Saturday, May 9, 2026

Saturday, 9 May 1942

US NAVY

MEDITERRANEAN—Operation BOWERY: in the second attempt to bolster fighter strength on besieged Malta, carrier Wasp (CV-7) launches 47 RAF Spitfires; British carrier HMS Eagle accompanies Wasp and launches 17 additional Spitfires. The success of the American carrier's second ferry mission prompts Prime Minister Churchill to observe: "Who said a Wasp couldn't sting twice?" Unlike the first ferry operation, the Spitfires are speedily serviced and readied for action, and take a heavy toll of Axis bombers on this day and the next. "Daylight raiding," Malta's war diary notes laconically, “was brought to an abrupt end."

ATLANTIC—Coast Guard cutter Icarus (WPC-110) sinks German submarine U-352 off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, 34°12'N,76°35'W.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TENTH AF—During 8/9 May, 6 B‑17’s bomb Mingaladon and attack the docks at Rangoon.

FIFTH AF—8 B‑26’s and a single B‑17 attack shipping and seaplanes at Deboyne Island.

US ARMY

MINDANAO—Japanese take Dalirig and rout defenders. Although forces defending Puntian sector are still intact, their position is untenable and Mindanao campaign is virtually over.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese Imperial General Headquarters orders invasion of Port Moresby suspended temporarily.

TONGA ISLANDS—U.S. troop detachment arrives at Tongatabu.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS—U.S. troops arrive on the Galápagos Islands., off W coast of South America.

US MARINE CORPS

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