Chronology of World War II

March 1943

Tuesday, March 30


Air Operations, Aleutians

The 11th Air Force sends 6 seperate against Kiska and Little Kiska islands, but many aircraft abort in the face of bad weather. 1 B-24 is downed by antiaircraft fire.

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Air Operations, Bismarcks

B-24s of the 90th Heavy Bomb Group attack Gasmata.

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Air Operations, CBI

BURMA
  • 5 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack rail facilities at Maymyo.
  • 16 51st Fighter Group P-40s attack targets of opportunity.
  • 23rd Fighter Group P-40s strafe locomotives near Lashio.
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Air Operations, Europe

BOMBER COMMAND
Daylight Ops:
  • 10 Mosquitos are sent to hit the Phillips factory at Eindhoven but only manage to hit one corner of the factory.
    • There are no losses.
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Air Operations, New Guinea

V Bomber Command B-17s, B-24s, B-25s, and A-20s attack the port and town areas at Finschhafen.

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Air Operations, Solomons

XIII Bomber Command B-17s and B-24s on armed-reconnaissance missions attack the Kahili airfiled on Bougainville and the Vila airfield on Kolombangara.

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Atlantic

The crew of the German blockade-runner Regensburg immolate themselves when intercepted by HMS Glasgow in the Denmark Strait. There are 6 survivors.

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Diplomatic Relations

Stalin is told that the Allied convoys to Murmansk are being suspended because of heavy losses. Increasingly suspicious of Washington and London, Stalin assumes the suspension is motivated by political rather than military considerations.

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North Africa

TUNISIA

After bitter fighting the 8th Army takes Sejenane.

The US II Corps continues efforts to break through the enemy positions astride the El Guettar-Gabès road. The 1st Div secures most of the southern part of Djebel el Mcheltat. After a preparatory artillery bombardment, the 9th Div takes part of Djebel Lettouchi, the eastern spur of Djebel Berda, but cannot hold it or advance elsewhere. The 1st Armored Div's Task Force Benson attacks through the infantry at noon but is soon stopped by enemy fire and mines. A lane is cleared through the mine fiels at a pass between Djebel el Mcheltat and Hill 369 during the night. The 34th Div, to the north, continues futile efforts to reach Fondouk Gap. The Southeast Algerian Command's camel troops occupy Kebili.

A 25-pdr field gun in action at night during the assault on the Mareth line, 30 March 1943.

25-pdr Field Gun in Action


25-pdr field gun in action
Trucks carry supplies of petrol and ammunition to the front line, 30 March 1943.

Supplying the Front


Supplying the Front

The British 8th Army's forward elements make contact with the enemy's new line along Wadi Akarit. The X Corps is ordered to determine whether the Akarit defenses can be carried by an assault with the current forces. The New Zealand Corp, having served its purpose, is abolished.

In the British 1st Army area, the V Corps' 46th Div recaptures Sedjenane.

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A Bristol Beaufighter of No. 30 Squadron RAAF returning from a raid on Lae in March 1943.

Bristol Beaufighter


Bristol Beaufighter

[March 29th - March 31st]