October 1, 1944
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 1 OCTOBER 1944

(CBI) BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 34 P-47s bomb Thetkegyin while 20 others hit railroad targets throughout the N Burma railroad corridor and troop concentrations at Ponlon; 4 P-47s bomb Shwegugale while 6 others hit Lungling, China and sweep the Burma Road in the area. The 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Kurimitola to Pandaveswar with B-24s. During Oct 44, the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Guskhara, sends an element to operate from Hsinching with F-7s.

CHINA (Fourteenth Air Force): In China, Eighteen B-25s bomb Tien Ho Airfield and White Cloud Airfield, the town of Wuchou, and targets of opportunity in the Samshui and Canton areas; 100+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance throughout areas S of the Yangtze River hit a variety of targets of opportunity, concentrating on communications targets and troops in the Mangshih and Hsinganhsien areas.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA (POA) AAFPOA (Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan strike the airfield on Iwo Jima. B-25s from Makin bomb Nauru while B-24s staging through Eniwetok hit Truk.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA [SWPA, Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s bomb Langoan while B-25s hit Lembeh, Menado, and Bolaangoeki port. B-24s bomb Taka in the Moluccas while P-38s hit Amahai, Kairatoe and shipping off Amboina. B-25s and P-38s on shipping sweeps off Halmahera destroy several barges and luggers. In New Guinea, A-20s and P-38s attack Urarom Airfield and Fak Fak supply dumps, while P-40s hit Doom and targets of opportunity in Windissi, Idorra, and MacCluer Gulf; P-47s and A-20s hit Doeroa Airfield, Langgoer Airfield, and Faan Airfield; the 63d and 70th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 403d Troop Carrier Group, move from Los Negros and Hollandia respectively, to Biak with C-47s. The 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group moves from Borokoe to Morotai with P-40s and F-6s. Lost is C-47 42-92062. Lost on a training flight is A-20G 42-86717 and A-20G "Crap Shooter" 42-54155 and A-20G pilot Summers (rescued). Damaged is OA-10 44-33878 that is later repaired and flown back to base.

USN: Office of Deputy Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations under the command of Vice Admiral Richard S. Edwards is established.

Patrol Squadrons (VP) are redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron (VPB).

Special Task Air Group 1 (STAG-1) operations continue (Mission 2) with two separate missions by a total of eight drones. Four target Japanese positions on Poporang and Ballale. Four target southern Bougainville.

In the first mission, four TDRs are launched against anti-aircraft gun positions on Ballale and Poporang. One lands in the midst of them. A second detonates within 100' of the southwest end of Ballale Airfield runway; two explode on Poporang in the general area of the target. Lost is TDR-1 Assault Drone (dud).

In the second mission, four TDRs are launched against anti-aircraft positions on Kangu Hill and the Pororeri River bridge north of Kangu Hill; the first two TDRs hit the lower slope Kangu Hill, on the northeast slope near anti-aircraft gun emplacements and the other 50' from the summit but the bomb did not detonate. One TDR crashes (perhaps hit by anti-aircraft fire). The last is unable to find the target and explodes north of Kangu Hill.

USS Bailey (DD-492) is damaged by strafing off Palau, 06°59'N, 134°13'E.

During minesweeping operations in Ulithi lagoon with TU 33.13.1, motor minesweeper YMS-385 is sunk by Japanese mine in Zowariyau Channel, 09°52'N, 139°37'E.

USS Cabrilla (SS-288) sinks Japanese tanker Kyokuho Maru, and merchant tanker Zuiyo Maru in South China Sea, west of Luzon, 16°15'N, 119°43'E.

USS Hammerhead (SS-364) sinks Japanese ore carriers Kokusei Maru and Hiyori Maru and cargo ship Higane Maru north of Borneo, 06°30'N, 116°11'E.

USS Snapper (SS-185) sinks Japanese coastal minelayer Ajiro and transport Seian Maru northwest of the Bonins, 28°11'N, 139°30'E.

USS Trepang (SS-412) sinks Japanese supply ship Takunan Maru north of Ogasawara-gunto, 25°30'N, 142°30'E.

Auxiliary minesweeper Kaiyo Maru is sunk by mine off Tsingtao, China.