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02/02/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's, with Spitfire escort, bomb radar station at Durazzo.
02/02/44
USSR
Stalin agrees to provide 6 bases for US aircraft in USSR. Soviet Army
crosses into Estonia, and in Ukraine attacks along a 60-mile front.
02/02/44
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Sorong and Alexishafen. Nearly 50 A-20's pound
installations in Madang area. B-25's hit New Britain costal tgts from
Cape Gauffre to Rein Bay. Other B-25's attack shipping off Tingwon Is
and off SE coast of New Britain.
02/02/44
Seventh AF
A-24's and P-40's from Makin bomb Mille runways and gun positions and
along with P-39 escort strafe NE tip of the island. B-24's from
Tarawa bomb Rongelap I.
02/03/44
Eighth AF
543 Hbs attack Wilhelmshaven while 61 bomb Emden T/Os. Bad weather
causes more than 100 HB to abort mission.
02/03/44
Ninth AF
358th Ftr Gp becomes operational. This is the first of 17 ftr gps
which are to be added by 9 May 44 to the Ninth AF, which previously
had only 1 ftr gp, the 354th. 52 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites on W
coast of France. Weather causes over 100 other aircraft to abandon
mission.
02/03/44
Twelfth AF
MB missions are all abortive. A-36's, hit roads and other tgts S of
Rome, destroying or damaging numerous trucks and bombing towns of
Seese and Fondi as US ground forces meet strong resistence in dirve
toward Cassino. P-47's hit Manopello and railroad facilities at
Sulmona. Ftrs patrol Anzio area.
02/03/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's, finding primary tgt obscured by bad weather, bomb T/Os
(railroad yards and stations) at Stimigliano and Sulmona. Other
B-24's return to base without bombing. P-47's fly ftr sweep over
Prato-Pontassieve area.
02/03/44
Tenth AF
16 P-38's attack bridges, encampments, and buildings along
Prome-Taungup road. 1 bridge is knocked out and another damaged.
Atugboat is sunk at Akyab. 14 A-36's and a B-25 attack troops and
camp area at Kumnyen and Lalawng Ga, and hit motor pool and repair
depot at Shingban. 16 P-51's hit encampment at Sawnghka.
02/03/44
Fifth AF
Nearly 100 B-24's and B-25's, supported by P-38's, P-40's and P-47's,
pound A/Fs in Wewak area. About 80 airplanes are destroyed on the
ground an in the air. A-20's attack Alexishafen and Hansa Bay areas.
P-39's and B-25's on armed rcn hit trucks at Erima, barges on New
Britain coast, shipping in N Bismarck Sea, and Momote and Hyane
Harbor.
02/03/44
Thirteenth AF
AAF P-40's and Navy ftrs cover Navy dive-dmr strike on Tobera. 15
B-24's with P-38 and Navy ftr escort bomb A/F at Lakunai. Allied
aircraft claim 13 interceptors downed during the 2 strikes.
02/03/44
Seventh AF
P-40's from Makin bomb and strafe Mille.
02/04/44
USSTAF
Abbreviation for US Strategic Air Forces in Europe is changed from
USSAFE to USSTAF.
02/04/44
Eighth AF
433 HBs are to attack industry and railroad yards at Frankfurt/Main
but due to bad weather and navigational difficulties more than 200 of
them bomb T/Os, including Koblenz, Giessen, Siegen and Trier.
02/04/44
Ninth AF
Gen Weyland becomes CG of XIXA Spt Cmd.
02/04/44
Twelfth AF
Weather prevents all MB, LB, and FB missions. P-40's and Spitfires
maintain patrols over Aniz area, where a strong German
counter-offensive had been launched during 3/4 Feb."
02/04/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb Antheror viaduct and Toulon harbor. B-24's are forced by
bad weather to return bombs to base. Many of the B-17's returning
from Toulon raid are forced to land at various friendly fields
because of unsafe flying conditions."
02/04/44
Tenth AF
12 P-51's strafe runways and buildings at Indaw.
02/04/44
Fifth AF
B-24's and B-25's carry out small raids against Laha, Namlea, and
Amboina. 170-plus B-24's, A-20's, and B-25's bomb But and Dagua A/Fs,
Marienberg, and Madang-Alexishafen area. P-39's bomb and strafe
Atemble and strafe T/O's in Alexishafen area.
02/04/44
Thirteenth AF
25 B-25's, escorted by 40-plus ftrs, pound A/F at Tobera. 18 B-24's,
covered by 30-plus P-38's and Navy ftrs, hit A/F at Vunakanau.
02/04/44
Seventh AF
B-24's, flying from Tarawa and Makin, bomb Wotje, Maloelap, and
Mille. B-25's from Tarawa and Abemama also hit Wotje and Maloelap.
P-40's based at Makin bomb and strafe Mille.
02/05/44
Eighth AF
450 B-17's and B-24's attack A/Fs at Chateauroux, Avord, Tours,
Chateaudum, Orleans, and Villacoublay, and aircraft works at
Villacoublay. In view of previous decision to concentrate most of trg
activities of Eighth AF in Com Cmd, a decision is made to transfer HQ
from Limavady, N Ireland, to Cheddington, England, to bring it closer
to the combat crew trg stations over which it is to be given
supervision. Most of the transfer is completed between 7 and 15 Feb.
02/05/44
Ninth AF
Around 180 B-26's attack 6 V-weapon sites in N France.
02/05/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Terni M/Y, and A-20's hit Lanuvio and Piedimonte areas.
P-40's and A-36's hit road junctions at Cisterna di Latina, Vetralla,
and Velletri, bomb towns of Vetralla, Ardea, and Villa Santa Lucia
degli Abruzzi, and attack motor transport at several points,
including areas N, NE and SE of Rome.
02/05/44
Tenth AF
In early morning hours, 8 B-24's bomb A/F at Heho while 6 others hit
Aungban A/F. 9 B-25's follow with strikes on Heho, Sagaing, and
Myittha A/Fs. During daylight hrs 14 FBs hit M/Y at Wuntho. During
5/6 Feb, 9 B-24's again hit Heho and 4 bomb Aungban.
02/05/44
Fourteenth AF
8 B-24's during 5/6 Feb bomb Bangkok. 3 others hit Nakhon Nayok and
unidentified A/F on Mekong R. 2 B-24's and 2 B-25's attack convoy E
of Hong Kong and claim 2 freighters and 3 smaller cargo vessels sunk.
4 P-40's on armed rcn strafe big wagon and truck column N of Hsenwi.
4 others bomb and strafe Hopang, causing large fires in the village.
02/05/44
Fifth AF
70-plus B-25's and A-20's attack Hansa Bay area. 48 B-24's pound
Hoskins A/F, and some also bomb Gasmata, after weather prevents
attack on Kavieng. B-24's fly light raid on Kamimana. B-25's on armed
rcn in W Bismarck Sea claim 1 freighter sunk; others bomb wrecked
ships off New Hanover.
02/05/44
Thirteenth AF
24 P-40's join 40 plus Navy ftrs in covering a strike by more than 60
Navy dive bmrs on Lakunai. This strike is followed by an attack of 13
B-24's, with 30-plus P-38 and Navy ftr escort, on same tgt.
02/05/44
Seventh AF
P-40's from Makin dive-bomb and strafe oil storage area, radio
facilities, and small craft at Jaluit. P-39's strafe runways on
Mille.
02/05/44
Eleventh AF
6 B-24's and 16 P-38's join Navy aircraft to fly air cover in several
relays during retirement of US light cruiserrs and destroyers
following bombardment of installations in the Kurabu Cape-Musashi Bay
areas. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft also photograph and attack
installations at Paramushiru and Shimushu.
02/06/44
Eighth AF
206 HBs attck A/Fs at Sanint-Andre-de-L'Eure, Evreux/Fauville,
Chateaudun, and Caen/Carpiquet, and rocket-launching installation at
Eclimeux as T/Os. Bad weather causes more than 400 HBs to abandon
mission.
02/06/44
Ninth AF
Around 120 B-26's bomb V-weapons sites, A/Fs, and a factory, all in
France. Principal tgts bombed are at Rosieres-en-Santerre,
Amiens/Glisy, Cormeilles-en-Vexin, and Grandvilliers.
02/06/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb Orte M/Y while B-25's hit Frascati road junction. A-20's
bomb Campoleone railroad station and town of Roccasecca. P-40's bomb
Cisterna di Latina, Santa Lucia (near Campoleone), Cori (and nearby
road junction), and Atina. A-36's hit San Stefano al Mare, Cisterna
di Latina, Frascati and Albano Laziale, and strike numerous vehicles,
railroad cars and other T/Os on armed rcn missions N and S of Rome.
German counteroffensive against Anzio beachhead and on Cassino front
forces Allied withdrawal.
02/06/44
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather restricts operations to photo and weather rcn flights.
02/06/44
Tenth AF
12 P-51's hit warehouses and freight cars at Wuntho and claim 4
warehouses destroyed.
02/06/44
Fourteenth AF
11 P-40's on armed rcn strafe sampans and power launches between
Yoyang and Puchi. 6 B-25's knock out bridges and damage 3 trains at
Anxuan, Tien An, Phong Loc and Dong Hoi.
02/06/44
Fifth AF
B-25's and B-24's pound Bunabun Harbor, Madang, and tgts from Bogia
to Cape Croisilles. Others bomb tgts in Admiralty Is (concentrating
on Momote) and carry out light attacks on Talasea village and Cape
Dampier gun positions in New Britain. P-39's strafe and sink barges
near Nubia. A-20's hit shipping near Kairiru and Mushu Is causing
con3iderable damage and destruction.
02/06/44
Thirteenth AF
B-34's and P-39's hit barges in Green I area. Lakunai A/F is hit by
32 B-25's, covered by more than 60 AAF and Navy ftrs, and shortly
afterwards by 19 B-24's, escorted by nearly 50 Allied ftrs. Allied
aircraft claim 16 airplanes shot down. Lakunai is practically
unservicable as result of cumulative damage.
02/06/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Tarawa hit Maloelap and Wotje. A-24's and P-40's from
Makin attack Mille. Tarawa-based P-39's strafe Jaluit.
02/07/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb bridge approach S of Manziana. B-25's hit Viterbo M/Y
and, in spt of US Fifth Army troops, bomb town of Cisterna di Latina
as enemy counterattack begins in Anzio area. A-20's hit Piedimonte
and road junction and railway station at Campoleone. A-36's hit San
Stefano al Mare and nearby railroad siding, Pontecorvo and Belmonte
in Sabina, plus several T/Os and tgts in spt of ground forces in
battle areas. P-40's attack observation tower at Littoria, trucks at
Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, Campoleone, a railroad gun, Sezze
railroad yards, Cisterna di Latina, and gun positions in battle
areas. Ftrs encounter heavy aircraft activity over Anzio battle area
and claim 16 shot down."
02/07/44
Fifteenth AF
Bad weather again limits operations to photo and weather rcn
missions.
02/07/44
Tenth AF
A single B-25 bombs motor pool at Sumprabum.
02/07/44
Fourteenth AF
16 P-40's and 4 P-51's damage railroad bridges at Kienchang and Puchi
and strafe warehouses at Teian. 2 B-25's score 2 direct hits on
powerplant at Thanh Hoa, strafe nearby barracks, and attack radio
station at Vinh.
02/07/44
Fifth AF
14 B-24's bomb Amboina and Lautem. P-39's fly strafing sweeps over
New Britain. Single B-25's on rcn bomb Garua Harbor, Cape Dampier,
and Kavieng.
02/07/44
Thirteenth AF
P-40's join Navy ftrs in covering Navy dive-bmr strike on Tobera.
Several gun positions and grounded aircraft are hit and runway is
bombed into unserviceable condition. 11 aircraft are claimed shot
down. Vunakanau A/F is bombed by 17 B-24's, escorted by P-38's and
Navy ftrs.
02/07/44
Seventh AF
B-25's from Tarawa and Abemama hit Wotje and Maloelap. P-40's from
Makin hit storage area at Jaluit."
02/08/44
Eighth AF
237 HBs attack Frankfurt/Main (using blindbombing techniques), and
127 bomb V-weapon installations at Watten and Siracourt. 78 HBs bomb
T/Os, including Wiesbaden.
02/08/44
Ninth AF
HQ Ninth AF extends IX BC's choice of tgts considerably, although
first priority for POINTBLANK missions (spt of CBO) and next priority
for CROSSBOW tgts (V-weapon sites) is maintained. In morning raid,
nearly 200 MBs attack V-weapon sites and T/Os in NW France. In
afternoon raid, more than 100 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites and military
installations in same general area, most of the MBs attacking
Breck-sur-Mer. This is IX BC's first 2-mission day.
02/08/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Cisterna di Latina. B-26's hit Siena M/Y and warehouses,
and railway bridge NE of Civita Castellana. A-20's bomb Piedimonte.
A-36's attack gun positions near Ausonia, tracks between Rome and
Orte, and town of Veroli, and fly strafing and bombing sweeps in
Anzio battle area against motor transport, gun positions, road
junction E of Cisterna di Latina, and town of Pontecorvo. P-40's hit
Roccasecca, Castello, Caprile, Piedimonte, Aquino, and other tgts,
including supply dump and gun positions. P-47's bomb Atina. DAF Mrs
(US and British) destroy large number of trucks near Sora.
02/08/44
Fifteenth AF
454th Bomb Gp (B-24) becomes operational, giving Fifteenth 10
operational HB gps. B-24's bomb A/Fs at Viterbo, Tarquinia, Orvieto,
Piombino, and Prato. B-17's hit M/Y at Verona. P-38's and P-47's
escort the Orvieto, Piombino, and Prato missions.
02/08/44
Tenth AF
7 B-25's bomb bridges at Budalin and Songon, displacing a section of
the former and destroying an approach to the latter. 7 others hit
stronghold at Badana. 16 A-36's and P-51's and a single B-25 hit camp
at Mogaung. 4 P-51's strafe railroad cars NW of Myitkyina while a
lone B-25 bombs camp at Kumnyen.
02/08/44
Fifth AF
Nearly 50 A-20's and B-25's hit Alexishafen and Madang areas. P-39's
strafe T/Os during sweeps over wide areas of NE New Guinea and New
Britain. During 8/9 Feb, B-25's bomb Toeal.
02/08/44
Thirteenth AF
P-39's over Bougainville bomb and strafe Tiaraka huts and bivouac
area.
02/08/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Makin and Abemama hit Maloelap and Mille.
02/09/44
Ninth AF
133 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites in coastal France, M/Ys t Tergnier,
and T/Os in area. This marks the first of the IX BC raids on M/Ys.
02/09/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's and B-26's, in lose spt to US Fifth Army forces, lttack motor
transport and troop concentrations in Campoleone area while A-20's
blast another troop concentration to the W. P-40's hit Cisterna di
Latina and gun positions. A-36's and P-40's pound concentration
points of counterattack against Fifth Army beachhead in Anzio area,
strike along main Fifth Army front, and attack villages of Piedimonte
and Aquino and gun positions near Cassino and Ausonia.
02/09/44
Fifteenth AF
Weather grounds all aircraft with exception of 1 P-38 which flies
weather rcn mission.
02/09/44
Tenth AF
B-25's, P-51's, P-38's, P-40's, and A-36's carry out 75 attack
sorties against Seinnyinba, bivouac and supply areas in MogaungLoilaw
area, bivouac and buildings at Pyindaw, camps at Kumnyen and near
Maingkwan and Shingban, and storage area and bivouac on
Mogaung/Kamaing road near Sawnghka. A bridge over Namtawng R near
Maingkwan also is destroyed.
02/09/44
Fourteenth AF
16 P-40's strafe and bomb large barracks and oil storage at Chefang
and pound town areas of Homun and Mangshih. 2 B-25's demolish
wireless station SW of Haiphong.
02/09/44
Fifth AF
Occupation of Huon Peninsula is completed as US and Australian forces
meet SE of Saidor. A-20's pound village of Mindiri. B-24's bomb
Amboina and Lautem.
02/09/44
Thirteenth AF
P-40's and Navy ftrs cover Navy dive-bmr attack on Vunakanau A/F,
scoring many hits on AA positions, buildings, and runways. 24 B-24's
with Navy ftr escort follow with strike on same tgt, hitting runways
and revetment area. 19 B-24's, with 20 P-38's supporting, hit Tobera
A/F, thoroughly saturating runway.
02/09/44
Seventh AF
A-24's from Makin, along with supporting P-40's, bomb and strafe oil
storage and gun positions on Jaluit. During a dusk-todawn operation
on 9/10 Feb B-24's operating at intervals from Tarawa maintain
strikes against Wotje Atoll and Taroa.
02/10/44
Eighth AF
138 HBs attack industrial area of Brunswick; fierce opposition
accounts for loss of 29 aircraft. 28 airplanes bomb A/F at
Gilze-Rijen.
02/10/44
Ninth AF
114 B-26's attack V-weapon sites in coastal France, A/Fs at Poix and
Beauvais/Tille, bridge at Le Crotoy, and coastal battery N of Conch
R.
02/10/44
Twelfth AF
LB and MB missions are aborted because of bad weather. P-40's and
A-36's spt unsuccessful attempt of US Fifth Army's 1st Div to stem
attack in Carroceto area. P-47's fail to locate tgt (Sora) and drop
bombs at T/Os.
02/10/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's bomb Albano Laziale, Cisterna di Latina, and Cecina. B-24's
strike Campoleone and Velletri. P-38's bomb and strafe Tivoli,
Vicovaro, and Monterotondo area. P-47's fly uneventful sweeps over
Cisterna di Roma and Albano. Numerous HBs are forced to abort
operations because of unsafe flying conditions.
02/10/44
Tenth AF
9 B-24's bomb Ban Mah arsenal at Bangkok and Don Maung A/F
immediately to the N. 3 B-24's bomb Prome and Akyab, 9 B-25's pound
Chiradan and Godusara, and 16 P-51's hit barracks and road at
Chishidu.
02/10/44
Fourteenth AF
8 P-40's bomb Wanling and vicinity while 3 others fly top cover. The
tgt area, a supply, staging, and trg center, is heavily damaged. 5
B-24's during 9/10 Feb mine mouth of the Yangtze. B-25's on sea
sweeps claim 2 freighters sunk near Hainan I and SW of Hong Kong. 12
P-51's and P-38's strafe boats and parked airplanes in Chiuchiang
area. 12 P-40's strafe power boats and sampans along the Yangtze from
Puchi to Yoyang.
02/10/44
Fifth AF
50-plus B-24's bomb Boram A/F and harbor at Wewak. 6 B-25's and a
B-24 hit Momote A/F and jetties at Manus I. P-39's strafe T/Os during
sweep over wide areas of New Britain. The junction of Allied forces
from Arawe and Cape Gloucester marks completion of campaign for W end
of New Britain; occasional missions will still be flown in the area,
but most will be restricted to barge sweeps and patrols.
02/10/44
Thirteenth AF
P-40's and Navy ftrs cover Navy dive-bmr attack on Vunakanau A/F.
B-25's with ftr escort bomb Vunakanau later in the day. Tobera is
pounded by 21 B-24's supported by P-38's and Navy ftrs. The Allied
airplanes claim 30-plus aircraft downed in New Britain area. P-39's
hit buildings at Bonis and barges in Matchin Bay and near Green I.
02/10/44
Seventh AF
B-25's from Tarawa hit Wotje and Maloelap. 3 B-24's from Abemama,
sent to bomb weather and radio station on Rongelap I, abort due to
fuel leak in lead HB. Attempt to bomb Jaluit during return flight is
unsuccessful.
02/11/44
Eighth AF
180 HBs attack industrial tgts at Frankfurt/Main and Vweapon site at
Saint-Pol/Siracourt. 130 HBs bomb Ludwigshafen and other T/Os when
failure of blind-bombing equipment causes diversion from primary
tgts. First P-51's join VIII FC.
02/11/44
Ninth AF
Most of 139 B-26's dispatched to attack NOBALL tgts in N France are
recalled because of bad weather. 35 manage to bomb M/Y at Amiens.
02/11/44
Fifteenth AF
All operations grounded by bad weather.
02/11/44
Twelfth AF
Bad weather cancels operations."
02/11/44
Tenth AF
10 A-36's and P-51's hit supply area at Sawnghka. 12 A-36's and
P-51's and a single B-25 bomb supply and bivouac area at Pyindaw. 8
P-51's hit road junction near Mogaung and nearby supply area. 8
P-51's and P-40's on armed rcn strafe large river steamer and a
launch in Mandalay-Shwebo area.
02/11/44
Fourteenth AF
12 P-38's knock out 1 bridge and damage another at Sheklung. 6
B-25's, escorted by 20 US and Chinese P-40's, bomb storage area at
Kai Tek A/F. The P-40's claim 5 ftrs shot down. Japanese aircraft
bomb and strafe Namyung, putting the field out of use for several
days.
02/11/44
Fifth AF
About 50 B-24's pound A/F at Kavieng, and 2 bomb Garove I. 7 B-24's
bomb Kendari A/F and Dili. P-40's and RAAF airplanes pound forces
still remaining in Saidor rea. Ftr sweeps and armed rcn continue over
wide areas of SWPA.
02/11/44
Thirteenth AF
P-40's join Navy trs in covering Navy dive-bmr strike on Wunapope. 22
B-25's, escorted by Navy ftrs, pound Vunakanau A/F. robera A/F is
bombed by 15 B-24's vith P-38 and Navy ftr escort.
02/11/44
Seventh AF
P-40's and P-39's dive-bomb and strafe hangar and A/F installations
and gun positions on Mille.
02/12/44
Eighth AF
85 B-24's bomb V-weapon installation at Saint-Pol/Siraourt.
02/12/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack gun ositions at Campoleone and surrounding area. B-26's
hit Cecina. A-36's hit airplanes and trucks on landng ground and in
area near Fabrica di Roma, attack troops in the area, bomb gun
positions SW of Rocasecca, and hit towns of Fondi and Januvio. P-40's
attack Cisterna di Roma, Sezze station and road junction, Cori, and
gun positions NW of Atina.
02/12/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's and B-24's strike troop concentrations and highways in Cecina
area and near Lake Nemi. Bad weather causes all other missions to
abort.
02/12/44
Tenth AF
8 P-40's hit town of Ransa and motor convoys S of Sumrabum. 40 P-51's
and A-36's attack bivouacs at Walawbum, bivouac and motor pool at
Padaw, storage area at road junction near Chishidu, and town of
Chishidu. 30-plus P-51's and B-25's hit camps between Tsumhpawng Ga
and Walawbum, storage area and motor pool S of Kamaing, motor convoy
on Myitkyina-Sumprabum road, town of Namting, and bridges at Meza and
Kanni.
02/12/44
Fourteenth AF
9 P-40's pound warehouse area at Wanling. 6 others bomb barracks at
Vinh and strafe Dong Cuong A/F, railroad yards at Cam Duong, and
sampans at Phu Tho. 5 B-25's on sea sweep in Gulf of Tonkin claim 2
trawlers sunk and hit shore T/Os SW of Haiphong. A single B-25
damages bridge at Ha Trung. 24 P-38's, P-51's, and P-40's intercept
25 ftrs near Suichwan, claiming 7 shot down. 2 US ftrs are lost.
02/12/44
Fifth AF
Gen Connell resumes cmd of V AFSC. About 50 A-20's blast occupied
areas SE of Wewak.
02/12/44
Thirteenth AF
23 B-25's, with Navy ftrs in spt, bomb Tobera A/F. 21 B-24's,
escorted by P-39's and Navy ftrs, pound Vunakanau A/F. P-40's join
Navy ftrs in covering Navy dive-bmr strike on Lakunai.
02/12/44
Seventh AF
B-25's from Tarawa and Abemama hit Wotje and Maloelap. A-24's and
P-39's from Makin bomb and strafe Mille.
02/13/44
CCS
CCS accepts revision of CBO Plan. The tgts are reduced to a number
that can be decisively attacked and tgt lists are revised to keep up
with the effort of the Germans to relocate vital industrial plants.
Disruption of comm lines and reduction of German air power are high
priority aims included in CCS directive on this date.
02/13/44
Eighth AF
377 B-17's and B-24's bomb 17 V-weapon tgts in Pas de Calais area. 39
bomb T/Os in the area.
02/13/44
Ninth AF
182 MBs attack V-weapon sites in coastal area of France. 16 others
bomb secondary tgts in the area."
02/13/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb Bucine viaduct. B-25's and A-20's spt Fifth Army forces N
and E of Anzio beachhead, blasting ammo dump and troop and vehicle
concentrations. P-40 and A-36 FBs give spt in same areas, hitting
troop concentrations, railway tunnel, buildings, vehicles, supply
dump, and gun positions.
02/13/44
Fifteenth AF
Operations are restricted to weather rcn.
02/13/44
Tenth AF
6 P-51's and a B-25 damage road bridge and 2 warehouses in Wuntho
area. 32 P-51's and A-36's hit supply area and radio installations S
of Kamaing and blast bivouacs S of Walawbum. 18 P-51's hit road and
railroad junction N of Sahmaw, bivouac N of Kamaing, and camp between
Tsumhpawng Ga and Walawbum. During the night, 16 B-24's bomb Heho
A/F.
02/13/44
Fourteenth AF
23 B-24's pound railroad shops at Vinh. 4 B-25's hit convoy E of
Foochow, claiming 3 freighters and a transport sunk. 4 other B-25's
damage 2 vessels off SW Hainan I and bomb dock, railroad, and oil
dump at Bakli. 6 P-40's bomb and strafe barracks and hangars at Phu
Tho and strafe freight cars at Yen Bay and Suo Ha.
02/13/44
Fifth AF
24 A-20's hit Aitape. 70-plus B-25's pound Momote A/F. 35 B-24's bomb
Kavieng A/F.
02/13/44
Thirteenth AF
20 B-25's bomb Tobera A/F, and 23 B-24's bomb Lakunai A/Fs. Both
forces are escorted by ftrs. P-40's and Navy ftrs escort Navy SBD's
and TBF's divebombing runway and AA positions at Vunakanau.
02/13/44
Seventh AF
During 13/14 Feb, B-24's from Tarawa, operating individually at
intervals, bomb Wotje, Taroa, and Mille.
02/14/44
SHAEF
Gen Eisenhower establishes HQ SHAEF. COSSAC comes under control of
SHAEF.
02/14/44
Eighth AF
46 P-47 FBs attack Gilze-Rijen A/F. (Primary tgt, Eindhoven A/F, is
overcast).
02/14/44
Twelfth AF
Twelfth AF loses several of its operational units, the 12th Bomb and
33d and 81st Ftr Gps being transferred to India, and the 52d TC Wg
and its 4 gps being sent to UK. B-25's bomb Perugia M/Y, A-20's hit
Grottaferrata. A-36's attack guns in Pontecorvo area, railway yards
at Civita Castellana and Frosinone, motor transport near Genzano di
Roma, A/F at Furbara, and Ferentino railway station, some of the
missions being in direct spt of US Fifth Army main front. P-40's bomb
and strafe troop concentrations N and E of Anzio beachhead, scoring
hits on tanks, motor transport, and guns near Cisterna di Roma, Cori,
and Rocca di Papa. P-47's hit Colleferro and dump at Valmontone.
P-40's score direct hits on vessel and fuel dump in Rogoznica area.
02/14/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's attack M/Ys at Modena, Brescia, and Verona and several T/Os
including A/F and Piaggio aircraft factory at Pontedera and railroad
bridges and lines at Parma, Sassuolo, Rubiera, and S of Vicenza. HBs
and escorting P-47's claim 20 ftrs shot down. B-24's bomb M/Ys at
Mantua, Verona, Massa Lombarda, Ferrara and Arezzo, and T/Os
including Pisa M/Y, Prato M/Y, A/Fs at Pisa and Pontedera, and
road-rail junction near Vaiano.
02/14/44
Tenth AF
P-51's and A-36's carry out 70-plus sorties against a variety of tgts
in Burma. Tgts include supply area at Shingban, truck convoy N of
Maingkwan, supply dumps and motor transport in Kamaing area, bivouac
near Mogaung, troop md vehicle concentrations between Mogaung and
Kamaing, arty positions at Laawn Ga, and railroad station and
warehouses at Lundaung.
02/14/44
Fifth AF
A-20's with P-40 spt, bomb and strafe Dagua A/F, destroying and
damaging over 20 aircraft. 80 plus B-25's pound Momote A/F. More Lhan
40 B-24's bomb A/Fs at Kavieng and Panapai.
02/14/44
Thirteenth AF
B-24's bomb Rabaul area in a diversionary strike while Navy TBF's lay
mines in Simpson Harbor. 30 escorted B-25's pound Vunakanau A/F while
28 B-24's, also with escort, bomb Rapopo A/F. P-40's and Navy ftrs
escort Navy dive-bmr raid on Tobera gun positions and A/F revetments.
4 B-25's also bomb Tobera. On Bougainville weather clears, permitting
the first attacks, by 19 B-25's, on Kara and Kahili, in recent weeks.
P-39's attack Puriata R bridges.
02/14/44
Seventh AF
40-plus B-24's from 1lth and 30th Bomb Gps, flying out of Makin and
Tarawa, strike Ponape in first Seventh AF raid on the Caroline Is. 2
of the HBs hit alternate tgt of Emidj I.
02/15/44
Eighth AF
51 B-24's bomb V-weapon site at Saint-Pol/Siracourt. 34 P-47's bomb
T/O, an A/F believed to be Coxyde or Nieuport.
02/15/44
Ninth AF
194 B-26's bomb V-weapon sites, Cherbourg/Maupertus A/F, and T/Os
during morning mission. 122 B-26's again bomb Vweapon construction
sites in coastal area of N France during afternoon.
02/15/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's and B-25's bomb Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey in spt of NZ
Corps assault to establish bridgehead across the Rapido S of Cassino.
Other B-26's bomb railroad at Monte Molino and M/Y at Montepescali.
A-20's attack motor transport, roads, and road junction in Albano
Laziale area and NW of Valmontone. P-40's bomb concentrations near
Cisterna di Roma, and dumps in Valmontone and Rocca di Papa areas.
A-36's hit concentrations N of Anzio beachhead, strafe trucks and
barracks in Frosinone-Rieti areas, bomb Tiburtina and Trastevere M/Ys
in Rome area, and hit buildings N of Velletri.
02/15/44
Fifteenth AF
Around 100 B-17's bomb Monte Cassino Benedictine Abbey. 60-plus
B-24's attack Poggibonsi M/Y, Campoleone, and Porto d' Ascoli. Heavy
cloud cover causes numerous aborts. All the missions are unescorted.
02/15/44
Tenth AF
P-40's, P-51's, and A-36's hit tgts in Burma, including rice mill and
radio station at Waingmaw, T/Os along Hukawng-Walawbum road, motor
pool and dumps in Kamaing area, troops and supplies at Padi Ga and
canal bridge at Ye-u. P-40's also drop land mines on Nampaung.
02/15/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's on sweep of Gulf of Tonkin coastal areas and N Indochina
score direct hit on steamer at Haiphong and nearby railroad station,
damage bridges near Viet Tri and patrol launch at Hanoi, and hit
engine sheds at Thanh Hoa.
02/15/44
Fifth AF
70-plus B-24's, A-20's, and B-25's bomb Kavieng town area, harbor,
and shipping and Panapai A/F. 17 other B-24's, prevented by weather
from reaching Panapai, bomb Talasea on New Britain.
02/15/44
Thirteenth AF
23 B-25's, with ftr cover, bomb runway and dispersal area of
Vunakanau A/F. 20 B-24's hit Borpop A/F, causing heavy damage in
runway and revetment areas. In ground action, US and NZ troops land
on Nissan I in Green Is, 40 mi NW of Buka; opposition is weak and
organized resistance will end on 23 Feb.
02/15/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Tarawa and Makin pound Ponape and Mille. 10 P-40's from
Makin bomb and strafe runways and a disabled vessel at Mille.
02/16/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Orte M/Y and attack Campoleone area. B-26's bomb San
Stefano al Mare and hit area near Perugia railroad bridge, bridge N
of Orvieto, factory near Marsciano bridge, and bridge at Albinia
Station. A-20's, with RAF and SAAF Baltimores and Spitfires, hit
concentrations in Anzio battle area. A-36's bomb Rome/Tiburtina and
Rome/Ostiense M/Ys in Rome area. P-40's attack Monte Cassino Abbey,
pound tanks, trucks, and troop concentrations along US Fifth Army
front, and hit towns of Fondi and Roccasecca. Ftrs over Anzio
encounter increased air effort in conjunction with all-out ground
offensive against Allied beachhead."
02/16/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's, unescorted, bomb M/Ys at Pontassieve, Siena, Poggibonsi, and
Prato, bridge at Cecina, and railroad and highway near Rieti.
02/16/44
Tenth AF
A-36's and P-51's hit supply dumps, troop concentrations, and
encampment area near Myitkyina, Kamaing, Tonkin, and Walawbum. B-25's
and P-51's destroy 3 locomotives at Kyaingkwin.
02/16/44
Fourteenth AF
2 B-25's knock out railroad bridge at Yen Bay and damage 2 other
bridges to the S near the coast.
02/16/44
Fifth AF
40-plus B-25's attack convoy off New Hanover. Over 30 B-24's bomb
Panapai A/F and Kavieng, and some hit Cape Balangori and Talasea. 19
B-24's and B-25's bomb Halong. P-40's hit shipping and barges in
Wewak area.
02/16/44
Thirteenth AF
12 B-24's, with 30 plus P-38's and Navy F4U's, pound runway at
Vunakanau A/F.
02/16/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Tarawa bomb Wotje Atoll and Taroa I. P-40's from Makin
fly 2 bombing/strafing strikes against Jaluit. A-24's bomb Mille.
02/17/44
Ninth AF
Advanced HQ, Ninth AF, is opened at Hillingdon House, Uxbridge. It is
later joined in the area by advanced units of IX FC and by troop
carrier units, all of which form a nucleus of advons so as to
centralize tac operations in anticipation of combat on the Continent.
02/17/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Campoeone and Lanuvio area, B-25's hit dumps SW of Rome
and N of Anzio, also hitting guns nearby. A-20's blast dump and troop
concentrations in Anzio area. P-47's bomb dumps near Valmontone.
A-36's hit Carroceto, oncentrations SE of Rome, and raiload underpass
and a factory N of Anzio. P-40's blast enemy transport, runs, and
assembly areas N of Cisterna di Latina, trucks N of Anzio nd N of
beachhead battleline, raiload stations at Campoleone and Caroceto,
and bivouac areas, dumps, a factory, and bridge in battle area. This
entire air effort (the heaviest o date in spt of troops) is aimed at
helping prevent breakthrough at he beachhead, where Germans are
committed to full-strength counterffensive. A-36's bomb Monte Casino
Abbey in only air action on US Fifth Army main front.
02/17/44
Fifteenth AF
455th and 456th bomb Gps become operational giving he Fifteenth AF 12
B-24 gps. Unesorted B-17's and B-24's attack Camoleone and
Grottaferrata, motor ransport parks in Campoleone juncion and Rocca
di Papa areas, troop oncentration near Frascati, stores depots in
Grottaferrata area, and ther tgts in adv of US Fifth Army's Anzio
battle line which is under heavy counterattack by German forces.
02/17/44
USSR
Soviet Army completes reduction of German pockets W of Cherkassy.
02/17/44
Tenth AF
38 A-36's and P-51's on armed rcn hit troops and supplies from Lonkin
to Kamaing. 6 P-51's hit supply areas along roads around Lonton and
Manywet; 2 others hit road junction near Maingkwan. 2 B-25's and 6
P-51's strike road bridge, railroad station, and rail cars in
Pyingaing area. 2 B-25's and 6 P-51's attack but fail to damage
bridge near Ye-u.
02/17/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's on sweep of Gulf of Tonkin score 2 direct hits on freighter
at Vinh, damage bridge approach and locomotive at Yen Xuon Station,
and destroy locomotive at Yen Ly Station.
02/17/44
Fifth AF
40 B-24's bomb Panapai A/F and Talasea. 16 B-25's claim 2 surface
vessels and a submarine sunk off New Hanover. 16 P-47's strafe T/Os
in Alexishafen area.
02/17/44
Thirteenth AF
20 P-40's join 40 plus Navy ftrs in covering an attack by 70 Navy
dive bmrs on shipping in Keravia Bay. 8 airplanes are claimed shot
down. 2 Navy ftrs are lost. In N Solomons Allied ftrs hit Queen
Carola Harbor, Kessa Plantation and bridge N of Kahili.
02/17/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Tarawa and Abemama hit Ponape, Kusaie I, and Jaluit.
P-40's strafe floatplanes off Emidj, as USN TF begins heavy attack on
Truk.
02/18/44
Eighth AF
HQ issues orders to establish a photo rcn wg (8th Rcn Wg (Prov) ) in
Cheddington. The purpose is to make the Eighth independent in aerial
rcn and to consolidate the efforts of units presently engaged in this
and related activities. Col Elliott Roosevelt, Director of Rcn for
Ninth AF, is named CO."
02/18/44
Twelfth AF
A-20's hit troop concentration near Piedimonte. XII A Spt Cmd P-40's
and A-36's fly 17 missions in spt of US Fifth Army troops resisting
counteroffensive, which reaches its deepest penetration into Anzio
beachhead on this day. Objectives include tanks, vehicles, gun
positions, troop concentrations, and railroad underpass along the
Anzio/Albano Laziale axis. Ftrs over Anzio successfully intercept air
strikes on beachhead. NZ troops capture Cassino Station.
02/18/44
Fifteenth AF
Operations are restricted to photo and weather rcn.
02/18/44
Tenth AF
40-plus B-25's, A-36's and P-51's attack town of Ye-u and nearby
bridge, bivouacs N of Laban, bridges in Pyingaing area and along Mu
R, supply and troop concentrations at Waingmaw, radio station and
supply area near Kamaing, and gun emplacements SE of Taihpa Ga. The
strikes are generally successful."
02/18/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's on sweep of Gulf of Tonkin damage 2 large boats N of Bakli
Bay, destroy ammo dump at Phu Ly, and knock out nearby railroad
bridge.
02/18/44
Fifth AF
B-25's and RAAF Beaufighters hit Koepang. P-39's strafe T/Os at
Madang and Cape Raoult.
02/18/44
Thirteenth AF
34 B-25's and 18 B-24's, both forces with ftr escorts, pound
Vunakanau A/F. 2 B-25's and 4 P-38's hit Tobera A/F.
02/18/44
Seventh AF
P-40's from Makin bomb and strafe Jaluit and Mille. US forces land at
Engebi.
02/19/44
Twelfth AF
Col Peter S Rask becomes acting CO of XII TCC until its disbandment
on 5 Mar 44. B-25's blast troop concentrations to N of Anzio
beachhead. A-36's and P-40's keep troops, tanks, and motor transport
in beachhead battle area under attack, flying over 200 sorties in
more than 20 missions as Allied counterattack turns tide of battle.
Ftrs maintain control over N part of battle area.
02/19/44
Fifteenth AF
Operations are again limited to rcn flights.
02/19/44
Tenth AF
60-plus A-36's and P-51's and a few B-25's hit a variety of tgts in
Burma. Tgts include fuel and supply dumps at Manywet and in Shaduzup
area, Tonkin-Kansi road and a junction W of Manywet, Mu R bridge at
Ye-u, railroad cars and tracks, locomotives, and river traffic
between Monywa and Natyekan and between Alon and Segyi. Rail and road
traffic in Bhamo and Hukawng Valley-Kamaing areas is also hit.
02/19/44
Fourteenth AF
B-24's, B-25's, and P-40's fly sea sweeps over widespread coastal
areas from Formosa Straits to Indochina, claiming 3 ships sunk and
others damaged. Railroad bridges, trains, and other T/Os near coastal
areas are also attacked.
02/19/44
Fifth AF
12 B-25's attack shipping SW of New Ireland, claiming a small
freighter and a patrol boat sunk and other vessels damaged. 7 A-20's
hit shipping at Kavieng. Single B-24's and B-25's carry out armed rcn
over wide areas of Bismarck Sea.
02/19/44
Thirteenth AF
20 P-40's and 40-plus Navy ftrs escort about 70 Navy dive bmrs in
attack on Lakunai A/F. Ftr cover claims 22 airplanes shot down. 6
B-24's bomb same tgt immediately afterward. 14 B-24's, with P-38 and
Navy ftr escort, hit Tobera A/F."
02/19/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Tarawa and Makin pound Ponape and Kusaie I. B-25's from
Tarawa hit Wotje while Makin-based P-40's bomb and strafe Mille. US
forces land on Eniwetok Is.
02/20/44
Eighth AF
Over 1,000 HBs are dispatched to bomb German ftr aircraft production
centers. Nearly 900 HBs attack assigned tgts or T/Os. This mission,
the first in which the Eighth dispatches over 1,000 planes, begins
'Big Week' attacks on German aircraft plants and A/Fs.
02/20/44
Ninth AF
35 B-26's bomb Haamstede A/F as a T/O, after about 100 MBs abort
attacks on other A/Fs because of weather.
02/20/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's hit troop concentrations along roads in Vallalta area, B-25's
hit dumps and assembly areas at N edge of Anzio beachhead, and A-20's
bomb troop and motor transport concentration SE of Carroceto. A-26's
and P-40's hit troops, trucks, and tanks NE of Carroceto, bomb town
of Fondi, factory E of Carroceto, town of Piedimonte, and hit guns
and T/Os along N line of beachhead. Axis attempt to achieve
breakthrough is decisively defeated in center of salient created by
counteroffensive and efforts end.
02/20/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's blast troop concentrations in Anzio beachhead area as Axis
efforts end.
02/20/44
Tenth AF
Bad weather limits operations to routine patrol over Sumprabum.
02/20/44
Fifth AF
HQ Fifth AF ADVON and HQ V BC move from Nadzab to Port Moresby. 38
B-24's bomb Alexishafen-Hansa Bay area. 18 B-24's bomb A/F at Laha
and 12 others hit shipping off Kavieng.
02/20/44
Thirteenth AF
35 B-25's, with ftr escort, pound Lakunai A/F. P-39's attack barge
trafflc, which has greatly increased off SE and NW Bougainville,
claiming 20 of the craft sunk."
02/20/44
Seventh AF
9 B-25's from Tarawa bomb A/F at Wotje. P-40's from Makin strafe and
bomb runways and small vessels at Mille.
02/21/44
Eighth AF
764 B-17's and B-24's bomb aircraft industry at Brunswick and A/F and
storage park at Diepholz. T/Os hit in W Germany because of thick
overcast over primary tgts are Hannover, M/Y at Lingen, and A/Fs at
Achmer, Bramsche, Hopsten, Rheine, Quakenbruck, Vorden, Ahlhorn, and
Hesepe. Only 3 airplanes are lost.
02/21/44
Ninth AF
18 B-26's bomb Coxyde A/F. Weather causes almost 190 aborts. The
Ninth's Pathfinder Sq (provisionally activated on 13 Feb) takes part
in this operation, its first venture into combat. 185 aircraft
scheduled to attack other A/Fs in the Netherlands and France in
afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.
02/21/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Orte M/Y, and B-26's hit Imperia docks. A-20's pound
troop concentrations near Campoleone, along with P-40's and A-36's
which also hit a fuel dump, tank and truck concentrations, and gun
positions in the area. FBs also bomb and block Itri-Gaeta road.
02/21/44
Tenth AF
50-plus P-51's and A-36's and a few B-25's hit cmd post at Shingban,
town of Mohnyin, bridge at Loilaw, camp at Shaduzup, 2 bridges at
Namkwin, and warehouses and other buildings at Kawlin and Wuntho. FBs
attacking fuel dump at Pin Hmi drop bombs in wrong area. B-25's,
escorted by Spitfires and Hurricanes, score effective hits on tunnel
on Maungdaw-Buthidaung road.
02/21/44
Fifth AF
Almost 30 A-20's hit Madang and Hansa Bay area. P-39's hit Raiven
Plantation. 40-plus B-24's bomb Rein Bay and Eleonora Bay areas;
others attack shipping off New Hanover.
02/21/44
Thirteenth AF
15 B-24's bomb Lakunai A/F; 4 others, with ftr spt, attack A/F at
Rapopo. 20 P-38's join Navy ftrs in covering Navy dive bmr strikes on
Lakunai gun positions. In Bougainville area 3 B-24's bomb Kara A/F
while P-39's hit buildings at Tsundawan and in area S of Tabut, and
bomb barges and jetty in Matchin Bay area.
02/21/44
Seventh AF
B-24's from Tarawa and Abemama hit Ponape, Kusaie, and Jaluit. B-25's
from Abemama bomb Maloelap. P-40's from Makin hit Mille. US forces
gain complete control of Eniwetok Is.
02/22/44
USSTAF
HQ Eighth AF is redesignated as Hq, USSTAF.
02/22/44
Eighth AF
HQ VIII BC is redesignated as HQ, Eighth AF. 101 HBs hit aircraft
production centers at Bernburg, Halberstadt, and Aschersleben in
conjunction with Fifteenth AF strike at Regensburg; 35 aircraft are
lost to fierce ftr opposition. 154 HBs attack various T/Os
(Wernigerode, Marburg/Lahn, Magdeburg, Bunde, Nijmegen, Arnhem, and
Enschede) and fly diversionary attack against A/F at Aalborg, which
cannot be bombed because of clouds; 6 aircraft are lost.
02/22/44
Ninth AF
66 B-26's bomb Gilze-Rijen A/F. Bad weather causes more than 100
others to abort.
02/22/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's bomb Foligno M/Y and Montalto di Castro railroad bridge, and
B-26's attack Albinia Station railroad bridge. A-20's hit area E of
Campoleone. P-47's strike troops, gun positions, and road junction N
of Carroceto, roads near Roccasecca, and town of Campoleone. A-36's
hit guns NW of Carroceto and town of Formia. P-40's attack guns SE of
Campoleone.
02/22/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's attack Petershausen M/Y, Regensburg aircraft factory, and
Zagreb. A large force of B-24's hits Regensburg aircraft plants about
the same time as the B-17 attack. Other B-24's pound town of Sibenik
and harbor at Zara. HBs claim 40 ftrs destroyed. 13 HBs are lost.
02/22/44
Tenth AF
70-plus B-25's, P-51's, and P-40's again hit variety of tgts in
Burma. Bridges are severely damaged or put out of use at Zawa,
Tindeinyan, Ye-u, Namkwin, and Loilaw. Warehouses and supply dumps
are hit at Segyi and at Chantha, and at Pahok road and railroad
junction are blasted. Also hit are T/Os at Kawlum and along
Walawbum-Kamaing road.
02/22/44
Fourteenth AF
P-40's on armed rcn strafe A/F at Kengtung and nearby truck convoy.
At Bhamo a large rivercraft is hit and left sinking.
02/22/44
Fifth AF
30-plus B-25's and P-39's attack Madang area. More than 60 B-25's and
B-24's pound Iboki Plantation in spt of US Marines advancing on the
area from Natamo, (and who capture Perry I).
02/22/44
Thirteenth AF
20 P-40's and 40-plus Navy ftrs cover 70 Navy dive bmrs attacking
Keravia Bay shipping. 40-plus B-24's, with ftr escorts, bomb Lakunai
and Keravat A/Fs.
02/22/44
Seventh AF
1 B-24 bombs Kusaie. 8 A-24's and 9 P-40's from Makin bomb Mille. 1
P-40 launches rockets against A/F tgts in first such attack by a
Seventh AF aircraft.
02/23/44
Twelfth AF
P-40's hit gun position N of Campoleone and patrol Anzio area.
Weather forbids other operations by Twelfth AF.
02/23/44
Fifteenth AF
B-24's bomb industrial complex at Steyr. Other HBs are forced to
abort because of bad weather. HBs and escorting ftrs claim over 30
aircraft shot down.
02/23/44
Tenth AF
14 B-24's bomb A/Fs and other tgts at Akyab and Dabaing. 3 B-26's and
12 P-51's hit radio station at Man Pang; 4 other P-51's hit
warehouses at Chantha.
02/23/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's attack 2 ships in Gulf of Tonkin and hit railroad cars and
engine shed at Van Trai Station. 4 P-40's strafe Lashio A/F.
02/23/44
Fifth AF
Almost 50 A-20's and B-24's blast A/F, buildings, and AA positions in
Wewak area.
02/23/44
Thirteenth AF
9 B-25's, with Navy ftr spt, bomb Vunakanau A/F; 10 other B-25's hit
Keravat A/F. 4 B-34's on armed rcn over New Ireland strafe Cape Saint
George area and bomb buildings and pier at Labur Bay. 4 B-24's attack
bivouacs in upper Saua R area. 16 P-38's dive-bomb Wunapope supply
area. Some attack town of Rabaul. This is first P-38 bombing raid on
the Rabaul area. (P-38's, now free from constant responsibility of
guarding bmrs against interceptors, will continue to divebomb Rabaul
area through April. During the latter part of this campaign against
the famed Japanese garrison, which is to be bypassed by Allied ground
forces, P-39's will add their strength due to completion of an
airstrip on Nissan I in the Green Is. By 20 Apr only 120 of 1400
buildings in Rabaul will still be standing).
02/23/44
Seventh AF
P-40's from Makin bomb Mille. 2 small boats are destroyed by
strafing. B-25's from Abemama hit Taroa. B-24's from Makin and Tarawa
bomb Kusaie, Ponape, and Jaluit.
02/24/44
Eighth AF
231 B-17's bomb Schweinfurt ball bearing plant (11 losses suffered)
while 238 B-24's hit factory and A/F at Gotha (33 aircraft lost). 236
HBs attack secondary tgt of Rostock due to overcast at primary
objectives of Poznan, Tutow, and Krzesiny. 61 HBs attack Eisenach, a
T/O. RAF BC follows up with attack during 24/26 Feb of Schweinfurt.
02/24/44
Ninth AF
Advanced HQ IX A Spt Cmd (set up at Uxbridge on 15 Feb) assumes
operational control of its gps, which hitherto had operated under
orders from VIII FC. 22 B-26's bomb A/Fs at Leeuwarden, Deelen, and
Gilze-Rijen on morning mission. 145 B-26's bomb NOBALL tgts between
Saint-Omer and Abbeville during afternoon."
02/24/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's hit Fabrica di Roma landing ground. P-40's and A-36's hit gun
positions, troop concentrations, trucks, and tanks in battle areas.
P-47's bomb bridge at Arce.
02/24/44
Fifteenth AF
B-17's (in coordination with Eighth AF raids on Germany) bomb
aircraft factory at Steyr and oil refinery at Fiume. HBs and
escorting ftrs claim 35 ftrs shot down. 19 US aircraft are lost.
02/24/44
Tenth AF
12 B-24's pound harbor area at Moulmein, railroad sidings at
Martaban, and T/Os near Mingaladon A/F and Zayat. Ftrs carry out
numerous patrol and offensive sorties over Sumprabum area.
02/24/44
Fourteenth AF
7 B-25's bomb warehouse and dock area at Wuhu and 3 hit railroad
yards and docks at Hongay. 9 P-40's attack docks and railroad yards
at Campha Port. 10 P-38's on sweep of Yangtze R from Chihchow to
Pengtse claim 4 river steamers, 5 tugs, 5 motor launches, and 15
sampans destroyed.
02/24/44
Fifth AF
30-plus A-20's hit Wewak area, blasting fuel dumps, trucks, A/Fs,
aircraft, and supply stores. B-24's bomb Momote and Alexishafen.
02/24/44
Thirteenth AF
P-40's and Navy ftrs escort Navy dive bmr attack on Wunapope supply
area. Some of the ftrs later strafe sub off Cape Gazelle. 20-plus
B-25's, some with Navy ftr escorts, attack Tobera, Keravat, and
Vunakanau A/Fs and town of Rabaul. 14 P-38's hit Wunapope and Cape
Gazelle area. Cape Saint George is attacked by 24 B-24's when
Vunakanau area is overcast."
02/24/44
Seventh AF
A-24's and P-40's from Makin bomb and strafe small vessels, radio
facilities, barracks, and gun positions at Jaluit and Mille. B-25's
from Tarawa pound Wotje.
02/24/44
Eleventh AF
6 bmrs take off for armed rcn and shipping search over the Kurils.
Only 1 gets through and jettisons bombs upon finding tgt overcast.
02/25/44
Eighth AF
680 B-17's and B-24's bomb airplane factories at Regensburg,
Augsburg, and Furth, and ball bearing plant at Stuttgart. This
mission is flown in conjunction with Fifteenth AF attack on
Regensburg and with major efforts by RAF against Schweinfurt during
24/25 Feb and Augsburg during 25/26 Feb. 31 aircraft are lost.
02/25/44
Ninth AF
Gen Williams becomes CG IX TCC. 191 B-26's bomb Venlo, Saint-Trond,
and Cambrai/Epinoy A/Fs in morning raid as diversion in spt of VIII
BC HBs over Germany. 36 abort, mainly because of navigational error.
164 B-26's dispatched against military tgts in France during
afternoon are recalled because of bad weather.
02/25/44
Twelfth AF
P-40's attack guns and troop concentrations E of Campoleone and in
Carroceto area. A-36's bomb towns of Terracina and Sperlonga and
roads in the area. P-40's also maintain patrols over Anzio.
02/25/44
Fifteenth AF
Continuing coordinated attacks with Eighth AF on European tgts,
B-17's with ftr escorts pound Regensburg aircraft factory; enemy ftr
opposition is heavy. Other B-17's hit Zara harbor and Pola. B-24's
attack Fiume M/Y and port and hit Zell am See railroad and Graz A/F.
Over 30 US airplanes are lost. HBs claim more than 90 ftrs shot down.
02/25/44
Tenth AF
8 B-25's and 4 P-51's attack bridges at Meza, Sinthe, and Natmauk,
causing light damage to the bridges and destroying 3 locomotives and
several railroad cars.
02/25/44
Fourteenth AF
16 P-40's attack docks, railroad yards, and warehouses at Hongay. In
the harbor 1 large boat is sunk and another damaged. 2 P-40's hit a
cargo vessel at Campha Port, leaving it sinking. 2 others bomb and
strafe Weichow I.
02/25/44
Fifth AF
B-25's pound Lorengau and Alexishafen-Madang areas and Momote A/F,
and A-20's bomb A/Fs at Alexishafen.
02/25/44
Thirteenth AF
P-39's on armed rcn bomb AA position at Monoitu, hit Aitara area, and
attack barge in Cape Gazelle area. 20-plus B-25's hit Matupi and
Rapopo. 21 B-24's and 17 P-38's follow shortly with another strike on
Rapopo.
02/25/44
Seventh AF
P-40's out of Makin bomb and strafe tgts at Jaluit. B-26's from
Tarawa and Abemama hit Mille and Wotje. B-24's from Abemama and
Tarawa pound Ponape.
02/25/44
Eleventh AF
3 B-24's from Shemya are over Matsuwa I shortly after midnight 24/25
Feb on a photo rcn and bomb run. Mission is not completed due to
weather.
02/26/44
Twelfth AF
Weather limits operations severely, but P-47's hit shipping N and S
of Velaluka.
02/26/44
Tenth AF
15 B-25's and P-51's demolish warehouses, in Naba and Hopin, attack
bridges at Ye-u, Bawgyo, and Tantabin, and strafe railroad cars and
tracks at Tangon, Namyao, and Pyintha. The Tantabin bridge is
rendered unusable while approaches of the Ye-u and Bawgyo bridges are
damaged.
02/26/44
Fourteenth AF
11 B-25's from Nanning attack tgts at Tourane, destroying 5
warehouses and a hangar at the A/F and a locomotive and 4 buildings
at the railroad yard.
02/26/44
Fifth AF
B-24's bomb Wewak and Momote. B-25's, along with P-39's, hit
Madang-Alexishafen area and A-20's hit Angorum.
02/26/44
Thirteenth AF
P-40's join Navy ftrs in covering Navy dive bmr strike on Wunapope
supply and shipping facilities. 22 B-25's, with ftr spt, follow up
with the day's second strike on Wunapope. Shortly afterwards, 17
P-38's strike the same tgt. 12 P-39's bomb and strafe Monoitu,
Ruisei, Makapeko, and Mawareka.
02/26/44
Seventh AF
B-25's from Tarawa and Abemama attack Wotje and Jaluit. P-40's from
Makin bomb and strafe tgts on Mille.
02/26/44
Eleventh AF
XI BC (Air Striking Group TG 90.1) is directed to conduct armed photo
rcn missions in the Kurils, day or night, as weather permits.
02/27/44
Ninth AF
Gen Quesada (reappointed CG IX FC on 21 Feb) receives authority to
revive IX FC (existing only on paper since creation of IX A Spt Cmd)
on temporary basis as an operational HQ to function as a Combined
Control Center with RAF 11 Gp at Uxbridge, where FC will prepare
operations orders for Ninth AF ftr and FB gps. Quesada retains
command of IX A Spt Cmd.
02/27/44
Twelfth AF
A-36's attack Littoria A/F, Guidonia A/F, and Ladispoli dock area.
Rail cars NE of Rome are also attacked. P-40's follow up with raid
against Littoria and hit trucks and other tgts in the area. Weather
prevents other operations by the Twelfth.
02/27/44
Tenth AF
30-plus P-51's and A-36's and 2 B-25's hit ammo dumps near the
Kamaing-Walawbum road, stores and troops at Warazup, and warehouses,
railroad and power facilities, bridges, and T/Os in Ye-u and
Tindeinyan areas.
02/27/44
Fourteenth AF
4 B-25's fly sea sweep from Vinh to Nam Dinh, bombing Nam Dinh
distillery and railroad yards. No ships are sighted. 8 P-40's hit
railroad bridge at Puchi, rendering it unusable.
02/27/44
Fifth AF
Col Jarred V Crabb becomes CG V BC. 30-plus B-24's, with P-40 spt,
hit A/Fs at Boram, Wewak, and Tadji, 27 B-25's hit Hansa Bay area,
and over 30 A-20's attack Alexishafen and Marakum village. More than
30 other B-25's attack Momote, Lorengau, and other tgts in the
Admiralties. P-39's maintain armed rcn over New Britain.
02/27/44
Thirteenth AF
16 P-39's strafe barges and other T/Os along SW coast of Bougainville
throughout the day. Wunapope is attacked by 21 B-24's and 24 B-25's
(both forces supported by ftr escorts) and by 14 P-38's. P-40's and
Navy ftrs cover Navy dive bmr strike on Lakunai AA positions. 3 other
P-38's strafe radar station at Cape Saint George.
02/27/44
Seventh AF
A-24's and P-40's from Makin pound Jaluit and Mille, while B-25's
from Abemama hit Wotje and Mille. B-24's from Makin and Tarawa bomb
Ponape.
02/28/44
Eighth AF
181 B-17's and B-24's bomb 9 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area.
Heavy clouds cause over half the HBs dispatched to return without
bombing. 7 aircraft are lost, most to AA fire.
02/28/44
Ninth AF
180 B-26's attack NOBALL tgts and Rosieres-en-Santerre. Bad weather
makes bombing difficult and causes 34 other B-26's to abort.
02/28/44
Twelfth AF
B-25's attack Canino landing ground, but clouds prevent accurate
bombing and most bombs fall W and SW of main tgt area. A-36's attack
A/Fs at Littoria, Guidonia, and Marcigliana. P-47's hit motor vessels
and tug off Dubrovnik and T/Os inland.
02/28/44
Tenth AF
6 B-25's hit bridges and trains between Pintha and Kinu; 1 bridge is
damaged and several boxcars are destroyed. 13 B-24's bomb M/Y at
Mandalay and T/Os at Akyab, Monywa, and Pakokku. P-51's, A-36's and
P-40's attack bridges, radio stations, supply dumps, bivouacs, troop
concentrations, railroad bypasses, AA positions, and other tgts at
Seton, Sinkan, Ye-u, Kawlin, Loilaw, Namkwin, Shaduzup, and
Mogaung-Kamaing area.
02/28/44
Fourteenth AF
6 P-40's on armed rcn strafe A/F at Myitkyina.
02/28/44
Fifth AF
23 B-24's and 39 A-20's thoroughly pound Hansa Bay area. Nearly 20
other B-24's bomb Nubia and Awar A/Fs. In preparation for Allied
landing, 50-plus B-25's and B-24's pound Momote, Lorengau and other
tgts in Admiralty Is.
02/28/44
Thirteenth AF
22 B-25's, with ftr escort, pound Rabaul; 9 mins later 12 P-38's
glide-bomb Rabaul; 2 mins afterward 11 B-24's pound the same tgt. 6
other B-24's bomb Rapopo. P-40's and Navy ftrs escort Navy dive bmrs
in strike on Wunapope. P-39's attack Monoitu Mission.
02/28/44
Seventh AF
P-40's from Makin strafe and bomb runway and radio installation on
Mille. B-25's from Tarawa pound A/F on Wotje.
02/28/44
Eleventh AF
3 B-24's from Shemya search for enemy shipping. 1 HB crashes during
takeoff, the others find nothing.
02/29/44
Eighth AF
215 B-17's attack aircraft production plants at Brunswick. 38 B-24's
bomb V-weapon site at Lottinghen.
02/29/44
Ninth AF
19 B-26's bomb coastal gun position and nearby Breck-surMer A/F. 216
MBs abort mission against 8 V-weapon sites in France because of total
cloud cover over tgts.
02/29/44
Twelfth AF
B-26's bomb main and satellite A/Fs at Viterbo and several T/Os along
W coast of Italy. B-26's bomb troops and gun positions W of Cisterna
di Roma, while A-20's hit concentrations to the S. P-40's and A-36's
strike at troop concentrations along N perimeter of beachhead. Other
P-40's hit barracks and railroad yards at Littoria and tank
concentration S of Cisterna. P-47's (with British aircraft) hit
Giulianova railway station and shipping off Dubrovnik. Ftrs maintain
patrol over Anzio beachhead.
02/29/44
Fifteenth AF
For fourth consecutive day, bad weather limits operations to rcn
missions.
02/29/44
Tenth AF
7 B-25's knock spans out of 2 bridges N of Taungtha and damage
bridges S of Myingyan and between Panaing and Mahlaing. 7 B-26's and
4 P-51's bomb wireless station at Sinkan, score near misses on bridge
below Kawlin, and knock out 2 bridges in Ye-u area. 40-plus P-51's,
A-36's, and P-40's hit supply area S of Seton, camp and stores near
Mogaung (at Pagoda Peak), and railroad station at Myitkyina.
02/29/44
Fourteenth AF
23 B-24's pound warehouse area at Yoyang, causing several fires and
secondary explosions. 12 B-25's bomb Yoyang railroad yards. 16 P-40's
provide spt. 2 B-25's on sweep of NE China coast sink 3 sampans and
damage a merchant ship at Siachwan Tao. 6 P-40's bomb and strafe ammo
dumps at Kunlong. 12 P-38's and P-51's sink large motor launch NE of
Anking, strafe barracks and 3 tugs in Teian area, hit barracks NW of
Nanchang, and strafe railroad installations at Yangsin. 4 P-40's hit
a barracks W of Nanchang. 2 B-25's sink a large rivercraft on the
Yangtze near Chiuhsienchen and damage 2 more nearby.
02/29/44
Fifth AF
Allied amphibious forces land on Los Negros I, temporarily taking
Momote A/F and then falling back to beachhead on Jamandilai Pt.
Weather prevents full air spt but 7 B-24's and 8 B-25's manage to
attack enemy positions and guns. Other B-24's and A-20's hit Erima,
Wewak, Tadji, Awar, and Hollandia.
02/29/44
Thirteenth AF
23 B-25's, with Navy ftr escort, pound Rabaul area. Later 12 P-38's
hit tgts in same area. 16 AAF ftrs, along with 16 Navy ftrs, hit T/Os
throughout S Bougainville and Shortland I. Numerous other ftrs, in
forces of varying sizes, attack barges and scattered T/Os throughout
N Solomons, Bismarck Archipelago, and waters in between.
02/29/44
Seventh AF
B-24's bomb Maloelap, Mille, and Wotje; B-25's hit Jaluit and Mille;
P-40's attack Mille.
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