80 Years Ago, Tuesday, 17 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) attacks Japanese installations at Legaspi and Clark Field, Luzon

            Naval force (Rear Admiral Arthur D. Struble) lands army troops (6th Ranger Battalion) on Suluan and Dinagat Islands at the entrance to Leyte Gulf to destroy Japanese installations that could provide early warning of U.S. forces entering the gulf. Unfortunately, the Suluan Island unit transmits a warning, prompting Admiral Toyoda Soemu, Commander in Chief Combined Fleet, to order operation SHO-1 for defending the Philippines against American invasion and bringing about a decisive battle (see 23-25 October).

            Submarine Narwhal (SS‑167) lands supplies on northwest coast of Tawi Tawi, P.I.

            Motor minesweeper YMS‑70 sinks in storm off Leyte, 10°56'N, 125°12'E.

            During the third day of sweeping operations in Ngulu Atoll, Western Carolines, light minelayer Montgomery (DM‑17) is damaged by Japanese mine while anchoring, 10°56'N, 125°12'E.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue in Southwest Pacific as four TDRs are launched against Japanese installations near East Rabaul. One of the four hits the objective; a second hits a target of opportunity; a third is lost due to the failure of a tube in the drone receiver; a fourth may have been shot down (light and inaccurate antiaircraft fire is noted).

            Dutch submarine Zwaardvisch sinks Japanese minelayer Itsukushima and damages minelayer/netlayer Wakatake, off Bawean Island, N.E.I., 05°26'S, 113°48'E. Submarine chaser Ch 26 carries out determined counterattack, but Zwaardvisch escapes.

            British carrier-based planes sink Japanese collier Ishikari Maru off Nicobar.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—More than 1,200 heavy bombers attack 5 marshalling yards and 2 targets of opportunity at Cologne. 15 fighter groups give support.

NINTH AF—All Rhine rail and road bridges are cleared for attack. 2 days later Advance HQ prescribes bridges as having priority on target list second only to rail lines. 35 medium bombers hit rail bridge at Euskirchen. Fighters escort medium bombers, fly armed reconnaissance in Strasbourg‑Colmar‑Mulhouse area, attack railroads in Allendorf an der Lahn Gemunden area, and marshalling yard at Dielkirchen.

TWELFTH AF—Weather cancels all medium bomber operations and limits fighter bombers to limited sorties in the battle area south of Bologna, hitting roads, rail lines and bridges. A‑20’s during 16/17 Oct on armed reconnaissance over Po Valley bomb targets of opportunity and cause explosions on Northern edge of Ravenna.

FIFTEENTH AF—330‑plus heavy bombers attack Blechhammer, southern oil refinery and industrial area of Vienna, plus alternate targets and targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Banhida, Nagykanizsa, Szombathely, Strass, Graz, and Maribor, railroad bridge at Maribor, rail line at Furstenfeld, and targets of opportunity scattered throughout the Balkans. P‑51’s escort a C‑47 picking up personnel at Valjevo airfield, a B‑17 carrying a photo crew to Rumania (to photograph Ploesti), and several C‑47’s transporting personnel to Araxos airfield.

TENTH AF—15 P‑47’s bomb supply area near Naba, hit Japanese HQ and supply area near Mawhun, and blast supply base and permanent camp at Myazedi. 8 B‑25’s bomb Nawnghkio airfield and 3 attack bridges near Kawlin and Thityabin. Approach to the latter bridge is damaged. Transports fly almost 300 sorties to various points in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—15 B‑25’s, 12 P‑40’s, and 10 P‑51’s pound supply depot at Tien Ho airfield. 2 B‑24’s bomb supply depot at Victoria Harbor. 44 P‑51’s and P‑40’s on armed reconnaissance attack rivercraft, troop concentrations, villages, and other targets of opportunity around Kweiping, Tengyun, Mangshih, Tajungchiang, Wuchou, and Dosing. Runway at Tanchuk airfield suffers considerable damage.

FEAF—Fighter bombers and B‑25’s hit airfields, shipping and scattered targets of opportunity in the Halmahera area. In Ceram-Amboina-Boeroe area A‑20’s, B‑25’s, and fighter bombers continue to pound airfields and oil facilities. In the principal strike of the day almost 60 B‑24’s hit oil installations, barracks, and shore targets on Ilang and Northern Davao Bay areas.

THIRTEENTH AF—XIII Bomber Command moves from Wakde to Morotai.

TWENTIETH AF—10 B‑29’s, flying out of Chengtu, bomb Einansho air depot. 14 others bomb alternate targets.

SEVENTH AF—11 B‑24’s from Saipan hit shipping off Haha Jima and town of Okimura. Later, during 17/18 Oct, 1 B‑24 bombs airfield on Iwo Jima. B‑25’s from the Gilberts hit Nauru.

ELEVENTH AF—7 B‑24’s fly cover sorties for naval TF.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Venray falls to 3d Division. 11th Armored Division attacks East through bridgehead of Combat Command B, U.S. 7th Armored Division; latter pushes South along East bank of canal.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Division, untried in combat, closes in Lunéville area; 114th is attached to 79th Division. In VI Corps area, 45th and 36th Divisions are slowed by strong opposition as they continue to close in on Bruyères.

            In French 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian Division and French 1st Armored Division make limited gains but at such high cost that Gen de Lattre calls a halt and corps goes on the defensive. Army commander decides to drive on Belfort in 1st Corps zone.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, patrol of TF 92 reaches crest of Mont Cauala, night 17–18. In II Corps area, co-ordinated attack by Combat Command A, 1st Armored Division, and 135th Infantry against Monterumici hill mass makes little progress. 91st Division takes Lucca and improves positions to East. 91st Infantry and 1st Armored Divisions are alerted to expect enemy spoiling attack and take precautionary measures to insure continuance of corps offensive to East. Particularly heavy enemy fire is directed against Livergnano area. 34th Division is clearing slopes of Mont Belmonte and takes crest of Mont della Vigna. 85th Division continues forward above Monterenzio. 350th Infantry, 88th Division, presses on toward Mont Cuccoli and 349th comes up abreast. In British 13 Corps area, 21st Brigade of Indian 8th Division begins assault on Mont Pianoreno. 1st Division’s 66th Brigade attacks in Mont Ceco area.

            In British Eighth Army area, Polish 2 Corps opens offensive toward Forlì in evening, although all its forces have not yet assembled. 5th Kresowa Division leads off, pushing toward Galeata from South. Piero in Bagno area, its right flank protected by British 1st Armored Division. 5 Corps is meeting strong opposition at Acquarola and Celincordia. 4th Division begins relief of 46th Division, night 17–18.

GREECE—Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece (until 3 October designated Allied Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece) begins arriving in Athens to distribute relief supplies.

P.I.—To insure safe passage of main Leyte invasion force into Leyte Gulf, 6th Ranger Battalion makes preliminary landings on small islands at approaches to the gulf after preparatory bombardment. Company D lands on Suluan Island., and rest of 6th Ranger Battalion, less Company B, lands on Dinagat Island. Neither landing is opposed, and channel light is set up on Dinagat. Landing of Company B on Homonhon Island., is postponed because of rough sea. Mine sweeping is begun off Leyte. Leyte convoys of III and VII Amphibious Forces make visual contact. Elements of TF 38 continue to neutralize Luzon.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Monday, 16 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese torpedo planes attack TG 30.3 (Rear Admiral Laurance T. DuBose) and again damage light cruiser Houston (CL‑81), 20°54'N, 125°09'E.

            Destroyer Ellet (DD‑398), together with surveying ship Bowditch (AGS‑4), two infantry landing craft (gunboat) and a submarine chaser arrive at Ngulu Atoll, western Carolines, and encounter no opposition.

            TF 38 planes sink Japanese torpedo boat Hato, 130 miles east-southeast of Hong Kong, 21°49'N, 115°50'E, and damage auxiliary vessel Santos Maru.

            Submarine Besugo (SS‑321) damages Japanese destroyer Suzutsuki off Toizaki, 32°30'N, 132°36'E.

            Submarine Tilefish (SS‑307) sinks Japanese guardboat No.2 Kyowa Maru five miles north of Matsuwa Jima, 48°07'N,153°04'E.

            Auxiliary minesweeper No.6 Hakata Maru is sunk by U.S. aircraft (perhaps PB4Y) off Minami Daito Jima, 25°30'N,131°00'E.

            USAAF aircraft (14th Air Force) sink Japanese cargo vessel Tensho Maru. They also damage auxiliary vessel Santos Maru and cargo ships Sagamigawa Maru, No.5 Okinoyama Maru, and No.3 Akatsuki Maru; and destroy army cargo vessel (in drydock at Kowloon) Bunzan Maru.

            USAAF P‑38s sink Japanese auxiliary sailing vessel No.6 Take Maru off Cagayan, Sulu Archipelago.

            RAAF Beaufighters sink Japanese Communications Vessel No.135 off Ambon harbor.

ATLANTIC—Coast Guard icebreaker Eastwind (WAG-279), supported by sistership Southwind (WAG-280), captures German weather ship Externsteine off Cape Borgen, Shannon Island, east coast of Greenland. Eastwind's crew unofficially christens the captured auxiliary "Eastbreeze." Both icebreakers, however, are damaged by pack ice.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—Ninth AF advance HQ follows HQ 12th AG to Luxembourg. All operations cancelled due to weather.

TWELFTH AF—Medium bomber operations are cancelled by bad weather. Light bombers and fighter bombers hit troop concentrations, bridges, gun positions, road, rail lines, and vehicles in battle area, particularly in Monte Belmonte vicinity.

FIFTEENTH AF—Nearly 600 heavy bombers, with fighter escort, hit tank factory, tank assembly plant, and aero engine works at Steyr, benzol plant and ordnance depot at Linz, plus alternate targets and targets of opportunity in Austria, including Graz-Neudorf aircraft engine factory, Trieben, Linz, Graz, Villach, Salzburg, Klagenfurt, Spittal an der Drau and Zeltweg marshalling yards, town of Sankt Veit an der Glan, Brux synethetic oil refinery, and armament works in Plzen. Over 20 P‑51’s and P‑38’s fly photo and weather reconnaissance missions and sea patrol. 29 P‑38’s escort MATAF C‑47’s (transporting airborne troops) to Greece and back to Italy.

TENTH AF—11 P‑47’s attack 2 railroad bridges in Naba-Mawlu area, damaging approaches to both targets. 5 other P‑47’s hit Japanese forces in North Western part of Madangyang. 12 B‑25’s, supported by escort of 8 P‑47’s, pound airfield at Shwebo. Transports fly over 300 sorties in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—28 B‑24’s, 8 B‑25’s, 26 P‑51’s, and 21 P‑40’s blast shipping and Kowloon Dock area. 15 cargo vessels are damaged or sunk. 3 other P‑51’s hit Wuchou area. 36 P‑40’s, P‑51’s, and P‑38’s hit village and town areas, bridges, and troop concentrations in Kweiping, Tanchuk, Hsinganhsien, Tingka, and Chefang areas.

FEAF—P‑38’s hit harbor, shiping, airfield and trucks at Cagayan. B‑24’s blast Makassar area. B‑24’s, B‑25’s, and fighter bombers again pound the Boeroe‑Ceram airfields and towns of Boela and Amboina and hit shipping in Binnen Bay. Fighter bombers hit Timoeka and Mongosah and Sagan airfields. Langgoer airfield is pounded by A‑20’s.

TWENTIETH AF—Over 40 B‑29’s, out of Chengtu, bomb Okayama aircraft plant and Heito airfield. 20‑plus other B‑29’s bomb alternate or chance targets at Takao, Swatow, Toshien, and Sintien harbors, Hengyang, and several airfields, including Taichu.

SEVENTH AF—15 P‑47’s and 1 B‑24 from Saipan hit Pagan. From the Marshalls 14 B‑24’s hit Truk.

ELEVENTH AF—7 B‑24’s fly cover sorties for naval TF.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Field Marshal Montgomery halts offensive operations except those to speed opening of Antwerp port.

            In Canadian First Army’s 2 Corps area, Zuid Beveland Isthmus is virtually sealed off with capture of Woensdrecht by Canadian 2d Division. Canadian 3d Division continues to reduce Breskens Pocket South of the Schelde. The pocket is about half its original size.

            In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Division reaches outskirts of Venray. Combat Command B, U.S. 7th Armored Division, establishes bridgehead across canal on Deurne–Venray road.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, army closes ring about Aachen as patrols of XIX and VII Corps establish contact on Ravels Hill at 1615.

            In XIX Corps area, 116th Infantry of 29th Division continues to batter Wuerselen, 30th Division attacks southward astride Wurm River with 119th Infantry; patrol makes contact with a patrol of 18th Infantry, 1st Division, VII Corps. 120th and 117th Regiments of 30th Division make limited attacks within their respective sectors. In VII Corps area, Germans react promptly and vigorously to closing of Aachen gap, attempting to overrun roadblock on Aachen–Wuerselen highway, night 16–17. 16th Infantry, 1st Division, stabilizes positions in Eilendorf area.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th and 36 Divisions, against firm opposition, close in on Bruyères, column from South pushing through Laval.

            In French 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian Division and French 1st Armored Division begin attack to pierce enemy’s winter line in the Vosges, pressing toward heights East of the Moselotte against violent opposition.

EASTERN EUROPE—Forces of Third White Russian Front launch offensive to break into East Prussia, which Germans are prepared to defend.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 6th South African Armored Division, in conjunction with II Corps to right, renews northward attack between the Reno and Setta Rivers. II Corps begins final phase of attack toward Bologna, making main effort in center; left flank is still held up below Monterumici hill mass. 91st Division drives North astride Highway 65: passing through 361st Infantry, 362d heads for Lucca; 361st attacks along Highway 65 in center, elements pushing West of Casalino to protect left flank; 363d advances toward Mont Belmonte to help 34th Division take the feature. 34th Division attacks with 2 regiments abreast: on left, 133d drives through 91st Division on narrow front toward Mont Belmonte, target for artillery and aerial bombardment. Searchlights provide illumination for night action. At this time the use of artificial moonlight is still in the experimental stage. 168th Infantry of 34th Division attacks through 338th Infantry of 85th Division on broad front between Zena Creek and Idice R, heading for Mont della Vigna, North of Mont delle Formiche. East of the Idice, 85th Division’s 338th Infantry attacks toward Mont Fano while 339th attacks toward ridge above Monterenzio, taking Hill 622. 88th Division drives toward Mont Cuccoli–M. Grande ridge on right flank of corps: 350th Infantry makes no headway toward Mont Cuccoli, but 349th takes Mont delle Tombe and reaches South. Clemente. New boundary between II and British 13 Corps, effective 2330, passes between Mont delle Tombe and Mont Spadura, sharply reducing zone of 88th Division.

            In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division completes relief of U.S. forces on Gesso ridge.

            In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps clears Mont Romano and Mont Reale, night 16–17. Elements of 20th Brigade, Indian 10th Division, establish small bridgehead across the Savio near its confluence with the Borello on South flank of corps. In Canadian 1 Corps area, Canadian 1st Division advances quickly toward Cesena, elements crossing Pisciatello River. Orders are issued for concerted attack on Cesena by Canadian 1 and British 5 Corps. New Zealand 2d Division takes Bulgarno without opposition.

YUGOSLAVIA—Soviet and Yugoslav forces are fighting side by side in streets of Belgrade. Nis, on Sofia–Belgrade RR line, is now free of enemy.

CAROLINE IS.—On Peleliu, Regimental Combat Team 321 of 81st Division, takes responsibility for completing reduction of Umurbrogol Pocket and is relieving marines there. Fresh forces, 1st Battalion of 323d Infantry, from Ulithi are assisting 321st Infantry. At Ngulu Atoll, elements of 81st Division begin clearing the atoll, which lies between Yap and the Palaus.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 15 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Command designated Minecraft, Pacific Fleet (Rear Admiral Alexander Sharp) is established; Rear Admiral Sharp breaks his flag in minelayer Terror (CM‑5).

            TG 30.3 (Rear Admiral Laurance T. DuBose) is formed to cover the retirement of the crippled heavy cruiser Canberra (CA‑70) and light cruiser Houston (CL‑81); an augmented TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) provides cover while TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) and TG 38.3 (Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman) take up position to waylay Japanese fleet units that might try to attack the damaged ships. TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison), meanwhile, attacks Japanese installations near Manila, drawing an enemy aerial response that damages carrier Franklin (CV‑13), 16°29'N, 123°57'E.

            Sweep Unit (Captain Robley W. Clark) arrives off Ngulu Atoll, Western Carolines. Light minelayer Montgomery (DM‑17) destroys Japanese radio and weather station, and, accompanied by five motor minesweepers (YMS), enters the lagoon to begin minesweeping operations which will continue daily until 23 October.

            Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) operations continue in Southwest Pacific as four TDRs are launched against Matupi Bridge, as part of coordinated attack by other Green Island-based PBJs (VMB 423), F4Us (VMF 218 and VMF 222) and SBDs (VMSB 244 and VMSB 341) against Simpson Harbor Rabaul. Poor picture reception and pilot error results in none of the TDRs hitting their targets.

            USAAF P‑38 sinks Japanese auxiliary sailing vessel No.5 Yamato Maru off Bochi archipelago, 01°10'N, 128°21'E.

            Dutch submarine Zwaardvisch sinks Japanese oceanographic research vessel No.2 Kaiyo Maru off Surabaya, Java,06°30'S, 111°35'E.

MEDITERRANEAN—Minesweeping test is conducted in Bay de Ciotat, France, using blimp; the blimp proved very satisfactory, using loudhailer, VHF radio, and smoke flares to direct attention to mines.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—More than 1,000 heavy bombers attack 9 marshalling yards and gas unit plant in and around general area of Cologne, along with several other targets including oil facilities at Reisholz and Monheim. 3 fighter groups give general area support while 12 groups provide close escort. 2 P‑47 groups attack communications in Hannover and Munster‑Kassel areas.

NINTH AF—Weather prevents bomber operations. Fighters fly rail cutting missions and support elements of US First, Third, Seventh, and Ninth Armies in Eastern France and Western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—B‑25’s bomb bridges in Western Po Valley. B‑26’s hit bridges in the Eastern part of the Valley, and have excellent success bombing a railway fill at Ossenigo, trapping over 300 railway cars North of the target. Fighters and fighter bombers concentrate efforts toward support of ground forces along wide front in the mountains South of Bologna.

FIFTEENTH AF—Bad weather limits operations to weather reconnaissance missions.

TENTH AF—About 40 P‑47’s attack positions in Mohnyin area and at Man Naung, supply concentrations at Kyungyi, railroad targets in Mawhun area, ammo stores at Manwing, and buildings near Muse. 12 B‑25’s hit town of Onbauk, storage facilities at Indaw, and vicinity of Thabeikkyin. Transport operations in CBI continue on large scale.

FOURTEENTH AF—28 B‑24’s, 33 P‑51’s, and 18 P‑40’s pound White Cloud airfield and shipping in Hong Kong area. 2 B‑24’s bomb Amoy. 6 fighter bombers hit targets of opportunity near Mangshih and Taj ungchiang.

FEAF—A‑20’s again pound airfields and oil storage on Ceram. P‑38’s carry out shipping sweep over Flores area and on Halmahera bomb Pitoe and Kaoe areas. P‑38’s bomb Amahai airfield while bombers on armed reconnaissance hit nearby targets of opportunity. P‑47’s attack Sagan airfield.

SEVENTH AF—27 B‑24’s from Saipan strike fuel storage, AA positions, and installations at airfield on Iwo Jima. 1 other heavy bomber bombs airfield at Pagan. 2 B‑24’s from the Marshalls bomb Wake on 15/16 Oct.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s on armed reconnaissance over Paramushiru turn back when flight drifts off course. 1 B‑24 strafes a freighter off Shimushiru.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: Is strengthened by attachment of U.S. 104th Division from Ninth Army. Division is to join British Island Corps under Canadian First Army in action to open port of Antwerp.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps is reinforced by newly arrived 9th Armored Division.

            In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 116th Infantry of 29th Division and supporting tanks from 2d Armored Division continue efforts to close Aachen gap with frontal attacks but by this time have gained only 1,000 yards. New plan of attack to speed line-up with VII Corps is formulated. In VII Corps area, 3d Battalion of 26th Infantry, 1st Division, gains most of Observatory Hill, North of Aachen, but Germans counterattack sharply and recover positions in North part; since 16th Infantry line near Eilendorf is under strong enemy pressure, 1st Division is ordered to suspend Aachen offensive temporarily. 9th Division’s drive on Schmidt ends far short of objective; both sides have suffered heavy casualties;

39th Infantry recovers all ground lost recently and still holds Wittscheidt and Germeter. V Corps releases Combat Command B, 5th Armored Division, which moves to VII Corps area as First Army reserve.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps, area 313th Infantry of 79th Division tries in vain to dislodge enemy from hill mass East of Forêt de Parroy. VI Corps opens drive on Bruyères from North, West and South. 179th Infantry, 45th Division, begins clearing woods North of the town in effort to cut Bruyères–Brouvelieures road. 36th Division attacks on West with attached 442d Infantry (Nisei), which includes 100th Battalion, recently arrived from Italy, and on South with 143d Infantry along road from Fays. 3d Division begins secret move North in preparation for drive on St. Dié.

FINLAND—Soviet forces of Karelian Front clear enemy from port of Petsamo.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division comes up abreast II Corps to right; with occupation of heights North East of Grizzana, gains control of lateral Highway 6424. In II Corps’ 1st Armored Division sector, enemy continues to defend Monterumici, although this position is being outflanked. 34th Division, less 135th Infantry, prepares to attack in new zone. 91st Division consolidates positions North of Livergnano. 85th Division holds line astride Idice River beyond Mont delle Formiche and Monterenzio hill mass. 88th Division extends its left flank northward beyond Hill 369 to positions abreast 85th Division while regrouping and consolidating on right flank. British 13 Corps, ordered to take responsibility for Gesso ridge from II Corps, begins relief of U.S. 88th Division there with 78th Division.

            In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps takes Mont delle Vacche and Mont Burratini without opposition but is halted short of Mont Reale and Mont Romano. In Canadian 1 Corps area, Gambettola falls to New Zealand 2d Division without a fight.

GREECE—After delay while mines are being cleared, Gen Scobie’s Force 140 (British 3 Corps and Greek troops) arrives off Piraeus in evening and goes ashore. Gen Scobie, upon landing, sets up his hq in Athens and orders retreating enemy pursued by land and harassed by air.

SEAC—Adm Mountbatten leaves Kandy (Ceylon) for Cairo to meet Prime Minister Churchill.

CBI—NCAC opens offensive to clear North Burma and open supply route to China (CAPITAL), pushing southward from Myitkyina toward line Katha–Shwegu–Bhamo almost unopposed. British 36th Division, which has been moving South in Burma Railway corridor during the monsoon season, continues drive with 29th Brigade from Namma area and is followed by Chinese 50th Division. In center, Chinese 22d Division moves South East from Kamaing area in region between the RR corridor and Myitkyina–Bhamo road in effort to secure bridgehead over the Irrawaddy at Shwegu. Chinese 38th Division attacks on East flank to secure Bhamo–Mansi area, with 113th Regiment leading. In addition to Chinese New Sixth and New First Armies, NCAC now has under its command Chinese 1st Separate Regiment, U.S. 475th Infantry (containing GALAHAD survivors) and U.S. 124th Cavalry (Texas National Guard), which is to be combined into 5332d Brigade (Prov), later called TF MARS, with strength of about a division. 

ANGAUR—First plane lands on airfield.

P.I.—Task group of TF 38 attacks Luzon airfields.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 14 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—While TF 38 remains nearby to provide cover for the ongoing salvage of crippled heavy cruiser Canberra (CA‑70) that had been damaged the previous day, Japanese aerial counterattacks continue, inflicting damage on carrier Hancock (CV‑19), 23°30'N, 121°30'E; light cruiser Reno (CL‑96) (suicide plane); and destroyer Cassin Young (DD‑793) (strafing), 22°30'N, 124°50'E. Light cruiser Houston (CL‑81) is damaged by aerial torpedo, and destroyer Cowell (DD‑547) is damaged when she fouls Houston as Cowell lies alongside assisting in salvage efforts, 22°27'N,124°01'E. Heavy cruiser Boston (CA‑69)--later relieved by fleet tug Pawnee (ATF‑74)--takes Houston in tow. At this juncture, heavy air attacks on TF 38, together with enemy radio propaganda broadcasts that reflect a vast overestimation of the destruction wreaked by attacking Japanese aircraft, prompts Commander Third Fleet to withdraw TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) and TG 38.3 (Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman) to the eastward to set upon any important Japanese fleet units that would attempt to finish off the "crippled remnants" of TF 38. The enemy, however, does not take the bait.

            During TF 38 operations against Japanese shipping and installations on Formosa, Navy carrier-based planes damage coastal minelayer Enoshima and auxiliary submarine chasers Cha 7 and Cha 151 off Takao.

            Submarine Angler (SS‑240) sinks Japanese army transport Nanrei Maru south of Tablas Strait, 11°53'N, 121°39'E.

            Submarine Bonefish (SS‑223) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Fushimi Maru in South China Sea off west coast of Luzon, 16°12'N, 119°45'E.

            Submarine Dace (SS‑247) sinks Japanese merchant tankers Eikyo Maru and Nittetsu Maru and damages merchant ore carrier Taizen Maru off North Borneo, 06°05'N, 115°55'E.

            British submarine HMS Sturdy sinks Japanese Communication Vessel No.128 in Gulf of Boni.

            Carrier Saratoga (CV‑3) and destroyer escort Howard F. Clark (DE‑533) are damaged in collision during maneuvers off Oahu.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—About 1,100 heavy bombers bomb 7 marshalling yards at Saarbrucken, Kaiserslautern, and Cologne, city of Euskirchen, and targets of opportunity in the Cologne area. 15 fighter groups give escort.

NINTH AF—Bad weather grounds 9th Bomb division. Fighters escort leaflet mission, fly sweeps and rail cutting operations, armed reconnaissance over Eastern France and Western Germany, and support US Third Army.

TWELFTH AF—Bad weather cancels all medium bomber operations. Over 100 fighters and fighter bombers pound troop concentrations, gun positions, supplies, bridges, roads, and rail lines South of Bologna where hard fighting is taking place in Monterumici, Livergnano, and Gesso ridge areas.

FIFTEENTH AF—317 B‑17’s and B‑24’s hampered by bad weather, bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer and Odertal, and several targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at Bratislava, Nove Zamky, Komarom, Komarom and Nove Zamky railroad bridges, Borzavar industrial area, and Ugod military garrison. Escorting fighters strafe airfields, rail and road traffic and other targets of opportunity in target areas. 52 B‑24’s bomb railroad bridge and marshalling yard at Maribor. 54 P‑51’s on strafing mission in Balaton Lake area attack airfields at Szekesfehervar and Seregelyes. 55 P‑38’s escort MATAF C‑47’s carrying airborne forces to Megara airfield.

TENTH AF—Transport aircraft fly more than 200 sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—32 P‑51’s and P‑40’s on armed reconnaissance attack troops, town areas, and river traffic around Samshui, Mangshih, Kweiping, Hsinganhsien, Konghow and Tajungchiang.

FEAF—B‑24’s again bomb oil refineries and associated industries in Balikpapan area. Others bomb Pombelaa mine. A‑20’s, B‑25’s, and fighter bombers again hit Laha and Haroekoe airfields.

TWENTIETH AF—103 Chengtu‑based B‑29’s bomb aircraft plant at Okayama. 12 more hit last‑resort targets and targets of opportunity. This is first Twentieth AF mission during which over 100 very heavy bombers attack targets and the first of a series of missions against Formosa in conjunction with US invasion of Leyte.

SEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s on armed reconnaissance from Saipan bomb Marcus. P‑47’s on sweep over Pagan bomb and strafe storage caves. 1 B‑24 from the Marshalls bombs Wake during 14/15 Oct.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s bomb and strafe buildings at Otomae Bay.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In Canadian 2 Corps area, the land approach to Breskens Pocket from the east is secured by Canadian 3d Division at Isabella, tip of Savojaards Plaat.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 26th Infantry of 1st Division continues to make slow progress in Aachen and on Observatory Hill. 9th Division commits elements of 47th Infantry to insure safety of Road Junction 471 in Huertgen Forest.

            6th Army Group: In French 1st Army’s 2d Corps area, 3d Algerian Division finishes clearing Forêt de Gehan and takes Cornimont, but by this time is so weakened that offensive is broken off.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, South African 6th Armored Division finds Grizzana undefended. In II Corps area, enemy clings to Monterumici defenses despite attacks by 135th Infantry of 34th Division and Combat Command A of 1st Armored Division. At noon 1st Armored Division takes command of 135th Infantry and Combat Command A. 133d Infantry shifts eastward to 91st Division zone. 91st Division improves positions in Livergnano area and takes Querceta. Germans abandon Livergnano village. 339th Infantry, 85th Division, pushes northward from Hill 578. 2d Battalion of 350th Infantry, 88th Division, takes Hill 373, north of Hill 339; 351st Infantry, ordered to consolidate on Gesso ridge, breaks off attacks. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division continues attacks toward Mont la Pieve.

            In British Eighth Army area, 2 Polish Corps takes command of 10 Corps sector and troops on left flank of army with orders to drive on Forlì. 5 Corps continues to clear heights east of the Savio, 46th Division seizing Mont dei Pini, beyond Carpineta. In Canadian 1 Corps area, 1st Division takes village of Bulgaria. Elements of New Zealand 2d Division clear south. Angelo, night 14–15.

YUGOSLAVIA—Soviet and Yugoslavia forces are converging on Belgrade, which is encircled.

CBI—Gen Stilwell flies to east China, where Chinese are preparing to take the offensive.

FORMOSA—TF 38 achieves its purpose of neutralizing Formosa, where some 280 enemy planes have been destroyed since 12th, but another cruiser, Houston, is damaged by Japanese torpedo. Part of the TF withdraws from Formosa area in effort to lure enemy fleet into the open.

SWPA—III Amphibious Force, with elements of Leyte invasion force that have reached Manus from Hawaii aboard, sail for Leyte.

POA—CG, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, designates CG, V Amphibious Corps (Gen Schmidt, USMC) as Landing Force Commander (CTG 56.1) for Iwo Jima operation and directs him to prepare plans.

PALAUS—Adm Fort turns over control of all operations in the Palaus to Adm Hoover, heading Forward Area Central Pacific (TF 57). On Peleliu, 81st Division prepares to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket while defending eastern arm of the island, recalling 2d Battalion of 321st Infantry from offshore islands. On Angaur, attack and occupation phase is terminated by III Amphibious Corps, although pocket still remains at North West tip.

 

US MARINE CORPS

V Amphibious Corps directed to prepare plans for Iwo Jima operation.

80 Years Ago, Friday, 13 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—During Japanese aerial counterattacks in the wake of TF 38 strikes on Formosa (see 12 October), carrier Franklin (CV‑13) is damaged when a kamikaze slides across her flight deck and crashes nearby, 22°55'N, 123°12'E; heavy cruiser Canberra (CA‑70), in TG 38.1, is damaged by aerial torpedo only 85 miles from Formosa, 22°48'N, 123°01'E. While heavy cruiser Wichita (CA‑45) takes Canberra in tow, Cruiser Division 13 (three light cruisers under Rear Admiral Laurance T. DuBose), four destroyers from TG 38.3, and two from TG 38.1 are detached to provide cover. Fleet tug Munsee (ATF‑107) relieves Wichita of towing Canberra and the group sets course for Ulithi.

            Submarine Bergall (SS‑320) sinks Japanese merchant tanker Shinshu Maru off Nha Trang, French Indochian,11°52'N, 109°20'E.

            British submarine HMS Sturdy sinks Japanese merchant coasters Kosei Maru and Hansei Maru in Gulf of Boni, south of Celebes.

            Peleliu Island, Palaus, is secured.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

NINTH AF—9th Bomb division hits bridges at Saarlouis, Roermond, Venlo, Euskirchen, and Mayen, plus several targets of opportunity. Escorting fighters also fly armed reconnaissance over areas of Metz and extensively over western Germany, attacking railroads and other targets, and support US First, Third, and Seventh Armies.

TWELFTH AF—Weather cancels all medium bomber operations except for attacks on 4 targets (bridges and supply dumps) in the battle area south of Bologna. Fighter bombers support US Fifth Army operations more successfully in the area, hitting gun emplacements, troop concentrations, supply dumps, bridges, and vehicles.

FIFTEENTH AF—More than 650 fighter escorted heavy bombers bomb oil refineries at Blechhammer and Vienna/Floridsdorf, motor works, locomotive shops, and marshalling yard at Vienna, Graz, Banhida, Szekesfehervar, Papa, Hranice and Mezirici. Some of the escorting fighters strafe railroads, roads, and airfield in areas of Balaton and Neusiedler Lakes, Vienna, and Prostejov. Other fighters strafe roads, railroads, and Danube River traffic in Vienna-Gyor-Budapest areas.

TENTH AF—38 P‑47’s strike Okkyin, Yebyangale, and Theinlon, and hit troops in Myothit area. 8 P‑47’s support ground forces in Mohnyin area, 12 attack and considerably damage Wanling bridge and 4 hit targets of opportunity in the area. Transports fly over 280 sorties hauling troops and supplies to CBI terminals.

FOURTEENTH AF—138 P‑40’s and P‑51’s on numerous armed reconnaissance missions throughout southern China and into western Burma attack troop areas, rivercraft, town areas, bridges, trucks, and other targets of opportunity. 71 of the fighter bombers hit targets in Kweiping area while the others attack targets around Chuanhsien, Litou, Shepchung, Tengyun, Lungfukwan, Kingshan, Mangshih, and Chefang.

FEAF—B‑25’s bomb Menado and surrounding area. P‑38’s hit AA positions, enemy concentrations, and other targets in northeastern Celebes and Halmaheras. A‑20’s and fighter bombers attack Boela oil installations and airfields at Amahai, Kairatoe, and Namlea.

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s from Saipan bomb Yap. From the Marshalls B‑24’s pound Truk. Gilberts‑based B‑25’s bomb Nauru.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s bomb Kurabu airfield and bomb and strafe buildings on Tomari Cape, scoring hits on canneries, warehouses, and barracks. Later, 4 B‑24’s photograph and bomb targets at Kashiwabara.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—Germans launch first V bomb against Antwerp, which, next to London, proves to be the primary target for these weapons.

21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Division attacks from Overloon toward Venray, 3 miles distant, against strong opposition.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 116th Infantry of 29th Division, having turned over positions west of the Wurm at Kerkrade to 1104th Combat Engineer Group, takes over attack to close Aachen gap: reinforced by tanks from 2d Armored Division, 116th begins frontal assaults against Wuerselen on narrow front that invites concentrated enemy fire; little progress is made during this and the next two days. In VII Corps area, 26th Infantry of 1st Division begins all-out assault on Aachen: while 2d Battalion fights from house to house within the city, 3d pushes to base of Observatory Hill, one of 3 heights commanding the city from the north, the others being Salvator Hill and the Lousberg. In Huertgen Forest, 60th Infantry, 9th Division, gains its objective, Road Junction 471; 39th seals off enemy penetration and begins drive to recover lost ground.

            In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps’ plan for stronger assault on Maizières-lès-Metz is abandoned as result of Third Army order freezing all artillery ammunition above 3-inch.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Division, working eastward from Forêt de Parroy, takes Emberménil.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of Second and Third Baltic Fronts overrun Riga, capital of Latvia and important naval base on Gulf of Riga. This success, coupled with recent drive to the Baltic in Memel area of Lithuania, has trapped a large German force in west Latvia. Soviet offensive on Baltic front is soon suspended.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 12th Motorized Brigade of South African 6th Armored Division renews attack on Mont Stanco early in morning after artillery preparation and, assisted by diversionary thrust to east of Grizzana, captures objective; Combat Command B, on left flank, takes Bombiana, on Highway 64. In II Corps area, 34th Division partially outflanks enemy on Monterumici hill mass from east; 168th Infantry is shifting eastward to Mont delle Formiche. Enemy hold on Livergnano area is beginning to weaken under blows of 91st Division and artillery and aerial bombardment. 361st Infantry of 91st Division gains Hill 603, above Livergnano, and village of Casalino, northwest of Livergnano; 363d Infantry nears east part of the plateau. 337th Infantry, 85th Division, at last takes Hill 578 and reduces opposition on Monterenzio hill mass; during night 13–14, is relieved by 339th Infantry. 2d Battalion of 350th Infantry, 88th Division, crosses Sillaro River west of Hill 339, night 13–14, and drives northward through weak spot in enemy defenses; 351st Infantry thrusts toward Mont Spadura from Gesso ridge until stopped by counterattack. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Division begins attack on Mont la Pieve.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Division takes Sorrivoli but is held up near Mont delle Vacche. 46th Division seizes Carpineta, night 13–14. In Canadian 1 Corps area, some elements of New Zealand 2d Division are held up by strongpoint at south. Angelo, but others patrol to the Rigossa.

GREECE—British commandos (9th Cdo) and Squadron B of Greek Sacred Regiment land at Piraeus and secure Kalamata airfield in preparation for main landing on 15th. Rest of 4th Parachute Battalion and Royal Engineer force are dropped at Megara; after securing the airfield these forces move overland to Athens and Kalamata without opposition. U.S. 51st Troop Carrier Wing participates in British occupation of south Greece (Operation MANNA) during period 13–18 October, taking in personnel and equipment.

CBI—Gen Hurley recommends to President Roosevelt that Gen Stilwell be relieved and that another U.S. officer be named to command Chinese Army.

FORMOSA—TF 38 continues air strikes to neutralize Formosa. Cruiser Canberra is badly damaged by enemy torpedo.

SWPA—VII Amphibious Force, with elements of Leyte invasion force embarked, sails from Hollandia for target. GHQ issues instructions for capture of air base in San Jose area of Mindoro, from which further operations against the Philippines will be supported and small shore-to-shore operations will be conducted to deceive enemy on Luzon. For this task, Sixth Army forms Western Visayan Task Force under Brig Gen William C. Dunckel during early November. The force eventually consists primarily of Regimental Combat Team 19 of 24th Division and 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team, a separate unit. 21st Infantry of 24th Division, less 3d Battalion, is allocated as the reserve force; 3d Battalion is to conduct deceptive operations.

MOROTAI—Medium bombers begin operations from the island.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Regimental Combat Team 321 is alerted to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket, where some progress is being made against west side. On Angaur, 322d Infantry begins final push to eliminate enemy pocket on north Angaur.

 

US MARINE CORPS

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 12 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 38 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) hurls heavy air strikes against Japanese shipping, aerodromes, and industrial plants on Formosa, regarded as the strongest and best-developed base south of the homeland proper, and on northern Luzon. Strikes draw heavy Japanese aerial counterattacks off Formosa during which destroyer Prichett (DD‑561) is damaged by friendly fire, 22°08'N, 123°19'E. TF 38 planes sink transport Asaka Maru, cargo ship Shirotai Maru, army cargo ship Mitsuki Maru, and merchant tankers No.6 Horai Maru, No.23 Nanshin Maru, and No.26 Nanshin Maru off the Pescadores, 23°30'N, 119°34'E; and transports Bujo Maru and Joshu Maru, army cargo ship Yamahagi Maru, merchant cargo ships Gyoun Maru, Hakko Maru, No.11 Tenjin Maru, and No.1 Takatomi Maru, and merchant tankers No.5 Nanshin Maru, No.11 Nanshin Maru and No.20 Nanshin Maru, dredge Niitaka Maru, and damage tanker Eiho Maru and army cargo ship Shinto Maru off Takao, 22°37'N, 119°34'E. Also damaged at Takao is German ship Havenstein, Japanese cargo vessels Taisho Maru, Taihoku Maru, and, at Keelung, Hakozaki Maru.

            TF 38 planes also sink merchant cargo ship Shinan Maru in Putai harbor, 23°22'N, 120°10'E. Destruction of Japanese air power on Formosa paves way for USAAF B-29 bomber strikes on aircraft plant and airfield facilities on the island on 14 and 16 October 1944. Air strikes on the Formosa area sink Japanese transport Josho Maru, and army cargo ship Yamahagi Maru, off Takao; army ship Mitsuki Maru and merchant tanker No.6 Horai Maru, off Mako; Japanese cargo ship Shirotai Maru is sunk by mine off Mako.

            Motor torpedo boat PT‑368, damaged by grounding, western New Guinea, 01°59'N, 127°57'E, is scuttled by demolition charges.

            Submarine Ray (SS‑271) sinks Japanese transport Toko Maru near Cape Cavalite, Mindoro, 13°32'N, 120°21'E, and survives counterattack by Hiyodosi and Coast Defense Vessel No.2.

            Submarine Trepang (SS‑412) damages Japanese destroyer Fuyuzuki off Omaesuki, 33°56'N, 138°09'E.

            British submarine HMS Strongbow sinks Japanese cargo ship Manryo Maru in Strait of Malacca, 02°50'N, 100°50'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Over 500 heavy bombers attack marshalling yard at Osnabruck, aircraft industries at Bremen, and targets of opportunity including Diepholz airfield. 11 fighter groups escort heavy bombers, claiming 18 fighters downed.

NINTH AF—Ninth AF is delegated administrative (in addition to operational) control over XII Tactical Air Command hitherto assumed by USSTAF. Advanced HQ XIX Tactical Air Command arrives at Nancy, following the advance of US Third Army. Almost 250 medium bombers and light bombers bomb Camp‑de‑Bitche military camp, rail bridges at Grevenbroich and Ahrweiler, city areas of Langerwehe, Aldenhoven, and Venraij, and various targets of opportunity. Escorting fighters fly also armed reconnaissance and rail cutting in Dusseldorf, Aachen, and Belfort areas, and support VIII, XII, XV, and XX Corps in eastern France and western Germany.

TWELFTH AF—Medium bombers, supporting US Fifth Army, attack communications, supply dumps, and bivouac and barracks areas south of Bologna. Fighter bombers and XII Fighter Command fighters, mainly in support of US Fifth Army, blast supply dumps, gun positions, troop concentrations, and communications in the high country south of Bologna (while Desert AF gives similar support to British Eighth Army in Rimini area).

FIFTEENTH AF—Around 700 heavy bombers, with fighter support, pound ammo and fuel dumps and depots, bivouac area, barracks, vehicle repair shop, munitions factory and targets of opportunity in Bologna area (Operation PANCAKE) supporting US Fifth Army offensive in that sector. 160 P‑51’s strafe mainline railroad and Danube River traffic in Vienna-Gyor-Budapest areas and strafe Seregelyes airfield, disrupting traffic and destroying many enemy airplanes.

TENTH AF—18 P‑47’s bomb railroad targets in the Naba-Mawlu rail corridor damaging a bridge approach, and strike troops and stores near Nayakaung. 12 other P‑47’s hit various targets at Pintha and Nyaunggon. 4 B‑26’s knock out a bridge just north of Lashio. 3 others knock out bridge at Kawlin and damage tracks near Man Pwe bridge.

FOURTEENTH AF—3 B‑25’s and 12 P‑40’s hit Chefang storage area and bridge and general targets of opportunity in Mangshih area. 40‑plus P‑40’s and P‑51’s on armed reconnaissance covering wide areas of southern China and extending into western Burma attack troop concentrations, river traffic, storage areas, and buildings in areas around Taochuan, Kweiping, Hsinganhsien, Yuncheng, Tanchuk, and Hsenwi.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Ambesia, Langoan, Mapanget, and Sidate airfields. B‑25’s, A‑20’s, and P‑47’s again pound airfields at Liang, Laha, Namlea, Kairatoe and Haroekoe, and town of Boela. P‑38’s hit numerous targets of opportunity on Halmahera Island. Fighter bombers hit Manokwari and Urarom and A‑20’s bomb pillboxes in Sarmi area.

TWENTIETH AF—First B‑29 (Joltin’ Josie, the Pacific Pioneer) arrives at Saipan, piloted by Gen Hansell, CG XXI Bomber Command, for whom temporary HQ are set up on Saipan. Also the regular air echelon of 73d Bomb wing arrives at Saipan on this date, followed during Oct and first week in Nov by 4 bomb groups and 4 air service groups. (313th Bomb wing will be established in the theater in Dec 44, 314th in Jan 45, 58th in Mar, and 315th in Apr. In Mar 45 VII Fighter Command will be established at Iwo Jima from where some of its units escort B‑29 missions).

SEVENTH AF—B‑24’s from Saipan bomb harbor and shipping at Chichi Jima, shipping south of Haha Jima, AA positions on Marcus, and airfield area on Pagan. P‑47’s hit Pagan airfield area with bombs and rockets. B‑24’s from Kwajalein bomb Wake during 12/13 Oct.

ELEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s hit airfield and shipping targets in the Matsuwa-Onnekotan area.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3d Division attacks southward against Peel Marshes salient, clearing Overloon. U.S. 7th Armored Division provides diversionary demonstration along Deurne–Venray road.

            12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Division with objective of taking Wuerselen and closing Aachen gap, is prevented from doing this by series of enemy counterattacks aimed at widening the Aachen corridor and forcing corps back to line Bardenberg–Euchen. Germans are thrown back at Birk, southeast of Bardenberg, and at North Wuerselen with aid of aircraft and artillery, but new panzer units are identified, indicating major reinforcement of the region. Corps regroups to meet this threat. In VII Corps area, in preparation for main assault on Aachen, 3d Battalion of 26th Infantry, 1st Division, nears factory district between Aachen and Haaren. Air and artillery bombardment of Aachen continues.

            In Huertgen Forest, German counterattack severs main supply route of 39th Infantry, 9th Division, on east–west trail leading into Germeter. Forward elements north of Vossenack, although not under attack, are recalled to help restore situation. In V Corps area, Combat Command A of 5th Armored Division leaves for XIX Corps sector, where it will be held in army reserve.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3d Battalion of 357th Infantry, 90th Division, moves into Maizières-lès-Metz to bolster weary 2d Battalion. Last elements of 5th Division withdraw from Forêt Driant, night 12–13. In XII Corps area, 26th Division relieves 4th Armored Division on right flank of corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front take Oradea (Transylvania), continue battle for Debrecen (Hungary), and cut Belgrade–Budapest RR at Subotica (Yugoslavia).

ITALY—AAI: In U.S Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 pushes to crest of Mont Cauala but is again forced to retire. Efforts to take Mont Cauala are suspended for next few days. In II Corps area, 135th Infantry of 34th Division extends eastward as it continues, in conjunction with Combat Command A of 1st Armored Division, to attack Monterumici hill mass. 91st Division get additional elements up Livergnano escarpment but is unable to clear it. 3d Battalion of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, attacks north through 2d Battalion on crest of Mont delle Formiche; Germans defend Hill 578 against attacks of 337th Infantry. 88th Division continues to attack Mont delle Tombe and clears Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Division is assigned positions southwest of Mont Ceco to ease strain on 1st Division. British Eighth Army is ordered to release Indian 4th Division and Greek 3d Mountain Brigade for service outside Italy.

            In 5 Corps area, corps presses from the Rubicone toward the Savio and Cesena. Indian 10th Division advances its left flank to Mont dell’Erta, east of the Savio; elements crossing the Rubicone to north are held up in Sorrivoli. Attacking across the Rubicone on right flank of corps, 46th Division takes Casale.

CORFU‑ALBANIA—British commando force from Land Forces, Adriatic, lands on Corfu and in Sarande area of south Albania.

GREECE—Advance detachment of British 4th Parachute Battalion and Royal Engineer s is dropped in Megara area to secure and repair airfield. Piraeus and Kalamata are found to be clear of enemy.

FORMOSA—In preparation for invasion of Leyte, TF 38, Third Fleet, begins series of powerful carrier aircraft strikes against Formosa to neutralize enemy air and naval power, evoking strong opposition.

SWPA—Gen MacArthur issues orders for invasion of Luzon, to be undertaken by U.S. Sixth Army’s Island Corps (6th and 43d Divisions, reinforced) and XIV Corps (37th and 40th Divisions, reinforced). 25th Infantry and 11th Airborne Divisions, Regimental Combat Team 158, 6th Ranger Battalion, and 13th Armored Group constitute reserve and follow-up forces. Various service units are assigned as army and corps troops.

PALAUS—On Peleliu, Gen Geiger opens III Amphibious Corps CP ashore and declares assault and occupation phase at an end. 1st Marine Division is now responsible only for the Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st Infantry takes responsibility for eastern arm of the island and begins relieving Marine units. Island Garrison Force takes over region south of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

 

US MARINE CORPS

Peleliu becomes a Marine island command similar to Guam and Tinian.

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 11 October 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—In preparation for operations against Formosa, TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) and TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) attack Japanese airfields and other facilities on the north coast of Luzon; task group planes damage escort destroyer Yashiro off San Vicente and cargo vessel No.6 Banei Maru off Aparri.

            Submarine Tang (SS‑306) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ships Joshu Go and Oita Maru in Formosa Strait, 25°00'N,121°00'E.

            Submarine Trepang (SS‑412) sinks Japanese landing ship T.105 off Honshu, 33°18'N, 137°42'E.

            USAAF B-24 sinks Japanese motor sail ship Hashu Maru of Tacloban, P.I.

            Japanese merchant vessel Sumiei Maru is damaged by aircraft, Takao, Formosa.

ATLANTIC—Tank landing craft LCT‑293 founders and sinks in heavy weather in English Channel.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—130 B‑17’s bomb Wesseling synthetic oil plant and Koblenz marshalling yard. 3 P‑47 groups give support.

NINTH AF—99 medium bombers and light bombers sent to bomb Camp‑de‑Bitche military camp are recalled when Pathfinder equipment malfunctions and weather prevents visual bombing. Fighters escort bombers, fly armed reconnaissance, cut rail lines in Aachen‑Rhine area, and support US VII and XIX Corps in Aachen area, and US XII, XV, and XX Corps in Metz‑Saarlautern area.

TWELFTH AF—Despite bad weather medium bombers attack bridges and supply dumps in Po Valley. Fighter bombers and fighters closely support ground forces in Apennine Mountains between Florence and Bologna where fierce fighting rages on Monte delle Formiche, Livergnano escarpment, Monte delle Tombe, Gesso ridge, and Monte Battaglia. Also hit are communications behind battle area and as far Western and Northern as Genoa, Turin, and Savona.

FIFTEENTH AF—About 180 B‑17’s and B‑24’s, with fighter escort, bomb Vienna Southern ordnance depot, Graz motor works, Southern and SW areas of Vienna, towns of Hirtenberg and Enzesfeld, marshalling yard at Zeltweg, Dravograd railroad bridge on Yugoslav-Hungarian boundary, railroad and highway bridges at Cesara, and Trieste harbor. Over 250 heavy bombers fail to complete missions because of bad weather. 18 P‑51’s strafe targets in Bratislava and Budapest areas, including supply dumps, and trains and destroy 17 airplanes at Esztergom landing ground. 37 other P‑51’s strafe Prostejov airfield and targets of opportunity in surrounding area, destroying nearly 30 aircraft and trucks, locomotives, and railroad cars.

TENTH AF—15 P‑47’s hit guns and enemy positions near Pinhe while 9 attack town of Manwein and hit targets of opportunity in the area. 8 others hit towns of Nayakaung and Nansiaung. 8 B‑25’s attack bridges at Man Pwe, Tahpalai, and Namyao damaging only Man Pwe bridge. 23 P‑47’s hit troops and stores near Tawbon and at Hkawan, knock out Kawnghka bridge and damage Wanling bridge. Transport flights continue to points throughout CBI.

FOURTEENTH AF—2 B‑25’s knock out bridge South of Mangshih. 3 P‑40’s attack sampans from Tanchuk to Tengyun while 8 hit general targets of opportunity North of Mangshih.

FEAF—B‑24’s bomb Koeandang and Langoan area. P‑38’s pound Miti airfield. A‑20’s and fighter bombers attack Liang, Kairatoe, Laha, Haroekoe, and Namlea airfield. Langgoer airfield is bombed by P‑47’s. P‑47’s hit Babo airfield while A‑20’s attack Sarmi troop concentrations. At night B‑24’s bomb Sasa Matina and Buayoan airfield.

SEVENTH AF—Saipan‑based P‑47’s hit buildings on Pagan with rockets and bombs. A Kwajalein‑based B‑24 bombs Wake during the night.

ELEVENTH AF—4 B‑25’s over Shimushiru and parachutemushiru blow up 3 buildings and damage 2 others at Cape Namikawa.

 

US ARMY

WESTERN EUROPE—12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, reserve battalion of 120th Infantry, 30th Division, captures Bardenberg with little difficulty, opening route to North Wuerselen. In VII Corps area, with expiration of surrender ultimatum, Aachen is subjected to heavy aerial and artillery bombardment; patrols of 1st Division probe enemy defenses. 60th Infantry, 9th Division, holds road junction in Huertgen Forest against counterattack and tries unsuccessfully to take another, between first junction and forester’s lodge of Jaegerhaus. Enemy resistance to rear is weakening. 39th Infantry tries in vain to cross open ground between Germeter and Vossenack; elements, moving along draw from Wittscheidt, gain positions North of Vossenack.

            In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 83d Division reverts to VIII Corps, Ninth Army, in place and XX Corps’ North boundary is moved South to Sierck-les Bains. TF Polk is given mission of defending North flank of corps West of the Moselle.

            6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps issues instructions for drive to the Meurthe, calling for capture of Bruyères and Brouvelieures, followed by attack on St Dié. To deceive enemy, heavy program of fire is begun against approaches to Gerardmer.

            In French 1st Army area, the 2d Corps concentrates on clearing region South of the Moselotte.

EASTERN EUROPE—Soviet troops of Second Ukrainian Front force the Tisza (Tisa) River on broad front at Szeged, Hungary’s second largest city, seriously threatening Budapest; others are battering Debrecen, in region East of Budapest; still others, assisted by Rumanians, take Cluj, capital of Transylvania.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 begins another assault on Mont Cauala in evening. Regimental Combat Team 6, BEF, takes Barga. In II Corps area, 133d Infantry of 34th Division withdraws to reserve upon relief by Combat Command A, 1st Armored Division. Further efforts to clear Monterumici hill mass accomplish little. 91st Division strengthens its assault on Livergnano escarpment, committing 363d on right, but makes slow progress; elements of 363d reach top of escarpment. 2d Battalion of 338th Infantry, 85th Division, gains crest of Mont delle Formiche in costly fighting while 3d Battalion clears East slopes; 337th Infantry inches forward toward Hill 578 of Monterenzio hill mass. 350th Infantry, 88th Division, gains foothold on Mont delle Tombe; 351st continues efforts to clear Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area final enemy counterattack against Mont Battaglia is repelled.

            In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Division, upon relief on right flank of corps by 1st Division of Canadian 1 Corps, is withdrawn to reserve and reduced to a skeleton force. Boundary between 5 Corps and Canadian 1 Corps is altered to place Highway 9 within zone of Canadian 1 Corps. Indian 10th Division and 46th Division continue toward the Savio and Cesena, seizing Montecodruzzo, heights East of the Rubicone at Montiano, and Montenovo. In Canadian 1 Corps area, 1st Division strengthens and expands bridgehead across the Fiumicino, moving along Highway 9 almost to the Rigossa. New Zealand 2d Division establishes 2 bridgeheads across the Fiumicino North of Savignano without opposition and, during night 11–12, takes Gatteo.

CBI—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek asks that President Roosevelt recall Gen Stilwell immediately.

P.I.—Carrier aircraft of Third Fleet attack Luzon to neutralize enemy airpower there.

 

US MARINE CORPS