October 26, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

MONDAY, 26 OCTOBER 1942

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Tenth Air Force): CHINA AIR TASK FORCE (CATF): CATF B-25s move to west China to carry out the neutralization of Lashio Airfield, where the Japanese have aircraft they are using against Dinjan; P-40's continue to hit the Hong Kong and Canton area, using dive-bombing tactics for first time in the area.

During the day, American P-40s continued to hit the Hong Kong-Canton area, using dive-bombing tactics for first time in the area.

P-66s of the 3rd PG (CAF) flying from Peishiyi attempted unsuccessfully to intercept Japanese reconnaissance aircraft.

Four P-66s proceeded to Dinjan contrary to American advice. They arrived after dark and despite recent Japanese attacks, the field's lights were turned on for a night landing. One P-66 landed safely. Three others were washed out in crashes with one Chinese pilot killed and one injured.

INDIA AIR TASK FORCE (IATF): In India, the Japanese again strike airfields in Assam connected with the India-China transport route, concentrating on Sookerating. A freight depot, containing food and medical supplies for China, was destroyed but no US aircraft were lost. Due to a lack of warning, no fighters intercepted the attacking force.

USN: Task Group 17 (TG-17) under the command of Rear Admiral G. D. Murray wth USS Hornet CV-8 and USS Enterprise CV-6 participate in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands (October 26-27) in which she was sunk by air attack.

Sunk after an accidental colission with an American mine Sunk is SS President Coolidge after accidental collision with two U.S. sea mines approaching Segond Channel off Espiritu Santo.

SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): During the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands U.S. force sustains heavy loss, but checks Japanese movement toward Guadalcanal Carrier aircraft from the aircraft carriers USS Hornet (CV-8) and USS Enterprise (CV-6) fight a fierce air action with a Japanese force. B-17s also attack the task force but report no hits; with 3 of his carriers hit and almost 100 airplanes lost, Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo retires northward. During the engagement, USS Hornet (CV-8) is severely damaged and sunk.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): B-25s hit Salamaua and Lae Airfield; A-20's, escorted by P-40s, bomb and strafe trails in the Missima-Kaile-Deniki area.