This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago.

[syscom3]

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

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

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

GUADALCANAL - Evacuation of some 11,000 Japanese troops from Guadalcanal is completed

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

BURMA: The 77th Indian Brigade, under General Ord Wingate begins what become known as the Chindit Raids, near Imphal.

 

[syscom3]

GUADALCANAL: 1st Battalion of the US Army's 164th Regiment meets a patrol
from the 2nd Battalion of the US Army's 132nd Regiment at the village of Tenaro, on the western end of Guadalcanal about 1650 in the afternoon. These two units of the Americal Division have confirmed that organized Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal has ended. General AA Patch, USA radios: "Total and complete defeat of Japanese forces on Guadalcanal effected 1625 today. ... Tokyo Express no longer has a terminus on Guadalcanal. " Japanese stragglers on Guadalcanal will continue. The last known survivor will surrender in 1947

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

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-26s, escorted by P-38s and P-39s, pound the airfield at Vila. Other P-38s join Navy aircraft in attacking Munda Airfield. The 69th Bombardment Squadron, 38th BG (Medium) with B-25s and B-26s permanently transfers from the New Hebrides to Guadalcanal and participates in the mission described above.

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

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, the weather reconnaissance aircraft aborts the mission due to radio failure. Four B-24s, 2 B-17s, 8 B-25s and 8 P-38s attack Kiska ; hits are observed on the landing strip and near the hangar and buildings. Two patrol missions, each by 4 P-38s and 1 B-25, are flown over the American-held Amchitka .

CBI: (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25s bomb rolling stock at Maymyo.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): P-38s and Navy aircraft attack Munda Airfield.

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

 

[syscom3]

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

USN - The Vought F4U Corsair was flown on a combat mission for the first time when 12 planes of VMF-124 based on Guadalcanal escorted a PB2Y Dumbo to Vella Lavella to pick up downed pilots. The flight was uneventful.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s carry out a predawn harassing strike over Rabaul.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance and attack missions against Kiska and a fighter patrol over Amchitka are broken off due to weather.

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

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

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

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

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather reconnaissance is flown over Kiska, Attu, Agattu, the Semichis, and Buldir . Five heavy bombers, 6 medium bombers and 10 P-38s bomb and strafe Kiska targets including the Camp area, landing strip, and shipping. Of 5 float-type fighter which attack, P-38s shoot down 3. Four P-38s and 1 B-25 fly a patrol mission over Amchitka and Little Kiska; a B-25 shoots down a floatplane.This is was the last mission the B-17 was used in the Alaska theater in combat.

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

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 9 PB4Ys of VP-51 escorted by 4 P-38s and 11 F4Us of VMF-124 and 6 B-24s escorted by 4 P-38s and 7 P-40s of the 18th FG, 44th FS take off on separate missions to hit shipping in the Shortland-Kahilli-Buin area. The PB4Ys drop their bombs on a cargo ship at 1130 hours, score no hits and return to base with their escort. The B-24s attack a cargo ship from 14,000 feet just after 1200 scoring 1 hit. On the way to the target, 3 P-40s and 2 P-38s aborted the mission due to engine trouble, leaving the B-24s with an escort of 2 P-38s and 4 P-40s (P-40 "White 102" 41-14825 piloted by Capt. Albert Johnson, DSC (MIA), P-40F 41-14110 piloted by Lt. Raymond Morrissey, Lt. Jack Bade DSC, Lt. Bob Westbrook SS). This force is attacked by 39 enemey fighters over the target including Zeros and floatplanes. Lost are B-24D 41-23975, B-24D 41-23980, B-24D 41-23957, P-38G piloted by Rist. This is the baptism of fire in the Solomons for the B-24s of the 424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) which has just come down from Hawaii.

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

 

[syscom3]

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

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

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) "Saint Valentines Day Massacre" 9 PB4Ys of VB-101 take off from Henderson Field with a single 1,000lbs bomb. Escorted by 10 P-38s of the 347th FG 339th FS and 12 F4U of VMF-124 attack shipping in the Buin-Shortland area. The bombers score several hits on a cargo ships including the Hatachi Maru (6,500 tons), and near misses on two others. The formation is then attack by 30 Zekes and about 15 floatplanes. In the ensuing battle, US claim 14 Zekes and 1 Pete shot down; Japanese records show they lost only one plane. Americans lost a total of 10 planes: PB4Y-1 31948 and PB4Y-1 31970, P-38G piloted Finkenstein, P-38G piloted by White, P-38G piloted by John R. Mulvey Jr. (rescued), and P-38G piloted by Wellman H. Huey and F4U-1 02187 and F4U-1 02249. Because of the losses suffered yesterday and today, all daylight bombing missions in the northern Solomons are halted until adequate fighter protection can be furnished.

P-39s and Navy aircraft bomb and strafe Munda Airfield and hit AA positions and other targets at Munda Point.

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

 

[syscom3]

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

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, B-24s strike the bridge at Myitnge for the second consecutive day but cause little damage.

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

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

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance aircraft flies over Kiska, Attu, Agattu, the Semicis and Buldir . Five B-24s, 6 B-25s, 6 P-38s and 1 B-25 photographic aircraft take off for Kiska but do not attack due to weather. One P-40, accompanying several P-38s on the Amchitka fighter patrol, lands on Amchitka strip; an afternoon patrol of 7 P-40s and 1 transport also land at the strip which is now safe for limited operations.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 18 P-40s hit targets of opportunity in the Nsopzup and Hpunkizup areas.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Rear Admiral Charles P Mason becomes Commander Aircraft Solomon (COMAIRSOLS) with operational control of all Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), USAAF, USMC and USN aircraft in the Solomons. Lost is B-24D "Bundles For Japan" 41-23965.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s bomb a warehouse at Ubili. B-25s bomb Lahang Airfield and strafe targets of opportunity on the Salamaua peninsula.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather cancels all missions and also the laying of mat at the Amchitka airstrip.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) The 2d Troop Carrier Squadron, Tenth Air Force with C-47s arrives at Yangkai, China from the U.S.

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

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

 

[Heinz]

RAN:
Bougainville:
The Brisbane-based USS GATO, (submarine), and aircraft sank the Japanese transport HIBARI MARU off Bougainville.

Australia:
Japanese Pilot, Susumi Ito, made two flights in Australia. The first was over Sydney Harbour before the midget submarine attack in May 1942. The second was on 19 February 1943 when he flew very low right down the NSW coast and then returned to his submarine off the coast.

Susumi Ito, said that he flew low between the mountain peaks, so as to remain undetected. He did not go undetected after all. Jo Lehmann plotted him while on duty at 18 Radar Station, Kiama. But Susumi was able to take his photographs and went home.

Four RAAF Airacobras were sent up from Bankstown airfield to locate the Japanese floatplane. One of these aircraft was P-39 Airacobra A53-7 piloted by Lex Dwyer of 24 Squadron RAAF. At the time that they were scrambled by the Fighter Sector these men had been celebrating the successful bailout by Pilot Officer A. F. Tutt at 9.30am that morning. Lex Dywer was directed by the Fighter Controller to fly at 12,000 feet to look for the Japanese Float Plane. The Fighter Controller that night was Jack Kingsford Smith. Lex Dwyer flew out to sea and eventually ran low on fuel and headed back towards Bankstown Airfield. He eventually ran out of fuel. He asked the Fighter Sector to turn on a searchlight to help him establish his bearings to enable a safe glide back to Bankstown. They refused to turn on a searchlight. He was eventually able to locate the flare path at Bankstown and make a safe landing

Canberra:

The Government passed the 'Defence (Citizen Military Forces) Act 1943. This act defined the so-called 'South West Pacific Zone' to which Australian militia (conscripted reservists) could be sent for active service. The area was north to the equator and between the meridians of 110°E and 159°E.

RAAF:

On 19 February 1943, Station Headquarters, Pearce was renamed RAAF Station, Pearce. In June 1943, No 77 Operational Base Unit was established at Guildford Airport to support RAAF operations including those of No 85 Squadron. Together with No 25 Squadron, No 85 Squadron added to the air defence capability for Perth, though aircraft were often deployed to the north of WA throughout 1943. On 5 August 1943, No 35 Squadron returned to Pearce and in December 1943 began to be re-equipped with Dakota aircraft. No 7 Communication Unit was established at Pearce on 2 November 1943 with the aircraft formerly operated by No 35 Squadron to be flown in the roles of target towing and aerial cooperation. Also in August 1943, No 25 Squadron was re-equipped with Vultee Vengeance aircraft. In September 1943, No 85 Squadron was re-equipped with Spitfire aircraft.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance determines that 3 ships at Attu to be friendly. P-40s on local patrol over Amchitka encounter and shoot down 2 enemy fighters. The 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group operating under control of the 28th Composite Group with B-24s from Umnak begins operating from Amchitka.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24s pound the airfield at Munda. B-17s attack the Kahili area and shipping nearby.

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

NEIAF - six 18 Squadron B-25s taking part in an operational mission over Dili. Lost is B-25D N5-144.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, weather cancels all missions except limited weather reconnaissance.

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

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

 

[syscom3]

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

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

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

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17s and PB4Ys bomb Ballale and Kahili on Bougainville. B-24s pound Vila on Kolombangara. During the night of 19/20 Feb and day strikes, P-39s and Navy aircraft attack the Munda area, hitting the airfield and nearby Lambeti and Munda Point.
The USN's Carrier Air Group Five (CVG-5) is temporarily based on Guadalcanal to cover the upcoming invasion of the Russell Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s bomb landing ground at Kahili and at Ballale, and Gasmata Airfield.

 

[Heinz]

Australia:

Darwin:

Japanese bombing raids continue.

RAAF:

77 Squadron relocate from Darwin to Milne Bay. Currently equipped with Kitthawks.


RAN:

On 21 February 1943 when escorting SS MAETSUYCKER from Onslow to Darwin the sloop was attacked by a single Japanese aircraft. Three bombs were dropped which were "distinctly heard passing over the ship" before falling into the sea 100 yards astern.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather prevents all flying from Adak . Fighters based on Amchitka patrol Kiska.

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

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Celebes, B-24s bomb the harbor and shipping at Amboina, Ambon, Netherlands East Indies. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe several occupied villages and tracks throughout the Mubo-Komiatum-Salamaua region. Lost on a training flight is B-25C "Draft Dodger" 41-12968.

 

[Heinz]

Australia:
Queensland:

The 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-400s transfers from Milne Bay, New Guinea to Mareeba, Queensland, Australia. The 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s transfers from Garbutt, Australia to Archerfield Airdrome near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 16 bombers and 8 fighters abort a mission against Kiska due to weather.

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

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

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

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 17 bombers and 8 fighters bomb the Main Camp area on Kiska while an F-5A flies a photographic mission.

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

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

 

[syscom3]

ALASKA: In the Aleutians, all except one mission of 4 P-40s, to Kiska are called off. The P-40s make no contacts, however.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40s knock out the southern span of the railroad bridge northeast of Pinbaw.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24s bomb Kahili and Faisi.

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

RAAF - After a reconnaissance mission, Hudson A16-245 ditches in Milne Bay due to bad weather.