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Sunday, September 24,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the Canadian First Army’s British I Corps area, the Canadian 2nd Division establishes a bridgehead across the Antwerp–Turnhout Canal, south of St Leonard.

 

In the British Second Army’s I Airborne Corps area, two companies of the 43rd Division cross the Neder Rijn, in assault boats, during the night, but are unable to reach the British-held perimeter at Hartestein. Polish forces on the south bank lack assault boats for crossing. Lt General Brian Horrocks, Commanding General of XXX Corps, issues and within a few hours revokes an order for the 43rd Division to prepare to cross at Renkum.

 

In the VIII Corps area, Deurne falls to the 11th Armoured Division.

 

In US Third Army area, General Patton, in accordance with an order from General Eisenhower, halts offensive operations, and begins an aggressive defense, calling for limited actions, as supplies permit, to improve defensive positions.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 80th Division prepares to attack to the Seille River line on September 26. Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, holds its perimeter between Château Salins and Fresnes en Saulnois against determined tank-infantry attacks that P–47’s help repulse. Heavy enemy fire continues from Fort de Château Salins, however. The Germans lose about 300 dead and 11 tanks in this action.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the II Corps area, the 34th Division, driving toward Monte Bastione, with the 168th and 135th Regiments, gains the crest of Monte Coroncina and holds it against counterattack. They eventually overrun Roncobilaccio.

 

In the British XIII Corps area, the 1st Division takes Palazzuolo and Marradi, but the enemy is holding out on Monte Gamberaldi. The Indian 8th Division reaches the Marradi–San Benedetto road. The 6th Armoured Division advances to San Benedetto in Alpe, on Highway 67.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, V Corps secures the heights north of the Marecchia from Montebello, to Poggio Berni, to San Arcangelo, and the 46th Division, in the center, establishes a bridgehead across the Uso River, taking Camerano on the far bank.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Greece

RAF personnel arrive at Araxos by sea and together with the Special Boat Squadron move on to Patras. The Commander of Land Forces, Adriatic, controls this operation.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

On the ground, the British 36th Division encounters the enemy in strength, while probing southward from Namma, and suspends forward movement until mid-October.

 

Southwest Pacific Area 5th Air Force 13th Air Force

On Peleliu, the 321st Infantry attacks after an air, naval, and artillery bombardment, driving through Garekoru, to the fourth phase line on the left. Company E, on the right, starts along the east–west trail, soon called the 321st Infantry Trail, through the central ridge system running from the West Road, south of Garekoru, to the East Road, in effort to pocket strong enemy forces in the Umurbrogol Mountains, in the southern part of the ridge system. A Japanese counterattack at the fourth phase line causes the 321st Infantry to fall back a little, but positions are largely restored. A gap develops between the infantry and the 7th Marines, since the Marines, to the right rear, has to clear the ground that the 321st Infantry should have taken.

 

On Angaur, when an appeal to the enemy to surrender produces only two prisoners, artillery fire is placed on the pocket throughout the rest of the day and ensuing night.

 

On Ulithi, Regimental Combat Team 323, of the 81st Division, secures the rest of Ulithi, without opposition. The atoll becomes an excellent base for the Pacific Fleet during operations against the Philippines.

 

North Pacific Area

Eight B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, striking the Kurabu Cape Airfield, on Paramushiru Island, are challenged by 12 Japanese fighters, forcing one B-24 to force-land in the USSR.

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Monday, September 25,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 647 – 1,306 bombers are dispatched to attack marshalling yards in western Germany and the synthetic oil plant at Ludwigshafen.

 

70 RAF Halifaxes start a series of flights to carry fuel in jerricans from England to airfields in Belgium, in order to alleviate severe shortages experienced by Allied ground forces. 435 such sorties were flown during an eight day period. Each Halifax carried about 165 jerricans, approximately 750 gallons, on each flight. The total amount of fuel air lifted during the period was approximately 325,000 gallons, about the same amount of fuel that the Halifaxes themselves consumed.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Canadian First Army’s II Corps area, the 3rd Division, having moved up to Calais from Boulogne, begins an all-out assault, after a preparatory bombardment. Polish armor is moving from the east flank of II Corps to the east flank of the British I Corps.

 

In British Second Army’s I Airborne Corps area, it is decided to withdraw the bridgehead north of the Neder Rijn, in the Arnhem sector, during the night. Leaving wounded behind, the British 1st Airborne Division starts crossing the river, some by ferry and others swimming.

 

The US 101st Airborne Division and the British 50th Division partially envelop the enemy’s roadblock near Koevering, and the Germans abandon it after nightfall.

 

VIII Corps takes Helmond and Gernert, northeast of Eindhoven, and makes patrol contact with XXX Corps in the St Antonis area.

 

In the US Third Army area, General Patton lists his priorities for limited attacks.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the Indian 4th Division is delayed in crossing the Uso River on the left flank of V Corps, by fire from Cornacchiara on the far bank, but the enemy withdraws during the night

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek refuses to accept General Stilwell as commander of Chinese forces.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Morotai, Task Force TRADEWIND is dissolved. General Hall, as Commanding General of XI Corps, is responsible for continuing base development.

 

On Peleliu, the 7th Marines continue to support the attack of the 321st Infantry, of the 81st Division, and extends the left flank to release elements of the 321st for the main push. On the left, the 321st Infantry patrols northward along the coast, almost to the fifth phase line, against light resistance. The 5th Marines move forward to join with the 321st Infantry in an attack to clear the northern part of the island. Right flank elements of the 321st Infantry continue clearing a lateral trail through the central ridge system, meeting strong opposition.

 

On Angaur, the 322nd Infantry, whose efforts to push into the Lake Salome bowl from the south have all ended in failure, attempts in vain to find a suitable route of advance into the bowl from the north coast. Engineers then begin construction of a road for an attack from the east-northeast.

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Tuesday, September 26,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 648 – 1,159 bombers and 432 fighters are dispatched to hit rail targets and armored vehicle factories in western Germany.

 

A force of 320 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s support the First Allied Airborne Army in the Netherlands. The 8th Air Force provides the P-47s and P-51s, while the 9th Air Force provides the P-38s. they shoot down 32 enemy aircraft. One P-38 is lost, with the pilot listed as missing in action.

 

The RAF sends 388 Lancasters, 289 Halifaxes, and 45 Mosquitos on two separate raids in the Calais area

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the British Second Army’s I Airborne Corps area, daylight halts the withdrawal of the 1st Airborne Division, with about 300 men remaining on the north bank of the Neder Rijn. Some of these later escape southward. Although MARKET-GARDEN has not accomplished the major objectives of gaining a bridgehead beyond the Neder Rijn, outflanking the West Wall, securing positions from which to attack the Ruhr, or bringing about the collapse of the enemy in this area, it has gained valuable ground and improved Allied positions.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British XIII Corps area, the 1st Division continues its futile frontal assault on Monte Gamberaldi, and, at night, begins moving elements toward Monte Toncone, in an effort to outflank the enemy.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the Indian 4th Division establishes a bridgehead across the Uso River, in the vicinity of Cornacchiara, but meets firm resistance from the heights beyond, when trying to expand the bridgehead.

 

In the Canadian I Corps area, the Canadian 5th Armoured Division enlarges its bridgehead across the Uso River.

 

During meeting at General Wilson’s headquarters at Caserta, Italy, final arrangements are made for the orderly reoccupation of Greece. Security battalions, political police formed to eliminate the Greek People’s Liberation Army (ELAS), are outlawed.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (India)

The 20th Air Force dispatches 83 B-29s, staging from Chengtu, China, to bomb Anshan, targeting the Showa Steel Works. 15 others bomb Dairen, Sinsiang, and various targets of opportunity.

 

During the night, Japanese aircraft bomb the Chengtu area, damaging five B-29s.

 

Central Pacific Area

On Peleliu, the 321st Infantry and the 5th Marines each cut across the western arm of Peleliu, forming two pockets of enemy. The 2nd Battalion, of the 321st Infantry, completes clearing the 321st Infantry Trail, cutting off the enemy to the south in the Umurbrogol Mountians. The 3rd Battalion, of the 5th Marines, pushes across the peninsula to the north, isolating the enemy on Amiangal Mountain, at the northern tip. Other elements of the 5th Marines drive north along the west coast, almost to the tip of the island.

 

On Angaur, the 322nd Infantry gains a foothold in the northern part of the Lake Salome bowl and clears positions along southeast rim.

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Wednesday, September 27,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 650 – 1,192 bombers and 678 fighters are dispatched to hit industrial and transportation targets in western Germany.

 

In other 8th Air Force operations, 163 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN’ mission to carry fuel to France.

 

The RAF sends 222 Lancasters, 84 Halifaxes, and 35 Mosquitos to attack positions in the Calais area. Meanwhile, 96 Halifaxes, 71 Lancasters, and eight Mosquitos attack the Ruhroel AG synthetic-oil plant in the Welheim suburb of Bottrop.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

9th Air Force fighters fly armed reconnaissance, cover US First and Third Army forces in western Germany and eastern France and later fly night patrols in Belgium, Luxembourg, and west German areas. In France, a force of nearly 300 B-26s and A-20s abort missions due to bad weather, but eight manage to bomb a target at Foret de Parroy.

 

Keeping up with Allied advances, the 9th Air Force moves two fighter squadrons closer to the front, and relocates the 644th Bomb Squadron (Light), of the 410th Bomb Group (Light), with A-20s, from England to France.

 

At 21 Army Group headquarters, Field Marshal Montgomery orders General Crerar to clear the Schelde River as quickly as possible.

 

In the British Second Army area, enemy aircraft make large-scale, but futile, efforts to destroy Nijmegen bridges.

 

In US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 359th Infantry, of the 80th Division, after further efforts in greater strength to gain the road from Gravelotte to St Hubert’s Farm, breaks off the attack.

 

In the XII Corps area, massed enemy tanks again attempt to drive into the 4th Armored Division’s salient, making the main effort on the southern flank, where they succeed in taking Hill 318, southeast of Arracourt, which commands the road to Nancy. Subsidiary thrusts at Bezange la Petite and Xanrey are largely contained.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British XIII Corps area, the 1st Division seizes Monte Toncone, jeopardizing the enemy on Monte Gamberaldi

 

Canadian I Corps issues instructions for future action of troops upon relief, scheduled to begin on September 29, by Polish 2 Corps. It is subsequently decided to employ Polish 2 Corps in another sector and keep Canadian I Corps in the coastal zone.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 13 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, bomb the area near Katba, while 30 P-47s, in five flights, hit ammunition stores and the town area of Myothit, and attack Sinkin, Bhamo, and Ma-ubin. Meanwhile, seven other P-47s damage the approaches to a railroad bridge at Nansiaung, seven more hit a bivouac area at Pinwe, and seven B-25s pound Hsenwi. 10 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Yungning, China, and C-47s fly over 200 sorties to various points in the CBI Theater.

 

Central Pacific Area

On Peleliu, elements of the 321st Infantry begin an attack on the north side of the Umurbrogol Pocket, which the 7th Marines is helping to contain, and meet intense enemy fire. The 1st Battalion drives north, clearing Kamilianlul Mountain with ease and making contact with the 5th Marines, at the junction of the East and West Roads. Some elements of the 5th Marines continue clearing resistance on Amiangal Mountian, while others push to the end of the island, Akarakaro Point.

 

On Angaur, the 322nd Infantry surrounds the Lake Salome bowl and gains positions along the inside of it . Methodical elimination of the doomed enemy ensues.

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Thursday, September 28,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 652 – 1,049 bombers and 724 fighters are dispatched to hit oil and military vehicle factories in central Germany.

 

In other 8th Air Force operations, 194 B-24s fly a TRUCKIN' mission to France, delivering fuel.

 

The RAF dispatches 230 Lancasters, 214 Halifaxes, and 50 Mosquitos to attack four German positions at Calais and six battery positions at Cap Gris Nez, with approximately 50 aircraft allocated to each position. Calais surrenders to the Canadian Army soon after this raid and all of the French Channel ports are thus in Allied hands, although most of the facilities require extensive clearance and repair.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the Canadian First Army’s II Corps area, the 3rd Division pushes into Calais and takes the Citadel.

 

In the British Second Army area, the Germans make a particularly strong counterattack against the Eindhoven–Arnhem salient in a futile effort to take the highway bridge at Nijmegen.

 

In US First Army’s XIX Corps area, General Corlett orders an offensive to clear the Peel Marshes.

 

A US Third Army directive places Metz first on the priority list

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, bad weather grounds 12th Air Force A-20s and medium bombers, but fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale, bomb Bologna and hit roads and rail lines at four locations.

 

In the US Fifth Army area, II Corps finds that the enemy has abandoned their former strongpoints in the Radicosa Pass.

 

In the British XIII Corps area, the 1st Division finds that the enemy on Monte Gamberaldi has withdrawn.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, Canadian I Corps reaches positions generally along the Fiumicino River. A company of the Canadian 5th Armoured Division crosses, but is wiped out by the enemy. Operations, except for patrolling, are almost at a standstill after this because of heavy rains and flooding.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In the British Fourteenth Army area, XV Corps is ordered to go on the offensive on the Arakan front, in order to clear Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar, as well as the Naaf River estuary.

 

Central Pacific Area

On Peleliu, 321st Infantry units finish clearing the northern part of the Umurbrogol Pocket, to a previously designated line. The 1st Battalion and the 5th Marines continue clearing the northern part of the west arm. The 3rd Battalion, of the 5th Marines, lands on three small islands off the coast, Ngesebus, Kongauru, and an unnamed island, and begins clearing them.

 

On Angaur, the 322nd Infantry continues clearing an enemy pocket inside the bowl, suffering its highest casualties for a single day on the island, about 80.

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Friday, September 29,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends a force of over 400 B-26s and A-20s to attack targets in Germany, including the marshalling yards and rail sidings at Prum, Euskirchen, and Bingen, dragon's teeth antitank defenses near Webenheim, and marshalling yards, rail sidings, warehouses and barracks at Julich and Bitburg. Meanwhile, a force of over 1,500 fighters escort the bombers, hit railroads, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over wide areas of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, eastern France, and in western Germany as far east as Frankfurt/Main.

 

In the Canadian First Army’s II Corps area, an armistice for withdrawal of civilians interrupts the battle at Calais.

 

In the British Second Army area, German swimmers damage the bridges at Nijmegen with submarine charges, but the bridges are soon repaired.

 

In the US Third Army area, General Patton approves a plan for XX Corps to attack Fort Driant again, beginning on October 3.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force A-20s and medium bombers are again grounded by weather.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, elements of Regimental Combat Team 6, of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, take Stazzema.

 

In the British XIII Corps area, the enemy withdraws from Monte di Castelnuovo. Engineers are opening the Marradi–San Benedetto road, which by now is secure.

 

The British Eighth Army is hampered all along the battle line by heavy rains and flooding. During the night, V Corps advances its right flank, taking Savignano and the Castelvecchio ridge without opposition, as the Germans make a limited withdrawal. V Corps sends patrols across the Fiumicino River.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

The 14th Air Force dispatches 11 B-25s to bomb Mangshih, China. 24 more bomb the Tien Ho and White Cloud airfields, at Canton, and 15 hit targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Taochuan and Taohsien. In other action, a group of about 100 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s again attack various targets of opportunity throughout the vast expanses of China, south of the Yangtze River, hitting road, rail, and river targets, troops, and town areas.

 

Assisted by a small group of US engineers, a large Chinese labor force begins work on a trail between Myitkyina, Burma, and Kunming, China, via Tengchung, China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Morotai, the Pitoe Crash Strip, the original airstrip on Morotai, is ready for use by fighters. This field is later abandoned.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches three B-24s, from Saipan Island, to bomb Marcus Island. Two others hit Iwo Jima and Pagan islands. In other action, P-47s bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan Island, and B-24s, from Eniwetok Atoll, pound Truk Island.

 

On Peleliu, the 7th Marines takes the responsibility for completing the reduction of the Umurbrogol Pocket, releasing the 3rd Battalion, of the 321st Infantry, which then starts north along the route previously taken by the 1st Battalion, clearing bypassed resistance as it moves. Other elements of the 321st Infantry relieve the 5th Marines on Ngesebus and Kongauru islands. The 5th Marines continue to clear Amiangal Mountain.

 

On Angaur, the 322nd Infantry clears the floor of the Lake Salome bowl and forces the enemy to the northwest rim and northwest tip of island.

 

Admiral Fort’s Western Attack Force, Task Force 32, takes command in the western Carolines, from Admiral Wilkinson’s Joint Expeditionary Force, Task Force 31, releasing Admiral Wilkinson for action against the Philippines.

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Saturday, September 30,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 655 – 834 bombers and 629 fighters are dispatched to bomb marshalling yards and airfields in western Germany.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the Canadian First Army’s II Corps area, the 3rd Division resumes its attack on Calais, after the armistice ends at noon. Organized resistance ceases by evening and mopping up is begun.

 

In the British I Corps area, the Polish 1st Armored Division takes Merxplas, northwest of Turnhout.

 

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, the 4th Armored Division, after a successful sweep south of Xanrey, goes on the defensive in a quiet sector. In a desperate attempt to recover Forêt de Grémecey, the Germans make a strong attack against both flanks of the 35th Division’s perimeter, breaching the lines of 134th and 137th Regiments, within the forest. So grave is the situation that, around 1420 hours, the XII Corps commander orders the 35th Division to fall back behind the Seille River after dark. However, General Patton directs a counterattack by the 6th Armored Division to restore the situation. The 35th Division, committing its last reserves, manages to hang on and the enemy begins a planned withdrawal.

 

Eastern Europe

Troops of the Third Ukrainian Front, having secured the Iron Gate, the Turnu-Severin-Orsova area, where the Danube passes through the Transylvanian Alps, cross the Danube in force and push toward Belgrade.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army’s II Corps area, the 351st Infantry, of the 88th Division, seizes Monte Cappello after hard fighting

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Morotai, the Wama Drome is ready for emergency use.

 

Central Pacific Area

On Peleliu, the 1st Battalion, of the 321st Infantry, relieves the 5th Marines on Amiangal Mountain. Amiangal Mountain is not yet completely clear of organized resistance, although the Marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed or captured. This number is far more than the 500 recently estimated to be on the mountain. The 7th Marines begins attacks to reduce the Umurbrogol Pocket. Their progress during the next few days is very slow.

 

Admiral Fort, Commander of Western Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus, and Kongauru occupied.

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Sunday, October 1,1944

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 657 – during the night, 10 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Belgium.

 

The RAF dispatches two Liberators and one Wellington on signals investigation patrols, six Hudsons on resistance operations. Meanwhile, 73 Halifaxes deliver fuel.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 48 Mosquitos to Brunswick, eight to Heilbronn, eight to Krefeld, six to Dortmund, six to Koblenz, and two on radio countermeasure sorties.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

Bad weather prevents 9th Air Force bomber operations. However, a few fighters fly armed reconnaissance over eastern France and wide areas of western Germany and patrol the battle areas.

 

During the night, the 9th Air Force flies night patrols over eastern France and Luxembourg.

 

Allied advances in Europe necessitate a huge movement of 9th Air Force units:

· The 36th Fighter Group and the 371st Fighter Group move within France.

· The 553rd Bomb Squadron (Medium), of the 386th Bomb Group (Medium), moves from England to France.

· The 84th Fighter Wing, the 404th Fighter Group, the 474th Fighter Group, and the 125th Liaison Squadron, attached to the Ninth Army, move from France to Belgium.

· The 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group moves from France to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg,.

· The XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) locates an advance headquarters at Arlon, France.

· IX Troop Carrier Command moves the 50th Troop Carrier Wing from England to France.

· IX Troop Carrier Command moves the 99th and 301st Troop Carrier Squadrons, of the 441st Troop Carrier Group, within France.

· During the month of October, the IX Fighter Command relocates within Belgium.

 

In the Canadian First Army’s II Corps area, the mop-up of Calais is completed during the morning.

 

In the British I Corps area, the Canadian 2nd Division begins a drive west, across the Antwerp–Turnhout Canal, toward the Beveland Peninsula, through the northern suburbs of Antwerp. The 49th Division is engaging the enemy north of St Leonard. Polish armor crosses the Dutch frontier on the right flank of I Corps.

 

In the British Second Army area, the Germans make another strong, but futile, attempt to reach the Nijmegen bridges, pushing south from Arnhem.

 

In the US Ninth Army area, the XXIX Tactical Air Command, of the US Ninth Air Force, which is to support the Ninth Army, is detached from the IX Tactical Air Command and becomes an independent body.

 

VIII Corps, consisting of the 2nd and 8th Divisions, and supporting units, prepares to take over the sector of V Corps, of the First Army.

 

The US First Army spends most of its time during October encircling and reducing Aachen, from which a drive on Cologne is to begin.

 

In the XIX Corps area, a two-pronged attack to clear the Peel Marshes continues to gain little ground. The main offensive of XIX Corps, an attack on the West Wall, between Aachen and Geilenkirchen, cannot be undertaken as planned, on this date, because of poor weather conditions.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, elements of the 83rd Division, comprised of Company C, of the 329th Infantry, reach the outskirts of Grevenmacher, on the west bank of the Moselle River, north of Remich.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division is clearing the enemy from Forêt de Grémecey, thrusting to the edge of the woods at some points. Combat Command R, of the 6th Armored Division, moves south, from Pettoncourt, and clears Chambrey, where it is relieved by the 137th Infantry. Combat Command A moves around the west edge of the forest, through Jallaucourt, to seize the Lemoncourt–Fresnes ridge, which it turns over to the 134th Infantry. This about ends the battle of Forêt de Grémecey. On the north flank of XII Corps, the 80th Division begins limited attacks to improve its positions west of the Seille River. The commanding officer of the 318th Infantry attempts unsuccessfully to take a farm strongpoint that controls the Pont Mousson–Nomeny road.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 79th Division commits the 314th Regiment in Forêt de Parroy. Moving forward from Croismare, the 314th gradually pinches out 313th Infnatry and continues its attack to right of the 315th. Progress within the forest is still very slow.

 

Elements of the French 2nd Armored Division, in conjunction with an attack of the 45th Division, of VI Corps, cut the Rambervillers– Baccarat road.

 

Mediterranean Theater

Weather permits only photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

 

The 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and the 15th, 23rd and 32nd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons are assigned to the headquarters of the 15th Air Force, thus completing the full establishment of 21heavy bomber groups, Seven fighter groups, and one Reconnaissance Group, as authorized in the War Department directive of October 23, 1943.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, 12th Air Force B-25s and B-26s attack bridges, fuel dumps, factory, and barracks in the central and western Po River Valley, including three attacks on Piacenza. Meanwhile XII Fighter Command's A-20s hit a fuel dump and bivouacs and fighter-bombers blast guns and communications in the mountainous battle areas between Florence and Bologna

 

In US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, troops of South African 6th Armoured Division, on Monte Catarelto, are forced to give ground under strong enemy counterattacks. Task Force 45 and Regimental Combat Team 6, of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (BEF), are joined under the operational command of Major General Enrice Gaspar Dutra, Brazilian Minister of War.

 

II Corps begins an offensive toward Bologna at 0600 hours, after artillery preparation. The enemy resists stubbornly from improvised strongpoints. On the left flank of the 34th Division, the 168th Infantry drives down the Sambro Valley until stopped by a strongpoint on Hill 789. The 133rd Infantry attempts to take Monte del Gallete, but is halted short of the crest and cannot clear the village of Cedrecchia. The 91st Division attacks toward Loiano, with the 363rd Infantry on the left and the 362nd Infantry on the right, but is soon held up in the Monghidoro area. The 339th Infantry, of the 85th Division, heading for Monte Bibele, takes La Martina and begins clearing ridge to the east. On the right, the 337th Infantry clears the ridge as far as Spedaletto. The 88th Division, although still heavily engaged on the right flank at Monte Battaglia, attacks with the 349th Infantry, to protect the right flank of the 85th Division, in the region east of the Sillaro River, taking Belvedere.

 

In British XIII Corps area, work continues on the Palazzuolo–Marradi road in the 1st Division zone. The 19th Brigade, of the Indian 8th Division, begins an assault on Monte Cavallara.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, General McCreery, formerly X Corps commander, takes command of the Eighth Army, relieving General Sir Oliver Leese, who will head Allied Land Forces in Asia.

 

In the V Corps area, the Indian 4th Division, whose scheduled relief by the Indian 10th Division must be delayed because of flooding conditions, advances the left flank of V Corps toward the Fiumicino River, pushing toward San Martino and taking Montecchio without opposition. Activity on rest of V Corps’ front comes to a standstill along the Fiumicino River.

 

In the Canadian I Corps area, the stalemate continues along the Fiumicino River. Plans to attack are made and canceled from time to time because of rain.

 

During the night, 12th Air Force A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the Po RiverValley.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Greece

From Kithira Island, the British Advance Coastal Forces base and the 9th Commandos move by sea to Poros Bay, to reconnoiter, leaving elements of the Greek Sacred Regiment on Kithira. Greek Naval Port parties land on Mytilene (Lesbos), Lemnos, and Levita.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (China)

In China, 18 B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, bomb the Tien Ho and White Cloud airfields, in Canton, the town of Wuchou, and targets of opportunity in the Samshui and Canton areas. Meanwhile, a force of over 100 P-40s and P-51s, on armed reconnaissance throughout areas south of the Yangtze River, hit a variety of targets of opportunity, concentrating on communications targets and troops in the Mangshih and Hsinganhsien areas.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

In Burma, the 10th Air Force sends 34 P-47s to bomb Thetkegyin, and 20 others to hit railroad targets throughout the northern Burma railroad corridor and troop concentrations at Ponlon. Meanwhile, four P-47s bomb Shwegugale, while six others hit Lungling, China, and sweep the Burma Road in the area.

 

During the month of October, the 10th Air Force sends elements of the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, of the 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based in India and flying F-7s, to operate from Hsinching, China.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

On Celebes Island, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb Langoan, while B-25s hit Lembeh Island, Menado, and the Bolaangoeki port. B-24s bomb Taka, in the Moluccas Islands, while P-38s hit Amahai, on Ceram Island, Kairatoe, on Celebes Island, and shipping off Amboina, on Ambon Island. B-25s and P-38s on shipping sweeps off Halmahera Island destroy several barges and luggers. In New Guinea, A-20s and P-38s attack the Urarom Airfield and Fak Fak supply dumps, while P-40s hit Doom Island and targets of opportunity in Windissi, Idorra, and the MacCluer Gulf. Meanwhile, P-47s and A-20s hit the Doeroa, Langgoer, and Faan airfields.

 

The 13th Air Force moves the 403rd Troop Carrier Group, from Los Negros Island, in the Admiralty Islands, to Biak Island. The 5th Air Force moves the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, of the 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, with P-40s and F-6s, from Biak Island to Morotai Island, in the Moluccas Islands.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s, from Saipan Island, in the Mariana Islands, strike the airfield on Iwo Jima Island, in the Volcano Islands. In the Gilbert Islands, B-25s,from Makin Island, bomb Nauru Island, while B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, hit Truk Atoll, in the Caroline Islands.

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Monday, October 2,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

London

The British Chiefs of Staff and War Cabinet decide that Operation DRACULA, an attack on Rangoon, cannot be undertaken in March, 1945, as hoped, without detracting from the main effort in Europe.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 658 – 887 B-17s and 549 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attacks on industrial targets at Cologne and Kassel, Germany.

 

8th Air Force Mission 659 – 308 B-24s are dispatched to make a PFF attack on the marshalling yard at Hamm, the Handorf Airfield, and Munster

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force continues to move units closer to the front, by relocating the IX Tactical Air Command, two Fighter Groups, one Bomb Group, one Troop Carrier Group and a Reconnaissance Squadron.

 

After being activated on September 14, the XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) becomes operational, assigned to support the US Ninth Army. This new Tactical Air Command is formed from elements of the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands.

 

In the US First Army’s XIX Corps area, after aerial preparation, that is not too successful, and artillery bombardment, that virtually eliminates enemy flak, the 30th Division begins XIX Corps’ assault on the West Wall, attacking across the shallow Wurm River, between Aachen and Geilenkirchen

 

V Corps orders an attack through the West Wall toward Bonn, scheduled for October 7.

 

In the US Third Army’s XII Corps area, elements of the 319th Infantry, of the 80th Division, continuing limited attacks, take the farm strongpoint.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Grandvillers falls to the 179th Infantry, of the 45th Division.

 

Field Marshal Montgomery decides to drive southeast against the Ruhr River, from Nijmegen, rather than continue northward.

 

General Eisenhower asks that the two US divisions with the British Second Army be returned as soon as possible.

 

Eastern Europe

Germans forces suppress the insurrection of patriots in Warsaw, after prolonged and bloody fighting, during which possibly 250,000 Poles perish.

 

Mediterranean Theater

Unfavorable weather again cancels 15th Air Force bombing missions and limits operations to weather reconnaissance.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In Italy, weather grounds 12th Air Force medium bombers and restricts fighters to reconnaissance and patrols.

 

China – Burma – India Theater

Admiral Mountbatten, having concluded planning for Operation CAPITAL, the drive on Mandalay, and Operation DRACULA, an attack on Rangoon at a reduced cost, in response to a request from the Prime Minister, issues directives calling for Operation CAPITAL to be undertaken at once and Operation DRACULA about November, 1945. The Northern Combat Area Command in Burma (NCAC) part of CAPITAL is to be conducted in two phases. The first is the clearing to a line from Indaw, to Kunchaung, to Sikaw, and to Namhkam, by mid-December. The second is to clear to a line from Lashio, to Mongmit, to Thabaikkyin by mid-February, 1945. The general tasks, Northern Combat Area Command in Burma (NCAC) to defend the air route to China and overland communications, and secure that part of Assam and upper Burma within its zone.

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

Gasoline deliveries to Myitkyina, Burma, by pipeline are begun.

 

Central Pacific Area

On Peleliu, the 321st Infantry finishes clearing and mopping up Amiangal Mountain, on the northern part of the west arm, having killed at least 175 Japanese. The 7th Marines continues attacks on the Umurbrogol Pocket.

 

On Angaur, the 322nd Infantry suspends its costly assault against an enemy pocket on the northwestern part of the island. The pocket, known to cover an area of less than 500 yards from east to west and 150 yards from north to south, is subjected to close-in fire.

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Tuesday, October 3,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

Washington, D.C.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff direct General MacArthur to seize the bases on Luzon, from which to support future operations. Admiral Nimitz is to provide cover and support for the Luzon operation, invade Iwo Jima in January 1945, and the Ryukyus, with the assistance of Southwest Pacific Area aircraft, two months later.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 662 – 1,065 bombers and 753 fighters make PFF and visual attacks against airfields and industrial targets in Germany.

 

The RAF sends 252 Lancasters and seven Mosquitos to the attack the sea walls of Walcheren Island. Coastal gun batteries at Walcheren dominate the approaches to the port of Antwerp, whose facilities could handle 40,000 tons per day of much needed supplies, when ships can safely use the approaches. The intention is to flood the island, most of which is reclaimed polder, below sea level. The flooding would submerge some of the gun batteries and hamper the German defense against an eventual ground attack. The target for this first raid is the sea wall at Westkapelle, the most western point of Walcheren. The main bombing force is composed of eight waves, of 30 Lancasters each, with marking provided by Oboe Mosquitos and Pathfinder Lancasters, with the whole operation being controlled by a Master Bomber. The attack went well and a great mass of high-explosive bombs, mainly 500 pound and 1,000 pound, but with some 4,000 pound, forced a gap during the fifth wave of the attack. Later waves widened the breach until the sea was pouring in through a gap estimated to be 100 yards wide. Eight Lancasters, which were standing by, were not needed and carried their valuable Tallboy bombs back to England. No aircraft were lost from this successful operation.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US First Army’s XIX Corps area, the 117th Infantry, of the 30th Division, reaches Uebach and begins clearing house-to-house resistance.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 90th Division begins a limited attack toward Maizières lès Metz, to secure a line of approach to Metz, from the north, and gain experience in attacking fortifications.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 2nd Battalion, of the 317th Infantry, of the 80th Division, finishes clearing Sivry by 0555 hours. XII Corps battle line in the center and on the right flank is now firmly reestablished.

 

Eastern Europe

Troops of the Leningrad Front land on Dagoe (Hiiumaa), off the Estonian coast, at the entrance to the Gulf of Riga, and begin clearing the island.

 

Mediterranean Theater

For the eighth consecutive day bad weather prevents 15th Air Force bombing operations.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers continue to pound road and rail bridges and fuel dumps in the Po River Valley.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the enemy withdraws from Monte Catarelto early in the day

 

China – Burma – India Theater (Burma)

10th Air Force troop carriers fly over 240 sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

For the second time Far East Air Force (FEAF)B-24s bomb oil refineries in the Balikpapan, Borneo area, and B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana, on Sanana Island, in the Moluccas Islands.

 

Central Pacific Area

On Peleliu, the 7th Marines gain a hold on the ridges along eastern side of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

 

** Now on hiatus. **

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October 20, 1944

There are US landings on the east coast of Leyte in the Philippines. MacArthur lands a few hours later.

post-437-0-09990400-1413804560.jpg

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October 26, 1944

The Battle of Leyte Gulf rages, generally considered to be the largest naval battle of WWII and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history. It was fought in the waters near the Philippine islands of Leyte, Samar and Luzon from 23-26 October 1944 between combined American and Australian forces and the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Battle of Leyte Gulf consisted of four separate engagements between the opposing forces: the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Battle of Cape Engano and the Battle off Samar. It was the first battle in which Japanese aircraft carried out organized kamikaze attacks.

post-437-0-96146200-1414320635.jpg

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Saturday, November 4,1944

 

American Theater

The first report is received of a Japanese balloon southwest of San Pedro, California. The US Navy recovers some apparatus, an envelope, and rigging.

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 700 – 1,160 bombers and 890 fighters are dispatched in six raids to make PFF attacks on the oil industry in western Germany:

· 228 B-17s are dispatched to hit the oil plant at Neunkirchen, and the marshalling yards at Saarbrucken and Neunkirchen. Fighter escort is provided by 77 P-47s, with 50 P-51s from the 9th Air Force.

· 222 B-24s, escorted by a force of 371 P-47s and P-51s, hit the Misburg oil plant at Hannover.

· 257 B-17s, escorted by 139 P-51s, are dispatched to hit the Harburg oil plant at Hamburg and aviation industry targets at Nordholz.

· 193 B-17s, escorted by 110 P-51s, hit the Rhenania oil plant at Hamburg.

· 119 B-17s, escorted by 40 P-51s, hit the Welhun oil plant at Bottrop, and the marshalling yard at Hamm.

· 141 B-24s, escort by 54 P-47s, hit Gelsenkirchen/Nordstern.

Three B-24s, two B-17s, and three P-51s are lost, with 48 men listed as missing in action.

 

The RAF sends 176 Lancasters to Solingen, while two Wellingtons and one Halifax fly radio countermeasure sorties. Four Lancasters and c rews are lost.

 

8th Air Force Mission 701 – During the night, three B-17s and six B-24s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 384 Halifaxes, 336 Lancasters, and 29 Mosquitos to Bochum. Meanwhile, 174 Lancasters and two Mosquitos attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal, concentrating on a section of the canal that had been partly repaired after a previous raid. Elsewhere, 43 Mosquitos are sent to Hannover and six to Herford, while 39 other aircraft fly radio countermeasure sorties, and 68 Mosquito fly patrols, with the Mosquitos shooting down four Ju88s and two Me110s. 23 Halifaxes and eight Lancasters are lost.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of 218 B-26s and A-20s to attack the Trier ordnance depot, Baumholder, and Eschweiler gun positions. Fighters escort the bombers, attack railroads, bridges, and other targets, and support the US XIX Corps in the Aachen area.

 

In the Canadian First Army area, the first mine sweepers reach Antwerp.

 

In the II Corps area, the British 52nd Division and commandos are methodically clearing Walcheren Island. A junction is made between forces at the causeway and those who have crossed the Slooe Channel. The enemy is being cleared from the north coast.

 

In the British I Corps area, the 49th Division and the US 104th Division continue to push north, toward the Maas River, in the center of I Corps. The Polish 1st Armored Division, on the right flank, takes Geertruidenberg. Steenbergen, on the left flank, is encircled. The 104th Division is directed to move to Aachen, when released from current mission.

 

In the British Second Army’s VIII Corps area, Combat Command A, of the US 7th Armored Division, continues to clear the northwest bank of the Canal du Nord.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the Germans counterattack vigorously toward Schmidt and Kommerscheidt, regaining Schmidt in the process. A few Allied tanks that reach Kommerscheidt help materially in turning the enemy back. The 109th Infantry, of the 28th Division, withstands a determined enemy attack to the north. On the south, the 110th Infantry makes limited progress and takes Simonskall.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 3rd Cavalry Group takes the hill overlooking Berg, but is driven off in a counterattack.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, the 3rd Division continues to clear For de Mortagne, west of St Dié, and open the ground to the north, where La Salle is now clear. The 36th Division is clearing Forêt Domaniale de Champ and pushing toward Corcieux, on the south flank of VI Corps.

 

Eastern Europe
in Hungary, Soviet forces of the Second Ukrainian Front seize Cegled and Szolnok, on the rail line to Budapest. Autumn rains and stiffening opposition in environs of Budapest are beginning to slow the Red Army.

 

In Yugoslavia, Sibenik, on the Dalmatian coast, falls to Partisans.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends 715 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escorts, to attack several targets:

· Oil storage facilities at Regensburg, Germany.

· Marshalling yards at Munich and Augsburg, Germany.

· The main marshalling yard and a benzol plant at Linz, Austria.

· A troop concentration at Podgorica, Yugoslavia.

· Marshalling yards at Wels and Kufstein, Austria

· The Erding Airfield, in Germany.

· Railroad targets in and near Rosenheim, Germany.

· The towns of Strass and Muhldorf, Austria.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

The 12th Air Force dispatches a force of over 200 B-25s and B-26s to hit railway and road bridges in the Brenner Pass. Over 130 more B-25s attack communications in western Po River Valley, cutting at least four bridges.

 

Fighters and fighter-bombers, of the XXII Tactical Air Command, concentrate on communications targets and trains in the Po River Valley and defenses in the battle area south of Bologna. Some XXII Tactical Air Command aircraft hit guns on the northern Italian coast, some hit a rocket launching site and communications north of battle area, and four P-47s bomb a Milan hotel where Adolf Hitler is rumored to be staying.

 

In the US Fifth Army area, IV Corps takes command of the South African 6th Armoured Division’s sector and US troops (Combat Command B, of the 1st Armored Division) attached to that the 6th Armoured Division. They release the 92nd Division to the Fifth Army control, to hold the Serchio Valley and the coastal sector, on the left flank of the Fifth Army.

 

In the British XIII Corps area, the 1st Guards Brigade, of the 6th Armoured Division, completes relief of the 1st Division in the battle line. The 1st Division then moves to relieve the 88th Division and elements of the 85th Division, of US II Corps, to the west.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends a group of 34 P-40s, P-51s, and P-38s to attack road traffic and other targets of opportunity in the Mangshih and Lungling areas, of China. Meanwhile, four P-38s bomb the pass near Menghsu, blocking the highway.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 17 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, pound the Shwebo Airfield, while six others bomb stores of guns and ammunition at Mong Yaw.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the Indian 5th Division clears Kennedy Peak, another enemy strongpoint south of Tiddim, in Burma.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s again pound the Alicante Airfield, on Negros Island.

 

The 13th Air Force moves the detachment of the the 17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, of the 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), from New Guinea, back to its base on Morotai Island.

 

X Corps, directed to take up a defensive role against a seaborne attack in the Carigara area and to patrol to locate sites for artillery, within range of Ormoc, regroups. After a patrol of the 34th Infantry, of the 24th Division, finds that the enemy has fallen back, continue their advance through Colasian and Pinamopoan, to the edge of ridge, later called Breakneck Ridge.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 1st Battalion, of the 382nd Infantry, of the 96th Division, continues to attack west of Dagami, toward Bloody Ridge, and gains about 1,000 yards, against light opposition. The main body of the 2nd Battalion moves up behind the 1st Battalion. During the night, a Japanese counterattack is turned back by artillery fire, with the enemy leaving 254 dead behind.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 18 B-24s, based n Saipan Island, to bomb Iwo Jima Island airfields. Two others, on shipping reconnaissance, bomb Naha Jima. Two more B-24s, on armed reconnaissance from Guam Island, bomb Marcus Island, and 16 P-47s bomb a landing strip on Pagan Island.

 

The 316th Troop Carrier Squadron, of the VI Air Service Area Command, with C-47s, arrives in Hawaii from the US.

 

North Pacific Area

Six B-24s, from the 11th Air Force, strike the airfield, buildings, and offshore shipping at Suribachi and Kurabu, on Paramushiru Island.

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Sunday, November 5,1944

Selected Highlights

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 702 – 1,272 bombers and 666 fighters in three raids attack marshalling yards in western Germany, using H2X.

 

The RAF dispatches 173 Lancasters on a Gee-H raid on Solingen.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force dispatches a force of 160 B-26s and A-20s to attack ammunition, ordnance, and supply depots at Hamburg, Germany.

 

In the Canadian First Army area, II Corps continues to make rapid progress on Walcheren Island.

 

British I Corps gets forward elements to the Maas River.

 

In the British Second Army’s XXII Corps area, the 51st Division finishes clearing the enemy from the south bank of the Maas River.

 

In the VIII Corps area, the US 7th Armored Division approaches the Meijel area from the south, and the 15th Division begins a drive on Meijel from the north.

 

In the US First Army’s V Corps area, the 28th Division withstands infantry counterattacks against Kommerscheidt, but the Germans infiltrate the main supply route and gain control of the Kall bridge.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 3rd Cavalry Group, after heavy fire on enemy positions, clears Berg and a hill to the north.

 

XII Corps is ready to open their offensive, but awaits order from General Patton, as rain falls intermittently.

 

A US Seventh Army directive calls for the reduction of the enemy west of the Rhine and the capture of Strasbourg.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 45th Division pushes slowly toward Raon l’Etape.

 

In the French 1st Army’s II Corps area, the 3rd Algerian Division gains Rochesson, Menaurupt, and the heights near these villages,

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends a force of 500 B-24s and B-17s bomb the Floridsdorf oil refinery at Vienna, Austria, in the largest operation against a single target during World War II.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers, flying over 300 sorties.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, the 1st Division, of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (BEF) takes command of Combat Command B, of the 1st Armored Division, in place. The IV Corps zone, from west to east, is now manned by the 107th Antiaircraft Artillery Group, the Brazilian 1st Division, and the South African 6th Armoured Division.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

The 20th Air Force sends 53 B-29s, based in Calcutta, India, to bomb the Singapore naval base, in Malaya.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches a group of 49 P-40s, P-38s, and P-51s to attack storage facilities and other targets of opportunity around.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, about 70 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, attack Lashio Airfield, hit gun positions on Kyundaw Island, bomb the Kanbalu marshalling yard, and hit targets of opportunity. Transports fly over 300 sorties, carrying men, equipment and supplies to various forward areas.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s and P-40s attack airfields and barges in the central Philippine Islands. B-24s also hit the town of Bima and Waingapoe Bay shipping, on Soembawa Island, in the Lesser Sunda Islands.

 

In the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 1st Cavalry Division begins a prolonged program of patrolling in the central mountains of Leyte.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 382nd Infantry, of the 96th Division, continues its attack on Bloody Ridge, after artillery preparation and, with the assistance of a company of tanks, is reducing enemy positions there.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s, from Guam Island, hit shipping in the Bonin Islands and, during an armed reconnaissance mission, bomb Marcus Island.

 

The 20th Air Force sends 24 B-29s, based in the Mariana Islands, to bomb two Iwo Jima Island airfields. This starts tactical operations against the island, in preparation for the US invasion in February, 1945.

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Monday, November 6,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 704 – 1,131bombers and 802 fighters, in six forces, make PFF attacks on the oil industry in western Germany.

 

The RAF dispatches 383 Halifaxes, 324 Lancasters, and 31 Mosquitos to Gelsenkirchen.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 235 Lancasters and seven Mosquitos to the Mittelland Canal, in an attempt to cut the canal.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the Canadian First Army area, II Corps clears Middelburg, on Walcheren Island.

 

British I Corps continues to eliminate scattered strongpoints south of the Maas River.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force sends over 580 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, to bomb the Moosbierbaum oil refinery and the Vienna south ordnance depot, in Austria.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British XIII Corps area, the Indian 8th Division takes Monte Monsignano.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, Polish 2 Corps moves forward, following a limited enemy withdrawal.

 

China Theater

In China, 16 P-40s, from the 14th Air Force, pound the Mangshih and Lungling areas. 15 others hit buildings and other targets of opportunity at Wanling, Burma, and around Chefang and Kweihsien.

 

The Japanese threat to Kunming, which is besieged, is by now a matter of serious concern to the China Theater headquarters.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 70 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force , sweep airfields at Anisakan, Onbauk, Shwebo, Kin, and Kawlin. They destroy and damage bridges at Hinlong, China, and Wingkang, bomb the town of Mawtaung and the marshalling yard at Kanbalu, hit boxcars at Wuntho and Meza, boats along the Irrawaddy River, from Katha to Twinnge, and attack several scattered targets of opportunity.

 

In Burma, the 64th Regiment, of the Chinese 22nd Division, crosses the Irrawaddy River and overcomes light opposition in Shwegugale.

 

The Army Air Forces, India-Burma Sector, China-Burma-India Theater is redesignated Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s strike the Lahug Airfield, on Cebu Island, and Fabrica Airfield, on Negros Island. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, fighter-bombers pound Palompon, on Leyte Island, a bridge north of Valencia, on Mindanao Island, and barges in Ormoc Bay, on Leyte Island. Elsewhere, B-24s bomb Malili, on Celebes Island.

 

On Leyte, US Sixth Army X Corps is ordered by General Krueger to drive as quickly as possible down Highway 2, to secure Ormoc. The 21st Infantry, of the 24th Division, probes Breakneck Ridge in preparation for an attack southward.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 382nd Infantry, of the 96th Division, clears all but isolated pockets on Bloody Ridge, despite well-prepared enemy positions.

 

Central Pacific Area

In the Bonin Islands, 7th Air Force B-24s, from Saipan Island, bomb shipping at Okimura and Higashi-minato and hit Ani Jima Island.

 

During the night, a 7th Air Force snooper mission is flown over Iwo Jima Island airfields, bombing the dispersal areas and runways.

 

Beginning on this date and continuing through December 24, 1944, B-24s on Saipan Island fly 24 missions to lay 170 mines in several anchorages throughout the Bonin Islands.

 

North Pacific Area

In the Kurile Islands, four B-25s, from the 11th Air Force, bomb Torishima Island, score a hit on a large building, sink two nearby barges, and hit other shipping targets. The B-25s shoot down three enemy fighters. One B-25 is lost.

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Tuesday, November 7,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The Canadian First Army takes direct control of the final mopping up operations on Walcheren Island.

 

British I Corps sector is now largely clear, although the Germans continue to hold out in Moerdijk.

 

In the US First Army area, V Corps, after disastrous enemy counterattacks against the 28th Division, decides to withdraw the Kali River bridgehead. The 28th Division loses Kommerscheidt, but holds along the northern woods line overlooking the village.

 

In US Third Army area, General Patton orders an offensive to open on November 8, although a heavy downpour of rain at this time gives little promise of air assistance.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps is beating off counterattacks southwest of Gerardmer. Noise of this action helps cover the movement of units southward, in preparation for an attack by I Corps toward Belfort.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches a force of over 550 B-17s and B-24s to attack a number of targets in Italy, Austria and Yugoslavia.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers aid the RAF's Desert Air Force (DAF) in supporting the British Eighth Army's attack on Forli, Italy.

 

In the British Eighth Army area, V Corps opens an offensive toward Forlì at 2250 hours, after heavy artillery preparation.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends six B-25s to bomb the railroad yards at Yuncheng, China.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches 80 P-47s to attack targets in Burma. Meanwhile, 28 P-47s maintain overlapping patrols over the area south of Myitkyina, and transports fly over 260 sorties to forward areas.

 

In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, Shwegu falls to the Chinese 22nd Division. They are ordered to garrison it with the 64th Regiment, while attacking with 65th Regiment and the 66th Regiment toward Man-tha.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, B-24s and fighter-bombers hit the Fabrica, Alicante, and Bacolod airfields, on Negros Island, and the Opon Airfield, on Cebu, Island. In other action, P-38s and B-25s hit the Del Monte Airfield, on Mindanao Island, targets of opportunity in Macajalar Bay, on Mindanao Island, and the Mandai Airfield, on Celebes Island. On Celebes Island, B-25s hit Tanamon, Mapanget, and Langoan. On Halmahera Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit the Galela, Miti, and Kaoe airfields. In sweeps over Boeroe Island, in the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Ceram Island, in the Moluccas Islands, small groups of B-25s and P-38s hit runways and small shipping. B-24s bomb the Raba Estate, in the Sunda Islands.

 

On Leyte, X Corps begins a southward drive on Ormoc, along Highway 2. The 21st Infantry, of the 24th Division, reinforced by the 3rd Battalion, of the 19th Infantry, attacks toward the spur of a ridge 400 yards to its front, after massed fire on enemy positions, but cannot take it. They establish night perimeters at edge of Breakneck Ridge. Company G, of the 19th Infantry, advances toward Hill 1525, about 2,600 yards southeast of Limon, in support of the 21st Infantry’s attack, but halts far east of their objective.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 382nd Infantry, of the 96th Division, with all three battalions in the assault, continues their attack on Bloody Ridge, overrunning enemy positions and killing an estimated 474 Japanese.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s, from Guam Island, strike Iwo Jima Island and, during an armed reconnaissance flight, bomb anti-aircraft positions on Marcus Island. P-47s strafe the airfield on Pagan Island during the early morning and follow up with rocket and strafing runs later in the morning.

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Wednesday, November 8,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 705 – 690 bombers and 890 fighters are dispatched to make a PFF attack on Merseburg oil plants and Rheine marshalling yard.

 

The RAF sends 136 Lancasters to attack the Meerbeck oil plant at Homberg.

 

The transfer of training functions from the VIII Air Force Composite Command to combat groups is completed. The VIII Air Force Composite Command ceases to function, as personnel are attached to the Air Disarmament Command (Provisional) by the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSTAF). The airfield at Denain/Prouvy, France, is assigned to the headquarters of the 8th Air Force 8AF. This is the first step in establishing an VIII Air Force Services Command Service Center on the European continent, so that 8th Air Force can service and administer its own aircraft and personnel in the area.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The Canadian First Army completes its mop up of Walcheren Island, where prisoners total about 8,000, concluding the offensive to secure the approaches to Antwerp.

 

V Corps begins withdrawing the Kali bridgehead.

 

The US Third Army opens an offensive toward the Sarre.

 

XII Corps begins a drive toward the Sarre at 0600 hours, after preparatory fire.

 

Mediterranean Theater

In Yugoslavia, 34 B-24s, from the 15th Air Force, bomb troop concentrations at Mitrovica, Prijepolje, and Sjenica. Heavy clouds over the targets forces over 70 others to abort.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers strike the rail line in the Brenner Pass and other lines running into Italy, from the northeast, and bomb bridges in central and western Po River Valley.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s Polish 2 Corps area, the 3rd Carpathian Division is clearing hills between Modigliana and Dovadola and takes Dovadola. The 5th Kresowa Division presses toward Castrocaro, gaining Monte delta Birra without opposition.

 

V Corps makes slow progress in the Forlì area.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Greece

The Indian 4th Division arrives in Salonika, Greece. Elements move to Thrace, to avert the threat of civil war between the EAM (Ethniko Apeleftherotiko Metopo, translated as the National Liberation Front), now in control in that area, and nationalist guerrillas.

 

China Theater

In southern China, and northern French Indochina, two B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, hit railroad tracks at Lohochai, China, and two others hit tracks at Duc Tho, French Indochina.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

The 10th Air Force dispatches over 80 P-47s to support ground forces in the Mawlu area.

 

In British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the Indian 5th Division finishes clearing the enemy from the region south of Tiddim, with the unopposed occupation of Fort White, previously an enemy strongpoint.

 

In Burma, Admiral Mountbatten issues a directive calling for Operation ROMULUS, to clear the Arakan coastal sector.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s again hit the Alicante Airfield, on Negros Island. On Celebes Island, B-25s bomb the Langoan Airfield, while P-38s, on sweeps over the Kendari area, hit parked aircraft, shipping, the nickel mine, and other targets of opportunity. On Halmahera Island, B-25s attack Kaoe and the Hate Tabako Airfield, while others hit targets of opportunity on Ceram Island.

 

The Japanese land another division at Ormoc, about this time, and send it into the mountains of central Leyte.

 

In X Corps area, the 24th Division’s 21st Infantry, despite a raging typhoon, continues an attack on Breakneck Ridge.

 

In XXIV Corps area, patrols of the 382nd Infantry, of the 96th Division, locate an enemy force about 2,600 yards west of Patok.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s, from Saipan Island, hit shipping at Chichi Jima and Haha Jima Islands.

 

XXI Bomber Command, of the 20th Air Force, sends 17 B-29s against the airfield on Iwo Jima Island.

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Thursday, November 9,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 707 – 1,309 bombers and 738 fighters are dispatched to hit front line strongpoints and tactical targets in the Metz and Thionville areas, of France areas.

 

The RAF dispatches 256 Lancasters and 21 Mosquitos to attack the Wanne-Eickel oil refinery.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The 9th Air Force sends 74 planes to attack road junctions, barracks, ordnance arsenals, artillery camps, military storage depot, and other targets in the Dieuze and Faulquemont areas, of France, and the Landau and Sankt Wendel areas, in Germany.

 

In the Canadian First Army area, British I Corps finishes clearing the region south of the Maas River.

 

In the US Third Army area, XX Corps launches a full-scale attack to encircle and reduce Metz, and is assisted by powerful air attacks by the 8th Air Force and the 9th Air Force, on the Metz-Thionville region. At 0330 hours, assault battalions of the 359th Regiment and the 358th Regiment, of the 90th Division, start across the Moselle River, at Malting and Cattenom, surprising the enemy and gaining a bridgehead. Since the swollen river and enemy fire prevent immediate construction of bridges, supporting weapons cannot be crossed. The 95th Division expands and strengthens its small Uckange bridgehead, bypassing Bertrange. Elements of 377th Infantry, west of the river, take the woods north of Semécourt, the slag pile south of Maizières lès Metz, and Château Brieux. The 5th Division begins their attack across Seine River, south of Metz, by a footbridge and assault craft. The 2nd Infantry and two battalions of the 10th Infantry establish a bridgehead 6,000 yards deep and 5,000 yards wide, with the 2nd Infantry, on the right, taking Cheminot, without opposition, and the 10th Infantry clearing enemy resistance at Hautonnerie Farm.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 80th Division, assisted by aircraft and the advance of friendly forces on its flanks, gains most of the Delme Ridge. The 6th Armored Division crosses the Seille River, in the 80th Division sector, in preparation for a drive on Faulquemont. An advance party of Combat Command B advances to positions west of Alemont, while armored infantry assists the 80th Division in mopping up the Nomeny area. In the 35th Division sector, Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division is committed through the 137th Infantry, which then follows armor, and drives forward in two columns, one reaching Hannocourt and the other halting short of Fonteny, where the enemy holds prepared positions. The 137th Infantry, of the 35th Division, takes the village of Delme, in conjunction with an attack by the 80th Division on the Delme Ridge. The 320th Infantry, after clearing the Fresnes area, concentrates on Bois d’Amélécourt and pushes into the forest, where the enemy is well entrenched. The 134th Infantry is committed to the right, with the mission of clearing the eastern part of Forêt de Château Salins. The 100th Infantry, of the 26th Division, clears the enemy from Château Salins, and an attached task force takes Morvillelés Vic and continues toward Hampont. The 101st Infantry is attempting to outflank Hill 310 and seizes Salival. Combat Command A, of the 4th Armored Division, is ordered to attack through the 100th Infantry on November 10.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British XIII Corps area, the Indian 8th Division, pushing northward as the enemy makes limited withdrawals, takes Monte Budriatto.

 

In British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the 4th Division clears enemy stragglers from Forlì.

 

China Theater

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, urged by General Wedemeyer to order Y-Force troops to exploit the retreat of the Japanese from Lung-ling to Mangshih, agrees to do so. After the order is issued, the Chinese XII Group Army, consisting of the 53rd, 2nd, and 71st Armies, starts toward Mangshih.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, over 70 aircraft, from the 10th Air Force, bomb concentrations and supply areas.

 

In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the British 36th Division resumes its advance with the 72nd Brigade, the 29th Brigade, with the 72nd on the west. The 72nd Brigade has moved forward during a lull in Mawlu sector.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) fighter-bombers attack a convoy off the west coast of Leyte Island and hit barges and shipping near Ormoc.

 

A Japanese convoy lands reinforcements at Ormoc, but is forced to withdraw under an air attack before equipment and ammunition can be unloaded. The vessels are destroyed on their return journey by US aircraft.

 

In the X Corps area, the 24th Division is ordered to make a coordinated effort to clear Breakneck Ridge and the commanding ground south of Limon, on November 10. The 21st Infantry continues its bitter struggle for the ridge, gaining ground slowly in frontal attacks.

 

Central Pacific Area

7th Air Force B-24s, from Guam Island, fly shipping reconnaissance over the Bonin Islands, attacking vessels and anti-aircraft positions at Haha Jima Island, shipping and the town at Okimura. While returning from the raid, they strafe Iwo Jima Island. P-47s, from Saipan Island, strafe storage caves on Pagan Island.

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Friday, November 10,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 709 – 752 bombers and 808 fighters are dispatched to make PFF attack on airfields in western Germany.

 

During the night, the RAF dispatches 59 Mosquitos to Hannover and four to Gotha and four to Erfurt, but Erfurt is not reached.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

The XXIX Tactical Air Command attacks railroads.

 

The XIX Tactical Air Command escorts bombers and supports the 80th and 5th Infantry Divisions in the US Third Army assault in the Metz area, of France.

 

In the VII Corps area, the 12th Infantry undergoes a determined counterattack on the plateau southwest of Huertgen. The counterattack engulfs two companies and forces the remnants back to the south third of the plateau.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the enemy mounts a tank-infantry counterattack at 0300 hours, that overruns Kerling and threatens Petite–Hettange, before the 359th Infantry, of the 90th Division, helped by massed artillery fire on Kerling, contains the onslaught. The 357th Infantry begins an assault on the Métrich group of fortifications, southeast of Koenigsmacker, partially reducing it. The 358th Infantry continues their efforts to take Fort Koenigsmacker, with elements bypassing the fort to reach the Bois d’Elzange ridge.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division and the 80th Infantry Division advance rapidly on the northern flank of XII Corps, in spite of mud, mines, and congestion on the highways.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, enemy resistance west of the Meurthe River is weakening noticeably.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers continue the interdiction campaign against railways in northeastern Italy, principally the Brenner Pass, Brenta River and Po River bridges, the rail ferry at Ostiglia, and several dumps. Fighter-bombers hit rail targets and guns at several points in the Po Valley.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s British XIII Corps area, the Indian 8th Division finds Monte Ponpegno clear and pushes on to Monte Bassana.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the 4th Division runs into intense opposition as it attempts to advance from Forlì.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force sends 11 B-25s to pound storage buildings and the town area of Wanling, Burma. In China, a force of over 130 P-40s, P- 38s, and P-51s, on armed reconnaissance over southern China, attack river, road and rail traffic, storage, airfield and villages.

 

The Japanese take Kweilin and Liuchow from Chinese garrisons, without difficulty. The next Japanese objective is Kweiyang.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, over 60 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, again attack a variety of targets.

 

In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the British 36th Division comes up against the enemy’s main line of resistance, in the Pinwe area of the railroad corridor. The Chinese 38th Division successfully turns the enemy outpost line, along the Taping River, in the Bhamo area, and emerges onto the Bhamo plain.

 

Pacific Theater

The 77th Division, en route to New Caledonia, is ordered to Leyte.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s and A-20s over Ceram Island bomb the Haroekoe Airfield, Piroe, and targets of opportunity on the southern coast. In the Philippine Islands, fighter-bombers again hit Ormoc Bay, and Leyte Island shipping, while B-25s join US Navy aircraft in shipping strikes throughout the same area, sinking at least three destroyers. B-24s in the area bomb the town of Ormoc.

 

In the X Corps area, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division begin extensive patrolling of the central mountains of Leyte. The 24th Division opens an all-out effort to clear the enemy from the rest of Breakneck Ridge.

 

In the XXIV Corps area, the 382nd Infantry, of the 96th Division, renews its attack with the 1st and 3rd Battalions, and completes the occupation of Bloody Ridge and its sector, without opposition.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 27 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, to attack Iwo Jima Island. In the Palau Islands, six B-24s, from Angaur Island, bomb Koror Island.

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Saturday, November 11,1944

The 26th Anniversary of the end of the Great War.

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

8th Air Force Mission 712 – 482 bombers and 351 fighters make PFF attacks on oil refineries and marshalling yards in western Germany.

 

The RAF dispatches 122 Lancasters on a Gee-H attack on the synthetic-oil refinery at Castrop-Rauxel, and two Wellingtons on radio countermeasure sorties.

 

During the night, the RAF sends 237 Lancasters and eight Mosquitos to Harburg. Another 209 Lancasters and 19 Mosquitos are sent to Dortmund.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In Germany, 190 B-26s and A-20s, from the 9th Air Force, hit strongpoints at Putzlohn and rail bridges at Sinzig, Euskirchen, Ahrweiler, and Mayen.

 

The IX Tactical Air Command hits railroads and other targets, escorts the bombers, and supports the US 28th Infantry Division in the Schmidt area.

 

The XXIX Tactical Air Command hits targets in western Germany.

 

The XIX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance and supports the US XII Corps and XX Corps, in the Thionville-Metz areas, of France.

 

In US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 90th Division nearly doubles the size of its bridgehead, as the 359th Infantry, after repelling local counterattacks, pushes to the ridges ahead, blocks the crossroads southeast of Rettel, and places outposts at Kerling. The 357th Infantry, leaving elements behind to complete the reduction of the Métrich works, drives quickly to the high ground northwest of Breistroff la Petit, well ahead of flanking regiments. On the south flank, where Fort Koenigsmacker surrenders, the main body of the 358th Infantry works along the Bois d’Elzange ridge, taking Hill 254. Moselle River flood waters reach their crest and begin to subside. The 2nd Battalion, of the 378th Infantry (95th Division), supported by combat engineers, establishes a bridgehead across the Moselle River, at Thionville, and begins an assault on Fort Yutz. The 377th Infantry maintains a small bridgehead in the Bertrange area. Continuing quickly northeast on the southern flank of XX Corps, the 2nd Infantry, of the 5th Division, reaches Aube and Dain en Saulnois, near the “Nied française” River.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division, assisted by the 80th Division, drives to the “Nied française” River and establishes bridgeheads. One Combat Command B Task Force, of the 6th Armored Division takes the bridge near Sanry sur Nied and crosses, while another reaches the west bank of the river at Remilly. A Combat Command A column and the 317th Infantry, of the 80th Division seize the bridge at Han sur Nied and establish a bridgehead. Another Combat Command A force and the 318th Infantry reach the river at Baudrecourt, two miles south of Han sur Nied, and construct a treadway bridge. Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, and elements of the 137th Infantry, of the 35th Division, are still held up at Fonteny, but push into the village. The 320th and 134th Regiments, of the 35th Division, continue through Forêt de Château-Salins, from which the enemy begins withdrawing their main forces. Combat Command A, of the 4th Armored Division, and the 104th Infantry, of the 26th Division, push forward on south flank of XII Corps. Combat Command A moves to positions between Conthil and Rodalbe and the 104th Infantry takes Rodalbe. The 101st Infantry, of the 26th Division, completes the capture of Hill 310 and secures firm positions on the Koecking ridge.

 

In the French 1st Army area, the I Corps commander requests and receives permission to postpone Operation INDEPENDENCE from November 13, to November 14, in order to complete preparations.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force plans to send 640 heavy bombers to bomb targets in Germany, Austria and Italy, but bad weather grounds over 100, and 320 are recalled before reaching their target areas.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

12th Air Force medium bombers strike at railroad bridges in north central and northeastern Italy.

 

In the US Fifth Army’s British XIII Corps area, a limited attack by the Indian 8th Division, from Monte San Bartolo, fails.

 

In the British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the 4th Division breaks through just beyond Forlì and advances toward the Montone River.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 18 B-25s to hit Phuc Yen, French Indochina, Wan Lai-Kam, Burma, and a bridge on the Mekong River, in French Indochina. Meanwhile, 10 B-25s bomb the Kweilin Airfield, in China, while four hit Wanling, Burma. Five B-25s and six P-40s attack the Chingmen Airfield, in China. A force of over 70 P-40s, P-51s and P-38s, over southern China and northern Indochina, on armed reconnaissance, hit targets of opportunity at several locations.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, nearly 90 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, hit troop concentrations. They also damage and knock out bridges at Meza and south of Kawlin. Transports fly 237 sorties to forward areas.

 

In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the British 36th Division halts after futile efforts to outflank the enemy in the Pinwe area.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s hit the Dumaguete Airfield, on Negros Island, while fighter-bombers hit shipping in the Palompon area, of Leyte Island, and targets of opportunity at Valencia, on Mindanao Island.

 

On Leyte, in the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 21st Infantry, of the 24th Division, continues their assault on Breakneck Ridge. After a preparatory bombardment, the 1st Battalion gains the ridge, that is its immediate objective, but halts short of the crest. The 1st Battalion, of the 34th Infantry, which is out of rations, moves to Agahang, about 3,800 yards northwest of Limon, and obtains food from the Filipinos.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 29 B- 24s, based on Guam Island, to attack Iwo Jima Island airfields.

 

The 20th Air Force, sends eight B-29s to Truk Atoll, where the bomb the Dublon Island submarine pens.

 

Warships of the Third Fleet and land-based bombers bombard Iwo Jima airfields.

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Sunday, November 12,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

The RAF sends 30 Lancasters and a Lancaster with a cameramen on board to attack the German battleship Tirpitz, which is still moored near Tromso, Norway. The Tirpitz is hit by at least two Tallboy bombs, followed by a violent internal explosion. She capsizes and is a total loss. Approximately 1,000 of the 1,900 men on board are killed or injured. German fighters, which are stationed near by to protect the Tirpitz, fail to take off in time to stop the raid. Only one Lancaster is severely damaged by flak. It lands safely in Sweden with its crew unhurt.

 

The 8th Air Force sets the operational tour of duty for fighter pilots at 270 hours.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, two companies of the 12th Infantry, of the 4th Division, break through to the isolated forces on the plateau southwest of Huertgen, but they too become encircled.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the Germans, in an effort to reach the Malling bridge, counterattack in regimental strength, with the support of tanks and assault guns, against the 359th Infantry, of the 90th Division, forcing outposts from Kerling and again threatening Petite-Hettange, but are driven off with heavy losses. The Malling bridge is destroyed by enemy artillery fire after two tank destroyers have crossed. On the southern flank of XX Corps, the 2nd Infantry, of the 5th Division, crosses into the 6th Armored Division’s bridgehead at Sanrysur Nied, in the XII Corps zone, and, during the night, repels an enemy counterattack.

 

In the XII Corps area, Combat Command B, of the of 6th Armored Division, expands its Sanry bridgehead and places outposts at the main road junction between Bazoncourt and Berlize. One Combat Command A task force attacks toward Faulquemont, from the Han sur Nied bridgehead, overcoming strong resistance at Herny. Another task force crosses the Nied Française at Baudrecourt. German efforts to stop the 50th Division in a triangle between the Nied Française River and Rotte Creek subside, when the 6th Armored Division task force pushes south and outflanks the enemy. The creek is bridged at several points. After the 137th Infantry, of the 35th Division, seizes Faxe, restoring contact between columns of Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, Combat Command B pursues the enemy to Oron and takes the bridge across the Nied Française River at Oron, while the 137th Infantry advances in the region to the east.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, the 100th Division begins an attack on the northern flank of VI Corps, to outflank Raon l’Etape with the 399th Regiment and the 397th Regiment, leaving the 398th Regiment and a reconnaissance troop to maintain their current positions along the Meurthe River.

 

Eastern Europe
Kumanovo, Yugoslavia, on the Skoplje–Nis rail line, is now in Allied hands.

 

Mediterranean Theater

The 15th Air Force dispatches 107 B-24s, with fighter escort, to attack bridges and rail targets in Italy.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the British Eighth Army area, Polish 2 Corps attacks toward a line from Castrocaro to Converselles to Lucia, south of Faenza, in conjunction with V Corps.

 

In the V Corps area, the 138th Brigade, of the 46th Division, attacks across the Montone River, southwest of Forlì.

 

Southeast Asia Command

Allied Land Forces South East Asia (ALFSEA) is activated under Lt. General Sir Oliver Leese. The new headquarters consists of the former headquarters of the 11 Army Group, previously under General Giffard, and some US officers. ALFSEA has control over British troops, the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC), the Chinese Army in India (CAI), and Chinese forces within the SEAC. Lt General Raymond Wheeler takes over General Stilwell’s former post of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, SEAC.

 

India – Burma Theater (India)

The 20th Air Force sends 29 B-29s, based at Chengtu, China, to bomb Omura, on Kyushu Island, Japan. Meanwhile, over 20 others bomb the last-resort target of Nanking, China, due to bad weather over Omura, and over 20 more hit various alternate targets and targets of opportunity.

 

China Theater

Eight B-25s, from the 14th Air Force, knock out a railway bridge and damage two others near Thanh Hoa, French Indochina. In Burma, four B-25s bomb the town of Man Pwe, while four others attack Wanling. In China, a group of 38 P-51s and P-40s hit the Hengyang Airfield and attack river, rail, and road traffic, artillery pieces, pillboxes, and storage around Hengyang, Lingling, and Kweilin.

 

The East China Air Task Force, formed by General Chennault to help Chinese troops defend airfields in eastern China, from bases west and east of the enemy-held corridor, begins arriving at Suichwan. They begin action within a week.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 16 P-47s, from the 10th Air Force, support ground forces in the Pinwe area and near Indaw. Meanwhile, 24 others attack supplies and communications targets in the Kawlin area, while nine bomb Japanese concentrations at Indaw and Man Hkong.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s bomb the Alicante Airfield, on Negros Island, while on Leyte Island, fighter-bombers hit Linao barges on the west coast and shipping in Ormoc Bay. Meanwhile, B-25s bomb the Daliao and Matina airfields, on Mindanao Island.

 

On Leyte, in the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 21st Infantry, of the 24th Division, gains the crest of Breakneck Ridge shortly after noon, but, from there, is unable to advance south along Highway 2. The 1st Battalion, of the 34th Infantry, after receiving its first airdrop of supplies, moves through Consuegra to Cabiranan. The 2nd Battalion, of the 19th Infantry, blocks Highway 2, south of Limon and maintains the block with difficulty until November 23.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends 29 B-24s, based on Saipan Island, with a P-38 escort, to bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island. 11 P-47s strafe the runway and storage area on Pagan Island.

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Monday, November 13,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 359th Infantry, of the 90th Division, recovers Kerling and moves through dense mine fields to establish contact with the 357th Infantry, near Oudrenne. The 358th Infantry continues down the Bois d’Elzange ridge, hampered more by mines than by the enemy, to positions near Inglange. The Cattenom bridge is opened to traffic, and vehicles and weapons begin crossing in a steady stream. The 2nd Battalion, of the 378th Infantry (95th Division), completes the reduction of Fort Yutz and takes Basse Yutz. The final elements of the 1st Battalion, of the 377th Infantry, cross into the Uckange bridgehead, where Bertrange and Imeldange are easily cleared and an enemy counterattack is repulsed. The 5th Division drives north on Metz, as the 11th Infantry, on the left, takes the ground around Fey, Pournoy la Chétive, and Coin lès Cuvry. The 10th Infantry overruns Fort Aisne and Fort Yser, south of Bois de l’Hôpital, and elements of the 2nd Infantry, having crossed the Nied Française River, south of Sanry sur Nied, take Ancerville. Engineers construct a bridge near Ancerville. During the night, enemy efforts to drive the 2nd Infantry, of the 5th Division, back across the Nied River, fail.

 

In the XII Corps area, a German counterattack against the Sanry bridgehead forces outpost of Combat Command B, of the 6th Armored Division, back, but the main line holds. Combat Command B is ordered to turn over the Sanry bridgehead to the 5th Division, of XX Corps, and move southeast. One Combat Command A column continues toward Faulquemont assisted by the 317th Infantry, of the 80th Division. Another clears the enemy from Arraincourt. Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, and the 35th Division begin a drive on Morhange, an important communications center. Combat Command B, followed by the 137th Infantry, pushes through Villers sur Nied to positions north of Marthille, on the left, and to the ridge commanding Achain, on the right. The 134th Infantry clears Achain, on the left, and reaches the Rougemont Ridge, on the right. The 328th Infantry, of the 26th Division, continues slowly through the woods on Koecking ridge, under heavy fire. The 101st Division is still checked to the right rear, at St Médard and Haraucourt, exposing the right flank of the 328th Infantry.

 

In the US Seventh Army area, XV Corps begins an offensive northeast, toward Sarrebourg, with the 44th Division on the left, the 79th Division on the right, and the 106th Cavalry screening the north flank. The 44th Division, with the 324th Regiment and the 71st Regiment in assault, attacks toward Avricourt from the Leintrey area, coming under heavy fire. The 79th Division attacks with the 314th Regiment and the 315th Regiment, from the Montigny area, and drives to the outskirts of Ancerviller.

 

In the VI Corps area, the attack of the 100th Division on the north flank of VI Corps is delayed by a German counterattack, which is repelled, with the aid of artillery fire. The Germans begin burning St Dié in preparation for their withdrawal.

 

In the French 1st Army area, Prime Minister Churchill and General de Gaulle visit General de Lattre, at Besançon.

 

In the 1st Corps area, a blizzard prevents even limited action.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Italian Campaign

In the US Fifth Army’s British XIII Corps area, the Indian 8th Division renews their assault on Monte San Bartolo and takes it, in hard fighting.

 

In British Eighth Army’s V Corps area, the 138th Brigade, of the 46th Division, expands the Montone bridgehead, to the Monte Poggiolo area. The 128th Brigade takes San Varano. The depleted 167th Brigade, of the 56th Division, is committed on Highway 9, between the 4th Division and the 46th Division.

 

Mediterranean Theater, Greece

In Greece, the Anglo-Greek agreement of March 9, 1942, is amended in order to place the Greek armed forces under British high command. All of Greece has now been liberated.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches four B-25s to bomb Man Pwe, while four others blast three warehouses at Wanling, all in Burma.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

Over 100 fighter-bombers, from the 10th Air Force, pound numerous targets in northern Burma, and provide close support strikes in the Pinwe area.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

In the Philippine Islands, Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-24s pound the Fabrica Airfield, on Negros Island, while fighter-bombers hit shipping and other targets of opportunity. A few fighter-bombers hit the Legaspi Airfield, on Luzon Island, while B-25s, with P-38 cover, hit the San Roque Airfield and the town of Zamboanga, on Mindanao Island. Over Halmahera Island and in the Ceram Island area fighter-bombers and A-20s bomb airfields and various targets of opportunity. Pegun Island, New Guinea, is blasted by two waves of 70 A-20s.

 

On Leyte, in the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 21st Infantry, of the 24th Division, gains 400 to 600 yards, as it continues to clear Breakneck Ridge. The 1st Battalion, of the 34th Infantry, reaches its objective, Kilay Ridge, which is named for Henry Kilay, a Filipino soldier who owned it, without opposition. This commanding position lies about 700 yards west of Highway 2, where the 2nd Battalion, of the 19th Infantry, is maintaining a roadblock.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force sends six B-24s, from Guam Island, to escort US Navy photo aircraft over Iwo Jima Island and the Bonin Islands.

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Tuesday, November 14,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

London

The Norwegian government-in-exile announces that Norwegian troops, under the command of Colonel Arne Dahl, have landed in Norway to operate with the Soviet Karelian forces against the Germans on the Arctic front.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the British Second Army area, XXII Corps opens an offensive to reduce the enemy bridgehead west of the Maas River, in the Roermond–Venlo area, attacking across the Nord and Wessem canals, with the 53rd Division and the 51st Division, while the 7th Armoured Division takes the locks at Panheel.

 

In the US Third Army’s XX Corps area, Oudrenne falls to the 359th Infantry, of the 90th Division. The 358th Infantry cuts the Inglange–Distroff road and clears Distroff. The 90th Reconnaissance Troop links the bridgeheads of the 80th Division and the 95th Division, providing the 10th Armored Division a protected route of advance. A Bailey bridge is completed at Thionville during morning, and Combat Command B, of the 10th Armored Division, starts across it in the afternoon. Combat Command A, of the 10th Armored Division, and the 3rd Cavalry Group cross at Malling. The 3rd Cavalry Group provides a screen in the Sarre–Moselle triangle. The 95th Division, which has been engaged largely in containing the enemy bridgehead west of Metz, begins attacks the west side of the river, with the 379th Infantry, after artillery preparation. While the 2nd Battalion works around to the rear of Forêt Jeanne d’Arc and holds off counterattacks, the 1st Battalion begins the reduction of the fortifications known as the Seven Dwarfs, taking the three northern works and attempting in vain to gain the next, Forêt Bois la Dame. The regiment becomes isolated in these advanced positions and must be supplied by air. East of the Moselle River, the 2nd Battalion, of the 378th Infantry (95th Division) takes Haute-Yutz and opens an assault on Forêt d’Illange. The 1st Battalion, of the 377th Infantry, is heavily engaged at Bertrange and Imeldange. The 10th and 11th Regiments, of the 5th Division, drive northward abreast, toward Metz, while the 3rd Battalion, of the 2nd Infantry, moves to the Sorbey area. The 11th Regiment clears the woods southwest of Fort Verdun and takes the Prayelle Farm. The 10th Regiment cleans out the southern half of Bois de l’Hôpital.

 

In the XII Corps area, General Eddy limits the 80th Division’s mission to clearing the high ground south of Faulquemont. Combat Command A, of the 6th Armored Division, attacks toward Côte de Suisse, a ridge extending from Landroff to Thicourt, taking Brulange, Suisse, and Landroff. At dusk, the Germans begin a series of determined attempts to recover Landroff, pushing into the village. Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, and the 137th Infantry, of the 35th Division, close in on Morhange, seizing Destry and Baronville in bitter fighting. The 134th Infantry, of the 35th Division, moves forward to the right. Combat Command A, of the 4th Armored Division, sweeps through Bois de Kerpeche, extending northeast from the Koecking ridge, and gets elements to Guebling. The 328th Infantry, of the 26th Division, continues to clear Koecking forest, from which the enemy begins withdrawing, during the night.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 44th Division continues to battle the enemy near Leintrey. The 79th overcomes opposition at Ste Pôle and Ancerviller.

 

In the French 1st Army area, I Corps opens an offensive toward the Belfort Gap, attacking astride the Doubs River at noon, with the 2nd Moroccan Division, assisted by the 5th Armoured Division on the left, and the 9th Colonial Division on the right. Tactical surprise is achieved and gains are made all along front.

 

Eastern Europe
Yugoslavs announce the fall of Skoplje, which has been the main staging point for enemy forces withdrawing from Greece.

 

Southeast Asia Command

Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory is lost in an airplane crash while en route to take over the position of Air Commander in Chief, SEAC. Air Marshal Sir Guy Garrod is later appointed to this position.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In Burma, 12 B-25s, from the 10th Air Force, bomb a supply area near Lashio, while 56 fighter-bombers hit supply areas, enemy concentrations, town areas, and general targets of opportunity.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s pound Pegun Island, New Guinea, in preparation for an allied amphibious landings early the following morning. B-24s strike the Langoan Airfield, on Celebes Island. In the Philippine Islands, B-24s, with P-38 and P-47 cover, bomb the Bacolod Airfield, on Negros Island, while fighter-bombers hit trucks and buildings in the Valencia area, on Mindanao Island, and near Linao, on Leyte Island, and hit shipping south of Ormoc, on Leyte Island. On Cebu Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers pound Lahug and the Opon Airfield.

 

On Leyte, in the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, Breakneck Ridge is now largely clear, but the Japanese still retain several adjacent spurs. The 1st Battalion, of the 34th Infantry, patrols actively on Kilay Ridge. Supplies for the battalion are hand carried by Filipinos from Consuegra.

 

Central Pacific Area

The 7th Air Force dispatches 22 B-24s, based on Saipan Island and Guam Island, to bomb Woleai Atoll, in the Caroline Islands. They hit an airfield and adjacent installations and set fire to an oil dump. Four P-47s, from Saipan Island, hit the airfield on Pagan Island.

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Wednesday, November 15,1944

** Selected Highlights **

 

European Theater

The RAF dispatches 177 Lancasters on a Gee-H attack on the oil plant at Dortmund.

 

European Theater, Western Europe

In the US First Army’s VII Corps area, the 12th Infantry, of the 4th Division, breaks through to the four encircled companies, on the plateau southwest of Huertgen, and withdraws them, but by now the regiment holds only the southern edge of the plateau.

 

In US Third Army’s XX Corps area, the 358th Infantry, of the 80th Division, is hit hard by a counterattack, that reaches Distroff, but forces the enemy to retire. The 357th Infantry attacks toward the ridge between Budling and Buding, until stopped by fire from Hackenberg works. The 359th Infantry passes into reserve, as the 10th Armored Division begins to attack. Combat Command B, of 10th Armored Division, drives slowly along the road east of Kerling, hampered by obstacles. Pushing southeast toward Bouzonville, Combat Command A takes Lemestroff. Troops from the 95th Division, east of the Moselle River, are formed into Task Force Bacon, under the command of Colenel Robert Bacon, to drive south on Metz, although the 2nd Battalion, of the 378th Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, of the 377th Infantry are not yet in contact. The 2nd Battalion, of the 378th Infantry, captures the Illange forts, ending organized resistance in northern part of the 10th Armored Division’s zone. The 1st Battalion, of the 377th Infantry, joins Task Force Bacon, after the enemy is finally cleared from Bertrange and Imeldange. The 95th Division broadens its offensive west of Metz, employing the 378th Regiment and the 377th Regiment, less elements attached to Task Force Bacon. The 378th Regiment takes Fort de Fèves, at north end of the Canrobert works, and the heights southwest of Bois de Woippy. The 377th Regiment, making the main effort, drives south of Maizières lès Metz to La Maxe and Woippy, seizing La Maxe, and beginning an assault on Woippy. After dark patrol contact is made between 377th and 378th Regiments. Enemy pressure against the 379th Infantry, in the south, eases somewhat. The 5th Division improves its positions and regroups for a final push to Metz. The 11th Infantry takes Augny and reaches the edge of the Frescaty airport. The 10th Infantry finishes clearing Bois de l’Hôpital and enters Marly, where bitter fighting ensues. The 2nd Infantry repels enemy drives toward the Sanry bridge, from the Sorbey area, and clears Mécleuves.

 

In the XII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division, assisted by elements of the 319th Infantry, of the 80th Division, drives the enemy from Landroff. An armored task force takes Côte de Suisse. Combat Command B, of the 4th Armored Division, reaches the Metz– Sarrebourg railroad, but is ordered to halt, since its flank is exposed and since its movement is confined to roads. The 35th Division advances through Morhange, which the enemy has abandoned, to the Metz–Sarrebourg railroad. Against light resistance, the 328th Infantry, of the 26th Division, pushes forward in the eastern part of the Koecking woods. The 2nd Cavalry Group and the 101st Infantry are pursuing the retreating enemy toward Dieuze. Combat Command A, of the 4th Armored Division, is forced to yield Guebling, since the enemy cannot be driven from the ground commanding the village, and withdraws this salient won at great cost.

 

In the US Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, the 44th Division continues toward Avricourt. The 79th presses northward toward the Vezouse River, clearing Halloville, northeast of Ancerviller.

 

In the VI Corps area, the 100th Division penetrates enemy positions north of Raonl’Etape. The 103rd Division prepares, for its first offensive mission, to clear the hill mass just southwest of St Dié.

 

In the French 1st Army area, II Corps, with the 3rd Algerian Division on the north and the 1st Division on the south, moves forward to keep pace with friendly forces on its flanks. The 3rd Algerian Division reaches Le Tholy.

 

I Corps makes excellent progress except on the extreme right, along the Swiss frontier. The 2nd Moroccan Division, assisted by the 5th Armored Division, drives beyond Arcey, on the road to Héricourt. The 9th Colonial Division, with the capture of Colombier-Fontaine, Ecot, and Ecurcey, opens the route to Hérimoncourt.

 

Eastern Europe
Pushing toward Budapest from the east, Soviet forces take Jaszbereny, Hungary.

 

Mediterranean Theater

In Austria, a group of 80 B-17s and B-24s, from the 15th Air Force, attack a benzol plant at Linz, a marshalling yard at Innsbruck, and troop concentration at Novi Pazar, Yugoslavia.

 

China Theater

The 14th Air Force dispatches 19 B-25s and a group of 16 P-51s and P-40s over southwestern China, western Burma, and northern Indochina.

 

India – Burma Theater (Burma)

In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the US 475th Infantry begins a march from Camp Landis to help the Chinese 22nd Division, in the Si-u area. The Chinese 38th Division has blocked the main routes from Bhamo.

 

In the British Fourteenth Army’s XXXIII Corps area, the British role in Phase 1 of Operation CAPITAL, the attack across the Chindwin River into Mandalay, is nearly completed, with the unopposed capture of Kalemyo.

 

Southwest Pacific Area

Far East Air Force (FEAF) B-25s and fighterbombers support allied amphibious landings in the Mapia Islands, off the northwest coast of New Guinea.

 

The US Eighth Army, in its first offensive, begins an amphibious assault to clear the Mapia Islands, 160 nautical miles northeast of Sansapor. Little opposition is met by the 31st Division assault force. Captain Lord Ashbourne (RN), heads the naval forces during this and subsequent operations against the Asia Islands.

 

On Leyte, in the US Sixth Army’s X Corps area, the 112th Cavalry is attached to the 1st Cavalry Division and given the responsibility for clearing the Capoocan–Carigara–Barugo area, of the north coast, by November 16. The 128th Infantry, of the 32nd Division, is to attack south through the 21st Infantry, of the 24th Division, toward Ormoc. Forward elements of the 21st Infantry are about 1,500 yards north of Limon. The 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop joins the 1st Battalion, of the 34th Infantry, on Kilay Ridge, to patrol westward. 1st Battalion patrols push east toward the Ormoc road, in a futile effort to make contact with the 2nd Battalion, of the 19th Infantry.

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