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

SUNDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 1942

INDIA AIR TASK FORCE (IATF): During November 1942, the 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Tenth Air Force, based at Karachi with F-4s, sends a flight to operate from Kunming until July 1943 (first mission is 1 Dec).

(POA, Seventh Air Force): HQ 307th Bombardment Group arrives at Hickam Field from the United States.

SOUTH PACIFIC AREA (SOPAC, Joint Chiefs of Staff): 431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Nadi Airfield to Espiritu Santo with B-17s. During November 1942, 98th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based on Espiritu Santo, begins operating from Guadalcanal with B-17s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, Fifth Air Force): B-25s bomb Lae Airfield and dump area at Lae. B-17s strike shipping in the Buin-Faisi, Shortland-Tonolai. Kahili Airfield is also attacked. Lost is B-17E 41-2635 pilot 1st Lt John S. Hancock (MIA). A-20s escorted by P-40s attack Lae. Lost is P-40E 41-36173 pilot 1st Lt. Glenn L. Wohlford (MIA). Airacobras from the 41st Fighter Squadron (41st FS) take off on a mission to escort three C-47s bound for Pongani. Returning, the fighters encounter bad weather and two are lost: P-400 Airacobra AP367 pilot 1st Lt. Thomas S. Ingram (MIA) and P-400 Airacobra AP266 pilot 2nd Lt. Joel Dean Zabel (MIA). Force landed is A-20A "Little Hellion" 40-166 at 7-Mile Drome. A detachment of the 33d Troop Carrier Squadron, 315th Troop Carrier Group, begins operating from Cairns with C-47s (squadron is enroute to Australia from the US).

IJN: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Group Kōkūtai (Air Group) are redesignated with three digit codes based on their role.

USMC: On Guadalcanal, 1st Mar Div, with arty, naval gunfire, and air support, launches attack toward the Poha River 5th Marines, followed by 2d Marines (less 3d Bn) in reserve, crosses footbridges over Matanikau River and drive west about 1,000 yards in two columns to positions short of Point Cruz, 1st Bn, the right flank column, meeting considerable delaying opposition along coast. Whaling Group (3d Bn of 7th Marines and scout-sniper detachment) crosses the river upstream and advances west on inland route to protect left flank of 5th Marines. To forestall expected enemy landings in the Koli Point area to the east of Lunga perimeter, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines advanced eastward across the base of Koli Point to the Metapona River to investigate reports of Japanese activity. USN: Patrol Wings are redesignated Fleet Air Wings (FAW). District patrol craft YP-205 is lost after grounding off Saba Island, 18°30'N, 65°00'W.

IJN: Japanese merchant cargo ship Biwa Maru is lost to unknown cause, 13°30'N, 109°21'E.