COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES - JUNE 1943 TUESDAY, 1 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) 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