80 Years Ago, Saturday, 2 September 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Guardfish (SS-217) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Shirakami Maru north of Chichi Jima, 29°48'E,140°20'E.

            Submarine Finback (SS-230), while lifeguarding for Chichi Jima strike, rescues Lieutenant (jg) George H.W. Bush, A-V(N), USNR, of VT 51; Bush will eventually become the 41st President of the United States.

            British submarine HMS Sirdar sinks Japanese guard boat No.5 Kaiyo Maru off northwestern Sumatra, 03°55'N,096°20'E; and submarine HMS Strongbow sinks Japanese army cargo ship No.1 Toso Maru off west coast of Siam,07°57'N, 98°49'E.

            Aircraft flying from TG 38.4’s carrier Enterprise (CV6) further damage Japanese landing ship T.4 previously damaged by aircraft off Chichi Jima.

            Aircraft sink Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser No.2 Misago Maru north of Mindanao.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—A P-47 group strafes gun positions and road and rail trafflc in Bruges-Ghent-Courtrai-Roulers area.

NINTH AF—IX TAC, moving with US First Army, transfers HQ to Versailles. On 11 September HQ follows the ground forces to Jamioulx. Weather grounds bombers. Fighters fly armed reconnaissance and area support to ground forces in Belgium and NW, NE, and E France.

TWELFTH AF—B-25’s bomb 3 bridges in Po Valley, following raid during 1/2 September by A-20’s which hit pontoon bridge and targets of opportunity in the Valley. Fighter bombers blast roads, bridges and gun emplacements in Po Valley, docks at Savona, and shipping off shore. France-based fighter bombers, hampered by poor weather, hit barracks and rail lines in Lyon area.

FIFTEENTH AF—XV FC (Prov) is activated and given control of the 306th Fighter Wing (Prov) and 306th Fighter Wing (Prov)— shortly to be organized—and their 7 fighter groups. 380-plus heavy bombers hit Kraljevo railroad bridge and marshalling yard, railroad bridge at Mitrovica, road bridge at Supovac, and 3 marshalling yards at Nish. 27 P-38’s dive-bomb Cuprija road bridge while 57 P-38’s and 112 P-51’s strafe road and railways in Nish and Belgrade areas. Other P- 51’s escort Nish and Supovac bombing missions.

TENTH AF—8 B-25’s hit targets along Burma Road S of Wanling, including the road itself and bridges at Kawnghka and Namhpakka. Another B-25 hits alternate target, an area in Indaw. 24 B-24’s haul fuel to Kunming.

FOURTEENTH AF—2 B-25’s bomb runway at Hengyang airfield. 30 P-40’s attack gun positions, troop concentrations, and sampans in Hengyang and Changning areas. 20 P-40’s hit similar targets S of Changsha, W of Pengtse, and in Siangtan area. 12 P-51’s damage bridge at Yangtien.

FEAF—B-24’s operating in strength bomb warehouses at Lasang, shipyards and personnel areas at Bunawan, and airfield at Likanan. B-25’s hit warehouses and shipyards along Lembeh Strait, while other B-26’s hit position near Pitoe airfield on S Morotai I. B-24’s bomb Koror. Fighter bombers hit Sorong area and forces at Cape Pus and Boikin.

SEVENTH AF—2 Saipan-based B-24’s hit Yap and Pagan. P-47’s hit AA positions on Pagan with rocket and strafing attacks. Marshalls-based B-25’s bomb Ponape and Nauru.

 

US ARMY

N FRANCE-BELGIUM—21 Army Group: In Canadian First Army’s British 1 Corps area, 49th Division continues along Le Havre Peninsula toward the port, reaching enemy outposts. 51st Division takes St Valery-en-Caux. In 2 Corps area, Canadian 4th Armored Division reaches the Somme E of Abbeville and Polish 1st Armored Division is rapidly approaching the river W of Abbeville.

            In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armored Division drives NE from the Somme to positions beyond St Pol. 30 Corps continues northward so rapidly that planned drop of airborne forces in Tournai area is not necessary. Guards Armored Division reaches Tournai. 11th Armored Division drives to Lille area.

            12th Army Group: Gen Eisenhower, at a commanders’ conference, outlines plans for Third Army and V Corps of First Army to drive to West Wall (Siegfried Line) after supply situation improves.

            In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps gets advance elements into Belgium and drives toward Tournai. V Corps releases French 2d Armored Division, in Paris area, to First Army reserve. Corps continues steadily NE, overrunning Noyon and St Quentin, until ordered to halt on general line Landrecies–Le Cateau–Cambrai. VII Corps pursues enemy into Belgium, crossing border near Maubeuge and Hirson. 3d Armored Division drives to vicinity of Mons. 9th Division, to right, swings NE to positions near Charleroi. 1st Division moves forward to left rear of armor.

            U.S. Third Army is immobilized for lack of fuel. VIII Corps continues to batter outer defenses of Brest. 2d Division takes Hill 105, dominating E approach to the city. 8th Division is battling for Hill 80 and 29th Division for Hill 103. Elements of 83d Division invade Ile de Cézembre, which surrenders. In XX Corps area, while 3d Cavalry Group reconnoiters to the Moselle, 7th Armored Division feints to N from Verdun to confuse enemy, halting short of Sedan when fuel runs out. In XII Corps area, 80th Division ( — ) relieves Combat Command A of 4th Armored Division in Commercy bridgehead; 319th Infantry crosses the Meuse to N at St Mihiel. 2d Cavalry Group patrols to the Moselle. Combat Command B, 6th Armored Division, relieves 35th Division of task of protecting S flank between Orléans and Auxerre.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF regains contact with enemy and clears strongpoint at La Turbia. Provisional Flank Protection Force (TF Bibo) is relieved by 2d Morrocan Division in Briançon area. French are to protect right flank of U.S. Seventh Army and maintain contact with 1st ABTF to S. In VI Corps area, 36th Division halts just E and SE of Lyon to permit French 2d Corps to take the city, which patrol reports largely clear. 179th Infantry, 45th Division, restores positions at Meximieux. In French Army B area, Lt Gen Aim de Goislard de Monsabert takes command of 2d Corps, consisting of 1st Armored and 1st Infantry Divisions.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45, whose 100th (Nisei) Battalion patrols to the Serchio I, crosses additional elements over the Arno and clears N part of Pisa. Combat Command A, 1st Armored Division, clears most of M. Pisano. Elements of S African 6th Armored Division gain slopes of M. Albano. In II Corps area, patrols of Regimental Combat Team 442, 88th Division, make contact with elements of British 1st Division, 13 Corps, at Sesto. Later, 88th Division relieves 442d Infantry for shipment to France with 349th Infantry and is reinforced by attachment of 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, reinforced. British 13 Corps meets firm opposition N of Florence on hills Morello, Senario, Calvana, and Giovi.

            In British Eighth Army area, enemy withdrawal in front of 46th Division of 5 Corps, Canadian 1 Corps, and Polish 2 Corps permits these units to advance rapidly. Canadian 1 Corps, with Canadian 1st Division directed along Route 16 and Canadian 5th Armored Division on an inland route, speeds toward Rimini, forward elements reaching Conca I and establishing bridgehead. Polish 2 Corps finds Pesaro undefended and extends positions in coastal sector to Castel di Mezzo. Corps is now pinched out by rapid advance of Canadians.

MEDITERRANEAN—Gen Wilson, Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean, names Lt Gen R. M. Scobie Commander of Land Forces, Greece. His hq, the reconstituted British 3 Corps hq in Middle East, is designated Force 140 and contains 2d Parachute Brigade from Italy, 23d Armored Brigade from Egypt, and certain Greek forces, such as local police. Eventually Force 140 is augmented by Greek Sacred Regiment and Greek Mountain Brigade, latter coming from Italy. Naval and air forces are allotted to Force 140, former commanded by Rear Adm J. M. Mansfield and later by Air Commodore G. Harcourt-Smith. Gen Scobie is to secure Athens area and maintain law and order in preparation for return of Greek Government. Brig Gen Percy L. Sadler, USA, will act as deputy commander of combined hq of AMLG (Allied Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece) to handle relief and rehabilitation matters.

NEW GUINEA—In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Krueger declares operation terminated. Brig Gen Donald J. Myers relieves Gen Persons as commander of TF TORNADO. On Noemfoor, a second 7,000- foot runway is completed at Kornasoren airdrome. In Vogelkop area, first plane, a C–47, lands at Mar airdrome.

 

US MARINE CORPS

80 Years Ago, Friday, 1 September 1944

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Naval Operating Base, Saipan, is established.

            Heavy cruiser New Orleans (CA-32), light cruiser Biloxi (CL-80), and four destroyers drawn from TG 38.4, bombard Japanese installations at Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima (the bombardment will be repeated the following day). The ships draw no return fire and U.S. gunfire damages landing ship T.105 off the latter place.

            Submarine Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on east coast of Luzon.

            Submarine Pilotfish (SS-386) sinks Japanese auxiliary vessel Ina Maru north-northwest of Chichi Jima, 30°32'N,140°55'E.

           Submarine Tunny (SS-282): Aerial bomb damage, Luzon Strait, 21°50'N, 119°18'E, forces termination of her patrol.

            Other Japanese casualties include merchant cargo ship Sekino Maru sunk by aircraft in Celebes Sea, 01°06'N,122°21'E; and merchant cargo ship Tientsin Maru sunk by mine off Woosung, China.

ATLANTIC—Coast guard cutter Northland (WPG-49) locates German weather ship Kehdingen off Great Koldeyey Island, Greenland, and pursues her through the ice floes. Kehdingen, however, is scuttled by her crew to avoid capture. German submarine U-703's attack on Northland is thwarted by ice.

MEDITERRANEAN—Mine sinks motor minesweeper YMS-21, Toulon, 43°06'N, 05°54'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—950-plus heavy bombers sent against targets in E France and Germany are recalled because of bad weather. 1 heavy bomber bombs railroad at Hasloch. 11 fighter groups offer support, 1 group strafing a locomotive. A P-47 group on sweep strafes transportation targets in Brussels-Antwerp area. 7 P-47 groups bomb and strafe rail lines in N and E France and airfield W of Nancy claiming 5 combat victories and 5 destroyed on the ground.

NINTH AF—IX Troop Carrier Command comes under administrative control of USSTAF and under operational control of First Allied Airborne Army, to increase efficiency, especially for planning, training, and preparation of airborne operations. SHAEF now can deal directly with all elements of an airborne force through a single unified command instead of through various army groups and air forces (i.e. 12 and 21 Army Groups, Ninth AF, and RAF components). Medium bombers attack fortifications in Brest area which artillery fire had been unable to reduce. Escorting fighters fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance in N and E France, and fly cover for 6 divisions in Brussels, Amiens, Saint- Quentin, Cambrai, Reims, and Verdun areas.

TWELFTH AF—During 31 Aug/1 September A-20’s hit gun positions and targets of opportunity in W Po Valley. Weather grounds B-26’s during day but B-25’s score excellent results against road and railroad bridges N and NE of Venice. Fighter bomber and fighters bomb and strafe roads, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and German HQ in battle area N of Florence, and fly armed reconnaissance from Ventimiglia along coast to La Spezia.

FIFTEENTH AF—480-plus heavy bombers attack Boara Pisani, railroad bridges at Tesica/Moravac, Mitrovica, and Kraljevo, railroad bridges at Szolnok, and Mezotur, marshalling yards at Szajol, Debreczen, Berettyoujfalu, and Novi Sad, and airfield at Nish. 51 P-51’s successfully strafe Debreczen airfield. 16 B-17’s evacuate interned US airmen from Rumania. Fighters support bombing and evacuation missions.

TENTH AF—A few P-47’s attack Bhamo and strafe river boats in the area.

FOURTEENTH AF—4 B-24’s claim a small freighter sunk in Formosa Strait. 12 B-25’s bomb Kai Tek airfield and a supply depot S of Canton. B-25’s hit road S of Nanyo, runway at Hengyang, and targets of opportunity near Anjen. 61 P-40’s and P-51’s attack bridges, roads, shipping, airfields troops, and other targets of opportunity at or near Yangtien, Nanyo, Hengyang, Anjen, Changning, and Chiuchiang.

FEAF—50-plus B-24’s bomb Sasa, Matina, and Likanan airfields. Others, failing to reach Mindanao, hit Beo. Fighter bombers hit Boela and airfield at Amahai. A-20’s, P-40’s and B-25’s bomb runways at Babo and Urarom.

SEVENTH AF—Saipan-based P-47’s carry out rocket and strafing strike against Pagan. A lone B-24 on armed reconnaissance bombs Yap. Marshalls-based B-24’s bomb Truk.

ELEVENTH AF—A B-24 bombs Kashiwabara during 31 Aug/1 September. A B-25 bombs a shack on SW coast of Paramushiru and sinks a nearby ship. 5 other B-25’s on this mission turn back due to overcast.

 

US ARMY

U.K.—British Chiefs of Staff propose airborne and amphibious assault (coded DRACULA) on Rangoon.

N FRANCE—21 Army Group (Northern Group of Armies): In Canadian First Army’s British I Corps area, 49th Division, upon crossing the Seine, turns W toward Le Havre while 51st drives toward St Valery-en- Caux. In 2 Corps area, 2d Division takes Dieppe, and port is opened within a week. 3d Division thrusts to Le Trèport. 4th Armored and Polish 1st Armored Divisions are driving quickly toward the Somme, former in the lead.

            In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armored Division crosses the Somme near Airaines. 53d Division, echeloned to left rear, protects left flank of corps. 30 Corps drives rapidly NE with 11th Armored and Guards Armored Divisions spearheading. 11th Armored reaches St Polish – Arras road and Guards Armored bypasses Arras. 50th Division is following up. 12th Army Group (Central Group of Armies): Passes to direct command of SHAEF from command of Gen Montgomery.

            In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 2d Armored Division, followed closely by infantry, reaches positions NW of Cambrai. V Corps speeds toward St Quentin. 4th Division, motorized and reinforced by Combat Command A of 5th Armored Division, takes the lead, thrusting to vicinity of Chauny. Other elements of corps improve positions at and near Compiègne, where bridge construction is in progress. VII Corps swerves from NE to N. Combat Command B of 3d Armored Division drives quickly through Vervins to La Capelle; to right, Combat Command A, in conjunction with 9th Division, reaches Etreaupont–Aubenton area. 1st Division, on corps left flank, reaches Voyenne.

            U.S. Third Army is practically immobilized by acute shortage of gasoline. Enforced lull permits enemy to build up behind the West Wall. In XX Corps area, Combat Command R of 7th Armored Division advances to Etain along Verdun–Metz highway. 3d Cavalry Group, using captured gasoline, patrols eastward toward the Moselle. In XII Corps area, Combat Command A of 4th Armored Division expands Commercy bridgehead over the Meuse, and 80th Division crosses into it. Combat Command B crosses the Meuse S of Commercy. 35th Division protects S flank of army. VIII Corps continues preparations for renewing all-out assault on Brest when ammunition is more plentiful; makes slight gains in limited attack in conjunction with aerial bombardment. Aircraft, warships, and artillery pound Ile de Cézembre, off St Malo, in preparation for amphibious assault by 83d Division force.

S FRANCE—(Southern Group of Armies): In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps is rapidly closing in on Lyon. 36th Division gets forward elements to heights commanding the city. 3d Division is moving forward behind 45th Division. 45th Division, leaving 179th Infantry to defend Meximieux, moves up E bank of the Ain without opposition. In determined attacks supported by tanks and self propelled guns, Germans isolate 179th Infantry within Meximieux at great cost; FFI forces are sent to help 179th. In French Army B area, 2d Corps continues toward Lyon in region W of the Rhône, overrunning Serrières and Firminy.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps begins pursuit of enemy across the Arno. 1st Armored Division, spearheading, crosses Combat Command A and Combat Command B, which push toward M. Pisano and Altopascio, respectively. On coastal flank, TF 45 finishes clearing its zone S of the Arno and crosses 100th (Nisei) Battalion over the river to E of Pisa. S African 6th Armored Division, with task of taking M. Albano, begins to cross the Arno W of Empoli during afternoon. In II Corps area, 88th Division, holding narrow zone along the Arno assigned to II Corps with Regimental Combat Team 442 ( — ), also crosses the Arno in pursuit of enemy. British 13 Corps turns Florence over to Italians.

            In British Eighth Army area, British 5 Corps and Canadian 1 Corps penetrate main defenses of the Gothic Line on M. Gridolfo and Tomba di Pesaro, commanding Foglia I valley. Polish 2 Corps, employing elements of 3d Carpathian Division, crosses the Foglia for drive eastward toward the coast, but is held up by enemy on E slopes of Pozzo Alto.

BALKANS—Allied successes on other fronts, particularly those of Red Army, force German Army Group F to begin withdrawing from Greece and islands of Ionian and Aegean Seas. Main withdrawal route, rail line through Skoplje and Belgrade in Yugoslavia, is so effectively hit by U.S. Fifteenth Air Force during first half of September that air withdrawal is begun from fields in Athens area. All 3 fields are left unserviceable by Fifteenth Air Force attacks during latter half of month.

NEW GUINEA—Regimental Combat Team 123 of 33d Division, untried in combat, arrives at Maffin Bay from E New Guinea to protect 31st Division as it stages for invasion of Morotai I.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

  

80 Years Ago, Thursday, 31 August 1944

USN

PACIFIC–TG 38.4 (Rear Admiral Ralph E. Davison) attacks Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima (strikes will be repeated on 1 and 2September) to neutralize Japanese installations there and provide a diversion in advance of planned operations in the Palau, Morotai, and Philippine areas. Off Iwo Jima, F6Fs from Franklin (CV-13) sink auxiliary minesweeper No.8Toshi Maru, 25°00'N, 141°50'E, and merchant cargo ship Suruga Maru, 24°46'N, 141°19'E.

            U.S. submarines attack Japanese convoy bound for Manila. In Luzon Strait south of Formosa, Barb (SS-220) sinks auxiliary minesweeper No.20 Hinode Maru, 21°21'N, 121°11'E; and army cargo ship Okuni Maru, 21°14'N, 121°22'E. Queenfish (SS-393) sinks army tanker Chiyoda Maru, 21°21'N, 121°06'E, and damages army tanker Rikke Maru,21°30'N, 121°19'E. Sealion (SS-315) sinks minelayer Shirataka, 21°05'N, 121°26'E.

            Submarine Redfish (SS-272) lands supplies and evacuates people from Palawan Island.

            PBYs sink small Japanese cargo vessels No.2 Kairyu Maru and Kabuchi Maru off Ceram.

            RAAF Mitchells sink small Japanese cargo vessel No.8 Sanko Maru off north coast of Alor Island.

            Other Japanese casualties include guardboat No.2 Kyoshin Maru sunk by U.S. aircraft off Halmahera; merchant cargo ship Suruga Maru sunk by aircraft off Iwo Jima, 24°46'N, 141°19'E.; and merchant cargo ship Hoyo Maru damaged by aircraft, Tayeh, Yangtze River.

 

AAF

NINTH AF–99 B-26’s and A-20’s bomb ammo dump at Foret d’Arques and gun positions at Ile de Cezembre. fighters fly armed recon in Amiens, Saint-Quentin, Albert, and Arras areas, ground forces cover for 3 armd divs, battleship cover, and also dive-bomb Ile de Cezembre.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers attack railroad bridges in Po Valley, cutting the bridge at Mira. A-20’s attack Targets of opportunity in Po Valley during 30/31 Aug and along with Fighter Bombers hit comm N of Arno R. Other Fighter Bombers attack comm targets in France as US Seventh Army pushes toward Lyon.

FIFTEENTH AF–45 P-51’s strafe Airfield at Reghin, while 97 others strafe Airfields at Oradea and Kecskemet. fighters claim a record number of over 150 aircraft destroyed on the ground. Starting Operation REUNION, 36 B-17’s evacuate US airmen interned in Rumania from Bucharest (which falls to the Soviet Army today) to Kari.

TENTH AF–6 B-25’s bomb Targets of opportunity at Katha and 3 hit bridges at Bawgyo and Hsenwi.

FOURTEENTH AF–12 B-24’s bomb Takao harbor, damaging dock area and claiming 2 tankers sunk. 14 B-25’s attack Tien Ho, White Cloud, Kai Tek, and Hengyang Airfields. 8 B-25’s attack numerous trucks S of Sint-siang and near Sinshih, hit roads S of Nanyo and damage a freighter near Sinshih. 60-plus Fighter Bombers attack trucks, barracks, supplies, rivercraft, bridges and troops in or near Sinshih, Changsha, Yangtien, Hengyang, Nanyo, Siangtan, Teian, and Shihhweiyao.

SEVENTH AF–Saipan-based P-47’s strafe gun positions at Airfield on Pagan. Yap and Pagan are bombed by single B- 24’s.

 

USA

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, Br 1 Corps continues to crosses the Seine on left flank of army. 2 Corps attacks eastward from Seine bridgehead with 4th Armd Div on right, 3d Div in center, and 2d Div on left. 4th Armd Div drives quickly to Forges and Buchy. 3d Div speeds along St Saens–Londinières road; 2d Div drives toward Dieppe via Tôtes.

            In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div takes the lead and, together with 4th Armd Brig, speeds toward the Somme, reaching Poix– Aumale line. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div reaches Amiens and seizes bridge across the Somme intact. Gds Armd and 50th Inf Divs also reach the river, former crossing E of Amiens.

            12th Army Group:

            In U.S. First Army’s ’s XIX Corps area, 2d Armd Div continues NE on left flank of corps to positions W of Montdidier, well ahead of 79th and 30th Divs, which reach area between Beauvais and Creil. V Corps passes 5th Armd Div through 28th and 4th Divs and continues NE with all three. On left, 28th Div, in conjunction with CCB of 5th Armd Div, closes along Oise R in Chantilly–Compiègne area and crosses elements at Pont Ste Maxence. Among towns overrun are Chantilly, Creil, Pont Ste Maxence, Verberie, and Compiègne. CCB establishes bridgehead in vicinity of Pont Ste Maxence. On V Corps right flank, CCA drives to the Aisne W of Soissons, passing through 4th Div, which follows to Villers- Cotterêts area.

            In VII Corps area, while 1st Div consolidates in Laon and Soissons area, 3d Armd and 9th Infs Divs continue pursuit NE to general line Montcornet–Rethel.

            In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps temporarily suspends operations against Brest and regroups. In XX Corps area, CCA of 7th Armd Div, followed closely by 5th Div, establishes bridgehead across the Meuse at Verdun. 90th Div remains in Reims area. XX Corps advances then comes to a halt to await gasoline. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div reaches the Meuse at Commercy and Pont-sur-Meuse and establishes bridgehead. 80th Div, following on left, reaches Bar-le-Duc area.

S FRANCE—Hq, 6th Army Group, arrives. In U.S. Seventh Army area, patrols of TF Bibo find Briançon free of enemy. VI Corps speeds up the Rhône Valley toward Lyon. 45th Div is concentrating in Meximieux area to protect right flank of corps, prepared to move on Bourg-en-Bresse. 3d Div, upon relief in Rhône Valley, assembles at Voiron, pre-pared to assist either 36th or 45th Div.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front overrun Bucharest, capital of Rumania.

ITALY—AAI: Gen Clark orders U.S. Fifth Army to follow withdrawing enemy. IV Corps patrols cross the Arno, night 31 August–1 September, in preparation for crossing in force and confirm the fact that enemy is withdrawing. Br 13 Corps also confirms rumors of enemy withdrawal. One 1st Div column pushes through Fiesole to Highway 6521 (Florence–Borgo S. Lorenzo); another takes M. Muscoli and M. il Pratone with ease. Br Eighth Army penetrates Gothic Line with elements of Br 5 and Cdn 1 Corps; Pol 2 Corps continues hard battle for Pesaro.

NEW GUINEA—Gen Krueger declares Noemfoor operation at an end. TF CYCLONE has suffered 63 killed, 343 wounded, and 3 missing; has killed about 1,730 Japanese and captured 186. In Vogelkop area, CG Sixth Army, declares Sansapor operation terminated. From 30 July to date, TF TYPHOON has killed about 385 Japanese and Formosans and captured 215 as against a loss of 14 killed, 35 wounded, and 9 injured.

 

USMC

80 Years Ago, Wednesday, 30 August 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Narwhal (SS-167) lands men and supplies on east coast of Luzon.

ATLANTIC–U.S. tanker Jacksonville, steaming in convoy CU 36, is torpedoed by German submarine U-482 while en route to Loch Ewe, Scotland, at 55°30'N, 07°30'W; the gasoline cargo explodes, giving little chance for the 49-man merchant complement or the 29-man Armed Guard to abandon the blazing ship, which breaks in twain at the second massive explosion. Destroyer escort Poole (DE-151) rescues a fireman and one Armed Guard gunner, Jacksonville's only survivors. Escort vessels use depth charges and gunfire to scuttle the after section of the ship; the forward section sinks on its own accord.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–About 200 Heavy Bombers supported by 16 P-51’s bomb 8 V-weapon sites in Pas de Calais area. Later in the day over 600 B-17’s supported by 7 P-51 groups bomb U-boat base and shipyards at Kiel, and aircraft plant and other industry in the Bremen area.

NINTH AF–About 75 A-20’s and B-26’s bomb fuel dump near Arquesla-Bataille, Rouxmesnil-Bouteilles, and gun positions around Ile de Cezembre. Weather grounds fighters.

TWELFTH AF–Weather grounds Medium Bombers. Light Bombers hit Targets of opportunity during 29/30 Aug and fuel storage while Fighter Bombers pound roads and railroads in Po Valley and, on armed recon over Rhone Valley, attack rail lines and motor and horsedrawn vehicles, as US Seventh Army elements continue up Rhone Valley toward Lyon.

FIFTEENTH AF–Over 100 B-24’s and B-17’s bomb railroad bridges at Cuprija, Novi Sad, and Vranjevo. Nearly 100 P- 51’s strafe Kecskemet and Oradea Airfields.

TENTH AF–Several P-47’s bomb and strafe town of Man Sai.

FOURTEENTH AF–B-25’s attack Hengyang, Pailochi, and Hankow Airfields, roads in Nanyo and Changsha areas, and boats between Changsha and Hengyang, and Kichun and Wuhsueh. In Kweiyi and Sintsiang areas 33 P- 40’s claim 58 trucks destroyed, 175 damaged, and at least 100 Japanese killed. 10 P-51’s hit scattered T/O’s in same areas. 21 P-40’s hit barracks, trucks, and a bridge in Siangsiang and Siangtan region. 34 P-40’s and P-51’s attack a variety of targets, including railroad traffic and facilities, occupied areas, and trucks, at Yangtien, between Hengshan and Nanyo, NE of Ichang, SW Hengshan, and near Hengyang.

FEAF–Koror and Malakal are pounded by B-24’s. B-24’s hit Wasile Bay storage and personnel areas while B-25’s make low-level attack on Kaoe town. P-38’s bomb oil tanks, barracks, and AA positions at Boela. P-47’s hit Urarom runway and Manokwari storage area, P-38’s bomb Airfields at Babo and Ransiki, and P-39’s hit Targets of opportunity along W coast of Geelvink Bay.

SEVENTH AF–A B-24 on armed recon from Saipan bombs Yap. P-47’s strafe positions and storage areas on Pagan. Kwajalein-based B-24’s hit Mille.

 

USA

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s Br I Corps area, 51st and 49th Divs, latter with Royal Netherlands Brig, begin crossing the Seine. In 2 Corps area, 2d Div crosses into Seine bridgehead, having cleared W bank of the river. 3d Div takes Rouen without opposition.

            In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps drives eastward from bridgehead with 4th Armd Brig spearheading and 53d Div following. 25-mile advance brings forward elements to Gournay. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div, which is relieved on right flank by Gds Armd Div, is ordered to speed on to the Somme at Amiens and advances through night 30–31.

            12th Army Group:

            In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps, with 2d Armd Div on left, 79th Div in center, and 30th Div on right, drives rapidly NE against light resistance. 2d Armd Div makes greatest gains, reaching positions less than 10 miles from Beauvais. V Corps continues pursuit of enemy northeastward, passing 28th Div through Fr 2d Armd Div to advance abreast 4th Div, 5th Armd Div moves forward to spearhead drive on Compiègne. VII Corps seizes Laon.

            In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, TF B finishes clearing Daoulas Peninsula S of Brest. 29th Div gets elements to crest of Hill 103, commanding feature in Brest defenses, but enemy retains E slopes. In XX Corps area 7th Armd Div speeds toward Verdun against scattered resistance. XII Corps drives eastward toward the Meuse, advance elements of 4th Armd Div reaching St Dizier area. To left, 80th Div is moving SE toward Bar-le-Duc. On right flank, 35th Div pushes SE from Troyes. XV Corps hq and troops are concentrating in Nangis area.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, on Mediterranean coast, elements of 1st ABTF drive through Nice to Beaulieu without opposition. In VI Corps area, battle of Montélimar comes to a close as 1st Bn of 143d Inf, 36th Div, reaches junction of Drôme and Rhône Rivers. TF Butler is disbanded. Next big objective of VI Corps is Lyon, toward which 36th Div is rapidly moving along E bank of the Rhône while Fr 2d Corps pushes toward it along W bank. FFI within Lyon are alerted to assist Fr and U.S. columns when they arrive at the city. Advance elements of 45th Div cross Rhône and Ain Rivers NE of Lyon and establish roadblocks at Meximieux, Lagnieu, and Ambérieu. 157th Inf reverts to 45th Div and moves northward to join it.

            In Fr Army B area, 2d Corps continues its crossing of the Rhône in preparation for drive up W bank. Elements take Nimes and Montpellier. 3d Algerian Div is moving to Grenoble area to relieve 45th Div of VI Corps.

EASTERN EUROPE—Ploesti, center of Rumanian oil industry, falls to troops of Second Ukrainian Front.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army begins attack on main defenses of Gothic Line against stiffening resistance. While Pol 2 Corps continues attack on Pesaro in coastal sector, Cdn 1 and Br 5 Corps thrust across the Foglia.

SWPA—81st Div begins final rehearsals for Palau operation in Guadalcanal area.

 

USMC

80 Years Ago, Tuesday, 29 August 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Destroyer escort Conklin (DE-439) accidentally fires upon U.S. freighter Dominican Victory because of unfamiliarity with recognition signals north of the Marshalls.

            Infantry landing craft LCI-566 is damaged by grounding, south of Oahu, 20°56'N, 157°00'E.

            Submarine Jack (SS-259) sinks Japanese minesweeper W.28 and army cargo ship Mexico Maru northwest of Menado, Celebes, 02°15'N, 122°50.

            PBY sinks Japanese auxiliary sailing vessel Toyokuni Maru at entrance to Ambon Bay, 03°22'S, 129°39'E.

            Aircraft sink Japanese merchant cargo ship Koryu Maru, Kiukiang, China.

            Mine damages Japanese tanker Kaiko Maru in Strait of Malacca, 03°40'N, 100°06'E.

ARABIAN SEA–Dutch freighter Sanetta and U.S. freighter Benjamin Bourn between them rescue the 66 survivors from the U.S. freighter John Barry, which had been sunk by German submarine U-859 the day before.

MEDITERRANEAN–Marine detachments from heavy cruiser Augusta (CA-31) and light cruiser Philadelphia (CL-41) accept the surrender of two German-held islands in Marseilles Harbor and disarm the garrisons.

            U.S. motor torpedo boats PT-302, PT-303, and PT-304 attack two corvettes and one destroyer off Cap Mele, compelling the enemy ships to reverse course and steam for Genoa, Italy. The PTs will continue their patrol into the next morning but make no further sightings.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–5 Fighter Bomber groups attack rail transportation in N France, Belgium, and W Germany. 2 Airfields, 3 marshalling yards, rail lines at several points, and a large number of rail and road vehicles are attacked.

NINTH AF–Bad weather allows only minimum bomber and fighter operations. B-26’s attack 1 fuel dump while a few fighters fly sweeps over NW France. Over 100 transports complete supply and evacuation missions.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers hit 4 bridges and a viaduct in NE Italy while Light Bombers hit fuel station. Fighter Bombers hit roads and bridges in N Italy and support ground forces in Arno R Valley. P-47’s of 87th Wing fly Medium Bomber escort and armed recon, claiming 100 vehicles destroyed. XII TAC fighters attack targets in Rhone Valley.

FIFTEENTH AF–550 Heavy Bombers strike comm targets in Po Valley and in the Hungarian Plain, oil refineries and comm targets in the Silesian Plain, including Bohumin area, steel works and marshalling yard, Moravska-Ostrava marshalling yard, oil refineries and industrial area including tank works, Szolnok and Szeged marshalling yards, and railway bridges at Szeged, Borovnica, Salzano, and Ferrara. P-38’s bomb Latisana bridge.

TENTH AF–8 B-25’s attack targets in Katha and hit 2 bridges just N of the town area. 8 P-51’s attack Bilumyo. 5 P- 47’s destroy road bridge at Mainghka and 5 others hit buildings in Bhamo.

FOURTEENTH AF–24 B-24’s escorted by 45 fighters, blast railroad yards at Yoyang. 15 B-25’s bomb Pailochi, White Cloud, Tien Ho, and Hankow Airfields. 10 others hit trucks and other Targets of opportunity from Hengyang to Yoyang, from Hankow to Chinchiang, and near Anjen. 18 P-40’s hit storage area and Targets of opportunity around Tangyang. 17 attack trucks and buildings from Siangtan to Changsha. 14 P-40’s claim 8 fighters downed over Shayang. 22 others attack trucks, supplies, and troops at Wuhu, Ichang, S of Isuho, SW of Lungling, and N of Hengshan.

FEAF–B-24’s bomb Koror, Malakal, seaplane base on Arakabesan, and supply area N of Ngesebus Airfield. B- 24’s bomb barracks at Amboina and P-38’s hit seaplane base at Halong.

TWENTIETH AF–Gen LeMay becomes CG XX BC.

SEVENTH AF–Saipan-based B-24’s bomb Iwo Jima and Pagan during the evening. P-47’s strafe AA positions on Pagan while a B-24 on armed recon bombs Yap. Gilberts based B-25’s bomb Nauru.

 

USA

N FRANCE—Gen Eisenhower directs that main effort be made in N.

            21 Army Group:

            In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div has completed crossing of the Seine and holds loop of river W of Les Andelys. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div, reinf by 8th Armd Brig, takes the lead, heading toward the Somme at Amiens and reaching Mainneville area.

            12th Army Group: Issues instructions for operations beyond the Seine. Gasoline shortage is acute and Third Army is given priority on supply by air.

            In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps takes over zone of XV Corps at noon and assumes command of 2d Armd and 30th and 79th Inf Divs. 2d Armd Div drives through 79th Div to Magny en Vexin. 30th Div, to right, reaches line Wy-dit-Joli-Village– Saillancourt. XV Corps reverts to Third Army control and is held in reserve. V Corps, leaving Fr 2d Armd Div behind in Paris, drives NE with 4th Div to Mitry Mory–Le Plessis area. 28th Div parades NE through Paris to its assigned attack position W of 4th Div. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div, spearheading drive on Laon, crosses Aisne R east of Soissons.

            U.S. Third Army orders advance continued to the Meuse. In VIII Corps area, 2d Rangers of TF Sugar, 29th Div, take Pointe de Corsen as assault on Brest continues against unabated resistance. XX Corps speeds NE to Reims, which 5th Div captures. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div overruns Châlons-sur-Marne and Vitry-le-François.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF, on Mediterranean coast, begins crossing Var R. Plans are made at commanders’ conference at Seventh Army hq for junction of OVERLORD and DRAGOON forces. In VI Corps’ Rhône Valley sector, organized resistance at Loriol and Livron, on Highway 7, comes to an end. 36th and 3d Divs are mopping up enemy rear guards. 3d Div is to assemble at Voiron, NW of Grenoble, upon relief by French; 36th is to continue N toward Lyon. To right, 45th Div continues to probe northward with 179th and 180th Regts.

            In Fr Army B area, 2d Moroccan Div, in process of debarking, is ordered to extreme right flank of Seventh Army; 3d Algerian Div is to advance to its left; 9th Colonial Div is to be committed gradually.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third Ukrainian Front take Constanta, Black Sea port.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div column reaches Consuma, on Highway 70.

            In Br Eighth Army area, as Pol 2 Corps attempts to clear Pesaro, on Adriatic coast, Cdn 1 and Br 5 Corps thrust to Foglia R, behind which enemy is moving reinforcements in effort to stem Br advance. Ind 10th Div of 10 Corps finds Bibbiena, on Route 71, abandoned by enemy.

CHINA—Japanese 11th Army, consisting of 7 divs, starts S down RR from Heng-yang, threatening U.S. Fourteenth Air Force bases at Kweilin and Liuchow.

 

USMC

 

80 Years Ago, Monday, 28 August 1944

USN

PACIFIC–USAAF B-25s sink auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 77 at south entrance of Paramushiro straits, Kurils, 50°31'N,150°12.7'E.

ARABIAN SEA–U.S. freighter John Barry, en route from Aden to the Persian Gulf (see 19 & 24 July and 20 & 26 August), is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-859 at 15°10'N, 55°18'E. Two members of the merchant crew are lost during the abandonment, but 39 of the 41- man merchant complement and the entire 27-man Armed Guard survive (see 29 August).

MEDITERRANEAN–German garrisons at Marseilles, including outlying islands and St. Mandrier battery (the sole remaining enemy pocket in Toulon), surrender at 1100.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–Weather prevents Heavy Bomber operations. 8 P-51 groups fly strafing sweeps against rail and road trafflc in areas in or around Brussels, Antwerp, Namur, Mezieres, Metz, Strasbourg, Trier, and Bad Kreuznach. Claims include 8 aircraft and nearly 150 locomotive destroyed. 16 P-51’s are lost. Fighter Bombers fly 2 strafing and bombing operations. The first is flown by 6 groups against rail and road traffic in and around Strasbourg, Saarbrucken, Sarrebourg, Metz, and Trier. In the second, 5 groups attack rail and road traffic in NW France, Belgium, and the Netherlands including bombing 13 marshalling yards.

NINTH AF–B-26’s and A-20’s of IX BC bomb fuel dumps at Doullens, Barisis-aux-Bois, ammo dump at Querrieu, ammo and fuel dump at Compiegne/Foret de Laigue, and alcohol distillery and fuel storage depot at Hamm. fighters escort BC and about 400 transports on supply and evacuation runs, attack Airfields at Bourges and Peronne, support ground forces, and fly armed recon from Amiens to E of Dijon.

TWELFTH AF–B-25’s bomb railroad bridges in Lyon area. B-26’s destroy several airplanes at Villafranca di Verona Airfield and bridge at Parma. A-20’s hit motor transport and other Targets of opportunity during 27/28 Aug, fly armed recon over Po Valley and blast command post SE of Genoa. Fighter Bombers hit vehicles in Rhone Valley, bomb and strafe roads and bridges in battle area N of Arno R and hit shipping in Imperia and Savona harbors.

FIFTEENTH AF–560-plus Heavy Bombers escorted by P-38’s and P-51’s strike Moosbierbaum oil refinery and adjacent chemical works, oil refinery at Szony, railroad bridges and viaducts at Szolnok, Zambana, Avisio, and Ora, and marshalling yards at Miskolc.

TENTH AF–4 P-47’s bomb tank pool at Momauk, while 5 others hit Myintha. 2 P-47’s support ground forces in Pinbaw area.

FOURTEENTH AF–8 B-25’s bomb Tien Ho, White Cloud, Hankow, and Pailochi Airfields. 8 more attack river and road traffic from Chiuchiang to Hankow and from Hengyang to Puchi. 32 P-40’s pound Targets of opportunity at Hengyang and Pailochi. 23 P-40’s attack Taying storage buildings and 10 P-40’s and P-51’s hit Anjen and nearby Targets of opportunity.

FEAF–B-24’s hit Koror, Airfield on Peleliu, and seaplane base on Arakabesan. Fighter Bombers hit Kokas, vessels off Point Karakra, barracks at Nabire, storage facilities at Moemi and Manokwari and Boram fuel dumps. A-20’s and Fighter Bombers attack small vessels along E coast of Ceram.

TWENTIETH AF–Gen Hansell assumes command of XXI BC. Gen Norstad succeeds Hansell as CoS of Twentieth AF.

SEVENTH AF–Saipan-based B-24’s pound Iwo Jima by day and night. P-47’s hit Pagan and Maug Is. A B-24 on armed recon bombs Yap. Gilberts-based B-25’s strike Ponape; Marshalls-based B-24’s hit Truk.

 

USA

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps expands bridgehead toward Rouen.

            In Br Second Army area, 12 Corps expands its bridgehead across the Seine. In 30 Corps area, entire 43d Div is across the Seine; bridgehead extends about 4 miles in width and 3 miles in depth.

            12th Army Group:

            In U.S. First Army area, XV Corps continues to improve positions in Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead. 2d Armd Div is attached to corps to pass through 79th Div and spearhead breakout. In V Corps area, Gen Gerow, in letter to Gen Pierre Joseph Koenig, Military Governor of Paris, turns over the city to the French. Fr 2d Armd Div and 4th Div continue attacks NE of Paris. 5th Armd and 28th Inf Divs are attached to corps. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div pursues disorganized enemy to Soissons.

            In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues to batter Brest. 29th Div takes direct command of TF Sugar from 175th Inf; 116th Inf is pushing E along Le Conquet–Recouvrance highway. CCB, 6 Armd Div, leaves Lorient for Third Army zone. XX Corps is speedily closing in on Reims. In XII Corps area, CCA columns, followed by 80th Div, continue rapidly toward the Marne at Châlons-sur-Marne and Vitry-le-François.

S FRANCE—U.S. Seventh Army directs that another trap be set for retreating enemy before he reaches the Belfort Gap. While 2d Corps of Fr Army B drives N along W bank of the Rhône, VI Corps is to move N via Lyon, Beaune, and Dijon to make contact with OVERLORD forces and block off enemy from the Rhine. FFI and TF Bibo troops are driven from Briançon by enemy. In VI Corps area, 3d Div clears rear-guard opposition from Montélimar, enabling 36th Div to seize hill masses to N and NE. Corps’ attention shifts to Drôme R line, where final phase of Montélimar battle is being fought. 142d Regt, 36th Div, surrounds Livron, blocking Highway 7 N of the Drôme, but most of German Nineteenth Army has escaped northward through the Montélimar trap. TF Butler and 143d Inf isolate Loriol, S of Livron. Withdrawing enemy traffic remains a lucrative target for aircraft and arty. 45th Div’s 180th Inf moves to Grenoble; 179th continues northward toward Lyon.

            In Fr Army B’s 2d Corps area, all resistance in Toulon area comes to an end with surrender of San Mandrier Peninsula to 9th Colonial Div. Germans also surrender Marseille. 80th German garrison commanders are captured. During the battle for these important ports, in which FFI forces have given valuable assistance, 2 German divs have been eliminated. 9th Colonial Div is given temporary mission of guarding Toulon–Marseille area. Other elements of 2d Corps continue to cross the Rhône in Avignon– Arles area.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Second Ukrainian Front drive into Transylvania through Oituz Pass in the Carpathian Mts.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s Br 13 Corps area, 17th Brig of 8th Ind Div, attacking night 28– 29, takes Tigliano, N of Pontassieve. 6th Armd Div, securing right flank of corps, gets column beyond Rufina, on Highway 67. Br Eighth Army continues to gain ground toward Gothic Line, Pol 2 Corps, on right, reaching Arzilla R.

 

USMC

80 Years Ago, Sunday, 27 August 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine Guitarro (SS-363) attacks Japanese convoy bound for Coron Bay, sinking merchant tanker No.25 Nanshin Maru, damaging No.3 Nanshin Maru, and forcing tanker No.25 Nanshin Maru aground, 12°26'N, 119°55'E.

            Submarine Stingray (SS-186) lands men and supplies on northwest shore of Luzon.

            PVs sink Japanese vessel Tensho Maru between Odomari and Onnekotan Island, Kurils.

            High speed minesweeper Boggs (DMS-3) and submarine chaser PC-783 are damaged in collision, San Diego, California.

ATLANTIC–Tank landing ship LST-327 is damaged by mine, while en route from Cherbourg to Southampton, England.

MEDITERRANEAN–Destroyer Ericsson (DD-440) captures fishing vessel attempting to escape Toulon, France, and takes 50 German submariners as POWs. Motor torpedo boat PT-552 sinks four German explosive motorboats at entrance to Toulon, harbor, but control boat escapes.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–Over 1,200 Heavy Bombers fly against Berlin area targets but abort mission due to high clouds. Over 150 of the Heavy Bombers attack Targets of opportunity in German coastal area and Danish peninsula, including 4 Airfields, 2 marshalling yards, 2 islands, 3 cities, and scattered targets. 11 P-51 groups provide escort and strafe ground targets in Germany, destroying several including 24 locomotives. 5 B-17’s and 10 P-51’s are lost. 8 Fighter Bomber groups strafe and bomb rail transportation in E France and the Saar, claiming, among other targets, over 100 locomotives and over 200 train cars destroyed.

NINTH AF–IX BC attacks troop concentrations in Rouen area, Rouen bridge, Boulogne-sur-Mer/Boursin navigational beam station, and Bucyles-Pierrepont and Foret de Samoussy fuel dumps. fighters cover ground forces and fly sweeps and armed recon in Senlis area and S of Loire R claiming 16 aircraft (11 in the air) destroyed, and losing 6.

TWELFTH AF–Medium Bombers hit gun emplacements in Marseille area and bomb bridges at Berceto. Fighter Bombers continue armed recon in Po Valley and over roads leading N from battle line N of the Arno R. Light Bombers bomb Targets of opportunity in Po Valley during 26/27 Aug, fly armed recon and during the day hit ammo stores in NC Italy.

FIFTEENTH AF–530-plus fighters supported Heavy Bombers attack 2 oil refineries in Blechhammer, railroad bridge at Ferrara, and viaducts at Avisio, Venzone, and Borovnica.

TENTH AF–23 P-47’s support ground forces in Pinbaw area, hitting Kondangyi and troops and strongpoints near Pinbaw.

FOURTEENTH AF–7 B-25’s bomb Hengyang, Tien Ho, White Cloud, and Pailochi Airfields. 9 others hit road and river trafflc in Yoyang, Hankow, Changsha, and Hengyang areas. 120-plus P-40’s and P-51’s hit Targets of opportunity in the above areas plus Yangtien, Chachiang, Anjen, Leiyang, Sintsiang, Siangsiang, and Siangtan, damaging or destroying numerous trucks, many rivercraft and hitting several troop concentrations.

FEAF–FBs hit Miti and Airfields at Babo, Ransiki, Sagan, and Manokwari. Fighter Bombers hit bivouacs near Boram, troops between Abau and Boikin, and a fuel dump and barges at Kairiru I.

SEVENTH AF–A Saipan-based B-24 bombs Iwo Jima while another, after photo recon of Woleai, bombs Yap. P-47’s bomb AA positions on Pagan and strafe buildings on Alamagan.

ELEVENTH AF–5 B-24’s bomb and photograph Kashiwabara in 2 raids. 4 B-25’s on a shipping sweep E of the N Kurils bomb and strafe picket boats damaging 1 and leaving another sinking.

 

USA

N FRANCE—21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, Br 1 Corps elements reach the Seine in coastal sector. In 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd and 3d Inf Divs begin crossing the Seine between Elbeuf and Pont de l’Arche and clear Tourlaville.

            In Br Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div begins crossing the Seine E of Louviers and establishes bridgehead in Muids–Porte-Joie area with ease. A second crossing site, about a mile upstream, is found to be strongly defended and is abandoned. 30 Corps continues to expand and strengthen bridgehead at Vernon.

            12th Army Group: Allocates priority in supply to First Army. Supplies are becoming increasingly short.

            In U.S. First Army area, XV Corps attacks with 30th Div on right and 79th on left to enlarge Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead. In V Corps area, against scattered resistance, Fr 2d Armd Div and 4th Div, former on right, drive NE to outskirts of Paris, French overcoming strong opposition at Le Bourget airfield. Generals Eisenhower and Bradley visit Paris and confer with Gen Charles de Gaulle. In VII Corps area, 3d Armd Div speeds NE toward Soissons with 4th Cav Gp spearheading and 1st and 9th Divs following, crossing the Marne in Mieux area and taking that town.

            In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps completes encirclement of Brest. TF Sugar, 29th Div, cuts main Le Conquet–Recouvrance highway. 83d Div moves forward to protect S flank along Loire R W of Orléans. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div drives NE toward Reims on broad front, followed by 5th and 80th Divs. Armored forces reach the Marne at Château-Thierry, secure crossings, and overrun that town. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div heads from Troyes NE toward Châlonssur- Marne, followed by 80th Div. 35th Div protects S flank of army from Orléans to Troyes.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3d Div, coming up from the S, secures positions from which to attack Montélimar. 36th Div restores line along the Roubion. TF Butler reaches Highway 7 at La Coucourde but is unable to block it. So effective is arty fire, however, that a block is formed by wrecked enemy vehicles. Aircraft and arty are taking an increasingly heavy toll of enemy columns in Montélimar–Livron sector. 45th Div ( — ) is probing toward Lyon from Grenoble; 179th Inf takes Bourgoin, midway between Grenoble and Lyon. 180th Inf, holding defensive positions in N part of right flank of corps in Briançon area, is relieved by Prov .Flank Protection Force, called TF Bibo, in order to move to Grenoble area. TF Bibo, commanded by Lt Col Harold S. Bibo and under Seventh Army control, consists of Tr A of 117th Cav Rcn Sq; elements of 2d, 3d, and 83d Chemical Bns; 2 platoons of 180th Inf AT Co; and battery of 171st FA Bn.

            In Fr Army B area, 2d Corps continues to clear environs of Toulon and city of Marseille. At 1745 bombardment of San Mandrier Peninsula, S of Toulon, is halted and Germans agree to surrender the peninsula, effective on 28th. At Marseille, Fort St Nicolas surrenders, but scattered opposition remains. In evening, German command requests interview to discuss surrender terms.

EASTERN EUROPE—Focsani falls to troops of Second Ukrainian Front; Galati, third largest city in Rumania and chief port on the Danube, to those of Third Ukrainian Front.

ITALY—AAI: Br Eighth Army makes steady progress northward toward main Gothic Line positions. BURMA—In NCAC area, Br 36th Div, continuing down Mogaung–Mandalay RR corridor, takes Pinbaw.

NEW GUINEA—1st Bn, 158th Inf, relieves elements of 503d Para Inf remaining in S part of Noemfoor.

 

USMC

80 Years Ago, Saturday, 26 August 1944

USN

PACIFIC–Submarine chaser PC(S)-1404 transports a marine reconnaissance party to Aguijan Island; after recovering the leathernecks, she bombards the island.

            Light cruiser Boise (CL-47) is damaged when rammed accidentally by harbor tug Heroine, Sydney, Australia.

            Submarine tender Pelias (AS-14) is damaged by grounding in San Francisco Bay.

            Submarine Batfish (SS-310) causes further damage to grounded destroyer Samidare on Velasco Reef, Palau, 08°30'N,134°37'E (see 18 August). Submariners observe Japanese blowing up the remainder of the wreckage.

            Submarine S-18 (SS-123) is damaged when accidentally rammed by medium landing craft LSM-135, Naval Repair Base, San Diego, California.

EUROPE–Motor torpedo boats PT-511, PT-514 and PT-520 take part in night engagement (that lasts into the following day) that turns back the last German attempt to reinforce the besieged garrison at Le Havre; the PTs sink German artillery ferries AFP 98 and AFP 108.

 

AAF

EIGHTH AF–Heavy Bombers are dispatched in 4 operations against targets in France and Germany. In first operation 95 B-24’s bomb synthetic oil plant at Ludwigshafen, marshalling yards at Ehrang and Konz-Karthaus, and other targets at Alzey and Meisenheim. 2 fighter groups fly support, with 1 group later strafing Speyer Airfield. In second operation 171 B-17’s escorted by 1 P-51 group bomb 8 gun positions at Brest while clouds prevent over 150 other Heavy Bombers from bombing. In the third operation over 400 B-17’s and B-24’s bomb 2 synthetic oil plants, 2 oil refineries, a fuel depot, 2 Airfields, and Targets of opportunity in NW Germany. 7 fighter groups escort, with 1 group later conducting strafing attacks. In last operation an attack by 30 B-17’s against 3 liquid oxygen plants in Belgium is aborted because of thick haze. 1 P-51 group gives uneventful support.

NINTH AF–IX TCC is relieved of its assignment to the Ninth AF upon transfer of the command and its serv organizations from IX AFSC to First Allied Airborne Army commanded by Gen Brereton. IX BC strikes fuel dumps at Saint-Gobain, Fournival/ Bois-de-Mont, and Compiegne/Clairoix, and troop and equipment concentrations at Rouen. fighters fly escort to BC, ground forces and assault area cover, and armed recon in Rouen, Dijon, Chatillon-sur-Seine and S Loire areas.

TWELFTH AF–During 25/26 Aug Fighter Bombers on armed recon over W Po Valley and over Nice area bomb vehicles and other Targets of opportunity, and during day bomb ammo dumps in SE France and in NC Italy. Medium Bombers hit guns in Marseille area but several missions into Rhone Valley are aborted due to bad weather. Fighter Bombers and fighters fly armed recon over N Italy and SE France, attacking rail lines, roads, guns, vehicles, and other Targets of opportunity.

FIFTEENTH AF–470-plus Heavy Bombers escorted by P-38’s and P-51’s attack viaducts and bridges at Venzone, Avisio, and Latisana, and hit train ferry and terminal at Giurgiu, Airfield at Otopeni, barracks and troops in Baneasa area and viaduct at Borovnica.

FOURTEENTH AF–3 B-24’s bomb storage area at Amoy. 3 B-25’s bomb barracks area near Wenchow harbor and damage bridge near Sincheng. 31 Fighter Bombers attack railroad targets, troops, sampans, and other Targets of opportunity in or near Yangtien, Yungfengshih, Siangsiang, Anjen, Laiyuan, Kinhwa, and Pengtse.

FEAF–B-24’s bomb Koror and Peleliu Airfields. Other B-24’s bomb Haroekoe and Liang Airfields. A-20’s in close ground support hit troop concentrations in the Sarmi sector. Fighter Bombers hit Targets of opportunity in Wewak and Suain areas. P- 39’s maintain patrols over W shore of Geelvink Bay.

SEVENTH AF–Saipan-based B-24’s bomb Iwo Jima Airfield. P-47’s blast AA guns and troops on Pagan and Aguijan. A B- 24 on armed recon bombs Woleai and Yap.

ELEVENTH AF–3 B-24’s hit Kashiwabara staging area during early morning, starting several fires. Later 6 B-25’s strafe and bomb E coast of N Kurils, sinking a patrol boat. 1 out of 4 interceptors and one of the B- 25’s are hit. 7 more B-24’s bomb targets on Kashiwabara and on Otomari Cape, including docks, piers, boats, and a fuel dump. 6 P-38’s unsuccessfully attempt to intercept 4 unidentified aircraft W of Attu.

 

USA

N FRANCE—Gen Montgomery directs Cdn First Army to clear Pas-de-Calais; Br Second Army to push into Belgium; U.S. First Army to support Br drive, moving forward on axis Paris–Brussels. 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps prepares to cross the Seine S of Rouen. Patrols of 4th Armd Div cross in evening.

            In Br Second Army area, 30 Corps expands and strengthens bridgehead at Vernon.

            12th Army Group:

            In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps is relieved by Br forces and releases 30th Div to XV Corps. XV Corps maintains Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead and mops up. In V Corps area, while Fr 2d Armd Div mops up scattered opposition within Paris, 4th Div returns to positions SE of the city and protects Seine bridgehead and airfields in the area. In VII Corps area, additional elements of 3d Armd Div cross the Seine and push northward rapidly.

            U.S. Third Army, with gasoline running low, receives a shipment by air. VIII Corps continues to make slow progress toward Brest against firm opposition. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div thrusts quickly NE toward Château-Thierry and the Marne. Nogent-sur-Seine falls to 5th Div. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div mops up Troyes; 35th Div patrols on right flank.

S FRANCE—In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, air and arty continue to help interdict northward withdrawal of enemy. 3d Div continues steadily northward toward Montélimar overcoming rear-guard opposition at Orange. 36th Div is unable to restore line along the Roubion at Bonlieu, and Germans withdraw additional units through the gap. TF Butler is ordered to restore block on Highway 7 at La Coucourde. Corps takes direct control of 757th Inf ( — 3d Bn), 45th Div. 2d Bn of 157th, moving W to reinforce 36th Div, seizes Allex, N of the Drôme and E of Livron, blocking lower reaches of the Drôme. 1st Bn assists in defending Crest.

            In Fr Army B’s 2d Corps area, organized resistance within Toulon comes to an end, but Germans retain San Mandrier Peninsula S of the city. At Marseille, further progress is made and fortified heights of Notre Dame de la Garde, within the city, capitulate. Forward elements of corps reach the Rhône in Avignon–Arles area and begin crossing.

EASTERN EUROPE—Troops of Third Ukrainian Front, advancing along the Prut R toward Galati, reach the Danube. Troops of Second Ukrainian Front are moving through Focsani–Galati gap. Bulgaria begins surrender negotiation with Allies.

ITALY—AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Br 13 Corps consolidates positions N of the Arno. In IV Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div is committed to line and begins relief of 85th Div, latter reverting to II Corps. Br Eighth Army secures bridgeheads across the Metauro in zones of Br 5, Cdn 1, and Pol 2 Corps with little difficulty.

 

USMC