WWII - 70 Years Ago

1,138 · March 22, 2014

Wednesday, March 22, 1944

London

The British Chiefs of Staff recommend that plans for Operation ANVIL, the invasion of southern France, be dropped. This would insure a greater effort in Italy. Americans disagree, holding out firmly for ANVIL despite problems of acquiring sufficient shipping for it.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 273 – 474 B-17s and 214 B-24s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry plants at Oranienburg and Basdorf, Germany, but extreme cloud cover prevents an attack. The bombers hit the secondary target, Berlin, and targets of opportunity. They also drop over six million leaflets. Seven B-17s and five B-24s are lost, with 135 men listed as missing. The 8^th and 9^th Air Forces provide fighter escort, consisting of 125 P-38s, 496 P-47s and 196 P-51s. There is no air combat, but one Luftwaffe aircraft is destroyed on the ground. Three P-38s, five P-47s and four P-51s are lost, with all 12 pilots listed as missing.

During the night, the RAF sends 816 aircraft to attack Frankfurt, Germany. An indirect route is employed, crossing the Dutch coast north of the Zuider Zee, then flying almost due south to Frankfurt. This, and the Kiel minelaying diversion, confuse the Germans for some time, causing them to forecast Hannover as the main target. Only a few fighters eventually found the bomber stream. 33 aircraft and crews are lost. The marking and bombing are accurate and Frankfurt suffers another heavy blow. The city's records show that the damage is even more severe than in the raid carried out on March 18. Half of the city is left without gas, water and electricity “for a long period.” All parts of the city are hit, but the greatest weight of the attack falls in the western districts. The report particularly mentions severe damage to the industrial areas along the main road to Mainz. In other action, 20 Mosquitos bomb night-fighter airfields, 128 Halifaxes and 18 Stirlings lay mines in Kiel Bay and off Denmark, 22 Mosquitos fly harassing raids to Berlin,

Dortmund, Hannover and Oberhausen, 16 more fly radio countermeasure sorties, and 16 others fly Serrate patrols. One Halifax minelayer and its crew are lost.

8^th Air Force Mission 274 – During the night, six B-17s drop 263 bundles of leaflets on Paris, France, and The Hague, Amsterdam and Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands.

During the night, 20 RAF Wellingtons fly nighttime training missions, dropping leaflets over France.

Russian Front
Pervomaisk falls to Soviet forces.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-26s attack the Poggibonsi railroad bridge and viaduct west of Arezzo, in Italy, while B-25s hit a road bridge near Poggibonsi, and P-40s bomb guns positions in the Avezzano and Pico areas. Meanwhile other P-40s, on patrols over Anzio and Cassino, shoot down two enemy fighters.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends around 100 B-17s to bomb the marshalling yards at Verona, Italy, while about 100 B-24s hit marshalling yards at Bologna and Rimini. P-38s and P-47s provide cover for all the missions. Two bombers are lost to flak and another has to ditch.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force dispatches four B-25s from Yangkai, China, to attack several targets in and around Phu Dien Chau, Ha Trung, Dong Giao and Nam Dinh, in French Indochina. They destroy three locomotives and damage another, damage three 125 foot steamers, and a bridge Roadbed. One B-25 is lost.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends over 100 fighters and fighter-bombers over the Mogaung Valley, to attack troops, storage, and other targets. Meanwhile, a group of over 20 P-51s and B-25s carry out ground support missions in the Mawlu area near Katha, and P-38s damage railroad bridges and several trucks at Pyinmana.

On the ground in Burma, the 1^st Battalion of the 5307^th Unit finds Japanese forces blocking trails, so is forced to cut another. Additional elements of Wingate’s Special Force are being flown to central Burma.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The Japanese offensive into India, in the IV Corps sector, has reached serious proportions, penetrating to 30 miles east of Imphal.

The 92^nd Fighter Squadron arrives in India, from Italy. They will be equipped with P-47s.

Southwest Pacific Area

A force of over 130 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-40s, from the 5^th Air Force, attack the Wewak area, in New Guinea, hitting enemy positions, anti-aircraft guns, storage areas at Wewak, Boram, and Yeschan and hitting shipping offshore. A Japanese headquarters and troops are hit by 25 other aircraft in the Aitape-Tadji area. Meanwhile, P-47s hit barges at Alexishafen while P-39s hit a headquarters and supply dump along the Bogadjim Road and A-20s hit barges near the Pondo Plantation and hit Ewasse village.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends over 30 fighter-bombers to attack a supply area along the Laruma River, on Bougainville Island, while a total of 13 B-24s carry out small strikes against Buka, Monoitu, Kahili, and Kara. On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s pound Lakunai Airfield, 10 B-24s bomb Tobera, and a single B-24 hits Rabaul.

Central Pacific Area

The 7^th Air Force dispatches B-25s, from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll, to bomb Mille and Jaluit Atolls.

The 7^th Air Force moves the 38^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying B-24s, from Makin Island, back to their base on Kwajalein Atoll.

1,138 · March 23, 2014

Thursday, March 23, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 275 – 524 B-17s and 244 B-24s are dispatched to attack airfields in western Germany and aircraft factories in the Brunswick area:

· 205 B-17s hit Brunswick and three hit targets of opportunity, losing 16 B-17s,with 161 men listed as killed or missing.

· 47 B-17s hit the secondary target at Munster, 83 hit Hamm, 67 hit Ahlen and 19 hit Neubeckum, losing six B-17s, with 62 men listed as killed or missing.

· 68 B-24s hit the primary target, the Handorf Airfield, while 36 hit Achmer City, 21 hit Achmer Airfield, 12 hit Munster, 52 hit Osnabruck and 14 hit other targets of opportunity. Six B-24s are lost, with 59 men listed a killed or missing.

The 8^th and 9^th Air Forces provide fighter escort, consisting of 119 P-38s, 539 P-47s and 183 P-51s. 22 Luftwaffe aircraft are shot down and two more are destroyed on the ground, but four P-51s are lost and the pilots are listed as missing.

During the night , the RAF sends 143 aircraft to Laon, France. Losing two Halifaxes and crews. The weather in the target area is clear, but the Master Bomber orders the attack to be stopped after 72 aircraft completed their bomb run. The local report states that about half of the bombs hit the railway yards but the remainder are scattered away from the target. Meanwhile, 20 Lancasters bomb an aircraft engine factory near Lyons. In other activity, 13 Mosquitos attack Dortmund and two more hit Oberhausen, five fly radio countermeasure sorties, for fly Serrate patrols, and two Stirlings lay mines off Brittany.

8^th Air Force Mission 276 – During the night, five B-17s drop 262 bundles of leaflets on Grenoble, Vichy, Lyon, Toulouse and Limoges, in France.

Six RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force sends 220 B-26s on a morning mission to bomb the Creil marshalling yard and airfields at Beaumont-le-Roger and Beauvais/Tille, all in France. In an afternoon raid, 146 bomb the Haine-Saint-Pierre marshalling yard.

The 9^th Air Force adds the 31^st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, with F-5s, which arrives in England, from the US.

Russian Front
Troops of the First Ukrainian Front achieve a breakthrough east of Tarnopol and almost complete the circle around Tarnopol.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-26s bomb the Florence/Campo di Marte marshalling yard, in Italy, while B-25s hit the Pontassieve railway bridge and its approaches. Meanwhile, P-40s attack guns in the Cassino-Esperia area, causing many fires and explosions, and A-36s bomb the Cassino area with good results;

Italian Campaign

The New Zealand Corps breaks off its attack on Cassino.

The Germans are forced into a narrow zone on the western edge of the town, but still hold positions commanding Cassino, including the monastery.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14^th Air Force B-25s, on a railroad sweep north from Vinh, in French Indochina, destroy two engines and several boxcars at the Van Trai Station yards and attack three bridges between Vinh and Thanh Hoa.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends 12 B-24s and 10 P-38s to bomb Kalewa, and nine B-25s to attack Kaing and Shwebo, in the Chin Hills region of Burma. In the Katha area, 12 P-51s bomb Naba Station, while 12 others join nine B-25s in attacking ammunition and gas dumps at Indaw. Meanwhile, four P-40s bomb stores at Kamaing, while over 30 other fighters fly armed reconnaissance over the Mogaung Valley, and 12 B-24s pound the Moulmein jetty and attack Moulmein-Bangkok railroad targets, destroying two bridges, damaging several others, and scoring effective hits on two trains.

In Burma, US forces of the 5307^th Unit arrive in position to block Kamaing Road in Inkangahtawng, although the 1^st Battalion is still far behind. Patrols find the enemy entrenched at Inkangahtawng. Flanking forces of 64^th Infantry, of the Chinese 22^nd Division, join the 66^th Infantry.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force dispatches a force of nearly 100 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-47s to attack numerous targets in the Aitape, Wewak, Alexishafen, and Hansa Bay areas, in New Guinea, while B-24s bomb Babo. On New Britain Island, 29 P-40s attack Talasea and nearby bivouacs, including Gogosi.

On Bougainville Island, the Japanese begin a general assault against the 129^th Infantry, of the 37^th Division, after dark. Counter attack preparation by US artillery makes the attack largely ineffective, but the enemy achieves a small penetration.

US Navy destroyers bombard Eloaue, a small island off the southwestern coast of Mussau, where a patrol from Emirau has discovered that Japanese are operating a small seaplane base.

During the night, B-24s attack shipping in the Bismarck Sea.

ALAMO Force Field Order 12 gives General Eichelberger’s I Corps responsibility for ground operations at Hollandia. The corps is designated Task Force RECKLESS and is to include the 24^th and 41^st Divisions. Task Force PERSECUTION is organized under Brigadier General Jens Doe, Assistant Division Commander of the 1^st Division, and is to establish an air base at Aitape.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 14 P-38s to bomb targets of opportunity at Komaleai Point, on Bougainville Island, while 24 B-25s hit the Buka area, of Buka Island, after weather prevented scheduled attacks on Rabaul. On New Britain Island, fighters fly sweeps over Rabaul and other areas, and 12 P-40s bomb fuel dump at Keravia Bay, while 24 B-24s are dispatched to plow through the bad weather and bomb the Ratawul supply area.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, from Kwajalein Atoll, bomb Wake Island, while B-25s, flying out of Eniwetok Atoll, hit Ponape Island. Meanwhile, Tarawa Atoll-based B-25s strike Maloelap and Jaluit atolls, commencing a series of B-25 shuttle-missions between Tarawa or Makin Island and the US Navy's new base at Majuro Atoll, which is used as the rearming base for the return strike.

Alaska Theater

The 11^th Air Force moves a detachment of the 11^th Fighter Squadron, with P-40s and P-38s, from its base on Adak Island, to Amchitka Island.

1,138 · March 24, 2014

Friday, March 24, 1944

Atlantic Theater (Caribbean)

The 6^th Air Force orders the 25^th Bomb Group (Medium) and the 417^th Bomb Squadron (Medium), both based in Puerto Rico, back to the US.

European Theater

It is decided not to mount Operation ANVIL, the invasion of southern France, and Operation OVERLORD, the invasion of the European continent through northern France, simultaneously as planned. The ANVIL target date is tentatively set at July 10.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 277 – The mission is organized into two raids, with the B-17 targeting Schweinfurt, Germany, and the B-24 targeting the airfields at Metz and Nancy, France. 230 B-17s are dispatched, with 60 hitting Schweinfurt, using blind bombing equipment, and 162 hitting the Frankfurt/Main marshalling yard, which had been bnombed by the RAF on March 22. 206 B-24s are dispatched, but their primaries are overcast and 148 hit the secondary target of the St. Diziere Airfield, and 33 hit the Nancy/Essey Airfield. The 8^th And 9^th Air Force provides the fighter escort consisting of 84 P-38s, 301 P-47s and 155 P-51s, which shoot down one enemy aircraft and destroy two more on the ground. Three B-17s, two P-38s and three P-51s are lost with 48 men listed as killed or missing.

During the night, 811 RAF aircraft bomb Berlin, losing 72 aircraft and crews. This night became known in Bomber Command as “the night of the strong winds.” A powerful wind from the north carries the bombers south at every stage of the flight. Not only is this wind not forecast accurately but it is so strong that the various methods available to warn crews of wind changes during the flight failed to detect the full strength of it. The bomber stream becomes very scattered, particularly on the homeward flight and radar-predicted flak batteries at many places are able to score successes. Part of the bomber force even strays over the Ruhr defenses on the return flight. It is believed that approximately 50 of the 72 aircraft lost are destroyed by flak. Most of the remainder are victims of night fighters. This is the last major RAF raid on Berlin during the war, although the city is bombed many times by small forces of Mosquitos. In other action, 27 Mosquitos bomb night-fighter airfields and 15 Mosquitos bomb Duisburg, Kiel and

Münster. Four other aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties, 10 more fly Serrate patrols, losing one Mosquito and crew, and nine aircraft drop supplies to the resistance.

8^th Air Force Mission 278 – During the night, five B-17s drop 250 bundles of leaflets on Tours and Lorient, France, and on Charleroi, Brussels and Antwerp, in Belgium.

147 RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties, in a diversionary sweep west of Paris.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s pound supply and bivouac areas in Piedimonte and Castrocielo and harbor installations at Leghorn, in Italy, while B-25s hit bridge and railroad tracks northwest of Orvieto, and A-20s bomb guns in the Cassino area. In other action, P-40s and A-36s in the Cassino area hit guns, troop concentrations, road, and the causeway, and P-47s, on armed reconnaissance in the Rome-Orvieto-Orte areas, hit a train and a bridge.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 11^th Troop Carrier Squadron, flying C-47s, from Sicily, to Italy.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends over 100 B-24s to bomb the Rimini marshalling yard, in Italy, while 32 others attack Ancona, Senigallia and rail and road bridges over the Vomano River south of Giulianova. Meanwhile, a force of over 200 B-17s and B-24s turn back before reaching their target and before they rendezvous with the fighter escorts. Elsewhere, three B-17s and a B-24 hit targets of opportunity in Italy, and Yugoslavia. For the day, the bombers shoot down 10 enemy fighters, but lose six B-24s and their crews.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force dispatches 12 B-24s and 10 P-38s bomb a dump at Pyingaing, near Mandalay, Burma. Meanwhile, nine B-25s hit the Shwebo railroad yards and a nearby factory, and eight P-51s attack the Gokteik Viaduct, while four P-40s bomb Japanese positions near Shaduzup.

On the ground in Burma, the US 5307^th Unit attempts to envelop Inkangahtawng but finds it too strongly held. The Japanese strongly oppose efforts to block the Kamaing Road in this region. Learning that an enemy force is moving to outflank them, the 2^nd Battalion withdraws to the Manpin area. The 3^rd Battalion then pulls back to Ngahgahtawng to bivouac.

In British Fourteenth Army area, to avert an enemy threat on the central front, preparations are made to bring in XXXIII Corps and commit it in the Dimapur–Kohima area, to the north of IV Corps. The British 2^nd Division starts heading to this region.

Major General Wingate, commander of Special Force (the Indian 3^rd Division), is killed in a plane crash while flying from Imphal to Lalaghat. Brigadier W. D. A. Lentaigne succeeds him as commander of the Chindits.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force P-39s and P-40s hit Alexishafen, in New Guinea, with a dive bombing and strafing attack at midday. A single B-24 bombs nearby Sek Island, while other B-24s, on armed reconnaissance, score a hit on a minesweeper. Organized Japanese resistance ends on Los Negros and Bougainville Islands, although considerable time will be required for mopping-up operations.

On Bougainville, Island, the Japanese try in vain to gain further ground and are decisively defeated during their counterattack. This is the last enemy offensive in the Solomons, although skirmishes continue sporadically during April and May. The Beachhead perimeter is subsequently expanded slightly.

On Los Negros, the 1^st Squadron, of the 5^th Cavalry, and 2^nd Squadron, of the 12^th, begin a coordinated westward attack from Hill 260, after a brief artillery preparation. They succeed in gaining their objective. This is the last big action on Los Negros, although considerable time is required to mop up isolated parties.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends over 20 B-25s to attack the airstrip at Tobera. A few aircraft, which lost contact with the formation, bomb Vunakanau instead. In other action, a group of over 30 P-38s, P-39s, and P-40s hit Wunapope with incendiary clusters, causing numerous fires.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, bomb Jaluit, while others, flying out of Eniwetok Atoll, hit Ponape Island and Ant Island, in the Caroline Islands.

Alaska Theater

The 11^th Air Force sends three B-24s on a photographic mission over Onnekotan Island.

1,138 · March 25, 2014

Saturday, March 25, 1944

Washington, D.C.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff approve the liquidation of South Pacific (SOPAC) forces and the transfer of units to the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) and the Pacific Ocean Area (POA). The XIV Corps headquarters and corps troops, along with the 25^th, 37^th, 40^th, 43^rd, 93^rd, and Americal Divisions are transferred to SWPA. The I Marine Amphibious Corps (IMAC), along with corps troops and the 1^st and 3^rd Marine Divisions are moved to POA. SWPA receives the 13^th Air Force as well as Navy and Marine air units and reinforcements for its Seventh Fleet. It will take several months before all of the movement is complete.

Atlantic Theater (Caribbean)

The 6^th Air Force moves the 29^th Fighter Squadron from Panama, and the 31^st Fighter Squadron, from the Canal Zone, to the US.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

During the night 192 RAF aircraft attack railway yards at Aulnoye, in France. Meanwhile, 22 Lancasters hit an aircraft engine factory at Lyons, 10 Mosquitos attack Berlin, with two more hitting Hamm. In other action, seven Mosquitos fly Serrate patrols, and 14 Stirlings lay mines in Brittany to the Frisians.

Five other RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force sends over 140 B-26s to attack the marshalling yard at Hirson, France.

Russian Front
Proskurov falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

Weather severely curtails operations, however, in Italy, B-26s bomb the Leghorn dockyard and the town of Rignano sull'Amo, while P-40 fighter-bombers attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead battle area, and fighters fly cover over the Anzio and Cassino areas.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 28^th Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-47s, from Sicily to Brindisi, Italy.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

In China, six 14^th Air Force B-24s bomb a motor pool and fuel dump at Mangshih, demolishing a sizeable portion of the target area.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force dispatches eight B-24s to attack the Mogaung supply dumps, in Burma, causing fires and much smoke. Meanwhile, 12 P-40s bomb the Kamaing area.

A Japanese aircraft force, of five medium bombers and 30 fighters, attack Allied airstrips at Chittagong and Cox's Bazaar, in India, and Anisakan, in Burma. 10^th Air Force and RAF interceptors shoot down seven aircraft.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends a force of over 100 B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s to continue pounding the Wewak area, in New Guinea. They destroy supply dumps along the coast from Wewak Point to the airfield, a fuel dump west of Boram, and targets along the Sauri road and in the Cape Wom area. In other action, other A-20s attack the coastal area around Bunabun Harbor, and B-24s bomb the Babo-Urarom area. On New Britain Island, P-40s attack a Japanese headquarters at Cape Hoskins. On Manus Island, the last major battle takes place, as isolated enemy positions remain to be eliminated.

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

On Manus Island, organized fighting ends as the 2^nd Cavalry Brigade completes clearing No. 2 Road to Rossum. Air strikes, artillery, bazookas, flame throwers, and tanks are employed during the battle. Small enemy groups remain to be located and eliminated.

In New Guinea, the Japanese withdraw their air headquarters from Wewak, and relocate it in Hollandia.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 23 B-25s to attack the Ratawul supply area, on New Britain Island, while 34 fighter-bombers hit the Keravia Bay fuel stores. On Bougainville Island, over 20 fighter-bombers hit a Miwo River bridge and nearby bivouac area and bomb a truck park west of the Omoi River.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Eniwetok Atoll, pound Ponape Island, and shoot down four fighters, while more B-25s, from Abemama Island, bomb Maloelap Atoll.

The Advanced Headquarters 7^th Air Force, located in the Tarawa Atoll, is disbanded and the 7^th Air Force’s operations in the Central Pacific forward area are placed under the VII Bomber Command, at Kwajalein Atoll.

The headquarters of the VII Bomber Command moves from Tarawa Atoll, to Kwajalein Atoll.

North Pacific Area

The 11^th Air Force dispatches two B-24s, from Shemya Island, to bomb Kurabu Cape and the north coast of Onnekotan Island.

1,138 · March 26, 2014

Sunday, March 26, 1944

European Theater

General Eisenhower approves a plan to isolate the invasion area by air attacks on the transportation system, particularly rail centers and facilities.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 280 – V-weapon sites in France are hit. 243 B-17s and 185 B-24s are dispatched to nine sites in the Pas de Calais area, losing four B-17s and one B-24, with 52 men listed as killed or missing. Meanwhile, 145 B-17s hit seven sites in the Cherbourg area. Escort is provided by 266 P-47s, losing one fighter, with the pilot listed as missing.

8^th Air Force Mission 281 – During the night, six B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Caen, Rennes, Amiens, Paris and Rouen, France.

During the night, the RAF attacks Essen, Germany, with 705 aircraft. The sudden switch by Bomber Command to a Ruhr target just across the German frontier caught the German fighter controllers by surprise and only nine aircraft and crews are lost, Meanwhile, 109 other aircraft attack railway targets at Courtrai, Belgium, 22 Mosquitos are sent to Hannover, three to Aachen and three more to Julianadorp. Eight Mosquitos fly radio countermeasure sorties, 13 more fly Serrate patrols, 20 Stirlings lay mines off French ports, and for other aircraft fly resistance operations.

12 other RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force dispatches 338 B-26s and 35 A-20s to attack the Ijmuiden torpedo-boat pens, in the Netherlands. In France, a group of nearly 140 P-47s and P-51s dive-bomb the Creil marshalling yard and other military installations.

Russian Front
Forces of the Second Ukrainian Front reach the Prut River on a 53 mile front. Enemy troops in the Kamenets-Podolsk and Tarnopol areas are enveloped.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force operations are at a minimum as bad weather continues. However, in Italy, B-26s score numerous hits on Arezzo viaducts, B-25s attack the Perugia railway bridge, scoring near misses, and A-20s successfully bomb troop concentrations north of Velletri. In fighter action, P-47s achieve direct hits on a railway bridge northwest of Stimigliano and near misses on a railway bridge southwest of Tarquinia, and P-40s hit guns near Fontana Liri and north of the Anzio beachhead with good results.

The 60^th Troop Carrier Group moves from Sicily, to Brindisi, Italy.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends a force of over 60 B-17s and B-24s to targets in Italy. The B-17s bomb the Fiume docks and shipping, while the B-24s hit the Maniago landing ground, the Udine air depot and the Rimini marshalling yard. P-47s and P-38s provide escort. Meanwhile, over 150 other B-17s and B-24s abort missions because of bad weather.

Italian Campaign

Extensive Allied regrouping is in progress and the inter-army boundary is redefined. The US Fifth Army retains control of British X Corps. The British Eighth Army takes over sectors of the French Expeditionary Force (FEC) and the New Zealand Corps. The New Zealand Corps is disbanded and its components pass to the command of the British XIII Corps, which then consists of the 2^nd New Zealand, the Indian 4^th, the 3^rd Algerian, the British 78^th, and the British 4^th Divisions. The Polish 2 Corps takes responsibility for a sector of the 2^nd Moroccan Division. British V Corps assumes charge of the area from Palena to the Adriatic coast.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force dispatches four B-25s to attack the Bakli Bay area on Hainan Island. They sink two merchant vessels and damage the railroad tracks and loading equipment. Meanwhile, four P-40s, on a sweep of the northern coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, sink an ore boat and damage four 4 barges.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, three B-24s and three B-25s, from the 10 th Air Force, bomb troops along the Imphal-Tiddim road near Chindwin, while over 70 fighter-bombers and a lone B-25 attack targets in the Mogaung Valley area, including airfields at Manywet and Myitkyina, and bridges, roads, railroads and targets of opportunity at Mogaung, Kamaing and Myitkyina. Meanwhile, in the Katha area eight P-51s and three B-25s hit a Japanese bivouac northeast of Bhamo and destroy six warehouses at Nankan.

On the ground in Burma, Japanese troops moving north from Kamaing are harassed by aircraft. The 2^nd Battalion and elements of the 3^rd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, start from Manpin toward Nhpum Ga, to block the enemy force moving north. An Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon delays the Japanese at points between Manpin and Nhpum Ga. The 65^th Regiment, of the Chinese 22^nd Division, having moved forward from reserve positions and been reinforced by elements of 66^th and 64^th Regiments, continues to drive on Shaduzup.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends a force of over 220 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and fighters hit Wewak, Boram, Cape Wom, Aitape, the Hansa Bay coast, Mushu Island, and the general area along the north coast of northeastern New Guinea. They blast storage areas, barges, shipping, grounded aircraft, fuel dumps and enemy troops. Meanwhile, other A-20s hit Bunabun Harbor, while P-39s hit the Madang area. On New Britain Island, P-39s and P-40s attack Cape Hoskins and troops in the Talasea area. On Manus Island, A-20s hit buildings and Japanese positions on the southern shore.

On New Britain, an Allied patrol boat base is established at Talasea.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 23 B-25s to attack the Vunakanan Airfield and 37 fighter-bombers to attack supply areas along Talili Bay, on New Britain Island. In the Bougainville Island area three B-24s and 20 fighter-bombers hit pillboxes and targets of opportunity on islands off the Tekessi River mouth and near Monoitu, as fighter-bombers again support ground forces along Empress Augusta Bay, hitting a supply dump north of the Reini River and enemy positions near the mouths of the Tekessi and Maririei Rivers. The fighter-bombers destroy a bridge over the Puriata River. Elsewhere, 24 B-24s on a mission against Truk Atoll fail to reach the target and bomb Pulusuk Island, in the Caroline Islands. Several of the B-24s are forced to land on Green Island, in the Solomon Islands, because of fuel shortages.

During the night, B-25s continue to heckle the Rabaul area.

Central Pacific Area

Eniwetok Atoll-based B-25s, from the 7^th Air Force, strike Ponape Island, while B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, hit Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Jaluit again on the return flight to Tarawa.

1,138 · March 27, 2014

Monday, March 27, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 282 – Airfields in France are attacked by 714bombers:

· 290 B-17s, in five waves, bomb the St Jean D/Angely Airfield, the La Rochell/La Leu Airfield, the Chartres Airfield, the Tours/Parcay Meslay Air Depot, the Usine Liotard Air Depot and targets of opportunity. One B-17 is lost, with 10 men listed as missing.

· 256 more B-17s, in three waves, bomb the Bordeaux/Merignac Airfield, the Cayeux Airfield, and the Chartres Airfield. Two aircraft are lost, with 31 men listed as killed or missing.

· 168 B-24s hit the Pau/Ont Long Airfield, the Biarritz Airfield and the Mont de Marsan Airfield, losing three B-24s, with 51 men listed as killed or missing.

The 8^th and 9^th Air Forces provide an escort consisting of 132 P-38s, 706 P-47s and 122 P-51s. They shoot down eight enemy fighters and destroy another 30 aircraft in the ground, but lose two P-38s, five P-47s and three P-51s, with all eight pilots listed as missing.

During the night, the RAF sends 14 Mosquitos to Duisburg and three more to Krefeld, in Germany.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force sends 18 B-26s to attack V-weapon sites in northern France. 35 others abort due primarily to the failure of the blind-bombing equipment. The onset of bad weather makes this the last B-26 mission until April 8.

The 442^nd Troop Carrier Group, with three squadrons of C-47s, arrives from the US, and joins the 9^th Air Force.

Russian Front
Soviet forces overrun Kamenets-Podolsk.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force A-20s successfully bomb the Sesti Bagni railway station, in Italy, while B-26s hit the Poggibonsi railway bridge, and tracks and train cars in the area, and B-25s attack bridges at Marsciano, Perugia and Grosseto railroad bridges, scoring damaging hits at Grosseto. In fighter activity, P-40s hit a command post and supply dumps, and fly road reconnaissance southeast of Rome, A-36s bomb the Sesti Bagni railway station and nearby trucks, while P-47s attack a bridge, junctions and train cars on the Rome-Orvieto railroad. Meanwhile, P-47s and P-40s maintain cover over the Cassino and Anzio battle areas.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends six B-25s to attack the Viet Tri, French Indochina area. They damage two factories, a bridge and several railroad cars. In China a group of over 60 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s attack troops and buildings at Sienning and Kwanyinchow, hit a bridge, warehouse, and the general area at Anyi, damage bridges at Kienchang and Puchi and pound the Nanchang Airfield and surrounding areas.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force dispatches eight B-24s to hit supply dumps at Kamaing, Burma, while about 50 fighter-bombers and two B-25s hit troops in the Myitkinya area and support ground forces near Kamaing. In the Katha area 12 B-25s and a group of 16 P-38s and P-51s hit a bridge and railroad facilities near Meza and a railroad near Kawlin.

On the ground, the main body of the 2^nd and 3^rd Battalions, of the US 5307^th Unit, arrive at Auche. In British Fourteenth Army area, the British IV Corps is strengthened at Imphal by arrival of two brigades of the Indian 5^th Division, from Arakan.

During the night, the 1st Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, and the Chinese 113^th Regiment take up positions along Nam Kawng Chaung.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends a force of over 200 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, P-40s and P-39s to attack storage areas, shipping, bridges, fuel dumps, enemy troop concentrations and other targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Ulipan Harbor, and Madang, in New Guinea. Meanwhile, other aircraft carry out sweeps and armed reconnaissance over New Britain Island and the Bismarck Sea.

On Bougainville, the Japanese begin withdrawing from the Empress Augusta Bay area.

Field Order 1 of Task Force RECKLESS specifies Humboldt Bay landing areas for the Hollandia operation.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 23 B-25s to attack Wunapope, on New Britain Island, with incendiaries. 34 fighter-bombers follow in rapid succession with another incendiary strike, leaving the entire vicinity in flames. Elsewhere, nine P-40s hit fuel a dump at the mouth of Tekessi River on Bougainville Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s and B-24s, from Tarawa Atoll, hit Maloelap, Mille and Wotje atolls, while more B-25s, from Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Jaluit Atoll and strafe and cannonade Ponape Island, and a single B-24, from Tarawa Atoll, bombs Jabor, in the Jaluit Atoll.

The 7^th Air Force moves the 9^th Troop Carrier Squadron, flying C-47s, from Hickam Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, to Abemama Island.

1,138 · March 28, 2014

Tuesday, March 28, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 283 – Two formations of B-17s are dispatched to hit airfields in France while B-24s are dispatched to the Netherlands:

· 182 B-17s are dispatched to the Dijon/Longvic Airfield and the Reims/Champagne Airfield, with three crewmen listed as killed in action.

· 191 B-17s are sent to the Chateaudun Airfield and the Chartres Airfield, losing two aircraft, with 28 men listed as missing.

· 77 B-24s are dispatched to bomb the E-boat pens at Ijmuiden, the Netherlands, but they are recalled due to excessive clouds and failure of the escort to takeoff.

Escort for the B-17s is provided by 46 P-38s, 284 P-47s and 123 P-51s. The P-51s destroy 30 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground, but lose three of their own, with the pilots listed as missing.

Russian Front
Forces of Third Ukrainian Front overrun Nikolaev.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s knock out the bridge approach east of Perugia, Italy, and bomb the railway junction and marshalling yard at Montepescali. Meanwhile, B-25s bomb a railway bridge south of Mignano and the viaduct to the southeast, and hit the Certaldo railway bridge. In other action, A-20s attack a tank factory north of Tivoli, P-40s strike guns in the Anzio area, hit guns, trucks, and roads during armed reconnaissance of the Cassino-Giulianello area; and attack supply dumps and truck parks near Velletri and Sora. Two railroad bridges and tracks at Montalto di Castro and near Orvieto are attacked by A-36s, and fighters carry out a patrol over the Anzio and Cassino areas.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force dispatches a force of almost 400 B-17s and B-24s, the largest attack to date, to bomb marshalling yards in Italy. The B-17s hit Verona, while the B-24s hit the Mestre and Verona marshalling yards and railway and highway bridges at Fano and Cessno. P-38s and P-40s provide excellent coverage and no bombers are lost. The bombers and escorts claim shoot down 12 fighters, but lose five.

The 16^th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bomber), which is based at Foch Field, Tunisia, begins operating from Foggia, Italy, with B-17s.

The 781^st Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying B-24s, joins the 15^th Air Force in Italy, arriving from the US.

Italian Campaign

In the US VI Corps area, the 34^th Division arrives at the Anzio beachhead and relieves the 3^rd Division.

The US IV Corps headquarters, under the command of Major General Willis Crittenberger, arrives in Italy.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends four B-25s to bomb the barracks area at Vinh Yen, French Indochina. They score direct hits on four buildings.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In the Mogaung Valley, of Burma, eight B-24s, from the 10^th Air Force, bomb the Kamaing storage area, while over 60 fighter-bombers and nine B-25s furnish ground support in the Sumprabum, Mogaung, and Kamaing areas, and bomb storage and town areas of Manywet, Mohnyin and Kamaing.

On the ground, the 2^nd and 3^rd Battalions, of the US 5307^th Unit, reach the Nhpum Ga area and establish defensive positions. The 2^nd Battalion locates at Nhpum Ga and the 3^rd at Hsamshingyang. Crossing the river before dawn, the 1^st Battalion surprises the enemy while they are still in their camp and blocks the Kamaing Road below Shaduzup, repelling an enemy effort to reduce the block. Later, the Chinese 113^th Regiment relieves the Americans at the block.

The Japanese in this region are now caught between the Chinese 22^nd Division, disposed four to five miles to the north, and the Chinese 38^th Division. The Japanese counterattack against the Chinese 22^nd Division near Shaduzup five times.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The headquarters XX Bomber Command arrives at Kharagpur, India, from the US.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force B-24s hit Hollandia, New Guinea, and Penfoei, on Timor Island.

On Bougainville, elements of the 93^rd Division, consisting of Regimental Combat Team 25 and the 1^st Battalion, of the 24^th Infantry, arrive at Empress Augusta Bay for combat duty. Hill 260 is found to be abandoned by enemy.

In the Admiralty Islands, the 1^st Squadron, of the 5^th Cavalry, occupies Loniu Village, on Los Negros. Widespread patrolling on both Los Negros and Manus evokes little opposition.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 24 B-25s to bomb the Tobera Airfield. They cause considerable damage to the landing strip. Meanwhile, fighter-bombers hit the Ratawul supply area and the southwestern part of Rabaul. On Bougainville Island, a few P-40s attack the Numa Numa supply area, a single B-24 scores damaging hits on the Japanese-held mission at Monoitu, and other planes hit scattered targets of opportunity.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll, pound Jaluit, Mille and Maloelap atolls, while a single B-24, from Kwajalein Atoll, en route to Eniwetok Atoll, bombs Rongelap Atoll, in the Marshall Islands.

During the night, B-24s, from Kwajalein, bomb targets at Truk Atoll.

1,138 · March 29, 2014

Wednesday, March 29, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 284 – 236 B-17s are dispatched to Germany, and 77 B-24s are sent to V-weapon sites at Watten, France. The B-17s hit the secondary targets at Brunswick, Unterluss, Stedorf and other targets of opportunity. Only 30 of the B-24s are able to bomb because of PFF failures. Nine B-17s are lost, with 92 men listed as killed or missing. Fighter escort is provided by the 8^th and 9^th Air Forces, consisting of 50 P-38s, 279 P-47s and 136 P-51s. they shoot down 44 Luftwaffe aircraft and destroy another 13 on the ground. Two P-38s, one P-47 and nine P-51s are lost, with 12 men listed as killed or missing.

During the night, 76 RAF Halifaxes and eight Mosquitos attack the railway yards at Vaires, near Paris, in bright moonlight. The bombing is very accurate and two ammunition trains are blown up. One Halifax and its crew are lost. Elsewhere, 19 Lancasters are sent to the aircraft engine factory at Lyons. 32 Mosquitos are sent to Kiel, where 47 people are killed and 134 are injured, 11 are sent to Krefeld, five more to Aachen and four to Cologne.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force adds the 48^th Fighter Group, with four squadrons of P-47s, and the 34^th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, with F-5s, both of which arrive in England, from the US.

Mediterranean Theater

Allied Forces Headquarters submits an outline plan for Operation ANVIL, the invasion of southern France.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s attack the Viterbo Airfield, in Italy, causing considerable damage to the target, while B-26s hit Leghorn and many small craft nearby. In fighter action, P-40s attack supply dumps and a bivouac area southeast of Rome, a tank repair shop east of Rome and guns and supply dumps east of Velletri, and P-47s cut lines at a railway overpass west of Rome, while A-36s bomb harbors at San Stefano al Mare and Civitavecchia, and hit nearby targets of opportunity. Meanwhile, Spitfires, P-40s, and P-47s patrol the Anzio battle area.

French B-26s attached to the 12^th Air Force bomb Portoferraio, on Elba Island.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 7^th Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-47s, from Brindisi, Italy, to Sicily, and the 12^th Troop Carrier Squadron, also with C-47s, from Sicily, to Brindisi, Italy.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force launches the largest mission to date, with a force of about 400 B-17s and B-24s to attack three targets in Italy. The B-17s bomb the ball bearing factory, marshalling yard and industrial area at Turin, the B-24s hit the Bolzano and Milan marshalling yards, while P-47s and P-38s fly escort. The bombers and fighters shoot down 13 aircraft, but lose six.

Italian Campaign

The British X Corps is relieved in the Garigliano sector by the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC) and US II Corps.

China – Burma – India Theater

General Stilwell, conferring with Chiang Kai-shek, asks for reinforcements and is promised the Chinese 50^th Division. A few days later Chiang Kai-shek offers the Chinese 14^th Division.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends 12 P-40s and three P-51s to attack the railroad station area at Nanchang, China. The fighter-bombers cause much damage to buildings and yards, and also strafe the airfield and attack a nearby bridge.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10^th Air Force sends a group of over 20 P-51s and B-25s to attack the Katha area, where they hit the railroad and warehouse at Indaw, in support of the ground forces nearby. Elsewhere, 12 P-38s join numerous RAF aircraft in strikes on airfields, railroads, riverboats, and a variety of targets in the Mandalay area, while 12 B-24s pound the Victoria Lake region near Rangoon. Meanwhile, over 80 fighter-bombers and a few B-25s blast targets throughout the Mogaung Valley, including the Waingmaw area, Mogaung, Nanyaseik, guns northeast of Kamaing, and numerous scattered fortifications, supply areas, troop concentrations and pillboxes. Over 80 other fighters maintain patrol of the Sumprabum area.

In Burma, the 2^nd Battalion, of 65^th Regiment, of the Chinese 22^nd Division, enters Shaduzup. In the same operating area, Japanese forces are exerting pressure against the 2^nd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, at Nhpum Ga. In the IV Corps area, of the British Fourteenth Army, the Japanese cut the Imphal–Kohima road, near Kohima.

The Indian 50^th Parachute Brigade, which has been delaying the enemy at Ukhrul, begins to retire toward Imphal.

The Kohima garrison is reinforced by the 161^st Brigade, of the Indian 5^th Division.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 1^st Air Commando Group, which is actually assigned to the 10^th Air Force, is activated at Hailakandi, India. The group consists of a headquarters plus the following sections:

· Bomber, with B-25s.

· Fighter, with P-51s.

· Light-plane, with L-1 and L-5s.

· Transport, with C-47s.

· Glider, with CG-4As and TG-5s.

· Light-cargo, with UC-64s.

Southwest Pacific Area

In New Guinea, 5^th Air Force B-24s bomb Hollandia, while B-25s and A-20s pound the Wewak area, hitting targets at Cape Wom and Dagua and attacking shipping throughout the day. More A-20s pound the Bogia-Bunabun area, and P-39s hit an anti-aircraft position at Erima, in the Madang area, while P-47s and P-40s, on a fighter sweep and flying armed reconnaissance, strafe coastal targets of opportunity in northeast New Guinea, and on New Britain Island.

It is announced that Brigadier General Paul Prentiss is the new Commanding General of the V Air Force Services Command, and the Brigadier General Warren Carter, is the new Commanding General of the 64^th Troop Carrier Wing.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 19 fighter-bombers to attack targets of opportunity along the Miwo River and at Mawareka and Kimaku, in the Rabaul area, of New Britain Island. Eight others abort because of bad weather. Fighters, sweeping the vicinity of Rabaul, strafe shipping in Keravia Bay and knock out a gun position at Cape Tawui. Meanwhile, 24 B-25s and 11 P-40s get through the bad weather and pound supply areas at Wunapope and Ratawul. On Bougainville Island, a few P-38s hit Numa Numa, while other fighter-bombers again support ground forces at the mouth of the Tekessi River. Elsewhere, B-24s carry out the first daylight raid on Truk Atoll, bombing the airfield on Eten Island. The mission is staged from Munda, New Georgia Island, through Torokina, Bougainville Island, for arming, and Nissan Island, in the Solomon Islands, for refueling, before the strike. The unescorted B-24s shoot down 31 interceptors, and destroy almost 50 aircraft on the ground. Two B-24s and their crews are lost.

During the night, two more B-24s fly a snooper strike against Moen Island, in Truk Atoll.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Kwajalein Atoll, hit Jaluit and Rongelap atolls, while B-25s, from Eniwetok Atoll, strike Ponape Island, as others, from Tarawa Atoll, bomb Maloelap and Jaluit atolls.

1,138 · March 30, 2014

Thursday, March 30, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 285 – In the Netherlands, 24 P-47 fighter-bombers escorted by 50 other P-47s dive-bomb the Eindhoven and Sosterburg airfields. Meanwhile, 22 other P-47s strafe the Venlo, Deelen and Twente/Enschede airfields, losing one P-47, with the pilot listed as killed.

8^th Air Force Mission 286 – During the night, six B-17s drop 300 bundles of leaflets on Rouen, Rennes, Reims, Paris and Amiens, in France.

During the night, the RAF sends 795 aircraft to attack Nuremberg. This would normally have been the “moon stand-down period” for the Bomber Command’s main force, but a raid to the distant target of Nuremberg is planned on the basis of an early forecast that there would be protective high cloud on the outward route, when the moon would be up, but that the target area would be clear for bombing. A Meteorological Flight Mosquito flies a reconnaissance and reports that the protective cloud is unlikely to be present and that there could be clouds over the target, but the raid is not cancelled. The German controller ignores all the diversions and assembles his fighters at two radio beacons, which happened to be astride the route to Nuremberg. The first fighters appear just before the bombers reach the Belgian border and a fierce battle in the moonlight lasts for the next hour. 82 bombers are lost on the outward route and near the target. The action is much reduced on the return flight, when most of the German fighters had to land. 95 bombers are lost in all. Meanwhile, 49 Halifaxes lay mines in the Heligoland area, 13 Mosquitos attack night-fighter airfields, 34 more Mosquitos fly diversionary missions to Aachen, Cologne, and Kassel, five other aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties, and 19 fly Serrate patrols.

In other RAF activity, three Oboe Mosquitos attack Oberhausen, where 23 Germans, waiting to go into a public shelter are killed by a bomb, and another Mosquito hits Dortmund, while six Stirlings lay mines off Texel and Le Havre, and 17 aircraft fly resistance operations, losing one Halifax over Belgium.

During the night, eight RAF aircraft fly training sorties.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The IX Engineer Command is formally activated by the War Department, with Brigadier General James Newman as Commanding General.

Russian Front
Cernauti, in Bessarabia, Romania, falls to Soviet forces of First Ukrainian Front.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s hit the harbor at Leghorn and railroad bridge northwest of Orte, Italy, while P-40s and A-36s attack a variety of targets, including:

· An ammunition dump northwest of Roccasecca.

· Trucks and supply dump northeast of Tivoli and near Fumone and Gaeta.

· Railroad bridges southeast of Civita Castellana and northwest of Stimigliano and Orvieto.

· Motor transport north of Cori.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 64^th Fighter Squadron, flying P-47s, from Italy, to Corsica.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

A force of nearly 350 B-17s and B-24s, from the 15^th Air Force, bomb the marshalling yards at Sofia, Bulgaria, and an industrial complex and airfield at Imotski, Yugoslavia. Escorting fighters and the bombers shoot down 13 enemy fighters, but four bombers are lost.

The 777^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, arrives in Italy, from the US, and joins the 15^th Air Force.

The 463^rd Bomb Group (Heavy), with B-17s, becomes the fifteenth bomber group declared operational by the 15^th Air Force.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends two B-24s on a sea sweep from Kunming, China, around Hainan Island, and across the Gulf of Tonkin to Nam Dinh, French Indochina. En route, a freighter is strafed, and one B-24 bombs the spinning mills at Nam Sinh, causing considerable damage.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force dispatches six P-51s to attack the Anisakan Airfield, in Burma.

On the ground, the 2^nd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, withstands further enemy attacks at Nhpum Ga. Meanwhile, the 1^st Battalion starts to Janpan, and the 113^th Regiment, of the Chinese 38^th Division, makes contact with the Chinese 22^nd Division.

Southwest Pacific Area

In New Guinea, over 60 B-24s, with support from a group of more than 90 P-38s and P-47s, hit

Hollandia, in the first big daylight raid by the 5^th Air Force. Airfields and fuel dumps are bombed, and a large number of enemy aircraft are destroyed or damaged on the ground, and escorting fighters shoot down about 10 interceptors. Elsewhere, B-25s, A-20s, P-47s, P-40s, and P-39s continue to blast Japanese installations and forces in areas around Wewak, Tadji and Madang.

The 91^st Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) arrives in New Guinea, from the US.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 11 B-24s on a long-range strike against Moen Island, in Truk Atoll, as a follow up to the snooper strike by B-24s the previous night. The B-24s score damaging hits on the airfield and shoot down 11 fighters, but lose one B-24. In the Rabaul area, on New Britain Island, 10 P-38s hit the southwest part of the town with incendiaries, while 24 B-25s pound nearby Wunapope. On Bougainville Island, fighters and B-25s, operating mainly in pairs, hit a supply area on the Mupeka River and Japanese-occupied areas at the mouths of the Puriata and Mamaregu rivers. Meanwhile, fighterbombers continue to support ground forces along the Empress Augusta Bay perimeter, hitting a bivouac and truck park at Numa Numa, fords across the Hongorai River, and a bridge across the Puriata River.

On Bougainville, 93^rd Division troops on the island are attached to Americal Division and enter the lines to gain experience.

In the Admiralty Islands, as mopping up on Los Negros and Manus continues, operations are begun against outlying islands. After preparatory bombardment of Pityilu, three miles north of the Lugos Mission, the 1^st Squadron, reinforced, of 7^th Cavalry, lands without opposition and virtually destroys the small Japanese garrison while searching most of the island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, from Kwajalein and Eniwetok atolls, hit Truk Atoll before dawn. Later, B-25s, from Kwajalein and Tarawa atolls, strike Wotje, Mille, Jaluit and Maloelap atolls.

In the Caroline Islands, Task Force 58 begins a three-day attack on targets in the western Carolines, in order to support the coming invasion of Hollandia, and to destroy enemy air and surface units.

1,138 · March 31, 2014

Friday, March 31, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

The 8^th Air Force adds the 486^th Bomb Group (Heavy), which arrives in England, from the US.

During the night, three RAF Oboe Mosquitos are sent to Essen, and 28 other aircraft fly resistance operations, losing one Halifax.

15 RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

Russian Front
Red Army forces, pushing toward Odessa, take part of Ochakov, southwest of Nikolaev.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical 12^th Air Force

Bad weather prevents the completion of most of the 12^th Air Force operations. However, some P-47s carry out a sweep north of Rome, Italy.

Italian Campaign

The US Fifth Army releases British X Corps, but retains the British 1^st and 5^th Divisions at Anzio.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends nine B-25s to attack the Pinlebu area, in Burma. Meanwhile, 10 P-51s hit Japanese positions near the "Broadway" airstrip, and 12 P-40s bomb the Warong area, while others patrol around Sumprabum. Near Katha, three B-25s and six P-51s hit a warehouse, railroad cars and track at Zawchaung.

In Burma, the 2^nd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, becomes isolated as the Japanese cut the trail to Hsamshingyang. In the IV Corps area, of the British Fourteenth Army, Japanese forces are blocking the Ukhrul–Imphal road and besieging the Imphal garrison, which must now be supplied by air. In XV Corps area, the British 36^th Division takes the tunnels on Maungdaw–Buthidaung road, but the Japanese still hold part of the road.

General Merrill is flown out of the battle area because of ill health.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 8^th Photo Reconnaissance Group arrives in India from the US.

Southwest Pacific Area

In New Guinea, over 60 B-24s, with P-38 support, pound Hollandia for the second successive day. Three airfields in the area are thoroughly blasted and a large number of enemy aircraft destroyed, as US aircraft shoot down 14 interceptors. Supplies, enemy troops, and coastal targets in the Tadji, Wewak, and Hansa Bay areas are hit by a force of over 120 A-20s and B-25s.

In the Admiralty Islands, the 1^st Squadron, of the 7^th Cavalry, completes the mop-up of Pityilu.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 23 B-25s to bomb a Ratawul supply point, on New Britain Island, while 11 P-40s hit Wunapope. A group of 26 P-39s and P-38s bomb the northeast part of Rabaul with incendiaries, while fighter sweeps over Rabaul and New Ireland Island continue. Elsewhere, 25 fighter-bombers pound the Numa Numa area, on Bougainville Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, from Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll, in a predawn mission. Later, B-25s, from Eniwetok, hit Ponape Island, while others, flying out of Tarawa Atoll, pound Maloelap and Jaluit atolls.

The 7^th Air Force moves the 431^st Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from Tarawa Atoll, to Kwajalein Atoll.

Alaska Theater

The XI Bomber Command and the XI Fighter Command are disbanded. Their headquarters personnel are absorbed by the 28^th Bomb Group (Composite) and the 343^rd Fighter Group, respectively.

1,138 · April 1, 2014

Saturday, April 1, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 287 – 440 bombers and 475 fighters are dispatched to bomb the chemical industry at Ludwigshafen, Germany. The 245 B-17s dispatched in the lead force abandon the mission over the French coast due to heavy clouds. The 195 B-24s in the second force became widely dispersed and bomb targets of opportunity. 101 hit Pforzheim, and nine hit Grafenhausen. Meanwhile, 38 hit Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and 17 hit Strasbourg, France, both of which are mistaken as German towns. 12 B-24s are lost, with 122 men listed as killed or missing. The 8^th and 9^th Air Forces provde a fighter escort consisting of 280 P-47s and 195 P-51s. The fighters shoot down 18 enemy aircraft, but lose two P-47s and two P-51s, with all four pilots listed as missing.

During the night, 35 RAF Mosquitos bomb Hannover through thin clouds. Seven more Mosquitos hit Aachen, six are sent to Krefeld and two more attack a La Glacerie flying-bomb site. Meanwhile, one Mosquito flies a radio countermeasure sortie, four more Mosquitos go on Serrate patrols, 34 Halifaxes lay mines off the Dutch coast, and nine other aircraft fly resistance operations.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

In Italy, 12^th Air Force B-25s attack Leghorn harbor, bridges at Orvieto, and railway track south of Poggibonsi. Meanwhile, B-26s hit Arno River railroad bridges at Signa, Riva-Trigoso, and Valdarno, while A-20s hit ammunition dumps. In fighter action, P-40s attack targets in the vicinity of Gaeta, the Formia tunnel, several fuel dumps, bridges, and guns in the battle areas, and P-47s bomb the Poggibonsi bridge and strafe a train, while other fighters patrol the Anzio battle area without incident.

During the month of April, the XII Bomber Command moves from Trocchia, Italy, to Corsica.

Also during the month, the 4^th Troop Carrier Squadron, and the 64^th Troop Carrier Group, with four squadrons, all with C-47s, begin operating from bases in India.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

During the month of April, the 49^th Bomb Wing (Heavy) arrives from the US.

Italian Campaign

In US Fifth Army area, the 509^th Parachute Infantry Battalion leaves the Anzio beachhead. The 504^th Parachute Infantry has already left there to rejoin the 82^nd Airborne Division.

China – Burma – India Theater

General Stilwell asks that the 50^th and 14^th Chinese Divisions be flown in over the Hump.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends 14 P-38s to attack targets in Burma. They hit a freight train and damage a factory in the vicinity of Mandalay. Near Rangoon, 16 B-24s hit a railroad station and bomb Akyab, while six B-25s damage a railroad bridge near Nattalin.

On the ground, the Orange Combat Team, of the US 5307^th Unit, attacks to reopen the Hsamshingyang–Nhpum Ga road, but is unable to break through to the 2^nd Battalion.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force B-25s and A-20s hit the Tadji and Hansa Bay areas, in New Guinea. Elsewhere, B-24s bomb Boela, on Ceram Island, in the Moluccas Islands, and B-25s attack Penfoei, on Timor Island, in the Lesser Sunda Islands.

During the month of April, the 5^th Air Force moves the 33^rd Troop Carrier Squadron, flying C-47s, from Australia, to New Guinea.

In the Admiralty Islands, the 12^th Cavalry begins operations against the small islands off Mokerang. After a preliminary bombardment of Koruniat Island, the 1^st Squadron moves from Mokerang Point to the island in canoes. Finding no Japanese there, the force proceeds to Ndrilo Island, which is also free of enemy.

The US Navy issues the naval plans for the Hollandia operation.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 24 B-25s to bomb supply areas at Wunapope and Ratawul, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, a group of 28 P-39s and P-40s hit the Toboi wharf area at Simpson Harbor. Three more P-40s follow with a strike on oil and coal storage in the same general area. Elsewhere, fighters maintain sweeps over Rabaul and New Ireland Island, throughout the day. On Bougainville Island, 12 P-38s bomb the mission at Monoitu, and 12 P-40s hit Numa Numa supply dumps.

During the night, B-25s harass Rabaul.

The 13^th Air Force relocates the detachment of the 17^th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, which has been operating from New Georgia Island, with F-5s, back to its base on Guadalcanal

Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Abemama Island, in the Gilbert Islands, strike Ponape Island, in the Caroline Islands, while B-24s, from Makin Island, in the Gilbert Islands, and Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, hit Truk Atoll, in the Caroline Islands. In other action, B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, in the Gilbert Islands, bomb Maloelap and Jaluit atolls, in the Marshall Islands.

In the Caroline Islands, Task Force 58 concludes a three-day action against the western Carolines, having made air attacks on Palaus, Yap, Ulithi, Ngulu, and Woleai. During the attacks, the Japanese lose about 150 aircraft either on the ground or in the air. Enemy shipping also suffers heavily, with two destroyers, four escort vessels, and 104,000 tons of merchant or naval auxiliary shipping sunk, and many other vessels damaged. Airfields and shore installations are hit, and the main channel into the Palau fleet anchorage is blocked by mines. The threat of Japanese naval interference from the Palaus to the approaching Hollandia operation is thus removed. Task Force 58 loses 20 planes.

1,138 · April 2, 2014

Sunday, April 2, 1944

Russian Front
Red Army troops cross the Prut River east of Cernauti and occupy Gertza.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force medium bombers attack railroad bridges at Arezzo, Fano, Ficulle, Magra, north of Orvieto, and south of Poggibonsi, scoring some direct hits, hits on approaches, and several near misses. Meanwhile, fighter-bombers hit trucks and the railroad station at Fara, in Sabina, and east and north of Anzio, attack the Formia tunnel, fly armed reconnaissance over the Atina and Arce areas, bomb a factory and buildings north of Cassino, the town of Pignataro Interamna and numerous bridges, dumps, gun positions and targets of opportunity in or around the battle areas.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends a force of over 530 B-24s and B-17s, the largest mission to date, to attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia. The B-17s hit the ball bearing plant at Steyr, Austria and the marshalling yard at Brod, Yugoslavia. The B-24s hit an aircraft factory and depot and ball bearing factory at Steyr, and in Yugoslavia, an air depot at Mostar and the marshalling yard at Bihac. Fighters fly over 150 sorties in support of the bombers, as hundreds of enemy fighters oppose the mission s and fierce air battles result in 19 bombers shot down and several more missing. the bombers and fighters shoot down over 150 enemy fighters.

461^st Bomb Group (Heavy), with B-24s, becomes operational, making 16 heavy bomber groups now operational for the 15^th Air Force.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force dispatches two B-24s on a sea sweep from Hong Kong to Formosa. They bomb a 215 foot ship, and damage a large motor launch.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10^th Air Force sends 12 P-40s to bomb Kamaing, and six P-51s to attack targets in the Katha area. They hit trucks near Bhamo and a storage area at Indaw.

On the ground, Nhpum Ga remains under siege despite further efforts of the 3^rd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, to break through to the 2^nd Battalion. Two field pieces of artillery are dropped at the Hsamshingyang airstrip and soon are registered on enemy positions.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

First operational B-29, piloted by Colonel Leonard Harman, lands at Chakulia, India.

The 40^th Bomb Group (Very Heavy), arrives at Chakulia, India, from the US.

Southwest Pacific Area

Weather conditions prevent an attack on Hollandia, forcing the 5^th Air Force to send over 120 bombers and fighters back to targets in areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Madang, Bogadjim, and other points along the northeast coastline, of New Guinea. B-25s also hit Dili and Penfoei, on Timor Island, and Rambutyo Island, in the Bismarck Archipelago.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 31 B-24s on a strike against Dublon Island, in the Truk Atoll, causing considerable damage to the warehouse and dock areas, losing four aircraft and crews. The bombers claim shoot down over 30 enemy fighters. On New Britain Island, over 40 fighter-bombers over Rabaul hit the southeast part of town, the Toboi wharf area, and northern section of town along the Malaguna road. Meanwhile, seven B-25s hit Raluana Point, while 23 pound Lakunai.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s bomb Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

1,138 · April 3, 2014

Monday, April 3, 1944

Washington, D.C.

A Joint Chiefs of Staff directive to the China – Burma – India Theater stresses the importance of capturing Myitkyina, Burma.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD) 9^th Air Force

Because of a combat crew shortage, which has caused the abolition of the 50 mission limit tour of duty and has resulted in fatigue and morale problems, IX Bomber Command establishes a new operational leave policy. Maximum leaves for bomber crews are set at one week between the 25^th and 30^th missions and two weeks between the 40^th and 50^th missions.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force medium bombers attack railway bridges at Orvieto, Italy, cutting the approaches to a bridge north of town. Other medium bomber attacks on bridges abort because of bad weather, but light bombers successfully bomb an ammunition dump. Meanwhile, A-36s attack the railway at Attigliano, and bomb an underpass in the area, while P-40s hit the Sesti Bagni railroad station, a supply dump southeast of Frosinone, the town of Itri, a bivouac area northwest of Velletri and several trucks, and P-47s successfully bomb Pignataro Interamna and a nearby road junction.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends a force of over 450 B-17s and B-24s to bomb targets in Hungary and Yugoslavia. The B-17s hit an aircraft factory in Budapest, Hungary, and a marshalling yard at Brod, Yugoslavia, while the B-24s hit a marshalling yard at Budapest. The B-24s miss the rendezvous, with the 137 fighters providing escort for bombers heading to Budapest. The B-17s en route to Budapest and the escorting fighters shoot down 24 enemy aircraft.

China – Burma – India Theater

General Stilwell, meeting at Jorhat, India, with Admiral Mountbatten and General Slim, learns that he may continue his north Burma campaign, despite the grave situation in the Kohima area. It is agreed that two brigades of the Indian 3^rd Division, also known as Chindits, will assist his drive on Mogaung and Myitkyina, by harassing enemy lines of communication.

A skeleton staff of XXXIII Corps, commanded by Lt. General Sir Montagu Stopford, arrives at Jorhat. The corps is to assist in stemming the enemy offensive.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14^th Air Force dispatches four rocket-firing P-40s, with eight others as top cover, to targets in China. They damage two large river boats between Hengyang and Ichang. In French Indochina, four P-40s, flying a Red River sweep from Vinh Yen to Dong Cuong, sink four small boats, damage three more, and strafe a loading point on the river. Meanwhile, three B-24s lay mines in the Haiphong area.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends four B-25s to attack the the Tangon bridge, while six P-51s hit the Anisakan airstrip, in the Mandalay area. Over 20 fighter-bombers and six B-25s hit targets of opportunity south of Mupaw Ga and west of Mogaung, troops near Bhamo, and knock out a bridge near Mogaung.

During the night, 16 B-24s bomb oil and power facilities at Yenangyaung, Chauk, and Lanywa, while eight P-38s hit the Meiktila Airfield.

On the ground in Burma, efforts of 2^nd and 3^rd Battalions, of the US 5307^th Unit, to open the Hsamshingyang–Nhpum Ga road are again futile, although supported by air and artillery. Meanwhile, the 1^st Battalion is directed to move as quickly as possible to Hsamshingyang.

Southwest Pacific Area

In New Guinea, the 5^th Air Force sends a force of over 300 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-38s to attack airfields at Hollandia. Most of the remaining Japanese airplanes there are destroyed. Of the 60 intercepting Japanese fighters, 26 are shot down. Air opposition from Hollandia is very light hereafter. Elsewhere, a group of over 50 P-40s, P-47s, and P-39s hit villages, communications, anti-aircraft positions, and other targets in the areas around Wewak, Hansa Bay, Bogia and Madang. Meanwhile, B-24s hit Langgoer and B-25s bomb the Babo area and Penfoei, on Timor Island.

In the Admiralty Islands, the 2^nd Squadron, of the 12^th Cavalry, lands without opposition on Rambutyo Island, after a preparatory bombardment, and begins a search for the few Japanese concealed there.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 23 B-25s to attack the northeastern section of Rabaul. This strike follows the larger than usual heckling raids flown the night before. Meanwhile, over 50 fighter-bombers blast fuel stores at Keravia Bay. On Bougainville Island, US Army and US Navy fighters strafe the Numa Numa trail area and maintain patrols.

The 13^th Air Force moves the 67^th Fighter Squadron, flying P-38s, from Bougainville, back to its base in the Russell Islands.

Central Pacific Area

After an overnight raid by B-24s on Truk Atoll, B-25s, from Abemama Island, follow with a daytime attack on Ponape Island, while other B-25s, from Abemama and Tarawa Atoll hit Maloelap and Jaluit atolls.

The 7^th Air Force moves the 98^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying B-24s, from Tarawa Atoll, to Eniwetok Atoll .

1,138 · April 4, 2014

Tuesday, April 4, 1944

Washington, D.C.

The 20^th Air Force is activated.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

During the night, the RAF dispatches 41 Mosquitos to Cologne, four to Essen, three to Duisburg, two to Krefeld and two to La Glacerie.

The 339^th Fighter Group, with three squadrons of P-51s, and the 487^th Bomb Group (heavy), with four squadrons of B-24s, arrive in England, from the US, and join the 8^th Air Force.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force adds more new units, as they arrive in England, from the US:

· The 373^rd Fighter Group and its 410^th Fighter Squadron, with P-47s.

· The 404^th Fighter Bomber Group, with four Squadrons.

· The 406^th Fighter Bomber Group, with three squadrons of P-47s.

· The 410^th Bomb Group (Light), with four squadrons of A-20s.

· The 393^rd and 394^th Fighter Squadrons, flying P-38s.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

In Italy, 12^th Air Force medium bomber missions are aborted due to bad weather but light bombers manage to bomb an ammunition dump, and fighter-bombers bomb Terracina and Formia, attack a bridge and several vehicles, during armed reconnaissance of the Rome-Orte area. They also bomb Itri and Fondi, hit numerous gun positions, a railway station, a bivouac area, and a vehicle concentration, and attack targets of opportunity between Atina and Cassino.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends a force of over 300 B-17s and B-24s to attack Bucharest, Rumania. They both hit marshalling yards and the B-24s also hit an air depot. Fighters fly nearly 120 sorties in support of the mission. Between 150 and 200 enemy fighters attack the bombers, shooting down 10. The bombers and fighter escorts shoot down over 50 aircraft in combat.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14^th Air Force P-38s, on armed reconnaissance, strafe and destroy two big fuel dumps, 12 fuel trucks, and between 15 and 20 troops in the Wan Mong Kang area, of Burma.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, over 120 fighter-bombers and four B-25s, all from the 10^th Air Force, hit rail lines, storage areas and Japanese held villages around Mogaung and Myitkyina, and support ground forces near Kamaing and Myitkyina. In fighter action, a group of over 25 P-51s and P-38s attack the Aungban and Anisakan Airfields.

On the ground, the 3^rd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, making an all-out effort to reach Nhpum Ga, gets to within 1,000 yards of the objective. Aircraft and artillery closely support the attack. Meanwhile, feints are made to divert the enemy from the main battle. The 2^nd Battalion withstands a very strong enemy attack against its Nhpum Ga perimeter. Chinese reinforcements, the forward elements of the 1^st Battalion, of the 112^th Regiment, of the Chinese 38^th Division, arrive at Hsamshingyang and are disposed to guard the trail junction. The Chinese 114^th Regiment is given the mission originally assigned to the 112^th, of blocking the road below Kamaing. The Chinese 22^nd Division’s 64^th Regiment is to envelop the left flank of the enemy while the 65^th and 66^th Regiments conduct a holding action in the Shaduzup area.

The Japanese begin an assault on Kohima in force. The 161^st Infantry, of the Indian 5^th Division, which has been withdrawn from Kohima to Dimapur, because of an enemy threat at Dimapur, is ordered back to Kohima, which is now occupied by a diverse force.

During the night, 14 B-24s bomb the Moulmein railroad yards and jetties, and hit a Japanese headquarters at Nagorn Sawarn.

The airlift of the 14^th Brigade, of the Indian 3rd Division, to the Chindit stronghold in the Manhton area, called ABERDEEN, is completed.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends over 50 B-24s to bomb the Wewak area, in New Guinea. Meanwhile, 12 P-39s hit villages, bridges and wooded areas along the coast from Cape Gourdon to Bogia.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 12 P-40s to attack a barge hideout in Gazelle Harbor, on Bougainville Island. Elsewhere, 10 B-25s are rained out of their mission to Rabaul, on New Britain Island, and bomb the Buka Airfield, on Buka Island, as an alternate target. Meanwhile, 23 P-39s hit the Aitara area, and 11 P-40s bomb the Mamaregu barge hideout. In other action, 24 P-38s pound Mamagata, Dio Dio, and the Miwo River area, and ground support missions along Empress Augusta Bay are carried out by a variety of fighters.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Abemama Island and Tarawa Atoll, attack Ponape Island, and Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls

1,138 · April 5, 2014

Wednesday, April 5, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 288 – 50 B-24s are dispatched hit the V-weapon sites at St Pol/Siracourt, France, escorted by 50 P-47s. Heavy clouds and the failure of blind-bombing equipment cause 29 aircraft to return to base without bombing.

8^th Air Force Mission 289 –96 P-38s, 236 P-47s and 124 P-51s are dispatched to attack airfields in Germany. Heavy clouds hinders most groups. One P-38s, one P-47 and seven P-51s are lost, with nine pilots listed as killed or missing. They destroy 98 Luftwaffe aircraft

During the night, 17 B-24s are sent on a CARPETBAGGER mission, to drop supplies to guerilla forces in Europe, losing one B-24 and crew.

The 486^th Bomb Group (Heavy), with four squadrons of B-24s, arrives in England, from the US, and joins the 8^th Air Force.

During the night the RAF dispatches 144 Lancasters and one Mosquito to attack an aircraft factory at Toulouse, France. One Lancaster explodes in the air over the target. Meanwhile, 24 Stirlings lay mines off Biscay ports, and 37 aircraft fly resistance operations.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

More fighter and bomber groups arrive in England, from the US, an join the 9^th Air Force:

· The 36^th Fighter Group, with three squadrons of P-47s

· The 50^th Fighter Group, with three squadrons of P-47s

· The 367^th Fighter Group, with three squadrons of P-38s

· The 397^th Bomb Group (Medium), with four squadrons of B-26s

· The 411^th and 412^th Fighter Squadrons, with P-47s, join the 410^th, with the 373^rd Fighter Group

· The 404^th Fighter Bomber Group, with three squadrons of P-47s

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

In Italy, foul weather precludes all light and medium bomber action, but P-40s hit the Colleferro railway station, several fuel dumps, and gun positions in the US Fifth Army battle areas, and A-36s bomb Formia, and railway stations northwest of Rome and in the Frosinone area.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends a force of 334 B-17s and B-24s to targets in Rumania and Yugoslavia. The B-17s bomb marshalling yards at Ploesti, Rumania, and Nis, Yugoslavia. The B-24s hit more marshalling yards at Ploesti and Leskovac, Yugoslavia. Combined, the bombers drop 588 tons of bombs on Ploesti rail targets. Enemy fighters and anti-aircraft guns shoot down 13 bombers.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14^th Air Force P-40s pound a railroad siding at Na Cham, French Indochina, destroying eight boxcars and a considerable amount of track.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends 13 B-24s to bomb the railroad from Moulmein to Kanchanaburi, Burma. They destroy three bridges, damaging several others, and causing much damage to track and railroad cars.

On the ground in Burma, further efforts by the 3^rd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, to break through to Nhpum Ga fail. The beleaguered 2^nd Battalion checks Japanese efforts to reduce its perimeter. In the British Fourteenth Army area, XXXIII Corps is concentrating around Dimapur, while advance elements of the British 2^nd Division arrive there.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force dispatches a force of over 270 B-24s, B-25s, A-20s and P-38s to attack Hollandia, in New Guinea. They hit the town and dock area and villages and stores around Humboldt Bay. Meanwhile, P-47s and P-40s blast numerous targets in the Hansa Bay-Bogia and Wewak areas. Elsewhere, other B-24s hit Kaimana and Efman Island, and B-25s bomb Koepang, on Timor Island.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 12 B-25s to attack Kara, Bougainville Island, as bad weather forces the cancellation of all missions against targets in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm again at Majuro Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, and hit Jaluit Atoll during the return trip.

The 7^th Air Force moves the 11^th Bomb Group (Heavy) from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll.

1,138 · April 6, 2014

Thursday, April 6, 1944

Washington, D.C.

General of the Army Henry "Hap" Arnold assumes command of the 20^th Air Force at Washington, DC where the headquarters will remain until July, 1945. The Chief of Staff is Brigadier General Haywood Hansell, Jr., who is currently the Deputy Chief of Air Staff, with Colonel Cecil Combs as his deputy for operations.

Atlantic Theater (Caribbean)

The 6^th Air Force moves the 3^rd Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from Panama, to the Canal Zone. The squadron serves as a replacement training unit.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 290 – 12 B-24s hit V-weapon sites at Watten, France, with a fighter escort of 27 P-47s.

During the night, the RAF sends 35 Mosquitos to Hamburg, losing one aircraft and crew. Meanwhile, 14 Mosquitos bomb seven targets in the Ruhr and the Rhineland, and three aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s hit the Perugia Airfield, while B-26s bomb a bridge and its approaches northwest of Orvieto, in Italy. Bad weather prevents other medium bomber operations, but fighter-bombers attack the railroad stations at Capronica and Maccarese, guns southeast of Littoria, a road bridge east of Pescasseroli, railroad bridges in the Arezzo area, other rail facilities in central Italy, and small transport vessels in the Aegean Sea.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

15^th Air Force B-24s bomb the airfield at Zagreb, Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, numerous other B-24s and B-17s abort because of bad weather, but escorting fighters and the bombers shoot down 17 enemy fighters, while six US aircraft are lost.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14^th Air Force P-40s from Suichwan, China, pound a barrack southwest of Nanchang, causing heavy damage.

During the night a B-25 strike on airfields near Canton, is curtailed by bad weather. Only one B-25 reaches the target, dropping fragmentation bombs on revetments.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force sends six B-25s to attack railroad and rolling stock at Shwebo, Burma. Over 80 fighter-bombers and two B-25s hit troops in the Namti area, support ground forces northeast of Kamaing, damage a bridge near Myitkyina, and hit troops, oil dumps, and supplies at Mogaung and Manywet.

On the ground, the ORANGE Combat Team, of the 3^rd Battalion, of the US 5307^th Unit, continues its attack toward Nhpum Ga, gaining 200 yards. Elsewhere, the Indian 7^th Division begins an air movement from the Arakan front to Dimapur. Two Indian 7^th Division brigades are to join XXXIII Corps at Dimapur, and the third brigade will join IV Corps at Imphal. Leading elements of the 161^st Brigade, of the Indian 5^th Division, enter Kohima, but the rest of the regiment is unable to break through enemy forces occupying the town.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force P-39s, P-40s and P-47s continue to pound coastal targets in the Wewak, Aitape, and Madang areas and at numerous other points along the coast of New Guinea,. Elsewhere, B-25s bomb Koepang, Timor Island.

In New Guinea, as a result of 5^th Air Force attacks on Hollandia, the Japanese now have only 25

serviceable planes there.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 34 B-24s to bomb Dublon Island, in the Truk Atoll. On New Britain Island, 22 B-25s bomb the Lakunai Airfield and a revetment area, while over 30 fighter-bombers bomb the vicinity of the Toboi wharf with incendiaries, and over 20 others carry out incendiary strike on Wunapope, causing severe destruction to several buildings. Meanwhile, fighters maintain a sweep over Rabaul, and New Ireland Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, from Kwajalein Atoll, bomb Wake Island. Meanwhile, B-25s, from Eniwetok Atoll, hit Ponape Island twice, while B-25s, from Abemama Island, bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Maloelap Atoll, during the return flight.

1,138 · April 7, 2014

Friday, April 7, 1944

Atlantic Theater (Caribbean)

The 6^th Air Force relocates the 74^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), from Guatemala, and the 397^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), from the Galapagos Islands, to Panama. Both fly B-24s.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

During the night the RAF flies one radio countermeasure sortie, and sends four Mosquitos on Serrate patrols, while 12 Halifaxes lay mines off the Dutch coast.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force medium bombers attack targets in Italy. They hit bridges, tracks and a viaduct at Attigliano, Ficulle, Certaldo, Pontassieve and Incisa, in Valdarno, and hit the Prato marshalling yard. Meanwhile, light bombers hit an ammunition dump, and Ausonia, Pignataro Interamna, San Apollinare and Terracina are bombed by P-40s, along with a dump and several gun positions southeast of Rome. In other action, P-47s hit bridges and trucks in this same area and attack the Empoli marshalling yard, while A-36s hit gun emplacements, train and tracks in the Orvieto area and vicinity, and approaches to the Montalto di Castro bridge.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends a force of over 400 B-17s and B-24s to attack marshalling yards, in Italy. The B-17s bomb Treviso, while the B-24s hit Mestre and Bologna. Almost 100 P-38s provide escort, while P-47s fly a sweep over the Gorizia-Udine area. The bombers and fighters shoot down almost 20 aircraft.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 462^nd Bomb Group (Very Heavy) arrives in India, from the US, and joins the 20^th Air Force.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

Seven P-40s, from the 14^th Air Force, attack three barges and several junks at Saint John Island, China, leaving them burning. Meanwhile, two B-24s, on a sweep from Hong Kong to Formosa, sink a large river boat and a small freighter, and damage two other freighters. One B-24 and crew is lost. In fighter action, four P-40s attack a large concentration of small vessels at Haiphong, in French Indochina, sinking at least four.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, a group of over 20 P-51s and B-25s, from the 10^th Air Force, hit gun positions at Mawlu. Meanwhile, throughout the Mogaung Valley, over 100 fighter-bombers and two B-25s hit numerous targets including fuel and ammunition stores near Manywet, supplies and a railroad station at Myitkyina, supplies and radio station at Sahmaw, the Kamaing area, bridges at Nsopzup and supply dumps west of Mogaung. Over 30 of the fighter-bombers carry out ground support missions at Shaduzup.

On the ground, the 1^st Battalion of the US 5307^th Unit, completes a difficult forced march to Hsamshingyang and prepares to join in the attack toward Nhpum Ga. Elements of the 3^rd Battalion continue their efforts to reach Nhpum Ga, but make little progress. In the XXXIII Corps sector, of British Fourteenth Army area, the Japanese make deeper inroads at Kohima and seize the main water supply. In the IV Corps area, the Indian 17^th Division completes its northward drive along Tiddim Road to Imphal, with assistance from troops of the Indian 23^rd Division, and subsequently concentrates north of the town.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force B-25s, A-20s and P-39s hit villages, barges, a supply area, and the coastal road in areas around Madang, Tadji, Bogia, and Uligan Harbor, in New Guinea. Elsewhere, B-24s bomb Langgoer and Wakde Island, while other B-25s bomb the barracks at Penfoei, on Timor Island.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends over 50 fighter-bombers to attack supply areas at Ratawul, on New Britain Island, while nine B-25s hit Talili Bay, 11 bomb the Vunakanau Airfield and 13 blast the Tobera Airfield. On Bougainville Island, four P-40s bomb pillboxes near the Reini River, while two B-24s bomb the Monoitu Mission.

During the night, six other B-25s maintain heckling of the Rabaul area, and six B-25s heckle the Kavieng Airfield area, on New Ireland Island.

The 13^th Air Force moves the 5^th Bomb Group (Heavy) New Georgia Island, to Los Negros Island, in the Admiralty Islands.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and bomb Jaluit Atoll on the return flight.

North Pacific Area

The 11^th Air Force sends eight B-24s to destroy a convoy, believed to be southeast of Matsuwa Island, in the Kurile Islands. The group turn back due to engine, navigation and weather difficulties.

A flight of F-7As, of the 2^nd Photographic Charting Squadron, arrives in the Aleutian Islands. Their mission is the mapping of the Kurile Islands. The squadron is based at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sends detachments to various parts of the world to photo map.

1,138 · April 8, 2014

Saturday, April 8, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 291 – Three separate forces, with a total of 664 bombers divided into 13 combat wings, escorted by 780 fighters, are dispatched against airfields in northwest Germany and aircraft factories in the Brunswick area;

· 59 B-17s hit the Oldenburg Airfield.

· 255 B-17s are dispatched to the Achmer, Quakenbruck and Rheine airfields. 83 hit Quakenbruck, 60 hit Achmer, 41 hit Rheine, 22 hit Twente Enschede, 21 hit Hesepe, 19 hit Handorf and three others hit targets of opportunity. Four B-17s are lost, with 41 men listed as killed or missing.

· 350 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets in Brunswick. 190 hit the primary, 59 hit Rosslingen, 48 hit the Langenhagen Airfield and six hit targets of opportunity. 30 B-24s are lost, with 308 men listed as killed or missing. The B-24s shoot down 58 Luftwaffe aircraft.

Fighter escort is provided by the 8^th and 9^th Air Forces, with 136 P-38s, 438 P-47s and 206 P-51s. They shoot down 88 more Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and destroy 49 others on the ground. Five P-38s, four P-47s and 14 P-51s are lost, with all 23 pilots listed as missing.

During the night, 40 RAF Mosquitos attack the Krupps works at Essen. Meanwhile, three more Mosquitos are sent to Duisburg and three to Osnabrück. Two other aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties, and eight Halifaxes lay mines off Texel and Den Helder.

8^th Air Force Mission 292 – During the night, five B-17s drop onemillion leaflets on Liege, Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Mont-sur-Sombre, in Belgium.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

198 B-26s, from 9^th Air Force, attack the Hasselt marshalling yard and hit the Coxyde Airfield, in Belgium. In fighter action, 32 P-47s bomb the area around Hasselt.

Russian Front
Soviet forces open a new offensive in the Crimea.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force medium bombers attack a bridge northwest of Orte, Italy, while A-20s successfully attack supply stores. Fighter-bombers hit several bridges, motor transport, and supply dumps in central Italy, and bomb railroad tracks at Sesti Bagni and Maccarese.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 484^th Bomb Group (Heavy), flying B-24s, arrives in Italy, from the US, and joins the 15^th Air Force.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends 11 B-24s to bomb the railroad yards at Hanoi, French Indochina. In China, six B-25s damage several small ships in Yulinkan Bay, while two others strafe an airfield on Weichow Island, and eight P-40s pound oil dumps at Wanling, leaving the target area in flames. Elsewhere. Nine B-24s bomb the airfield on Samah Bay, Hainan Island, and four others lay mines in the bay.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10^th Air Force sends nearly 100 fighter-bombers and two B-25s to again pound Mogaung Valley targets, including Manywet, storage areas and railroad at Mogaung, positions at Shaduzup and general targets of opportunity around Kamaing. Meanwhile, four B-25s damage bridge and track at Sittang.

On the ground, frontal and flanking attacks by the 3^rd Battalion, and 250 men of 1^st Battalion, bot from the US 5307^th Unit, toward Nhpum Ga make little headway.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force P-40s attack targets of opportunity in the Aitape-Wewak area, in New Guinea, and A-20s hit targets in the Hansa Bay area, setting a fuel dump afire and destroying several warehouses and other buildings at three plantations, and strafing and bombing roads and bridges along the coast.

In New Guinea, the final rehearsals for the Hollandia operation are begun at Taupota Bay, by the 24^th Division, and near Lae, by the 41^st Division.

In the Admiralty Islands, the forward echelon of XIII Bomber Command headquarters moves to Los Negros.

South Pacific Area

On New Britain Island, over 50 fighter-bombers hit the northeast section of Rabaul, and 24 B-25s bomb the center of the Lakunai Airfield. Four B-24s again pound the Monoitu Mission on Bougainville Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, flying out of Kwajalein Atoll, strike Truk Atoll, while Abemama Island-based B-25s pound Ponape Island. Elsewhere, B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, hit Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and bomb Jaluit Atoll during the return flight.

1,138 · April 9, 2014

Sunday, April 9, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 293 – Aircraft factories and airfields in Germany, and Poland, are targets for the mission:

· 145 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry at Rahmel, Poland, and Marienburg, Germany. 96 hit Marienburg, 41 hit Rahmel and three hit targets of opportunity. Six B-17s are lost, with 68 men listed as killed or missing.

· 151 B-17s are dispatched to hit the Focke-Wulf plant at Poznan, Poland, and the Heinkel plant at Warnemunde, Germany. 85 hit Warnemunde, 33 hit Poznan and 18 hit the Marienehe Airfield. 12 B-17s are lost, with 120 men listed as missing.

· 246 B-24s are dispatched to hit an assembly plant at Tutow, Germany. 106 hit the primary target, 14 hit Parchim, Germany, and six hit targets of opportunity. 14 B-24s are lost, with 157 men listed as killed or missing.

The bombers shoot down 45 Luftwaffe aircraft. Fighter escort is provided by the 8^th and 9^th Air Forces, with 119 P-38s, 387 P-47s and 213 P-51s. The fighters shoot down 20 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and destroy another 19on the ground. Two P-38s, four P-47s and four P-51s are lost, with nine pilots listed as killed or missing.

During the night, 239 RAF aircraft attack railway yards at Lille, France, losing one Lancaster and crew. Another force of 225 aircraft are sent to another railway target, this time at Villeneuve St Georges, near Paris. In other action, 36 Mosquitos are sent to Mannheim and eight more to four other targets, and 16 fly Serrate patrols, losing one aircraft. Meanwhile, 61 aircraft fly resistance operations, and 103 Lancasters lay mines off Danzig, Gdynia and Pillau, in the Baltic, losing nine Lancasters.

During the night, nine RAF aircraft fly nighttime training missions, and 23 US B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations, dropping supplies to patriot forces in Western Europe.

8^th Air Force Mission 294 – During the night, five B-17s drop almost three million leaflets on Rouen, Paris, Amiens and Caen, in France.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD) 9^th Air Force

The 14^th Liaison Squadron, flying L-5s, arrives in England, from the US. The units is attached to the US Third Army.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers bomb the railroad line between Rome and Bracciano, hitting tracks, a station, and a warehouse. They also attack Littoria and Terracina, repair shops northwest of Valmontone and several gun positions. Other fighters, on armed reconnaissance of the Avezzano-Sora-Pontecorvo-Ceprano areas, bomb scattered motor transport.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 379^th Bomb Squadron (Medium), with B-25s, from Corsica, to Italy.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 483^rd Bomb Group (Heavy), with four squadrons of B-17s, arrives in Italy, from the US, and joins the 15^th Air Force.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends two B-25s on a shipping sweep. They sink a a 200 foot tanker sunk off Cape Bastion, China. Meanwhile, three fighters are shot down over Yulinkan Bay.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force dispatches over 100 fighter-bombers and a few B-25s to the Mogaung Valley, in Burma. They hit town areas, bridges, storage areas, support ground forces, and hit targets of opportunity in or near Mogaung, Kamaing, Laban, Hopin, Myitkyina, and Nsopzup. In the mean time, a group of 25 B-25s and P-51s hit fuel dumps at Indaw, bomb a road near Manhton and support ground forces at Lasai, while six B-24s bomb the Mandalay railroad yards, another bombs nearby Maymyo, and 13 others mine areas near Mandalay and Magwe. In fighter action, in the Mandalay area, 11 P-38s damage several locomotives, numerous railroad cars and set a steamer afire near Ywataung.

The detachment of the 24^th Combat Mapping Squadron, flying F-7s and operating from Hsinching, China, moves back to their home base in India.

On the ground in Burma, the US 5307^th Unit finds that the Japanese have withdrawn from Nhpum Ga. No effort is made to follow them, since forward movement beyond Nhpum Ga is not desirable at this time. During action at Inkangahtawng and the siege of Nhpum Ga, the 5307^th has suffered 59 men killed and 314 wounded. A total of 379 men must be evacuated because of wounds or illness.

In the British Fourteenth Army area, envelopment of IV Corps at Imphal is completed as the Japanese cut the east-west trail from Bishenpur to Silchar. IV Corps must now be supplied entirely by air, a difficult task that is to become even harder with the arrival of the monsoon season.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends 55 B-25s to bomb the Aitape area, and B-24s and A-20s to hit Wewak, Boram, Cape Moem, in New Guinea. They hit anti-aircraft positions along Hansa Bay, and barges southeast of Mushu Island and in the Wagol River. Meanwhile, P-39s hit troops, barges, and bridges in the Madang, Awar, Bogia and Bunabun areas.

On Emirau, in the St. Matthias Islands, Major General James Moore, USMC, assumes command.

In the Admiralty Islands, the 1^st Squadron, of the 12^th Cavalry, makes an unopposed landing on Pak Island, and begins to search for enemy stragglers. This completes the 1^st Brigade Combat Team’s action in the Admiralties. Meanwhile, the 2^nd Brigade continues its search for enemy remnants on Manus. On Los Negros, a radio station and message center are established at the Salami Plantation.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 23 B-25s to bomb Lakunai, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, 31 fighter-bombers hit Ralum supply areas, while 22 others strike Wunapope.

The 394^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, ceases operating from New Georgia Island, and returns to their home base on Guadalcanal Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, on a photo reconnaissance mission over Maloelap, Wotje, and Mille Atolls, in the Marshall Islands, along with a single B-25, from Tarawa Atoll, bombs Taroa Island, in the Maloelap Atoll. Elsewhere, B-25s, in a shuttle mission from Abemama Island, bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and then hit Maloelap Atoll.

North Pacific Area

An 11^th Air Force weather sortie over Matsuwa Island, in the Kuril Islands, is hampered by low clouds and fog, producing negative rsults.

1,138 · April 10, 2014

Monday, April 10, 1944

Washington, D.C.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) informally approve Operation MATTERHORN, the plan for the bombing of Japan by B-29s based in the Calcutta area, of India, and staging through advanced fields near Chengtu, China. The concept had already been approved in principle by President Franklin Roosevelt on November 10, 1943. The operational vehicle for MATTERHORN is to be the 58^th Bomb Wing (Very Heavy), with four groups of B-29s, of the XX Bomber Command, soon to be assigned to the newly activated 20^th Air Force, operating under the command of General of the Army Henry "Hap" Arnold, as executive agent for the JCS.

American Theater

The 1^st Search Attack Group and the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Search Attack Squadrons (Heavy) are disbanded at Langley Field, Virginia. These units tested equipment and developed techniques and tactics for antisubmarine warfare (ASW), flew ASW patrols and provided the RAF nighttime radar training.

Atlantic Theater (Caribbean)

The 6^th Air Force moves the 29^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from the Galapagos Islands, to the Canal Zone.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 295 – 729 bombers and 496 fighters are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France. For a variety of reasons, 74 bombers abort on the way to their assigned targets.

· B-17s attack targets in Belgium. 123 bomb the aviation industry and airfield at Evere, 52 hit the Brussels/Melsbroek Airfield, 39 hit aviation industry targets at Brussels, and 20 hit Bergen op Zoom. One B-17 is lost, with ten men listed as missing.

· Airfields in Belgium and France are targeted by B-17s, as 62 hit the Maldagem Airfield, 60 hit the Diest/Schaffen Airfield and 42 hit the Florennes/Juzaine Airfield, all in Belgium. In France, 21 hit Courcelles and 21 hit the Beaumont sur Oise Airfield. One B-17 is lost, with ten men listed as missing.

· B-24s are dispatched to hit more airfields and aviation industry targets in Belgium and France. In Belgium, 151 hit the airfield and aviation industry at Bourges. In France, 28 hit the Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 21 hit the Romarantin Airfield and 15 hit V-weapon sites at Marquise/Mimoyecques. One B-24 is lost, with ten men listed as missing.

Fighter escort is provided by the 8^th and 9^th Air Forces, consisting of 51 P-38s, 295 P-47s and 150 P-51s. One P-47 and one P-51 is lost, with the pilots listed as missing. The fighters shoot down 52 Luftwaffe aircraft.

8^th Air Force Mission 296 – Three forces are dispatched on fighter-bomber missions. For the first time, P-38 Droop Snoot aircraft are used.

· 39 P-38s are dispatched to attack the Florennes/Juzaine Airfield, in Belgium.

· 51 P-38s and seven P-47s are dispatched to attack St Dizier, France; the primary is cloud covered and 16 P-38s attack the Coulommiers Airfield, in France, losing two P-38s, with both pilots listed as missing.

· 28 P-38s and 46 P-47s are dispatched to bomb Gutersloh, Germany, losing one P-38 is lost, with the pilot listed as missing.

The P-38 Droop Snoot was developed in Northern Ireland, by Lockheed, as an aircraft conversion. The development allowed a Droop Snoot aircraft to act as a lead bomber during fighter-bomber missions with standard aircraft. The original concept was proposed by two officers assigned to 8th Air Force Headquarters. The conversion consisted of replacing the guns with a bombardier/navigator position, and a transparent Plexiglas bubble nose cone, which contained a Norden bombsight, the bomb release controls and navigation equipment. A secondary conversion provided these aircraft with the capability to remotely drop the bombs for an entire group. 23 P-38s were initially converted, and 100 additional conversion kits were produced, but the exact number of Droop Snoot aircraft is not known.

During the night, the RAF dispatches 789 aircraft to railway targets in France and Belgium:

· 180 Lancasters attack Tours, losing one aircraft.

· 157 Halifaxes and 10 Pathfinder Mosquitos hit Tergnier, losing 10 Halifaxes.

· 148 Lancasters and 15 Mosquitos bomb Laon, losing one Lancaster.

· 132 Lancasters and 15 Pathfinder Mosquitos hit Aulnoye, losing seven Lancasters.

· 122 Halifaxes with 10 Pathfinder Mosquitos attack Ghent, Belgium.

With the exception of the raid at Laon, all the attacks inflicted heavy damage on their intended targets. In other action, 36 Mosquitos attack Hannover and two hit Duisburg, and 17 Lancasters and one Mosquito hit the St Cyr signals depot. Meanwhile, eight aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties, nine fly Serrate patrols, eight Stirlings lay mines off La Pallice, and 46 aircraft fly resistance operations.

8^th Air Force Mission 297 – During the night, five B-17s drop two million leaflets on Lille, Le Mans, Chartres, Reims and Orleans, France.

During the night, 23 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

17 RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force sends 258 B-26s and 41A-20s, including 12 aircraft dropping Window, to attack coastal batteries at Le Harve/Le Grand Hameau, in France, and a nearby military installation. In Belgium, during the afternoon, 267 B-26s and A-20s bomb the marshalling yard, airfield, coastal defenses, and NOBALL targets at Charleroi/Montignies, Namur, Coxyde, Nieuport and other points on the northern coast of western Europe. In the meantime, 47 P-47s dive-bomb the airfield at Evreux, France.

Russian Front
Odessa, important Black Sea port, falls to troops of Third Ukrainian Front.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force A-20s hit an ammunition dump at Gallicano nel Lazio, Italy, while B-25s bomb the Orvieto marshalling yard and two bridges. Meanwhile, B-26s hit Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges and tracks, and viaducts at Bucine and west of Arezzo, while fighter-bombers, operating over wide areas of central Italy and in the battle zones, hit railroad bridges, railroad cars, motor transport, barracks, and troop concentrations with good effect.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 776^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, arrives in Italy, from the US, and joins the 15^th Air Force.

Italian Campaign

In US Fifth Army area, Germans forces abandon plans for an attack on Anzio. The US 85^th Division begins moving into Allied lines west of Minturno.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

Three B-25s damage two bridges at Phu Dien Chau, French Indochina, and destroy several buildings and some railroad track, while 10 P-40s pound roads north and south of Wanling, Burma.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, about 100 fighter-bombers and a few B-25s, from the 10^th Air Force, pound numerous targets, including an encampment southwest of Mogaung, positions near Kazu, a railroad and truck park at Myitkyina, a supply area south of Myitkyina, and bivouac and supply area at Kamaing. Some of the fighter-bombers carry out support of ground forces northeast of Kamaing. Meanwhile, a group of over 40 fighter-bombers and B-25s over the Katha area hit a bridge at Thityabin, troops and supplies at Shwegu, gun positions and troops south of Mawlu, and targets of opportunity including a fuel dump. In other activity, nine B-24s bomb the railroad station and jetty area at Moulmein, while four others mine the mouth of the Tavoy River.

On the ground, the British 2^nd Division begins operations to clear the road to Kohima.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends about 60 B-24s, teaming with US Navy destroyers offshore, to bombard the Hansa Bay area, of New Guinea, concentrating on anti-aircraft positions guarding airfields.

In New Guinea, the Hollandia assault forces, Task Force RECKLESS, completes rehearsals and begins loading for movement to the target.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons dispatches 22 B-25s to bomb the Ratawul supply area, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, over 40 fighter-bombers hit the runway at Tobera. Both strikes cause considerable damage.

During the night, harassment attacks on the Rabaul area continue.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Truk Atoll, one hits Ponape Island, while B-25s, based on Abemama Island, also strike Ponape. Meanwhile, B-25s, flying a shuttle mission between Tarawa and Majuro Atolls, pound Maloelap and Jaluit Atolls.

North Pacific Area

In the Kurile Islands, three B-24s, from the 11^th Air Force, fly armed reconnaissance over Matsuwa and Onnekotan Islands.

1,138 · April 11, 2014

Tuesday, April 11, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 298 – Three separate forces are dispatched to bomb production centers, primarily fighter aircraft factories, and targets of opportunity in northern Germany. 341 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Sorau, Cottbus, Stettin, Trechel, and Dobberphel. 302 B-17s are dispatched to hit Rostock, Politz, and the industrial area at Arnimswalde. 274 B-24s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets at Oschersleben and Berenburg, with some aircraft also hitting Halberstadt and Eisleben. During the mission, the bombers also drop 2.4 million leaflets and shoot down 73 Luftwaffe aircraft. However, in one of the heaviest single-day losses of World War II, 64 bombers are lost, with 671 men listed as killed or missing. Escort is provided by 124 P-38s, 454 P-47s and 241 P-51s, from the 8^th and 9^th Air Forces. They shoot down 51 Luftwaffe aircraft, and destroy another 65 on the ground. Seven P-47s and nine P-51s are lost, with all 16 pilots listed as missing.

During the night, the RAF sends 341 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitos to Aachen. Nine Lancasters lost. This raid was accurate and caused widespread damage and fires in the centre of Aachen and in the southern part of the town, particularly in the suburb of Burtscheid. This was Aachen's most serious raid of the war. Control of the air-raid services was quickly lost when one of the first bombs cut communications between the main operations center and outlying posts. In other action, seven Mosquitos bomb night-fighter airfields, 36 Mosquitos fly a diversion raid to Hannover and three six hit Duisburg and three more hit Osnabrück. Meanwhile, seven Mosquitos fly radio countermeasure sorties, seven fly Serrate patrols, 35 Halifaxes and eight Stirlings lay mines off Brest and in the Kattegat, and 26 other aircraft fly resistance operations.

During the night, 12 B-24s are dispatched on CARPETBAGGER operations.

8^th Air Force Mission 299 – During the night, five B-17s drop two million leaflets on Paris, Rouen, Le Mans, Rennes, Vichy, Lyon, Limoges and Toulouse.

Eight RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

In Belgium, 229 B-26s and 36 A-20s, including three dropping Window, attack Charleroi/Montignies, military installations on the coast, and the Chievres Airfield. Meanwhile, over 90 P-47s dive-bomb a military installation and the Gael Airfield, in France.

Russian Front
Soviet forces in the Crimea break through enemy defenses on the Kerch Peninsula to seize Kerch.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

In Italy, 12^th Air Force B-25s hit the Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, while B-26s hit marshalling yards at Ancona and Siena, and fighter-bombers concentrate on attacks against railroad targets northeast of Rome and buildings inland from the east coast. Tracks are hit hard in the Arezzo-Pontassieve area as are stations at Maccarese and Cesano, and an overpass, bridges, railroad cars and dumps throughout central Italy are attacked, as is the town of Gaeta.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 488^th Bomb Squadron (Medium), with B-25s, from Italy, to Corsica.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The headquarters of the 444^th Bomb Group (Very Heavy), and one of its four squadrons of B-29s, the 676^th Bomb Squadron (Very Heavy), and the 25^th Bomb Squadron (Very Heavy), also with B-29s, arrive in India, from the US, and join the 20^th Air Force.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

In French Indochina, three B-25s, from the 14^th Air Force, hit railroad targets of opportunity north of Vinh and seriously damage a bridge south of Thanh Hoa.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10^th Air Force sends a group of 17 P-51s and B-25s to fly ground support missions and bomb a road near Maungkan. Meanwhile, Mogaung Valley targets are pounded by over 50 fighter-bombers and two B-25s. Targets include a headquarters and stores at Sahmaw, a headquarters and ammunition dump southwest of Mogaung, troops at Myitkyina, and targets of opportunity to the south, a gun position south of Kamaing, and a headquarters at Waingmaw.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force dispatches a force of over 80 A-20s and B-25s, supported by a group of 30 P-47s and P-40s, to attack anti-aircraft positions, stores, dumps and personnel areas at Hollandia. Meanwhile, over 50 B-24s bomb barges, anti-aircraft guns, and other targets along Hansa Bay, which is also hit by 12 B-25s. Elsewhere, 12 other B-25s bomb targets on Karkar Island.

In the St. Matthias Islands, the 147^th Infantry assumes garrison duties on Emirau.

In the Admiralty Islands, General George Kenney establishes the Thirteenth Air Task Force (Provisional), to be commanded by Major General St. Clair Streett. The Air Task Force will be under the operational control of advance headquarters (ADVON) of the 5^th Air Force, until the arrival of the 13^th Air Force headquarters in the Admiralties.

South Pacific Area

On New Britain Island, about 40 fighter-bombers hit the east section of Rabaul, while 12 others strike a Talili Bay ammunition dump, and 24 B-25s blast supply areas at Ratawul. On Bougainville Island, over 20 fighter-bombers are dispatched against coastal gun positions, but fail to locate their objective. 12 of the fighter-bombers bomb Aitara, while two destroy a bridge near Mawareka.

The Thirteenth Air Task Force (Provisional) is created by General George Kenney, Commanding General Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, from elements of the 13^th Air Force and other units.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from the Gilbert Islands, hit Ponape Island, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and carry out a shuttle mission against Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls.

North Pacific Area

Of three B-24s, from the 11^th Air Force, attempting to fly a photographic and bombing run over Matsuwa Island installations, two must turn back. The third bombs the runway area.

1,138 · April 12, 2014

Wednesday, April 12, 1944

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 300 – 455 bombers and 766fighters dispatched to bomb industrial targets at Schweinfurt, Zwickau, Oscheresleben, Schkeuditz, Halle and Leipzig are forced to abandon the mission because of haze and multilayer clouds. Luftwaffe fighter opposition is concentrated over northern France and the bombers shoot down 10 enemy fighters. Six B-17s are lost, with 68 men listed as killed or missing. The 8^th and 9^th Air Forces provide fighter escort of 124 P-38s, 449 P-47s and 193 P-51s. They shoot down 18 Luftwaffe aircraft and destroy one other on the ground. Three P-38s and two P-51s are lost, with all five pilots listed as missing.

During the night, the RAF sends 39 Mosquitos on a harassing raid on Osnabrück. In other operations, two Mosquitos go on Serrate patrols, 40 Halifaxes and 10 Stirlings lay mines in the Frisians and off Heligoland, and 21 other aircraft fly resistance operations, losing two Stirlings and crews.

11 RAF aircraft fly nighttime training sorties.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

The 9^th Air Force dispatches 231 B-26s and 20 A-20s to attack railroad, shore batteries, radar installations, airfields, and V-weapon sites at Dunkirk and Courtrai/Wevelghem, in France, and Coxyde/Furnes, De Pannes-Bains, Saint Ghislain and Ostend, in Belgium. Meanwhile, over 70 P-47s dive-bomb military installations in northern France.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force medium bombers bomb rail lines approaching the Monte Molino bridge and at a nearby junction to the Viterbo line, railroad and road bridges south of Orvieto and at Certaldo, tracks approaching a bridge at Impeda, and railroad bridges over the Var River and at Albenga. Meanwhile, light bombers pound the Zagarolo supply dump, fighter-bombers and fighters, including some British aircraft, hit communications, railroad bridges, vehicles, and supply dumps at various places, including Arezzo, the island of Elba, Orvieto, northeast of Grosseto, northwest of Bracciano, Civita Castellana, Montalto di Castro, between Piombino and Viterbo, in the Castiglioncello area, northwest of Montepescali and south of Cecina.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

As bad weather lifts, and bomber operations resume, the 15^th Air Force sends a force of almost 450 B-17s and B-24s to attack targets in Austria and Yugoslavia. The B-17s hit aircraft factories at Fischamend Markt, Austria, and Split, Yugoslavia. The B-24s hit the industrial area at Wiener Neustadt and Bad Voslau, in Austria and the marshalling yard and air depot at Zagreb, Yugoslavia. Over 200 P-38s and P-47s provide escort. The bombers and fighters shoot down over 30 enemy aircraft shot down. Eight US airplanes are known to be lost in the action, but several more fail to return.

The headquarters of the 465^th Bomb Group (Heavy) and its 783^rd Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying B-24s, arrive in Italy, from the US, and joins the 15^th Air Force.

The 15^th Air Force moves the 122^nd Liaison Squadron, with B-17s, from Italy, to Algeria. The squadron, which has been transporting supplies to partisans and dropping leaflets, will be redesignated the 885^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy) on May 12, and re-equipped with B-24s.

483^rd Bomb Group (Heavy), with B-17s, becomes operational, increasing the number of combat bomber groups, in the 15^th Air Force, to 17.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10^th Air Force sends a force of over 90 P-40s, A-36s, P-51s, and B-25s over the Mogaung Valley in support ground forces. They bomb supply areas, and hit numerous targets of opportunity in areas around Mogaung, Myitkyina, Kamaing, Taungni, and Shaduzup. Meanwhile, five B-25s knock out a bridge at Natmauk, while two others damage the Pyu bridge near Rangoon, five B-24s bomb Nagorn Sawarn, and seven hit the Moulmein railroad station and jetties and bomb the southeast part of Prome.

On the ground in Burma, the 114^th Regiment, of the Chinese 38^th Division, relieves the 113^th on the battle line. To the east, the 112^th is holding a salient near Nhpum Ga. In British Fourteenth Army area, the air movement of another long-range penetration column, the West African 3^rd Brigade, of the Indian 3^rd Division, to central Burma is completed. The British XXXIII Corps, responsible for the Kohima area, is being reinforced as rapidly as possible. The 23^rd Brigade, of the Indian 3^rd Division, is relieved of the task of guarding the Jorhat railroad and ordered to proceed south to assist the British 2^nd Division and cut communication lines west of the Chindwin River. In IV Corps area, elements of Indian 20^th Division relieve a detachment of the Indian 23^rd Division on the Tiddim Road, south of Imphal.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends a force of over 180 B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s, supported by over 60 P-38s, to bomb anti-aircraft positions, airfields, supply areas and shipping construction, in New Guinea. Meanwhile, more B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and P-39s bomb and strafe various targets at Wewak, Madang, along Hansa Bay and on Karkar Island, and other P-39s fly a barge sweep from Alexishafen up the coast as far as the mouth of the Sepik River. Elsewhere, two B-25s bomb Penfoei, on Timor Island.

In the Admiralty Islands, Pak Island is now free of Japanese. But the mop-up of Manus Island continues.

South Pacific Area

On New Britain Island, 23 B-25s and 11 P-39s pound the western section of Rabaul, while seven other B-25s cause considerable damage in the Ratawul supply area. Meanwhile, 23 fighter-bombers blast the concrete airstrip at Vunakanau. On Bougainville Island 12 fighter-bombers bomb and strafe the Numa Numa trail and pound the harbor area.

The headquarters of the 5^th Bomb Group (Heavy) is ordered to move from Guadalcanal Island, and New Georgia Island, to Los Negros Island. where it will form the nucleus of the Thirteenth Air Task Force.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, flying out of Abemama Island, bomb Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll, and hit Jaluit Atoll on the return trip.

1,138 · April 13, 2014

Thursday, April 13, 1944

European Theater

At midnight, General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower formally assumes direction of air operations out of the UK, though he began to informally exercise this authority in late March. This assumption of authority gives Eisenhower direction over the Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF), RAF Bomber Command, and US Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSTAF). The 15^th Air Force retains some degree of independence, along with the US 1^st Army Group, the British 21^st Army Group, and Allied Naval Forces.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 301 – 172 B-17s are dispatched to the industrial area at Schweinfurt, 243 B-17s bomb aviation industry targets at Augsburg, and 211 B-24s are dispatched to hit the Lechfeld Airfield, aviation industry targets at Oberpfaffenhofen and Lauffern. 22 enemy aircraft are shot down by the bomber force, which also drops over five million leaflets over Germany. 32 B-17s and six B-24s are lost, with 373 men listed as killed or missing. The 8^th and 9^th Air Forces provide fighter escort of 134 P-38s, 504 P-47s and P-51s. Three P-38s, two P-47s and four P-51s are lost with eight pilots listed as missing. The fighters shoot down 42 Luftwaffe aircraft and destroy another 35 on the ground. This mission is flown in conjunction with a raid on Hungary by over 500 15^th Air Force bombers and a 9^th Air Force B-26 raid in the southern Netherlands.

8^th Air Force Mission 302 – During the night five B-17s are dispatched to drop 800,000 leaflets on Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven, in the Netherlands.

During the night, 29 RAF Mosquitos are dispatched to Berlin, but observation of bombing results was not possible because of the glare of the massed searchlights. In other action, six Mosquitos are sent to Düren and three to Dortmund, while 10 Stirlings and six Halifaxes lay mines off Cherbourg, Le Havre and La Pallice.

European Theater, Tactical (OVERLORD)

Tactical air forces, the US 9^th Air Force and the RAF Second Tactical Air Force, begin the offensive against Normandy coastal batteries.

The 9^th Air Force sends 121 B-26s and 37 A-20s to attack a marshalling yard, coastal batteries, airfields and V-weapon sites at Namur, Chievres and Nieuport, Belgium. Over Le Havre, France, and along the north coast of France, in general, nearly 175 other aircraft abort missions mainly because of weather, while, 48 P-47s dive-bomb V-weapon sites.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s attack Terni and a bridge at Marsciano, while B-26s bomb the Ancona marshalling yard and a nearby railroad bridge. fighter-bombers again strike at communications, the town of Itri, the Cesano railroad station, a factory at Fontana Liri, a railroad overpass at Fara in Sabina, Anguillara, and bridges, trucks and other targets at points throughout central Italy.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

The 15^th Air Force sends 535 heavy bombers on the largest bomber mission to date, to bomb targets in Hungary. The B-17s bomb an aircraft plant and depot at Gyor, while the B-24s bomb an aircraft factory at Budapest and air depots at Budapest, Tokol and Vecses. Fighter opposition and anti-aircraft account for 14 US bombers and one fighter shot down, while 40 enemy fighters are shot down and over 120 destroyed on the ground.

The 15^th Air Force adds the 779^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), flying B-24s, which arrives in Italy, from the US.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

More B-29s join the 20^th Air Force, with the arrival of the 468^th Bomb Group (Very Heavy), with four squadrons, and the 677^th and 679^th Bomb Squadrons (Very Heavy), of the 444^th Bomb Group (Very Heavy).

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

14^th Air Force sends 28 fighters to intercept 13 Japanese airplanes on a raid to bomb Namyung, China. The US fighters fail to make contact with the attacking forces.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10^th Air Force dispatches a group of over 90 P-40s, P-51s and A-36s and a few B-25s to provide ground support missions near Kamaing and hit assorted targets throughout the Mogaung Valley. Elsewhere, 12 B-25s and 11 P-51s support ground forces at Mawlu.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force sends a force of over 80 B-24s and A-20s to attack the airfields at Dagua and But on the north coast of New Guinea. Elsewhere, 33 A-20s hit Aitape, and P-39s, B-25s, and B-24s fly light strikes against a variety of targets along Hansa Bay, on Wakde Island, at Uligan, and several other points along the coast.

On the ground in New Guinea, elements of the Australian 15^th Brigade, under the command of the Australian 11^th Division, enter Bogadjim without opposition.

South Pacific Area

During the early morning 23 B-24s bomb Truk Atoll.

Air Command Solomons sends 24 B-25s to attack Talili Bay and Ratawul supply areas and the town of Rabaul, on New Britain Island. Meanwhile, over 40 fighter-bombers strike the Malaguna area northwest of Rabaul, and 17 fighter-bombers hit personnel and supply areas at Mosigetta, Mawareka, Meive, and Maririei.

The 13^th Air Force moves the 394^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy) from Guadalcanal Island to Los Negros Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-24s, flying out of Eniwetok Atoll, strike Truk Atoll. Meanwhile, B-25s, from Abemama Island, hit Ponape Island, and B-25s, from Tarawa Atoll, bomb Jaluit Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and hit Maloelap Atoll.

North Pacific Area

The 11^th Air Force sends three B-24s to fly armed reconnaissance and make bombing runs over the airfield on Matsuwa Island and installations on Onnekotan Island, in the Kurile Islands.

1,138 · April 14, 2014

Friday, April 14, 1944

European Theater

At midnight, General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower formally assumes direction of air operations out of the UK, though he began to informally exercise this authority in late March. This assumption of authority gives Eisenhower direction over the Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF), RAF Bomber Command, and US Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSTAF). The 15^th Air Force retains some degree of independence, along with the US 1^st Army Group, the British 21^st Army Group, and Allied Naval Forces.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force B-25s attack the Viterbo Airfield and the Leghorn marshalling yard, in Italy, while B-26s strike at Poggibonsi, Certaldo, Cecina and Magra, attacking mostly rail facilities. They also hit a bridge and the viaduct at Arezzo and Bucine viaducts. Fighter-bombers also concentrate on rail lines and bridges and hit many supply dumps, gun positions and factories, generally located northeast of Rome.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 340^th Bomb Group (Medium) from Italy, to Corsica.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

The 10^th Air Force dispatches 20 P-40s over the Mogaung Valley, in Burma, to attack a camp at Manywet. Meanwhile, 20 P-51s and three B-25s support ground forces in the Mawlu area.

On the ground, the Chinese agree to undertake an offensive across the Salween River with Y–Force. Admiral Mountbatten recommends to the British Chiefs of Staff that the North Burma campaign be confined to the capture of Myitkyina.

Southwest Pacific Area

5^th Air Force B-25s and P-39s hit barges and luggers in Vanimo Harbor and at Bogia, in New Guinea.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 19 B-24s on a mission to the Caroline Islands, to bomb Eten, Param, and Kuop islands and targets of opportunity in the Truk Atoll. On New Britain Island, 24 B-25s and over 40 fighter-bombers blast a supply area at Ratawul, and eight other fighter-bombers hit Wunapope. Meanwhile, over 20 more fighter-bombers strike various targets in the northeastern part of Bougainville Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, from Eniwetok Atoll, bomb Ponape Island, while B-25s, from Abemama Island, strike Jaluit and Maloelap atolls, using Majuro Atoll as an arming station between strikes. Meanwhile, a single B-24, en route from Kwajalein Atoll to Tarawa Atoll, bombs Jaluit Atoll.

Japanese bombers carry out an ineffective raid on Eniwetok Atoll.

The 7^th Air Force relocates the 26^th Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from Tarawa Atoll to Kwajalein Atoll.

North Pacific Area

The 11^th Air Force sends three B-24s on an armed photo reconnaissance mission, during the early morning, over Matsuwa, Onnekotan, and Paramushiru Islands, Kurile Islands. Photographs taken are negative due to cloud cover.

1,138 · April 16, 2014

Saturday, April 15, 1944

Washington, D.C.

The Northwest Sea Frontier, comprised of Oregon and Washington, and the Alaska Sector are abolished. Oregon and Washington are folded into the Western Sea Frontier, commanded by Vice Admiral David Bagley. The Alaska Sector becomes the Alaskan Sea Frontier, under the command of Admiral Fletcher. The 17^th Naval District, comprised of the Territory of Alaska and its waters, is established.

European Theater

Allied Expeditionary Air Force headquarters (AEAF) issues the over-all air plan for Operation NEPTUNE. Operation NEPTUNE is the actual operations within Operation OVERLORD. In September, 1943, NEPTUNE began being used for security purposes. The plan contains actual dates, objectives/targets and movements within OVERLORD. Major plans are almost completed by this time, although planning continues until late in May.

European Theater, Strategic (POINTBLANK)

8^th Air Force Mission 303 – 616 fighters are dispatched on strafing sweeps of central and western Germany, with airfields being the primary objectives. 132 P-38s shoot down seven Luftwaffe aircraft, 262 P-47s shoot down 20 more aircraft, and 30 more enemy aircraft are shot down by 222 P-51s, from the 8^th and 9^th Air Forces. Seven P-47s, 11 P-38s, and 15 P-51s are lost, with 30 pilots listed as missing.

Russian Front
In Poland, Tarnopol falls to Soviet forces of the First Ukrainian Front.

Mediterranean Theater

General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean (SACMED), learns that General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny will command French forces in Operation ANVIL, the invasion of southern France.

Mediterranean Theater, Tactical

12^th Air Force medium bombers strike a marshalling yard at Leghorn and a tunnel and railroad bridges in central Italy. In fighter action, P-47s attack rail lines, bridges and ammunition dumps northeast of Rome with good results, while other P-47s, P-40s and A-36s hit numerous targets, including rail lines, a motor transport shop, vehicles, tanks and gun positions, in central Italy and in the US Fifth Army battle areas.

The XII Air Support Command is redesignated the XII Tactical Air Command.

The 12^th Air Force moves the 486^th Bomb Squadron (Medium), with B-25s, from Italy, to Corsica.

Mediterranean Theater, Strategic

Clearing weather again permits bomber operations, as a force of 448 B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards. The B-17s hit Ploesti, Rumania, and Nis, Yugoslavia, and the B-24s hit Bucharest, Rumania. Over 150 fighters provide escort.

A special group, led by Lieutenant Colonel Louis Neveleff, flies from 15^th Air Force headquarters at Bari, Italy, to Medeno Polji, Yugoslavia, and from there the group proceeds to Marshall Tito's headquarters at Drvar. Colonel Neveleff confers with Tito, and spends several days laying the groundwork for the evacuation of downed US airmen in Yugoslav hands.

Italian Campaign

The British Eighth Army is regrouping for a spring offensive. Meanwhile, British X Corps relieves the Polish 2 Corps.

China – Burma – India Theater

General Chennault warns Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to expect an enemy air offensive in China.

The Generalissimo urges General Stilwell to advance cautiously in Mogaung Valley.

The headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, is transferred from New Delhi, India, to Kandy, Ceylon.

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14^th Air Force sends three B-25s to knock out a bridge at Viet Tri, French Indochina. They also manage to damage another.

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

12 B-24s, from the 10^th Air Force, over the Andaman Islands attack shipping and other targets at Port Blair. Meanwhile, 12 P-38s hit Heho Airfield, in Burma, destroying several parked airplanes.

Airlift of the Chinese 50^th Division to Maingkwan is almost completed. The Chinese 14^th Division is soon to follow.

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 19^th Liaison Squadron, with L-5s, arrives in India.

Southwest Pacific Area

The 5^th Air Force sends a force of over 180 B-24s, B-25s and A-20s to bomb landing strips, off-shore islands and the entire coastal area in the vicinity of Aitape, in New Guinea. Meanwhile, 16 P-40s strafe barges at nearby Seleo Island, while 20 P-39s hit villages, supply dumps, trucks and other targets along Hansa Bay and in the Alexishafen area.

South Pacific Area

Air Command Solomons sends 24 B-25s to New Britain Island. They bomb an ammunition dump on Talili Bay,a nd are followed by 11 P-39s with a strike on the same target. Elsewhere, three P-38s hit the Wunapope supply area, but other fighter-bomber strikes on the same area are cancelled by bad weather. A few P-38s hit targets in the northeastern part of Bougainville Island.

The 13^th Air Force moves the 72^nd Bomb Squadron (Heavy), with B-24s, from New Georgia Island, to Los Negros Island.

Central Pacific Area

7^th Air Force B-25s, based on Tarawa Atoll, bomb Maloelap Atoll, rearm at Majuro Atoll and hit Jaluit and Mille atolls on the return trip.

Major General Robert Douglass Jr. becomes Commanding General of the 7^th Air Force.

North Pacific Area

Reconnaissance over Paramushiru Island fails due to overcast skies.

WWII - 70 Years Ago

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