August 5, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST 1942

China: Japanese attack Hengyang. The raid was notified well in advance by the Chinese warning net and P-40s from the 76th FS intercepted it claiming two fighters shot down. A third Japanese aircraft was claimed by ground fire. Ki-43 Oscars from 24th Hiko Sentai (24th Flying Regiment) took part in this attack claiming nine shot down for the loss of two Ki-43s. One Ki-43 Oscars lost was piloted by Lieutenant Tetsuji Watanabe (Class 52), CO of the 1st chutai while the second was flown by Sergeant Major Yukio Koshibara (NCO81). The 10th I F Chutai also took part in these raids claiming a number of victories, at least six were claimed on 3 July and 5 August.

USAAF: Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) is B-17F Flying Fortress 41-24554.

CBI (CATF): Japanese aircraft attack Kweilin Airfield; notified well in advance by the Chinese warning net (previously set up under Brigadier General Claire L Chennault while he was head of the American Volunteer Group (AVG). P-40 Warhawks intercept the Japanese over the target, shooting down two and another is downed by ground fire.

U.S. Navy: Aircraft strike beached Japanese transports and supply dumps on Guadalcanal and destroy a concentration of seaplanes at Rekata Bay.

Light cruiser USS Boise (CL-47) in the course of her deception mission, launches two SOCs to search the area. Despite repeated efforts to do so, however, the planes do not find the ship upon their return. Radio silence is broken, thus compromising the operation and the ship returns to Pearl Harbor, but the Japanese believe that a U.S. task force is close to the homeland.

Submarine Greenling (SS-213), attacking Japanese shipping about 150 miles north-northwest of Truk sinks transport Brazil Maru, 09°50'N, 150°38'E, and merchant passenger-cargo ship Palau Maru, 09°04'N, 150°54'E.

RAAF: Lost is Beaufighter A19-12 (KIA) near the peak of Mount Disappointment.