August 8, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

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: B-17s fly search missions covering the lower Solomon in order to detect any attempt to make a surprise attack on U.S. forces on Guadalcanal.

USMC: Repairs begin on Lunga Point Airfield (renamed Henderson Field) on Guadalcanal for American usage.

IJN: 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 pilot Sasaki that crashed into USS George F. Elliott (AP-13) that caught fire and sank. A single torpedo hits and damages USS Jarvis (DD-393).

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.