SATURDAY, 8 AUGUST 1942
ALASKA (11th AF): 1 LB-30, 3 B-24s and 8 P-38s on photo and bombing missions
over Kiska cannot attack but
Navy PBYs also operating off Kiska hit freighters and a transport, claiming 1 transport sinking, and score many
hits on North Head and Main Camp.
CBI (CATF): B-25s hit the Canton area, bombing Tien Ho Airfield and
other targets in the vicinity and claiming two interceptors shot down.
Guadalcanal - From this date through 23 Aug, B-17s fly search missions covering
the lower Solomon in order to detect any attempt to make a surprise attack on
the forces consolidating the Guadalcanal beachhead. The first premeditated Kamikaze attack is delivered by two Aichi
VA1 dive bombers off Guadalcanal. An American troop transport is destroyed.
USMC: Repairs begin on Lunga Point Airfield (renamed Henderson Field) on Guadalcanal for American usage.
USN: Just before noon, the formation of twenty-three G4M1 Betty bombers attacked from minimum altitude and eight were shot down due to anti-aircracft fire and others were interepted by F4F WIldcats only a few managed to release their torpedoes. In total, seventeen were shot down including G4M1 Betty piloted by Sasaki that crashed into the USS George F. Elliott (AP-13).
During the night begins the Battle of Savo Island. Lost in the early hours of are HMAS Canberra, USS Astoria, USS Quincy.
SWPA (5th AF): P-400s dive-bomb Kokoda and Yodda; B-17s, B-25s
and B-26s bomb Lae Airfield and targets of opportunity at Lae and Salamaua.
RAAF: Lost is Short S23 "Calypso" A18-11 after landing in rough seas while attempting to rescue survivors of MV Mamutu.
