Thursday 1 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Grouper (SS‑214) torpedoes and sinks Japanese army transport Lisbon Maru 20 miles north of Chushan Island, 29°57'N, 122°56'N. [Unknown to the Grouper, Lisbon Maru was a "hell ship" transporting British Prisoners of War--over 850 of whom were murdered by the Japanese, either shot or drowned locked in the holds.] Submarine Kingfish (SS‑234) torpedoes and sinks merchant cargo ship Yomei Maru off Ichiezaki, Japan, 33°31'N,135°26'E.

            Submarine Nautilus (SS‑168) sinks merchant cargo ship Tosei Maru east of Shiriyazaki, Japan, 41°20'N, 141°35'E.

            Submarine Sturgeon (SS‑187) damages Japanese aircraft transport Katsuragi Maru off Cape St. George, New Ireland,05°51'S, 153°18'E.

ATLANTIC—Advanced Group, Amphibious Forces, Atlantic Fleet becomes Amphibious Forces, Europe under the Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe (Admiral Harold R. Stark).

            Destroyer Roe (DD‑418), 20 miles off the coast of Trinidad, rescues the 19 men (17 merchant seamen and 2 Armed Guard sailors) from U.S. freighter West Chetac, sunk by German submarine U‑175 on 24 September 1942, and transports them to Port-of-Spain.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s bomb shipping in Pylos Bay, claiming 2 direct hits and several near misses on a large vessel. Other B‑24’s dispatched to bomb convoy at sea fail to find target.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s and P‑400’s pound forces and comm in Owen Stanley Range, hitting Menari, Kagi; Myola Lake, Kokoda area, Wairopi bridge, and Buna-Wairopi trail.

ELEVENTH AF—A Japanese reconnaissance airplane over Adak establishes US occupation on the island. 7 B‑24’s on a search attack and photo reconnaissance mission over Kiska hit hangars and ramps, starting several fires. 4 fighters appear and are engaged. 1 probable victory is claimed. 2 other B‑24’s take off, after Navy Catalinas contact transport, but cannot locate it.

US ARMY

NEW GUINEA—GHQ issues plan for encirclement and reduction of Buna-Gona beachhead. Upon securing Kumusi River line from Wairopi southeastward, Goodenough Island, and N coast from Milne Bay to Cape Nelson, concerted assault is to be made on Buna-Gona area. Advance will be along 3 routes: Kokoda Trail, where Australians are now pursuing enemy; from S coast to Jaure along either Rigo or Abau track, both of which are being reconnoitered; NW along coast from Milne Bay.

MIDDLE EAST—Letter of Instructions is issued to Brigadier General Donald H. Connolly, commander-designate of PGSC. CG USAFIME is to exercise administrative supervision over PGSC.

USSR—Bitter fighting continues within and near Stalingrad throughout October, German Army Group B making limited progress against determined resistance. Red Army efforts to relieve the besieged city, which is under severe air and artillery bombardment, prove futile. Drives of German Army Group A are virtually halted by Soviet resistance. Red Army contains attacks toward Grozny oil fields.

            In NW sector of this front, fierce battles occur in Novorossisk-Tuapse area along Black Sea coast. German offensive is steadily losing momentum because of fuel shortage, heavy losses in manpower, difficult terrain, and firm opposition.

US MARINE CORPS

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Wednesday, 30 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Heavy cruiser San Francisco (CA‑38) and light minelayer Breese (DM‑18) are damaged in collision, New Hebrides area, 15°39'S, 167°39'E.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TWELFTH AF—General Dunton assumes command of XII AF Service Command.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s, A‑20’s, and P‑40’s pound occupied areas at Menari, Myola Lake, Kagi, and Efogi and bridge at Wairopi.

ELEVENTH AF—Of 9 B‑24’s off to bomb Kiska and Attu, 2 turn back. The others blast Attu Camp area, and at Kiska Harbor score at least 1 direct hit and near misses on a ship. 8 fighters intercept over Kiska and Little Kiska but inflict no losses.

US ARMY

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS—Enemy makes the first of a number of nuisance raids on Adak.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 29 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I‑25 drops incendiary bombs on a forest in southern coastal Oregon--the second and last time a Japanese aircraft will bomb the continental United States during World War II in an attempt to ignite forest fires.

            Cargo ship Alhena (AK‑26) is damaged by Japanese submarine I‑4, 20 miles south of San Cristobal Island, Solomons,10°47'S, 161°16'E.

ATLANTIC—Open lighters YC‑898 and YC‑899 sink off Key West, Florida, while in tow en route from New Orleans to Key West.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—US pilots who had been members of 3 RAF Eagle Squadrons are taken over by VIII Fighter Command and organized into 4th Fighter Group.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s hit harbor installations at Suda Bay. P‑40’s fly offensive sweep over battle area, and carry out interception mission against Stukas over front-line near El Alamein.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s bomb AA positions at Buna and airfield at Salamaua. A single A‑20 bombs Menari area.

ELEVENTH AF—Morning armed reconnaissance mission is flown by an LB‑30 over Semichis and Attu. It strafes a ship at Attu. 3 B‑ 24’s bomb and strafe sea transport, scoring no hits.

US ARMY

SOLOMON ISLANDS—Troop strength of Guadalcanal garrison is now 19,261; 3,260 troops are on Tulagi. 6th Naval Construction Battalion is constructing airstrip.

MADAGASCAR—Continuing S from Tananarive, British forces occupy Fianarantsoa. 2 companies of Pretoria Regiment and a few armored cars from Diego Suarez land on SW coast at Tulear in order to secure the port, airfield, and seaplane base site for patrolling Mozambique Channel.

UNITED KINGDOM—U.S. fliers of 3 RAF Eagle Squadrons are transferred to USAAF.

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 28 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Nautilus (SS-168) torpedoes and sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship No.6 Tamon Maru east of Japan,40°35'N, 141°50'N.

            Submarine Sculpin (SS-191) torpedoes Japanese seaplane carrier Nisshin east of Kokoda Island; the submarine is damaged by depth charges off New Britain, 03°47'S, 151°36'E but continues her patrol.

            Submarine Trout (SS-202) torpedoes Japanese escort carrier Taiyo east of Truk, 06°59'N, 151°45'E.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Alcoa Mariner is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑175 approximately 20 miles off the mouth of the Orinoco River, 08°57'N, 60°08'W; all hands survive the loss of the ship. Canadian motorship Turret Cape rescues 41 merchant seamen and the 13 man Armed Guard.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—P‑40’s and P‑400’s bomb and strafe Wairopi bridge, village of Kagi, Myola Lake area, and targets of opportunity along Buna-Kokoda trail. 1 B‑17 bombs airfield at Lae. Main body of 126th Infantry, US 32d Division, arrives at Port Moresby and is assigned to New Guinea Force to join Australian advance on Wairopi.

ELEVENTH AF—2 bombing missions are flown to Kiska and Attu by 7 B‑24’s, 1 B‑17, and 1 LB-30, escorted by 17 fighters. Installations on Kiska and a freighter nearby are bombed. 1 of the B‑24’s and the LB-30 bomb village and Chichagof Harbor on Attu and on returning silence AA guns on a freighter. 5 float-planes are shot down, and 1 submarine is sunk. 1 P‑39 is shot down.

US ARMY

NEW GUINEA—Main body of 126th Infantry, U.S. 32d Division, reaches Port Moresby and is assigned to New Guinea Force to assist in advance on Wairopi.

US MARINE CORPS

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Sunday, 27 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—1st Battalion, 7th Marines (Lieutenant Colonel Lewis B. Puller) withdraws from Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, area in landing craft; extraction of marines is covered by gunfire from destroyer Monssen (DD-436) and SBD (VMSB). All available Higgins boats (24 in number) are sent to extract the marines, under Signalman 1st Class Douglas A. Munro, USCG. Munro, with a volunteer crew, interposes his boat so as to draw fire away from the five boats that are embarking marines. Munro is killed, two of his three man crew are wounded (one mortally). He succeeds in his object, but at the cost of his own life. For his heroism, Munro is awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously.

            Japanese land on Kuria, Gilberts.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Stephen Hopkins engages German auxiliary cruiser Stier (Schiffe 23) and supply ship Tannenfels in a surface gunnery action in the central South Atlantic on the shipping lane between Capetown, South Africa, and Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana. Stier sinks Stephen Hopkins but the German raider sinks after having received heavy damage inflicted by the freighter's Armed Guard (Ensign Kenneth Willett, USNR) and civilian volunteer (Cadet Midshipman Edwin J. O'Hara) gunners, 28°08'S, 20°01'W. Tannenfels rescues Stier's survivors (see 27 October 1942). Ensign Willett will receive a posthumous Navy Cross.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TWELFTH AF—Following a series of command changes between 16 and 27 Sep, Col Thomas W Blackburn becomes CO XII Fighter Command. War Department assigns to XII Air Support Command the units which are to constitute its force for the invasion of N Africa, a fighter wing (2 groups), a bomb wing (1 Light Bomber group and 1 observation group), and 10 signal, service, and engineer units of various sizes.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s are dispatched to attack an 8,000-ton vessel at Bengasi. No bombs hit target but several straddle a jetty in the harbor.

TENTH AF—4 B‑25’s over SW China blast Mengshih, claiming about 30 trucks and 400 troops destroyed. The Medium Bombers also bomb Tengchung, leaving it aflame. 3 flights of P‑40’s strafe targets of opportunity along Burma Road, claiming 15 trucks destroyed and 5 barracks groups damaged.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s continue to pound forces N of Ioribaiwa in area between Kagi and Efogi and in Myola and Menari areas. Japanese abandon Ioribaiwa Ridge and are in full retreat under heavy pressure from Australian ground forces.

ELEVENTH AF—Shore and harbor areas of Kiska are bombed: 8 B‑24’s and 1 B‑17, escorted by 1 P‑38, 13 P‑39’s and 4 P‑40’s take off first, and are followed by 6 unescorted B‑24’s. Weather turns back 13 of the fighters. An LB-30 flies photo-weather reconnaissance over Attu, Buldir, the Semichis, Agattu, and Amchitka.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—1st Raider Battalion attempts to attack enemy strongpoint in Matanikau village area from rear but is unable to cross river. 2d Battalion of 5th Marines attacks frontally at river mouth but cannot force crossing. 1st Battalion of 7th Marines lands near Pt Cruz and takes ridge inland from beach but is prevented by fire from advancing farther; with naval and air support, returns to shore and re-embarks for Kukum. 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, covers withdrawal of 1st Raider Battalion and returns during night to Lunga perimeter.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese abandon Ioribaiwa Ridge under Australian pressure and are in full retreat.

US MARINE CORPS

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Saturday, 26 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese submarine I-33 accidentally sinks while undergoing voyage repairs at Truk, Carolines.

            Japanese weather observation ship No.6 Kyoei Maru is damaged by aircraft (nationality unspecified) off Woodlark Island.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Approximately 75 Heavy Bombers are dispatched to attack Cherbourg, Maupertus and Morlaix/Poryeau airfields and to execute diversionary sweeps. All bombers return without bombing their targets due to adverse weather.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s of 3 squadrons sent on shipping strikes fail to locate targets.

TENTH AF—4 B‑25’s devastate village of Luchiangroupa in SW China.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s bomb and strafe forces N of Ioribaiwa and along Efogi-Menari trail in support of Australian counteroffensive in Papua. A B‑17, along with RAAF airplanes, bombs airfield at Buna. B‑17’s strike shipping and airfield at Rabaul.

ELEVENTH AF—1 destroyer and 1 freighter are bombed at 53-30N 174-20E. 2 near misses are scored on the freighter.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—2d Battalion, 5th Marines, and elements of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, reach the upper Matanikau and push N along E bank, encountering enemy fire from vicinity of Matanikau village. Artillery and aircraft are employed against the enemy position. 1st Raider Battalion passes through 5th Regiment sector to join in attack.

MADAGASCAR—General Platt moves HQ from Majunga to Tananarive.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 25 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Sargo (SS-188) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Teibo Maru (ex-Danish Nordbo) off coast of French Indochina, 180 miles east of Saigon, 10°31'N, 109°31'E.

            Japanese land on Beru, Gilberts.

            USAAF B‑17s damage Japanese light cruiser Yura off Shortland Island, Solomons.

            Japanese submarine I-5 is damaged by gunfire off Guadalcanal.

            USAAF P‑39 fighters damage Japanese submarine RO 67 off Kiska, Aleutians.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s fail to locate shipping convoy S of Crete and return without bombing. Other B‑24’s bomb Bengasi.

TENTH AF—4 B‑25’s, with escort of 10 P‑40’s, attack Hanoi. The strike force is intercepted by 10 fighters but the Medium Bombers place several bombs on the runway at Gia Lam airfield. The P‑40’s claim at least 9 fighters shot down. CATF bombers fly 11 missions during remainder of Sep and early Oct to support Chinese ground forces attempting to hold the Japanese on W bank of the Salween.

FIFTH AF—P‑40’s again bomb bridge at Wairopi, scoring direct hit on NE end, which is demolished. Australian ground forces open counteroffensive, attacking strongly toward Ioribaiwa to drive enemy back along Port Moresby-Kokoda trail.

ELEVENTH AF—9 B‑24’s, 1 B‑17, and 1 B‑24 photo airplane, escorted by 11 P‑39’s and 17 P‑40’s, fly first of 2 missions to Kiska. RCAF Kittyhawk, participate in this first combined Canadian-American mission of the Eleventh. Later 2 B‑24’s and a B‑17, escorted by 15 P‑39’s, pound Little Kiska and Kiska. Radar installations at Little Kiska are destroyed and explosions and fires are caused in the Main Camp area. Other targets include shipping, stores, and tents. The P‑39’s also strafe 2 subs. 2 float planes are downed. 5 to 8 biplanes are probably destroyed on the water. 1 large transport vessel is hit and lists badly. 150 personnel are believed killed.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—2d Battalion of 5th Marines joins 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, on NW slope of Mt. Austen to continue attack against enemy in Matanikau-Kokumbona area. 2 companies of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, return to Lunga perimeter. Patrol of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, reconnoiters Koli Pt without incident.

NEW GUINEA—25th Brigade, Australian 7th Division, opens counteroffensive to drive enemy back along Port Moresby–Kokoda trail, attacking strongly for Ioribaiwa.

MADAGASCAR—East African 22d Brigade establishes contact with 29th Independent Brigade, giving British control of central part of island.

US MARINE CORPS

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Thursday, 24 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese land on Maiana, Gilberts.

            SBDs (VMSB 231, VS 3) from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, damage Japanese destroyer Umikaze while the ship engages in resupply operations.

            USAAF B‑17 damages Japanese seaplane carrier Sanuki Maru off Shortlands Island, Solomons.

INDIAN OCEAN—U.S. freighter Losmar is sunk by Japanese submarine I-165 about 250 miles west of Cape Comorin, India, 07°40'N,74°15'E; of the ship's 9 man Armed Guard detachment, 3 are lost when she sinks. British ship Louise Moller will rescue 14 survivors on 5 October; seven survivors will reach the west coast of Ceylon by boat on 17 October 1942.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter John Winthrop, straggling from convoy ON 131, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-619 at 56°00'N, 31°00'W. There are no survivors from the 39 man merchant complement or the 13 man Armed Guard.

            U.S. freighter West Chetac is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-175 north of British Guiana, 08°06'N, 58°12'W; only 17 of the 39 man crew and two of the 11 man Armed Guard reach the rafts that float free of the ship as she sinks in heavy seas. U-175 conducts a brief interrogation of the survivors before departing (see 2 or 3 October1942).

            U.S. freighter Antinous, torpedoed the previous day, is reboarded by the rest of the crew and is taken in tow by British rescue tug HMS Zwarte Zee. Soon thereafter, however, Antinous is torpedoed by U-512. Again, Antinous is abandoned, and all hands are picked up by Zwarte Zee and HMS Busy. The freighter sinks later that day.

            West Indian fishing boat rescues last two survivors (one of whom subsequently dies of exposure) of U.S. freighter West Lashaway (sunk by German submarine U-66 on 30 August 1942). All told, only 12 of the 38 man merchant complement, one of the 9 man Armed Guard, and five of nine passengers survive West Lashaway's loss.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TWELFTH AF—XII Ground Air Support Command is redesignated XII Air Support Command.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s bomb shipping at Rabaul. P‑40’s and A‑20’s hit Mubo while B‑17’s bomb wrecked vessel at Gona. P‑40’s hit airfield at Kokoda and targets along Kokoda-Wairopi trail, including bridge at Wairopi.

ELEVENTH AF—3 B‑24’s bomb Main Camp, storage dumps, and dock areas, starting several fires.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—1st Battalion of 7th Marines engages in fire fight with enemy on NW slope of Mt Austen.

US MARINE CORPS

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Wednesday, 23 September 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Antinous is torpedoed by German submarine U-515 off Georgetown, British Guiana, 08°58'N, 59°33'W; Armed Guard gunfire forces U-515 to submerge. All hands abandon Antinous; a volunteer crew returns to the ship to try and get her underway (see 24 September 1942).

            U.S. freighter Penmar, straggling from convoy SC-100 and steering toward Cape Farewell, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-432 at 58°12'N, 34°35'W. One man dies as the ship is being abandoned, but 38 merchant sailors and the 22 man Armed Guard are rescued by Coast Guard cutter Bibb (WPG-31) and transported to Iceland.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TWELFTH AF—General Doolittle assumes command of Twelfth AF in Great Britain.

FIFTH AF—P‑40’s, P‑39’s, P‑400’s, and B‑17’s hit tanks, buildings, and airfield at Buna, Wairopi bridge and targets of opportunity on Buna-Kokoda trail, and Taupota Mission near Goodenough Bay.

SOUTH PACIFIC—72d Bomb Squadron (B‑17’s) of 5th Bomb Group joins 11th Bomb Group on Espiritu Santo.

SEVENTH AF—Movement of 72d Bomb Squadron to SOPAC, plus subsequent movement of other squadrons of 5th Bomb Group to SOPAC, makes it difficult for some time to maintain the minimum force of 35 Heavy Bombers considered necessary for defense of the Hawaiian Islands. This situation is relieved by 90th Bomb Group, which stops in Hawaii while en route to SWPA, and by 307th Bomb Group, which is assigned to Seventh AF for a time.

ELEVENTH AF—Weather causes mission abort to Kiska. Photo reconnaissance over Attu confirms abandonment by enemy. A Navy PBY escorted by 2 P‑38’s lands off Amchitka with a scouting party which determines that the island is unsuited as an airfield. The P‑38’s also bomb a radio shack and sink a submarine at Amchitka.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—1st Marine Division begins limited operation to W of Lunga perimeter to eliminate enemy within striking distance of Henderson Field: 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, is directed to advance along N slopes of Mt Austen, cross the Matanikau, and push W to Kokumbona; 1st Raider Battalion is to establish patrol base at Kokumbona at point where inland trails intersect coastal road.

NEW GUINEA—General Blarney arrives in Port Moresby to take direct command of New Guinea forces. Lt General Edmund F. Herring becomes Commander, Advance New Guinea Force, succeeding General Rowell. 128th Infantry of U.S. 32d Division reaches Port Moresby by air and is assigned to garrison force under operational control of Australian 6th Division.

MADAGASCAR—East African 22d Brigade enters Tananarive, which has been declared an open city.

USSR—German Army Group B continues to make slow progress in Stalingrad against bitter opposition. Army Group A assembles an assault force for drive on Black Sea port of Tuapse.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 22 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Amberjack (SS-219), en route to patrol the waters off Kieta, Bougainville, is damaged when she runs aground on an uncharted coral head off Oema Island, 06°31'31"S, 155°59'E. She remains on patrol.

INDIAN OCEAN—U.S. freighter Paul Luckenbach is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-29 approximately 800 miles from the coast of India, 10°03'N, 63°42'E; although the four lifeboats containing the entire 44 man complement and 17 man Armed Guard become separated during the 16-to-21 day voyages, all hands reach safety.

ATLANTIC—U.S. tanker Esso Williamsburg is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-211 approximately 500 miles south of Cape Farewell, Greenland, 53°12'N, 41°00'W; there are no survivors from the 42 man crew and 18 man Armed Guard.

NORTH RUSSIA—U.S. freighter Bellingham, in convoy QP 14, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-435 approximately 45miles west of Jan Mayen Island, 71°23'N, 11°03'E; escort vessels rescue the ship's complement: 39 merchant seamen, the 10 man Armed Guard, and 26 passengers (survivors from freighters Pan Kraft and Pan Atlantic, sunk on 5 and 6 July 1942, respectively, in the ill-fated PQ 17 convoy).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TWELFTH AF—General Cannon takes command of XII Ground Air Support Command.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s bomb shipping in Bengasi harbor. Direct hits are made on 1 large vessel while a smaller vessel and other targets receive lesser hits.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s bomb and strafe occupied areas at Menari, Efogi, Nauro, Yodda, and Kokoda. P‑40’s strafe AA positions, huts, and barges at Buna and Salamaua and bomb and strafe Wairopi bridge, strafe buildings at Yodda, airfield at Buna, and AA positions and other targets along Buna-Kokoda trail. 1 B‑25 bombs N end of Buna airfield and coastal end of Sanananda track. B‑17’s bomb airfield and shipping at Rabaul.

ELEVENTH AF—9 B‑24’s, 2 B‑17’s, and 1 LB-30, accompanied by 15 P‑39’s and 20 P‑40’s, abort Kiska bombing mission due to weather. Photo reconnaissance suggests that Chichagof Harbor is abandoned.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Combined Chiefs of Staff approve plan drawn up in Washington by SOS, “The Plan for Operation of Certain Iranian Communication Facilities between Persian Gulf Ports and Tehran by U.S. Army Forces.” The plan gives U.S. direct responsibility for moving supplies through Persian Corridor to USSR.

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 21 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Grouper (SS-214) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Tone Maru in China Sea, east of Shanghai, 31°18'N,123°27'E.

            Submarine Trout (SS-202) sinks Japanese auxiliary netlayer Koei Maru south of Truk, 06°54'N, 151°51'E.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—P‑40’s bomb and strafe bridges and targets of opportunity along Buna-Kokoda trail.

ELEVENTH AF—The 21st Bomb Squadron begins to operate from Adak. Bombers fly reconnaissance over Kiska and bomb and fire Constantine Harbor installations at Amchitka.

US ARMY

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US MARINE CORPS

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Sunday, 20 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Naval Operating Base, Auckland, New Zealand, is established.

NORTH RUSSIA—U.S. freighter Silver Sword, in convoy QP 14, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-225 at 75°41'N, 03°12'E; rescue ships Rathlin and Zamalek pick up all hands: 32 merchant seamen (one of whom dies later of his injuries), the 11 man Armed Guard, and 18 passengers (crewmen from freighters Peter Kerr and Honomu, sunk on 5 July 1942 in the ill-fated PQ 17 convoy).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—In Owen Stanley Range, A‑20’s bomb and strafe troops and installations at Sangara, Arehe, and along the Popondetta-Andemba road, and P‑40’s strafe airfield at Kokoda, bridges on trail near Wairopi, and troops at Myola, Efogi, and Kagi.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Adm Fitch becomes COMAIRSOPAC.

US ARMY

NEW GUINEA—127th Infantry of U.S. 32d Division is ordered to Port Moresby.

INDIA—Base Section 2, SOS, at Calcutta, receives its first troops from Karachi.

USSR—Stubborn street fighting is in progress in Stalingrad. Town of Terek falls to German Army Group A.

UNITED KINGDOM—Outline plan for TORCH is issued; D Day is set for 8 November.

US MARINE CORPS

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Saturday, 19 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Amberjack (SS-219) sinks Japanese transport Shirogane Maru at northern entrance of Bougainville Strait, 06°33'S, 156°05'E.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Wichita is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-516 about 300 miles northeast of Barbados, 15°00'N, 54°00'W. There are no survivors from either the 40 man merchant complement or 10 man Armed Guard unit.

            Swedish steamship Etna rescues 22 survivors from lifeboat from U.S. tanker Patrick J. Hurley, sunk by German submarine U-512 on 12 September 1942 (see 2 October 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s bomb Pylos Bay area, Pylos Island and Khalones during 19/20 Sep.

TENTH AF—B‑25’s strike Lungling. The raid is ineffective due to bad weather but results in discovery of much Japanese activity which further reconnaissance reveals as part of heavy movement of enemy and supplies along Burma Road toward Salween front.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s and B‑26’s strafe and bomb airfield at Lae. B‑17’s attack cargo vessels near Umboi (Rooke) Island. Whaling vessel is strafed by fighters off Goodenough Island.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—General Vandegrift establishes continuous defense lines, divides Lunga area into 10 sectors.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 18 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—7th Marine Regiment reinforces marines on Guadalcanal.

ATLANTIC—German submarine U-455 lays mines off Charleston, South Carolina.

            British destroyer HMS Vimy is detached from convoy to investigate raft containing survivors from U.S. freighter West Lashaway (sunk by German submarine U-66 on 30 August 1942). Vimy, believing the hoisted sail to be part of the disguise of a U-boat, opens fire on the raft. Her gunnery, however, is fortunately bad, and the survivors (who hurriedly strike the sail) are rescued. This group includes among them the woman missionary and four children (see 24 September 1942).

            Laconia Incident: Vichy French sloop Dumont D'Urville takes on board 42 survivors from sunken British transport Laconia that had been rescued by Italian submarine Capellini.

NORTH RUSSIA—German torpedo planes continue attacks upon Archangel-bound convoy PQ 18, sinking U.S. freighter Kentucky approximately 35 miles west of Cape Kanin, USSR; all hands survive the loss of the ship. Two British minesweepers rescue the 38 man merchant complement and the 16 man Armed Guard.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—VIII Ground Air Support Command is redesignated VIII Air Support Command.

TWELFTH AF—12 British units— signal, observer, radar, and air warning—are attached to XII Fighter Command in UK. Col Rosenham River Beam becomes CO XII Ground Air Support Command.

FIFTH AF—1 B‑17 bombs Salamaua while a B‑25 strafes pack trains on Kokoda trail in Andemba-Wairopi-Kokoda area.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—Improved Allied supply situation permits restoration of full rations to garrison. TF 65 arrives off Kukum and unloads rest of 1st Marine Div—4,180 of 7th Marines, reinforced—plus vehicles, equipment, ammunition, and supplies. This is the first ammunition to arrive in response to request of 22 August, 3 other vessels unload aviation gasoline. TF 65 retires to Espiritu Santo with 1st Parachute Battalion, American wounded, and 8 Japanese prisoners. Marines are patrolling aggressively from defense perimeter.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese Imperial General Headquarters orders current positions held as long as possible and Buna-Gona beachhead held as primary defensive position. General Horii prepares to thin lines gradually.

AUSTRALIA—Main body of 126th Infantry (less artillery), U.S. 32d Division, embarks at Brisbane for New Guinea.

MADAGASCAR—29th Independent Infantry Brigade of British East African Command lands without opposition on E coast at Tamatave and moves inland toward Tananarive virtually unopposed. East African 22d Brigade continues toward Tananarive from W coast.

US MARINE CORPS

            7th Marines arrive on Guadalcanal.

Thursday, 17 September 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Laconia Incident: In the wake of the attack by USAAF B-24 upon German submarines U-156, U-506 and U-507 and Italian submarine Capellini, engaged in rescuing survivors of the torpedoed British transport Laconia, Admiral Karl Doenitz issues orders forbidding U-boats from rescuing survivors of sunken ships (the "Laconia Order"). Vichy French light cruiser Gloire, sloop Dumont D'Urville and minesweeper Annamite rescue 1,041 people from lifeboats and the German submarines that have picked them up, too.

            U.S. freighter Mae is torpedoed, shelled and sunk by German submarine U-515 approximately 41 miles north of Georgetown, British Guiana, 08°03'N, 58°13'W; one crewman is killed. Norwegian merchantman Sorwangen rescues the 31 surviving merchant crewmen and the nine man Armed Guard, and transfers them to Canadian merchantman Gypsum King, which takes them to Georgetown.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—During 16/17 Sep, B‑24’s bomb Bengasi harbor. During the day, targets for B‑24’s are in Greece: shipping in Pylos Bay and shipping and piers near Sphakia, and in Khalones and Pylos Island. P‑40’s make offensive sweep with RAF over front lines.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s, carrying out single-bomber attacks, bomb airfields at Rabaul and Lae, and hit a beached cargo vessel at Salamaua. P‑400’s, P‑40’s, and P‑39’s strafe and bomb landing barges at Buna and Sanananda Pt. Japanese ground forces, halted within sight of Port Moresby, are unable to attack without reinforcements and supplies, neither of which is available.

TWELFTH AF—XII Ground Air Support Command is activated at Birmingham, Ala. The only Twelfth AF command to be completely organized in US, it eventually will proceed directly to N Africa as part of Western Task Force.

US ARMY

NEW GUINEA—In preparation for wide flanking movement to E, Allied reconnaissance parties move E along S coast from Port Moresby. Party of 126th Infantry, U.S. 32d Division, under Capt William F. Boice, leaves by lugger for Kapa Kapa to reconnoiter inland from there to Jaure. Another party, headed by SWPA Engineer officer Brigadier General Hugh J. Casey’s deputy, Col Leif J. Sverdrup, who is already charged with locating and developing landing fields, moves towards Abau in order to reconnoiter trail inland from there. Japanese at Ioribaiwa are in a precarious position. Although within sight of Port Moresby, troops are in no condition to attack without reinforcements and supplies, neither of which can be spared.

MADAGASCAR—French plenipotentiaries receive and reject terms for cessation of hostilities.

US MARINE CORPS

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Wednesday, 16 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese overland assault on Port Moresby, New Guinea, "grinds to a halt" at Ioribaiwa.

            Japanese forces evacuate Attu, Aleutians.

ATLANTIC—TF 23 (Vice Admiral Jonas H. Ingram) is designated South Atlantic Force, Atlantic Fleet.

            Patrol Wing 12 (Captain William G. Tomlinson) is established at Key West, Florida, for operations in Gulf Sea Frontier.

            U.S. freighter Commercial Trader is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-558 east of Trinidad, 10°30'N,60°16'W; seven of the 29 man crew perish in the attack, as do three of the 9 man Armed Guard. The survivors, in one lifeboat, reach Tobago later the same day.

            Laconia Incident: USAAF B-24 from Ascension Island bombs German submarine U-156 (see 12 September 1942), which, along with U-506 and U-507 and Italian submarine Capellini, is engaged in rescuing survivors of the torpedoed British transport Laconia (see 17 September 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—VIII AF Service Command selects Honington and Watton as sites for Bomber Command advance depots. Site for Fighter Command awaits final settlement of question of location and mission of Fighter Command.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—General Brereton is officially assigned to the ME as a result of pressure from General Bissell, new CG Tenth AF, for clarification of status of Brereton and other key staff officers and combat crews who had gone from India to ME in Jun and Jul 42.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s bomb wharf and airfield at Rabaul and airfield at Gasmata. A lone B‑17 attacks landing barges in Sanananda area while a single A‑20 bombs and strafes positions at Nauro and Menari in Efogi area. Japanese ground offensive toward Port Moresby comes to a halt at Ioribaiwa. Australians are entrenched on Imita Range where they are preparing a counteroffensive.

ELEVENTH AF—Enemy completes transfer of Attu garrison to Kiska, begun on 27 Aug. 1 B‑17 and 1 B‑24 fly photo and reconnaissance runs over Adak.

US ARMY

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS—Enemy, during period 27 August–16 September, transfers Attu garrison to Kiska.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese overland drive on Port Moresby grinds to a halt at Ioribaiwa. Australians are firmly entrenched on Imita Ridge, to S, where they are preparing for counteroffensive.

CHINA—General Chennault presents to General Bissell a plan for employment of CATF that calls for defense of India–China ferry route as primary mission; suggests that CATF operate directly under Stilwell and that it be detached from U.S. Tenth Air Force.

MADAGASCAR—French Governor General requests peace terms.

USSR—Army Group B penetrates NW suburbs of Stalingrad.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 15 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 18 (Rear Admiral Leigh Noyes), covering reinforcement convoy from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal, is attacked by Japanese submarine I-19, which torpedoes carrier Wasp (CV-7) at 12°25'S, 164°08'E. Irreparably damaged, consumed by gasoline fires, Wasp is scuttled by destroyer Lansdowne (DD-486). I-19, in the same spread of torpedoes, also damages battleship North Carolina (BB-55) and destroyer O'Brien (DD-415) (see 19 October 1942).

            Japanese battleships bombard Guadalcanal.

            Japanese destroyer Fumizuki is damaged by grounding in Formosa Strait.

ATLANTIC—Light cruiser Philadelphia (CL-42) and transport Edward Rutledge (AP-52) are damaged in collision in Hampton Roads.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—57th Group is first fighter group to arrive in Egypt from Palestine. A lone B‑24 drops 1 bomb on tanker in Suda Bay. B‑24’s bomb behind enemy lines while P‑40’s, along with RAF, fly escort and carry out scramble missions over area W of El Alamein.

FIFTH AF—Medium Bombers hit Buna and Sanananda and attack camps at Efogi and Myola. B‑17’s bomb harbor and airfield at Rabaul. First US infantry troops, elements of 32d Division, arrive at Port Moresby.

ELEVENTH AF—1 B‑17 and 1 B‑24 fly armed reconnaissance over Kiska, and at Amchitka blast buildings in Constantine Harbor area. Fighters strafe Kiska Camp area and down 4 intercepting aircraft.

US ARMY

SOUTH PACIFIC—Japanese submarines attack U.S. warships on patrol S and E of the Solomons, sinking CV Wasp and damaging BB North Carolina; latter is forced to return to Pearl Harbor for repairs.

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, extends positions S of Henderson Field to include Bloody Ridge. Enemy SE of Lunga perimeter continues to fire intermittently on 3d Battalion of 1st Marines.

NEW GUINEA—First elements (Company E and attachments) of 126th Infantry, U.S. 32d Division, fly to Port Moresby from Brisbane, Australia. This is the first U.S. infantry force to arrive in New Guinea.

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 14 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—USAAF B-17s damage Japanese heavy cruiser Myoko as she is en route from Truk, Carolines, to carry out support operations off Guadalcanal,

            USAAF planes (13 B-24s and 1 B-17 take part in the raid) sink Japanese ammunition ship Nojima Maru off Kiska, Aleutians; USAAF P-39s damage submarines RO 63 and RO 64 also in the area.

NORTH RUSSIA—German torpedo planes continue attacks upon Archangel-bound convoy PQ 18, sinking U.S. freighter Mary Luckenbach about 600 miles west of North Cape, Norway, 76°00'N, 16°00'E; she is lost with all hands (41 merchant seamen and a 24 man Armed Guard). The violent explosion of Mary Luckenbach's ammunition cargo rains debris on nearby freighter Nathanael Greene, 76°00'N, 16°00'E, injuring 11 men (five of whom are transferred to British destroyer HMS Onslaught for medical attention), but the merchantman makes port under her own power. Concussion from the explosion also disables U.S. freighter Wacosta, which is later torpedoed and sunk about 400 miles northeast of Jan Mayen Island, 76°05'N, 10°00'E; she suffers no casualties. British light cruiser HMS Scylla and minesweeper HMS Harrier rescue all hands: 38 merchant sailors and the 11 man Armed Guard survive Wacosta's loss.

ATLANTIC—Norwegian steamship Talisman rescues 18 survivors (one of the original 19 has succumbed to exposure during the 32 day ordeal) of U.S. freighter California, sunk by Italian submarine Reginaldo Giuliani on 13 August 1942.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TWELFTH AF—HQ of Twelfth AF, XII Fighter Command, XII AF Service Command, and XII Bomber Command are attached to corresponding units of Eighth AF in UK. The Eighth subsequently handles the buildup of the Twelfth by assigning a large number of its own units to the new AF (appropriately dubbed JUNIOR) and supervises its training. The first increment of tactical and service units includes 2 Heavy Bomber groups, 3 Medium Bomber groups, 1 Light Bomber group, 4 fighter groups, 3 Troop Carrier groups, and several engineer, signal, and service units of varying sizes.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s attack shipping at Suda Bay, setting 1 vessel afire, while other Heavy Bombers hit Tobruk P‑40’s fly sweep with RAF over front-lines.

FIFTH AF—A single A‑20 bombs ground forces and installations at Myola.

ELEVENTH AF—In the first combined heavy mission over Kiska 13 B‑24’s, 1 B‑17, 14 P‑38’s, and 14 P‑39’s fly low-altitude and photo runs. The P‑39’s shell 3 subs in the harbor. The other aircraft bomb and strafe many installations including AA guns and the submarine base. A single aircraft also strafes Segula. Enemy losses are 5 float planes shot down and 1 flying boat destroyed on the water; 2 mine sweepers sunk and another vessel slightly damaged; while a large cargo vessel and several small barges and vessels sustain hits. 2 P‑38’s are lost, colliding head-on while after a fighter.

US ARMY

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS—Kiska undergoes its first major air raid, by 12 heavy bombers with 28 fighters from Adak.

NEW HEBRIDES—TF 65, organized to transport 7th Marines to Guadalcanal, leaves Espiritu Santo.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese break off attacks on Bloody Ridge at dawn and withdraw under air attack, leaving about 600 dead; Marine casualties are 143. 2d Battalion of 5th Marines starts relief of Provisional raider-parachute Battalion. On E flank along the Ilu, 3d Battalion of 1st Marines moves 6 light tanks against enemy, but 3 are disabled; Japanese continue sporadic fire in this sector. In afternoon, Japanese attack 3d Battalion of 5th Marines on ridge commanding coastal road to W sector of perimeter but are driven off. 3d Battalion of 2d Marines arrives on Guadalcanal from Tulagi.

NEW GUINEA—Advance elements (2/31st and 2/33d Battalions) of 25th Brigade, Australian 7th Division, reach Ioribaiwa, where they take over defense of ridge from Australian 21st Brigade. Japanese, with 2 full regiments in line, force a further withdrawal, to Imita Ridge, the last before Port Moresby, lying 32 miles from that objective. This is the last withdrawal of Australian forces on this front.

LIBYA—To assist withdrawal of Benghazi raiding party, diversionary raids are made on Gialo and Barce.

US MARINE CORPS

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Sunday, 13 September 1942

US NAVY

NORTH RUSSIA—German aerial and submarine attacks begin against convoy PQ 18, bound for Archangel, USSR, approximately 100 miles southwest of Spitsbergen. U.S. freighter Oliver Ellsworth is torpedoed by German submarine U-589 at 75°52'N,07°55'E, and abandoned; one Armed Guard sailor is killed in the attack. Survivors (42 merchant seamen and 27 Armed Guard crewmen) are rescued by merchantman Copeland and British armed trawler HMS St. Kenan; the latter scuttles the crippled Oliver Ellsworth with gunfire. Later that day, German planes attack, torpedoing freighter John Penn at 75°52'N, 07°55'E; three of the 40 man merchant crew are killed. British destroyer HMS Eskimo and minesweeper HMS Harrier rescue the survivors, who include the 25 man Armed Guard; John Penn is scuttled by escort vessels. Shortly thereafter, freighter Oregonian is also torpedoed at 76°00'N, 09°30'E; escort vessels rescue 21of the 40 man crew, in addition to 8 of the 14 man Armed Guard.

ATLANTIC—Plane drops rations to one raft containing 19 survivors from U.S. freighter West Lashaway (sunk by German submarine U-66 on 30 August 1942) (see 18 and 24 September 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—During 13/14 Sep, B‑24’s attack Tobruk and shipping in Bengasi harbor while B‑25’s hit landing grounds SE of Matruh.

FIFTH AF—B‑26’s pound airfield at Lae. B‑17’s unsuccessfully attack cruiser SE of Rabaul. P‑40’s strafe buildings on Goodenough Island.

ELEVENTH AF—14 B‑24’s of the 21st and 404th Bomb Squadrons move up to Adak. Island LB-30 and 2 P‑38’s fly photo reconnaissance, antisub coverage and strafing mission over Kiska lakes and harbor. A tender in harbor is slightly damaged, 1 float fighter is downed. A P‑38 is hit by AA fire and fighters damage the LB-30.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—Admiral Ghormley orders 7th Marines to reinforce garrison. Air defense is strengthened by arrival of 12 dive bombers and 6 TBF’s. Japanese launch air, naval, and ground attacks against Lunga perimeter in attempt to recapture airfield. Provisional raider-parachute Battalion is unable to advance on Bloody Ridge and digs in on central knoll, about 250 yards N of previous bivouac area. After nightfall, main enemy assault force of at least 2 Battalions drives northward to northernmost knoll where Provisional raider-parachute Battalion, with close artillery support, holds firm against further determined attacks. Other Japanese, about 2 companies, attack 3d Battalion of 1st Marines on E flank along Ilu River, night 13–14, but are unable to break through.

CHINA—General Stilwell presents to Chiang Kaishek a proposed plan of operations for China Air Task Force, calling for defense of ferry route from India to China as primary mission.

MADAGASCAR—General Platt, CG East African Command, establishes HQ ashore at Majunga. East African 22d Brigade continues toward Tananarive, hampered chiefly by roadblocks.

LIBYA—During night 13–14, small raiding parties of British MEF move against Tobruk and Benghazi in effort to destroy enemy supplies and installations at the ports. The Tobruk raid is made by land and sea, overland party moving from Egypt. From Kufra, motorized column moves overland more than 500 miles to Benghazi. The raids prove costly and accomplish little.

NORTH ATLANTIC—Large Allied convoy to USSR suffers heavy losses during enemy air attacks.

US MARINE CORPS

            Marines repulse second major Japanese ground attack at Guadalcanal in the Battle of the Ridge.

Saturday, 12 September 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Brazil places its naval forces under U.S. Navy operational control.

            U.S. tanker Patrick J. Hurley, en route to Belfast, Ireland, is shelled by German submarine U-512 at 22°59'N, 46°15'E, and abandoned after Armed Guard gunfire proves unavailing in the tanker's defense (see 19 September and 2 October1942).

            Laconia Incident: German submarine U-156 torpedoes and sinks British transport Laconia, which has 1,800 Italian POWs on board, northeast of Ascension Island, 05°05'S, 11°38'W; the U-boat immediately commences rescue operations and dispatches plain-language request for help. In addition, diplomatic channels are utilized to seek aid from Vichy French naval units in West African waters (see 16-18 September 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—HQ VIII AF Composite Command arrives in N Ireland and is temporarily stationed at Long Kesh. HQ 3d Bomb Wing arrives in UK and is established at Elveden Hall. HQ 4th Bomb Wing is established at High Wycombe but soon loses its personnel to XII Bomber Command and is not manned again until Jan 43. 4th Fighter Group is activated in UK to be manned by US pilots who formerly flew with RAF Eagle Squadrons.

TWELFTH AF—HQ of Twelfth AF, XII Fighter Command and XII AFSC arrive in UK.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—P‑40’s fly 3 uneventful scramble missions along front-lines.

FIFTH AF—P‑400’s, B‑26’s, A‑20’s, and B‑17’s bomb airfield and strafe barges at Buna. P‑40’s strafe Gadaibai on Goodenough Island. A B‑17 strafes vessel in Bismarck Sea S of Kavieng.

ELEVENTH AF—A weather and patrol reconnaissance aircraft finds overcast at Kiska but takes photos over Tanaga, Kanaga, and Attu. The runway at Adak is completed.

US ARMY

NEW HEBRIDES—7th Marines and elements of 5th Defense Battalion arrive at Espiritu Santo. Admiral Turner, after conferring with General Vandegrift on Guadalcanal, recommends to Admiral Ghormley that 7th Marines be used to strengthen Lunga defenses.

GUADALCANAL—Provisional raider-parachute Battalion conducts reconnaissance in force along ridge, later called Bloody or Edson’s, S of OPL and about 800 yards E of Lunga River, to close the route of approach to Henderson Field; despite enemy fire, reaches southernmost knoll. Fire fight continues throughout night 12–13, and enemy succeeds in infiltrating.

UNITED KINGDOM—General Eisenhower officially announces assumption of command as CinC Allied Expeditionary Force for TORCH, and Allied Force Headquarters (AFHQ) is activated in London.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 11 September 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Saury (SS-189) sinks Japanese aircraft transport Kanto Maru approximately 30 miles off the west coast of the Celebes, in central Makassar Strait, 03°15'S, 118°27'E.

            On board submarine Seadragon (SS-194), en route to her war patrol station in the South China Sea, Pharmacist's Mate First Class Wheeler B. Lipes performs successful appendectomy on Seaman First Class Darrell D. Rector, USNR. Captain James Fife, Commander, Submarine Squadron 2, later writes that he "hoped that his [Lipes's] success will not encourage others to take unnecessary risks..." in such cases in the future (see 14-15 December and 22 December 1942).

            USAAF B-17s and RAAF Hudsons sink Japanese destroyer Yayoi about 15 miles east of Normanby Island, D'Entrecasteaux Islands.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—P‑40’s fly uneventful sweep with RAF during lull after Battle of Alam-el-Halfa.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s and B‑26’s hit Efogi and Menari in the Owen Stanley Range and airfield at Buna. B‑17’s, along with RAAF Hudsons, attack 2 destroyers 20 mi E of Normanby Island. A B‑17 scores a direct hit on stern of the destroyer Yayoi, which later sinks.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Island combat control groups are authorized for New Caledonia and Fiji. These units, under immediate control of COMGENSOPAC, are to take over local operational direction of fighter aircraft and all other units in the island combat team.

ELEVENTH AF—343d Fighter Group, constituted on 3 Sep, is activated on this day and immediately begins to operate. It is composed of the 11th, 18th, 54th, and, as of 10 Oct, 344th Fighter Squadrons. A weather, photo, and patrol aircraft draw AA fire over Chichagof Harbor and also covers Tanaga, Amchitka, and Semichi.

US ARMY

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS—Completion of runway on Adak permits stepped up air offensive against Kiska, some 250 miles distant.

GUADALCANAL—From 29 August to date, about 6,000 Japanese have arrived, landing mostly at night from DD’s and destroyer-transports.

NEW GUINEA—General MacArthur submits to General Blarney a plan for accelerating operations. While Australians, upon receiving reinforcements, are to attack to drive enemy back along Port Moresby–Kokoda trail, an RCT of U.S. 32d Division is to execute wide flanking movement to E to get behind Japanese at Wairopi and thus hasten their expulsion from New Guinea. Australian 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions break through enemy forces and fall back to Nauro; then yield Nauro under pressure and take up positions on ridge N of Ioribaiwa, where 2/1st Pioneer Battalion and 3d Battalion of 14th Brigade are established.

US MARINE CORPS

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