THURSDAY, 1 APRIL 1943
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) A joint directive by Commander-in-Chief, Pacific
and Commanding General Western Defense Command orders preparations for Operation
LANDGRAB, the invasion of Attu Island. In the Aleutians, 16 B-24, 5 B-25, and
12 P-38 sorties are flown against Kiska Island from Adak and Amchitka Islands.
Targets include a ship in Gertrude Cove, the North Head area, the Main Camp
and the beach. AA fire damages 2 bombers. Reconnaissance covers Kiska, Attu,
Buldir, and Semichis Islands. During April, the 73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium),
28th Composite Group with B-25's transfers from Elmendorf Field to Umnak.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 16 B-25's bomb the Maymyo railroad sheds.
Eight others hit the railroad yards at Ywatsung.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, a Japanese force of 9 fighters is intercepted
in the Lingling area by P-40's. We claim 7 fighters shot down; we lose 1 P-40.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 42 fighters (P-38's and Navy and Marine aircraft) are sent over the Russell
Islands to intercept Japanese enroute to Tulagi / Guadalcanal, and the incomplete airstrips in the Russells. A large IJN strike
force from the 204th, 251st and 582st Kokutai attack. Including, Aichi D3A Type 99 (Val) carrier based dive-bombers, with Mitsubishi
A6M2 Type 0 carrier fighter, Model 21s (Zeke) from the IJN Carrier Division
Two (CARDIV 2), commanded by the IJN Rear Admiral Kakuta Kakuji, which included
the carriers ZUIKAKU, SHOKAKU, and the ZUIHO. The IJN CARDIV 1 was composed
of the carriers RYUJO, JUNYO, and HIYO. Aircraft from all of these carriers
had been shore based since February to replace the relocation of the Fourth
Kokutai transfer of its aerial assets of approximately 200 aircraft to Wewak.
The air battle lasts for nearly 3 hours. Six US fighters are lost, against
claims of 20 Japanese airplanes destroyed. Shot down is P-38 piloted by Young.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's attack a convoy off Kavieng,
and airfields at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester. B-17's attack
the town of Madang. Flights of from l to 3 medium or heavy bombers hit several
other targets, mostly isolated shipping and coastline targets in the Netherlands
East Indies and in the Solomon Sea.
FRIDAY, 2 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 18 B-24's bomb Kiska targets including North Head. Six
B-25's, 16 P-38's, and 24 P-40's in 6 missions from Amchitka to Kiska, bomb the Main Camp and submarine base areas. Four B-24's bomb the runway at Attu. All aircraft, including 2 B-25's colliding in the air, return safely.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25's hit the Thazi railroad junction. A detachment of the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group with P-40's which has been operating from Sadiya, India since Nov 42 transfers to Jorhat, India.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons,
P-38's and P-40's attack and set fire to a small cargo vessel in Kokolope Bay.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's
hit the Kitchen Creek area and the Labiabi-Duali area. Single B-24's attack
Salamaua, Finschhafen and the bridge at Rempi. Single B-24's hit the airfields at Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.
SATURDAY, 3 APRIL 1943
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb
the Myitnge bridge, scoring hits on both approaches.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's
hit Kitchen Creek while single B-24's bomb Korindindi. In the Bismarck Archipelago,
B-17's pound shipping and the airfield at Kavieng while
single B-24's bomb Kavieng.
SUNDAY, 4 APRIL 1943
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25's hit the Maymyo engine sheds.
Nine others bomb the Pyawbwe railroad yards. Seven B-24's heavily damage the
Thilawa oil refinery.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Vice Admiral Marc
A. Mitscher assumes the position of Commander Air Solomons (COMAIRSOL) which
has operational control of all Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), USAAF,
USMC and USN aircraft in the South Pacific. A detachment of the 18th Photographic
Squadron (Heavy), 4th Photographic Group with B-25's begins operating from
Espiritu Santo.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's
and A-20's pound areas along the Huon Gulf, around Kitchen Creek and the Heaths
and Lane Plantations. Single B-17's bomb Salamaua. In the Bismarck Archipelago,
B-17's bomb the town area and airfield at Kavieng.
Single B-17's bomb Cape Gloucester.
MONDAY, 5 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, reconnaissance
covers all islands W of Kiska with negative results. 16 B-24's and 6 B-25's
bomb the Attu runway and Kiska's Main Camp and runway. 4 P-38's fly top cover.
Later, 3 B-25's, 16 P-40's, and 16 P-38's bomb Kiska again.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 B-25's bomb railroad targets at
Mandalay; 2 others hit Ngamya. Three B-24's bomb the Prome railroad yards;
5 hit the Mahlwagon yards and roundhouse. 12 P-40's and a B-25 support ground
forces in N Burma.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's on armored reconnaissance strafe
15 horse-drawn wagons at Wanling.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, single
B-17's attack occupied areas at several points along the Huon Gulf coast, hit Finschaffen on the Huon Peninsula, bomb Madang and other points on the N coast
of New Guinea and hit Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island in the Bismarck
Archipelago.
NEIAF - After an armed reconnaissance of the north coast of Timor, lost is B-25D N5-140.
TUESDAY, 6 APRIL 1943
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) The 333d Fighter
Squadron, 318th Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from Canton Island to Hilo,
Territory of Hawaii.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 6 B-24's attack Pazundaung bridge,
damaging the S approach.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) The 70th Fighter
Squadron, 18th Fighter Group based on Fiji but operating from Guadalcanal with
P-39's, transfers to Guadalcanal.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER F OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's
bomb the town area and AA positions at Salamaua. Single B-17's bomb Finschhafen.
Single B-17's bomb Gasmata while another strafes
Cape Gloucester.
WEDNESDAY, 7 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, the reconnaissance
airplane aborts shortly after takeoff due to weather.
BURMA AND INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 2 B-25's temporarily knock out
a bridge on the Ye-u railroad branch, crossing the Mu River between Ywataung
and Monywa. Eighteen B-25's, in 2 forces, bomb the Ywataung Marshalling Yard.
P-40's support ground forces N of Shingbwiyang. Six B-24's bomb Japanese HQ
at Toungoo.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) A large force over a hundered Japanese dive bombers and fighters (Operation I-Go) is reported by coast watchers
to be moving down the "Slot." In its path are a convoy off the E coast of Guadalcanal,
shipping at Koli Point, and the Task Force at Tulagi. Every operable fighter
(76) on Guadalcanal is sent up, and the bombers are moved to the SW tip of
the island for safety. The main air battle takes place off the Russells, near Tulagi,
and over the convoy. USAAF P-38's and P-39's and Marine and Navy F4F's and
F4U's claim 39 aircraft shot down, 13 by USAAF fighters. Allied losses total
7 fighters including P-39 42-4274. Sunk are USS Kanawha (AO-1), HMNZS Moa and Aaron Ward (DD-483).
Marine 1st Lt. James E. Swett, on his first combat mission, shot down seven
Japanese VAL's over Guadacanal. He's the first American to achieve this score
in a single mission.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25's
hit areas along the NE coast from Mur to Singor. B-24's bomb the landing ground
at Babo and town area of Fak Fak. Single heavy bombers attack shipping and coastal
targets at Lae, Salamaua, Finschhafen and Wewak; Cape Gloucester and Kavieng in the Bismarck Archipelago; and off Lorengau, in the Admiralty Islands.
THURSDAY, 8 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, The weather
airplane scouts Kiska and islands W of it with negative results.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb Meiktila Airfield; 6 B-24's
attack the airfield at Heho; and Ft Bayard Airfield is strafed by 9 P-40's.
Enemy stores at Ningam are hit by 4 P-40's and a B-25.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) HQ 11th Bombardment
Group and it's 4 squadrons, the 26th, 42d, 98th and 431st Bombardment
Squadrons with B-17E's and F's, transfer from Espiritu Santo to Hawaii. Group HQ and the 431st go to Hickam Field;
the 26th to Bellows Field, the 42d to Kualoa Point; and the 98th to Mokuleia.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's and B-24's carry out small harassing strikes, bombing Ulamoa, Finschhafen,
and the airfield at Kavieng. Lost on a ferry flight is B-26 40-1417.
USN - Lost after take off on a night navigation mission is PB4Y-1 31989.
FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, a B-24
flies reconnaissance over Kiska, Attu and the Semichis. P-40's fly reconnaissance
over Kiska.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-25's
bomb and strafe the airfield and town and dock areas of Madang. A-20's hit the
Kitchen Creek-Mubo area. Single B-17's attack barges at Bogia, Alexishafen and Finschhafen and hit the town of Wewak. In the Admiralities, vehicles at Lorengau
on Manus Island are strafed.
SATURDAY, 10 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, the weather
reconnaissance B-24 observes 4 unidentified aircraft near Segula. Three B-25's,
17 P-40's, and 6 P-38's fly 5 attack missions to Kiska, and negative searches
for the unidentified airplanes at Segula. The last mission finds Kiska closed
in and returns with bombs.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24's continue to fly harassing strikes as 3 of the heavy bombers hit Kahili
Airfield.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-17's
and B-24's pound the town and dock area of Wewak. Lost is B-24D "Tyrannosaurus Rex / Redaz" 41-24068. Some of the B-17's also
bomb Cape Boram and Kairiru
Island while some of the B-24's hit Alexishafen and shipping off Wewak. B-25's pound the harbors at Bobia and Uligan. A lone
B-17 strafes barges SE of Bogia and
trucks at Cape Croisilles while another bombs the airfield at Arawe.
The 8th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), 3d Bombardment Group (Dive) with A-20's
transfers from Port Moresby, New Guinea to Dobodura. On 25 May 43, the group
and it's 4 squadrons will be redesignated Bombardment Group/Squadron
to reflect it's true mission.
SUNDAY, 11 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 4 B-25's,
22 P-40's, and 8 P-38's hit Kiska 5 times. The last mission aborts due to weather.
The other 4 missions bomb various targets starting large fires. Some fighters
strafe Little Kiska.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-38's and Navy
fighters strafe gun positions in the Rekata
Bay area. B-17's
bomb airfields at Kahili and on Ballale.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-17's
bomb Lae and Finschhafen. Single B-24's bomb Finschhafen 3 times and hit Madang once. Enemy airplanes attack Oro Bay and destroy 2 merchant vessels. In Timor,
B-25's hit Vila Salazar and another village. Lost returning from a mission to Wau is P-39 piloted by Cohen.
MONDAY, 12 APRIL 1943
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 3 B-25's, 24 P-40's, and 13 P-38's
fly 7 missions to Kiska. The fighters also strafe Little Kiska. AA fire damages
1 P-40 and 1 P-38. The P-38 force-lands safely.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's hit the airfield at Magwe.
P-40's bomb and strafe the ammunition and supply dump at Walawbum.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's strafe more than 20 vehicles 25
mi (40 km) E of Loiwing.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Single B-24's continue snooper strikes, hitting Kahili Airfield twice during
the evening. The 68th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group with P-40's (and
some P- 39's) transfers from Guadalcanal to Fiji but continues to operate from
Guadalcanal until Dec 43.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24's and B-17's pound the airfields at Rabaul and Gasmata, shipping in the
Saint George Channel, and targets of opportunity in the Ubili and Talasea areas.
B-24's and B-17s hit shipping in Hansa Bay, the airfields at Lae and Nubia and Bogia harbor. B-24's, operating individually, attack several
targets, scoring hits on the Madang dock area and at Toeal. Lost are B-17E "Blue In The Night" 41-9209, P-38G 42-12857, P-38G 43-2382
Japanese - “Operation I-GO” raid against Port Moresby with over forty Betty Bombers and over a hundred Zero fighters.
TUESDAY, 13 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 15 B-24's,
15 B-25's, 28 P-38's and 20 P-40's fly 11 attacks to Kiska; 43 tons of bombs
are dropped on the Main Camp, North Head, and runway. Fighters attack the Main
Camp causing large fires, and also strafe aircraft on the beach. Heavy AA fire
damages 2 P-38's, 1 of which later crashes into the sea, and 1 B-25.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the Myitnge bridge without
inflicting further damage to the structure. Nine others hit Monywa Airfield.
Six P-40's knock out a bridge at Shaduzup.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-38's and Navy aircraft bomb the airfield at Munda and strafe a barge at Bambatana
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, A-20's
bomb and strafe the Labiabi area while a single B-l7 bombs the runway at Finschhafen.
WEDNESDAY, 14 APRIL 1943
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) 30 P-40's, 17 P-38's, 9 B-24's and 6 B-25's fly
10 missions to Kiska, bombing and strafing the runway, North Head area, installations,
parked seaplanes, and facilities on Little Kiska.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's dropping 1,000 pound (454 kg)
bombs, hit airfields at Myitkyina and Manywet, rendering the runways at both
unusable.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, P-40's strafe pack horses S of Tengchung,
barracks and warehouses in Lungling, and cattle and trucks N of Lungling.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, heavy
and medium bombers carry out widespread but unsuccessful attacks on individual
enemy vessels. Japanese aircraft carry out a heavy attack on the Milne Bay area,
severely damaging 1 vessel, beaching 1 vessel, and hitting 2 others, but doing
very little damage to USAAF facilities in the area. AA defenses and the 40+
P-40's and P-38's that intercept the enemy strike claim 14 airplanes shot down.
Dick Bong becomes a Double Ace when he gets his 10th kill, a Betty. Lost is P-38F 42-12849.
THURSDAY, 15 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, reconnaissance
over Kiska, Attu, Semichis, and Agattu spots no new enemy activities. Two bomber
missions from Adak and 11 fighter missions from Amchitka, composed of 23 B-24's,
20 B-25's, 25 P-38's, and 44 P-40's, hit Kiska; 1 F-5A takes photos; 85 tons
of bombs are dropped. Fires result on North Head and Little Kiska. One B-24
is shot down in flames and 4 bombers receive battle damage.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 10 B-25's bomb the Mandalay Marshaling
Yard; 9 more bomb the marshaling yard at Ywataung. Eight B-24's hit the Thilawa
oil refinery while 7 others hit Prome.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) The 390th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's arrives on Henderson Field from the U.S.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force)
B-17's bomb the airfields at Rabaul and Gasmata. In New Guinea, B-17's bomb
the airfield at Lae. The 7th and 8th Fighter Squadrons, 49th Fighter Group
with P-40's transfer from Port Moresby to Dobodura.
FRIDAY, 16 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, Kiska
is bombed and strafed 13 times. A total of 13 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's,
29 P-38's, and 2 F-5A's cover targets which include installations in the Holtz
Bay area and gun positions on North Head.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40's, bombing a railroad bridge near
Mogaung, score a direct hit on the target and blow up both approaches, leaving
the bridge temporarily unserviceable. Later in the day the bridge near Pinbaw
is demolished by direct hits. Eight B-24's hit the Rangoon Marshaling Yard,
9 B-25's bomb the Thazi rail junction, while 9 more, weathered out of Maymyo,
hit rail targets in Mandalay.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, P-40's strafe a group of buildings E
of Tenchung.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17's bomb Kahili Airfield.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24's
bomb Kaimana, Wewak, Madang, and Lae. B-17's pound shipping at Wewak, leaving
3 vessels sunk or in sinking condition. In Timor, B-25's bomb Vila Salazar. Lost on a training flight is B-25C "Chatterbox " 41-13088.
SATURDAY, 17 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 7 B-24's
bomb and score 8 direct hits on the runway and gun emplacements at Attu. One
B-24 and 2 F-5A's abort due to weather. 4 B-25's, 31 P-38's, and 14 P-40's hit Kiska 9 times, bombing installations and
strafing gun emplacements and 3 parked airplanes.
American listening post in Aleutian Islands intercepts a radio message announcing
that Admiral Yamamoto is taking a tour of Japanese bases in the South Pacific.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 7 B-25's bomb the Myitnge bridge, scoring
4 damaging hits. Ten others hit the Myitnge railroad works. Sixteen P-40's damage
the bridge at Kamaing, attack the town of Nanyaseik, and score hits on the N
approach to the bridge at Namti. Six B-24's damage the S approach to the Pazundaung
railroad bridge.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons,
B-17's during the night of 16/17 Apr again fly a strike against Kahili Airfield.
HQ 18th Fighter Group transfers from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Moluccas,
B-24's bomb Amboina. A single B-24 scores hits on the NW shore
of Hollandia Bay. Lost in an aerial collision is B-17F 41-24425.
SUNDAY, 18 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 22 P-38's
(some flown by Royal Canadian Air Force pilots) and 37 P-40's hit Kiska 9 times.
The submarine base and gun emplacements on North Head are bombed and gun emplacements
near the submarine base are silenced.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) In the Ellice Islands,
the 371st and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group
based at Wheeler Field i with B-24's begin operating from
Funafuti.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, P-40's strafe an enemy-held supply village
SE of Tengchung.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) "Operation Peacock": G4M1 Betty carrying Admiral Yamomoto is intercepted by sixteen P-38
Lightning's led by Major John W. Mitchell
(2 others abort) on a low-level, circuitous, over-water trip from Guadalcanal
to a spot up the Bougainville coast to intercept Admiral
Yamamoto who, according to US intelligence,
is on an inspection trip in the S Pacific and is due at Ballale at 0945 local.
Admiral Yamamoto's punctuality is calculated to allow the interception
to take place at 0935 local. Two hours
and 15 minutes after takeoff at 0725 local, the P-38's having flown at almost sea level find the flight of 2 Betty bombers and 6 Zero escorts.
The 4-aircraft attack section under Captain Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. attacks the bombers.
The Zekes spot the attacking P-38's at about 1 mi (0.6 km) and try in vain to
cut off the attack and bombers attempt to escape. In the air battle, P-38G 43-2238 piloted by Captain
Lanphier and P-38G "Miss Virginia" 43-2264 piloted by 1st Lt Rex Barber shoot down the bomber carrying Yamamoto. G4M1 Betty 2656. The other G4M1 Betty Tail T1-326 is also shot down and ditches. Lost is P-38G piloted by Hine.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In Timor, B-25's
bomb the airfield at Penfoei. Single B-24's hit the Finschhafen and Saidor areas. A detachment of the 6th Night Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter
Group based at Kipapa, Territory of Hawaii begins operating from New Guinea
with P-70's.
MONDAY, 19 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 9 missions
involving 14 B-24's, 12 B-25's, 32 P-40's, and 23 P-38's are flown to Kiska.
The first mission is weathered out of the primary target, Attu, and directed
to Kiska. Bombing and strafing concentrates on 4 grounded ships and the submarine
base area where fires are started. One ship, believed to serve as a power station,
is set afire.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) P-40's hit bridges in Burma, seriously damaging
the Namti railroad bridge between Mogaung and Myitkyina. Nine B-24's bomb Rangoon's main railroad
station.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Single medium or heavy
bombers bomb airfields at Hollandia and Lae, New Guinea and Cape Gloucester
and Gasmata.
TUESDAY, 20 APRIL 1943
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 10 bombing and strafing missions
by 15 B-24's, 16 B-25's, 10 P-38's, and 32 P-40's hit shipping in the harbor
at Kiska and gun positions in North Head. Other targets include buildings in
the Main Camp area and the runway.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) In the Gilberts, 22
B-24's, from Funafuti, carry out a photo-bombing mission over Nauru. Several
direct hits on runways and the dispersal areas are claimed.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Thazai.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's
bomb Wewak, Nubia, and Boram
Airfields and shipping off Wewak. B-24's bomb Kaimana and targets of opportunity on Kendari.
WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, Commander
North Pacific Forces (NORPACFOR) places all Army and Navy Air Forces [Task Group
(TG) 16.1] under Brigadier General William O. Butler, Commanding General Eleventh
Air Force. The Army Air Striking Unit (Eleventh Air Force) is designated Task
Unit 16.1.1 (TU 16.1.1) and the Naval Air Search Unit (Patrol Wing Four) is
designated TU l6.l.2. Two P-38's take off for Kiska but abort the mission.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 B-25's bomb the railroad yards at
Maymyo, and 9 more bomb the area around the Myitnge bridge. In Thailand, 16
B-24's are dispatched to bomb the Bangsue Arsenal and other targets in Bangkok,
but only 4 reach the target area and loose bombs over the city.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's
bomb Kaimana and Laga. Single B-17's attack coastal villages in NE New Guinea
and hit Ubili and Gasmata.
THURSDAY, 22 APRIL 1943
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) In the Ellice Islands,
the airfield on Funafuti is bombed twice during the night of 21/22 Apr by the
Japanese. Two B-24's are destroyed and 5
others damaged.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) HQ 42d Bombardment
Group (Medium) arrives in Fiji from the U.S.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) A-20's
and B-25's pound the Lababia-Duali area on Nassau Bay. Single B-17's bomb the
Dobo and Nubia area, and strafe Ubili.
USN - USS Grenadier SS 210 is scuttled by her crew and taken prisoner.
FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 1943
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) In the Gilberts, 12
B-24's from Funafuti attack Tarawa Atoll, bombing fuel storage and barracks
areas. After this mission, the 371st and 372d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
307th Bombardment Group cease operating from Funafuti and return to
their base at Wheeler Field and Kahuku respectively. The
78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Midway to Barking Sands, Hawaii.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's bomb the Mandalay warehouse
area. Five P-40's damage the approaches to the bridge at Shaduzup.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, P-40's strafe a 15-truck convoy SW of
Lungling.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) The 390th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfers from
New Caledonia to Fiji.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Single
B-24's bomb the airfield and town area at Finschhafen and score a direct hit
on a cargo vessel SE of Kavieng in
the Bismarck Archipelago.
SATURDAY, 24 APRIL 1943
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 2 P-38's bomb Kiska and strafe
personnel near Mutton Cove. Weather cancels other missions.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's, escorted by 11 P-40's, bomb
the Namtu mines and railroad yards. 7 of the P-40's strafe the mine and smelter
area. In China, 13 P-40's intercept 25 fighters near Lingling and shoot down
5.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck
Archipelago, single B-24's bomb the runway at Cape Gloucester. In the Celebes,
B-24's bomb Kendari Airfield. In New Guinea, A-20's bomb and strafe positions
in the Mubo area. Single B-24's attack Lae, Gumbi, and Singor. B-25's
pound Dili Airfield. Lost is C-49 "Calamity Mary Jane" Serial Number 41-7694.
SUNDAY, 25 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 15 B-24's,
12 B-25's, 32 P-40's, 23 P-38's, and 1 F-5A fly 12 missions to Kiska and Attu.
Targets include Holtz Bay, North Head, South Head, the beach areas, the runway,
shipping, and the submarine base.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 11 B-25's attack the Ywataung railroad
yards and vicinity. The 492d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group
transfers with B-24's from Bishnupur, India to Panagarh, India.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons,
3 B-24's fly a harassing strike during the night of 25/26 Apr against Kahili
Airfield. 12 others bomb the same target later during the night. The 394th Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group with B-24's, based on Fiji,
begins operating from Guadalcanal.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17's
bomb Wewak Airfield and the towns of Madang and Saidor. A-20's bomb and strafe
positions at Green's Hill. Single B-24's hit airfields at Madang and Finschhafen.
MONDAY, 26 APRIL 1943
RAAF: Lost is Catalina A24-43.
TUESDAY, 27 APRIL 1943
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 1 B-25
unsuccessfully investigates a reported submarine 4 mi (6.4 km) W of Bay Island.
Four P-38's bomb the Main Camp, then scout Buldir. Lost is B-17E 42-30681
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 19 B-25's bomb the engine sheds at Thazi.
P-40's hit positions S of Sarenghkyet.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24's pound Vila and Ballale Airfield. B-17's hit Kahili Airfield.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers, operating individually, attack vessels off Cape Gloucester, Cape
Goltz and Gasmata. A-20's bomb and strafe forces in the Green's
Hill-Mubo area. B-25's bomb a village near Beru. Heavy bombers, operating individually,
attack vessels NNW of Dobo and Nabire and small vessels and targets of opportunity
in the Marienberg, Wewak, and Finschhafen areas. Lost is P-40K "Swing It" 42-45981.
WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 1943
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 9 B-25's pound the docks at Monywa;
10 others attack river traffic in the Katha vicinity.
CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force) In China, about 20 Japanese medium bombers and
a like number of fighters attack airfields at Kunming. High winds prevent bombing
accuracy and little damage is done to the airfield. Several Chinese villagers
near the field are killed. Defending P-40's shoot down 10 aircraft.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 3 B-24's continue snooper missions, bombing the airfield at Kahili.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25's
attack 2 vessels NNW of Dobo. Single B-17's hit buildings N of Finschhafen
Airfield,
Wilwilan village, and targets of opportunity along the coast of NE New Guinea
from the Nankina River to Mur. HQ and it's 528th,
529th, 530th and 531st Bombardment Squadrons arrive in Australia from
the U.S. Group HQ, and the 528th and 530th Squadrons are based at Fenton; the
529th and 531st are at Manbulloo. The group is assigned to the Fifth Air Force
but will be attached to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) until Jan 45.
One of it's primary missions is the training of RAAF crews in operating the
B-24. The group will fly it's first mission on 21 May 43.
NEIAF - Lost attacking ships is B-25D N5-135.
THURSDAY, 29 APRIL 1943
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) Lost on an escort mission over Buin is P-38G 43-2218.
FRIDAY, 30 APRIL 1943
ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 4 B-25's, 17 P-38's, and 7 P-40's
fly 4 missions to Kiska. Only the P-38's get through and blast Gertrude Cove,
Main Camp, the submarine base and a ship.
BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 16 B-25's pound the Gokteik Viaduct,
damaging the N end. Four others bomb the Maymyo railroad yards. Five B-24's
bomb the Sule Pagoda wharves at Rangoon. Four P-40's and a B-25 hit Mohnyin,
while 6 P-4O's attack a camp S of Weshi.
SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) 5 B-17's bomb a bivouac area and revetments at Kahili Airfield.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Single B-24's bomb Lae and airfields at Cape Gloucester and Gasmata. Crashed after take off is B-25C "Spook II / Onkle Rafe" 41-12969.
