April 7, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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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.

In New Guinea, nine A-24 Dive Bombers from the 8th Bombardment Squadron (8th BS) strike Lae. Lost is A-24 41-15798 (MIA).

RAAF: Six P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 75 Squadron escort A-24s over Lae.

HQ 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), 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.