June 20, 1943
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

CBI: Gen Auchinleck succeeds General Wavell as CinC India.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) During the night of June 19-20, three B-24's from Funafuti fly photo reconnaissance of Jaluit.

JAAF: At 10:43am, Ki-49 Helens and Ki-48 Lilys escorted by Ki-43 Oscars strike Darwin. Ki-49 Helens at high altitude bomb Winnellie and Ki-48 Lilys at low level bomb Darwin Field. Lost is Ki-49 Helen 174 (KIA).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24's bomb airstrip at Rapopo, and airfields at Keravat, and also hit Rabaul town area. A-20's pound Lae Airfield. Two B-25's and an A-20 hit Finschhafen and barges and shoreline targets along the coast of New Britain. Lost is F-5 Lightning 42-13070 pilot Captain Arthur L. Post (rescued).

RAAF: 46 Spitfires took off from Darwin to intercept the incoming Japanese air raid. Lost are Spitfire A58-68 pilot P/O Anthony T. Ruskin-Rowe (KIA), Spitfire A58-107 pilot P/O Willie E. Nichterlein (MIA) and Spitfire "Butch III" A58-174 pilot P/O A. E. Featherstone (survived) force landed and aircraft later recovered.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-40's join Marine and Navy airplanes in a strike against Vila Airfield. Hits are scored on the runway and dump area. B-24's blast Kahili Airfield and other targets at Kahili, and also bomb Kieta.

USMC: Eighteen SBDs from VMSB-144 took off on a dive bombing and strafing mission each armed with a 1,000 pound bomb against anti-aircraft gun positions at Vila Airfield with 18 TBF Avengers escorted by 12 F4F Wildcats and 14 P-40 Warhawks. Over the target, considerable anti-aircraft fire was experienced. Returning, SBD pilot Lt. Carr landed in the Russell Islands but then returned to Henderson Field. Three SBDs returned with minor damage.

U.S. Army: In New Guinea, Lt. General Walter Krueger opens ALAMO (U.S. Sixth Army) headquarters at Milne Bay.

Australian Army: 17th Brig, Aus 3d Div, is holding positions in Mubo-Lababia Ridge area against sharp enemy counterattacks that continue for next few days.