March 17, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 1942

U.S. Army: General Douglas MacArthur arrives in Australia to take command of Allied forces in the South West Paciific Area (SWPA). He officially assumes command of Allied forces in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) on April 18, 1942.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, transfers from Brisbane to Charters Towers with A-20s; first mission is April 1, 1942. 9th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) transfers from Williamstown to Batchelor with P-40s, their first mission is March 18, 1942.