This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago. (1 Viewer)

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CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 5 B-25's and 16 fighters attack Kiangling airfield; 2 other B-25's damage freighter in Honghai Bay; 12 P-40's attack numerous boats in the Changte-Tehshan area. 8 other P-40's hit railroad yards at Cam Duong, French Indochina.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: Eight USAAF Fourteenth Air Force P-40s hit railroad yards at Cam Duong.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): Buka Airfield and Bonis Airfield are hit by 40+ B-24's, 30+ B-25's, and 30+ fighter aircraft. A few RNZAF Venturas attack Green Island, causing heavy damage in the bivouac and supply area and sinking a barge. A single B-25 bombs Ballale Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, almost 40 medium bombers hit barge hideouts near Sio; P-40's and P-47's strafe villages and targets of opportunity around Alexishafen, Madang, and Nubia; P-39's attack a force of about 40 Japanese fighters and bombers in the Finschhafen area, claiming 4 shot down. B-24's bomb Gasmata and score hits on a cruiser near Ubili. Lost on a recon flight are Boomerang A46-132 and Boomerang A46-109.

NEW GUINEA: In Northeast New Guinea, fighting at Pabu Hill continues as the Australian 2/43rd Battalion, 24th Brigade, 9th Division, repulses strong Japanese attacks. The 2/43rd Battalion holds Pabu, one of the outlying features near Sattelberg, against strong Japanese attacks.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville, the I Marine Amphibious Corps continues to expand the perimeter of the beachhead. The 3d Marine Division is now at the southern shore of Lake Kathleen.

GILBERT ISLANDS: On Apamama Atoll, V Amphibious Corps scouts are recalled as the Apamama landing force arrives and begins organizing defenses of the atoll. On Tarawa Atoll, the 2d Battalion of the 6th Marine Regiment reaches Buariki, the last relatively large island of the atoll, and prepares to attack Japanese forces believed to be there.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 8 B-24's from Canton in the Phoenix and Nukufetau bomb Mille Atoll.

BURMA: Twenty-three B24's bomb Rangoon with excellent results; formation is opposed by intense AA fire and 20 enemy aircraft of which 6 are destroyed, as against 4 B-24's achieve excellent results; 15 enemy aircraft intercept, of which 4 are destroyed, 2 probably, and several damaged for the loss of 1 B24. Nine B25's with 8 P-51's as escort raid Insein engine sheds, scoring direct hits and starting fires; results excellent; of 7 intercepting enemy aircraft, l is destroyed.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: Enemy installations on the Tran Ninh plateau in NW Indo-China raided by 6 P40s; 6 transport planes set afire.

CHINA: According to the Chinese comq, Hwanshihshih, S of Tzeli is retaken by the Chinese. Three Japanese aircraft bomb area 25 mi. W of Changsha. Chinese report that the Japanese drop 'incendiary bombs inside Changteh.

INDIAN OCEAN: SS Scotia (Norwegian tanker, 9,972 tons) sunk by sub at 3-00 S, 69-03 E.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 4 B-25's on sea sweeps attack docks and warehouses at the port of Swatow and hit a convoy of 9 vessels heading S toward Amoy; the B-25's claim 1 destroyer sunk and a destroyer and freighter damaged by direct hits. Lost is B-24J 42-73312.

SOLOMON ISLANDS.: Mosigetta-Mawiarakaw-Motupena region along S shore of Empress Augusta Bay is target for 60 SBDs and 37 TBFs escorted by 8'P-391s, which drop over 40 tons of bombsand strafe the region; at least 25 buildings destroyed, am-munition.dump blown up, and 10-15 fires started. Nineteen B-24s drop quarter ton bombs on Bonis airfield with unreported results. Twenty-three B25s escorted by 24 fighters drop 34 tons of bombs on Buka, scoring 40 hits on runway; 4 planes damaged byr heavy AA fire. Five B-25s with 8 fighters as escort destroy several buildings and damage a pier in QueenCarola Harbor area, NW Buka, during low level bombing and strafing raid. No enemy air interception encountered during dayand only 1 F4U is lost to AA fire

NEW GUINEA: Japanese cleared from coastal road 2 mi. of Song R. by Allied troops supported by tanks.Wewak and Boram heavily hit with light bombs by 63 B-25s escorted by 53 P-38s; targets also thoroughly strafed; 5 planes destroyed on the ground and others damaged, 6 barges sunk, AA positions and an AK hit, camp areas damaged by strafing; 2 B-25's fail to return. Dutch New Guinea villages, including Timoeka, effectively bombed and strafed by 5 RAAZ Beauforts,Lost are B-25D-5 "Impatient Virgin" 41-30046, B-25G 42-64889 and P-38H 42-66869. Medium bombers also bomb the town of Finschhafen. HQ 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group transfers from Sydney to Brisbane.

USMC - Force landed at Nukufetau is SBD 38035.

PACIFIC: From Glen Boren's diary: We changed Task Forces from 50.3 to 50.4. The USS Essex left us and the USS Monterey joined us. Admiral Sherman joined us and we were Flag Ship for a while. We received 7 more fighters today. One glided over the wires and took the barrier, flipping upside down. Pilot was cut up some, but otherwise O.K. One of the men came up to me and said, "I got the clock!" Almost before the pilot was out of the aircraft. The aircraft. was pushed over the side as too badly damaged to repair at sea. The in-dash clocks were highly prized trophies as they were fine instruments. Never got one myself, but I wanted one. After sunset, jap plans came within 8 miles of us and dropped flares, but did not find us. Four of our planes chased a jap betty and shot it down and had to land on the Princeton as our deck was fouled and it was getting dark.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 11 B-24's from Nanumea hit Nauru. The 45th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, transfers from Baker to Nanumea with P-40N's.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-24's heavily damage the Botataung docks at Rangoon; the B-24's claim 4 interceptors shot down; B-25's pound Sagaing.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 8 P-40's bomb and strafe the barracks area and village on the W bank of the Salween River near Litsaoho; 8 P-40's drop ammunition to besieged Chinese troops at Changte.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: Six USAAF Fourteenth Air Force P-40s strafe the town area and airfield at Luang Prabang and hit the radio building, barracks, and tower at Tran Ninh.

GILBERT ISLANDS: Tarawa Atoll is completely secured. No Japanese are found on the small islet of Naa on the northern tip of the atoll. Marine casualties on Tarawa total 3,301. Japanese losses are estimated to be 4,690 killed, 17 captured, and 129 Koreans taken prisoner

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville in the Solomons , 6 B-25's bomb and strafe the Mutupina Point area; fighters strafe Tinputs Harbor, barges at Tonolai, and targets of opportunity along the W coast.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): Nearly 50 B-24's bomb airfields at Wewak and Boram, and 40+ B-25's, B-26's, and A-20's hit villages on the Huon Peninsula and tracks in the Finschhafen area.

IRAN: U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Josef Stalin meet in Teheran for a series of talks on wartime strategy and post-war planning. This meeting is coded EUREKA.
This is the first time the three leaders of the Allied forces meet with each other to negotiate war plans. The Big Three announce that they have coordinated their war plans and reach complete agreement on the scope and planning of military operations. The Western Allies detail the invasion of Normandy and the supporting invasion of southern France and the Soviets coordinate the timing of their offensive against Germany.
Premier Stalin again affirms his promise to enter the war against Japan once the war in Europe is over. Plans for the proposed United Nations are also discussed during the conference. On 1 December the leaders issue a declaration pledging economic aid to Iran during and after the war and divided occupation duties. Soviet troops guard the region north of Teheran, British forces occupy southern Iran, and U.S. units patrol the supply routes.

 

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CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 2 B-25's hit the airfield, town area, and warehouse section at Swatow, 2 bomb the power station and nearby targets of opportunity at Amoy, and 2 attack barges in nearby coastal areas; 24 P-40's drop food and ammunition to Chinese troops at Changte, strafe a camp in the Hsutu Lake area, damage a vessel in Tien-hsin Lake and attack numerous small craft in channels between Hsutu and Tungting Lakes and between Tsowshih and Hofuh.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 18 B-25's, with fighter cover, attack Tinputs Harbor and targets of opportunity in the area from Numa Numa to Kieta; 21 B-24's pound Kieta; P-39's join USN dive bombers in a strike on the Mosigetta warehouse area while a fighter patrol attacks Gazelle Harbor and gun positions S of Torokina Plantation.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force):
BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO: Task Group 74.2, the Australian destroyers HMAS Arunta and Warramunga and the USN destroyers USS Helm and Ralph Talbot, shell Japanese positions at Gasmata on New Britain Island.
Thirty five USAAF Fifth Air Force B-25s and B-26s bomb Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island. 35 B-25's and B-26's bomb Cape Gloucester;
6 B-24's bomb a barracks at Manokwari.

NEW GUINEA: As the Australians advance from Finschhafen, Northeast New Guinea, they capture Bonga, former enemy supply base, and Gusika and then press on towards Wareo. Farther north Allied warships shell Sio.

PACIFIC OCEAN: In the Solomon Sea, the USN destroyer USS Perkins is sunk shortly before 0200 hours by the Australian troopship HMAT Duntroon which rams Perkins on the portside, amidships. Splitting in two, Perkins goes down 1.7 nautical miles off the coast of Papua New Guinea about 171 nautical miles E of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Four crewmen are lost.
USN submarine USS Bonefish sinks the 4,625 ton Surabaya-bound Japanese army cargo ship SS Suez Maru in the Java Sea off Kangean Island, north of Bali, about 177 nautical miles E of Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies, in position 6.57S, 115.42E.
There are 916 men aboard the ship: in two holds, 422 sick British (including 221 RAF servicemen) and 127 sick Dutch prisoners, including up to 20 stretcher cases, are accommodated; 205 Japanese patients fill the other two holds. After being hit by the torpedo, the ship starts to list as water pours into the holds drowning hundreds.
Hundreds more, Allied and Japanese, manage to escape the holds and are struggling in the water. The Japanese escort mine sweeper W-12, starts to pick up Japanese survivors leaving the Allied captives behind. Between 200 and 250 men are floating in the sea. The minesweeper then makes several slow circles around the survivors and minutes later machine-gun and rifle fire are directed towards the defenseless swimmers. Empty rafts and lifeboats are then rammed and sunk. The minesweeper then picks up speed and speeds off towards Batavia. They had rescued 93 Japanese soldiers and crewmen and 205 Japanese sick patients; 69 Japanese had died during the attack.
Back at the site of the sinking only floating wreckage and an oil spill was all that was left of the Suez Maru. Of the 546 British and Dutch prisoners, there is only one survivor, a British soldier who is picked up 24-hours later by the Australian minesweeper HMAS Ballarat.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The 1st Marine Parachute Battalion is landed before dawn about 6 miles E of Cape Torokina from LCVPs and LCMs, covered by two LCI(G) and a motor torpedo boat; heavy Japanese opposition at daybreak, however, compels the evacuation of the marines.
Destroyer USS Fullam aided by F4U Corsairs, silences enemy artillery, mortar and sniper fire, and thus allows the successful extraction of the beleaguered marines.
On Bougainville, work is begun on an airstrip, called Piva Uncle, near the Piva River.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 10 B-24's from Canton in the Phoenix strike Maloelap Atoll; 20 others, sent against the same target from Nanumea run into bad weather; 2 attack a cargo ship (and other vessels near Maloelap Atoll the remaining 18 return to base without attacking.

GILBERT ISLANDS: Marine 2d Tank Battalion scouts reconnoiter Abaiang and Marakei Atolls, north of Tarawa Atoll, finding but five Japanese, on the former.

INDIA: Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek again agrees to Operation CHAMPION (plan for the offensive in Burma) while inspecting Chinese troops at Ramgarh.

IRAN: The EUREKA Conference at Tehran between British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Soviet Premier Josef Stalin, ends. Acceding to Soviet desires to make Operation OVERLORD (Normandy invasion) the main effort, Operations OVERLORD and ANVIL (southern France) have been given priority over all other operations.
Stalin has agrees to commit Soviet forces against Japan after Germany is defeated. From Tehran, British and U.S. delegates go back to Cairo, where the SEXTANT Conference talks will be renewed.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 P-40's bomb a fuel and ammunition dump at Luchiangpa; 8 others strafe several boats on a lake SE of Ansiang; supplies are dropped to Chinese troops in Changte.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 17 B-25's bomb Malai near Shortland. Fighter aircraft (AAF and USN) attack barges and AA guns at Tonolai Harbor, the SE coast of Ballale the NW tip of Choiseul , Amun above Cape Moltke, Numa Numa, and Chabai. Other fighters cover dive bombers attacking the Jakohina Mission area, gun positions at Kangu and Malabita Hill, and in the Mosigetta area; a few RNZAF Venturas hit the Mawareka area.

UNITED STATES: Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, USMC, is appointed as Commandant Designate of the U.S. Marine Corps and as a lieutenant general, is sworn in as the 18th Commandant on 1 January 1944. General Vandegrift commanded the 1st Marine Division during the Guadalcanal Campaign, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Subsequently, he commanded the I Marine Amphibious Corps during the assault on Bougainville Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's bomb Cape Gloucester airfield on New Britain . In New Guinea, B-25's bomb and strafe villages along coast from Borgen Bay to Riebeck Bay; B-24's hit Alexishafen; B-25's and A-20's attack Kalasa and hit trucks in the Waroe area. The 386th, 388th and 389th Bombardment Squadrons (Dive), 312th Bombardment Group (Dive), arrives at Port Moresby, New Guinea from the US with P-40's. They will be redesignated Bombardment Group/Squadrons on 6 Dec; fly their first mission on 14 Jan 44; and convert to A-20G and H aircraft in Feb 44.

 

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian during the month of Dec 43, the detachment of the 344th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group, operating from Attu Airfield with P-40's, returns to it's base at Shemya.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 4 B-24's, flying out of Funafuti Atoll bomb Mille Atoll.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, B-24's bomb Insein; the B-24's and escorting P-38's encounter a large number of Japanese fighters over the targets; P-51's which failed to make rendezvous with the B-24's before the attack join the formations on the return trip; US losses are high: 6 B-24's including B-24J "Bugs Bunny" 42-73222 , B-24J 42-73055, B-24J 42-73159, B-24J 42-73183 , B-24J 42-73196 and a P-51 43-600 shot down and 5 more B-24's are seriously damaged; B-25's hit the newly repaired bridge at Myitnge rendering it temporarily unserviceable.
During the night of 1/2 December, RAF Wellingtons bomb Rangoon.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 19 B-25's, 24 P-40's, and 10 P-51's pound Kowloon shipyards; 2 B-25's hit nearby Taikoo Docks in Hong Kong; 4 P-40's strafe a truck convoy near Lashio, Burma, 16 sink about 30 boats in the area around Changte, and 8 bomb Bac Ninh, French Indochina and vicinity.

GILBERT ISLANDS: The Marine 2d Tank Battalion scouts find Maiana Atoll free of the Japanese, concluding their mission.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 18 B-25's and 8 P-38's attack Malai; P-39's strafe Tonolai Harbor and support US Navy (USN) dive bombers in an attack on the Jaba River area near Empress Augusta Bay; other Army Air Forces (AAF) and USN fighters cover dive bomber strikes on Kara and strafe targets at Tenekow, Chabai, and Mutupina Point.

USMC VMF-214 "Black Sheep" lead by Pierre Carnnagey provide an eight plane F4U escort for bombers. After discovering their primar target Chabai covered in clouds, the formation of 48 US Navy SBD dive bombers from VMSB-236, and 24 TBFs preform strikes on Ballale supply areas. They met and observed no fighters at Ballale supply areas, only anti-aircraft fire. Two SBDs were lost, SBD 11002 and SBD 35976.

6 B-25's bomb Sarime Plantation. A detachment of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, ceases operating from Guadalcanal with P-38's and returns to it's base on New Caledonia. During the month of Dec 43: 1. HQ XIII Fighter Command transfers from Espiritu Santo , New Hebrides to Guadalcanal. 2. The 68th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, based on Fiji ceases operating from Guadalcanal with P-39's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 40+ B-24's bomb Wewak, the B-24's and P-47 escorts claiming 11 enemy fighters shot down out of interception force of about 50; 3 B-24's are lost including: B-24D-155 "Ten Knights in a Bar Room" 42-72806, B-24D-145-CO "Pistol Packin' Mama II" 42-41209 and B-24D 42-40830.
The 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), begins a movement from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea with B-24's and F-7's. They will fly their first mission on 5 Apr 44. The 387th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 312th BG (Dive) arrives at Port Moresby, New Guinea from the US with P-40's. The squadron and group will be redesignated Bombardment Group/Squadron on 6 Dec. During the month of Dec 43: 1. The 90th BG and it's 319th, 320th, 321st and 400th Bombardment Squadrons transfer from Port Moresby to Dobodura with B-24's. The 82d Fighter Squadron (Reconnaissance), 71st Reconnaissance Group, based at Dobodura with P-39's sends a detachment to Finschhafen. Lost on a local flight is C-47 "The Amazon" 42-23659.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO: Thirty five USAAF Fifth Air Force B-25s and B-26s hit Borgen Bay south of Cape Gloucester on New Ireland Island while 16 A-20s bomb the Cape Gloucester area.

 

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CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 18 Japanese bombers and 30 Zekes attack Suichwan airfield; 9 P-40's intercept, shooting down 1 Japanese airplane; 2 P-40's are lost; 6 P-40's on armed reconnaissance bomb villages between Sha Nyao and Chiao Tou Chieh; 16 others bomb Japanese positions NE of Changte.

BURMA: Eight B-25s, with 7 fighters as escort attack river steamer and cement plant at Thayetmyo, damaging both with direct hits. Four P-51's achieve good results at Prome cement factory.
Twelve A-36's possibly damage bridge 6 mi. NW of Manywet with 8 near misses. Myitkyina runway hit by 6 P-40's with 4 others as cover. Three successful raids are made on enemy arty positions at Ningbyen by total of 10 A36's.
Fifteen RAF Wellingtons start 3 large fires at Bassein.
Japanese positions in Fort White and Buthedaung areas hit by total of 17 Vengeances and 6 Hurricanes.

INDOCHINA: Four Allied fighters raid Nguyen Bing mines and on return flight strafe Ha Gianag airfield.

PTO: Two B-24's bomb Ocean I., starting a fire.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 20+ B-25's hit Malai and attack positions on the Porror River and Rigu Mission at Kieta; 20+ B-24's bomb Korovo; fighter patrols strafe Chabai area.

BOUGAINVILLE: Allied patrol in NE sector of Empress Augusta Bay area loses contact with Japanese.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, 50+ B-25's pound the Borgen Bay area; 20 B-25's and B-26's hit enemy forces in the Finschhafen area; and the Sio area is bombed by 2 B-24's.
New Guinea: With tank support, Allied troops reduce Japanese strongpoint along trail from Bonga to Wareo. Excellent results achieved by 10 B-25's and 10 B-26's bombing supply dumps 2 mi. N of Bonga.
N.E.I.: During early morning raid on Toeal, Kei Is., 4 RAF. PBY's cause fires and explosions in waterfront area.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS: USN submarine USS Narwhal lands ammunition and stores, and evacuates certain people from Mindanao.

 

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CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 8 P-40's attack barracks and other buildings at Wanling, China.
Chang-te, in the Tung-ting Lake area, falls to the Japanese, climaxing a local offensive the by Japanese 11th Army designed to disrupt Chinese troop concentrations and divert the Chinese from Yunnan. Having accomplished their mission and taken the rice center of Chang-te, the Japanese soon begin a withdrawal.

USN - Sunk at Kwajalein by aircraft is Asakaze Maru.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 3 B-25's bomb Kieta Harbor and nearby supply and bivouac areas; 6 others hit Aitara Mission; 21 B-24's pound Bonis; fighter aircraft, USAAF and USN on patrol, hit targets of opportunity in areas from Numa Numa to Koromira, at Mosiga and Chabai, and W of Rlutupina Point; B-24's on armed reconnaissance hit a variety of targets, including Kieta, Green, Greenwich, and Korovo. The 372d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Espiritu Santo with B-24's, ceases operating from Guadalcanal in the Solomon.

BOUGAINVILLE: Some improvement reported in Allied positions in Torokina area; Japanese positions near Mavavia (E of Torokina R.) shelled by Allied arty with excellent results; uneventful patrolling continues.
Throughout the day, total, of 36 TBF's and 58 SBD's operate against Japanese supply areas in S Bougainville from Buin to Empress Augusta Bay; raids are made at 45-minute intervals by groups of 6 planes each; bridge and 30-40 buildings destroyed and numerous fires started; 1 TBF lost.
Night of 3/4, formation of 15-25 enemy torpedo and dive bombers attacks 9th echelon en route to Torokina; attack occurs about 3.5 mi. SW of Empress Augusta Bay; near misses cause minor damage, and casualties; 3 enemy planes shot down and several others probably destroyed by AA fire from ships, while Allied fighter downs another and is then destroyed.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 60+ B-24's and B-25's bomb Cape Gloucester Airfield; 1 B-24 sinks several barges in Johann Albrecht Harbor while another bombs a large transport near New Hanover. A-20's attack villages around Finschhafen; P-47's shoot down several airplanes over Wewak. B-24D 42-40475 is lost on a reconnaissance mission.
NEI: Twenty-four B-24s attack Waingapoe, Soemba I. when weather prevents raid on Koepeng; 29 tons of bombs cause large fires.

NEW GUINEA: Stubbornly resisting Japanese slow Allied advance along trail 900 Yds. S of Wareo.

 

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 bombers return early from an armed sea search, due to weather.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 34 B-24's from the Ellice and Canton bomb Mille Atoll 20+ others abort due to bad weather. 8 B-24's from Funafuti attack Nauru.

GILBERT ISLANDS: On Tarawa Atoll, Captain Jackson R. Tate, USN, Commander, Advanced Base, Tarawa, takes command, relieving Major General Julian Smith, USMC. During December and January, air bases are constructed in the Gilberts.
Nine enemy bombers hit Tarawa with 36 100lb. bombs, destroying 1 PV and 1 F6F and damaging 2 PV's and 6 F6F's; small gasoline dump set on fire.

USN - USN Task Force 50 (Rear Admiral Charles A. Pownall) attacks Japanese installations on Kwajalein and Wotje Atolls. Planes from the aircraft carrier USS Lexington sink a collier, a cargo ship, an auxiliary submarine chaser, and a guardboat and damage light cruisers HIJMS Nagara and Isuzu, a stores ship, an auxiliary vessel, and three transports. Other aircraft carriers involved in the attacks are Bunker Hill, Enterprise, Essex and Yorktown and small aircraft carrier USS Cowpens.
Between 0705 and 0940 hours, USN fighters shoot down 34 Zero fighters and four "Betty" bombers over Kwajalein Atoll. Around 1200 hours, eight "Kate" torpedo bombers are shot down by antiaircraft fire over the fleet. Beginning at about 2000 hours, an estimated 30 to 50 "Betty" bombers and "Kate" torpedo bombers organized into 14 flights or individually attempt to sink the U.S. ships.
At 2323 hours, a "Betty" bomber launches an aerial torpedo which strikes the aircraft carrier USS Lexington on the starboard side about 360 nautical miles NE of Kwajalein Atoll. The torpedo knocks out her steering gear. Settling 5 feet by the stern, the carrier begins circling to port amidst dense clouds of smoke pouring from ruptured tanks aft. An emergency hand-operated steering unit is quickly devised, and Lexington makes for Pearl Harbor for emergency repairs. Two other ships are damaged, light cruiser USS Mobile when one of her 5-inch mounts accidentally fires into one of her own 40-millimeter mounts, and destroyer USS Taylor by friendly fire from light cruiser USS Oakland.
Strikes scheduled for tomorrow are cancelled and TF 50 returns to Pearl Harbor. This retirement costs the cautions Admiral Pownall his command.

BURMA: Japanese attack on Ningbyen in the Hukawng Valley is repulsed.
One B-25 and 7 P-40's' attack Bhamo town and airfield, scoring a number of hits in'both areas. Town and airfield at. Myitkyina hit by 1 B-25, 6 A-36's, and 14 P-40's with considerable success. Twenty-four B-25 sorties flown against Japanese troop concentrations in Kaungkasi area;, results reported excellent, and an ammunition dump is destroyed.
In S Burra, 18 B-24's participate in mining of, Loulmein Channel and Rangoon estuary.
Three RAF Liberators effectively bomb Liandalay Riti yards.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25's and 12 P-40's bomb Changte, which was taken by the Japanese earlier in the day; 11 more B-25's and 24 P-40's follow with 2 more attacks on Changte; other P-40's drop ammunition to Chinese troops on Tehshan Mountain.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 21 B-24's attack Chabai; 17 B-25's follow with a strike on the same target.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): On New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago, nearly 50 bombers hit Cape Gloucester Airfield and attack shore targets from Rottock Bay to Rein Bay. 12 A-20's hit villages and supply dumps in the Finshaffen area. 30+ P40's sink an oil laden lugger and 2 barges off Bogia and bomb bridge near Bogadjim. Lost in a training excercise is P-38H "Japanese Sandman II" 42-66905

PACIFIC OCEAN: USN submarine USS Sailfish torpedoes and sinks Yokosuka, Japan-bound Japanese escort aircraft carrier HIJMS Chuyo about 280 nautical miles SE of Tokyo, Honshu, Japan, in position 32.27N, 143.49E. There are about 1,250 Japanese crewmen aboard and only 160 survive. Unbeknown to Sailfish, Chuyo is carrying 20 survivors from her sistership USS Sculpin which was damaged and scuttled about 154 miles north of Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, on 19 November. Only one of the USN sailors survives.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville, the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment arrives and is soon committed to help advance the outpost line.

 

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BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma during the night of 5/6 Dec, B-24's mine waters in the Moulmein area while 5 others lay mines in the Rangoon River.

INDIA: Japanese bombers make their first strategic daylight raid on Calcutta damaging dock area; 500 people are killed or injured in the attack.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 16 P-40's over the Changte area damage several large supply sampans near Ansiang and strafe various targets of opportunity in the Tehshan and Hsutu Lake areas; 20+ P-40's on patrols over the Changte area attack numerous boats and other targets throughout the nearby lake region.

NEW GUINEA: In Northeast New Guinea, the Japanese rearguard has orders stating "while avoiding any decisive engagement" to "carry out successive resistance to try to delay enemy advance." The rearguard is positioned at any natural obstacle while the main body of the Japanese 20th Division hurries north from Wateo.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville in the Solomon , 23 B-25's and 20+ USN dive bombers hit the Monoitu, Aitara Mission, and Mosigetta area; fighter patrols hit several areas on Bougainville and on Shortland, including Chabai, Numa Numa, Mosigetta, Monoitu, and Faisi.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: USN destroyers bombard the Choiseul Bay area on Choiseul Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 40 B-24'a bomb Cape Gloucester on New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago; A-20's destroy small craft off New Britain. In New Guinea, A-20's hit enemy forces in the Finschhafen area; B-25's, B-26's, and P-40's attack targets along the Bogadjim Road. The 110th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 71st Reconnaissance Group, arrives at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from the US with P-39Q's. The 531st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), (Heavy), transfers from Manbulloo to Long Strip with B-24's. The group is attached to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

 

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CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, Changte is pounded throughout the day by 30+ B-25's and numerous fighters; other fighters strafe targets of opportunity in the railway yard at Hsipaw and damage a train at Hopong.

BURMA: During the night of 6/7 December, RAF Wellingtons bomb Moulmein.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 6 B-25's bomb the Monoitu Mission area, and 24 others, with fighter support, pound Tarlena village; P-40's carry out a strafing strike in the Arawa Bay area near Kieta; P-38's strafe W the coast of Buka ; fighter patrols strafe the Chabai, Koromira, and Monoitu areas; the Kieta supply area is bombed by a B-24 on armed reconnaissance. On Buka Island, P-38s strafe the west coast.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): Nearly 100 B-24's and B-25's hit the Cape Gloucester and Borgen Bay areas; P-40's strafe Cape Hoskins. In New Guinea. A-20's and B-25's attack villages and supply dumps around Finschhafen.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): During the night of 6/7 Dec, 14 B-24's, staging through Tarawa Atoll, hit targets on Maloelap and Wotje. 6 B-24's from Nukufetau in the Ellice bomb Maloelap Atoll, and 1 other, failing to reach the primary, drops bombs on Mille Atoll. This date marks the beginning of Operation FLINTLOCK (operations against Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls in the Marshalls).

BURMA: Eight USAAF Fourteenth Air Force P-40s strafe freight cars between Mogaung and Myitkyina.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, Changte is hit twice by a total of 13 B-25's and several escorting fighters. In Burma, 8 P-40's strafe freight cars between Mogaung and Myitkyina. The detachment of the 76th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, that has been operating from Suichwan, China since Oct, returns to it's base at Kweilin with P-40's.

CEYLON: Since British Admiral Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Commander Southeast Asia Command, is ordered to release a large portion of his amphibious resources for use elsewhere, planning is begun for a limited operation (PIGSTICK) on the south Mayu Peninsula in Burma on the Bay of Bengal as a substitute for Operation BUCCANEER (amphibious operation in the Andaman Islands), subject to approval of Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 8 B-25's carry out strikes against Kahili and Kieta Harbor. Torokina is bombed by 2 Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Ventura's on patrol. The 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides with B-24's, ceases operating from Guadalcanal in the Solomon .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): On New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago, 90+ B-24's and B-25's attack the Cape Gloucester and Borgen Bay areas. On New Guinea, A-20's bomb troop encampments and dumps in the Finschhafen area; P-40's strafe boats and barges near Madang. During the night of 7/8 December, 26 Australian Beauforts attack Borpop Aerodrome on New Ireland Island.

NEI: B-24's bomb the airfield and village on Haroekoe in the Moluccas.

 

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force): 3 B-24's fly armed reconnaissance. During the night of 8/9 Dec, another B-24 off on a photographic mission over Kasatochi in the Aleutian , turns back because of mechanical trouble.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 22 B-24's from Nanumea bomb Jaluit Atoll, and 11 from Canton bomb Mille Atoll.

USN - A striking force of two carriers, six battleships, and 12 destroyers bombed and bombarded enemy installations on Nauru.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 9 B-25's, escorted by 16 P-40's, pound Changte; 9 other B-25's bomb Hofuh and the 16 escorting P-40's bomb 2 villages to the N.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): Fighter patrols and aircraft on armed reconnaissance bomb and strafe several targets of opportunity near Kieta, SE of Cape Torokina, at Baniu Plantation, and along the NE coast.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's attack the Penfoei-Koepanp area on Timor . In New Guinea, B-25's and B-26's pound enemy supply dumps on the Huon Peninsula near Finschhafen; P-39's strafe barges from Saidor to Fortification Point.

USN: Shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Nauru are F6F Hellcat 26088 and TBF 47589.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 19 B-24's from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice bomb Mille Atoll. The B-24's claim 5 fighters destroyed.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 15 B-25's bomb Wuchang and Hankow, and 3 bomb Changte; P-40's strafe sampans above Nanhsien and attack targets of opportunity in the Salween River area, including road traffic S of Hsia Chai, barracks at Tachai, and the town of San Tsun.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 50 B-25's bomb and strafe the coast of New Britain from Borgen Bay to Rein Bay. In New Guinea, 19 B-25's and A-20's hit barges, coastal installations, and roads in the Fortification Point area; 60+ P-39's hit Bogadjim Road, barges and enemy held villages along the N coast of Huon Peninsula, and enemy positions in the Ramu River valley.

 

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CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 12 B-25's and 15 P-40's attack the marshalling yard at Hanoi, the warehouse area and railroad station suffer heavy damage. Japanese aircraft bomb Hengyang Airfield in China; 8 P-40's intercept 1 wave of airplanes over the field, shooting down 3 of them; 2 P-40's are lost in the combat.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville USAAF Thirteenth Air Force B-25s bomb the Kahili supply area and airfield; P-39s bomb the supply area and antiaircraft positions at Tonolai and strafe four barges in the harbor; New Zealand (PV-1) Venturas hit buildings at Arigua Plantation.
Marine Fighting Squadron VMF-216 with 17 F4U Corsairs, flies in to operate from Torokina airstrip, which is within 220 miles of Rabaul, New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 27 B-24's bomb targets at Cape Gloucester on New Britain and the Huon Peninsula on New Guinea. 40 B-25's and B-26's bomb supply and bivouac areas and bridges along the Bogadjim Road; P-39's strafe barges in the Madang area. HQ 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and it's 20th Combat Mapping Squadron transfer from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea with B-24's and F-7's. HQ 43d Bombardment Group and it's 64th Bombardment Squadron transfer from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-24's. Force landed is P-40N Piloted by Linder.

 

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BURMA: In the British Fourteenth Army's IV Corps area, advance elements of the 268th Brigade reach Indaw.

CEYLON: Admiral Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command, issues a directive ordering the integration of the USAAF Tenth Air Force and RAF Bengal Command into the Eastern Air Command (EAC). All Allied air forces in southeast Asia are under command of Air Chief Marshal (USAAF General) Sir Richard Peirse as Allied Air Commander-in-Chief.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 14 B-25's and 10 P-40's attack Shihshow and Ansiang; 3 B-24's bomb Hankow airfield; 9 P-40's intercept about 30 Japanese airplanes over Nanchang shortly after the enemy force bombs Suichwan; the P-40's claim 10 aircraft shot down.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville in the Solomon , 16 B-25's, in 2 waves, attack Kahili; several other B-25's hit Arigua Plantation; 20+ B-24's bomb the village and wharf area at Tsirogei; 8 P-39's bomb Tonolai; several aircraft on armed reconnaissance, operating individually or in small flights, attack targets of opportunity scattered throughout Bougainville and the Shortland area; Allied night fighters carry out a strike on a Japanese bivouac along the Jaba River; others hit Buka and Bonis. A detachment of the 17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), based on Guadalcanal in the Solomon, begins operating from Bougainville with F-5's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's bomb and strafe the Borgen Bay area. B-25's and B-26's hit bivouacs and other installations near Fortification Point and in the Finschhafen area. The 65th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-24's. The 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with P-38's.

EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Fifth Air Force B- 24s bomb Makassar on Celebes Island and Balikpapan, Borneo.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 25 B-24's flying out of Ellice bases, bomb Emidj in the Marshall .

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 28 B-25's and 13 B-24's carry out a saturation bombing strike against bridge at Myittha, over which a large volume of Japanese goods is flowing to the N. Despite this large air effort only the approach spans suffer effective damage.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 41 Japanese bombers and fighters bomb the W side of Hengyang Airfield, causing considerable damage; 31 P-40's and 6 P-38's intercept the enemy force, claiming 20 airplanes shot down; 2 P-40's are lost. 9 B-24's bomb Hankow airfield.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 6 B-25's strafe Arigua Plantation; 9 others, with fighter support, bomb the supply area at Bonis; the fighters afterwards strafe Japanese forces between Kieta and the Aropa River; other fighter aircraft strafe Tonolai Harbor and cover USN dive bomber strikes against targets in the Ratsua-Porton-Chabai-Soraken areas and the Kieta Harbor-Tobera Bay area; and 20+ B-24's bomb the Kahili area and Poporang.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): P-40's dive-bomb Bogadjim Road. EAST INDIES: In the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), USAAF Fifth Air Force B-24s make light raids on Ceram Island and in the far western part of the NEI.

NEW HEBRIDES ISLANDS: From the diary of Glen Boren, US Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill. Arrived in the morning with our planes flying off for the field. We got to Lugan Field (on Espirito Santo) about 1230, had lunch and headed for the strip for A/C maintenance. Lots of hole patching, fixing oil leaks in the rocker box covers to stop oil from streaking the windshields, etc.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 10 B-24's, staging through Baker from Canton in the Phoenix , bomb Wotje Atoll in the Marshalls.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In India, 20 Japanese bombers, escorted by 25 fighters, hit Dinjan Airfield before US interceptors make contact; however, little damage is done and the US fighters catch the attackers shortly afterward; 12 Japanese bombers and 5 fighters are claimed shot down. The 436th Bombardment Squadron, 7th BG (Heavy), transfers from Panagarh to Madhaiganj, India with B-24's.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25's, with fighter escort, bomb Li-Chou and Kungan; 8 B-25's pound Wuchang Airfield; and 16 P-40's on armed reconnaissance strafe targets of opportunity from Changte to Linli to Li-Chou.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 17 B-25's bomb Porton, and their fighter escorts strafe Tenekow bivouac areas during the return flight; 24 B-24's bomb Bonis; 6 B-25's carry out low-level strikes against concentrations on Numa Numa. The 72d Bombardment Squadron, 5th BG (Heavy), based on Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides with B-24's, begins operating from Guadalcanal in the Solomon.

D'ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS: Task Force DIRECTOR (USN Task Force 76) sails from Goodenough Island for Buna, Papua New Guinea, en route to Arawe, New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 100+ B-24's and B-25's and several P-40's bomb Gasmata. A-20's hit villages along Bogadjim Road; a small flight of P-39's strafe barges along the Huon Peninsula. The 340th Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, transfers from Port Moresby to Finschhafen with P-47's. The 403d Bombardment Squadron, 43d BG (Heavy), transfers from Port Moresby to Dobodura, New Guinea with B-24's.

USMC: Lost is F4U Corsair 17452.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 16 B-24's, flying out of bases in the Ellice , bomb Maloelap Atoll in the Marshall

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 13 B-25's, with fighter escort, bomb Shasi; 2 P-40's strafe supply trucks S of Tengchung. 6 P-40's on armed reconnaissance strafe Gia Lam Airfield and railroad yard in French Indochina.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): SOLOMON ISLANDS: Eighteen USAAF Thirteenth Air Force B-24s, with fighter support, bomb positions on Sohano Island while 18 B-25s and eight fighters hit Manob village east of Buka Passage.
Other Thirteenth Air Force fighters hit gun positions, communications targets, and other targets of opportunity at scattered points in the Bougainville-Shortland areas and cover USN SBDs strikes against antiaircraft positions in Chabai area on Bougainville Island. Sixteen USMC TBFs attack reverse slope targets that cannot be hit by artillery. The TBFs, guided by smoke, attack a 150 yard by 50 yard area from 700 feet. About 180 of the 192 100-pound bombs strike the target area but they do not dislodge the Japanese defenders.
At Lambu Lambu Cove, Vella Lavella Island, a faulty fuel pump ignites a gasoline dump that in turn explodes an ammunition dump. The resultant fire destroys motor torpedo boat PT-239

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In the heaviest raid to date in the Southwest Pacific Area, 228 B-24's, B-25's, and A-20's bomb Arawe in an almost continuous attack from 0645 to 1548 hours; P-39's strafe barges along the Huon Peninsula. Gasmata is hit by B-25's and B-26's. B-24's on armed reconnaissance hit Saidor, Gasmata and Unea.

RAAF: Lost on a flight from Cooktown to Horn Island is C-47 Dakota A65-3.

AUSTRALIA: Final plans for the operation against Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago, are made. It is decided not to use airborne troops as planned.

 

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CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 20 B-24's from Nanumea in the Ellice , hit Maloelap Atoll in the Marshalls. 10, staging from Canton in the Phoenix through Baker, bomb Wotje Atoll. 1 B-24 is lost on Maloelap Atoll raid; 2 enemy fighters are claimed destroyed.

INDIA: Eastern Air Command (EAC), a combined US-British air command, is formed under Lieutenant General George E Stratemeyer (USAAF), with Air Vice Marshall Thomas M Williams (RAF) as Assistant Commander. HQ, at New Delhi, will control all operational air units in Assam and Burma which presently make up the USAAF Tenth Air Force and RAF Bengal Air Command. Major components of EAC are to be the Third Tactical Air Force under Air Marshall Sir John E Baldwin (RAF), Strategic Air Force under Brigadier General Howard C Davidson (USAAF), Troop Carrier Command under Brigadier General William D Old (USAAF), and Photo Reconnaissance Force under Group Captain (= USAAF Colonel) Stewart G Wise (RAF). The Strategic Air Force and Troop Carrier Command are activated on this date, the former having headquarters at Belvedere Palace, Calcutta and the latter at Comilla.

NEW GUINEA: In Northeast New Guinea, Lakona, 15 miles north of Finschhafen, is captured by Australian forces. The road from Lae to Nadzab is completed.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 25 P-40's strafe parked aircraft, trucks, and several buildings at Pailochi; at least 3 enemy airplanes are destroyed; 2 B-25's on a sea sweep over the Gulf of Tonkin claim 1 ocean going tug sunk; 16 P-40's on armed reconnaissance strafe the towns of Owchihkow and Shihshow; 6 others attack the town of Luchiangpa and villages in the area.

BURMA: In the north, the 1st Battalion, of 114th Infantry Regiment, Chinese 38th Infantry Division, tries unsuccessfully to relieve the isolated 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment. After the attack, the Japanese return to their previous positions, which they proceed to strengthen.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 21 B-24's strike Sohano ; 6 B-25's hit installations in the Numa Numa-Arigua area; 23 B-25's and 16 fighters attack Buka , causing heavy damage in the Chinatown area; P-40's destroy bridge at Runai. Numerous targets of opportunity are attacked by AAF aircraft, operating individually and in small flights, on armed reconnaissance over Bougainville and other N Solomons areas.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): As a preliminary to the main invasion of New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago, US forces under command of Brigadier General Julian W Cunningham land on the W coast of the Arawe Peninsula on New Britain about 0700 local following a naval and air bombardment; B-25's pound villages in the Arawe area; B-24's bomb Cape Gloucester while P-39's strafe barges at Reiss Point. B-25's hit 2 freighters on Timor in the Sunda. The 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, transfers from Port Moresby's 14 Mile Drome to Nadzab, New Guinea with P-47's.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO: Operation DEXTERITY opens when, as a preliminary to the main invasion of New Britain Island, USN Task Force 76 (Rear Adm Daniel E. Barbey) lands Task Force DIRECTOR, the 112th Cavalry Regiment (Special) reinforced under command of Brigadier General Julian W. Cunningham, USA, on the coast of Arawe Peninsula about 0700 hours local, after naval gunfire and aerial bombardment. Scattered opposition on the peninsula is overcome without difficulty. Before the main landing, cavalrymen try in vain to make surprise landings at Umtingalu, on the mainland east of the peninsula, and on Pilelo islet.
Despite alerted Japanese forces, Troop B succeeds in landing on Pilelo and quickly clears it. Japanese planes are active against troops and shipping, attacking at frequent intervals during this and the next few days. Plans to use Arawe as a base for light naval forces never materialize, nor is the site used as an air base. The plan for the Cape Gloucester landing is amended to increase the size of initial assault force and limit the objective of the secondary landing.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Army Major General Oscar Griswold, Commanding General XIV Corps, relieves Marine Major General Roy Geiger, Commanding General I Amphibious Corps, of responsibility for the Bougainville beachhead, where the final defensive perimeter is virtually secure, although the 21st Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, is still clearing the heights near the beachhead.
Twenty one USAAF Thirteenth Air Force B-24s strike Sohano Island. On Bougainville, six B-25s hit installations in the Numa Numa-Arigua area; 23 B-25s and 16 fighters attack Buka Island, causing heavy damage in the Chinatown area; and P-40s destroy a bridge at Runai. Numerous targets of opportunity are attacked by USAAF aircraft, operating individually and in small flights, on armed reconnaissance over Bougainville and other northern Solomons areas.