Thursday, 25 June 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill conclude conference in Washington; decision is reached for combined U.S.-British research and development of the atomic bomb.

PACIFIC—Carrier Saratoga (CV-3) ferries 25 USAAF P-40s (73d Fighter Squadron) to Midway to provide fighter defense for the atoll, after the heavy losses suffered by VMF 221 during the Battle of Midway on 4 June. Saratoga also brings in 18 SBDs to bring VMSB 241 (also badly battered at Midway) up to strength.

           Submarine Nautilus (SS-168) torpedoes and sinks Japanese destroyer Yamakaze southeast of Yokosuka, Japan,34°34'N, 140°26'E.

           Submarine Grouper (SS-214) damages Japanese oiler No.3 Tonan Maru, 28°46'N, 136°36'E.

           PBYs (VP 71) bomb Japanese base at Tulagi; Rear Admiral John S. McCain (Commander, Aircraft, South Pacific Force) is present in one of the flying boats to observe operations.

EUROPE—U.S. Army establishes European Theater of Operations under Major General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—Arnold-Portal-Towers agreement concerning air forces for BOLERO is approved by JCS.

EIGHTH AF—HQ is established at Bushy Park, a London suburb.

FIFTH AF—B‑25’s bomb Salamaua.

SEVENTH AF—General Lynd becomes CG VII Bomber Command.

ELEVENTH AF—A field order bases the 404th Bomb Squadron at Fairbanks, to operate out of Nome, to which 1 squadron of the 54th Fighter Group is also sent. Another squadron of the 54th (P‑39’s) is sent to Ft Richardson. 2 B‑17’s, 4 B‑24’s and 1 LB-30 fly bombing and weather missions over Kiska, bombing N side of the harbor.

US ARMY

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA—Admiral King presents his views on projected offensive to General Marshall.

NEW GUINEA—General Basil M. Morris forms new unit, called Maroubra Force, to hold Kokoda Trail over Owen Stanley Range between Port Moresby and Buna. Maroubra Force consists of Australian 39th Battalion, less one company, of Australian 30th Brigade and a Papuan Battalion of 300. Allied garrison arrives at Milne Bay.

EGYPT-LIBYA—Axis forces continue rapidly toward Matruh despite air attacks. General Auchinleck takes personal command of British Eighth Army, relieving General Ritchie; after reviewing situation, decides to continue withdrawal from Matruh to El ‘Alamein.

US MARINE CORPS

President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill conclude conference in Washinton; decision reached for combined efforts to develop atomic bomb.