Saturday, 7 November 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—SBDs (VMSB 132), TBFs (VT 8), Marine F4Fs, and USAAF P‑39s from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, attack Japanese convoy, damaging destroyers Naganami and Takanami.

            Off Guadalcanal, miscellaneous auxiliary Majaba (AG-43) is torpedoed by Japanese midget submarine Ha.11(launched from submarine I‑20) off Lunga Point. Destroyers Lansdowne (DD‑486) and Lardner (DD‑487) depth charge I‑20, but the submarine escapes destruction. Ha.11, her mission completed, is scuttled.

MEDITERRANEAN—Transport Thomas Stone (AP‑59) is torpedoed by German submarine U‑205, western Mediterranean, 37°32'N,00°01'E.

            Italian submarine Antonio Sciesa is sunk by USAAF aircraft off coast of Libya, 32°05'N, 23°59'E.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter La Salle is torpedoed and sunk with all hands (including 13 Armed Guard) by German submarine U‑159 about 350 miles southeast of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, 40°00'S, 21°30'E. When the merchantman, which is carrying ammunition, explodes, the cataclysmic blast rains debris on her assailant's decks nearby, wounding three German submariners.

            U.S. freighter West Humhaw, en route from Freetown, Sierra Leone, to Takoradi, Gold Coast, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑161 at 04°21'N, 02°42'W. There are no casualties among the 39 man merchant crew, the 16 man Armed Guard, and the five passengers. British ML 281 rescues all hands and transports them to Takoradi.

            U.S. freighter Nathaniel Hawthorne, enroute to New York in convoy TAG 19, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑508 at 11°34'N, 63°26'W; the merchantman sinks with a rapidity that does not allow lifeboats to be launched. For his bravery as he directs his men to safety, Lieutenant Kenneth Muir, the Armed Guard commander, is awarded the Navy Cross (posthumously) (see 9 November).

            British trawlers rescue two boatloads of survivors from U.S. freighter William Clark, sunk by German submarine U‑354 on 4 November; HMS St. Elstan rescues 26; HMS Cape Palliser 15. The third boat, with 23 men, is never seen again; 18 of 41 merchant seamen are lost, as are 13 of the 30 man Armed Guard.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—34 Heavy Bombers attack U-boat pens at Brest.

TWELFTH AF—Air movement of Twelfth AF from UK to N Africa begins. Other elements of Twelfth moving from UK and US are aboard Allied ships approaching Algerian and Moroccan coasts.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—376th Bomb Group begins move from Palestine to Egypt.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s bomb and strafe forces at Kakandeta in Owen Stanley Range. B‑25’s attack shipping at Maklo Island and seaplanes at Lasonga Island.

ELEVENTH AF—6 B‑24’s and 2 B‑26’s attack submarine base in Kiska Harbor, lightly damaging float fighters and a seaplane beached by storm. A B‑17 flies reconnaissance over airfield W of Holtz Bay, and bombs submarine base and a previously-damaged freighter in Gertrude Cove.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL— 164th Infantry enveloping force completes northward movement along E bank of the Nalimbiu to Koli Pt and joins 7th Marines. Combined force then moves E along coast without opposition to within a mile of Metapona River.

CHINA BURMA INDIA—General Stilwell, with approval of Foreign Minister T. V. Soong, sends for General Wheeler to survey Chinese supply situation in preparation for projected campaign in spring of 1943.

EGYPT—British pursuit of enemy is delayed in Matruh area as heavy rainfall immobilizes supporting vehicles. Enemy seizes opportunity to withdraw some forces. By this time, 4 German and 8 Italian divisions are ineffective as fighting units. British have taken 30,000 prisoners, among them 9 generals.

NW AFRICA—General Giraud arrives at Gibraltar for conference with General Eisenhower, having traveled from France by submarine and plane. TORCH invasion armada from U.S. and U.K. closes in along North African coast. U.S. transport Thomas Stone is torpedoed off SE Spain and disabled; troops aboard are transferred to landing boats but do not reach Algiers until after its surrender.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Friday, 6 November 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Grayling (SS‑209) is damaged by Japanese aerial bombs off Truk, 06°44'N, 151°25'E.

            Submarine Haddock (SS‑231) damages Japanese army cargo ship France Maru, 33°46'N, 127°28'E.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s hit harbors of Tobruk and Bengasi, scoring hits on 2 vessels. Heavy rains delay British pursuit of retreating enemy in Matruh area.

FIFTH AF—A single B‑25 attacks destroyer off S tip of New Ireland. No hits are scored. General MacArthur arrives in Port Moresby, where AD VON of GHQ opens to direct operation.

ELEVENTH AF—Weather airplane is forced back near Kiska.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—7th Marines establishes bridgehead on E bank of Nalimbiu. 164th Infantry (-) continues toward Koli Pt, 3d Battalion reaching it after nightfall. Aola Force transports complete unloading operations and withdraw.

NEW GUINEA—General MacArthur arrives at Port Moresby, where advance echelon of GHQ opens, to direct operations.

EGYPT—10 Corps, British Eighth Army, continues close pursuit of enemy, advance elements approaching Matruh bottleneck as heavy rains begin.

USSR—Fighting continues in Stalingrad area but on a diminishing scale. In the Caucasus, Red Army is strongly countering enemy efforts to reach Ordzhonikidze.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Thursday, 5 November 1942

US NAVY

MEDITERRANEAN—British submarine HMS Seraph, under the temporary command of U.S. Navy Captain Jerauld Wright, embarks General Giraud and a party of French officers in the Gulf of Lyons. The general will transfer to a Catalina on the 7th for further transportation to Gibraltar.

ATLANTIC—PBY (VP 84) sinks German submarine U‑408 off Iceland, 67°40'N, 18°32'W.

            U.S. tanker Meton, enroute to Cienfuegos, Cuba, in convoy TAG 18, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑129 at 12°25'N, 69°20'W; one merchant seaman dies in the attack. Dutch motor torpedo boat MTB 23 rescues the survivors (37 merchant seamen and the 12 man Armed Guard).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—General Montgomery announces victory of British Eighth Army in Egypt. 10 Corps, pushing rapidly W, overcomes rearguard action near Fuka. As Field Marshal Rommel retreats W from El Alamein, P‑40’s bomb targets on Fuka road and patrol Sidi Hanaish area. B‑25’s also bomb motor transports.

TENTH AF—IATF heavy bombers carry out raid on Rangoon.

FIFTH AF—B‑25’s unsuccessfully attack schooner near Arawe.

ELEVENTH AF—Weather reconnaissance is flown over Kiska and Little Kiska.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL— 164th Infantry (- 1st Battalion) crosses flooded Nalimbiu about 3,500 yards S of Koli Pt and drives N along E bank in effort to outflank enemy facing 7th Marines.

NEW GUINEA—Australian 16th Brigade continues attack on Oivi against determined resistance. Australian 25th Brigade moves against Gorari from Kokoda.

INDIA—Reconnaissance of Ledo area, terminus of Ledo Road to Myitkyina, Burma, and base from which operations in N Burma, RAVENOUS, are to start, is begun.

MADAGASCAR—Hostilities cease at 1400.

EGYPT—British Eighth Army regroups and continues pursuit of enemy. 10 Corps, now consisting of 1st and 7th Armored and New Zealand  2d Divisions, pushes rapidly W, overcoming rear guard resistance near Fuka. 30 Corps takes up positions between El ‘Alamein and Matruh. 13 Corps is given task of mopping up battle zone.

NW AFRICA—As convoys from U.S. and U.K., with assault forces for TORCH, continue toward NW Africa, General Eisenhower flies to Gibraltar and establishes AFHQ CP. U.S.-British staff consists of: Admiral Sir Andrew B. Cunningham, naval CinC; Brigadier General James H. Doolittle, U.S. air forces; Air Marshal Sir William L. Welsh, British air forces (Eastern Air Command); Lt General K. A. N. Anderson, British ground forces.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Wednesday, 4 November 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 65.4 cruisers and destroyers bombard Japanese positions near Koli Point, Guadalcanal.

            Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I‑31 reconnoiters Suva, Fiji Islands; small reconnaissance seaplane from I‑9 reconnoiters Nouméa, New Caledonia.

            Japanese submarine RO-65 is sunk when she accidentally dives into a reef while seeking to avoid attack, Kiska harbor, 51°58'N, 177°33'E.

MEDITERRANEAN—Submarines Shad (SS‑235), Gunnel (SS‑253), Herring (SS‑233), Barb (SS‑220), and Blackfish (SS‑221) are deployed to reconnoiter French North African waters off Rabat, Fedala, Casablanca, Safi, and Dakar, in advance of Operation TORCH.

ARCTIC CONVOYS—U.S. freighter John H. B. Latrobe, proceeding independently from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Archangel, USSR, is attacked by HE 115s at 74°37'N, 02°00'E. Withering Armed Guard gunfire disrupts the attack by the enemy floatplanes and none of the seven torpedoes launched strike home; strafing, however, slightly damages the merchantman, and 3 of the 25 man Armed Guard are wounded. John H.B. Latrobe returns to Reykjavik for repairs.

            U.S. freighter William Clark, proceeding independently from Hvalfjordur, Iceland, to Murmansk, USSR, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑354 at 71°05'N, 13°20'W. Survivors abandon ship into three lifeboats (see 7 November 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—9 B‑24’s bomb Bengasi harbor, hitting 3 ships and claiming 1 enemy fighter shot down. B‑25’s and P‑40’s attack motor transports and troops retreating W from El Alamein battleline with British in pursuit. 10 Corps armor clashes with rear-guard S of Ghazal. General Andrews replaces General Maxwell as CG USAFIME.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s and B‑25’s bomb town and harbor of Salamaua; A‑20’s hit troop concentrations at Oivi, where Australian attack meets firm resistance; and B‑26’s bomb Aileu. Transports fly most of the remainder of 128th Infantry, 32d Division, to Wanigela.

ELEVENTH AF—Bad weather at Umnak and Dutch Harbor and flooded field at Adak preclude missions. New Adak runway permits an air alert.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—Lunga perimeter command is reorganized and garrison is reinforced. 2 sectors are established, the commander of each being responsible to division hq. Brigadier General William H. Rupertus, Asst CG of 1st Marine Division, is assigned sector E of Lunga River and Brigadier General Edmund B. Sebree, Asst CG of Americal Division, the W sector. 8th Marines, reinforced, of 2d Marine Division debarks from naval TF in Lunga-Kukum area and is attached to 1st Marine Division. 1st Marine Division halts westward offensive short of Kokumbona because of enemy threat E of perimeter. 2d Marines (- 3d Battalion), reinforced by 1st Battalion of 164th Infantry, after driving 2,000 yards W of Pt Cruz, breaks off attack and digs in at Pt Cruz; 5th Marines and Whaling Group return to positions E of the Matanikau. E of perimeter, General Rupertus and Hq and 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, arrive in Koli Pt area to assist 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 164 Infantry (- 1st Battalion) and Company B of 8th Marines march to W bank of Nalimbiu in region S of 7th Marines and elements start N along the river. Meanwhile, the naval TF transporting 8th Marines lands forces at Aola Bay to establish airfield. Aola Force (1st Battalion of 147th Inf; elements of 2d Raider Battalion; 5th Defense Battalion detachment; Battery K of 246th FA Battalion, Americal Div; and 500 naval construction troops) establishes beachhead a little E of Aola River without opposition. Work is begun at once on airfield, but site is later found unsuitable. 2d Raider Battalion is ordered to Koli Pt.

NEW GUINEA—Australian 16th Brigade begins attack on Oivi and finds enemy prepared for firm stand. Col. Sverdrup by this time has cleared sites for 3 more airfields in general vicinity of Dyke Ackland Bay, the most important of these at Pongam. Fifth Air Force completes movement of rear elements of 128th Infantry, U.S. 32d Division, to Wanigela.

MADAGASCAR—Governor General again seeks peace terms and accepts those rejected on 17 September.

MIDDLE EAST—Lt General Frank M. Andrews relieves General Maxwell as CG USAFIME. General Maxwell becomes CG SOS USAFIME.

EGYPT—Enemy, now in full retreat, is pursued W by British Eighth Army and harassed by aircraft. 10 Corps armor clashes with Axis rear guards S of Ghazal.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Tuesday, 3 November 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Haddock (SS‑231) sinks merchant cargo ship Tekkai Maru in the East China Sea between Shanghai and Korea, 32°02'N, 126°13'E.

            Submarine Seawolf (SS‑197) sinks Japanese transport Sagami Maru off Davao, P.I., 07°02'N, 125°33'E.

            Submarine Tambor (SS‑198) sinks merchant cargo ship Chikugo Maru in Tonkin Gulf, northwest of Hainan Island,21°18'N, 108°39'E.

ATLANTIC—U.S. tanker Hahira, in convoy SC 107, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑521 approximately 400 miles south of Cape Farewell, 54°15'N, 41°57'E; two crewmen and one Armed Guard sailor are killed in the attack. British rescue ship Southport rescues the 36 surviving crewmen and 17 Armed Guard sailors.

            U.S. freighter East Indian is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑181 300 miles southwest of the Cape of Good Hope; 17 of the 47 man crewmen and 6 of the 12 passengers perish (see 16 November 1942).

            U.S. freighter George Thatcher, torpedoed by German submarine U‑126 on 1 November 1942 and abandoned, eventually sinks.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑25’s bomb tanks, motor transports, landing ground, ammo dumps, mainly in Rahman Track area and on road between Fuka and El Daba, and also hit town of Fuka and Ghazal station. P‑40’s fly several escort and fighter bomber missions, attacking round targets in support of British Eighth Army. Allied aircraft fly more than 400 sorties against troops retreating along coastal road. During 3/4 Nov, British and Indian troops outflank and break enemy tank screen in sector S of Tell el Aqqaqir.

FIFTH AF—B‑26’s bomb Dili. B‑17’s bomb airfield and wharf at Lae, and attack ship S of Gasmata.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines completes reduction of Japanese pocket at Pt Cruz. 2d Marines takes the lead, 1st Battalion and Whaling Group attacking W of Pt Cruz. E of Lunga perimeter, 2d Battalion of 7th Marines encounters enemy moving W along coast from Tetere and is forced to retire to W bank of Nalimbiu River and await reinforcements. When information of enemy landing reaches division hq in afternoon, naval and air support is provided immediately; 1st Battalion of 7th Marines is dispatched by landing craft to Koli Pt.

CHINA BURMA INDIA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees conditionally to plans formulated during recent conference in India, promising 15 divisions from Yunnan, provided Allies furnish strong sea and air forces. General Stilwell is to command Chinese Army in India (CAI) during Burma operations. Chiang’s promise of the Yunnan divisions leads to accelerated planning for reorganization of Yunnan force, called Y-Force.

EGYPT—1st Armored Division of 10 Corps, British Eighth Army, is unable to penetrate enemy’s Anti Tank screen. Since enemy is obviously withdrawing, General Montgomery orders attack to outflank the screen. During night 3–4, 51st Division and brigade of Indian 4th Division drive quickly to Rahman track S of Tel el Aqqaqir, breaking through the screen in S sector and forcing enemy to turn it. Allied aircraft fly over 400 sorties against enemy retreating along coastal road.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Monday, 2 November 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Fleet Air Wing 6 (Captain Douglass P. Johnson) is established at Seattle, Washington, for multi-engine aircraft training.

            Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I‑8 reconnoiters Efate Island, New Hebrides.

            Destroyer Conyngham (DD‑371) and transport Fuller (AP‑14) are damaged in collision in Sealark Channel, Guadalcanal.

            Submarine Seawolf (SS‑197) sinks Japanese water tender Gifu Maru west-southwest of Cape San Augustin, Mindoro, P.I., 06°14'N, 126°07'E.

            Submarine Tambor (SS‑198) lays mines in Hainan Strait, Tonkin Gulf.

            Submarine Tautog (SS‑199) sows mines south of Cape Padaran, French Indochina.

            USAAF B‑17s sink Japanese army cargo ship Yasukawa Maru off Buna, New Guinea, 07°16'S, 156°00'E.

ATLANTIC—Dutch motorship Zaandam is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑174 at 01°25'N, 36°22'W. Lost with the ship are men who have survived the loss of U.S. freighters: 18 (12 merchant seamen and 6 Armed Guard sailors) from Chickasaw City (sunk 7 October 1942), 15 sailors from Swiftsure (8 October 1942), 6 men from Coloradan and 15from Examelia (9 October 1942) (see 24 January 1943).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—CG VIII Air Support Command states that the effort expended and personnel lost in organizing Twelfth AF and preparing for its move from UK to N Africa has severely retarded organization of his HQ and staff.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—British Eighth Army opens assault (SUPERCHARGE) W of Tell el-Eisa, with 2d New Zealand  Division in lead. B‑25’s bomb track extending S from Rahman as British 9th Armored Brigade establishes bridgeheads across the track. Other B‑25’s attack tanks and other targets in support of the assault. P‑40’s fly escort and strafing missions in battle area. B‑17’s bomb shipping and jetties in Tobruk harbor.

FIFTH AF—B‑26’s bomb Dili. B‑17’s attack shipping NE of Buna while B‑25’s strike at convoy S of New Britain. In Owen Stanley Range, Australian ground forces seize Kokoda with its airfield after long days of fighting. This will greatly facilitate supply and reinforcement of troops in this area as they push over the mountains toward Buna-Gona area.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—5th Marines envelops enemy on coast at Pt Cruz. 3d Battalion joins 1st Battalion in coastal battle E of Pt Cruz while 2d Battalion, on left, drives N to coast W of Pt Cruz and turns E, trapping enemy. 2d Marines (- 3d Battalion) moves forward on left of 5th Marines to continue westward attack. Stores, ammunition, and 1 Army and 1 Marine Corps 155-mm gun battery arrive at Lunga Pt. The 2 batteries are the heaviest U.S. artillery to reach the island and the first capable of countering enemy fire effectively. E of Lunga perimeter, 2d Battalion of 7th Marines crosses Metapona River mouth and establishes itself near Tetere village. During night 2–3, Japanese 17th Army lands supplies and about 1,500 men E of Koli Pt to supply and reinforced Japanese already there; orders an airfield constructed.

NEW GUINEA—Australian 25th Brigade, which has reentered battle for Kokoda Trail, seizes Kokoda and its airfield, greatly facilitating supply and reinforcement of Australians in this area. Piecemeal movement by night of 128th Infantry, U.S. 32d Division, less elements still at Port Moresby, by lugger from Wanigela to Pongani and Mendaropu is completed by this time and supplies are being accumulated. General MacArthur sets 15 November as tentative date for attack to reduce Buna-Gona beachhead and agrees to proposal by General Blarney that troops be transferred by air to Pongani.

EGYPT—British Eighth Army’s 30 Corps opens breakout assault, called SUPERCHARGE, at 0100. New Zealand 2d Division, in the lead, advances W under cover of artillery barrage and secures new corridor through enemy mine fields. 9th Armored Brigade passes through corridor in mine field and establishes bridgehead across track extending S from Rahman. At daybreak, the Armored brigade meets furious opposition from enemy Aniti Tank  screen and sustains over 75% casualties, but maintains the bridgehead. 10 Corps armor begins debouching through the bridgehead, and 1st Armored Division becomes strongly engaged near Tel el Aqqaqir.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Sunday, 1 November 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—Patrol Wings are redesignated Fleet Air Wings.

PACIFIC—District patrol craft YP‑205 is lost after grounding off Saba Island, 18°30'N, 65°00'W.

            Japanese merchant cargo ship Biwa Maru is lost to unknown cause, 13°30'N, 109°21'E.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter George Thatcher, bound for French Equatorial Africa, is torpedoed by German submarine U‑126,01°45'S, 07°30'E, and abandoned; five crewmen and five Armed Guard sailors, as well as eight soldier passengers, perish in the attack. Free French corvettes rescue the survivors (34 merchant seamen, 10 Armed Guard sailors and four Army passengers) and transport them to their original destination, Port Noire (see 3 November 1942).

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s strike airfield and dispersal areas at Maleme. P‑40’s escort bombers and hit ground targets in battle area. An air depot, 2 service groups, and 1 MP co are assigned to USAMEAF.

FIFTH AF—B‑25’s bomb airfield and dump area at Lae. B‑17’s strike shipping in Buin-Faisi-Tonolai area. Kahili AF on Bougainville is also attacked.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—1st Marine Division, with artillery, naval gunfire, and air support, launches attack toward Poha River. 5th Marines, followed by 2d Marines (less 3d Battalion) in reserve, crosses footbridges over Matanikau River and drives W about 1,000 yards in 2 columns to positions short of Pt Cruz, 1st Battalion, the right flank column, meeting considerable delaying opposition along coast. Whaling Group (3d Battalion of 7th Marines and scout-sniper detachment) crosses the river upstream and advances W on inland route to protect left flank of 5th Marines. To forestall expected enemy landings in Koli Pt area, E of Lunga perimeter, 2d Battalion of 7th Marines starts E toward Metapona River.

USSR—Close combat between Soviet garrison of Stalingrad (62d and 64th Armies) and German 6th and 4th Pz Armies of Army Group B continues, but the garrison has proved itself capable of weathering maximum effort of enemy. In the Caucasus, Red Army has frustrated every enemy effort to reach Grozny and is containing attacks toward Tuapse, but German Army Group A captures Alagir, blocking Ossetian Highway, which extends from Alagir to Kutais.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Saturday 31 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—While en route to from French Frigate Shoals to Midway, district patrol craft YP‑345 is lost without trace to unknown causes, about 80 miles northeast of Laysan Island.

            Submarine Grayback (SS‑208) damages Japanese army cargo ship Noto Maru off Rabaul, 04°37'S, 152°30'E.

INDIAN OCEAN—South African naval forces board the forward portion of U.S. freighter Anne Hutchinson, torpedoed and shelled by German submarine U‑504 on 26 October 1942; British tug HMS David Haigh tows the bow portion (the after part has sunk in the meantime) to Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—General Spaatz informs General Arnold that operations against sub pens may prove too costly for results obtained. Believing the pens impervious to normal high-altitude bombing, Spaatz plans to operate as low as 4,000 ft and accept higher casualty rates.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑25’s hit landing ground. The Medium Bombers claim 1 fighter shot down while P‑40’s flying escort claim 3. B‑24’s sent to bomb Maleme dispersal area fail to locate target because of overcast. 376th Bomb Group is activated at Lydda, replacing the 1st Provisional Group. CO is Col George F McGuire, who had commanded 1st Provisional Group. The 376th is intended to become part of an Anglo-American air force to be sent to the Caucasus to aid the USSR, but the plan falls through and the 376th remains in the Middle East.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s bomb and strafe Nauro and area to N. B‑25’s strafe supply trucks SE of Gona. B‑17’s bomb shipping at Rabaul and in Buin-Faisi-Tonolai area.

ELEVENTH AF—Weather and reconnaissance flight over Attu and Kiska. Over Kiska, weather airplane draws AA fire from Little Kiska. No other missions as all combat aircraft are alerted for possible navy target.

US ARMY

GUADALCANAL—1st Marine Division completes preparations for offensive. 5th Marines and 2d Marines (—) move into attack positions along the Matanikau. During night 31 October–1 November, Company E of 5th Marines crosses the Matanikau and outposts W bank, and 1st Engr Battalion constructs 3 footbridges.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Friday 30 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TG 64.2 (Rear Admiral Norman Scott), comprising light cruiser Atlanta (CL‑51) and four destroyers, bombards Japanese positions at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal.

            Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I‑9 reconnoiters Nouméa, New Caledonia.

            Japanese land second invasion force at Attu, Aleutians.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s bomb Maleme airfield. 1 Heavy Bomber bombs main jetty in Suda Bay. B‑25’s attack landing grounds at Fuka- Bagush and El Daba. P‑40’s fly escort. British Eighth Army sends 9th Australian Division N to the sea and then E, trapping large force in pocket, as Allied aircraft provide excellent support. Enemy tanks breaking through from W, however, enable most of the surrounded force to escape.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s bomb harbor and shipping at Buin.

ELEVENTH AF—1 B‑24 twice flies reconnaissance over Kiska and Agattu. No bombing mission as all bombers are on alert for possible navy targets.

US ARMY

EGYPT—British Eighth Army renews assault on N flank of 30 Corps during night 30–31. Australian 9th Division drives N to the sea, then pushes E, trapping large enemy force. Allied planes provide excellent tactical support, attacking accurately in small area to neutralize Thompson’s Post. Most of the pocketed enemy force subsequently succeeds in escaping when tanks from W break through to assist.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Thursday 29 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Grenadier (SS‑210) lays mines in Tonkin Gulf off Haiphong, French Indochina.

            PBY (VP 11) sinks Japanese submarine I‑172 west of San Cristobal Island, Solomons, 13°01'S, 162°45'E.

ATLANTIC—German submarine attacks on British Isles-bound convoy HX 212 continue: U.S. tanker Pan New York is torpedoed by U‑624 about 550 miles west of Northern Ireland, 54°58'N, 23°56'W and her cargo of aviation gasoline catches fire, virtually incinerating the ship. Of the 56 souls on board (39 merchant seamen and a 17 man Armed Guard), only 14 (13 crewmen and one Armed Guard sailor) are rescued by Canadian corvettes: HMCS Rosthern picks up 13 (one of whom dies after being rescued); HMCS Summerside two. Escort vessels shell and depth charge the doomed ship. U‑224 torpedoes Canadian tanker Bic Island as it straggles from the convoy at 55°05'N, 23°27'E, and sinks her with all hands (including the 44 men rescued from U.S. tanker Gurney E. Newlin on 27 October 1942).

            U.S. freighter West Kebar is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑129 14°57'N, 53°37'E, while en route from Freetown, Sierra Leone, to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; three merchant seamen are killed. The survivors take to two lifeboats and one raft (see 8, 10 and 18 November 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—A 1943 production objective of 107,000 airplanes is given top priority by Roosevelt in his instructions to Donald M Nelson, Chairman of War Production Board.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑24’s and B‑17’s strike Maleme airfield. B‑25’s bomb landing grounds, motor transports, and tanks. P‑ 40’s fly escort, then bomb and strafe road E of El Daba, and attack troop concentration and vehicles. In view of strong German reinforcements on his N flank near coast, General Montgomery alters breakout plan. Instead of pushing W along coast, he decides to shift point of advance S in order to attack against Italian troops.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s hit Isurava-Deniki and Abuari-Kaile trails. B‑17’s attack shipping in Bougainville Strait between Buin and Faisi.

ELEVENTH AF—Japanese reoccupy Attu. Special reconnaissance flown with General Buckner, covers Tanaga, Amchitka and Kiska.

US ARMY

WESTERN HEMISPHERE—Alaska Military Highway opens to traffic.

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS—Japanese reoccupy Attu.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese, having suffered heavy casualties in recent battles, begin general withdrawal about this time toward Koli Pt and Kokumbona. 1st Marine Division prepares for offensive to drive enemy westward beyond Poha River. 2d Marines (— 3d Battalion) is ordered to Guadalcanal from Tulagi to assist in the offensive; 3d Battalion, which has been operating as mobile reserve in Lunga area, is to return to Tulagi for garrison duty. Attack is to begin on 1 November after outposts have been established W of the Matanikau and bridges have been constructed across the river.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese commit fresh forces from beachhead to hold heights at Oivi in order to cover withdrawal across Kumusi River.

EGYPT—Australians withstand determined enemy attacks against their wedge in N sector of 30 Corps and British Eighth Army front. General Montgomery, learning of the presence of strong German reinforcements on N coast, alters breakout plan. Instead of pushing W along coast, he decides to shift axis of advance S in order to drive against Italians.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Wednesday 28 October, 1942

US NAVY

INDIAN OCEAN—Thirty-seven survivors from U.S. freighter Anne Hutchinson, torpedoed and shelled by German submarine U‑504 on 26 October 1942, are rescued by civilian fishing trawler and taken to Port Alfred, South Africa. Aircraft sight the drifting freighter, now broken into two pieces, at 34°13'S, 26°55'E (see 31 October 1942).

ATLANTIC—German submarines continue to stalk British Isles-bound convoy HX 212: U.S. tanker Gurney E. Newlin, abandoned after being torpedoed the previous day by German submarine U‑436, is given the coup de grace by U‑606 and sinks (see 29 October 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑17’s, dispatched to attack convoy at sea, fail to locate target but attack cruisers in Pylos Bay. B‑25’s attack tanks, motor transports, and landing grounds. P‑40’s fly Medium Bomber and Light Bomber escort, bomb and strafe landing grounds and other targets, and engage aircraft in combat, mostly in area between El Alamein and El Daba. Fighters claim 3 Me-109’s destroyed. Attacks by US and RAF aircraft cause enemy to abandon plan for counterattack on Kidney Ridge.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s pound shipping in harbor at Rabaul, while B‑25’s bomb Gasmata airfield.

ELEVENTH AF—6 B‑24’s turn back from an attempted attack on Kiska sub base because of adverse weather. A B‑17 bombs Attu with unobserved results and flies weather reconnaissance over Kiska, Amchitka, and Tanaga.

US ARMY

NEW GUINEA—2d Battalion of 126th Infantry, U.S- 32d Division, and portable hospital begin difficult march from Jaure toward Natunga and Bofu, preceded by Companies E and F, which are to secure dropping grounds.

EGYPT—After probing British positions in Kidney Ridge area, enemy begins forming for attack but is forced by Allied aircraft to abandon it. During night 28–29, Australian 9th Division of 30 Corps, British Eighth Army, begins northward attack toward the sea in effort to eliminate enemy’s coastal salient and secure coastal road and Railroad. Narrow wedge is driven almost to the road despite stubborn opposition from Thompson’s Post, key point in enemy’s coastal positions.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Tuesday 27 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Abandoned carrier Hornet (CV‑8), damaged by bombs and torpedoes and attempted scuttling the previous day, is sunk by Japanese destroyers Akigumo and Makigumo, 08°38'S, 166°43'E.

            Battleship South Dakota (BB‑57) and destroyer Mahan (DD‑364) are damaged in collision while retiring from the Battle of Santa Cruz.

            PBY (VP 91) bombs and damages Japanese destroyer Terutsuki.

ATLANTIC—German submarines attack convoy HX 212 as it heads toward the British Isles: U.S. tanker Gurney E. Newlin, is torpedoed by U‑436; three crewmen are killed. The rest of the 37 man crew, and the 19 man Armed Guard, abandon ship into three boats and two rafts. Canadian corvette HMCS Alberni rescues six merchant seamen and six Armed Guard sailors; Canadian tanker Bic Island picks up 31 merchant seamen and 13 Armed Guard sailors (see 28-29 October 1942).

            U.S. freighter Stephen Hopkins's survivors reach Itabopoano, Brazil; 32 of 40 merchant sailors, as well as 9 of the 15 man Armed Guard, have perished either in battle or from exposure during the month-long ordeal in the lifeboat.

            Survivors (ten merchant seamen and six Armed Guard sailors) from U.S. freighter Steel Navigator, sunk by German submarine U‑610 on 19 October 1942, are rescued by British destroyer HMS Decoy. The other lifeboat containing the other 17 survivors is never found.

INDIAN OCEAN—Ten survivors from U.S. freighter Anne Hutchinson, torpedoed and shelled by German submarine U‑504 on 26 October 1942, are rescued by U.S, freighter Steel Mariner (see 28 and 31 October 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Last 2 squadrons of 14th Fighter Group leave UK for Twelfth AF in N Africa. This completes transfer of VIII Fighter Command’s fighting units to XII Fighter Command and leaves VIII Fighter Command with only 1 fighter group (4th) operational.

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑25’s, with fighter escorts, bomb Matruh and attack motor transports, tanks, and other ground targets. Enemy reinforcements brought up from the S, counterattack Kidney Ridge and are repulsed. British Eighth Army continues regrouping for assault.

TENTH AF—B‑25’s of CATF bomb airfield at Lashio.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s hit trails in SE Papua around Alola, Isurava, and Abuari. P‑39’s escort RAAF Hudsons in strike against small craft at Ferguson Island in D’Entrecasteaux group.

ELEVENTH AF—6 B‑24’s flying attack on Kiska submarine base turn back due to weather. Weather airplane flies reconnaissance over Gareloi, Segula, Kiska, and Attu.

US ARMY

CHINA BURMA INDIA—Generals Wavell and Stilwell agree that Stilwell shall conduct offensive in Hukawng Valley of N Burma and occupy area Myitkyina-Bhamo; make contact with Chinese forces from Yunnan. Americans are to be responsible for construction of Ledo Road to Myitkyina; the road is eventually to link with Burma Road.

EGYPT—Enemy counterattacks strongly against Kidney Ridge, committing reinforcements that have moved up from the S, and is repulsed with heavy losses. British Eighth Army continues regrouping for breakout assault. 7th Armored Division, reinforced by brigade of 44th Division, brigade of 50th Division, and Greek Brigade, is transferred from 13 to 30 Corps. 1st Armored Division of 10 Corps is withdrawn into reserve.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Monday 26 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Battle of Santa Cruz Islands occurs as TF 16 (Rear Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid) and TF 17 (Rear Admiral GeorgeD. Murray) engage a numerically superior Japanese force (Vice Admiral Nagumo Chuichi). Although the Japanese achieve a tactical victory, the failure of their simultaneous land offensive on Guadalcanal means that they cannot exploit it to its fullest. The dwindling number of Japanese carrier planes cannot eliminate Henderson Field, while fuel shortages compel the Combined Fleet to retire on Truk. Americans control the skies above the sea routes to Guadalcanal.

            The victory, however, does not come cheaply in this, the fourth major carrier battle of 1942, for Enterprise (CV‑6) is damaged by planes from carriers Junyo and Shokaku; Hornet (CV‑8) is damaged by planes from Junyo, Shokaku, and Zuikaku; battleship South Dakota (BB‑57) and light cruiser San Juan (CL‑54) are damaged by planes from Junyo; destroyer Smith (DD‑378) is damaged by a crashing carrier attack plane; during the operation of fighting Hornet’s fires and taking off her survivors, destroyer Hughes (DD‑410) is damaged in collision with the doomed carrier (as well as by friendly fire earlier in the action). The attempt to scuttle the irreparably damaged Hornet, by gunfire and torpedoes from destroyers Mustin (DD‑413) and Anderson (DD‑411) fails; destroyer Porter (DD‑356) is accidentally torpedoed by battle-damaged and ditched TBF (VT 10), and, deemed beyond salvage, is scuttled by destroyer Shaw (DD‑373).

            SBDs (VS 10) from Enterprise damage carrier Zuiho; SBDs (VB 8, VS 8) from Hornet damage carrier Shokaku and destroyer Terutsuki; TBFs (VT 6) from Hornet damage heavy cruiser Chikuma.

            Battle of Henderson Field ends as marines repulse Japanese land and air attacks.

            U.S. liner President Coolidge, chartered for use as a troop transport, blunders into U.S. minefield off Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides; the ship is beached to facilitate salvage, but slips into deep water and sinks. Four of the 5,050 Army troops are lost in the accident, as is one of the 290 man merchant complement. There are no casualties among the 51 man Armed Guard.

            Submarine S‑31 (SS‑136) sinks Japanese transport Keizan Maru off Paramushiro, 50°10'N, 155°36'E.

INDIAN OCEAN—U.S. freighter Anne Hutchinson is torpedoed and shelled by German submarine U‑504 some 90 miles off East London, South Africa, 33°12'S, 29°03'E; three crewmen are killed in the attack. The rest of the ship's complement (37 merchant sailors and the 17 man Armed Guard) take to two lifeboats (see 27, 28, and 31 October 1942).

ATLANTIC—British motor torpedo boat rescues 39 merchant seaman and the 10 man Armed Guard from U.S. freighter Reuben Tipton, sunk by German submarine U‑129 on 23 October 1942, and are transported to Barbados.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—Momentum of British drive decreases in El Alamein battle. 30 Corps takes Kidney Ridge, and General Montgomery decides to regroup for a break-out assault. Allied aircraft continue strong support to ground forces and disperse enemy concentrations preparing for attack. B‑25’s hit transport, troop concentrations, and tanks. P‑40’s fly sweeps over El Daba area and attack motor transport and other targets. Enemy air action increases and considerable aerial combat ensues. US fighters claim 4 airplanes shot down. More than 30 B‑17’s and B‑24’s attack shipping off coast of Libya.

TENTH AF—Japanese again hit airfields in Assam connected with India-China transport route, concentrating on Sookerating. A freight depot, containing food and medical supplies for China, is destroyed but no US airplanes are lost. Due to lack of warning, no fighters intercept the attacking force. CATF Medium Bombers move to W China to carry out neutralization of Lashio, where the Japanese have aircraft they are using against the Dinjan area. P‑40’s continue to hit Hong Kong-Canton area, using dive-bombing tactics for first time in the area.

FIFTH AF—B‑25’s hit Salamaua and airfield at Lae. A‑20’s, escorted by P‑40’s, bomb and strafe trails in Missima- Kaile-Deniki area.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Carrier aircraft from the Hornet a Enterprise fight fierce air action with TF in Rattle of Santa Cruz Islands. B‑ 17’s also attack the TF but report no hits. With 3 of his carriers hit and almost 100 airplanes lost, Vice Admiral Nagumo retires toward Truk. Hornet is severely damaged a is sunk the following day by Japanese aircraft and destroyer with bombs and torpedoes.

US ARMY

NEW HEBRIDES—172d Regiment of U.S. 43d Division arrives at Espiritu Santo, but vessel bringing it, President Coolidge, is sunk off coast by U.S. mines.

BATTLE OF SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS—Admiral Kinkaid’s naval force, upon learning of presence of Japanese naval units near Santa Cruz Islands., moves forward and engages in naval air battle. 3 Japanese carriers and 2 DD’s are damaged and 100 planes are destroyed. Cost is high, however, since carrier Hornet and DD Porter are sunk; 4 vessels, one of them the carrier Enterprise, are damaged; 20 planes are lost to enemy and 54 from other causes. This is the last time during the Guadalcanal Campaign that Japanese use carrier aircraft in close support.

GUADALCANAL—Operational aircraft on Henderson Field now total 29.

EGYPT—El ‘Alamein battle continues but with decreasing momentum. 30 Corps, British Eighth Army, improves positions in vicinity of Miteiriya Ridge and during night 26–27 succeeds in taking Kidney Ridge. General Montgomery decides to regroup for next phase, the breakout attack, and withdraws New Zealand 2d Division into reserve. Allied planes continue effective support of ground operations and disperse enemy force concentrating for attack. Enemy air action, which has been rather light thus far, increases.

USSR—Hard fighting continues in Stalingrad.

            In the Caucasus, Nalchik falls to Army Group A.

UNITED KINGDOM—TORCH troop convoy leaves for Africa.

US MARINE CORPS

—Naval Battle of Santa Cruz Island. U. S. force sustains heavy loss, but checks Japanese movement toward Guadalcanal.

Sunday 25 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Whale (SS‑239) lays mines off Honshu, Japan, at entrance to Inland Sea.

            Second division of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, consisting of motor torpedo boats PT-37, PT-39, PT-45, andPT-61, arrives at Tulagi.

            Off Guadalcanal, tug Seminole (AT-65) and district patrol craft YP‑284 are sunk by gunfire of Japanese destroyers Akatsuki, Ikazuchi, and Shiratsuyu; submarine Amberjack (SS‑219), which has arrived that morning to deliver her cargo and passengers at Tulagi, is unable to attain a firing position to help Seminole and YP‑284. Later, high speed minesweeper Zane (DMS‑14) is damaged by the same trio of enemy warships in Sealark Channel. Japanese destroyers, however, do not emerge from the day's action unscathed. Off Lunga Point, Marine shore batteries (and VMF 121 F4Fs) damage Akatsuki, while USMC F4Fs (VMF 121) damage Ikazuchi; USAAF P‑39s damage Samidare and Akizuki. Amberjack later disembarks USAAF enlisted men (67th Fighter Squadron and 347th Fighter Group), 200 100-pound bombs and 9,000 gallons of aviation gasoline at Tulagi. Released from duty under ComAirSoPac, Amberjack sets course for Brisbane.

            USAAF B‑17s sink Japanese auxiliary minelayer Kotobuki Maru at Rabaul.

            Japanese light cruiser Yura, damaged by SBD (VS 71) and USAAF B‑17 or P‑39 off Santa Isabel, Solomons, is scuttled by destroyers Harusame and Yudachi, 08°40'S, 160°00'E.

            Dutch submarine O 23 damages Japanese army cargo ship Shinyu Maru off Penang, Malaya, 05°28'N, 99°56'E.

ATLANTIC—Master and one merchant seaman from U.S. freighter Reuben Tipton, sunk by German submarine U‑129 on 23October 1942, are recovered by PBM and transported to Trinidad (see 26 October 1942).

CARIBBEAN—U.S. freighter Daniel Boone strikes mine while off coast of Panama; there are no casualties to the 42 man crew and11 man Armed Guard, and the ship reaches port under her own power.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—Battle of El Alamein continues as General Montgomery decides to make main effort on N flank of 30 Corps. Australian 9th Division drives N toward coastal road to Rahman. B‑25’s disperse motor transport and other targets in support of ground forces. P‑40’s on escort attack vehicles and other targets. Fighters claim several airplanes destroyed in combat. Heavy Bombers sent to bomb Bengasi harbor and a convoy at sea fail to reach targets as bad weather prevails.

TENTH AF—Japanese aircraft attack airfields connected with the India-China air transport route, heavily bombing Dinjan and Chabua fields and scoring hits also at Mohanbari and Sookerating. 10 US airplanes are destroyed and 17 badly damaged; 9 Japanese aircraft are downed. 12 B‑25’s and 7 P‑40’s of CATF, led by Col Merian C Cooper, hit Kowloon Docks at Hong Kong. 21 airplanes intercept. 1 B‑25 and 1 P‑40 are shot down. This marks the first loss of a CATF B‑25 in combat. The Japanese interceptors are virtually annihilated. During 25/26 Oct 6 B‑25’s, on first CATF night strike, continue pounding Hong Kong, bombing North Pt power plant which provides electricity for the shipyards. 3 other B‑25’s bomb the secondary target, Canton warehouse area, causing several large explosions and fires.

FIFTH AF—B‑17’s bomb shipping at Rabaul. A‑20’s bomb and strafe Isurava-Kokoda trail, W bank of Kumusi River, and area N of Asisi as Australian ground forces push toward Kokoda in the Owen Stanley Range.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Japanese ground assaults on def lines around Henderson Field are again thrown back. Marine and AAF fighters continue to inflict telling losses on Japanese Navy aircraft. During the afternoon, a B‑17 on sea-search mission sights powerful TF NW of Santa Cruz Islands, heading for Guadalcanal.

ELEVENTH AF—Alert only as weather permits.

US ARMY

BERMUDA—Air group for TORCH (carriers) sails for North Africa.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese artillery and aircraft are very active during day but ground attacks are withheld until night 25–26, when 2 enemy regiments attack 1st Battalion of 7th Marines and 3d Battalion of 164th Infantry on S flank of Lunga perimeter and other enemy forces attack 2d Battalion of 7th Marines E of Hill 67 and Matanikau River. Both attacks are repulsed and lull in ground action follows.

EGYPT—As El ‘Alamein battle continues, General Montgomery decides to make main effort on N flank of 30 Corps and withhold attacks of 13 Corps in order to preserve strength of 7th Armored Division. On N flank of 30 Corps, Australian 9th Division drives N toward coastal road to Rahman; 1st Armored Division, attempting to push W in Kidney Ridge area, is unable to advance. Series of determined enemy counterattacks with strong tank support is repulsed. In 13 Corps sector, 50th Division attempts to improve positions in Munassib area with little success.

US MARINE CORPS

—Marines and Army troops fight off heavy ground attacks of major Japanese counteroffensive.

Saturday 24 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Nautilus (SS‑168) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Kenun Maru about 20 miles east of Shiriya Zaki, off northern tip of Honshu, 41°24'N, 141°50'E.

            Submarine Trigger (SS‑237) damages Japanese oiler Nissho Maru in Bungo Channel, 32°06'N, 132°34'E.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑25’s support British Eighth Army Offensive W of El Alamein between Mediterranean Sea and Qattara Depression as 30 Corps, with 4 divisions in assault, secures 2 corridors through enemy mine-fields on British N flank, while 13 Corps on S flank breaks through mine-fields N of Himeimat and establishes small bridgehead. The Medium Bombers hit troop concentrations, tent areas, gun emplacements, and vehicles. P‑ 40’s, working with RAF and SAAF, escort Medium Bombers and Light Bombers and hit motor transports and tanks.

FIFTH AF—B‑25’s hit Lae airfield. Organized Japanese resistance on Goodenough Island ceases.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Marine and AAF fighters at Henderson Field continue to inflict damaging losses upon Japanese naval air force. Japanese ground forces, attacking aggressively, are again repulsed by defenses around Henderson area.

ELEVENTH AF—3 B‑17’s hit Kiska submarine base. Results not observed. Weather reconnaissance flight is made over Attu.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Final detachment of Western Naval Task Force sails from Hampton Roads for North Africa. Covering group of warships sails from Casco Bay, Maine.

GUADALCANAL—Japanese column is observed E of the Matanikau on foothills of Mt Austen in afternoon and bombarded by artillery and aircraft with unobserved results. Shortly after midnight 24–25, regiment of main Japanese assault force attacks S flank of Lunga perimeter, where 1st Battalion of 7th Marines is thinly spread along 2,800-yard front, 2d Battalion having been withdrawn to plug gap between Lunga perimeter and forward positions along the Matanikau. Marines, assisted by fire of adjacent troops—2d Battalion of 164th Inf—and reinforced during night by 3d Battalion of 164th Infantry, hold against repeated attacks, and enemy retires morning of 25th.

NEW HEBRIDES—2 U.S. naval carrier forces, based on Enterprise and Hornet, rendezvous NE of New Hebrides and come under command of Rear Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid.

NEW GUINEA—Organized resistance on Goodenough Island. ceases; 250 Japanese are withdrawn to Rabaul by DD after nightfall. After exhausting overland journey, head of 2d Battalion, 126th Infantry, U.S. 32d Division, reaches Jaure. From there the force is to move to Buna area via Natunga and Bofu, Aniti Tank and Cannon Companies protecting its rear and harassing enemy in Wairopi area.

EGYPT—30 Corps, with 4 divisions in assault, secures 2 corridors through enemy mine fields on N flank of British Eighth Army, Australian 9th and British 51st Divisions gaining one on N and New Zealand 2d and South African 1st Divisions one on S. 10 Corps armor then begins passing through 1st Armored Division, debouching through N corridor, breaks through mine field during night 24–25, but 10th Armored Division, using S corridor, is unable to reach W edge of mine field. On Eighth Army S flank, 13 Corps’ 7th Armored and 44th Divisions succeed in breaking through mine fields N of Himeimat, night 24–25, and establish small bridgehead; to S, Free French 1st Brigade pushes W but is driven back.

ITALY—RAF Lancasters, after flight of some 1,400 miles from Britain, attack Milan in force. This is the first daylight attack on Italy by British planes from home bases.

US MARINE CORPS

—Marines and Army troops fight off heavy ground attacks of major Japanese counteroffensive.

Friday 23 October, 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Kingfish (SS‑234) sinks Japanese gunboat Seikyo Maru at entrance to Kii Suido, Honshu, 33°20'N,135°27'E.

            USAAF B‑17s damage Japanese submarine chasers Ch 31 and Ch 32 at Rabaul.

            Japanese submarine I‑7 shells Espiritu Santo.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Reuben Tipton, bound for Trinidad, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U‑129; three merchant seamen are killed in the attack (see 25 and 26 October 1942).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

US ARMY MIDDLE EAST AIR FORCE—B‑17’s and B‑24’s sent to attack Candia and Bengasi turn back short of target due to bad weather. El Alamein offensive by British Eighth Army begins at 2140 with artillery barrage by more than 1,000 guns aimed at enemy batteries. At 2200 barrage switches to enemy forward positions as British troops move forward. Heavy fighting continues during 23/24 Oct.

FIFTH AF—A‑20’s bomb and strafe Deniki and Deniki-Kokoda trail. B‑17’s thoroughly pound shipping at Rabaul.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Henderson Field is again made operational by Seabees, and Marine and AAF fighters begin to inflict heavy losses on naval aircraft. Japanese ground forces assault def lines around the airfields but are thrown back.

ELEVENTH AF—Armed reconnaissance by 7 bombers, escorted by 6 P‑38’s, is flown over Kiska installations, chiefly the submarine base and Main Camp. Visibility is excellent and direct hits are scored, including 1 on submarine base.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Forces from U.S. begin movement to North Africa in preparation for TORCH. First detachment of Western Naval Task Force, under Rear Admiral Henry K. Hewitt, sails from Hampton Roads, Virginia.

GUADALCANAL—After quiet day, Japanese artillery opens up at 1800 with heaviest fire to date, after which assault force (tank co and infantry regiment) makes determined but futile efforts to cross Matanikau River mouth and overrun 3d Battalion of 1st Marines. Japanese sustain heavy losses: 600 are estimated killed and at least 8 tanks are knocked out. 1st Marines casualties are 25 killed and 14 wounded. Main enemy enveloping force, which was to have attacked simultaneously with coastal force, is not yet in position and postpones for another day its attack on S perimeter.

EGYPT—British Eighth Army opens El ‘Alamein offensive at 2140. More than 1,000 guns pound enemy batteries until 2200, then switch to enemy forward positions as British troops move forward, 30 Corps on N making main effort and 13 Corps conducting diversionary actions on S. Heavy fighting continues throughout night.

US MARINE CORPS

—Marines and Army troops fight off heavy ground attacks of major Japanese counteroffensive.