August 27, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 1942

ALASKA (11th AF): Four B-17s, six B-24s, and two P-38s fly weather, reconnaissance and patrol missions over Kiska and Atka. The Japanese begin to transfer the Attu garrison to Kiska, which is completed by September 16, 1942.

SWPA (5th AF): Seven B-26 Marauders from the 22nd BG, 19th BS led by B-26 "Kansas Comet II" 40-1433 took off at dawn on a mission to bomb Buna Airfield escorted by fourteen P-400 Airacobras from the 35th FG. This mission was to prevent the Japanese aircraft at Buna Airfield from operating over Milne Bay. By 7:15am, Krell's force was the target when the escorting Airacobras were intercepted by Zeros. The B-26s experienced minor anti-aircraft fire before releasing their 100 pound bombs from an altitude of 1,500' but many bombs failed to release over the target. The escorting Airacobras were intercepted by Zeros, claiming five shot down. Four Zeros attempted to intercept the B-26s, but the Airacobras managed to drive them away. References: Revenge of the Red Raiders page 134.

Meanwhile, a dozen B-26s led by O'Neill took off at dawn to attack Milne Bay. Inbound to the target, two B-26s aborted the mission due to bad weather. The other ten searched the target area for an hour but failed to find any Japanese, aside from D3A Vals escorted by Zeros. Two Zeros attempted to intercept them B-26s then returned when low on fuel. Also, P-40s strafe the beachhead and fuel dumps at Milne Bay. RAAF Kittyhawks that took off from Milne Bay intercepted the Vals and claimed two shot down. 403d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Laverton to Torrens Creek with B-17s; first mission is in October 1942.

RAAF: P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 76 Squadron took off from Milne Bay to intercept attacking Japanese aircraft and claims two dive bombers shot down. Lost is P-40E Kittyhawk A29-92 pilot Squadron Leader Peter St George Bruce Turnbull (KIA) during a strafing attack against Milne Bay.

IJN: At dawn the Japanese at Milne Bay retire once more to landing point. In New Guinea, at dawn, Japanese forces in Isurava area overland drive on Port Moresby and force Australians (depleted 39th Bn, 30th Brig Hq, 2 cos of 53d Bn) back steadily with overwhelming pressure. Japanese supply lines, which are becoming overextended, are attacked by air.

IJN: Eight D3A2 Val bomb Rabi (Milne Bay), escorted by seven A6M3 Zeros (five from Tainan Kokutai and two from 2nd Kokutai). The Tainan Kokutai Zeros strafe No. 1 Strip (Gurney Field). Allied fighters shot down two dive bombers: D3A1 Val Koyamada and D3A1 Yoshinaga and four Zeros from the Tainan Kokutai were shot down: A6M3 pilot Yamashita (KIA), A6M3 pilot Yamashita (KIA), A6M3 pilot Ninomiya and A6M3 pilot Kakimoto (pilot POW). Also, while flying cover over Buna, three A6M3 Zeros from the Tainan Kokutai intercept Airacobras escorting B-26 over Buna Airfield. Lost is A6M3 Zero piloted by PO3 Takeô Matsuda (KIA). Damaged is A6M3 3030.

IJA: 124th Infantry Regiment (detached) lands on Guadalcanal.

USMC: On Guadalcanal, 1st Bn of 5th Marines lands about 1,000 yards west of Kokumbona and advances eastward along shore while Co I of 3d Bn pushes west from Kukum by overland trail to intercept enemy withdrawal inland. 1st Bn is halted by enemy fire about 1,500 yards east of Kokumbona. Nine P- 400's from 67th Fighter Squadron arrive at Henderson Field.

Australian Army: During the day, 2/10th Bn of 18th Brig advance unopposed to KB Mission. After nightfall, Japanese, with tanks, renew attack and split defending force, which withdraws. Japanese overland drive on Port Moresby continues, with Australians falling back gradually. Reinforcements (21st Brig) are moving to forward area to assist Australians.