MONDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 1943

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): During Nov, a detachment of the 71st Liaison Squadron, US Army Forces, CBI, based at Ledo, India is sent to Kunming, China with L-4's and L-5's. During Nov, the detachment of the 530th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 311th Fighter-Bomber Group, at Kurmitola, India with A-36's returns to it's base at Dinjan, India

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 6 B-25's and 9 P-40's bomb the Yoyang, China railroad yards. During Nov, the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group transfers from Kweilin to Hengyang, China with P-40's.

SOUTH PACIFIC (Thirteenth Air Force): US Marines land on Bougainville. This operation is aimed at eliminating the last Japanese strongholds SE of Rabaul. Allied fighters covering the operations shoot down 20+ Japanese aircraft. Naval gunfire accounts for several more. 21 B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield and Kara Airfield is attacked by 19 B-24's, 30+ P-40's and P-39's, and 70+ US Navy (USN) fighters and dive bombers. P-38's on sweep over waters NW of the Solomons claim 7 Zekes shot down. B-25's strafe barges and wharf area at Faisi. During the night of 1/2 Nov, 2 radar snooper B-24's attack a convoy W of Cape Saint George. The 64th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Espiritu Santo to Henderson Field with C-47's.

USN: As part of "Operation Shoestring 2", Task Force 38 (R. Adm Frederick Sherman) including USS Saratoga and USS Princeton attack Buka Airfield and Bonis Airfield, to cover the landings at Torokina. The strike consists of 18 fighters, 15 SBD, 11 TBFs. The second strike hase 14 fighters, 21 SBD, 11 TBFs that attack Buka. In the two days of strikes, a total of 11 planes are lost to all causes and they claim They destroy an estimated 30 planes and several small ships. Lost on strikes againt Buka are: F6F Hellcat 66021, TBF Avenger 24422, F6F Hellcat 08884, F6F Hellcat 25814 (rescued) F6F Hellcat 25930 (rescued), F6F Hellcat 26014 (rescued), SBD Dauntless 10923 (rescued). Also lost near Ballale is F4U piloted by Keith. The Task Force also bombards Buka and Bonis, firing 2,700 rounds of 5" and 6" shells into the airfields, by cruisers USS Montpelier CL-57, USS Cleveland, USS Denver CL-58, USS Columbia and eight destroyers, then continues southward to bombard the Shorlands area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In the Celebes, 11 B-24's bomb Maniang and nearby Pombelaa. A lone B-24 scores hit on ship off Kavieng.

TUESDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 1943

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): 5 B-25's and 12 P-40's pound docks and warehouses at Shasi, China.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 20 B-24's bomb Kahili Airfield on Bougainville. The 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Tontouta, New Caledonia to Espirtu Santo, New Hebrides with C-47's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In support of Allied landings on Bougainville 75 B-25's, with an escort of 70 P-38's of the 8th FG and 49th FG, attack Rabaul airfields and harbor installations; 3 destroyers and 8 merchant sunk: Italy Maru; the B-25's and P-38's claim 12 aircraft destroyed on the ground and 68 shot down; AA and air opposition is the strongest thus far encountered by the Fifth Air Force; 21 US airplanes are lost. For the bombers, 28 men listed as MIA with 7 killed in action.  The fighter pilots lost 8 pilots MIA/KIA. Lost are: B-25D 41-30311 (Medal of Honor), P-38G 42-12848, P-38H 42-66821, P-38H 42-66843, P-38G 43-2387, P-38G 43-2203.

P-39's pound a road in the Bogadjim area and A-20's bomb and strafe communication routes near Fortification Point. The 418th Night Fighter Squadron, AAF School of Applied Tactics, arrives pat Milne Bay from the U.S. with P-38's and P-70's.

USN - Rear Admiral Merrill's Task Force 39 moves to deny the Japanese access to Empress Augusta Bay. Japanese heavy cruisers and American Cruisers engage in artillery duels. Japanese aircraft also join in the battle.

As part of "Operation Shoestring 2", Task Force 38 including USS Saratoga and USS Princeton attack Buka Airfield and Bonis Airfield, to cover the landings at Torokina. Lost areTBF Avenger 24071, TBF Avenger 06117 (rescued), TBF Avenger 24176 (rescued, one MIA). Damaged is F6F Hellcat 08984 (repaired)


WEDNESDAY, 3 NOVEMBER 1943

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 21 B-24's, supported by 30 fighters, pound Kowloon Docks in Hong Kong; 4 Japanese fighters are claimed shot down; 9 B-25's and 12 P-40's pound various targets in the Shihshow-Hwajung-Owchihkow area. 8 P-40's bomb runways and installations at Lashio, Burma.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 19 B-24's attack a convoy about 150 miles (240 km) SE of Mussau in the Bismarck Archipelago; the B-24's claim hits on 3 vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's hit barges between Alexishafen and Bogadjim. Several are hit by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, B-25G 42-64850. In New Britain, B-24's fly light strikes against shipping (sinking 1 vessel) between Talasea and Cape Gloucester, and bomb Boela on Ceram in the Moluccas.

RAAF - Lost on a strike against Palmalmal Plantation is A-20C Boston A28-29.

THURSDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 1993

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): The Chinese-American Composite Wing enters combat on this date. It's B-25's hit Amoy and Swatom, China successfully bombing and strafing ground troops, supply facilities, and shipping; the B-25's claim 4 cargo ships badly damaged and possibly sunk.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 8 x F4Us escort 23 B-24's strike the airfield on Buka, dropping 184 thousand pound bombs from 19,000'. They meet no fighter opposition.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): P-40's bomb Palmalmal Plantation, New Guinea. B-24's on armed reconnaissance claim 1 vessel sunk N of New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago.

FRIDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 1943

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): The 459th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, transfers from Karachi to Kurmitola, India with P-38's. They will fly their first mission on 14 Nov.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 6 B-25's hit a bivouac area at Kieta and sink at least 6 barges between Kieta and Banin Harbor. Allied fighters from the Munda, New Georgia area cover a carrier strike which causes considerable damage to shipping in the harbor at Rabaul, New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 90+ B-24's and fighters attack the wharf areas of Rabaul on New Britain while Japanese airplanes from surrounding airfields search for the carrier force that hit Rabaul earlier in the day. B-26's and P-39's hit Bogadjim Road, B-25's pound positions NW of Dumpu, and P-39's bomb and strafe the Madang area; P-47's over Wewak encounter a force of fighters and claim about 20 shot down. The 67th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with C-47's. Lost on an armed reconnaissance mission is B-24D 42-40972.

USN - Admiral Halsey brings the carriers Saratoga and Princeton close to New Britain to launch large surprise attack on Admiral Kurita's naval squadron at Rabaul. Over 100 American aircraft including torpedo planes, dive bombers, and fighters, cause serious damage to Japanese crusiers and destroyers.

SATURDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): Advanced HQ, Seventh Air Force, is set up on Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice to provide a HQ closer to targets in the Gilbert and Marshall . VII Air Force Service Command and VII Bomber Command also establish forward echelons at Funafuti. Landing fields are being built on Baker; and Nukufetau and Nanumea to be used, along with existing fields at Canton in the Phoenix and Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice as operational bases for attacks on Tarawa and Makin; Mille; Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls in the Marshall and Nauru . These operations will mark the assumption of the offensive by the Seventh Air Force and will play a conspicuous role in the invasion and occupation of the Gilbert and Marshall

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 2 B-24's lay mines in the Rangoon River during the night of 6/7 Nov.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 9 B-25's with USN fighter support hit the airfield and harbor of Buka. 1 B-25 bombs Kieta and attacks Tinputs Harbor; 7 barges and small vessels are claimed sunk; 24 B-25's with fighter support follow USN dive bombers and fighters in an attack on Kara Airfield; and 17 B-24's bomb Bonis Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): P-40's hit Gasmata. Enemy airplanes attack Nadzab, Dumpu, and Finschhafen but cause no major damage. Lost due to engine failure is P-40E "The Spoddessape" 41-25178 and B-24D "Miss Deed" 42-72814. The 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment) and 82d Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 71st Reconnaissance Group, arrive at Milne Bay, New Guinea from the U.S. with B-25's and P-39's respectively. The squadrons will fly their first missions on 28 Jan 44 and 27 Nov respectively.

SUNDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 1943

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 2 B-25's pound Amoy harbor, claiming several boats sunk. 6 P-40's attack a bridge at Hsiangyangchiao, causing only minor damage.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): In the Solomons, 8 B-25's bomb barge concentration and beach targets in Atsinima Bay. 21 B-24's pound the airfield on Buka.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): Aproximately 10 Japanese bombers and Ki-43 Oscar fighters of the 13th and 59th Sentai attack Nadzab. Intercepting were eight P-39Qs (40th FS) and eight P-47Ds (36th and 342nd FS). Lost were two bombers were lost including Ki-21 Sally 6323 and three Ki-43s.

25 B-24's, with an escort of 60+ P-38's, bomb Rapopo Airstrip; a large force of enemy fighters intercepts the formations and in the ensuing battle US airplanes claim 20+ fighters shot down and several more destroyed on the ground. 5 P-38's are lost: P-38H 42-66911 (pilot POW), P-38G 43-2199, P-38G 43-2386, P-38H 42-66669, P-38 of 475th FG.

9 B-25's bomb Wewak and 40+ others turn back when the fighter escort is intercepted by airplanes over Nadzab; enemy aircraft attack Nadzab and Bena Bena; 16 US aircraft are destroyed or damaged by the raids but 14 airplanes are shot down by US fighters. HQ 71st Reconnaissance Group arrives at Port Moresby from the U.S. The 529th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), transfers from Manbulloo to Long Strip with B-24's.

MONDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): The 73d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, transfers from Mokuleia Field to Bellows Field, Territory of Hawaii with P-47's.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 5 B-24's lay mines in the Rangoon River during the night of 8/9 Nov.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 2 B-25's bomb the Kiungshan airfield, scoring direct hits on 2 hangars; 6 P-40's attack Hsiangyangchiao bridge, causing little damage.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville in the Solomons , 22 B-24's bomb Bonis airfield; 6 B-25's hit targets of opportunity at the month of the Laruma River and NW of Torokina while 6 others bomb Kieta.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's on armed reconnaissance bomb Garove in the Bismarck Archipelago and hit Kaimana, New Guinea.

TUESDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): HQ 11th Bombardment Group transfers from Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii to Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): B-25's hit the airfield on Buka. B-25's bomb Kieta and 20+ B-24's pound Kara and Kahili airfields. P-39's join USN aircraft in strikes on Kara Airfield and Ballale Airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 40+ B-25's and A-20's, escorted by P-38's of the 475th FG and P-47's, pound the airfield at Alexishafen, destroying at least 12 enemy airplanes; US fighters claim destruction of 10-15 interceptors in combat; other fighters claim 20+ aircraft shot down over Sek Harbor, the Markham River Valley, and Lae. Lost that mission are P-38H 42-66596 also two others had a mid-air collision and both pilots and planes were lost: P-38H 42-66546 and P-38H 42-66834.

On New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago, B-25's bomb a fuel dump and shipping in the Rein Bay area, and P-40's bomb dumps on Gasmata. B-24's on patrol claim sinking of a destroyer near Kavieng.

Bougainville - The beginning of three days of bloody fighting on Bougainville as Japanese attempt to stop the American advance into the interior of the island.

WEDNESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): The 27th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Mokuleia Field, Territory of Hawaii to Nanumea with B-24's. They will fly their first mission on 14 Nov. The 392d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group transfers from Barking Sands, Territory of Hawaii to Canton in the Phoenix with B-24's. They will fly their first mission on 22 Nov.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, fighters on armed reconnaissance sink 3 large motor boats in the Yoyang-Sinti area and damage or sink 15 sampans and a barge in the Hwajung-Shasi vicinity.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 20+ B-25's carry out strikes on Kara Airfield and the airfield on Ballale and attack shipping between Suhane and Tarlena. The 69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Plaine Des Gaiacs to the Russells with B-25's.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's bomb Lakunai Airfield, hit a new landing ground on Duke of York, and bomb Soerabaja, Java. B-25's thoroughly pound Alexishafen Airfield.

USN: Buka-Bonis strike at 0810L/10 by 55 SBDs and 34 TBFs indicate an excellent coverage of the assigne targets. The SBDs carried 1000 lb. instantaneous and the TBFs 2000 lb. 1/10 delay bombs. Photos after the strike show 7 bomb craters at Buka and 10 at Bonis on the runways. A SBD bomb hit a possible ammo dump causing large explosion and fire at the southwest end of the Buka runway. Other fires were started at both fields. A total of at least 38 hits by SBDs were made on or near AA positions in the area which appreciately lessened the volume of gun fire. A direct hit was made among a group of buildings located at the south center of the Bonis runway. AA was described as of moderate intensity and light medium and heavy caliber with very intense heavy AA from the north tip of Sohana Island. Escort of 54 fighters had no contacts nor sightings of enemy aircraft. Lost is SBD-5 Dauntless 35931.

THURSDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): Japanese aircraft bomb Nanumea hitting the airfield and destroying or damaging several airplanes, including 1 B-24. The 26th and 98th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer from Wheeler Field and Mokuleia, Territory of Hawaii respectively to Nukufetau in the Ellice with B-24's. They will fly their first combat mission on 14 Nov. The 431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii to Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice . They will fly their first mission on 13 Nov.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 6 B-24's bomb the Burma Road about 375 miles (600 km) W of Tungling, producing a landslide and badly damaging the road; 6 P-40's S of Yoyang knock out a gun emplacement and hit a radio station, barracks, and hostels in the area; 8 more P-40's, on armed reconnaissance in the Li-Chou-Ching-Shih area, strafe a pontoon bridge and troops, and sink a river steamer, a motorboat, and several small supply boats.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): A few B-25's and USN F4U's strafe barges and shore installations in Matchin Bay on Bougainville. B-24's join Fifth Air Force, USN carrier aircraft from USS Saratoga, USS Princton, USS Essex, USS Independence, USS Bunker Hill including launches 23 planes, including VB-17 SB2C Helldivers and F6F Hellcats. Also, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beauforts join the attack on shipping in Rabaul Simpson Harbor. This is the Thirteenth's first strike on Rabaul. Escorting fighters claim 17 Japanese fighters shot down while the bombers claim 5. Lost is A6M5 Zero 4323. This was the first combat by SB2C Helldivers. Sunk are destroyer Suzunami, and damage Naganami, Urakaze, Wakatsuki, and damage light cruiser, Yubari and Agano. Reportedly 286 aircraft were involved. Over 170 Japanese aircraft intercepted.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's bomb Lakunai Airfield. P-39's strafe Bogadjim and B-25's hit the Madang.

FRIDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): HQ 30th Bombardment Group and it's 38th Bombardment Squadron transfer from Hickam Field and Kahuku, Territory of Hawaii respectively to Nanumea in the Ellice with B-24's. The 38th will fly it's first mission on 16 Nov. The air echelon of the 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Nukufetau in the Ellice begins operating from Canton in the Phoenix with B-24's. The squadron will fly it's first mission on 14 Nov. The 819th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Barking Sands to Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii with B-24's. The 819th supplies the group with replacement crews and aircraft.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 2 B-24's mine the Rangoon River during the night of 12/13 Nov.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 10 B-25's and 24 P-40's attack Yoyang, hitting the warehouse area, railroad yards, and AA positions; 5 B-25's bomb the Yangchi Kang waterfront area and attack waterfront targets at Puchi; 6 B-25's and 12 fighters hit targets at Yoyang; 15 P-40's and a B-25 on armed reconnaissance hit several targets of opportunity in the Lungling area and between Yang-Chia-Kang and Sichai.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville in the Solomons , 18 B-25's bomb Tarlena; 6 others bomb the Matchin Bay area; and 8 P-38's strafe Bonis airfield.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's and B-26's bomb villages between Finschhafen and Saidor. B-24's attack targets on Java and on Amboina in the Moluccas . Following a series of damaging allied strikes, the Japanese remove their carrier aircraft from Rabaul, New Britain, which afterwards ceases to be a serious threat to Allied forces.

SATURDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): The air attack for Operation GALVANIC (the assault on the Gilbert ) begins. 18 B-24's from Funafuti Atoll in the Ellice bomb Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert ; 1 B-24 is lost.

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, a single B-24 mines the Rangoon River during the night of 13/14 Nov.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): In the Solomons, 17 B-24's pound AA positions, dispersal areas, and runway at Bonis airfield on Bougainville . 6 B-25's carry out a low-level raid on the airfield on Buka. Night fighters harass the Shortland and Kahili and Bonis airfields on Bougainville, claiming 4 grounded airplanes destroyed at the latter.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, nearly 120 B-24's and B-25's pound Alexishafen, and P-40's strafe the area. Other B-24's hit Gasmata and Kaukenau and Timoeka. B-25's and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beaufighters claim the sinking of a small freighter off Tanimbar in the Moluccas.

SUNDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 9 B-24's from Nukufetau in the Ellice bomb Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert; 9 from Nanumea hit Mille Atoll.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): P-70 night fighters hit the Shortland-Faisi area, claiming a seaplane and 2 barges destroyed.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's attack a supply and bivouac area W of Sio.

MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 20+ B-24's from Canton in the Phoenix and Nanumea bomb Jaluit, Mille, and Makin.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 20 B-24's are dispatched against the Hong Kong-Kowloon area. Bad weather prevents 15 bombers from bombing the targets; 5 bomb the docks at Kowloon.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): In the Solomons , 20 B-24's strike the airfield on Buka . 18 B-24's bomb Kahili; fighter patrols destroy or damage several barges along the coast and destroy 2 fuel dumps at Tonolai. The 72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), ceases operating from Guadalcanal and returns to it's base at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides with B-24's. The 106th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment), III Reconnaissance Command, arrives on Guadalcanal from the US with B 25's. The squadron will be reassigned to the Thirteenth Air Force on 19 Nov and will fly it's first mission on 30 Jan 44. The 419th Night Fighter Squadron, XIII Fighter Command, arrives on Guadalcanal from the US with P-38's and P-70's. The squadron will fly it's first mission on 10 Dec.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 30+ B-24's pound Alexishafen; 88 B-25's heading for Wewak and Boram with an escort of 16 P-40's are intercepted by Japanese fighters that are escorting bombers attacking Gusap; the resulting battle causes the B-25's to abort the attack; the US airplanes claim 20 of the enemy shot down; 2 P-40's are lost; P-47's claim 5 more aircraft destroyed over Wewak. The 68th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433d Troop Carrier Group transfers from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea with C-47's.

RAAF: Lost after a raid against Rabaul is Beaufort A9-217. Force landed is Boomerang A46-136 after being damaged by P-38 piloted by Gerald Johnson

TUESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): B-24's from Nanumea and Nukufeta bomb Jaluit and Maloelap. Single aircraft hit Kwajalein and Makin and Tarawa.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-24's, 2 B-25's, and 4 P-40's attack the docks at Kowloon; 2 B-25's damage 2 freighters near Nampang and Saint John , 2 more score hits on a tanker off the China coast S of Swatow, and 2 others bomb barracks and a warehouse on Nampang ; 6 P-40's on armed reconnaissance in the Yen Bay-Dong Cuong area of French Indochina strafe railroad stations and barracks; 1 B-25 and 12 P-40's hit a cavalry unit, barge, houses, and numerous sampans at Shihmen; the Li-Chou area also is attacked.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): During the night of 15/16 Nov P-70's harass Kahili Airfield. In the daylight, 20 B-25's and 4 B-24's pound the airfield on Buka, 20+ other B-25's fly sweeps over areas of the Bougainville coastline, Buka Passage, and Sohano; supply dumps and barges are hit; 30+ P-40's and P-39's also carry out sweeps over the area, hitting gun positions and other targets in the Buka Passage, several targets of opportunity along the E coast, Kieta Harbor, Tonolai Harbor, and Ballale.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's hit installations near Finschhafen and bomb and strafe a coastal track west of Reiss Point; P-39's, with P-40's covering, strafe barges from Saidor to Madang. P-38'a battle a large force of fighters over Wewak, destroying 6; 2 P-38's are lost. The 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, transfers from Dobodura to Gusap with P-40's and P-47's.

WEDNESDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 20+ B-24's from Funafuti Atoll and Canton bomb Mille Atoll, Maloelap Atoll in the Marshalls, and Tarawa Atoll in the Gilberts

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 8 P-40's strafe the airfield and barracks at Kengtung, 4 others hit construction equipment at Dong Cuong Airfield in French Indochina and 8 attack Pingkai and targets of opportunity between Pingkai and Tahsai on the Salween River.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): In the Solomons, 30+ B-25's hit the airfield on Buka and surrounding areas during the night of 16/17 Nov; 2 squadrons of B-24's follow with a daylight strike on the same target; 8 other B-24's bomb Buka and Bonis at various times during the night of 16/17 Nov; during the afternoon 3 B-25's hit Kieta.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's bomb Soerabaja and Tjepoe, Java and Denpasar in the Sunda during the night of 17/18 Nov, and B-25's bomb a freighter off Tanimbar in the Moluccas . In New Guinea during the day, 58 B-24's are dispatched to support an attack by the Australian 9 Division on Sattelberg, but because of bad weather only 3 B-24's [along with 12 RAAF aircraft] get through to the target; P-47's strafe Japanese shipping between Saidor and Finschhafen.

THURSDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 19 B-24's from Nanumea bomb Mille Atoll; 2 others hit Tarawa Atoll.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 P-40's strafe troops and horses and sink a troop barge at Shihmen; 4 others, in support of Chinese forces, strafe the Tahsai ferry.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): Four squadrons of B-24's pound the airfields on Buka and at Kara; 3 B-25's strafe Green Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, 30+ B-25's and B-26's hit enemy positions in the Sattelberg area; B-24's carry out a light raid on Fak Fak; and P-40's bomb Iworep.

RAAF - Crashed is Beaufort A9-350.

FRIDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 31 B-24's from Ellice bases hit Makin and Tarawa. Lost is B-24D "Raunchy" 42-72980.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, B-25's on shipping sweeps in the S China Sea strafe 2 vessels off Hong Kong, score damaging hits on 2 vessels at Kiungshan, damage a freighter off Tsao Tao , and leave a gunboat and freighter sinking E of Swatow; warehouses and wharves at Swatow also are hit.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): 10 B-25's bomb the Matchin Bay area on Bougainville and the airfield on Ballale.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): Nearly 30 B-25's and B 26's bomb positions in the Sattelberg area; A-20's hit the Finschhafen area. B-25's attack Kentengi Anchorage in the Bismarck Archipelago. HQ 58th Fighter Group arrives at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia from the US. The 25th Liaison Squadron, Fifth Air Force, arrives at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia from the US with L-5's. The 25th and 26th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, arrive at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia from the US with F-5's.

SATURDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 1943

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 2 B-25's hit warehouses and barracks on Nampang ; weather prevents completion of several other scheduled missions.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville 45 B-25's, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Ventura's and P-38's attack Bonis airfield; a few other B-25's strafe coastal villages in the Empress Augusta Bay region.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): In New Guinea, 50 B-25's and B-26's pound Japanese positions in the Sattelberg area. A-20's hit the Lae area. 18 B-25s of the 345th BG escorted by four squadrons of P-47s attack the Hansa Bay area, no ships were spotted, but several barges sink or damaged and supply dump fires started. Well camoflaged AA batteries fired and damaged two B-25s, one force landed back at Port Moresby, the other B-25D 41-30522 ditched crew captured and killed. 50 B-24's bomb Gasmata. HQ 49th Fighter Group transfers from Dobodura to Gusap.

USMC - US Forces land against unexpectedly fierce resistance at Tarawa and Makin

SUNDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): The Seventh Air Force resumes operations against the Marshalls, in support of the base-development phase of Operation GALVANIC (the assault on the Gilbert ) and in preparation for invasion of the Marshall [Operation FLINTLOCK (operations against Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls) and Operation CATCHPOLE (operations against Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls)]. B-24's from Funafuti Atoll and Nanumea bomb Nauru.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 P-40's strafe 100+ sampans and small boats on Tungting Lake in the Li-Chou-Changte-Ansiang area; 12 P-40's attack 5 vessels, 20 houses, and 100 men at Shihmen and between Shihmen and Li-Chou; 8 others hit troops and small river boats near Tsowshih; 12 P-40's and 4 B-25's pound the town of Tzeli; 4 other B-25's on shipping sweeps over the S China Sea damage a freighter and blast buildings at Taiping-hsu airfield. The 76th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, transfers from Hengyang to Kweilin, China with P-40's; a detachment of the squadron is operating from Suichwan.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): In the Solomons, Brigadier General Nathan F Twining, USAAF, Commander Air Solomonss (COMAIRSOLS), is succeeded by Major General Ralph J Mitchell, USMC. A few B-25's on a shipping search strafe Kieta.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-24's bomb Gasmata. A-20's again hit the Finschhafen area; B-25's and B-24's hit shipping and other targets on Aroe and off Manokwari. HQ 58th Fighter Group transfers from Sydney, New South Wales to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The group's 69th and 311th Fighter Squadrons arrive at Brisbane from the US with P-47's. They will fly their first mission on 17 and 2 Feb 44 respectively. Lost on a night radar search of Wewak is B-24D 42-40886. Lost on a flight from Wards Drome to Archerfield is C-47A "Star Duster" 41-18648.

USN - Six F4U Corsairs of VF-17 perform midmorning and noon CAP over Empress Augusta Bay, then strafe targets of opportunity along the Monoitu-Kahili Trail. Lost is F4U Corsair 17804 near Kangu Hill.

MONDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 11 B-24's from Canton bomb Mille Atoll. The B-24's claim 2 interceptors shot down.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 P-40's strafe river traffic from Hofuh to Changte, and 16 attack numerous small troop boats on Tungting Lake, W of Changteh.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville P-40's in a battle with 30-40 fighters over Empress Augusta Bay, claim 5 fighters shot down; P-38's strafe barges and shore targets at Chabai. 20+ B-25's, along with 5 RNZAF Ventura's, 8 P-38' and 8 USN F4U's, attack the airfield on Buka scoring hits on the airstrip and taxiways.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): 22 B-25's and A-20's attack villages around Sattelberg. 100+ B-25's and B-24's bomb Gasmata and Cape Gloucester. Lost is B-25G 42-64846. B-24's on armed reconnaissance score hits on freighter near Kavieng and a tanker and barge in the Bismarck Sea. The 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment) and 82d Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 71st Reconnaissance Group, transfer from Milne Bay to Dobodura with B-25's and P-39's respectfully. They will fly their first mission on 28 Jan 44 and 27 Nov 43 respectively. The 418th Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, transfers from Milne Bay to Dobodura with P-38's and P-70's.

TUESDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 6 B-24's from Nukufetau in the Ellice bomb Emidj and Jabor , Jaluit Atoll, in the Marshall .

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 13 B-25's, 24 P-40's, and 7 P-51's pound the Yoyang railroad yards and warehouse area; 8 other P-40's, on armed reconnaissance over the Hanshow area, strafe barges, boats, supplies, and cavalry forces.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): Major General Hubert R Harmon, USAAF, assumes duties as Deputy Commander for Air in the South Pacific Area (SOPAC). Colonel Earl W Barnes assumes command of the XIII Fighter Command. On Bougainville in the Solomons , Chabai is attacked by 23 B-25's, 6 RNZAF Venturas, and 24 USN F4U's; 2 B-24's bomb the same targets later in the day; 19 B-24's hit Bonis airfield and Buka airfield on Buka ; 4 B-25's on a shipping sweep bomb and strafe villages along the coast between Mabiri and Luluai.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): B-25's and A-20's hit villages around Finschhafen. B-24's attack a convoy near Halmahera in the Moluccas and sink 1 vessel. Two new units arrive at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from the US: 1. The 20th Combat Mapping Squadron, 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), with F-7's. They will fly their first mission on 5 Apr 44. 2. The 310th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group, arrives with P-47's. They will fly their first mission on 24 Feb 44.

THURSDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 1943

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force): 20 B-24's out of Nanumea bomb Maloelap Atoll in the Marshalls, scoring hits on the landing ground and a cargo vessel.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 5 B-25's and 16 P-40's bomb Hanshow and strafe 15-20 small boats N of the city; 2 other B-25's attack the harbor and town of Amoy; 2 direct hits are scored on a docked freighter.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville, 25 B-24's bomb Chabai and Buka; 20 B-25's hit the airfield at Kahili and 6 others bomb and strafe a possible radio station at Mutupina Point; fighter patrols strafe Gazelle and Queen Carola Harbors, sinking a barge and damaging a schooner. Lost is 42nd BG B-25 off Maifu Island, but crew rescued. The 371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based on Espiritu Santo , New Hebrides with B-24's, begins operating from Guadalcanal.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): Colonel Neel E Kearby becomes Commanding Officer of the V Fighter Command. In New Guinea, 30+ B-25's, B-26's, and A-20's bomb village of Kalasa; 15 A-20's and B-25's, with P-38's escorting, hit stores and supplies in the Finschhafen area. 20+ B-24's, supported by P-38's, bomb Gasmata. 18 B-25's hit shipping at Halmahera in the Moluccas. The 25th Liaison Squadron, V Bomber Command, transfers from Sydney to Brisbane with L-5's. They will fly their first combat mission in Feb 44.

THURSDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 1943

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In a raid on Rangoon, Burma, B-24's of the 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy), borrowed from the Fourteenth Air Force, are unable to bomb because of bad weather, but B-25's, covered by P-51's, manage to hit Mingaladon airfield, damaging the field and claiming 2 airplanes destroyed. Japanese fighters intercept and in the ensuing battle the B-25's and P-51's claim 2 shot down; 2 P-51's are lost.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 14 B-25's and 16 P-38's and P-51's attack the airfield at Shinchiku, hitting a parking area, hangars, barracks, and other buildings. 32 enemy aircraft are claimed destroyed in the air and on the ground; 16 P-40's on armed reconnaissance over the Hanshow-Chanpte area sink 2 60-ft (18.3 m) boats and 15 sampans and strafe many small supply and troop carrying boats. The 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, transfers from Hengyang to Chengkung, China with P-40's. A detachment begins operating from Tsuyung, China.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): P-39's strafe Bogadjim Road; Sattelberg falls to the Australian 9 Division. The 25th and 26th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, transfer from Sydney, New South Wales to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia with F-5's. They will fly their first mission on 5 Feb and 10 Feb 44 respectively.

RAAF: After attacking Japanese barges off New Britain, crashed is Beaufighter A19-139.

FRIDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 1943

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.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): In the Solomons, Buka and Bonis airfields on Bougainville 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 the airfield on Ballale.

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.

RAAF - Lodestar Civilian Registration VH-CAB.

SATURDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 1943

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

BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): B-24's, with P-38 escort, and B-25's, covered by P-51's, strike Insein, Burma; Japanese interceptors attack fiercely, shooting down 6 fighters and 3 B-24's. Losses include: B-24J "Maxwell House II" 42-73245; US airplanes claim 19 Japanese fighters downed.

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.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force): On Bougainville in the Solomons , 5 B-25's, with fighter escort, bomb Queen Carola Harbor; 19 B-24's bomb Bonis airfield; a few B-25's and RNZAF Venturas attack the areas at the mouth of the Mobiai River and Mutupina Point. 20+ B-24's, with fighter support, attack the airfield on Buka .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force): Medium bombers blast the airfield at Boram and the town and harbor at Wewak, claiming 15 airplanes and 12 barges destroyed. Lost are B-25D-5 "Impatient Virgin" 41-30046 and B-25G 42-64889. 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.

SUNDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 1943

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. In French Indochina, 6 P-40's strafe the town area and airfield at Luang Prabang and hit the radio building, barracks, and tower at Tran Ninh.

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.

MONDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 1943

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): 35 B-25's and B-26's bomb Cape Gloucester; 6 B-24's bomb a barracks at Manokwari.

TUESDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 1943

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.

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 on 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.

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.