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WWII - 70 Years Ago


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Wednesday, February 2, 1944

 

European Theater

Marshall Josef Stalin agrees to provide six bases for US aircraft in the USSR.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 205 – 110 B-24s hit V-weapon construction sites at St Pol/Siracourt and Watten, France, losing two aircraft, with 29 men listed as killed or missing. The mission is escorted by 183 P-47s.

 

During the night, the RAF sends seven Mosquitos to attack Rheinhausen and six more to Elberfeld. Meanwhile, two more fly radio countermeasures sorties, five fly Serrate patrols, and 50 Halifaxes lay mines in Kiel Bay. The Kiel Bay mining operation is a ploy to draw up German fighters, even though no major bombing raid is planned.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 36 B-26s to attack the Triqueville Airfield, in France. the 8th Air Force provides 34 P-38s and 44 P-47s as escorts.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 668th Bomb Squadron (Light), which arrives from the US with A-20s.

 

Russian Front

In the Ukraine, Soviet forces attack the German 6th Army on a 60 mile front, west of the Dnieper. The first Estonian village falls to other Soviet forces.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

In Italy, 12th Air Force B-25s attack the Marino road junction and A-20s bomb Norma. Meanwhile, A-36s and P-40s bomb villages, road junctions, trucks, trains, parked aircraft, a supply dump, and the Viterbo road during several fighter-bomber mission s. P-40s, on patrol over the battle areas, attack Cisterna di Latina and Formia.

 

The 12th Air Force moves the 23rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, flying F-5s, from Italy to Sardinia.

 

Major General Gordon Saville becomes Commanding General, XII Air Support Command.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-24s, with Spitfire escort, bomb the radar station at Durazzo, Albania.

 

Italian Campaign

General Clark, commanding general the US Fifth Army, orders General Lucas, commanding general of US VI Corps, to consolidate the beachhead and prepare it for defense. The British 2nd Special Service Brigade fails in its effort to take Monte Faito. The 135th Infantry, of US 34th Division, presses southward toward Highway 6, with the 2nd Battalion crossing Hill 445 and pushing on toward Hill 593, while 1st Battalion clears Hill 324 to the east. The 3rd Battalion, of the US 168th Infantry, is committed because of counterattacks on the 2nd Battalion. The 1st Battalion, of the US 142nd Infantry, takes responsibility for Monte Castellone. The US 133rd Infantry finishes clearing the barracks area north of Cassino, and attacks south with tank support to north end of Cassino, but withdraws about 1,000 yards after nightfall.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China) 14th Air Force

Replying to President Roosevelt’s message of January 26, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek reports that he has discussed the exchange rate, a Chinese offering of 30 to 1, with the Minister of Finance and reiterates his offer to move Yunnan troops to Burma, when a large-scale amphibious operation can be undertaken.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force B-24s bomb Sorong and Alexishafen, in New Guinea, while nearly 50 A-20s pound installations in the Madang area. B-25s hit coastal targets on New Britain Island, from Cape Gauffre to Rein Bay. Other B-25s attack shipping off Tingwon Island in the Bismarck Archipelago and off the southeast coast of New Britain Island.

 

US Sixth Army headquarters moves from Australia, to Cape Cretin, New Guinea.

 

South Pacific Area Air Command North Solomons

The 13th Air Force moves the 31st Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying with B-24s, from Guadalcanal Island, to New Georgia Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force A-24s and P-40s bomb runways and gun positions on Mille Atoll and along, with a P-39 escort strafe the northeast tip of the island. Meanwhile, B-24s bomb Rongelap Island, in the Marshall Islands.

 

In Southern Landing Force area, the 7th Division meets increased resistance, which planes, artillery, and naval gunfire help to neutralize, as the division continues clearing Kwajalein. The 2nd Battalion, of the 184th Infantry, advances along the lagoon side of the island on the left, while the 2nd Battalion, of the of 32nd Infantry, continues its attack on the ocean side. By overwhelming enemy strongpoints, both assault forces soon reach Carl Road, which crosses the island at the east end of the airfield. As the advance continues toward the next cross-island road, Nora, some 300 yards ahead, the 3rd Battalion, of the 32nd Infantry, crosses a tank ditch and clears the strongpoint, called Corn. Although forward elements of the division get well beyond Nora Road, the nighttime defense line is organized short of it, with the 3rd Battalion, of the 32nd Infantry, taking up positions in Corn Strong Point, and the 2nd Battalion, of the 184th, on a line 75 to 100 yards northeast of Carl Road. Elements of 7th Reconnaissance Troop land on Chauncey, where the enemy is becoming aggressive, and clear it during sharp fire fight. Japanese dead total 125. In preparation for the invasion of Burton, the island is searched from a destroyer and seaplane and pounded by artillery and naval gunfire.

 

In Northern Landing Force area, the 4th Marine Division completes a mop up of Roi and capture of Namur. At which point they begin a search of remaining islands of the northern half of Kwajalein Atoll. On Namur, Regimental Combat Team 24, with tank support, attacks with Boat Landing Team 3 on left and Boat Landing Team 1 on right. Organized resistance ceases by 1215 hours, ending the battle for southern Kwajalein, except for mopping up. Major General Harry Schmidt, 4th Marine Division commanding general, announces the end of organized resistance on Namur at 1418 hours. Regimental Combat Team 25 is given the task of securing other islands in the northern half of Kwajalein Atoll and begins an uneventful search for the enemy.

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Thursday, February 3, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 206 – 671 B-17s hit the port area at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Another 56 hit the Emden area, and one hits Oldenburg. B17s drop 1.8 million leaflets. 193 B-24s are dispatched but they abort the mission over the Zuider Zee due to clouds. Four B-17s are lost, with 44 men listed as killed or missing. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide a combined escort of 74 P-38s, 508 P-47s, and 50 P-51s. Eight P-47s and one P-51 are lost, with the pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, the RAF sends seven Mosquitos to hit Krefeld, four to Dortmund and three to Cologne. Meanwhile, six more fly radio countermeasures, one goes on Serrate patrol, and 35 other aircraft lay mines off the French Channel and at Atlantic ports.

 

8th Air Force Mission 207 – During the night, seven B-17s drop 420 bundles of leaflets on Paris, Rouen, Amiens, Reims, Orleans and Rennes, in France.

 

Four RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 52 B-26s to bomb V-weapon sites on the west coast of France. Weather causes over 100 other aircraft to abandon the mission .

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 358th Fighter Group, with P-47s. This is the first of 17 fighter groups which are to be added by May 9, to the 9th Air Force, which previously had only one fighter group, the 354th, with P-51s.

 

Russian Front

Soviet forces converge south of Korosun and surround two corps of the German 8th Army. The Germans make desperate attempts to relieve the besieged forces, curtailing offensive operations to do so.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

The 12th Air Force medium bombers aborts all missions, due to bad weather, but A-36s manage to hit roads and other targets south of Rome, destroying or damaging numerous trucks and bombing the towns of Sezze and Fondi, as US ground forces meet strong resistance in their drive toward Cassino. Meanwhile, P-47s hit Manopello and railroad facilities at Sulmona; and fighters patrol the Anzio area.

 

The 12th Air Force adds the 332nd Fighter Group and its 100th Fighter Squadron, flying P-39s, which arrives in Italy, from the US. The 332nd Fighter Group was composed entirely of African-American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Their aircraft featured a distinctive red tail pain scheme that gave them the nickname of “Redtails.”

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-24s, finding the primary target obscured by bad weather, bomb targets of opportunity, including railroad yards and stations, at Stimigliano and Sulmona, in Italy. Meanwhile, P-47s fly a fighter sweep over the Prato-Pontassieve area.

 

The 15th Air Force moves the 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, flying P-38s, from Italy, to Algeria.

 

Italian Campaign

The US VI Corps issues verbal orders to beachhead forces to prepare defensive positions at once. In the US II Corps area, while the 1st Battalion, of the US 135th Infantry, completes clearing Hill 324, the 2nd Battalion, of the US 135th Infantry, and the 3rd Battalion, of the US 168th Infantry, drive to within 1½ miles of Highway 6. The US 133rd Infantry attacks with tanks toward Cassino, but is driven back. Renewing the attack in afternoon, forward elements get to the northern edge of town, where they dig in. The enemy continues to counterattack between Manna Farm and Hill 706, but the hill is cleared by the 3rd Battalion, of the 135th Infantry.

 

During the night, the enemy counteroffensive against the Anzio beachhead begins, with a limited effort against the Campoleone salient held by the British 1st Division.

 

General Alexander combines the New Zealand 2nd Division and the Indian 4th Division into the New Zealand Corps, under Lt General Sir Bernard Freyberg, and places the corps under the US Fifth Army command.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends 16 P-38s to attack bridges, encampments, and buildings along the Prome-Taungup road,, in Burma. One bridge is knocked out and another damaged, with a tugboat sunk at Akyab. Meanwhile, 14 A-36s and a B-25 attack enemy troops and a camp area at Kumnyen and Lalawng Ga, and hit a motor pool and repair depot at Shingban. In other action, 16 P-51s hit an encampment at Sawnghka.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force dispatches a force of nearly 100 B-24s and B-25s, supported by P-38s, P-40s and P-47s, to attack airfields in the Wewak area, of New Guinea, destroying about 80 aircraft on the ground and in the air. Meanwhile, A-20s attack Alexishafen and the Hansa Bay areas, P-39s and B-25s, on armed reconnaissance, hit trucks at Erima, barges on the New Britain coast, shipping in the north Bismarck Sea, and Momote and Hyane Harbor on Los Negros Island.

 

The 15th Air Force transfers the 25th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, with F-5s, from Australia, Lae.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons P-40s and US Navy fighters cover a US Navy dive-bomber strike on Tobera, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, 15 B-24s, with P-38 and US Navy fighter escort, bomb the airfield at Lakunai. Allied aircraft shoot down 13 Japanese planes during the two strikes.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

 

In the Kwajalein Atoll, Admiral Hill arrives by plane from Majuro to take part in the formal planning for the invasion of Eniwetok, with forces previously allocated as reserves for Kwajalein. Planning continues until the expeditionary force sails on the 15th.

 

In the Southern Landing Force area, the 7th Division attacks to clear the rest of Kwajalein Island, with Nathan Road, an east-west road opposite Nob Pier, as the immediate objective. The assault forces encounter dense construction and must destroy blockhouses and concrete positions in detail. The 1st Battalion, of 184th Infantry advances on the lagoon side, the 3rd Battalion, of 32nd Infantry, attacks on the ocean side. Beyond Nora Road, frontal attacks prove so costly, particularly in the 184th Infantry’s zone, where Company B is virtually halted along the lagoon at the west edge of the built-up Admiralty area, that plan of attack is changed. The 1st Battalion, of the 184th Infantry, swings left to the lagoon shore, while the 2nd Battalion attacks through its right flank toward Nathan Road. The 3rd Battalion, of the 32nd Infantry, assisted by the 1st Battalion, continues toward Nathan Road, with advance elements getting to within 100 yards of it, bypassing numerous enemy pockets. Enemy counterattacks are repulsed during night.

 

Elsewhere, after effective naval gunfire, artillery, and carrier aircraft bombardment that eliminates enemy opposition, the 1st Battalion, of the 17th Infantry, invades Burton, with two companies going ashore abreast (Company A on the right and Company C on the left) on the southern part of the lagoon beach at 0935 hours. After crossing the south end of the island, the 1st Battalion drives north, supported by amphibian tractors and later by light and medium tanks. Opposition develops about an hour after the landing, particularly on the left. By 1900hours, forward elements halt for night on a line that crosses the island just south of Bailey Pier, a concrete structure extending into the lagoon about midway up the island. The 3rd Battalion, upon landing, takes responsibility for the rear area. Illumination throughout the night and fire of supporting arms help prevent enemy counterattacks. Amphibious tank detachments sent to Buster and Byron, islets with no known native names, between Kwajalein and Burton, take them without opposition.

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Friday, February 4, 1944

 

European Theater

The abbreviation for US Strategic Air Forces in Europe is changed from USSAFE to USSTAF, US Strategic Air Forces.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 208 – 589 B-17s and 159 B-24s are dispatched to attack industry and railroad yards at Frankfurt/Main, Germany. 346 B-17s and 27 B-24s hit the target, but due to bad weather and navigational problems, 122 B-17s hit Giessen, 51 B-17s hit Wiesbaden, 17 B-24s hit the Trier area, 15 B-24s hit the Arloff area, two B-24s hit the Russelheim area, one B-24 hits Grafenhausen, one B-24 hits Darmstadt, one B-17 and one B-24 hit Koblenz, while 26 B-24s and 23 B-17s hit unknown targets. 18 B-17s and 2 B-24s are lost, with 210 men listed as killed or missing. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide a combined escort of 56 P-38s, 537 P-47s and 44 P-51s, losing one P-38, with the pilot listed as missing

 

During the night, nine Mosquitos are sent by the RAF to bomb Frankfurt, five to Elberfeld and one to Aachen. Meanwhile, two others fly Serrate patrols, and 28 aircraft lay mines in the Bay of Biscay. Elsewhere, 49 aircraft fly resistance operations.

 

8th Air Force Mission 209 – During the night, seven B-17s drop 319 bundles of leaflets on Lorient, Tours, Nantes, Raismes, Lille and Cambrai, in France, and on Antwerp, Belgium.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD) 9th Air Force

Major General Otto Weyland becomes Commanding General, XIX Air Support Command.

 

The 9th Air Force moves the 313th Troop Carrier Group from Sicily, to England.

 

Russian Front

Moscow announces that the entire coast of the Gulf of Finland is cleared as far as the Narva River estuary, as is the rail line from Novgorod to Leningrad.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical 12th Air Force

Over Italy, weather prevents all medium, light and fighter-bomber mission s, however, P-40s and Spitfires maintain patrols over the Anzio area, where a strong German counter-offensive had been launched during the previous night.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-17s bomb the Antheor viaduct and Toulon harbor, in France. B-24s are forced by bad weather to return to base. Many of the B-17s returning from the Toulon raid are forced to land at various friendly fields because of unsafe flying conditions.

 

Italian Campaign

US VI Corps receives a plan of defense. The 45th Division is to hold the Moletta River line with one Regimental Combat Team on the left flank. The newly arrived 1st Special Service Force is to hold the right flank. The 1st and 3rd Divisions are to hold central sector. In VI Corps reserve, the 1st Armored Division and 45th Division are to be prepared to counterattack. The US 36th and US 39th Engineering Combat Regiments are to help defend the coastline and be prepared to assemble as a corps reserve.

 

After hard fighting throughout day in defense of the Anzio beachhead, British forces fall back to new line about a mile north of Carroceto and the Factory, with heavy losses. In the US II Corps area, the 34th Division is stubbornly opposed as it continues efforts to break through enemy positions:

  • The 3rd Battalion, of the US 135th Infantry, reaches San Angelo Hill, but an enemy counterattack forces it back to Hill 706.
  • The 2nd Battalion gets to within 500 yards of Hill 593.
  • The 1st Battalion gains weak a hold on Point 445.
  • The 133rd Infantry and supporting tanks consolidate positions on the northern edge of Cassino. The 1st Battalion penetrates the northeast corner but is driven back, taking Hill 175.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends 12 P-51s to strafe runways and buildings at Indaw, Burma.

 

General Stilwell alters the plan of attack: the Chinese 22nd Division is to envelop the enemy in Yawngbang area. The 1st Battalion, of Chinese 113th Regiment, reaches Kaduja Ga. After a stubborn defense of Taihpa Ga area during past few days, Japanese secretly withdraw about this time.

 

In British Fourteenth Army area, the Japanese open an offensive on XV Corps’ Arakan front. Two task forces push northward around the eastern flank of the Indian 7th Division, while a holding force makes frontal attacks on the Indian 7th Division, north and northwest of Buthidaung. Enveloping enemy forces overrun Taung Bazaar and head south and west.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force B-24s and B-25s carry out small raids against Laha on Ambon Island, Namlea on Buru Island and Amboina on Ambon Island, all In the Moluccas Islands. In New Guinea, a force of over 170 B-24s, A-20s. and B-25s bomb the But and Dagua airfields, Marienberg and the Madang-Alexishafen area. Meanwhile, P-39s bomb and strafe Atemble and strafe targets of opportunity in the Alexishafen area.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons dispatches 25 B-25s, escorted by over 40 fighters, to attack the airfield at Tobera, on New Britain Island. Elsewhere, 18 B-24s, covered by over 30 P-38s and US Navy fighters, hit the airfield at Vunakanau.

 

The 13th Air Force transfers the 5th Bomb Group (Heavy) from Guadalcanal Island, to New Georgia Island, and the 68th Fighter Squadron, with P-38s, from Fiji, to Bougainville Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s bomb Wotje, Maloelap and Mille Atolls, in the Marshall Islands. Meanwhile, B-25s also hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls and P-40s bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

 

Regimental Combat Team 184, in southern part of Kwajalein Atoll, continues a difficult mop-up of the enemy along the lagoon shore, completing this as far as Green Beach 4 by 1435 hours. The 1st Battalion, of the 32nd Infantry, attacks toward the end of island, arriving at Nate Road in a highly disorganized state. Here, the 2nd Battalion, of the 32nd Infantry, completes the capture of the island. Advance elements reach Nero Point, at the tip of island, by 1515 hours, but organized resistance continues until 1920 hours. General Corlett announces the capture of Kwajalein Island, to Admiral Turner at 1610 hours. A considerable number of Japanese and Koreans surrender during the day. The 1st Battalion, of the 17th Infantry, continues northward to attack Burton, this time meeting the main opposition on the right, in the Company A zone. At 1130 hours, the 3rd Battalion attacks. Company K reaches the northeast corner of the island at 1210 hours and Burton is completely secured by 1337 hours. Troops from the 2nd Battalion, of the 17th Infantry, secure Burnet, which has no known native name, and Blakenship (Loi), north of Burton, capturing about 40 natives on Burnet and subduing more than 20 Japanese and Koreans on Blakenship.

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Saturday, February 5, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 210 – Airfields in France are targeted:

  • 103 B-17s are dispatched to the Chateauroux/Martinerie and Avord airfields.
  • 121 B-17s are dispatched to the Chateaudun and Orleans/Bricy airfields.
  • 182 B-17s are sent to Romilly-sur-Seine air depot, but 133 actually hit Villacoublay.
  • 103 B-24s are dispatched to the Meslay Airfield and Chateaudun.

Two B-24s are lost, with 23 men listed as killed or missing. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide a combined escort of 92 P-38s, 496 P-47s and 46 P-51s, losing two P-47s, with the pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 18 Mosquitos to attack Berlin, seven to Duisburg and one to Hannover, while, three more fly Serrate patrols. Elsewhere, 29 Stirlings and 17 Halifaxes fly resistance operations, and 19 Halifaxes lay mines off Oslo and Fredrijkstad, Norway. One Stirling is lost on the resistance operations work.

 

15 RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

 

8th Air Force Mission 211 – During the night, 5 B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on a CARPETBAGGER mission on Ghent, Monceau-sur-Sambre, Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium.

 

In view of the previous decision to concentrate most of the training activities of the 8th Air Force in the VIII Air Force Composite Command, a decision is made to transfer the headquarters from Limavady, County Derry, Ireland, to Cheddington, England, to bring it closer to the combat crew training stations over which it is to be given supervision. Most of the transfer is completed between February 7th and 15th.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends around 180 B-26s to attack six V-weapon sites in northern France.

 

Russian Front

Moscow reports that Lutsk and Rovno, previously reported evacuated by enemy, are now occupied by troops of the First Ukrainian Front.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb the Terni marshalling yard, and A-20s hit the Lanuvio and Piedimonte areas, in Italy. Meanwhile, P-40s and A-36s hit road junctions at Cisterna di Latina, Vetralla, and Velletri, bomb the towns of Vetralla, Ardea, and Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, and attack motor transport at several points, including areas north, northeast and southeast of Rome.

 

The 33rd Fighter Group, with P-40s, begins moving from Italy, to India, where it becomes part of the CBI Air Forces Training Command.

 

Italian Campaign

The US VI Corps is subjected to probing jabs, particularly in front of Cisterna. The enemy continues its build-up of forces for the main counteroffensive. An airstrip at Nettuno is abandoned as a permanent base because of enemy shelling, and port operations are hampered by continuing enemy air attacks. US II Corps continues the battle for Cassino, but cannot break through. A small force from the 1st Battalion, of the 135th Infantry, of the US 34th Division, reaches the walls of Abbey and withdraws. This is the farthest advance to be made by 34th Division during the battle for Cassino. The 1st Battalion, of the US 133rd Infantry, drives south from Hill 175 to Castle Hill, but is forced back to Hill 175 by a strong nighttime counterattack. The 3rd Battalion repels a counterattack at the north edge of Cassino and takes another block of houses. The US 36th Division is ordered to move around 34th Division and be prepared to capture Piedimonte from the northeast.

 

During the night, the 1st and 3rd Battalions, of the US 168th Infantry, assemble on Point 445, while the 1st Battalion, of the 135th Infantry, concentrates on the left flank, to block enemy infiltration from Castle Hill.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends two B-24s and two B-25s to attack a convoy east of Hong Kong and sink two freighters and three smaller cargo vessels. In Burma, four P-40s, on armed reconnaissance, strafe a big wagon and truck column north of Hsenwi, while four others bomb and strafe Hopang, causing large fires in the village.

 

During the night, eight B-24s bomb Bangkok, Thailand. Three others hit Nakhon Nayok and an unidentified airfield, on the Mekong River, both in French Indochina.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

During the early morning hours, the 10th Air Force dispatches eight B-24s to bomb the airfield at Heho, Burma, while six others hit the Aungban Airfield. Nine B-25s follow with strikes on the Heho, Sagaing and Myittha airfields.

 

During the daylight hours 14 fighter-bombers hit the marshalling yard at Wuntho.

 

During the night, nine B-24s again hit Heho and four bomb Aungban.

 

The 16th Brigade, of General Wingate’s Special Force, begins a southward trek from Ledo. Wingate’s long-range penetration columns are to divert the enemy from the Myitkyina, to facilitate the advance of the Chinese Expeditionary Force (CEF) across the Salween River, from Yunnan, and impose losses on the enemy in northern Burma. Special Force consists of the Indian 77th and 111th Brigades and three independent brigades, the 4th, 16th, and 23rd, formed from the British 10th Division. The US 5318th Air Unit, under Colonel Philip Cochran, is responsible for supplying, transporting, and evacuating Wingate’s columns.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

Admiral Mountbatten’s representatives, Axiom Mission, leave New Delhi for London and

Washington, where they will present his views.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends a force of over 70 B-25s and A-20s to attack the Hansa Bay area, in New Guinea. 48 B-24s pound Hoskins Airfield, and some also bomb Gasmata Island, off New Britain Island, after weather prevents an attack on Kavieng, New Ireland Island. Meanwhile, B-24s fly a light raid on Kaimana, New Guinea, and B-25s, on armed reconnaissance in the west Bismarck Sea, sink a freighter, and others bomb wrecked ships off New Hanover Island.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons dispatches 24 P-40s and over 40 US Navy fighters to cover a strike by more than 60 US Navy dive bombers on Lakunai, New Britain Island. This strike is followed by an attack of 13 B-24s, with over 30 P-38 and US Navy fighter escort, on the same target.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s dive-bomb and strafe an oil storage area, radio facilities, and small craft at Jaluit Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, while P-39s strafe runways on Mille Atoll.

 

While mopping up is conducted on Kwajalein Island, other islands in southern Kwajalein Atoll are being reconnoitered. The 3rd Battalion, of the 17th Infantry, finds three Japanese on Beverly (South Gugegwe). The 1st Battalion clears about 200 Japanese from Berlin (North Gugegwe). Company C, with tanks, then proceeds to Benson, the next island to the north, and secures it. The 7th Reconnaissance Troop invades Bennett (Bigej), with the assistance of the 3rd Battalion, of the 184th Infantry, with two tanks, killing about 94 Japanese before the island is secured. The 2nd Battalion, of the 17th Infantry, organized into Eastern and Western Forces, continues to mop up. Meanwhile, the Eastern Force works south from the north end of the southeastern leg of the atoll toward Bennett, taking five islands without opposition. The Western Force advances north from Carlos and takes four islands, three of them without opposition.

 

Alaska Theater

The 11th Air Force sends six B-24s and 16 P-38s, joined by US Navy aircraft, to fly air cover in several relays during the retirement of US light cruisers and destroyers, following bombardment of installations in the Kurabu Cape-Musashi Bay areas, in the Kurile Islands. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft also photograph and attack installations at Paramushiru and Shimushu.

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Sunday, February 6, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 212 – Airfields in France are targeted but bad weather forces over 400 bombers to abort the mission . 189 B-17s are dispatched against the Romilly-sur-Seine Air Depot and 60 hit St Andre de L'Eure Airfield and 40 hit Evreux/Fauville Airfield. 303 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essay and Dijon/Longvic Airfields, but only 60 hit the Caen/Carpiquet Airfield. 150 B-24s are dispatched to a St Pol/Siracourt V-weapon site, but 37 hit the Chateaudun Airfield and nine hit the Eclimeux V-weapon site. Four B-17s are lost, with 50 men listed as killed or missing. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide a combined escort of 85 P-38s, 506 P-47s and 47 P-51s, losing three P-38s and one P-47, with the pilots listed as missing.

 

8th Air Force Mission 213 – During the night, six B-17s drop 363 leaflet bundles in a CARPETBAGGER mission over Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege and Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends around 120 B-26s to bomb V-weapon sites, airfields, and a factory, all in France. Principal targets bombed are at Rosieres-en-Santerre, Amiens/Glisy, Cormeilles-en-Vexin, and Grandvilliers.

 

Russian Front

Moscow announces a major breakthrough by troops of the Third Ukrainian Front, in a region northeast of Krivoi Rog and Nikopol, where the Apostolovi rail junction, between the two places, is overrun. On the northern front, the east bank of the Narva, north and south of Narva, is free of enemy.

 

Enemy forces are trapped, as the Dnieper is reached near Nikopol.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-26s bomb the Orte marshalling yard, in Italy, while B-25s hit the Frascati road junction, and A-20s bomb the Campoleone railroad station and the town of Roccasecca. Meanwhile, P-40s bomb Cisterna di Latina, Santa Lucia, Cori and Atina, while A-36s, on armed reconnaissance, hit San Stefano al Mare, Cisterna di Latina, Frascati and Albano Laziale, and strike numerous vehicles, railroad cars and other targets of opportunity north and south of Rome. A German counteroffensive against the Anzio beachhead and on the Cassino front forces an Allied withdrawal.

 

The 12th Bomb Group (Medium), with four squadrons of B-25s, and the 33rd Fighter Group begin moving from Italy to India. The 12th becomes part of the 10th Air Force in Burma, and the 33rd becomes part of the 14th Air Force in China.

 

The 12th Air Force transfers the 350th Fighter Group from Sardinia, to Corsica.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

Bad weather restricts 15th Air Force operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance flights.

 

Italian Campaign

The US 88th Division arrives at Naples, but is not committed to action until it has received combat training. The US Fifth Army takes control of supply at the beachhead and control of 540th Engineering Combat Regiment to defend X-Ray and Nettuno beaches. US II Corps is in position for an assault on the last ridge (linking Hill 593, Monastery Hill, Castle Hill, and Cassino), barring access to Highway 6. The New Zealand Corps takes over the sector south of Highway 6, thus releasing elements of II Corps for action against Cassino.

 

During the night, around midnight, the enemy begins a diversionary attack on the Moletta River in company strength and is engaged by the 2nd Battalion, of the 157th Infantry, of the US VI Corps.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends 11 P-40s, on armed reconnaissance, to strafe sampans and power launches between Yoyang and Puchi, China. Meanwhile, six B-25s knock out bridges and damage three trains at Anxuan, Tien An, Phong Loc and Dong Hoi, in French Indochina.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 12 P-51s to attack warehouses and freight cars at Wuntho, Burma.

 

On the ground in Burma, Japanese forces overrun the headquarters of the Indian 7th Division and separate it from the Indian 5th Division. The headquarters is re-established later in day at Sinzweya.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

Responsibility for Calcutta–Assam line of communication (LOC) is given to the Calcutta representative of general headquarters, India. The port is to be controlled by an outstanding man who will be assisted by two deputies, one of them an American. The port director will be a civilian responsible to the War Transport Department of the Indian Government.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force B-25s and B-24s pound Bunabun Harbor, Madang, and targets from Bogia to Cape Croisilles, in New Guinea. Meanwhile, P-39s strafe and sink barges near Nubia, and A-20s hit shipping near Kairiru and Mushu Islands causing considerable damage and destruction. Elsewhere, other bombers hit targets in the Admiralty Islands, concentrating on Momote, on Los Negros Island, and carry out light attacks on Talasea village and Cape Dampier gun positions, on New Britain Island. As a result, the Momote and Lorengau airfields are rendered.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons P-39s, from the 13th Air Force, and RNZAF Ventura's hit barges in the Green Island area. The Lakunai Airfield, on New Britain Island, is hit by 32 B-25s, covered by over 60 US Army and and US Navy fighters, and shortly afterwards by 19 B-24s, escorted by nearly 50 Allied fighters. Allied aircraft shoot down 16 enemy aircraft, and the Lakunai Airfield is practically unserviceable as a result of cumulative damage.

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s hit Maloelap and Wotje Atolls, while A-24s and P-40s attack Mille Atoll, and P-39s strafe Jaluit Atoll.

 

In the Kwajalein Atoll, in Southern Landing Force area, the Western Force of the 2nd Battalion, of the 17th Infantry, occupies Cohen (Ennugenliggelap), the next island north of Clifton (Eller), without opposition, bringing to an end the offensive against southern Kwajalein Atoll. Southern Landing Force losses total 142 killed, 845 wounded, and two missing. Japanese losses are estimated at 4,938 killed and 206 captured.

 

The Northern Landing Force continues uneventful reconnaissance of islands of northern Kwajalein Atoll.

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Monday, February 7, 1944

 

Atlantic Theater (Caribbean)

The 6th Air Force transfers the 35th Bomb Squadron (Medium), with B-25s, from Jamaica to Trinidad.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK) 8th Air Force

During the night, the RAF dispatches 19 Mosquitos to attack Frankfurt, eight to Elberfeld, five to Krefeld, two to Aachen and one to Mannheim. Meanwhile, four other Mosquitos fly Serrate patrols.

 

Russian Front

Troops of Third Ukrainian Front drive to the outskirts of Nikopol.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-26s bomb the bridge approach south of Manziana, Italy, while B-25s hit the Viterbo marshalling yard and, in support of US Fifth army troops, bomb the town of Cisterna di Latina, as the enemy counterattack begins in the Anzio area. Meanwhile, A-20s hit Piedimonte and the road junction and railway station at Campoleone, while A-36s hit San Stefano al Mare and nearby railroad siding, Pontecorvo and Belmonte in Sabina, plus several targets of opportunity and targets in support of ground forces in the battle areas. In other action, P-40s attack an observation tower at Littoria, trucks at Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, Campoleone, a railroad gun, the Sezze railroad yards, Cisterna di Latina and gun positions in battle areas. Fighters encounter heavy aircraft activity over the Anzio battle area and shoot down 16 enemy planes.

 

The 12th Air Force moves a detachment of 346th Fighter Squadron from Sardinia, to Tunisia, and adds the 302nd Fighter Squadron, which arrives in Italy, from the US. Both units fly P-39s.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

Bad weather again limits operations of the 15th Air Force to photographic and weather reconnaissance missions.

 

Italian Campaign

During the night, British X Corps makes a limited attack toward Monte Faito, in effort to reach the mountains behind Castelforte and open the Liri Valley, but the attack is a failure. After a strong air and artillery action, the enemy begins its main counteroffensive against the Anzio beachhead at 2100 hours, and takes Buonriposo Ridge from the British 1st Division by daybreak.

 

The US 36th Division takes over Castellone–Manna Farm area and US II Corps prepares for a second drive to cut Highway 6.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends 16 P-40s and four P-5s to China. They damage railroad bridges at Kienchang and Puchi and strafe warehouses at Teian. In French Indochina, two B-25s score two direct hits on the power plant at Thanh Hoa, strafe nearby barracks, and attack the radio

station at Vinh.

 

President Roosevelt replies to Chiang Kai-shek, assuring him that the US will study the exchange rate and US military expenditures in China. The Chinese advance $15 billion, in Chinese national currency, to the China – Burma – India campaign to cover US expenditures for March, April, and May, 1944, without specifying the rate of exchange for repayment. Of this, $500 million is allocated for Cheng to construct airfields for B-29s.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends a single B-25 to bomb a motor pool at Sumprabum, Burma.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force dispatches 14 B-24s to bomb Amboina, on Ambon Island, and Lautem, on Timor Island. Elsewhere, P-39s fly strafing sweeps over New Britain Island. Meanwhile, single B-25s, on armed reconnaissance, bomb Garua Harbor, Cape Dampier, on New Britain Island, and Kavieng, on New Ireland Island.

 

South Pacific Area Air Command North Solomons

On New Britain Island, P-40s join US Navy fighters in covering a US Navy dive-bomber strike on Tobera. Several gun positions and grounded aircraft are hit, the runway is bombed into unserviceable condition,, and 11 enemy aircraft are shot down. The Vunakanau Airfield is

bombed by 17 B-24s, from the 13th Air Force, escorted by P-38s and US Navy fighters.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-25s hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls, while P-40s hit a storage area at Jaluit Atoll.

 

The Northern Landing Force concludes an uneventful search of the islands of northern Kwajalein, completing the offensive against Kwajalein Atoll. During the action, the 4th Marine Division has suffered 737 casualties, of whom 190 were killed or died of wounds. Japanese losses are 3,472 killed and 91 captured.

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Tuesday, February 8, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 214 – 54 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Siracourt, France, while 73 more B-24s hit the V-weapon site at Watten, France. The mission is escorted by 89 P-47s from the 8th and 9th Air Forces. In other action, 88 B-17s hit the marshalling yards at Frankfurt, Germany, using blind-bombing techniques, and 107 other B-17s hit targets of opportunity. 13 B-17s are lost, with 141 men listed as killed or missing. This 8th and 9th Air Forces provide an escort of 77 P-38s, 435 P-47s and 41 P-51s. Two P-38s, three P-47s and four P-51s are lost, with all pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, 12 RAF Lancasters attack the Gnome & Rhone aero-engine factory at Limoges, France. Low-level precision raids on targets in Germany had been too costly. High-level precision bombing on small targets in France and Belgium had been unsatisfactory, despite marking by Oboe-equipped Mosquitos. But, because of the many French civilian houses nearby, this attack uses low-level marking of the target. The factory is undefended, except for two machine-guns. A single aircraft made three low-level passes to warn the French factory workers to escape. On the fourth run, the Lancaster dropped a load of 30 pound incendiaries from between 50 and 100 feet. Each of the 11 other Lancasters then dropped a 12,000 pound bomb. 10 bombs hit the factory and the remaining one fell in the river alongside. The factory was severely damaged and production almost completely ceased. There were few if any casualties among the French people. Despite the success of the low-level marking, it was never adopted by the Pathfinders, but was used only on special raids. Meanwhile, 11 RAF Mosquitos are sent to Brunswick and eight to Elberfeld, while two others fly Serrate patrols, and 39 other aircraft fly on resistance missions.

 

 

8th Air Force Mission 215 – During the night, six B-17s drop 360 bundles of leaflets in a CARPETBAGGER mission over Caen, Rouen, Paris, Rennes and Amiens, France.

 

19 other RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

In a morning raid, nearly 200 B-26s attack V-weapon sites and targets of opportunity, in northwestern France. In the afternoon, over 100 B-26s bomb V-weapon sites and military installations in the same general area, with most of the B-26s attacking Breck-sur-Mer. This is the IX Bomber Command's first two-mission day.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 494th Bomb Squadron (Medium), flying B-26s, which arrives in England, from the US.

 

The 9th Air Force extends IX Bomber Command's choice of targets, although they maintain the first priority for Operation POINTBLANK missions, the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) of US and RAF air forces against the Luftwaffe and German aircraft industry, and the next priority for Operation CROSSBOW, code name for operations against German V-weapon sites.

 

Russian Front

Nikopol, an important manganese center in the Ukraine, falls to forces of Third Ukrainian Front, assisted by troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front. The German bridgehead at Nikopol is reduced.

 

Mediterranean Theater

General Wilson informs the joint Chiefs of Staff that he must have more definite information regarding the size of the ANVIL assault, in order to plan the campaign in Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb Cisterna di Latina, Italy, while B-26s hit the Siena marshalling yard and warehouses, and a railway bridge northeast of Civita Castellana, and A-20s bomb Piedimonte. Meanwhile, A-36s attack gun positions near Ausonia, tracks between Rome and Orte, and the town of Veroli, and fly strafing and bombing sweeps in the Anzio battle area against motor transport, gun positions, road junction east of Cisterna di Latina, and the town of Pontecorvo. P-40s hit Roccasecca, Castello, Caprile. Piedimonte, Aquino and other targets, including a supply dump and gun positions; P-47s bomb Atina. Desert Air Force (DAF) fighters, from the US and RAF, destroy a large number of trucks near Sora.

 

The 12th Air Force adds the 301st Fighter Squadron, flying P-39s, which arrives in Italy, from the US.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-24s bomb airfields at Viterbo, Tarquinia, Orvieto, Piombino and Prato, in Italy, while B-17s hit the marshalling yard at Verona. P-38s and P-47s escort the Orvieto, Piombino, and Prato missions.

 

The 454th Bomb Group (Heavy), with B-24s, becomes operational. This gives the 15th Air Force 10 heavy bomber groups.

 

Italian Campaign

While 133rd Infantry, the US 34th Division, continues to struggle in Cassino, the US 168th Infantry opens an attack on Monastery Hill, with its right flank protected by the US 135th Infantry. The 168th Infantry jumps off at 0400 hours, with two battalions in the assault but is pinned down short of Monastery Hill, suffering heavy casualties. The 135th Infantry repels counterattacks on the right flank.

 

The British 1st Division commits its reserves to counter the enemy offensive, and hard fighting continues throughout day in the Factory area. The bridgehead across the Garigliano, in British X Corps area, reaches its maximum depth, with the British 46th Division holding about six square miles northeast of Castelforte. When the British 56th Division is withdrawn to reinforce the Anzio beachhead, the plan for a drive up the Ausonia Valley is abandoned and British X Corps goes on the defensive. The II Corps begins another strong effort to break through to Highway 6 in Cassino area. The 100th Battalion joins the rest of 133rd Infantry in the fight for Cassino and makes slow progress within and near Cassino.

 

The British 78th Division is placed under control of the New Zealand Corps.

 

China – Burma – India Theater

General Stilwell’s mission to Washington reports that a major Japanese offensive is about to begin, according to estimate of situation by General Headquarters, India.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends seven B-25s bomb bridges at Budalin and Songon, in Burma, displacing a section of the Budalin bridge and destroying an approach to the Songon bridgew. Latter, seven others hit the stronghold at Badana, while a group of 16 A-36s and P-51s and one B-25 hit a camp at Mogaung. Elsewhere, four P-51s strafe railroad cars northwest of Myitkyina, while a single B-25 bombs a camp at Kumnyen.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force dispatches nearly 50 A-20s and B-25s to attack the Alexishafen and Madang areas, in New Guinea, while P-39s strafe targets of opportunity during sweeps over wide areas of northeast New Guinea and New Britain Island.

 

During the night, B-25s bomb Toeal.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons sends P-39s over Bougainville Island, to bomb and strafe Tiaraka huts and a bivouac area.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s hit Maloelap and Mille Atolls.

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Wednesday, February 9, 1944

 

Washington, D.C.

President Roosevelt asks Chiang Kai-shek if an American observer mission might be permitted to go to northern China.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK) 8th Air Force

During the night, the RAF dispatches 16 Mosquitos to Germany:

  • Eight to Elberfeld.
  • Seven to Krefeld, losing one aircraft and crew.
  • One to Aachen.

 

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 133 B-26s to bomb V-weapon sites in coastal France, marshalling yards at Tergnier, France and targets of opportunity in the area. This marks the first of the IX Bomber Command raids on marshalling yards.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 344th Bomb Group (Medium), which arrives in England, from the US.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s and B-26s, in close support to US Fifth Army forces, attack motor transport and troop concentrations in the Campoleone area, while A-20s blast another troop concentration to the west. Meanwhile, P-40s hit Cisterna di Latina and gun positions, A-36s and P-40s pound concentration points of a counterattack against the Fifth Army beachhead in the Anzio area, strike along the main Fifth Army front, and attack the villages of Piedimonte and Aquino and gun positions near Cassino and Ausonia.

 

The 12th Air Force moves the 87th Fighter Wing from Algeria to Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic 15th Air Force

Because of bad weather, the 15th Air Force grounds all aircraft with the exception of one P-38 which flies a weather reconnaissance mission.

 

Italian Campaign

German forces overrun the strategically situated Factory and holds its against counterattacks, which are supported by naval and air bombardment. Enemy attacks continue attacks through the night, forcing the British back even farther.

 

Relief of hard-pressed and badly depleted British 1st Division is begun, during night, by the 180th Infantry, of the US II Corps. But they are still unable to break through to Highway 6, in the Cassino area.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends 16 P-40s to strafe and bomb large barracks and oil storage at Chefang and pound town areas of Homun and Mangshih, all in China. Elsewhere, two B-25s demolish a radio station southwest of Haiphong, French Indochina.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 10th Air Force B-25s, P-51s, P-38s, P-40s, and A-36s carry out 75 attack sorties against Seinnyinba, bivouac and supply areas in the Mogaung-Loilaw area, bivouac and buildings at Pyindaw, camps at Kumnyen and near Maingkwan and Shingban, and a storage area and bivouac on the Mogaung-Kamaing road near Sawnghka. A bridge over the Namtamng River near Maingkwan is also destroyed.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force A-20s pound the village of Mindiri, while B-24s bomb Amboina, on Ambon Island, and Lautem, on Timor Island.

 

On New Guinea, the occupation of the Huon Peninsula is completed as US and Australian forces meet southeast of Saidor.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons sends P-40s and US Navy fighters to cover a US Navy dive-bomber attack on Vunakanau Airfield, on New Britain Island. They score many hits on anti-aircraft positions, buildings, and runways. Later, 24 B-24s, with US Navy fighter escort, follow with a strike on the same target, hitting runways and revetment areas. Elsewhere, 19 B-24s, with 20 P-38s supporting, hit the Tobera Airfield, thoroughly saturating the runway.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force A-24s, along with supporting P-40s, bomb and strafe oil storage and gun positions on Jaluit Atoll.

 

During a dusk-to-dawn operation, B-24s, operating at intervals, maintain strikes against Wotje Atoll and Taroa Island, in the Maloelap Atoll.

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Thursday, February 10, 1944

 

European Theater

The Combined Chiefs of Staff announce that D Day for Operation OVERLORD will be postponed about 3 weeks. Stating that all LSTs in the Mediterranean, not vitally needed, are to be returned to UK.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 216 – 169 B-17s hit the industrial area at Brunswick, Germany, and other targets of opportunity, losing 29 B-17s, with 297 men listed as killed or missing. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide an escort of 64 P-38s, 357 P-47s, and 45 P-51s, which shoot down 56 Luftwaffe aircraft. Five P-38s and four P-47s are lost, with 10 men listed as killed or missing. In another raid of the same mission, 81 B-24s are sent to the Gilze-Rijen Airfield, in the Netherlands, but dense contrails and frost prevent most aircraft from attacking. No planes are lost, but 26 men are killed in air combat. The raid is escorted by 91 P-47s.

 

8th Air Force Mission 217 – In a nighttime CARPETBAGGER mission, 5 B-17s drop 260 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Caen, Rouen and Amiens, France, and Antwerp, Belgium.

 

The 8th Air Force adds the 364th Fighter Group, with three squadrons of P-38s, which arrives in England, from the US.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 21 Mosquitos to Berlin and four to Aachen. Meanwhile, two Wellingtons fly radio countermeasures, 21 aircraft lay mines off Brittany and Biscay ports, and 26 other aircraft fly resistance operations.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 114 B-26s to attack V-weapon sites in coastal France, airfields at Poix and Beauvais/Tille, a bridge at Le Crotoy, and a coastal battery north of the Conch River.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 496th Bomb Squadron (Medium), flying B-26s, which arrives in England, from the US.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

Light and medium bomber missions, of the 12th Air Force, are aborted because of bad weather. P-40s and A-36s support an unsuccessful attempt of the US Fifth Army's 1Infantry Division to stem an attack in the Carroceto area, of Italy, and P-47s fail to locate their target at Sora and end up dropping bombs on targets of opportunity.

 

The 12th Air Force sends a detachment of the 347th Fighter Squadron, based on Corsica, to Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-17s bomb Albano Laziale, Cisterna di Latina and Cecina, while B-24s strike Campoleone and Velletri. Meanwhile, P-38s bomb and strafe the Tivoli, Vicovaro, and Monterotondo areas, and P-47s fly uneventful sweeps over Cisterna di Roma and Albano. Numerous heavy bombers are forced to abort operations because of unsafe flying conditions.

 

Italian Campaign

Enemy forces captures the Carroceto railroad station, despite efforts of the British 1st Division, with close support of air and artillery to stem the advance.

 

During the night, relief of British 1st Division continues, when the US 179th Infantry replaces the British 168th Brigade, south of the Factory.

 

US II Corps prepares for another effort to break through at Cassino.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force dispatches eight P-40s to China, to bomb Wanling and the vicinity, while three others fly top-cover. The target area, a supply staging and training center, is heavily damaged. Meanwhile, B-25s, on sea sweeps sink two freighters near Hainan Island and southwest of Hong Kong, 12 P-51s and P-38s strafe boats and parked aircraft in the Chiuchiang area, and 12 P-40s strafe power boats and sampans along the Yangtze River, from Puchi to Yoyang.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Thailand, the 10th Air Force sends nine B-24s to bomb the Ban Mah arsenal at Bangkok and the Don Maung Airfield immediately to the north. Meanwhile, in Burma, three B-24s bomb Prome and Akyab, nine B-25s pound Chiradan and Godusara, and 16 P-51s hit barracks and a road at Chishidu.

 

On the ground in Burma, the Indian 7th Division is isolated at Sinzweya, as Japanese cut the Ngakyedauk Pass and contact other forces to the south. The causes the 7th Division and the British 16th Long Range Penetration (LRP) Brigade, also called Chindits, to be supplied by the air from. The Indian 26th Division, released from Fourteenth Army reserve to assist in restoring communications, recaptures Taung Bazaar.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends over 50 B-24s to bomb the Boram Airfield and harbor at Wewak. Six B-25s and a B-24 hit the Momote Airfield, on Los Negros Island, and jetties at Manus Island. P-39s strafe targets of opportunity during a sweep over wide areas of New Britain Island.

 

The 5th Australian Division and Task Force MICHAELMAS make patrol contact about four miles southeast of Saidor, completing the Huon Peninsula campaign. On New Britain, patrols of the 1st Marine Division and Regimental Combat Team 112 make contact. Following this, the commanding general of the Sixth Army terminates Operation DEXTERITY, having secured western New Britain Island, and Saidor, New Guinea. Occasional air missions will still be flown in the area, but most will be restricted to barge sweeps and patrols.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons sends P-40s and US Navy fighters to cover a US Navy dive-bomber attack on the Vunakanau Airfield, on New Britain Island, while B-25s with fighter escort bomb Vunakanau later in the day. Meanwhile, Tobera is pounded by 21 B-24s, supported by P-38s and US Navy fighters. The Allied aircraft shoot down over 30 aircraft in the New Britain area. Elsewhere, P-39s hit buildings at Bonis and barges in Matchin Bay, on Bougainville Island, and near Green Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-25s hit Wotje and Maloelap Atolls, while nine B-24s, sent to bomb a weather and

radio station on Rongelap Island, abort due to a fuel leak in the lead B-24. An attempt to bomb Jaluit Atoll during the return flight is unsuccessful.

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Friday, February 11, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 218 – 201 B-24s bomb V-weapon sites around Siracourt, France . 94 of the planes use PFF Pathfinder equipment. The remaining aircraft are assigned individual targets without PFF and are unable to locate their targets. One B-24 is lost, with 11 men listed as killed or missing. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide an escort of 85 P-47s and 41 P-51s. in the second attack, the primary target for the 223 B-17s is the marshalling yard at Frankfurt, Germany. Other targets include Ludwigshafen, Saarbrucken and other targets of opportunity. Five B-17s are lost, with 52 men listed as killed or missing. Again, the 8th and 9th Air Forces provide an escort of 82 P-38s, 486 P-47s and 38 P-51, which shoot down 30 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and destroy two more on the ground. Eight P-38s, four P-47s and two P-51s are lost, with 14 men listed as missing.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 11 Mosquitos to attack Brunswick, eight to Elberfeld, four to Aachen and four to Duisburg. Two others fly radio countermeasure sorties, five more fly Serrate patrols. 52 other aircraft lay mines off the French Channel and Atlantic ports, and 27 fly Resistance operations.

 

8th Air Force Mission 219 – During the night, five B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium.

 

Six RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

Because of bad weather, the 9th Air Force recalls most of the 139 B-26s dispatched to attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets in northern France. However, 35 manage to bomb the marshalling yard at Amiens.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 495th and 497th Bomb Squadrons (Medium), with B-26s, which arrive in England, from the US.

 

Russian Front

The Shepetovka, rail center, west of Kiev, near the prewar Polish border, falls to troops of the First Ukrainian Front.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15th Air Force adds the 460th Bomb Group (Heavy), with four squadrons of B-24s, which arrives in Italy, from the US.

 

Italian Campaign

The 179th Infantry, of the US 45th Division, assisted by the US 191st Tank Battalion, attacks to recover the Factory. The 1st Battalion reaches the objective, but is driven back. Meanwhile, US II Corps tries again to reach Highway 6. The US 36th Division, with the 141st and 142nd Regiments in the assault, suffers heavy casualties while attacking in vain toward Albaneta Farm. The 168th Infantry, of the US 34th Division, attacks through a violent rain and snow storm toward Monastery Hill, but is also unsuccessful.

 

General Alexander directs the Indian 4th Division, of the New Zealand Corps, to attack as soon as possible to secure the heights west of Cassino.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

In China, 12 P-38s, from the 14th Air Force, knock out a bridge and damage another at Sheklung, while six B-25s, escorted by 20 US and Chinese P-40s, bomb the storage area at Kai Tek irfield. The P-40s shoot down five Japanese fighters.

 

Japanese aircraft bomb and strafe the Namyung Airfield, putting the field out of use for several days.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends a force of 10 A-36s and P-51s to hit the supply area at Sawnghka, Burma. Meanwhile, a group of 12 A-36s and P-51s and a single B-25 bomb a supply and bivouac area at Pyindaw, eight P-51s hit a road junction near Mogaung and nearby supply area, another group of eight P-51s and P-40s, on armed reconnaissance, strafe a large river steamer and a launch in the Mandalay-Shwebo area.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends about 50 B-24s to attack the airfield at Kavieng, on New Ireland Island, and two to bomb Garove Island. Elsewhere, seven B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield, on Celebes Island, and Dili, on Timor Island. Meanwhile, P-40s and RAAF aircraft pound Japanese forces still remaining in the Saidor area of New Guinea. Fighter sweeps and armed reconnaissance continue over wide areas of the region.

 

The 5th Air Force adds the 25th Liaison Squadron, with L-5s, which arrives in New Guinea, Australia.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons P-40s and US Navy fighters cover a US Navy dive-bomber strike on Wunapope, on New Britain Island. Elsewhere, 22 B-25s, escorted by US Navy fighters, pound the Vunakanau Airfield, and the Tobera Airfield is bombed by 15 B-24s, with P-38 and US Navy fighter escort.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s and P-39s dive-bomb and strafe hangar, airfield installations and gun positions on Mille Atoll.

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Saturday, February 12, 1944

 

European Theater

The Combined Chiefs of Staff issue a directive to General Eisenhower on his duties as Supreme Allied Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, which will invade the European continent to destroy German armed forces. Target date is set as May, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 220 – 99 B-24s hit the V-weapon site at St Pol/Siracourt, France. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide an escort of 84 P-47s and 41 P-51s.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 10 Lancasters in an attempt to bomb the Anthéor Viaduct, an important railway link between France, and Italy. But, as on two earlier raids, they are not successful. The sides of the valley are very steep and the target is defended by guns which damaged the low-level aircraft. Eight Mosquitos are sent to Elberfeld and four are sent to Duisburg, while three others fly Serrate patrols, and 25 Halifaxes and Stirlings lay mines in the Frisians and off Cherbourg. One Halifax minelayer and its crew are lost.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force adds the 370th Fighter Group, with three squadrons of P-47s, which arrives in England, from the US. The unit will eventually transition to P-38s.

 

Russian Front

Soviet forces, pushing toward Luga, overrun the important rail junction of Batetskaya and get to the suburbs of Luga.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s attack gun positions at Campoleone, Italy, and the surrounding area. Meanwhile, B-26s hit Cecina, A-36s hit aircraft and trucks on the landing ground and in the area near Fahrica di Rorila, attack troops in the area, bomb gun positions southwest of Roccasecca, and hit the towns of Fondi and Lanuvio. P-40s attack Gisterna di Roma, the Sezze railroad station and road junction, Cori and gun positions northwest of Atina.

 

The 61st Troop Carrier Group begins moving from Sicily, to England, and from the 12th Air Force to the 9th Air Force.

 

The 12th Air Force moves the 62nd Troop Carrier Group and 7TCS move from Ponte Olivo, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-17s and B-24s strike troop concentrations and highways in the Cecina area, of Italy, and near Lake Nemi. Bad weather causes all other missions to abort.

 

The 15th Air Force adds the 459th Bomb Group (Heavy), which begins arriving in Italy, from the US, with B-24s.

 

Italian Campaign

The US 45th Division, after another unsuccessful attempt to recover the Factory, goes on the defensive. The US 36th Division breaks off its offensive on the northern flank of II Corps, and in bitter fighting, repels a very heavy enemy counterattack, preceded by extremely heavy artillery barrages. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Corps relieves II Corps of responsibility for the Cassino sector.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends nine P-40s to attack the warehouse area at Wanling, Burma. In French Indochina, six P-40s bomb the barracks at Vinh and strafe the Dong Cuong Airfield, railroad yards at Cam Duong, and sampans at Phu Tho. Meanwhile, five B-25s, on a sea sweep in the Gulf of Tonkin, sink two trawlers and hit shore targets of opportunity southwest of Haiphong, and a single B-25 damages a bridge at Ha Trung. A group of 24 P-38s, P-51s, and P-40s intercept 25 Japanese fighters near Suichwan, China, shooting down seven, but losing two US fighters and pilots.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches eight P-40s to attack the town of Ransa, Burma, and motor convoys south of Sumprabum. Meanwhile, a group of 40 P-51s and A-36s attack bivouacs at Walawbum, bivouac and motor pool at Padaw, storage area at the road junction near Chishidu and the town of Chishidu, while over 30 P-51s and B-25s hit camps between Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum, storage area and motor pool south of Kamaing, motor convoy on the Myitkyina-Sumprabum road, the town of Namting and bridges at Meza and Kanni.

 

On the ground in Burma, the Indian 7th Division is ordered to hold its positions and contain enemy forces, which are also being hit by the Indian 26th Division, from the north, and the Indian 5th Division, from the south.

 

The 10th Air Force adds the 59th Fighter Squadron, which arrives in India, from Italy. They will be equipped with P-47s.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

About 50 A-20s, from the 5th Air Force, blast occupied areas southeast of Wewak, New Guinea.

 

Brigadier General Carl Connell resumes command of the V Air Force Services Command.

 

The Allied assault force begins the voyage toward Green Island. Meanwhile, Company B, of the 1st Marines, moving by sea from Cape Gloucester, New Britain, lands on Rooke Island, and begins uneventful search for enemy.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons sends aircraft to bomb targets on New Britain Island:

  • 23 B-25s, with US Navy fighters in support, to bomb the Tobera Airfield.
  • 21 B-24s, escorted by P-39s and US Navy fighters, pound the Vunakanau Airfield.
  • P-40s join US Navy fighters in covering a US Navy dive-bomber strike on Lakunai.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-25s hit Wotje and Maloelap atolls, while A-24s and P-39s bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

 

Task Force 58, less one attack group, sails for Truk, from Majuro.

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Sunday, February 13, 1944

 

Washington, D.C.

The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) accepts a revision of the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) Plan. The targets are reduced to a number that can be decisively attacked and target lists are revised to keep up with the effort of the Germans to relocate vital industrial plants. Disruption of communication lines and reduction of the Luftwaffe are high priority aims included in the CCS directive on this date.

 

European Theater

Combined Chiefs of Staff order a combined bomber offensive against Germany aimed at destruction of “military, industrial, and economic systems,” disruption of communication lines and reduction of airpower.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 221 – V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais area, of France, are attacked with 277 B-17s hitting 12 sites and 180 B-24s hitting five sites. 12 more B-24s hit targets of opportunity. Four B-17s are lost, with 31 men listed as killed or missing. Escort is provided by 189 P-47s and 43 P-51s, losing one P-51 and its pilot.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 182 B-26s to attack V-weapon sites along the French coastal area, while 16 others bomb secondary targets in the area.

 

Russian Front

Soviet forces clear the eastern shore of Lake Peipus.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-26s bomb the Bucine viaduct, in Italy, while B-25s and A-20s support Fifth Army forces north and east of the Anzio beachhead, blasting an ammunition dump and troop and vehicle concentrations. Meanwhile, P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers give support in the same areas, hitting troop concentrations, a railway tunnel, buildings, vehicles, a supply dump, and gun positions.

 

The 52nd Troop Carrier Wing, 314th Troop Carrier Group and the 32nd Troop Carrier Squadron move from Sicily, and the 12th Air Force, to England, and the 9th Air Force. The 32nd is part of the 314th, which is part of the 52nd.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15th Air Force restricts operations due to bad weather reconnaissance.

 

The 757th and 758th Bomb Squadrons (Heavy), flying B-24s, arrive in Italy, from the US, and joins the 15th Air Force

 

Italian Campaign

The Indian 4th Division begins relieving the US 168th Infantry, which is depleted in strength. The US 133rd Infantry retains its positions in Cassino, while the New Zealand Corps prepares to take over the battle for Cassino.

 

The French Expeditionary Force (FEC) is reinforced by a combat team of the Italian 1st Motorized Group.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

In French Indochina, 23 B-24s, from the 14th Air Force, pound railroad shops at Vinh, while four B-25s hit a convoy east of Foochow, China, sinking three 3 freighters and a transport. Meanwhile, four other B-25s damage two vessels off southwest Hainan Island and bomb the dock, railroad, and an oil dump at Bakli, on Hainan Island, and six P-40s bomb and strafe barracks and hangars at Phu Tho and strafe freight cars at Yen Bay and Suo Ha.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches six P-51s and a B-25 to attack a road bridge and two warehouses in the Wuntho area, of Burma. Meanwhile, a group of 32 P-51s and A-36s hit the supply area and radio installations south of Kamaing and blast bivouacs south of Walawbum. Another 18 P-51s hit the road and railroad junction north of Sahmaw, a bivouac north of Kamaing and a camp between Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum.

 

During the night, 16 B-24s bomb the Heho Airfield.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends 24 A-20s to attack Aitape, New Guinea, while over 70 B-25s pound the Momote Airfield, on Los Negros Island, and 35 B-24s bomb the Kavieng Airfield, on New Ireland Island.

 

General MacArthur, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, directs forces of South and Southwest Pacific Areas to take Manus Island, in the Admiralty Islands, and Kavieng, New Ireland, on or about April 1, in order to gain control of the Bismarck Archipelago and isolate Rabaul.

 

South Pacific Area

On New Britain Island, 20 B-25s, from the 13th Air Force, bomb the Tobera Airfield and 23 B-24s bomb the Lakunai Airfield. Both forces are escorted by fighters. Meanwhile, Air Command North Solomons sends P-40s and US Navy fighters to escort US Navy SBDs and TBFs dive-bombing the runway and anti-aircraft positions at Vunakanau.

 

Central Pacific Area

During the night, B-24s, from the 7th Air Force, operating individually at intervals, bomb Wotje and Mille atolls, and Taroa Island, in Maloelap Atoll.

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Monday, February 14, 1944

 

European Theater

General Eisenhower, upon receiving Combined Chiefs of Staff directive of February 12, establishes the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). The Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander (COSSAC) staff comes under control of SHAEF.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 222 – 48 P-47s are dispatched to the Eindhoven Airfield, in the Netherlands. The primary target is overcast and 46 of the aircraft hit the Gilze-Rijen Airfield.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb the Perugia marshalling yard, in Italy, and A-20s hit Grottaferrata. Meanwhile, A-36s attack guns in the Pontecorvo area, railway yards at Civita Castellana and Frosinone, motor transport near Genzano di Roma, the airfield at Furbara, and Ferentino railway station. Some of the missions are in direct support of the US Fifth Army main front, where P-40s bomb and strafe troop concentrations north and east of the Anzio beachhead, scoring hits on tanks, motor transport and guns near Cisterna di Roma, Cori and Rocca di Papa. P-47s hit Colleferro and a dump at Valmontone, while more P-40s score direct hits on a vessel and fuel dump in the Rogoznica area.

 

The 12th Air Force loses two more operational units to the 14th Air Force, in India: the 92nd Fighter Squadron and the 81st Fighter Group.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-17s attack the marshalling yards at Modena, Brescia, and Verona, in Italy, and several targets of opportunity, including the airfield and Piaggio aircraft factory at Pontedera, and railroad bridges and lines at Parma, Sassuolo, Rubiera, and south of Vicenza. Meanwhile, B-17s and escorting P-47s shoot down 20 enemy fighters, while B-24s bomb the marshalling yards at Mantua, Verona, Massa Lombarda, Fenara and Arezzo, and targets of opportunity, including the Pisa and Prato marshalling yards, airfields at Pisa and Pontedera, and a road-rail junction near Vaiano.

 

The 15th Air Force adds the 759th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying B-24s, which arrives in Italy, from the US.

 

China – Burma – India Theater

CBI—Admiral Mountbatten warns British Chiefs of Staff of impending Japanese attack on 4 Corps after

Arakan offensive is successfully concluded.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

10th Air Force P-51s and A-36s carry out over 70 sorties against a variety of targets in Burma, including the supply area at Shingban, a truck convoy north of Maingkwan, supply dumps and motor transport in the Kamaing area, a bivouac near Mogaung, troop and vehicle concentrations between Mogaung and Kamaing, artillery positions at Laawn Ga, and the railroad station and warehouses at Lundaung.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force A-20s, with P-40 support, bomb and strafe the Dagua Airfield, in New Guinea, destroying and damaging over 20 aircraft. Elsewhere, over 80 B-25s pound the Momote Airfield, on Los Negros Island, while over 40 B-24s bomb the airfields at Kavieng and Panapai, on New Ireland Island.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons dispatches B-24s to bomb the Rabaul area, on New Britain Island, in a diversionary strike, while US Navy TBFs lay mines in Simpson Harbor. Meanwhile, 30 escorted B-25s pound the Vunakanau Airfield, while 28 other B-24s, also with escort, bomb the Rapopo Airfield. In other action, P-40s and US Navy fighters escort a US Navy dive-bomber raid on Tobera gun positions and airfield revetments, while four B-25s also bomb Tobera. On Bougainville Island, clear weather permits the first attacks in recent weeks, as 19 B-25s hit Kara and Kahili, and P-39s attack Puriata River bridges.

 

Central Pacific Area

Over 40 B-24s attack Ponape Island, in the first 7th Air Force raid on the Caroline Islands. Two of the B-24s hit the alternate target of Emidj Island.

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Tuesday, February 15, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 223 – 54 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at St Pol/Siracourt, France.

 

8th Air Force Mission 224 – 95 P-47s are dispatched to bomb two airfields in France, but are recalled.

 

During the night, after a rest of more than 2 weeks for the regular bomber squadrons, the RAF sends 891 aircraft to Berlin. This is the largest force sent to Berlin and the largest non-1,000 bomber force sent to any target, exceeding the previous record of 826 aircraft sent to Dortmund on the night of May 23, 1943. It is also the first time that more than 500 Lancasters and more than 300 Halifaxes are dispatched. The German controllers were able to plot the bomber stream soon after it left the English coast but the swing north over Denmark for the approach flight proved too far distant for many of the German fighters. The German controller ordered the fighters not to fly over Berlin, leaving the target area free for the flak, but many fighters ignored him and attacked bombers over the city. The diversion to Frankfurt-on-Oder failed to draw any fighters. 43 aircraft and crews are lost. Berlin was covered by cloud for most of the raid. Heavy bombing fell on the centre and south-western districts and some of Berlin's most important war industries were hit, including the large Siemensstadt area. This was really the end of the true 'Battle of Berlin'; only one more raid took place on the city in this period and that was not for more than a month. Elsewhere, it is a very busy night for the RAF:

  • 23 Oboe Mosquitos attack five night-fighter airfields in Holland.
  • 43 Stirlings and four Pathfinder Halifaxes lay mines in Kiel Bay.
  • 24 Lancasters make a diversion raid on Frankfurt-on-Oder.
  • Nine aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties.
  • 14 Mosquitos fly Serrate patrols, losing one aircraft.
  • Two Mosquitos are sent to Aachen.
  • Six Stirlings and six Wellingtons lay mines off Bayonne and Lorient.
  • 48 aircraft fly Resistance operations, losing one Stirling and crew.

 

8th Air Force Mission 225 – During the night, six B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Orleans, Chartres, Cambrai, Le Mans, Lille and Reims, France.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 194 B-26s to bomb V-weapon sites, the Cherbourg/Maupertus Airfield, and targets of opportunity during a morning mission. In the afternoon, 122 B-26s again bomb V-weapon construction sites in the coastal area of northern France.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 316th Troop Carrier Group, which arrives in England, from Sicily.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-26s and B-25s bomb the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey, in support of the New Zealand Corps assault to establish a bridgehead across the Rapido River, south of Cassino. Meanwhile, other B-26s bomb the railroad at Monte Molino and the marshalling yard at Montepescali, while A-20s attack motor transport, roads and a road junction in the Albano Laziale area and northwest of Valmontone. P-40s bomb troop concentrations near Cisterna di Roma and dumps in the Valmontone and Rocca di Papa areas, and A-36s hit troop concentrations north of the Anzio beachhead, strafe trucks and barracks in the Frosinone-Rieti areas, bomb the Tiburtina and Trastevere marshalling yards in the Rome, area and hit buildings north of Velletri.

 

More units, with C-47s, begin a movement from Sicily, to England, to join the 9th Air Force, including the 29th, 36th and 37th, and the 62nd Troop Carrier Squadrons.

 

The 91st Fighter Squadron begins moving from Italy, to India, to join the 14th Air Force.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15th Air Force sends around 100 B-17s to bomb the Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey. Meanwhile, over 60 B-24s attack the Poggibonsi marshalling yard, Campoleone and Porto d'Ascoli.

 

Italian Campaign

Early in day, alternating air and artillery bombardments destroy the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino, which the enemy has been using extensively as a base for offensive operations. US VI Corps is reorganizing and strengthening its beachhead to meet the threat of an enemy counteroffensive. The US 36th Engineers now hold part of Moletta River line, replacing most of the US 157th Infantry. To the east, the US 45th Division holds the front line. The British 1st Division is withdrawn for rest and refitting. Relief of the US 168th Infantry is completed by the Indian 4th Division.

 

During the night, the US 56th Division, which is in the process of moving to the US VI Corps zone, from British X Corps sector, takes over the left flank from positions of the 36th Engineers, almost to the Albano road. Elsewhere, the New Zealand Corps begins an offensive to clear the heights west of Cassino and establish a bridgehead across the Rapido River, south of Cassino, with a preliminary attack by elements of the Indian 4th Division on Hill 593. The attack fails.

 

China – Burma – India Theater

General Order 16, from Headquarters USAF CBI, rescinding General Order 13, of January 30, removes General Stratemeyer from command of XX Bomber Command. The order gives him the mission of:

  • Controlling the logistics.
  • The responsibility for administration of the XX Bomber Command in India.
  • Maintaining efficiency of transportation facilities between India, and China.
  • Making recommendations, with the approval of the commanding general of XX Bomber Command, to the theater commander for missions in the Southeast Asia-China area.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force dispatches four B-25s to sweep northern French Indochina. They score a direct hit on a steamer at Haiphong and a nearby railroad station, damage bridges near Viet Tri and a patrol launch at Hanoi, and hit engine sheds at Thanh Hoa.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

10th Air Force P-40s, P-51s, and A-36s hit targets in Burma, including a rice mill and a radio station at Waingmaw, targets of opportunity along the Hukawng-Walawbum road, motor pool and dumps in the Kamaing area, troops and supplies at Padi Ga and a canal bridge at Yeu. Elsewhere, P-40s also drop land mines on Nampaung.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 443rd Troop Carrier Group is moved from the US, to India, without personnel and equipment. The 1st, 2nd and 27th Troop Carrier Squadrons, already in the theater, will be assigned to them.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends a force of over 70 B-24s, A-20s, and B-25s bomb the Kavieng town area,

harbor, and shipping and the Panapai Airfield, on New Ireland Island. 17 other B-24s, prevented by bad weather from reaching Panapai, bomb Talasea, on New Britain Island.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons dispatches 23 B-25s, from the 13th Air Force ,with fighter cover, to bomb the runway and dispersal area of the Vunakanau Airfield, on New Britain Island. Elsewhere, 20 B-24s hit the Borpop Airfield, on New Ireland Island, causing heavy damage to the runway and revetment areas.

 

Amphibious forces, under the command of Admiral Wilkinson, invade Green Island. The landing force is comprised of the New Zealand 3rd Division, less the 8th Brigade Group, supporting and construction units, including the US 976th Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion, headed by General Barrowclough, of the New Zealand 3rd Division. The force goes ashore on Nissan Island, without opposition and starts a search for Japanese troops. Construction is begun at once for an advanced-naval base. Enemy planes attempting to interfere with the operation are driven off by aircraft and anti-aircraft fire.

 

The 424th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, ceases operating from New Georgia Island, and returns to its base on Guadalcanal Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s pound Mille Atoll and Ponape Island, while 10 P-40s bomb and strafe runways and a disabled vessel at Mille Atoll.

 

The Eniwetok Expeditionary Group, Task Group 51.11, under Admiral Hill, leaves Kwajalein for Eniwetok.

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Wednesday, February 16, 1944

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb the Orte marshalling yard and attack the Campoleone area, in Italy, while B-26s bomb San Stefano al Mare and hit the area near the Perugia railroad bridge, a bridge north of Orvieto, a factory near the Marsciano bridge and a bridge at Albinia Station. Meanwhile, A-20s, with RAF and South African Air Force (SAAF) Baltimores and Spitfires, hit concentrations in the Anzio battle area, A-36s bomb the Rome/Tiburtina and Rome/Ostiense marshalling yards and P-40s attack Monte Cassino Abbey, pound tanks, trucks, and troop concentrations along the US Fifth Army front, and hit the towns of Fondi and Roccasecca. Fighters over Anzio encounter an increased enemy air effort in conjunction with an all-out ground offensive against the Allied beachhead.

 

The 61st Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-47s, begins moving from Sicily, to England, to join the 9th Air Force.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

In Italy, unescorted B-24s, from the 15th Air Force, bomb the marshalling yards at Pontassieve, Siena, Poggibonsi and Prato, a bridge at Cecina, and a railroad and highway near Rieti.

 

Italian Campaign

The Luftwaffe sharply increases its air effort in conjunction with an all-out offensive against the Anzio beachhead, flying about 170 sorties, which is the peak of their performance. Instead of attacking in support of New Zealand Corps, at Cassino as planned, Allied aircraft are diverted to support the Anzio beachhead forces. The enemy attack starts at 0630 hours, after half-hour of artillery preparation, with thrusts at various points held by US 56th, US 45th, and US 3rd Divisions, with the main effort being against 45th on the left flank. The 3rd Division repels all attacks before Cisterna, but the enemy makes limited gains in other sectors, at great cost in tanks and personnel. The Germans renew their attack down the Albano road before midnight.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends two B-25s to French Indochina. They knock out a railroad bridge at Yen Bay, and damage two other bridges to the south near the coast.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force A-36s and P-51s hit supply dumps, troop concentrations and an encampment area near Myitkyina, Kamaing, Tonkin and Walawbum, all in Burma. Meanwhile, B-25s and P-51s destroy three locomotives at Kyaingkwin.

 

The 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, attached to the 10th Air Force and flying P-51s, India-Burma Sector, arrives in India, from the US.

 

The 66th Regiment, of the Chinese 22nd Division, which, in conjunction with 65th, was to have enveloped the enemy in the Yawngbang area, takes a wrong trail and clears a village that is mistakenly believed to be Yawngbang.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends over 40 B-25s to attack a convoy off New Hanover Island, and over 30 B-24s to bomb the Panapai Airfield and Kavieng, on New Ireland Island, with some hitting Cape Balangori and Talasea, on New Britain Island. Elsewhere, a group of 19 B-24s and B-25s bomb Halong, in the Celebes Islands, while P-40s hit shipping and barges in the Wewak area, of New Guinea.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons dispatches 12 B-24s, with over 30 P-38s and US Navy F4Us, to attack the runway at the Vunakanau Airfield, on New Britain Island.

 

The ground campaign for western New Britain ends successfully, as Army and Marine patrols make contact at Itni River.

 

New Zealanders discover an enemy force of about 70 on the southern part of Nissan Island, in the Green Islands.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s bomb Wotje Atoll and Taroa Island, in Maloelap Atoll, while P-40s fly two bombing-strafing strikes against the Jaluit Atoll, and A-24s bomb Mille Atoll.

 

In preparation for invasion of Eniwetok, Task Group 58.4 attacks and photographs the atoll. Most buildings are destroyed, one of two coastal guns on the northeast corner is wrecked, and the Engebi Airfield is left temporarily unserviceable. 14 enemy planes are destroyed on the ground.

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Thursday, February 17, 1944

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The advanced headquarters of the 9th Air Force is opened at Hillingdon House, in Uxbridge. It is later joined in the area by advanced units of the IX Fighter Command and by troop carrier units, all of which form a nucleus of advanced echelons which serve to centralize tactical operations in anticipation of combat on the Continent.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing, which arrives from Sicily.

 

Russian Front

Troops of Second Ukrainian Front complete the reduction of enemy pockets west of Cherkassy. Germans suffer about 100,000 casualties in this battle.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb the Campoleone and Lanuvio areas, in Italy, while B-25s hit dumps southwest of Rome and north of Anzio, and also hit nearby gun placements. Meanwhile, A-20s blast a dump and troop concentrations in the Anzio area, P-47s bomb dumps near Valmontone, A-36s hit Carroceto, concentrations southeast of Rome, a railroad underpass and a factory north of Anzio. In other action, P-40s blast enemy transport, guns, and assembly areas north of Cisterna di Latina, trucks north of Anzio and north of the beachhead battle line, railroad stations at Campoleone and Carroceto, and bivouac areas, dumps, a factory, and bridge in the battle area. This entire air effort is the heaviest to date, in support of troops, and is aimed at helping prevent a breakthrough at the beachhead, where the Germans are committed to a full-strength counteroffensive. Elsewhere, A-36s bomb the Monte Cassino Abbey in the only air action on the US Fifth Army main front.

 

The 12th Air Force moves a detachment of the 23rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, flying F-5s, from Italy, back to its base in Sardinia.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

In Italy, unescorted B-17s and B-24s, from the 15th Air Force, attack Campoleone and Grottaferrata, motor transport parks in the Campoleone junction and Rocca di Papa areas, a troop concentration near Frascati, stores depots in the Grottaferrata area, and other targets in advance of the US Fifth Army's Anzio battle line which is under heavy counterattack by German forces.

 

The 455th Bomb Squadron (Heavy) and the 456th Bomb Group (Heavy), become operational, giving the 15th Air Force 12 B-24 groups.

 

Italian Campaign

The enemy commits his full strength to a counteroffensive. Pressing down Albano road, Germans drive a deep wedge into the center of the US 45th Division’s front, between the US 157th and the US 179th Regiments. Allied aerial, artillery, and naval bombardment is helpful in preventing an enemy breakthrough. The air effort is the heaviest yet undertaken in support of troops, with about 1,100 tons of bombs being dropped. Elements of the British 1st Division is given the task of holding the sector of the final beachhead line in the Albano road area, in order to relieve pressure on the US 45th Division. Meanwhile, the 45th is reinforced by the 2nd Battalion, of the US 6th Armored Infantry. The British 56th Division recovers ground lost to the enemy in its sector.

 

During the night, elements of the Indian 4th Division make an assault in the Cassino area and reach the crest of Hill 593, but are driven off. Reinforcements move up and occupy the heights between Points 450 and 445.

 

The British 78th Division, having been delayed by deep snow, arrives in the New Zealand Corps zone, from the British Eighth Army front.

 

Planned air support is again shifted to Anzio.

 

General Truscott, relieved as commander of the 3rd Division by Brigadier General John O’Daniel, becomes deputy commander of US VI Corps.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force dispatches four B-25s on a sweep of the Gulf of Tonkin, in French Indochina. They score two direct hits on a freighter at Vinh, damage a bridge approach and locomotive at Yen Xuon Station, and destroy a locomotive at Yen Ly Station.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends a group of 38 A-36s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance in Burma. They hit troops and supply lines from Lonkin to Kamaing. Meanwhile, six P-51s hit supply areas along roads around Lonton and Manywet, and two others hit a road junction near Maingkwan. In other action, two B-25s and six P-51s strike a road bridge, a railroad station, and rail cars in the Pyingaing area. They also attack a bridge near Ye-u, but fail to damage it.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

40 B-24s, from the 5th Air Force, bomb the Panapai Airfield, on New Ireland Island, and Talasea, on New Britain Island. Elsewhere, 16 B-25s sink two surface vessels and a submarine off New Hanover Island, and 16 P-47's strafe targets of opportunity in the Alexishafen area, of New Guinea.

 

A PT boat base is opened in the Green Islands, while New Zealanders continue the elimination of the enemy garrison.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons sends 20 P-40s, joined by over 40 US Navy fighters, to cover an attack by 70 US Navy dive bombers on shipping in Keravia Bay, New Britain Island. They shoot down eight Japanese aircraft, but lose two US Navy fighters. In the north Solomons, Allied fighters hit Queen Carola Harbor, Kessa Plantation and a bridge north of Kahili.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s hit Ponape and Kusaie islands, and the Jaluit Atoll, while P-40s strafe floatplanes off Emidj Island.

 

In the Caroline Islands, Task Force 58, less the group supporting the Eniwetok operation, begins a two-day strike against Truk, in an effort to test the enemy’s strength.

 

After preliminary naval gunfire, air bombardment, and minesweeping operations, Admiral Hill’s Eniwetok Expeditionary Group, Task Group 51.11, invades Eniwetok Atoll, Operation CATCHPOLE. Troops of the V Amphibious Corps’, Reconnaissance Company, make unopposed landings from the lagoon side on Canna (Rujoru) and Camellia (Aitsu) islands, southeast of Engebi, at 1318 hours. A quick search reveals no Japanese. Artillery is brought ashore and registered on Engebi, the main objective in the northern part of the atoll. In order to insure safety of artillery units, V Amphibious Corps scouts then take several small islands in the vicinity of Canna and Camellia without enemy interference.

 

During the night, 4th Marine Division scouts, of Company D, of the 4th Tank Battalion, head for Zinnia (Bogon), west of Engebi, to block the withdrawal from Engebi. In the darkness, they land by mistake on an island below there, but work back to Bogon without opposition.

 

First day’s objectives are thus secured without any American casualties. In preparation for invasion of Engebi, naval gunfire supplemented by shore-based artillery fire is placed on island and underwater demolition teams reconnoiter beaches.

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Friday, February 18, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force headquarters issues orders to establish a photographic reconnaissance wing, the 8th Reconnaissance Wing (Provisional). The purpose is to make the 8th Air Force independent in aerial reconnaissance and to consolidate the efforts of units presently engaged in this and other related activities. Colonel Elliott Roosevelt, the President's son and currently Director of Reconnaissance for the 9th Air Force, is named Commanding Officer.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force adds the 61st Troop Carrier Group, which arrives in England, from Sicily.

 

Russian Front

Soviet forces overrun Staraya Russa.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force A-20s hit a troop concentration near Piedimonte, Italy. Meanwhile, XII Air Support Command P-40s and A-36s fly 17 missions in support of US Fifth Army troops resisting the German counteroffensive, which reaches its deepest penetration into the Anzio beachhead. Mission objectives include tanks, vehicles, gun positions, troop concentrations, and a railroad underpass along the Anzio-Albano Laziale axis. Fighters over Anzio successfully intercept air strikes on the beachhead, while New Zealand troops capture Cassino Station.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15th Air Force restricts operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance.

 

The 15th Air Force adds the 461st Bomb Group (Heavy), with four squadrons of B-24s, which arrives in Italy, from the US.

 

Italian Campaign

The enemy makes its main effort against the US 45th Division. Although the salient is broadened and deepened, no breakthrough is made. Weather conditions prevent the tremendous air support of the previous day, but artillery fire is still employed on a large scale. The US 179th Infantry falls back to the final beachhead line, where it contains enemy. This is the deepest penetration to be achieved by the enemy in the Anzio beachhead.

 

The Indian 4th Division continues limited attacks for Hill 593, taking part of it and holding against several counterattacks.

 

By mid-afternoon. the New Zealand 2nd Division’s 5th Brigade loses Cassino station, which they took during the night of the 17th.

 

During the night, other elements of the Indian 4th Division attack toward Monastery Hill, but gain little ground.

 

Action in Cassino area subsides during late February and early March as both sides regroup.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends four B-25s on a sweep of the Gulf of Tonkin, in French Indochina. They damage two large boats north of Bakli Bay, on Hainan Island, destroy an ammunition dump at Phu Ly and knock out a nearby railroad bridge.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches a force of over 40 B-25s, A-36s and P-51s to attack the town of Ye-u, Burma, and a nearby bridge, bivouacs north of Laban, bridges in the Pyingaing area and along the Mu River, supply and troop concentrations at Waingmaw, radio station and a supply area near Kamaing and gun emplacements southeast of Taihpa Ga. The strikes are generally successful.

 

General Stilwell personally checks on the location of the missing 66th Regiment, of the Chinese 22nd Division, and finds it and the 3rd Battalion, of the Chinese 65th, near the command post of the 66th. By the time the main trail from Yawngbang to Lakyen is found, the Japanese have withdrawn and the opportunity of trapping them is lost.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 58th Fighter Squadron, with P-47s, arrives in India, from Italy

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force B-25s and RAAF Beaufighters hit Koepang, on Timor Island, while P-39s strafe targets of opportunity at Madang, New Guinea, and Cape Raoult, on New Britain Island.

 

Allied destroyers bombard Rabaul, on New Britain, and Kavieng, on New Ireland.

 

Elements of 126th Infantry pushing west in an effort to destroy enemy forces bypassing Saidor.

 

Major General William Gill, 32nd Division commanding general, arrives at Saidor, New Guinea, and takes command.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons sends 34 B-25s and 18 B-24s, both forces with fighter escorts, to attack the Vunakanau Airfield, on New Britain Island, while two B-25s and 4 P-38s hit Tobera.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s bomb and strafe Jaluit and Mille atolls.

 

Task Force 58 completes its attack on Truk, in the Caroline Islands, during which most airfields are left unserviceable and many aircraft are destroyed on the ground and in the air. Although most of the Japanese Fleet has withdrawn, merchant shipping suffers heavily, some 200,000 tons being destroyed in the harbor. Support ships intercept and sink one light cruiser and one destroyer trying to escape. As a result of this action, it is decided to bypass the enemy on Truk.

 

The 22nd Marines, supported by elements of an Army cannon company, invades Engebi, in the Eniwetok Atoll, after a preparatory bombardment. The enemy offers organized resistance only at the southern tip of the island, which is declared secure by 1450hours. Part of the assault force re-embarks for Parry. Scouting parties begin a search for the enemy on smaller islands between Engebi and the southern part of the atoll.

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Saturday, February 19, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK) 8th Air Force

The RAF sends 823 aircraft to Leipzig, losing - 78 aircraft and crews. This was not a good raid for Bomber Command, since the German controllers only sent part of their force of fighters to the Kiel minelaying diversion. When the main bomber force crossed the Dutch coast, they were met by a further part of the German fighter force and those German fighters which had been sent north to Kiel hurriedly returned. The bomber stream was thus under attack all the way to the target. There were further difficulties at the target because winds were not as forecast and many aircraft reached the Leipzig area too early and had to orbit and wait for the Pathfinders. In other action, 45 Stirlings and four Pathfinder Halifaxes lay mines in Kiel Bay, 16 Oboe Mosquitos bomb night-fighter airfields in Holland, while 12 others fly Serrate patrols, and 15 more Mosquitos fly a diversion raid to Berlin, losing one aircraft. Three Mosquitos attack Aachen and three more bomb V-weapon sites in France. This was the heaviest Bomber Command loss of the war so far.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s blast troop concentrations to the north of the Anzio beachhead, in Italy, while A-36s and P-40s keep troops, tanks, and motor transport in the beachhead battle area under attack, flying over 200 sorties in over 20 missions, as an Allied counterattack turns the tide of battle. Fighters maintain control over the northern part of the battle area.

 

Colonel Peter Rask becomes acting Commanding Officer of the XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional). He will remain in that position until it is disbanded on March 5, 1944.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15th Air Force again limits operations to reconnaissance flights.

 

Italian Campaign

Predawn enemy attacks make slight penetration, but further efforts during the morning to advance down the Albano road are frustrated. A task Force, under Major General Ernest Harmon, consisting of most of the US 6th Armored Infantry and supporting units, counterattacks, after heavy artillery and air preparation, and gains about 2,000 yards. The 169th Brigade, of the British 56th Division, which has just landed, cannot get ready in time to attack with Harmon’s task force. The British eliminate an enemy pocket formed by an enemy attack during morning. By this time, the enemy has committed his reserves in a fruitless and costly effort to break through and the tide of the battle has turned in favor of US VI Corps.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14th Air Force B-24s, B-25s, and P-40s fly sea sweeps over wide-spread coastal areas from the Formosa Straits to French Indochina, sinking three ships and damaging others, while hitting railroad bridges, trains, and other targets of opportunity near coastal areas.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends a force of over 60 A-36s and P-51s and a few B-25s to attack a variety of targets in Burma, including fuel and supply dumps at Manywet and in the Shaduzup area, the Tonkin-Kansi road and a junction west of Manywet, the Mu River bridge at Ye-u, railroad cars and tracks, locomotives, and river traffic between Monywa and Natyekan and between Alon and Segyi, and rail and road traffic in the Bhamo and Hukawng Valley-Kamaing areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force dispatches 12 B-25s to attack shipping southwest of New Ireland Island, sinking a small freighter and a patrol boat, while damaging other vessels. Meanwhile, seven A-20s hit shipping at Kavieng, New Ireland Island, and single B-24s and B-25s carry out armed reconnaissance over wide areas of the Bismarck Sea.

 

The 5th Air Force moves the 35th Fighter Squadron, with P-40s, from New Guinea, to New Britain Island.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons sends 20 P-40s and over 40 US Navy fighters to escort about 70 US Navy dive bombers in an attack on the Lakunai Airfield, on New Britain Island. Fighter cover shoots down 22 Japanese aircraft. Six B-24s bomb the same target immediately afterward. Elsewhere, 14 B-24s, with P-38 and US Navy fighter escort, hit the Tobera Airfield.

 

The 13th Air Force transfers the 12th Fighter Squadron, with P-38s, from Guadalcanal Island, to Treasury Island, and the 69th Bomb Squadron (Medium), with B-25s, from the Russell Islands, to Stirling Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s pound Ponape and Kusaie islands, while B-25s hit Wotje Atoll, and P-40s bomb and strafe Mille Atoll.

 

Regimental Combat Team 106, of the 27th Division, lands on the lagoon shore of Eniwetok Island, after naval and air bombardment. Two battalion go ashore abreast, with the 1st Battalion on right and the 3rd on the left. Pushing through outposts, assault forces reach the ocean side of island. The 1st Battalion then pivots to the right to secure artillery sites in the southern part of the island. A strong enemy counterattack delays the southward attack. In the afternoon, the 3rd Battalion, of the 22nd Marines, the reserve force, is committed to strengthen the 1st Battalion. The 3rd Battalion, which was to have conducted a holding action, is instead ordered to the north end of island and at 1230 hours starts cautiously northward. Unexpectedly slow progress on Eniwetok forces postponement of the attack on Parry Island, also scheduled for this date.

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Sunday, February 20, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

The 8th Air Force begins "Big Week," attacks on German aircraft plants and airfields. For the first time, over 1,000 bombers are dispatched in a single mission.

 

8th Air Force Mission 226 – This mission targets three areas in Germany with three separate formations. Formation 1: 417 B-17s are dispatched to the Leipzig/Mockau Airfield, and aviation industry targets at Heiterblick and Abnaundorf. 239 hit the primary targets, 37 hit Bernburg, 44 hit Oschersleben and 20 hit other targets of opportunity. Seven B-17s are lost, with 79 men listed as killed or missing. Formation 2: 314 B-17s are dispatched to the Tutow Airfield. 105 hit the primary and immediate area, 76 hit Rostock and 115 hit other targets of opportunity; Six B-17s are lost, with 63 men listed as killed or missing. Formation 3: 272 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Brunswick, Wilhelmtor and Neupetritor. 76 hit the primary, 87 hit Gotha, 13 hit Oschersleben, 58 hit Helmstedt and 10 hit other targets of opportunity. Eight B-24s are lost, with 87 men listed as killed or missing. Formations 1 and 3 are escorted by 8th and 9th Air Force fighters, using 94 P-38s, 668 P-47s and 73 P-51s. They shoot down 61Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose one P-38, two P-47s and a P-51, with four pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, 598 RAF aircraft are sent to Stuttgart. The North Sea sweep and the Munich diversion successfully drew the German fighters up two hours before the main bomber force flew inland. Nine aircraft are lost i combat, with five more crashing in England. Meanwhile, 24 Mosquitos attack airfields in Holland, seven Mosquitos fly a diversionary raid on Munich and seven others fly Serrate patrols. In other action, 28 Stirlings and six Wellingtons lay mines off French ports, losing one Wellington and crew.

 

8th Air Force Mission 227 – During the night, five B-17s drop 200 bundles of leaflets on Tours, Nantes, Brest and Lorient, France.

 

156 RAF aircraft fly a nighttime training exercise across the North Sea as a preliminary feint to the main mission.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

35 B-26s, from the 9th Air Force, bomb the Haamstede Airfield, in the Netherlands, as a target of opportunity, after about 100 B-26s abort attacks on other airfields because of bad weather.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 314th Troop Carrier Group, with C-47s, which arrives in England, from Sicily.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-26s hit troop concentrations along roads in the Vallalta area, of Italy, while B-25s hit dumps and assembly areas at the north edge of the Anzio beachhead, and A-20s bomb a troop and motor transport concentration southeast of Carroceto. Meanwhile, A-36s and P-40s hit troops, trucks and tanks northeast of Carroceto, bomb the town of Fondi, a factory east of Carroceto, the town of Piedimonte, and hit guns and targets of opportunity along the northern line of the beachhead.

 

An Axis attempt to achieve a breakthrough is decisively defeated in the center of the salient created by a counteroffensive and their efforts end.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-24s blast troop concentrations in the Anzio, Italy, beachhead area as the Axis efforts end.

 

The 15th Air Force adds the 461st Bomb Group (Heavy), which arrives in Italy, from the US.

 

Italian Campaign

The US VI Corps decisively defeats the enemy in the center of salient. This ends all Axis efforts to achieve a breakthrough. The enemy is maintaining pressure against flanks of the salient while preparing to renew its offensive.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

Because of bad weather, the 10th Air Force limits operations to a routine patrol over Sumprabum, Burma.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India) 20th Air Force

The 33rd Fighter Group, with P-47s, begins arriving in India, from Italy.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends 38 B-24s to bomb the Alexishafen-Hansa Bay area, in New Guinea, while 18 other B-24s bomb the airfield at Laha, on Ambon Island, and 12 more hit shipping off Kavieng, New Ireland Island.

 

Japanese garrison in the Green Islands is completely destroyed at cost of 10 New Zealanders and three Americans killed.

 

On Rooke Island, Company B, of the 1st Marines, withdraws after an uneventful stay of eight days.

 

The advance echelon headquarters of the 5th Air Force and the headquarters of V Bomber Command move from Port Moresby to Nadzab, New Guinea.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons dispatches 35 B-25s, with fighter escort, to attack the Lakunai Airfield, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, P-39s attack barge traffic, which has greatly increased off southeast and northwest Bougainville Island, sinking 20 of the craft.

 

The 13th Air Force activates the 18th Combat Mapping Squadron, on Espiritu Santo Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends nine B-25s to bomb the airfield at Wotje Atoll, and P-40s to strafe and bomb runways and small vessels at Mille Atoll.

 

While the 3rd Battalion, of the 106th Infantry, works slowly northward on Eniwetok Island , the 3rd Battalion, of the 22nd Marines, assisted by the 1st Battalion, of the 106th Infantry, overcomes resistance in the southern part of the island. The 1st Battalion, of the 106th Infantry, conducts mopping up operations on southern Eniwetok Island. Preparations for an assault on Parry, last of the three big islands of the atoll, continue. Artillery on Eniwetok Island, is registered on Parry and supplements other bombardment. The 2nd Separate Pack Howitzer Battalion is emplaced on Japtan Island, and joins in the bombardment of Parry.

 

Carrier planes of Task Force 58 pound targets on Jaluit Atoll.

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Monday, February 21, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 228 – "Big Week" continues with three areas in Germany targeted in three separate formations:

  • 336 B-17s are dispatched to the Gutersioh, Lippstadt and Werl airfields. Because of thick overcast, 285 hit the airfields at Achmer, Hopsten, Rheine, Diepholz, Quakenbruck and Bramsche and the marshalling yards at Coevorden and Lingen. They shoot down 12 Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose eight B-17s, with 79 men listed as killed or missing.
  • 281 B-17s are sent to the Diepholz Airfield and Brunswick. 175 hit the primaries and 88 hit Hannover and the airfields at Alhorn and Verden. They shoot down two Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose 5ive B-17s, with 77 men listed as killed or missing.
  • 244 B-24s are dispatched to the Achmer and Handorf airfields. 11 hit the Achmer Airfield and 203 hit Lingen and the airfields at Diepholz, Verden and Hesepe. They shoot down five Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose three B-24s, with 34 men listed as killed or missing.

The 8th and9th Air Forces provide an escort of 69 P-38s, 542 P-47s and 68 P-51s. They shoot down 33 Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose two P-47s and three P-51s, with all pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 17 Mosquitos to Duisburg, Stuttgart and two flying-bomb sites. Meanwhile, one other Mosquito goes on Serrate patrol, and 41 aircraft lay mines in the Frisians and off French ports, losing one Stirling and crew.

 

8th Air Force Mission 229 – During the night, five B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rouen, Caen, Paris and Amiens, France.

 

10 RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 18 B-26s to bomb the Coxyde Airfield, in Belgium. Bad weather causes almost 190 aborts. In the afternoon, 185 other aircraft scheduled to attack airfields in the Netherlands, and France, are recalled because of bad weather.

 

The 9th Air Force adds the 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group and the 439th Troop Carrier Group, with C-47s. Both groups arrive in England, from the US.

 

Russian Front

Soviet forces break into outskirts of Krivoi Rog.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb the Orte marshalling yard, and B-26s hit Imperia docks, in Italy. Meanwhile, A-20s pound troop concentrations near Campoleone, along with P-40s and A-36s which also hit a fuel dump, tank and truck concentrations, and gun positions in the area. Fighter-bombers also bomb and block the Itri-Gaeta road.

 

Italian Campaign

The enemy maintains pressure against the shoulders of the salient, especially against US 180th Infantry.

 

During the night, relief of battle-worn US 45th Division begins, as elements of the British 56th Division advance under fire to replace the 2nd Battalion, of the 157th Infantry, which has been isolated west of the Albano Road.

 

General Freyberg, commander of the New Zealand Corps, issues a plan for another assault on Cassino.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches a group of over 50 P-51s and A-36s, with a few B-25s, to Burma. They attack a command post at Shingban, the town of Mohnyin, a bridge at Loilaw, a camp at Shaduzup, two bridges at Namkwin, and warehouses and other buildings at Kawlin and Wuntho. Meanwhile, fighter-bombers attacking a fuel dump at Pin Hmi drop bombs in the wrong area. B-25s, escorted by RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes, score effective hits on a tunnel on the Maungdaw-Buthidaung road.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends about 30 A-20s to attack Madang and the Hansa Bay area, in New Guinea. On New Britain Island, P-39s hit the Raiven Plantation, while over 40 B-24s bomb the Rein Bay and Eleonora Bay areas, and others attack shipping off New Hanover Island.

 

South Pacific Area Air Command North Solomons

15 B-24s, from the 13th Air Force, bomb Lakunai Airfield, on New Britain Island, and four others, with fighter support, attack the airfield at Rapopo. Meanwhile 20 P-38s join US Navy fighters in covering a US Navy dive bomber strikes on Lakunai gun positions. On Bougainville Island, three B-24s bomb the Kara Airfield, while P-39s hit buildings at Tsundawan and in the area south of Tabut, and bomb barges and jetty in the Matchin Bay area.

 

On New Britain Island, the 5th Marines begin working eastward along the northern coast from Natamo toward the Iboki Plantation. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion, in an overland and amphibious operation, seizes Karai-ai, the Japanese supply point near Cape Raoult.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s hit Ponape and Kusaie islands and Jaluit Atoll, and B-25s bomb Maloelap Atoll, while P-40s hit Mille Atoll.

 

The 9th Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-47s, arrives in the Territory of Hawaii, from the US, and join the 7th Air Force.

 

The capture of Eniwetok Island, is completed, but mopping up continues. The 3rd Battalion, of the 106th Infantry, reaches the northern tip at 1630 hours. The 3rd Battalion, of the 22nd Marines, is withdrawn in preparation for the invasion of Parry, which is still under large-scale preliminary bombardment. The plan for capture of Parry is completed and approved.

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Tuesday, February 22, 1944

 

European Theater

The headquarters of the 8th Air Force is redesignated as Headquarters, US Strategic Air Forces (USSTAF). In conjunction with this, the headquarters of the VIII Bomber Command is redesignated as Headquarters, 8th Air Force.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 230 – "Big Week" continues with 799 aircraft dispatched against German aviation and Luftwaffe airfields:

  • 289 B-17s are dispatched against aviation industry targets at Aschersleben, Bernburg and Halberstadt in conjunction with a 15th Air Force raid on Regensburg, Germany. In the mean time, 82 of the B-17s hit Bunde, Wernegerode, Magdeburg, Marburg and other targets of opportunity. They shoot down 32 Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose 38 B-17s, with 402 men listed as killed or missing.
  • 333 B-17s are dispatched to Schweinfurt, but severe weather prevents the aircraft from forming properly and they are forced to abandon the mission prior to crossing the enemy coast.
  • 177 B-24s are dispatched but they are recalled about 100 miles inland. Since they were over Germany, they sought targets of opportunity, but strong winds drove the bombers over the Netherlands, and their bombs hit Enschede, Arnhem, Nijmegen and Deventer. They shoot down 2 Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose three B-24s, with 30 men listed as missing.

The 8th and 9th Air Force provide fighter escorts for these missions, sending 67 P-38s, 535 P-47s, and 57 P-51s. They shoot down 59 Luftwaffe aircraft, but lose eight P-47s and three P-51s, with all 11 pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 21Mosquitos to Stuttgart, Duisburg and Aachen. Meanwhile, 111 other aircraft sent to lay mines off the north German coast are recalled because of bad weather. Nonetheless, two other aircraft fly radio countermeasures and two more fly

Serrate patrols.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 66 B-26s to bomb the Gilze-Rijen Airfield, the Netherlands, as bad weather causes over 100 others to abort.

 

Russian Front

Soviet forces take Krivoi Rog, an important industrial center in the Ukraine.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s bomb the Foligno marshalling yard and the Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, in Italy. Meanwhile, B-26s attack the Albinia Station railroad bridge, A-20s hit the area east of Campoleone. In other action, P-47s strike troops, gun positions, and a road junction north of Carroceto, roads near Roccasecca, and the town of Campoleone, A-36s hit guns northwest of Carroceto and the town of Formia, and P-40s attack guns southeast of Campoleone.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-17s attack the Petershausen marshalling yard and Regensburg aircraft factory, in Germany, and the air depot at Zagreb, Yugoslavia. A large force of B-24s hits Regensburg aircraft plants about the same time as the B-17 attack, while other B-24s pound the town of Sibenik and the harbor at Zara, Yugoslavia. 40 Luftwaffe aircraft are destroyed, but 13 bombers are lost.

 

Italian Campaign

The US 3rd and British 1st Divisions relieve elements of the US 45th Division, on the left flank of US VI Corps.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14th Air Force P-40s, on armed reconnaissance, strafe the airfield at Kengtung, China, and a nearby truck convoy. At Bhamo, Burma, a large river craft is hit and left sinking.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends a force of over 70 B-25s, P-51s, and P-40s to again hit a variety of targets in Burma. Bridges are severely damaged or put out of use at Zawa, Tindeinyan, Ye-u, Namkwin, and Loilaw. Warehouses and supply dumps are hit at Segyi and at Chantha, and the Pahok road and railroad junction are blasted. Also hit are targets of opportunity at Kawlum and along the Walawbum-Kamaing road.

 

General Merrill receives verbal orders for an operation to trap Japanese forces.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force dispatches a group of over 30 B-25s and P-39s to attack the Madang area, of New Guinea. Elsewhere, over 60 B-25s and B-24s pound the Iboki Plantation, on New Britain Island, in support of US Marines advancing on the area from Natamo.

 

Japanese forces appear to be withdrawing aircraft from the southeast area, as US Seventh Fleet destroyers, operating near Rabaul, and others, bombarding Kavieng, meet no air opposition.

 

South Pacific Area

Air Command North Solomons sends 20 P-40s and over 40 US Navy fighters to cover 70 US Navy dive bombers attacking Keravia Bay shipping, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, over 40 B-24s, with fighter escorts, bomb the Lakunai and Keravat Airfields.

 

The 13th Air Force moves the 370th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from Guadalcanal Island, to New Georgia Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

A lone B-24, from the 7th Air Force, bombs Kusaie Island. Meanwhile, eight A-24s and nine P-40s bomb Mille Atoll, and a P-40 launches rockets against airfield targets, in the rocket attack by a 7th Air Force aircraft.

 

Enemy planes make costly and futile efforts to turn back carrier Task Force 58, commanded by Admiral Mitscher, as it is proceeding toward the Marianas.

 

The 1st Battalion, of the 106th Infantry, takes responsibility for the northern part of Eniwetok Island, as well as the southern part. The 3rd Battalion is withdrawn as a floating reserve for the Parry Island operation. The 22nd Marines start landing on Parry at 0900 hours as a three-day preliminary bombardment draws to a close. During the preparatory phase, Parry receives 9,444 tons of naval shells, 245 tons of artillery shells, and 99 tons of bombs. The 22nd Marines lands on the lagoon shore and immediately meets lively resistance. After pushing across to the ocean shore, the 1st Battalion, on the left, turns north and clears the northern part of the island by 1330 hours. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion, which is joined by 3rd Battalion, drives south, and by 1930 hours overwhelms the enemy in the southern part of island, whereupon Parry is declared secure.

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Wednesday, February 23, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 232 – During the night, five B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Rennes, Le Mans, Chartres, Lille and Orleans, France.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 17 Mosquitos to Düsseldorf, while two others fly Serrate patrols. A Mosquito on the Düsseldorf raid was the first Mosquito to drop a 4,000 pound bomb. The Mosquitos of the Light Night Striking Force regularly carried such heavy bombs during the remaining months of the war to targets as far distant as Berlin.

 

Three RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

 

Russian Front

On northern front, southwest of Lake Ilmen, Soviet forces break into the outskirts of Dno.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force P-40s hit a gun position north of Campoleone and patrol the Anzio area. Weather prevents other operations.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15th Air Force B-24s bomb the industrial complex at Steyr, Austria, while other heavy bombers are forced to abort because of bad weather. Combined, the bombers and escorting fighters shoot down over 30 enemy aircraft.

 

Italian Campaign

Continuing limited actions, the enemy wipes out those elements of the British 56th Division that have replaced the US 45th Division in the region west of the Albano road.

 

The US VI Corps is placed under command of General Truscott.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

Four B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, attack two ships in the Gulf of Tonkin, and hit railroad cars and engine shed at the Van Trai Station, in French Indochina. Meanwhile, four P-40s strafe the Lashio Airfield, in Burma.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force sends 14 B-24s to bomb airfields and other targets at Akyab and Dabaing, in Burma. Meanwhile, three B-25s and 12 P-51s hit a radio station at Man Pang, and four other P-51s hit warehouses at Chantha.

 

In Burma, the 65th and 66th Regiments, of the Chinese 22nd Division, jointly occupy Yawngbang, but too late to block the retreat of enemy forces. Elsewhere, after determined, but fruitless efforts, to overrun the Indian 7th Division at Sinzweya, Japanese forces begin to withdraw.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends a group of about 50 A-20s and B-24s to attack the airfield, buildings, and anti-aircraft positions in the Wewak area, of New Guinea.

 

Low-level aerial reconnaissance of the Admiralty Islands evokes no Japanese reaction.

 

The 5th Air Force moves the 80th Fighter Squadron from New Guinea to New Britain Island.

 

South Pacific Area Air Command North Solomons

Four B-24s, from the 13th Air Force, on armed reconnaissance, strafe the Cape Saint George area, on New Ireland Island, and bomb buildings and the pier at Labur Bay, while four other B-24s attack bivouacs in the upper Saua River area. Elsewhere, on New Britain Island, nine B-25s, with US Navy fighter support, bomb the Vunakanau Airfield, 10 other B-25s hit the Keravat Airfield, and 16 P-38s dive-bomb the Wunapope supply area and attack the town of Rabaul. This is the first P-38 bombing raid on the Rabaul area. P-38s, now free from the constant responsibility of guarding bombers against interceptors, will continue to dive-bomb the Rabaul area through April. During the latter part of this campaign against the famed Japanese garrison, which is to be bypassed by Allied ground forces, P-39s will add their strength due to the completion of an airstrip on Nissan Island, in the Green Islands. By April 20 only 120 of 1,400 buildings in Rabaul will still be standing.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s bomb Mille Atoll, and destroy two small boats by strafing. Meanwhile, B-25s hit Taroa Island, in the Maloelap Atoll., and B-24s bomb Kusaie and Ponape islands and the Jaluit Atoll.

 

Carrier planes of Task Force 58 attack enemy positions, in the Marianas, as planned, damaging shipping and destroying a number of aircraft on the ground and aloft.

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Thursday, February 24, 1944

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 237 – 81 B-24s hit the Ecalles sur Buchy V-weapon sites. Escort is provided by 61 P-47s.

 

8th Air Force Mission 238 – 258 B-17s are dispatched against V-weapon sites in the Pas de Calais. 109 hit the primary target, 10 hit a road junction east of Yerville, seven hit a rail siding southwest of Abbeville and six hit targets of opportunity. Seven B-17s are lost, with 63 men listed as missing. Escort is provided by 81 P-38s, 94 P-47s and 22 P-51s.

 

During the night, 734 RAF aircraft carry out the first Bomber Command raid on Schweinfurt, home of Germany's main ball-bearing factories. Bomber Command introduces a novel tactic by splitting the Schweinfurt force into two parts, of 392 aircraft and 342 aircraft, separated by a two-hour interval. Part of the German fighter force is drawn up by earlier diversions. The first wave of the Schweinfurt bombers lose 22 aircraft, and the second wave loses 11 aircraft. Meanwhile, 60 Halifaxes and 50 Stirlings lay mines in Kiel Bay and the Kattegat, and five Wellingtons lay mines off Lorient. In other action, 15 Mosquitos attack airfields in Holland, eight Mosquitos bomb Kiel and seven more hit Aachen, while 12 others fly Serrate patrols. Two Stirlings are lost from the minelaying operation and one Serrate Mosquito is lost, marking the first Serrate aircraft to be lost under Bomber Command control.

8th Air Force Mission 239 – During the night, five B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Amiens, Rennes, Paris, Rouen and Le Mans, France.

 

179 RAF aircraft fly a nighttime training missions, by flying a diversionary sweep over the North Sea.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 180 B-26s to attack NOBALL (V-weapon) targets and Rosieres-en-Santerre, France. Bad weather makes bombing difficult and causes 34 other B-26s to abort.

 

Russian Front

Troops of Second Baltic Front, assisted by troops of the Leningrad Front, overrun Dno. In a new offensive begun a few days ago by First White Russian Front forces, the enemy bridgehead on left bank of the Dnieper, south of Vitebsk, is reduced, and Rogachev, north of Zhlobin, is overrun.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force B-25s attack the Canino landing ground, in Italy, but clouds prevent accurate bombing and most bombs fall west and southwest of the main target area. Meanwhile, A-36s attack airfields at Littoria, Guidonia and Marciglialia. Elsewhere, P-47s hit motor vessels and tug off ubrovnik, Yugoslavia, and targets of opportunity inland.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

Six P-40s, on armed reconnaissance from the 14th Air Force, strafe the airfield at Myitkyina, Burma.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches six B-25s to attack bridges and trains between Pintha and Kinu, Burma, destroying one bridge and several boxcars. Meanwhile, 13 B-24s bomb the marshalling yard at Mandalay, and targets of opportunity at Akyab, Monywa, and Pakokku. P-51s, A-36s and P-40s attack bridges, radio stations, supply dumps, bivouacs, troop concentrations, railroad by-passes, anti-aircraft positions, and other targets at Seton, Sinkan, Ye-u, Kawlin, Loilaw, Namkwin, Shaduzup, and the Mogaung-Kamaing area.

 

The US 5307th Provisional Unit (Marauders) starts from Ningbyen on an expedition to harass the Japanese forces in the Hukawng Valley. The ultimate goal is to connect up with Chinese forces and capture the Myitkyina airfield. Elsewhere, elements of the Indian 7th Division, of the British XV Corps, pushing over Ngakyedauk Pass, make contact with elements of Indian 5th Division.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5th Air Force sends 23 B-24s and 39 A-20s to attack the Hansa Bay area, of New Guinea. Nearly 20 other B-24s bomb the Nubia and Awar airfields. In preparation for the Allied landing, a force of over 50 B-25s and B-24s pound Momote, on Los Negros Island, Lorengau, on Manus Island, and other targets in the Admiralty Islands.

 

The 5th Air Force moves the 80th Fighter Squadron, flying P-38s, from New Guinea to New Britain Island.

 

US patrols from Saidor reach Biliau at Cape Iris, New Guinea.

 

Since aerial reconnaissance conducted on the 23rd was unopposed, General MacArthur orders the Admiralties to be reconnoitered, in force, by ground forces, not later than February 29,.

 

South Pacific Area 13th Air Force

Air Command North Solomons sends 22 B-25s, with fighter escort, to bomb Rabaul, on New Britain Island. Nine minutes later 12 P-38s glide-bomb Rabaul. Two minutes later 11 B-24s pound the same target. Meanwhile, six other B-24s bomb Rapopo, P-40s and US Navy fighters escort US Navy dive bombers in a strike on Wunapope, and P-39s attack Monoitu Mission.

 

The 13th Air Force moves the 394th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from Guadalcanal Island, to New Georgia Island.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s strafe and bomb the runway and radio installation on Mille Atoll, while B-25s pound the airfield on Wotje Atoll.

 

Alaska Theater

The 11th Air Force sends three B-24s, from Shemya Island, to search for enemy shipping. One B-24 crashes during takeoff, and the others find nothing.

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Friday, February 25, 1944

 

London

Prime Minister Churchill assures President Roosevelt that the upper Burma campaign will not be curtailed for the sake of Operation CULVERIN, a plan for an assault on Sumatra, or any other amphibious operation. The subject of a new Southeast Asia Command (SEAC) directive is under consideration by Allied planners.

 

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8th Air Force Mission 235 – In the final "Big Week" mission, four targets in Germany are hit:

  • 268 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Augsburg and the industrial area at Stuttgart. 196 hit Augsburg and targets of opportunity and 50 hit Stuttgart, losing aircraft, losing 13 B-17s, with 130 men listed as missing.
  • 290 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Regensburg and targets of opportunity, losing; 12 B-17s, with 114 men listed as killed or missing.
  • 196 B-24s hit aviation industry targets at Furth and targets of opportunity, losing six B-24s, with 61 men listed as missing.

Combined, the bombers shoot down 23 Luftwaffe aircraft. The 8th and 9th Air Forces provide fighter escort consisting of 73 P-38s, 687 P-47s and 139 P-51s. They shoot down 26 aircraft, but lose one P-47 and two P-51s, with all three pilots listed as missing.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 594 aircraft on the first large raid to Augsburg. The various diversions and the splitting of the main bomber force into two waves again reduced casualties. 21 aircraft and crews are lost, with at least four of these due to collision. The bombing at Augsburg was outstandingly successful, with clear weather conditions and against a “virgin” target with weak flak defenses. The mission became controversial because the beautiful center of Augsburg was completely destroyed by high explosives and fire. The ground temperature was about zero degrees Fahrenheit, and the River Lech was frozen over, leading to many of the water hoses also freezing. The Germans publicized it as an extreme example of 'terror bombing'. Meanwhile, 22 Mosquitos attack airfields in the Netherlands, and 15 other Mosquitos fly diversionary raids to four towns north of the Augsburg routes. In other action, five aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties, 10 others fly Serrate patrols, and 131 aircraft lay mines in Kiel Bay, losing three Halifaxes and one Stirling.

 

8th Air Force Mission 236 – During the night, five B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Grenoble, Toulouse, Chartres, Caen and Raismes, France.

 

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9th Air Force sends 191 B-26s to bomb the Venlo, Saint-Trond, and Cambrai/Epinoy airfields, in France, in a morning raid, as a diversion in support of the VIII BC heavy bombers over Germany. 36 abort, mainly because of a navigational error. Meanwhile, 164 B-26s dispatched to military targets, in France, during the afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.

 

Major General Paul Williams becomes Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command.

 

Russian Front

The first echelon of US personnel for Operation FRANTIC missions, enters the USSR via the Persian Gulf Command. FRANTIC is the US Army Air Force shuttle-bombing of Axis controlled Europe, from bases in the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Soviet Union,

 

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12th Air Force P-40s attack guns and troop concentrations east of Campoleone and in the Carroceto area, of Italy. Meanwhile, A-36s bomb the towns of Terracina and Sperlonga, and roads in the area, while P-40s maintaining patrols over Anzio.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

Continuing coordinated attacks with the 8th Air Force on European targets, 15th Air Force B-17s, with fighter escort, pound the Regensburg aircraft factory, under heavy enemy fighter opposition. Elsewhere, other B-17s hit the air depot at Klagenfurt, Austria, and the dock area at Pola, Italy. Meanwhile, B-24s attack the Fiume, Italy, marshalling yard and port, hit the Zell-am-See railroad, in Austria, and the Graz Airfield and the port area at Zara, Yugoslavia. Over 30 US aircraft are lost, with over 90 enemy fighters are shot down. The losses are about one-fifth of the 15th Air Force’s attacking forces.

 

Italian Campaign

The 18th Brigade, of the British 1st Division, arrives to bolster that badly depleted division. The British 56th Division is also greatly under strength.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force sends 16 P-40s to attack docks, railroad yards and warehouses at Hongay, in French Indochina, sinking one large boat and damaging another. Meanwhile, two more P-40s hit a cargo vessel at Campha Port, leaving it sinking, and two others bomb and strafe Weichow Island.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches eight B-25s and four P-51s to attack bridges at Meza, Sinthe, and Natmauk, Burma, causing light damage to the bridges and destroying three locomotives and several railroad cars.

 

On the ground in Burma, the US 5307th Provisional Unit makes contact with enemy patrols. Elsewhere, the 81st West African Division takes Kyauktaw, in the Kaladan valley.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 91st Fighter Squadron, of the 81st Fighter Group, arrives in India, from Italy.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

5th Air Force B-25s pound Lorengau, on Manus Island, the Alexishafen-Madang areas, in New Guinea, and the Momote Airfield, on Los Negros Island. Meanwhile, A-20s bomb airfields at Alexishafen, New Guinea.

 

On New Britain, the 2nd Battalion, of the 5th Marines, lands at the Iboki Plantation without opposition.

 

The 5th Air Force adds the 85th Fighter Wing, which arrives in New Guinea, from the US.

 

South Pacific Area

13th Air Force P-39s, on armed reconnaissance over New Britain Island, bomb an anti-aircraft position at Monoitu, hit the Aitara area, and attack a barge in the Cape Gazelle area. Meanwhile, over 20 B-25s hit Matupi and Rapopo, while 21 B-24s and 17 P-38s follow shortly with another strike on Rapopo.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force P-40s bomb and strafe targets at Jaluit Atoll, while B-25s hit Mille and Wotje atolls, and B-24s pound Ponape Island.

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