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03/01/43
NAAF
Gen Cannon takes cmd of NATC. B-17's bomb docks and shipping, also hit railroad yards and town area, at Cagliari. B-25's and B-26's of
NASAF attack bridges and AA gun positions in La Hencha area. Other B-26's attack freighter NE of Bizerte. Ftrs escort bmrs and hit
ground forces in battle areas around Sidi Nsir and Bedja. B-25's of NATAF bomb Mateur area.
03/01/43
Twelfth AF
Gen Spaatz assumes cmd of Twelfth AF in Algeria. Col Lawrence P Hickey becomes acting cmdr of XII FC until arrival of Gen Quesada.
03/01/43
Ninth AF
B-24's raid harbor at Naples; 1 bombs Soverato while 2 others hit Staletti and Catanzaro as T/Os. AA fire is accurate and several HBs are hit over Naples and Palmi.
03/01/43
Tenth AF
46 P-40's hit T/Os in Nsopzup area and throughout Hukawng Valley.
03/01/43
Fifth AF
A-20's bomb and strafe forces at Guadagasal and along trails throughout Mubo, Komiatum, and Salamaua area. B-17's bomb runway at
Gasmata. B-24's carry out single-plane attacks on shipping off Soemba and Soembawa, and in Solomon Sea."
03/01/43
Eleventh AF
P-40's jettison their bombs when bad weather prevents a sweep over Kiska.
03/02/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb shipping and harbor area at Palermo. B-26's attack bridges and flak positions at La Hencha. NATAF ftrs hit troops,
tanks, and motor transport S of Mateur and NE of Bedja as enemy renews attack along Mateur-Taberka road near Jefna.
03/02/43
Tenth AF
More than 20 B-24's pound tgts in Burma. 7 splinter part of Ahlone docks and destroy a nearby warehouse, 6 hit Mahlwagon roundhouse, and
9 attack bridge at Pazundaung, tearing up its S approach. 6 B-25's, with P-40 escort, hit camp and storage area at Lamaing while 24
B-25's, also with ftr escort, pound Myitkyina.
03/02/43
Fifth AF
Battle of the Bismarck Sea begins. B-17's and B-24's attack convoy of 8 transports and 8 destroyers as it proceeds from Rabaul towards Huon
Gulf. The HBs first hit the convoy N of New Britain. The last air strike of the day takes place WNW of Umboi I between New Guinea and
New Britain. By the end of the day, half of the transports are sunk
or sinking.
03/02/43
Thirteenth AF
P-40's, P-38's,and a single PB4Y fly photo rcn over Munda A/F.
03/03/43
NAAF
B-17's bomb docks and shipping at Tunis and shipping and power plant at La Goulette harbor. Ftrs and MBs of NATAF hit ground forces in
areas around Bedja, Bou Arada, and Mateur. Fighting around Bedja subsides but enemy forces take Sedjenane.
03/03/43
Ninth AF
B-24's dispatched against Naples fail to reach primary tgt. Several
bomb secondary tgt, Messina, while 3 bomb bridges at Banco and
Siderno Marina. P-40's fly FB missions along Mareth Line as probing
attack against British 51st Div positions near Mareth is driven back.
German Afrika Korps issues plan for counterattack from Mareth Line.
03/03/43
Tenth AF
13 B-24's bomb Mahlwagon M/Y and dock area at Rangoon. 9 others
attack Pazundaung railroad bridge but fail to knock it out. 6 B-25's
bomb railroad sheds at Maymyo.
03/03/43
Fifth AF
Battle of Bismarck Sea continues as HBs are joined by MBs, LBs, and
ftr aircraft (US and Australian) in pounding convoy as it moves into
Huon Gulf. PT boats of US Seventh Fleet also close with the enemy. By
the end of the day all 8 transports have been sunk and Allied
aircraft have destroyed 4 of the 8 destroyers and a large number of
ftr aircraft covering the convoy."
03/03/43
Eleventh AF
4 P-40's sweep Kiska dropping demolition and fragmentation bombs. Adm
Kinkaid, CO Alaska Def Cmd tables Kiska invasion plan and substitutes
an Attu invasion plan."
03/04/43
Eighth AF
42 HBs fly missions over Germany and the Netherlands, 28 hitting the
shipyards at Rotterdam and 16 attacking Hamm M/Y. This is first
Eighth AF attack on a Ruhr industrial tgt.
03/04/43
NAAF
B-25's and B-26's fly unsuccessful missions against shipping between
Tunisia and Sicily. B-17's attack convoy NW of Bizerte, claiming 4
vessels sunk.
03/04/43
Ninth AF
P-40's fly top cover mission as British Eighth Army completes
concentration of troops and weapons in forward areas and awaits
attack which seems imminent in view of troop movement in mts W of
Medenine.
03/04/43
Tenth AF
3 B-25's bomb railroad facilities at Ywataung.
03/04/43
Fifth AF
Allied aircraft continue to bombard remnants of Japanese convoy in
Huon Gulf, thus ending Battle of Bismarck Sea, a decisive Allied
victory. Fifth AF and RAAF aircraft sink 12 vessels in 3 days. This
is last enemy attempt to use large vessels to reinforce positions on
Huon Gulf. After World War II Gen MacArthur calls this the decisive
aerial engagement in his theater. A-20's hit Lae A/F and vicinity,
B-17's attack Ubili and power launches off Lae and Cape Gloucester,
and several B-25's and single B-17's and B-24's hit harbor and A /F
at Lae and barges off Finschhafen.
03/04/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's hit A/F on Ballale I and bomb Kahili.
03/04/43
Eleventh AF
4 P-40's fly over Kiska but drop no bombs due to weather.
03/05/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's hit convoys NW of Bizerte while B-26's attack motor
vessels between Tunisia and Sicily. NATAF ftrs and MBs hit Djedeida,
Sidi Nsir area, and ground forces in Bedja-Mateur areas.
03/05/43
Ninth AF
RAF Liberators, under IX BC, bomb harbor at Naples during 4 '5 Mar.
03/05/43
Fifth AF
A-20's pound Lae A/F while HBs, operating individually, hit Lae,
Alexishafen, Gasmata, and Saumlakki.
03/05/43
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies negative weather rcn over Kiska, Semichis, Attu, Agattu,
and Buldir.
03/06/43
Eighth AF
63 HBs strike power plant, bridge, and port area at Lorient. 15
B-24's make diversionary attack on bridge and U-boat facilities at
Brest.
03/06/43
NAAF
Weather cancels NASAF bmr missions. Ftrs fly rcn along battle line in
Tunisia.
03/06/43
Ninth AF
35 planes strafe and bomb installations in the Mareth Line as
Rommel's expected attack in Tunisia takes place and is defeated. 4
thrusts toward Medenine are repulsed by British, and enemy retreats
after nightfall, having lost about 50 tanks.
03/06/43
Tenth AF
4 B-24's over Burma bomb shipping near Pagoda Pt, scoring near
misses. On return flight, they strafe lighthouse on Alguada Reef, a
lightship off China Park, and a radio station at Diamond I. 3 B-24's
intending to bomb Pazundaung bridge fail to reach tgt. 1 manages to
bomb A/F at Pagoda Pt. The others return to base without bombing. 6
B-24's unsuccessfully attack Myitnge bridge.
03/06/43
Fifth AF
A-20's hit Guadagasal area. Single B-24's attack shipping off Manus
and off Talasea, and hit A/F at Gasmata.
03/06/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's bomb Kahili and Ballale I A/Fs.
03/06/43
Eleventh AF
1 B-24 flies uneventful rcn over Kiska, Attu, Agattu, Buldir, and the
Semichis.
03/07/43
NAAF
B-25's hit shipping between Tunisia and Sicily while B-17's bomb
convoy in Gulf of Tunis and shipping and M/Y at Sousse.
03/07/43
Tenth AF
12 B-25's attack Gokteik Viaduct, causing only minor damage.
03/07/43
Fifth AF
A-20's attack Guadagasal area and barges offshore. B-25's bomb Toeal.
Single B-24's attack ship NW of Madang and bomb Salamaua, Gasmata,
and Cape Gloucester.
03/07/43
Thirteenth AF
Single B-24's hit A/Fs at Vila and Kahili. 3 HBs bomb Munda A/F.
03/07/43
Eleventh AF
343d Ftr Gp moves to Adak, and the first flight of MBs is brought up
to Amchitka. This enables stepped-up raids on Kiska. 8 B-24's and 4
P-38's bomb and strafe Chichagof Harbor area and Holtz Bay
installations. A ftr sweep, 6 B-24's, and 10 B-25's hit North Head
and Main Camp area.
03/08/43
AAF
Committee of Operations Analysts, composed of military and civilian
members, submits to Gen Arnold a report attempting to set forth
industrial objectives, the destruction of which would weaken Germany
most decisively in the shortest time. This report, which lists German
aircraft industry as first priority, is basis for much of CBO plan.
03/08/43
Eighth AF
54 HBs hit Rennes M/Y while 13 strike M/Y at Rouen. Bomb run over
Rouen is considerably disrupted by well-executed attack of ftrs which
down 2 bmrs including lead aircraft. This action is preceded by an
earlier wave of German ftrs which occupy the ftr escort while the
second wave attacks the bmrs."
03/08/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's and B-25's attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily,
claiming destruction or heavy damage of several motor vessels. Other
B-17's hit shipping and M/Y at Sousse. P-38's escort the bomb
missions. Ftrs of NATAF fly several rcn and patrol missions along
Tunisian First Army (British) battlefront while WDAF P-40's and
Spitfires hit rear of columns attacking Medenine from the W.
03/08/43
Tenth AF
12 B-25's strike at Myitnge bridge and AA positions. Results are
poor. 4 B-24's bomb Bassein docks. P-40's hit military tgs near Pebu
and Wan-hat.
03/08/43
Fifth AF
HBs, operating individually, hit occupied areas in SE coastal region
of NW New Guinea and also strike at Saumlakki and Babo.
03/08/43
Thirteenth AF
A/Fs at Munda and Vila are again hit by light B-24 raids.
03/09/43
NAAF
Bad weather cancels NASAF operations and restricts other cmds to rcn,
patrol, and transport missions.
03/09/43
Tenth AF
P-40's hit town area and bridge at Mogaung. Many fires are started
and the bridge is severely damaged."
03/09/43
Thirteenth AF
3 B-24's bomb A/Fs at Munda, Kahili, and Ballale I.
03/09/43
Eleventh AF
6 B-24's, 10 B-25's, 12 P-38's and 4 P-40's attack Kiska. The P-40's
and 6 of the MBs return to base due to bad weather; the other bmrs
bomb Main Camp area, North Head and submarine base.
03/10/43
Eighth AF
A few P-47's take part for first time in ftr sweep from UK.
Aircraft-to-aircraft communication proves impossible because of VHF
radio malfunctions.
03/10/43
NAAF
B-17's bomb El Aouina A/F and La Marsa landing ground, destroying
several parked airplanes, and hit town of Gafsa. Ftrs escort the
B-17's and carry out numerous rcn missions."
03/10/43
Ninth AF
Flight echelon of 340th Bomb Gp (M) begins arriving in Egypt.
03/10/43
Tenth AF
HBs strike Rangoon area at 2 points. 5 B-24's hit Pazundaung bridge.
4 others pound runways, buildings, and revetments at Mingaladon A/F.
After the attack, several ftrs attack the flight. The HBs claim 3
shot down. CATF is absorbed by Fourteenth AF.
03/10/43
Fourteenth AF
Fourteenth AF is activated at Kunming with Gen Chennault as CG.
P-40's from Kunming fly armed rcn into Burma, crossing the Salween
and covering areas SW of Lashio."
03/10/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb A/F and shipping at Wewak. Single HBs attack shipping off
New Guinea.
03/10/43
Eleventh AF
Rcn airplane is attacked by 5 aircraft. Kiska attack mission is flown
by 10 B-25's, 6 B-24's, 12 P-38's (4 of them flying top cover), and 1
F-5A. 8 of the P-38's strafe ground installations. The B-25's bomb
radar site and pound North Head, silencing AA fire. The B-24's hit
Main Camp area. 4 Amchitka-based P-40's bomb submarine base.
03/11/43
NAAF
B-26's attack convoy between Tunisia and Sicily. B-25's in the area
carry out no attacks on vessels. Ftrs escort MBs and attack guns,
vehicles, and tanks in Sedjenane, Jefna, and Bedja areas.
03/11/43
Tenth AF
7 B-25's bomb Myitnge bridge, causing little damage.
03/11/43
Fifth AF
A-20's bomb and strafe Vickers Ridge and Guadagasal area. B-24's bomb
A/F at Rabaul. Single HBs attack Finschhafen, Cape Gloucester, and
shipping off Powell Pt.
03/12/43
Eighth AF
63 HBs strike Rouen-Sotteville M/Y. Good ftr escort is major factor
in this no-loss mission.
03/12/43
NAAF
B-17's bomb docks and M/Ys at Sousse. B-26's pound supply dumps and
score near misses on bridges at Enfidaville, while B-25's bomb
shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Ftrs escort the bmrs and carry
out attacks on ground tgts, destroying several vehicles in Pichon
area and S of Pont-du-Fahs. Wellingtons bomb Tunis docks during 12/13
Mar.
03/12/43
Tenth AF
6 B-24's attack Pazundaung bridge, causing negligible damage.
03/12/43
Fifth AF
A-20's attack Guadagasal Gap area and Salamaua A/F. B-24's and B-25's
attack shipping at Amboina and bomb Fuiloro. B-17's bomb Rabaul A/F
while individual B-24's hit wreck of Talasea and bomb Cape
Gloucester.
03/12/43
Thirteenth AF
A/Fs at Munda, Ballale I, and Kahili are again hit by light B-24
raids. P-38's destroy small vessel off NE coast of Rendova I.
03/12/43
Seventh AF
VII AFBC is redesignated VII AFSC."
03/12/43
Eleventh AF
12 Amchitka-based P-40's scout Kiska.
03/13/43
Eighth AF
74 HBs hit area around Amiens and Abbeville. Largest effort is aimed
at Longeau railroad facilities and M/Y at Amiens. No aircraft are
lost as ftr protection is excellent."
03/13/43
NAAF
B-25's are sent against shipping NE of Bizerte but fail to locate
tgt. Ftrs hit positions and movement in Mareth Line area, and fly
patrols and rcn.
03/13/43
Ninth AF
Gen Brereton, CG, directs that HQ, DATF be redesignated Adv HQ, Ninth
AF, and that the AAF tac units with the HQ be designated DATF. B-24's
bomb Naples harbor through heavy clouds. P-40's fly top cover and ftr
sweep, and engage about 25 ftrs in combat, claiming 3 destroyed but
also losing 3.
03/13/43
Tenth AF
4 B-24's attack and slightly damage Pazundaung bridge.
03/13/43
Fifth AF
B-17's bomb A/F and shipping at Wewak. A B-17 bombs Gasmata A/F and
warehouses on Wide Bay, while a B-24 attacks shipping off Netherlands
New Guinea.
03/13/43
Thirteenth AF
Vila and Munda A/Fs are again attacked by B-24's in light raids. Also
bombed is Faisi I.
03/13/43
Eleventh AF
A B-24 on rcn returns early because of adverse weather. 12 P-40's
strike Kiska beach, camp and runway. Hits are observed on these tgts
and among 14 parked airplanes. 8 P-38's with 8 P-40's flying top
cover again take off for Kiska. Only 3 of the P-38's reach the tgt
and strafe aircraft on beach. Another sights a submarine SW of Rat I.
03/14/43
NAAF
Weather cancels all missions except NATAF ftr rcn in Enfidaville-Sfax
area and between Tunisia and Sicily."
03/14/43
Ninth AF
During 13/14 Mar, RAF Liberators under IX BC control hit harbor at
Naples. During the day, ftrs fly cover and sweep over battle area.
03/14/43
Tenth AF
4 B-24's bomb Moulmein docks. 8 B-25's hit the oft-bombed Gokteik
Viaduct but the structure remains serviceable.
03/14/43
Fifth AF
B-17's and B-24's bomb Wewak, Tring, and Madang. Single B-17's bomb
Gasmata, and strafe vessel off Talasea, AA position at Cape
Gloucester, and Finschhafen A/F. A ]one B-24 bombs Dili.
03/15/43
NAAF
NASAF B-26's, with ftr escort, attack landing ground at Mezzouna.
B-25's follow with attack on same tgt. B-17's, with ftr escort, hit
shipping off N Tunisia. Ftrs of NATAF fly tac rcn over battle area as
British 18 Army Gp's II Corps (US) prepares to attack E from Gafsa
area. Gen Dunton is designated CG of NW African Air Service Cmd
(NAASC), to which are assigned HQ and HQ Sq, XII AFSC; all serv gps,
depot gps, arms and serv units of XII AF SC, all maintenance,
aircraft repair, aircraft assembly, embarkation, and mobile parachute
servicing units, and base depots formerly assigned to EAC (RAF) and
numerous RAF personnel.
03/15/43
Ninth AF
B-25's, escorted by P-40's of 79th Gp (the gp's first operation in
the theater) bomb Zarat. Ftrs also fly strafing and bombing raids
against ground tgts.
03/15/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's bomb Gokteik Viaduct and 8 others attack Myitnge. Neither
tgt suffers effective damage. 8 FBs damage bridge at Kadrangyang.
03/15/43
Fifth AF
B-25's and B-24's, along with RAAF airplanes, bomb shipping at Dobo
and Wokam. B-17's, on single-plane flights bomb Gasmata and Cape
Gloucester.
03/15/43
Thirteenth AF
Single B-17's hit Munda and Vila A/Fs. P-38's strafe A/F at Viru.
03/15/43
Eleventh AF
6 B-25's, with 4 P-38's flying top cover, bomb North Head, hitting
Main Camp and gun emplacements. 6 B-24's with 4 P-38's for top cover
then bomb Main Camp. Revetments and hangar area are strafed by the
P-38's one of which is lost to AA. Next, 5 B-24's and 16 P-38's bomb
and strafe Main Camp area and North Head. 4 P-40's then
unsuccessfully search for 3 enemy ftrs which had earlier attacked
weather airplane. Main Camp is hit two more times, by 3 B-25's and by
8 P-38's.
03/16/43
NAAF
B-17's attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, leaving 2 small
vessels aflame. Weather prevents completion of other bmr operations.
Ftrs fly rcn and patrols but bad weather hides enemy ground activity.
03/16/43
Ninth AF
1st Prov Trg Unit is established to train repl crews for MB and ftr
gps. Personnel is drawn from HQ Sqs of IX FC, 9th Ftr Wg, and 8th Ftr
Wg. P-40's fly FB operations against enemy positions as British
ground forces prepare to conduct limited attacks as a preliminary to
main assault against Mareth Line.
03/16/43
Tenth AF
6 B-24's damage approaches to Pazundaung bridge. 8 B-25's attack
Myitnge bridge, scoring at least 2 hits, but the structure remains
intact. P-40's hit positions N of Sumprabum.
03/16/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe Mong Yaw storage area and docks, warehouse area, and
rail-river terminal (for phosphate mines) at Lao Kay.
03/16/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb Lae. B-17's bomb Rapopo airstrip and attack Ubili, sub
off Cape Turner, town of Marienberg, and Cape Gloucester area. B-24's
unsuccessfully attack cargo ships between Bitsjaroe Bay and Fak.
03/16/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's and B-24's on harassing raids bomb Kahili, Vila, and Ballale
A/Fs.
03/16/43
Eleventh AF
16 B-25's, 13 B-24's, 8 P-40's and 32 P- 38's (cover/escort) sorties
are flown to Kiska in one weather rcn and 2 attack missions from
Adak, and in 3 more missions from Amchitka. Tgts hit are North Head,
Main Camp area, radar sites and submarine base. On last Amchitka
mission 1 enemy floatplane is shot down with 2 more probables. 4 HBs
are hit and 1 B-25 does not return.
03/17/43
NAAF
Weather cancels NASAF bmr operations. Tac ftrs and LBs fly numerous
armed rcn missions and sweeps over Sedjenane, Cap Serrat, and Sidi
Nsir area and attack ground forces E of Gafsa in preparation for
allied assault. NACAF aircraft continue coastal and sea patrols. US
II Corps opens offensive to the E from Gafsa area after air and arty
preparation.
03/17/43
Ninth AF
P-40's fly scramble and FB operations as British ground forces
continue local operations in preparation for assault on Mareth Line.
03/17/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's again attack bridge at Myitnge, damaging N approach. 14
P-40's hit bridges at Kadrangyang and NE of Myitkyina and motor pool
at Hpunkizup. The motor pool suffers considerable damage.
03/17/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb Langgoer.
03/17/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's continue harassing raids against Vila, Kahili, and Ballale.
03/17/43
Eleventh AF
8 P-38's patrol Kiska without making contacts.
03/18/43
Eighth AF
97 HBs strike submarine yards at Vegesack. 7 U-boat hulls appear
severely damaged. This mission marks first successful combat use of
automatic flight control linked with bombsights.
03/18/43
NAAF
Weather cancels operations of NASAF bmrs. NATAF ftrs fly sweeps and
rcn over Sidi Nsir-Sedjenane-Medjez el Bab areas and attack railway
station, other buildings, railroad sidings, and motor transport at
Temara.
03/18/43
Ninth AF
B-24's, escorted by P-40's, bomb harbor at Naples.
03/18/43
Tenth AF
16 P-40's bomb and strafe stronghold of Seniku, claiming high enemy
casualty rate. 7 others attack Nalong. 16 B-24's bomb Pazundaung
bridge, causing considerable damage to the structure. 8 B-25's damage
the Myitnge bridge, 8 other B-25's hit AA positions in the Myitnge
general area.
03/18/43
Fifth AF
B-24's pound town of Madang. Single B-17's strafe launch at Talasea
and barges NE of Cape Gloucester, while a lone B-24 bombs Timoeka and
Langgoer.
03/18/43
Eleventh AF
Taking off from Adak, 6 B-24's bomb Main Camp area, 6 B-25's bomb
North Head, and 12 P-38's fly top cover and strafing attacks. 12
Amchitka-based P-38's then blast Kiska runway and Main Camp area,
starting fires. At Amchitka, the 54th Ftr Sq is reinforced by several
F-5A's.
03/19/43
NAAF
NAAF TCC (Prov), consisting of 51st TC Wg and its subordinate units
which are transferred from XII AFSC, is activated. Col Ray A Dunn is
acting CO. Landing grounds are non-operational due to continued bad
weather. NASAF and NATAF cancel missions. NACAF airplanes fly routine
patrols.
03/19/43
Ninth AF
Col Uzal G Ent assumes cmd of IX BC, replacing Col Hugo P Rush.
03/19/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's pound bridge at Myitnge, rendering it unserviceable. A
single P-40 uses a 1,000-lb bomb against bridge near Mogaung in a
test to see if the ftr can carry such 'blockbusters' and deliver them
effectively. Despite negligible damage suffered by the tgt, both the
carrying and releasing of the bomb are considered successful. 12
B-25's, with P-40 escort, bomb rail and river terminal at Lao Kay and
afterwards strafe the area, causing widespread destruction.
03/19/43
Fourteenth AF
12 B-25's, with escort of 6 P-40's, bomb power plant and railroad
yards at Lao Kay. The P-40's strafe the tgt area and a barracks a few
miles down the Red R.
03/19/43
Fifth AF
A-20's pound forces in Mubo area while B-25's bomb submarine and
barges in Lae harbor. B-24's hit Amboina. Single B-17's strike Arawe,
Gasmata, Cape Gloucester, barges off Cape Gauffre and cargo boat at
Lorengau.
03/19/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's and B-24's on armed rcn bomb Kahili and Ballale A/Fs.
03/19/43
Eleventh AF
XI BC, constituted on 4 Mar, is activated at Adak. All missions
canceled due to weather except local ftr patrols.
03/20/43
NAAF
NATBF is formed under NATAF with a small combined HQ which has under
it 47th Bomb Gp, 326 Wg (RAF), and air echelons of 2 sqs of 12 Bomb
Gp which are attached for operational control. B-26's and B-25's
launch consecutive attacks against landing ground at Djebel Tebaga.
Other B-25's bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Ftrs fly
escort and carry out numerous rcn missions as Eighth Army opens
assault on Mareth Line.
03/20/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb Mareth area. AA is intense and all MBs suffer hits.
P-40's escort bmrs and carry out FB and top cover operations as
British ground troops open assault on positions with inf and arty. 30
Corps gains bridgehead across Oued Zigzaou.
03/20/43
Tenth AF
7 B-25's again attack Myitnge bridge, inflicting little additional
damage to the structure.
03/20/43
Fifth AF
B-25's bomb Langgoer and Kaimana. Landing strip at Finschhafen and
harbor area at Salamaua are bombed by single B-24's.
03/20/43
Thirteenth AF
During 19/20 Mar 42 Navy and Marine aircraft lay mines off
Bougainville coast in Buin-Tonolai area while 18 B-17's and B-24's
pound Kahili A/F in diversionary strike. This mission inaugurates
mine-laying operations by aircraft in SOPAC.
03/21/43
NAAF
During 20/21 Mar, Wellingtons bomb docks at Ferryville. On morning of
21 Mar, B-17's, with P-38 escort, attack landing grounds at Djebel
Tebaga. NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs hit Djebel Tebaga, and Mezzouna. US
1st Armd Div elements push toward Maknassy, placing it under arty
fire in preparation for assault on the town."
03/21/43
Ninth AF
During 20/21 Mar, B-24's attack harbor and surrounding area at
Naples, hitting a vessel, city area, and vicinity of railroad yards.
During day B-25's bomb tgts, including a highway, in Gabes area. They
are escorted by almost 100 P-40's.
03/21/43
Tenth AF
15 B-24's pound Gokteik Viaduct, causing considerable damage to the
structure. 6 other B-24's, unable to bomb the viaduct due to haze and
clouds, attack the previously damaged bridge at Myitnge. P-40's again
dive-bomb tgts in Mogaung area, using 1,000-lb. bombs for second
time. 3 of the ftrs bomb town area, causing heavy destruction over 2
blocks. 3 others attack bridge S of town, claiming damaging hits in
the area. Others attack T/Os in N Indochina.
03/21/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe Lao Kay phosphate mine area and T/Os in the vicinity.
03/21/43
Fifth AF
1 B-24 claims direct hit on cargo vessel ESE of Cape Gloucester.
Other isolated attacks on shipping are unsuccessful.
03/21/43
Thirteenth AF
During 20/21 Mar 40 Navy and Marine airplanes lay mines in
Buin-Tonolai area while 19 B-17's and B-24's bomb Kahili A/F in
diversionary attack.
03/21/43
Eleventh AF
13 B-24's, 9 B-25's, 50 P-38's, 16 P-40's, and 2 F-5A's fly 8 bombing
and strafing missions to Kiska. Some of the missions abort due to
weather. The others hit Main Camp area, while 2 P-40's make no
contact when trying to intercept reported enemy aircraft.
03/22/43
Atlantic
German sub, U-524, is sunk N of Canary Is, 30-15N 18-13W, by aircraft
of 1st Antisub Sq.
03/22/43
Eighth AF
84 HBs attack Wilhelmshaven U-boat yards.
03/22/43
NAAF
NASAF Wellingtons hit landing ground near Sfax during 21/22 Mar. On
22 Mar, B-26's on sea sweep attack vessels near Zembra I while B-17's
bomb shipping in harbor at Palermo. NATAF ftrs fly numerous rcn and
patrol missions while A-20's bomb Mezzouna and FBs hit motor
transport and tanks in N Tunisian battle area."
03/22/43
Ninth AF
Col John D Corkille succeeds Gen Kauch in cmd of IX ASC. During 21/22
Mar, RAF Liberators, under IX BC, bomb Naples. During the day, B-25's
hit Gabes area, bombing road junction, motor transport, and troop
concentration. P-40's fly 5 escort missions during the day. British
ground forces, after expanding Oued Zigzaou bridgehead during 21/22
Mar, are severely handicapped by heavy rain. Enemy counterattack
forces 50th Div to give ground.
03/22/43
Tenth AF
17 B-25's, operating in 2 forces, bomb Gokteik Viaduct. Several
damaging hits are scored on the base and structure. 7 B-25's pound
Thazi rail junction. Considerable damage is caused to warehouses,
yards, sidings, tracks, and rolling stock.
03/22/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's again strafe phosphate mine area at Lao Kay.
03/22/43
Fifth AF
HBs pound Gasmata A/F and, in single-plane strikes, attack
Finschhafen, Lae, Madang, and harbor at Lorengau.
03/22/43
Thirteenth AF
P-38's strafe Rekata Bay area."
03/22/43
Eleventh AF
6 B-25's, 12 B-24's, and 22 P-38's attempt 3 missions to Kiska. Only
8 of the P-40's get through but fly uneventful patrol.
03/23/43
NAAF
During 22/23 Mar Wellingtons hit El Maou A/F near Sfax. During the
day, B-17's bomb shipping in Bizerte harbor. Ftrs fly rcn and patrol,
bomb and strafe trucks, tanks, and troops near Bir Zallujah hit tanks
and trucks E of Mezzouna and Maknassy, and E of El Guettar, where
enemy ground forces are making thrusts toward the town.
03/23/43
Ninth AF
B-24's bomb Messina, concentrating on ferry slip. B-25's hit Mareth
area. P-40's fly FB operations and bmr escort over battle area as
British 50th Div withdraws Oued Zigzaou bridgehead under cover of
arty fire.
03/23/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb barracks, warehouse, railroad tracks, and A/F at
Meiktila.
03/23/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe operations building at Dong Cuong and hit troop trucks
between Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang.
03/23/43
Fifth AF
B-17's thoroughly pound A/Fs in the Rabaul area and strafe vessel off
Cape Gazelle. A-20's bomb and strafe forces in Mubo area and at mouth
of Bitoi R. B-25's strafe T/Os in Salamaua, Labu Lagoon and Nadzab
areas, and at mouth of Markham R. Single B-24's attack Lorengau
harbor and A/Fs at Gasmata and Salamaua.
03/23/43
Eleventh AF
Weather grounds all missions except weather rcn and an unsuccessful
intercept attempt of an enemy rcn airplane by 2 P-40's.
03/24/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's hit shipping and dock area at Ferryville. B-26's bomb La
Scala des Souassi landing ground and B-25's hit Djebel Tebaga N
landing ground. NATAF A-20's and B-25's hit troop concentrations near
El Guettar (where US 1st Div is under attack) and landing ground at
Djebel Tebaga. Ftrs escort bmrs and strafe ground forces along
battleline.
03/24/43
Ninth AF
B-24's attack ferry installations at Messina. Direct hits are scored
in tgt area and adjacent railroad yards and naval oil and storage
tanks are set afire. B-25's hit Zarat. P-40's fly escort, armed rcn,
and strafing mission. Just before midnight RAF Liberators, under IX
BC control, blast docks at Messina. British Eighth Army prepares to
assault W flank of Mareth Line.
03/24/43
Tenth AF
23 R-24's and 2 B-17's attack bridge at Myitnge but fail to score
damaging hits. 8 B-25's bomb engine sheds at Maymyo.
03/24/43
Fifth AF
B-25's hit Langgoer and Faan. B-25's and B-17's, operating
individually, attack shipping in NEI and A/Fs and T/Os at Gasmata and
Mubo.
03/24/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's and Navy dive-bmrs hit A/F at Kahili.
03/24/43
Eleventh AF
10 B-24's, 3 B-25's, and 12 P-38's fly 5 attack missions to Kiska.
North Head runway and Main Camp area are bombed.
03/25/43
NAAF
NASAF B-17's bomb docks and shipping at Sousse. B-25's hit Djebel
Tebaga landing ground. NATAF ftrs fly numerous patrols, sweeps, and
rcn flights over battle areas. NATBF bmrs hit Djebel Tebaga A/F and
motor transport W of Sfax and Sousse (during 24/25 Mar). XII A Spt
Cmd MBs and ftrs hit Djebel Tebaga A/F, vehicles near Gabes,
Mezzouna, Maknassy, and at several other points in battle areas.
03/25/43
Ninth AF
B-25's, in early daylight hours, bomb installations in Mareth area.
P-40's attack motor transport, tanks, and comm tgts in battle area.
During 25/26 Mar HBs, MBs, and LBs blast forces gathering in El Hamma
area.
03/25/43
Tenth AF
8 B-25's bomb engine sheds at Maymyo for second consecutive day.
Considerable damage is done although main shed is not hit.
03/25/43
Fifth AF
B-24's pound Rabaul and shipping, wharf, and town area at Amboina.
Single B-17's hit Lae, Gasmata, and Ubili.
03/25/43
Eleventh AF
Weather airplane take photos of Holtz Bay and Chichagof Harbor. 14
B-24's, 3 B-25's, 12 P-38's, and 2 P-40's fly 4 missions to Kiska.
The tgts include beach, runway, hangar area, North Head, the Main
Camp and submarine base.
03/26/43
NAAF
B-25's bomb Grombalia area. Other B-25's and B-17's of NASAF fail to
complete missions because of weather. P-39's destroy several trucks
in Maknassy-Mezzouna area. NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs bomb fuel dump at
Oudref, roads and railway near Cekhira, docks at Sfax, and A/F at
Djebel Tebaga. Ftrs strafe vehicles during armed rcn between Faid and
Gabes.
03/26/43
Ninth AF
B-25's attack Mareth area, dropping over 57,000 lbs of bombs during 2
strikes. P-40's fly FB and strafing missions, destroying or damaging
over 50 military transport vehicles, tanks, and gun emplacements.
Intense ground fire downs several US ftrs. Following aerial
bombardment, allied ground forces renew assault on Mareth Line.
03/26/43
Tenth AF
6 B-24's mine Rangoon R during 26/27 Mar. 6 others fly diversion raid
on city of Rangoon, scoring hits on Mingaladon A/F, between central
railroad station and Pazundaung Creek, and in Syriam area.
03/26/43
Fifth AF
B-17's attack shipping, harbor and town area at Wewak. A-20's pound
forces and T/Os in Mubo, Malahang, and Salamaua area. A single B-17
bombs Finschhafen and unsuccessfully attacks ship E of Talasea.
03/26/43
Thirteenth AF
B-24's bomb A/F on Nauru I."
03/26/43
Eleventh AF
A rcn aircraft covers Attu, Agattu, Semichi and Alaid where cabin is
strafed. Upon report of Navy contacts with enemy surface force
(Battle of Komandorskies), 13 B-24's, 11 B-25's and 8 P-38's are
ordered to hit the enemy, reported 150 mi W of Cape Wrangell (Attu).
Because of mechanical failures and weather, airplanes cannot take off
until 6 hrs after surface force is sighted. Thus, Japanese ships have
fled when aircraft arrive at interception point. Some of the
returning B-25's bomb radar site, hangar, and Main Camp area on
Kiska.
03/27/43
NAAF
NATAF ftrs attack machinegun installations NE of Maknassy and train
at Mezzouna, and hit Djebel Naimia. NACAF ftrs on patrol claim
several aircraft shot down. Weather prevents completion of
anti-shipping sweep by NASAF B-25's."
03/27/43
Tenth AF
5 B-24's mine Rangoon R for second consecutive night.
03/27/43
Fifth AF
B-25's hit Lae and Salamaua. B-24's bomb Saumlakki and attack harbor
and shipping at Bogia.
03/27/43
Thirteenth AF
P-39's join Navy aircraft in attack on Vila A/F.
03/27/43
Eleventh AF
7 B-24's from Adak and 6 Amchitka-based B-25's attempt unsuccessfully
to attack naval tgts. From Amchitka, 1 B-25 and 6 P-38's (of which 1
turns back with mechanical trouble) provide cover for US surface
force until 1300. 6 P-38's and 1 B-17 depart Adak for a second cover
mission, but do not find surface force.
03/28/43
Eighth AF
70 HBs hit Rouen-Sotteville M/Y."
03/28/43
NAAF
Weather again prevents completion of NASAF B-25 shipping strike.
NATAF ftrs attack trucks S of Maknassy and near Gabes, hit gun
positions and tanks near Mezzouna, where fierce ground fighting is
taking place, and fly patrols and rcn throughout battle areas of
Tunisia. Bmrs hit roads, railroads, and military transport in Sousse
and Sfax areas during 28/29 Mar.
03/28/43
Ninth AF
P-40's launch FB attack against El Hamma, which enemy has held as
escape corridor through which troops have been withdrawing during
27/28 Mar.
03/28/43
Fifth AF
MBs and HBs on individual missions attack Langgoer, Dobo, Gasmata,
and barges and small boat off Finschhafen and Kerema.
03/28/43
Thirteenth AF
Last remaining personnel of the battle-weary 11th Bomb Gp (B-17's)
leave SOPAC to return to Hawaii. P-38's and Corsairs hit seaplane
bases at Poporang and Shortland, claiming 8 aircraft destroyed, and
attack destroyer E of Shortland I, leaving it listing.
03/29/43
NAAF
Weather cancels all NASAF operations. NATAF ftrs bomb and strafe
truck column S of Djebel Chemsi, troop concentration near Mezzouna,
and vehicles at other points along Tunisian battlefront.
03/29/43
Ninth AF
B-25's attack Sfax and El Maou area, scoring hits on several parked
aircraft. P-40's fly escort and FB missions as British ground forces
pursue enemy N through Gabes. British Eighth Army completes
occupation of Mareth Line.
03/29/43
Tenth AF",
03/29/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe trucks at Bhamo and fuel drums at Chefang.
03/29/43
Fifth AF
A lone B-17 bombs Gasmata A/F while another attacks Mur-Weber Pt
area.
03/29/43
Thirteenth AF
B-17's and B-24's pound Buin and Kahili. P-38's strafe seaplane base
at Faisi.
03/29/43
Eleventh AF
7 MBs and HBs, with ftr escort, bomb and strafe Kiska runway and
nearby Main Camp area. Heavy AA fire damages 5 bmrs and 2 P-38's.
03/30/43
NAAF
Weather halts all NASAF missions except ftr rcn. NATAF ftrs bomb area
NE of Oued Zarga, attack tanks, trucks, and troops SE of Slourhia, at
Djebel ben Kheir, at Djebel Chemsi, near El Ayacha and El Avoua,
along El Guettar-Mahares road, and in El Agahea area. A-20's bomb La
Fauconnerie A/F, hit troops at Djebel Chemsi, and bomb tanks and
troops at Djebel Berda which is being assaulted by US 9th Div.
03/30/43
Ninth AF
3 B-24's sent to bomb Messina ferry slip are unable to rendezvous
because of bad weather. 1 HB bombs Crotone chemical factory, hitting
center of factory area, warehouses, and rail facilities. RAF
Liberators sent against same tgt return without bombing. B-25's hit
landing ground at Sfax, scoring direct hits on 4 aircraft. P-40's fly
escort missions. British ground forces make contact with enemy's new
line along Oued el Akarit.
03/30/43
Tenth AF
5 B-25's bomb Maymyo railroad yards, scoring hits on machine shops,
sheds, and tracks. 16 P-40's hit T/Os at Npyentawng, Wuja, and
Mohnyin.
03/30/43
Fourteenth AF
P-40's strafe 8 locomotives SW of Lashio, exploding 3 of them.
03/30/43
Fifth AF
A-20's, B-25's, B-24's, and B-17's pound shipping, harbor, and town
area at Finschhafen. Other B-24's hit Gasmata. Single aircraft attack
several tgts, mostly shipping and coastal areas, in NEI, NE New
Guinea, and New Britain.
03/30/43
Thirteenth AF
HBs continue snooper strikes on Vila and Kahili A/Fs.
03/30/43
Eleventh AF
6 missions are dispatched against Kiska and Attu. From Adak, 6
B-24's, 6 B-25's, and 4 P-38's are over Kiska at noon but cannot bomb
due to weather. 4 B-24's, 4 P-38's, and 2 F-5A's then bomb runway at
Attu. Next, 5 B-24's and 4 P-38's bomb Main Camp; intense AA fire
downs 1 B-24. From Amchitka, 4 P-38's bomb Little Kiska. Next, 4
P-38's bomb Kiska through overcast, followed by 6 B-25's bombing and
strafing radar, radio installations, Main Camp, runway, and
personnel.
03/31/43
Eighth AF
Rotterdam shipyards and dock area are hit by 33 HBs, while others
attack ship docks at Schiedam and city area of Bocholt.
03/31/43
NAAF
During 30/31 Mar, Wellingtons bomb Decimomannu A/F. During the day,
B-17's hit Villacidro, Monserrato and Decimomannu A/Fs and Cagliari
harbor. B-25's hit shipping off NE Tunisia. The B-17 and B-25
missions are escorted by P-38's. NATAF ftrs, LBs, and MBs attack La
Fauconnerie A/F, hit concentrations on El Guettar-Gabes road (enemy
positions through which US II Corps is trying to break), bomb
transport in Djebel Tabouna area, attack roads in
Mezzouna-Mahares-Sfax-Sousse areas, hit trucks, half- tracks, and
tanks S of Djebel Berda and in Djebel Berrani area, bomb Djebel
Chemsi Pass, strafe trucks on Djebel Hadifa-Sidi Rouda road and in
Ofel-El Guettar area. WDAF hits El Maou landing ground.
03/31/43
Ninth AF
B-25's bomb Sfax A/F. Bombs explode among 6 parked airplanes. P-40's
escort bmrs and fly FB operations, during which motor transport along
highway N of Gabes is hit.
03/31/43
Tenth AF
9 B-25's bomb M/Y at Pyinmana, blasting railroad tracks and
warehouses.
03/31/43
Fifth AF
A-20's hit Salamaua, while B-24's bomb Babo. Individual B-24's attack
Lae A/F, Finschhafen, and Samoa Pt and Timper R bridges.
03/31/43
Thirteenth AF
P-40's and P-38's hit Suavanau Pt area on Rekata Bay.
03/31/43
Eleventh AF
Rcn airplane finds impenetrable weather and returns to base. 2 P-38's
make uneventful sweep.
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