September 1, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 1942

Japan: Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo resigns and Premier Hideki Tojo is asked to assume duties of Foreign Ministry.

ALASKA (11th Air Force): U.S. forces complete the occupation of Adak. During September, Headquarters (HQ) 343d Fighter Group moves from Elmendorf to Umnak. The detachment of the 11th Fighter Squadron, XI Fighter Command, operating from Fort Randall, Cold Bay with P-40s, returns to Fort Glenn.

SOUTH PACIFIC: During September 1942, the forward echelon of the 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), begins operating from Guadalcanal with B-17s; the squadron is based at Efate. B-17s bomb cause superficial damage to seaplane tender Akitsushima and destroyer Akikaze off Buka.

(SWPA, 5th Air Force): Ten B-26 Marauders from 22nd Bombardment Group led by B-26 "Kansas Comet II" 40-1433 bomb Lae Airfield. Before reaching the target, three abort the mission. The remaining seven bomb the target but half their bombs fall into the sea, the other half hit Lae Airfield.

P-40s hit a Japanese HQ at Waga Waga on Milne Bay while P-400s strafe Kokoda and Kokoda Pass; Australian ground forces continue a slow retreat over the range but make progress in Milne Bay offensive; and 89th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group, moves from Charters Towers to 3 Mile Drome (Kila) with A-20s. Lost is P-400 Airacobra BX146 pilot 2nd Lt George T. Helveston (survived).

USN: USS Betelgeuse (AKA-11) lands 200 personnel from 6th Naval Construction Battalion (6th NCB) "Seabees" at Lunga on Guadalcanal as the first to serve in a combat area. During September, Americans on Guadalcanal lack adequate fighter strength, although carrier planes that can be spared are employed land based at Henderson Field. The trickle of supplies to the garrison increases only slightly.

Air Force, Pacific Fleet under Vice Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch is established.

Australian Army: Australians continue to make progress in Milne Bay area and to fall back slowly along trail over Owen Stanley Range. As diversion for Milne Bay forces, Japanese from Salamaua attack Aus Kanga Force guarding Bulolo Valley and seize Mubo.

British Army: Mauritius and Seychelles are transferred from command of Br Army Hq, India, to East Africa Command. The islands plus Madagascar are formed into "Islands Area" under Maj Gen G. R. Smallwood.