the Bougainville coast from Kahili to intercept the fight of
    Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, head of the Imperial Japanese Navy, who, according
    to US intelligence, is on an inspection trip in the S Pacific and is due in
    Ballale at 0945 local. Admiral Yamamoto's well-known punctuality is
    calculated to allow the interception to take place at 0935 local at a point
    35 mi (56 km) from Kahili. Two hours and 15 minutes after takeoff at 0725
    local, as the P-38's streak toward Bougainville at almost sea level, a
    flight of 2 Betty bombers and 6 Zekes appears just ahead. The 4-aircraft
    attack section under Captain Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr bores in. The Zekes spot
    the attacking P-38's at about 1 mi (0.6 km) and try in vain to cut off the
    attack as the bombers attempt to escape. In the air battle, Captain Lanphier
    and First Lieutenant Rex T. Barber shoot down the bomber carrying Yamamoto.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In Timor, B-25's bomb the airfield at Penfoei.
      In New Guinea, single B-24's hit the Finschhafen and Saidor areas.
      A detachment of the 6th Night Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group based
    at Kipapa, Territory of Hawaii begins operating from New Guinea with P-70's.

    MONDAY, 19 APRIL 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 9 missions involving 14 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's,
    and 23 P-38's are flown to Kiska. The first mission is weathered out of
    the primary target, Attu, and directed to Kiska. Bombing and strafing
    concentrates on 4 grounded ships and the submarine base area where fires
    are started. One ship, believed to serve as a power station, is set afire.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        P-40's hit bridges in Burma, seriously damaging the Namti railroad
    bridge between Mogaung and Myitkyina. Nine B-24's bomb Rangoon's main
    railroad station.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, B-25's hit landing grounds and defensive positions, and
    P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter sweeps as the British Eighth Army
    opens an assault on Enfidaville positions.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia during the night of 18/19 Apr, Northwest African Tactical
    Air Force (NATAF) Blenheims bomb La Marsa landing ground and roads
    nearby, and attack activity on beach at Reyville. During the day,
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb shipping at
    Tunis. B-25's and A -20's raid the La Sebala Airfield. Fighter-bombers
    attack tanks in the battle area. Northwest African Coastal Air Force
    (NACAF) maintains sea reconnaissance and patrols as far as Sardinia and
    sea approaches to Naples. NAAF aircraft claim over 100 aircraft destroyed
    during the day.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      Single medium or heavy bombers bomb airfields at Hollandia and Lae, New
    Guinea and Cape Gloucester and Gasmata in the Bismarck Archipelago.

    TUESDAY, 20 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-18, Douglas Bolo
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutians, 10 bombing and strafing missions by 15 B-24's, 16
    B-25's, 10 P-38's, and 32 P-40's hit shipping in the harbor at Kiska and
    gun positions in North Head. Other targets include buildings in the Main
    Camp area and the runway.

      CARIBBEAN (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
        The 7th Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing based
    at Jacksonville, Florida with B-18's begins operating from Edinburgh
    Field, Trinidad.

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      In the Gilberts, 22 B-24's, from Funafuti, carry out a photo-bombing
    mission over Nauru. Several direct hits on runways and the dispersal areas
    are claimed.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Thazai.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly sweeps, reconnaissance, and fighter-bomber
    missions as British ground forces take Enfidaville E and push N. Forces on
    the left are checked by stubborn enemy resistance at Djebel Garci.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's and
    B-25's bomb the landing grounds of Mabtouha, La Marsa, La Sebala, Sidi
    Ahmed, Creteville, and near Protville. Northwest African Tactical Air
    Force (NATAF) fighters fly escort, carry out reconnaissance, and attack
    various Tunisian airfields. The Northwest African Coastal Air Force
    (NACAF) continues sea patrols and reconnaissance as far-reaching as the
    approaches to Naples, Italy.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-17's bomb Wewak, Nubia, and Boram Airfields and
    shipping off Wewak. B-24's bomb Kaimana and targets of opportunity on
    Kendari Island in the Celebes.

    WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-39, Bell Airacobra
      P-40, Curtiss

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, Commander North Pacific Forces (NORPACFOR) places all
    Army and Navy Air Forces [Task Group (TG) 16.1] under Brigadier General
    William O. Butler, Commanding General Eleventh Air Force. The Army Air
    Striking Unit (Eleventh Air Force) is designated Task Unit 16.1.1 (TU
    16.1.1) and the Naval Air Search Unit (Patrol Wing Four) is designated TU
    l6.l.2.
      Two P-38's take off for Kiska but abort the mission.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the railroad yards at Maymyo, and 9 more bomb
    the area around the Myitnge bridge.
        In Thailand, 16 B-24's are dispatched to bomb the Bangsue Arsenal and
    other targets in Bangkok, but only 4 reach the target area and loose
    bombs over the city.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
    Command, bomb Naples.
        In Tunisia, P-40's bomb and strafe barges along the coast. The British
    Eighth Army meets such fierce opposition at Takrouna that General
    Montgomery decides to confine the offensive to the coastal region.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, weather prevents completion of any missions by the
    Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF). Northwest African Tactical
    Air Force (NATAF) fighters and A-20's hit landing grounds and military
    traffic on roads, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance, and attack
    ground forces and aircraft in the Medjez el Bab-Goubellat area where an
    enemy counterattack by armored and infantry columns during the night of
    20/21 Apr ends in costly failure.
        The 346th and 347th Fighter Squadrons, 350th Fighter Group with P-39's
    swap bases; the 346th moves from La Senia, Algeria to Orleansville,
    Algeria; the 347th moves from Orleansville to Le Sers, Tunisia.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's bomb Kaimana and Laga. Single B-17's attack
    coastal villages in NE New Guinea and hit Ubili and Gasmata in the
    Bismarck Archipelago.

    THURSDAY, 22 APRIL 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

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      In the Ellice Islands, the airfield on Funafuti is bombed twice during
    the night of 21/22 Apr by the Japanese. Two B-24's are destroyed and 5
    others damaged.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's fly fighter sweeps over the battle area along the
    Gulf of Hammamet.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's bomb
    2 landing grounds near Protville. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
    (NATAF) fighters and A-20's fly sweeps, reconnaissance, and patrols
    and attack positions at Djebel el Ahmera (Longstop Ridge), Sidi Nsir,
    Djebel el Ajred (Bald Hill), and other points as the British First Army's
    5 Corps launches the start of the final phase of the assault on Tunis and
    Bizerte, attacking on a front N and S of Medjez el Bab.
        In Italy, B-26's hit the harbor at Carloforte on San Pietro Island.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      HQ 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) arrives in Fiji from the U.S.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, A-20's and  B-25's pound the Lababia-Duali area on Nassau
    Bay. Single B-17's bomb the Dobo and Nubia area, and strafe Ubili in the
    Bismarck Archipelago.

    FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
      U.S.: The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) issues a directive making
    British Lieutenant General Frederick E. Morgan Chief of Staff to Supreme
    Allied Commander (Designate). This title, COSSAC, describes both the
    office and the man who heads it. COSSAC is the seed of Supreme
    Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). It is charged with
    continuance of planning for the eventual invasion of Western Europe.

    CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force)
      In the Gilberts, 12 B-24's from Funafuti attack Tarawa Atoll, bombing
    fuel storage and barracks areas. After this mission, the 371st and 372d
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) cease
    operating from Funafuti and return to their base at Wheeler Field and
    Kahuku, Territory of Hawaii respectively.
      The 78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from
    Midway Island to Barking Sands, Territory of Hawaii.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the Mandalay warehouse area. Five P-40's
    damage the approaches to the bridge at Shaduzup.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, P-40's strafe a 15-truck convoy SW of Lungling.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, B-25's attack a landing ground, troops, and artillery N of
    Enfidaville. P-40's fly escort, sweeps, and fighter-bomber missions in the
    battle area.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's and
    B-26's bomb vehicles and the railroad at Mateur, the Mateur-Bedja road and
    Arbatax harbor in Italy. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
    fighters, A-20's, and medium bombers carry out a large number of missions
    against positions in NE Tunisia and particularly along the battleline area
    from near Pont-du-Fahs N to the Mediterranean as the US II Corps begins a
    drive on Bizerte in the Jefna-Sidi Meftah area.
        In the Mediterranean, B-17's attack vessels N of Sicily.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      The 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium)
    with B-25's transfers from New Caledonia to Fiji.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, single B-24's bomb the airfield and town area at
    Finschhafen and score a direct hit on a cargo vessel SE of Kavieng in the
    Bismarck Archipelago.

    SATURDAY, 24 APRIL 1943

    AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
      A-20, Douglas Havoc
      A-29, Lockheed Hudson
      B-24, Consolidated Liberator
      B-25, North American Mitchell
      Liberator, Consolidated (RAF)
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss
      Wellington, Vickers (RAF)

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutians, 2 P-38's bomb Kiska and strafe personnel near Mutton
    Cove. Weather cancels other missions.

      CARIBBEAN (AAF Antisubmarine Command)
        The 23d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 26th Antisubmarine Wing with
    A-29's returns to it's base at Drew Field, Florida after operating from
    Batista Field, Cuba since 28 Feb 43.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 9 B-25's, escorted by 11 P-40's, bomb the Namtu mines and
    railroad yards. 7 of the P-40's strafe the mine and smelter area.
        In China, 13 P-40's intercept 25 fighters near Lingling and shoot down
    5.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
    Command, bomb Naples.
        In Tunisia, P-40's escort bombers, fly sweeps, and carry out
    fighter-bomber operations against troops in the battle area N of
    Enfidaville.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
    bomb the N quay at Bizerte harbor during the night of 23/24 Apr. Bad
    weather the following morning cancels NASAF operations. Northwest African
    Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, although hampered by bad weather,
    attack guns, troops, and trucks in the battle area from Pont-du-Fahs N to
    the sea. Fierce ground fighting continues in the Jefna area.
        The 99th Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force with P-40's arrives at
    Casablanca, French Morocco from the U.S. The 99th is the first black USAAF
    unit to serve overseas.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24's bomb the runway at Cape
    Gloucester.
      In the Celebes, B-24's bomb Kendari Airfield.
      In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe positions in the Mubo area. Single
    B-24's attack Lae, Gumbi, and Singor.
      In Timor, B-25's pound Dili Airfield.

    SUNDAY, 25 APRIL 1943

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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 15 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's, 23 P-38's, and 1 F-5A
    fly 12 missions to Kiska and Attu. Targets include Holtz Bay, North Head,
    South Head, the beach areas, the runway, shipping, and the submarine base.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 11 B-25's attack the Ywataung railroad yards and vicinity.
        The 492d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    transfers with B-24's from Bishnupur, India to Panagarh, India.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, B-25's attack landings grounds, concentrations, and
    vehicles N and NW of Enfidaville. P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter
    sweeps over the battle area.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, weather prevents Northwest African Strategic Air Force
    (NASAF) bombing missions. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
    fighters attack positions and vehicles in the battle area. A-20's and
    medium bombers bomb the S landing ground at Soliman, positions NW of
    Enfidaville, and several other points in the battle area as Allied ground
    forces continue their advance on Bizerte and Tunis.
        HQ 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 20th, 49th, and 96th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Navarin, Algeria from
    the US.
        HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437, and 438th, 439th and
    440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26B's transfer from Oujda,
    French Morocco to Rabat Sale, French Morocco. The group has been
    undergoing reorganization and training since Feb 43.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, 3 B-24's fly a harassing strike during the night of
    25/26 Apr against Kahili Airfield. 12 others bomb the same target later
    during the night.
      The 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
    with B-24's, based on Fiji, begins operating from Guadalcanal.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea,  B-17's bomb Wewak Airfield and the towns of Madang and
    Saidor. A-20's bomb and strafe positions at Green's Hill. Single B-24's
    hit airfields at Madang and Finschhafen.

    TUESDAY, 27 APRIL 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

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force)
      In the Aleutians, 1 B-25 unsuccessfully investigates a reported submarine
    4 mi (6.4 km) W of Bay Island. Four P-38's bomb the Main Camp, then scout
    Buldir.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 19 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Thazi. P-40's hit
    positions S of Sarenghkyet.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Tunisia, P-40's bomb and strafe concentrations N and NW of
    Enfidaville.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Sardinia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's,
    with P-38 escort, bomb Villacidro Airfield.
        In Tunisia, NASAF B-25's hit shipping W of Zembra Island off Cap Bon.
    Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) planes (fighters, A-20's, and
    medium bombers) hit numerous tactical targets in NE Tunisia, including
    Sidi Ahmed Airfield and troops, tank, trucks, and gun positions at
    Massicault, on the Pont-du-Fahs road, Ksar Tyr, Bir Meherga, and other
    points along the battleline.
        HQ 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 20th, 49th and 96th
    Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with B-17's transfer from Navarin, Algeria
    to Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria. The Group's fourth squadron, the 429th
    Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), arrives at Chateaudun-du-Rhumel from the
    US today. The group will fly it's first combat mission tomorrow.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, B-24's pound Vila and the airfield on Ballale Island.
    B-17's hit Kahili Airfield.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, heavy bombers, operating individually,
    attack vessels off Cape Gloucester, Cape Goltz and Gasmata.
      In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe forces in the Green's Hill-Mubo
    area. B-25's bomb a village near Beru. Heavy bombers, operating
    individually, attack vessels NNW of Dobo and Nabire and small vessels and
    targets of opportunity in the Marienberg, Wewak, and Finschhafen areas.

    WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 1943

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

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 9 B-25's pound the docks at Monywa; 10 others attack river
    traffic in the Katha vicinity.

      CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force)
        In China, about 20 Japanese medium bombers and a like number of
    fighters attack airfields at Kunming. High winds prevent bombing accuracy
    and little damage is done to the airfield. Several Chinese villagers near
    the field are killed. Defending P-40's shoot down 10 aircraft.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack the harbor at Naples and the ferry slip at
    Messina. Gunners claim 5 fighters destroyed.
        In Tunisia, P-40's escort bombers and attack troops in the battle area
    N of Enfidaville.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's and
    P-38's attack 2 vessels off NE Tunisia in the Straits of Sicily. Other
    B-25's hit Tunis shipping while B-26's bomb the landing grounds at
    Mabouban and Mabtouha. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
    aircraft bomb concentrations near Saint-Cyprien and Ksar Tyr, shipping off
    Tunis, and numerous positions and vehicles along the Tunisian battleline
    and surrounding areas as the US 9th Infantry Division continues W astride
    the Sedjenane River and the 1st and 34th Infantry Divisions continue to
    face fierce opposition S of Jefna in Sidi Meftah area.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, 3 B-24's continue snooper missions over Bougainville,
    bombing the airfield at Kahili.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In New Guinea, B-25's attack 2 vessels NNW of Dobo. Single B-17's hit
    buildings N of Finschhafen Airfield, Wilwilan village, and targets of
    opportunity along the coast of NE New Guinea from the Nankina River to
    Mur.
      HQ 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 528th, 529th, 530th and
    531st Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) arrive in Australia from the U.S.
    Group HQ, and the 528th and 530th Squadrons are based at Fenton; the 529th
    and 531st are at Manbulloo. The group is assigned to the Fifth Air Force
    but will be attached to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) until Jan
    45. One of it's primary missions is the training of RAAF crews in
    operating the B-24. The group will fly it's first mission on 21 May 43.

    FRIDAY, 30 APRIL 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
      Bf 109, Messerschmitt
      P-38, Lockheed Lightning
      P-40, Curtiss

    AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

     ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force)
        In the Aleutians, 4 B-25's, 17 P-38's, and 7 P-40's fly 4 missions to
    Kiska. Only the P-38's get through and blast Gertrude Cove, Main Camp, the
    submarine base and a ship.

      CARIBBEAN (Sixth Air Force)
        The XXXVI Fighter Command, based at Waller Field, Trinidad is
    disbanded.

    CHINA-BURMA-INDIA THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force)
        In Burma, 16 B-25's pound the Gokteik Viaduct, damaging the N end.
    Four others bomb the Maymyo railroad yards. Five B-24's bomb the Sule
    Pagoda wharves at Rangoon. Four P-40's and a B-25 hit Mohnyin, while 6
    P-4O's attack a camp S of Weshi.

    MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

      EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force)
        In Italy, B-24's attack the Messina ferry; bombs hit the target area
    and nearby marshalling yard and the city area.
        In the Mediterranean, P-4O's fly fighter-bomber missions against
    shipping with excellent results, claiming 1 destroyer and 3 other vessels
    sunk, and 2 destroyers and 2 boats damaged. Fighters claim 5 Bf 109's
    shotdown; 3 P-40's are lost.

      WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force)
        In Tunisia, Northwest Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's and P-38's hit
    shipping off Tunisia while B-26's strike shipping near Cap Bon and the
    Tunis-Medjez el Bab highway. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
    fighters, A-20's, and medium bombers, hit positions near Mateur, Bir
    Meherga, and Ksar Tyr, concentrations near Furna, shipping in the Gulf of
    Tunis and near Cap Bon, and attack isolated vehicles and troops along the
    battleline as the US II Corps makes substantial gains in the Jefna area.
        The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
    with A-20's transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia.

    SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force)
      In the Solomons, 5 B-17's bomb a bivouac area and revetments at Kahili
    Airfield.

    SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
      In the Bismarck Archipelago, single B-24's bomb Lae and airfields at Cape
    Gloucester and Gasmata.

    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