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

TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 1942

ALASKA (11th Air Force): U.S. forces complete the occupation of Adak. During Sep, 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.

(SWPA, 5th Air Force): Ten B-26 Marauders from the 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG) 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 Wagga Wagga 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 the 89th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group, moves from Charters Towers to 3 Mile Drome (Kila) with A-20s. Lost is P-400 Airacobra BX146 (survived).