April 7, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology
TUESDAY, 7 APRIL 1942
(SWPA, 5th Air Force): During the night of April 6, 1942 to April 7, 1942 the Japanese break the Philippine
II Corps front on Bataan, necessitating immediate removal of all remaining
U.S. aircraft to Mindanao, where for the next three days they will fly reconnaissance,
cover heavy bombers (sent to Mindanao from Australia) operating against concentrations
at Legaspi, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao and carry out a strafing attack aircraft
at Davao. After the heavy bombers return to Australia on April 12, 1942. The fighters
will continue to fly reconnaissance until Japanese forces envelop the troops
on Mindanao on May 1, 1942.
RAAF:
Six P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 75 Squadron escort A-24s Dive Bombers over Lae.
HQ In New Guinea, nine A-24 Dive Bombers from the 8th Bombardment Squadron (8th BS) condcut a dive bombing mission against Lae. Inbound, two abort due to mechanical issues, over Lae they observe no shipping and instead dive bomb Lae Airfield. Lost is A-24 41-15798 pilot 2nd Lt. Henry G. Swartz (MIA).
22d Bombardment Group (Medium) and 2nd Bombardment Squadron transfers
from Ipswich to Townsville with B-26's; first combat mission is April 8. The 8th Photographic Squadron, Fifth
Air Force (attached to Allied Air Forces) arrives at Melbourne from
the US with F-4's; two flights remain at March Field until
16 June. 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) and 2nd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 22nd Bombardment Group (Medium),
transfers from Brisbane to Townsville with B-26s; first combat mission April 21, 1942. 33d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 22nd Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Ipswich to Antil Plains with B-26s; first combat mission is was April 6, 1942.
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