Air Operations, Far East

Among the targets for the US bomber forces are Akashi, Osaka, Kure and Kumamoto. A new tactic is tried starting on the 28th when 11 cities are told by leaflets that they are on the US target list and six of them are bombed on the 29th. Medium bombers join in the attack early in the month doing particular damage to shipping around the Japanese islands. There is much activity over China. In additon to the 14th Air Force attacks there are 2 heavy attacks on Shanghai by planes based on Okinawa.

Air Operations, CBI

• Several 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack a bridge and the ferry terminal at Chungmow.
• 4 81st Fighter Group P-47s strafe the airfield at Kaifeng and locomotives.
• 4 P-47s attack rail yards at Yuhsiang.
• 4 14th Air Force P-51s attack a bridge near Kiehsiu.

Air Operations, East Indies

• Following weeks-long air and naval attacks, and a 40-minute final preinvasion strike against beach targets by 83 FEAF B-24s, an Australian Army corps lands at Balikpapan to seize the strategically vital oilfields. The landing itself is concealed by a last-minute smoke screen laid down by an FEAF B-25.
• Once the troops are ashore, direct support is provided by FEAF B-25s, XIII Fighter Command P-38s, and USN and USMC carrier aircraft from Task Group 78.4* operating under the direction of Marine Air Support Group 48 (the first time carrier-based Marines have overseen such an operation).
• The Balikpapan landing is the last major amphibious operation of the Pacific War.
• FEAF B-24s attack the Limboeng and Mandai airfields on Celebes and Balikpapan.
• B-24s, B-25s, and XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack the Oelin, Tabanio and Trombol airfields on Borneo and targets in the Tawau area.

Air Operations, Japan

• In the first attack against Japanese soil by USAAF B-25s since the Doolittle raid of April 18, 1942, 33 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s, escorted by US Marine Corps F4Us, attack the Chiran airfield on Kyushu.
• 413th Fighter Group P-47s based at Ie Shima attack targets on Kyushu.
• 83 VII Fighter Command P-51s based on Iwo Jima attack 4 airfields on Honshu: atHamamatsu, Itami, Kasumigaura, and Nagano.
• A 413th Fighter Group P-47 downs a G4M 'Betty' bomber over Kagoshima Bay at 0730 hours.

• 21st Fighter Group P-51s down a G3M 'Nell' bomber and 2 G4M 'Betty' bombers over Honshu between 1525 and 1545 hours.
• The 20th Air Force’s 507th Fighter Group, in P-47s based at Ie Shima, makes its combat debut while attacking ground targets on Kyushu.
• During the night 152 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Kure. 154 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Kumamoto. 100 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Ube. 126 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Shimonoseki. 9 B-29s attack targets of opportunity. 24 505th Very Heavy Bomb Group Bomber Command B-29s sow mines in Shimonoseki Strait and off Fushiki and Nanao.
• 2 B-29s are lost.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack several targets on Luzon.

China

Chinese troops advancing through southern China liberate Liuchow, a key town astride the main north-south rail line and featuring a large air base formerly used by US air units. USAAF forces are now working to reopen captured air bases for the strategic bombing campaign against the Japanese mainland.

Diplomatic Relations

Over the vehement protests of Prime Minister Churchill, US forces begin a withdrawal from central and southern Germany to their designated occupation zones. The territory abandoned will be part of the Soviet occupation zone. Churchill believes that no British or American troops should give up any territory to the Soviets until there is assurance that Stalin will abide by the Yalta agreements for free and open elections in the liberated areas of Europe. President Truman, still following Roosevelt's conciliatory policy toward the Soviets, argues that the Soviets will abide by their agreement if they see the United States living up to its obligations. Churchill worries that the Americans and British will arrive at the upcoming Potsdam conference with no bargaining position with the Soviets.

Air Operations, CBI

• 28 14th Air Force P-51s attack various targets.

Air Operations, East Indies

• Supplementing Royal Australian Air Force efforts, FEAF B-24s attack defenses at Balikpapan.
• B-25s attack troops at Bintula.
• XIII Fighter Command P-38s and US Navy and Marine Corps carrier-based aircraft support Australian Army ground forces at Balikpapan. Australian Army ground forces capture the town area and vital oil facilities at Balikpapan.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Bomber Command B-24s attack the airfield at Toyohara.

Air Operations, Japan

• In what might be the final aerial engagement over the Japanese home islands by US Marine Corps land-based fighters, VMF-311 and VMF-224 F4Us down 8 Japanese fighters between 1015 and 1045 hours.
• During the night, 39 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack an oil refinery at Maruzen.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack Japanese Army troops on Luzon.

Allied Planning

Secretary of War Henry Stimson, concerned that the invasion of the Japanese home islands will result in far greater casualties that Okinawa, appeals to the president to make some adjustment of the Allied demand for Japan's unconditional surrender.

Dutch East Indies

The Australians capture the oil installations on Balikpapan and extend their beachhead.

Air Operations, CBI

• 3 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and more than 70 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack numerous targets associated with the Japanese Army withdrawal from southern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the Limboeng and Mandai airfields on Celebes and an airstrip near Kuching.
• FEAF B-24s and US Marine Corp and Navy carrier-based aircraft support Australian Army ground forces around Balikpapan.
• A VMF-511 F4U operating from the USS Block Island downs an E13A 'Jake' reconnaissance plande near Balikpapan at 0600 hours.
• The headquarters of the Royal Australian Air Force’s 1st Tactical Air Force is established ashore at Balikpapan and assumes control for all air-support missions and aircraft.

Air Operations, Japan

• 36 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s, organized into 2 flights, attack the Chiran airfield on Kyushu.
• 35th Fighter Group P-51s based on Okinawa attack Japanese Navy floatplanes in Fukuoka Harbor. 35th Fighter Group P-51s down 3 A6M2-N 'Rufe' fighter-bombers over Sasebo at 1315 hours.
• During the night, 116 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Takamatsu. 125 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Kochi. 106 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Himeji. 129 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Tokushima. 8 B-29s attack other targets. 26 505th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s sow mines in Shimonoseki Strait and off Funakawa and Maizuru.
• 3 B-29s are lost.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack several targets on Luzon.

Air Operations, CBI

• 30 14th Air Force P-38s and P-51s attack numerous targets in southern China and northern French Indochina.
• A party of USAAF officers arrives in Chungking from India to organize the newly created Army Air Forces, China Theater headquarters.

Air perations, East Indies

• FEAF B-24s attack defenses near Balikpapan, a seaplane base at Donggla, and the Boeloedowang and Limboeng airfield on Celebes.
• 1 B-24 crashes into a mountain.
• The Manggar airfield on Borneo is captured by Australian Army ground forces.

Air Operations, Formosa

20 V Bomber Command B-24s attack barracks at Toshien.

Air Operations, Japan

• 8 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s attack Kataoka naval base with the aid of radar.
• 161 VII Fighter Command P-51s attack the Yokosuka naval base, Imba, Kasumigaura, and Tsukuba.
• 35th Fighter Group P-51s sweep Kyushu.
• 2 15th Fighter Group P-51s down a biplane over the Kasumigaura airfield on Honshu at 1410 hours.

Air Operations, CBI

• 2 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 2 81st Fighter Group P-47s attack a bridge near Chumatien.
• 37 14th Air Force P-51s attack various targets in northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

• 8 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack shipping and small craft in Haiphong harbor.

Air Operations, East Indies

FEAF B-24s attack Manggar and Riko.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Bomber Command B-24s attack airfields at Taihoku, Takao, Toshien, Toyohara and supplies near Kamioka.

Air Operations, Japan

• 47 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s and 25 41st Medium Bomb Command B-25s, escorted by 102 VII Fighter Command P-47s attack the Omura airfield on Kyushu and 2 nearby towns.
• More than 100 VII Fighter Command P-51s attack targets on Honshu.
• 35th Fighter Group P-51s sweep Kyushu. 35th Fighter Group P-51s down 4 N1K 'Rex' fighters over the Sasebo area at 1245 hours.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers mount nearly 100 sorties against targets on Luzon.

Australia, Home Front

John Curtin, Prime Minister since 1941, dies at the age of 60. Curtin had held the post since October 1941, and although his political power was tenuous at times he had fully mobilized Australia for war, often against internal government opposition. More than 30,000 people attend his funeral in Perth on July 9. Mr Ben Chifley takes over on July 13.

Britain, Politics

The British election is held. The results are not available until July 26 because of the time taken to bring home and count the soldiers' votes. The Labor Party wins: Labor, 394; Conservatives, 188; Liberals, 14; National Liberals, 13; Ulster Unionists, 9; Communists, 2; Others, 20.

Diplomatic Relations

Britain and the United States recognize a new Polish government of National Unity. Stanislaws Mikolajczyk, formerly leader of the London exile government, is one of the deputy Premiers.

Dutch East Indies

More Australian forces land in Borneo, near Penadjim Point in the Bay of Balikpapan. The Australians quickly extend their control from a number of beachheads along the coast and toward the interior.

Air Operations, CBI

• 98 14th Air Force P-38s and P-51s attack a wide range of transportation targets and troops in northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

• A 449th Fighter Squadron P-38 downs a Ki-27 'Nate' near Hanoi's Gia Lam airfield.

Air Operations, East Indies

FEAF B-24s attack several targets on Borneo.

Air Operations, Formosa

• V Bomber Command B-24s attack airfields at Heito, Ryutan, and Taein.
• 3rd Light Bomb Group A-26s attack rail yards at Taito.

Air Operations, Japan

• 35th Fighter Group P-51s attack transportation targets around Kagoshima Bay.
• VII Fighter Command P-51s based on Iwo Jima attack several airfields on Honshu.
• A 21st Fighter Group P-51 downs an A6M Zero near Sagami Bay.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack several targets on Luzon.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

A VMF-351 F4U, off the USS Cape Gloucester downs a Ki-46 'Dinah' reconnaissance plane at sea at 0925 hours.

Air Operations, CBI

• More than 80 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack Japanese forces withdrawing through northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

Supplementing Royal Australian Air Force efforts, FEAF B-24s and B-25s, and XIII Fighter Command P-38s support Australian Army ground forces in the Balikpapan area.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Bomber Command B-24s mount strong attacks against the airfields at Matsuyama and Taihoku.

Air Operations, Japan

• Between 0700 and 0800 hours, 124 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Chiba. 123 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Akashi. 133 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Shimuzu. 131 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Kofu. 59 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack an oil refinery at Maruzen. 4 B-29s attack targets of opportunity.
• 4 B-29s are lost.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Bomber Command B-25s and V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack Japanese ground forces and support US 8th Army and Filipino guerrilla forces in several areas of Luzon.

Air Operations, CBI

• 6 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 4 81st Fighter Group P-47s attack a bridge and trains near Sinsiang.

• More than 60 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack Japanese forces witdrawing through Don Son, Haiphong, and Tourane, as well as in the China-French Indochina border region.

Air Operations, Asia

Sgt Simon Eden of the RAF, aged 20 and son of the British Foreign Secretary, is missing in action over Burma.

Air Operations, East Indies

FEAF B-24s and B-25s, with a small number of Royal Australian Air Force bombers, attack various targets on Borneo and support Australian Army ground forces around Balikpapan.

Air Operations, Formosa

• V Bomber Command B-24s attack the airfield at Shinchiku.
• B-25s attack Koto Island and an alcohol plant at Getsubi.
• V Fighter Command P-38s attack an oil installation.

Air Operations, Japan

• More than 100 VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack airfields and nearby targets on Honshu.
• 8 USAAF fighters are lost against the most aggressive opposition encountered over Japan by the VII Fighter Command.
• 15th and 506th Fighter group P-51s down 6 Japanese Navy fighters near Honshu's Hyakurigahara and Tokorozawa airfields between 1405 and 1505 hours.
• A 318th Fighter Group P-47 down a Ki-44 'Tojo' fighter at 1640 hours.

Air Operations, CBI

• 5 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack 2 bridges in the Sinantien area.
• 14 14th Air Force P-38s and P-51s attack several bridges and transportation targets.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Fighter Command P-38s support Australian Army and Royal Netherlands Army ground forces around Balikpapan.
• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack shipyards at Samarinda.
• 42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s support Australian Army ground forces in the Brunei Bay area.

Air Operations, Formosa

• V Bomber Command B-24s attack airfields at Okaseki, Takao, and Toyohara.
• 3rd Light Bomb Group A-26s attack Karenko.

Air Operations, Japan

• 43 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the Omura airfield on Kyushu.
• 1 B-24 attacks Kikai Shima.

• More than 100 VII Fighter Command P-51s based on Iwo Jima attack tactical targets at several locations on Kyushu. 507th Fighter Group P-47s down 6 K5Y 'Willow' biplane trainers over Goshoura, Kyushu, at 1035 hours, and 4 K5Ys near Maki Shima at 1205 hours.
• 21st Fighter Group P-51s down 13 fighters over the Osaka area between 1245 and 1312 hours.
• During the night 123 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Sendai. 115 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Sakai. 108 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Wakayama. 129 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Gifu. 61 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack an oil refinery at Yokkaichi. 7 B-29s attack other targets. 29 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines in Shimonseki Strait and off Nanao and Niigata.
• 3 B-29s are lost.
• The 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing’s 331st Very Heavy Bomb Group makes is combat debut.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers support US 8th Army and Filipino guerrilla forces on Luzon.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

More than 50 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack the airfield at Tokuno Shima.

Air Operations, CBI

• 22 14th Air Force P-38s and P-51s attack various targets.

• 14 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack Dong Anh, railroad repair shops at Phu Lang Thuong, and Japanese forces withdrawing through China’s Siang-Chiang valley.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the Tabanio airfield on Borneo, warehouses at Donggala, and an occupied town.
• XIII Fighter Command P-38s sweep southeastern Borneo.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Bomber Command B-24s attack the airfield at Tainan and warehouses at Takao.

Air Operations, Japan

• Task Force 38 (see July 1, 1945) and USAAF aircraft open a sustained pre-invasion offensive against all manner of targets throughout Japan, especially airfields and industrial targets in and around Tokyo. Only light opposition is encountered and the airfields are devoid of airplanes. Nonetheless, prowling carrier fighter-bombers locate and destroy an estimated 100 degassed Japanese aircraft on the ground at widely dispersed sites no closer than 10 miles to any airfield.

• 4 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s attack Minami Cape with the aid of radar.
• A VF-50 F6F downs a Ki-46 'Dinah' reconnaissance plane 50 miles from Task Force 38 at 1320 hours.
• A 21st Fighter Group P-51 downs a D3A 'Val' dive bomber near Kobe at 1410 hours.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

• More than 50 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack the Wan airfield on Kikai Shima and several nearby targets of opportunity.
• During the night 43 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Sateku and the Wan airfield on Kikai Shima.
• 1 B-24 attacks the airfield at Karasehara.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command P-38s and P-51s attack pockets of resistance near Manila and support US 8th Army and Filipino guerrilla forces elsewhere on Luzon.

Air Operations, CBI

• 25 14th Air Force P-40s and P-51s attack troops and transportation targets at various locations.

• A 51st Fighter Group P-51 downs a Ki-43 'Oscar' fighter over the Vinh airfield at 1310 hours.

Air Operations, East Indies

42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s and XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack road targets around Balikpapan.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Bomber Command B-24s attack Shinchiku.

Air Operations, Japan

• 5 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s attack Kataoka with the aid of radar.
• 4 B-25s attack shipping and a fishery in the Kurile Islands.
• V Fighter Command fighter-bombers sweep Kyushu.
• A 3rd Air Commando Group P-51 downs a B5N 'Kate' torpedo bomber near the Kumamoto airfield on Kyushu at 1045 hours.

• During the night 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines in the Shimonoseki Strait and off Maizuru, Miyazu, and Obama Island.
• 2 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the Byu and Miyazaki airfields on Kyushu.

Air Operations, Korea

During the night several 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off Najin and Pusan—the war’s first such mission to this area.

Air Operations, Philippines

• V Bomber Command B-25s and V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack troop concentrations on Luzon.
• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack troop concentrations on Negros.

Canada, Home Front

In the General Election the results: Liberals, 119 seats; Progressive Conservatives, 65; C.C.F., 28; Others, 33. Prime Minister Mackenzie King is defeated at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He is re-elected at by-election on August 6, 1945.

Air Operations, CBI

• 23 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the main supply depot at Canton.
• 3 341st Medium Bombardment Group B-25s attack supply convoys in the Siang Chiang valley.
• 43 14th Air Force P-38s and P-51s attack airfields, coastal shipping, and transportation targets in northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack barracks at Tandjung and warehouses at Donggala.

Air Operations, Formosa

• 26 V Bomber Command B-24s attack oil stores at Toshien.
• 9 3rd Light Bomb Group A-26s attack a sugar refinery at Taiharo.
• V Fighter Command P-51s attack targets along the western coast.

Air Operations, Japan

• More than 50 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack the Kanoya airfield on Kyushu, a town on Kyushu, and the Tokuno Shima airfield in the Amami Islands.
• More than 70 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 32 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s attack the Chiran airfield on Kyushu.
• 2 A-26s attack the seaplane base at Ibusuki.
• V Fighter Command fighter-bombers sweep Kyushu.
• 4 28th Composite Bomb Group B-25s strafe a freighter during an anti-shipping sweep in the Kurile Islands, but 1 B-25 is lost.

• During the night 115 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Utsunomiya. 123 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Ichinomiya. 92 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Tsuruga. 123 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Uwajima. 53 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack oil-industry targets at Kawasaki. 11 B-29s attack targets of opportunity. 2 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the Byu and Miyazaki airfield on Kyushu.
• 3 B-29s are lost.

Air Operations, Philippines

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack troop concentrations on Negros.
• V Fighter Command fighter-bombers support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.
• Following a virtual rain of napalm over the past several days, a Japanese defensive pocket at Kiangan, Luzon, is easily overrun by US 8th Army ground troops.
• The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing conducts its last major support operation of World War II when its aircraft cover a landing by a US 8th Army infantry division in southern Mindanao.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

47 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack an airfield in the Amami Islands after being diverted because of bad weather over their primary target. A VMF(N)-543 F6F downs a G3M 'Nell' bomber off Okinawa at 0420 hours.

Diplomatic Relations

Hirohito appoints former Prime Minister Prince Fuminaro Konoye as a secret peace emissary in Moscow. The Russians refuse to receive him.

Air Operations, Carolines

Operating temporarily from Guam, the 20th Air Force’s 414th Fighter Group, in P-47s, makes it combat debut in an attack against the Truk Atoll.

Air Operations, CBI

• 14 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 12 14th Air Force P-51s attack anti-aircraft batteries, bridges, rail yards, and targets of opportunity at Anyang, Do Cam in French Indochina, and Puchi.
• 33 P-38s and P-51s attack a variety of targets in northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.
• 14 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack a small-arms plant in Canton that has been attacked many times as a secondary target by 63rd Heavy Bomb Squadron SB-24s.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack artillery positions at Miri and sweep southwestern Celebes.

Air Operations, Formosa

• V Bomber Command B-24s attack boatyards at Suo.
• 3rd Light Bombardment Group A-26s attack rail yards at Karenko.

Air Operations, Japan

Bad weather prevents the opening of an offensive by Task Force 38 carrier aircraft against hitherto untouched targets on Hokkaido and northern Honshu. During the night 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines in Shimonoseki Strait and off Fukuoka.

Air Operations, Korea

During the night 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines in off Masan, Reisui, and Seishin.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Bomber Command B-24s, B-25s, and V Fighter Command fighter-bombers fighter-bombers attack pockets of resistance and troop concentrations on Luzon.

Air Operations, CBI

• V Fighter Command P-47s attack shipping and shore targets along the northern China coast.

• 25 51st Fighter Group P-38s and P-51s attack dumps and transportation targets, mainly in northern French Indochina and in the China–Indochina frontier area.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack several targets on Borneo and Celebes.

Air Operations, Formosa

3rd Light Bomb Group A-26s attack a refinery and warehouses at Taiharo.

Air Operations, Japan

• V Fighter Command P-51s attack rail targets in western Kyushu. VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers based on Iwo Jima abort in the face of bad weather while on their way to attack targets on Honshu. Against no aerial opposition whatsoever, Task Force 38 carrier aircraft launched from only 80 miles offshore mount 1,381 effective sorties against hitherto untouched airfields and other targets on Hokkaido and northern Honshu.

• Few Japanese aircraft are located at their dispersal sites on the ground, but the carrier aircraft are able to attack numerous shipping targets and claim the sinking of small ships and landing craft amounting to an estimated 50,000 tons. Also, without opposition from the air, 3 US 3rd Fleet battleships, 2 cruisers, and 9 destroyers are able to mount an unprecedented bombardment of iron plants at two locations. VF-85 F4Us down a G4M 'Betty' bomber at sea at 1245 hours, and damage another bomber.

Air Operations, Philippines

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s support US 8th Army ground forces on Negros.
• V Fighter Command fighter-bombers support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.

Europe

Gen Eisenhower announces the closure of SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) and eases some of the restrictions on private contact between American soldiers and German civilians.

Air Operations, CBI

• 3 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 39 14th Air Force P-47s and P-51s attack various transportation targets.
• V Bomber Command B-24s attack an arms factory in Canton.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Fighter Command P-51s attack targets near Takao and targets of opportunity on Hoko Island.

Air Operations, Japan

• Unimpeded by aerial opposition, hundreds of Task Force 38 carrier aircraft pummel Japanese air bases, shipping and transportation targets, and an array of other military targets on Hokkaido and northern Honshu. It is estimated that Japan’s maritime coal-carrying capacity is halved by this series of raids.
• 58 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the Tomitaka and Usa airfields on Kyushu.
• 25 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack targets on Kikai, Tamega, and Yaku islands.
• VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers based on Iwo Jima attack airfields and tactical targets on Honshu.

• A 35th Fighter Group P-51 downs an N1K 'Rex' floatplane fighter near the Kumamoto airfield on Kyushu at 1300 hours.
• 21st Fighter Group P-51s down 4 fighters in the Nagoya area between 1330 and 1400 hours.
• During the night 59 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack an oil facility at Kudamatsu. 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off Niigata and Naoetsu.

Air Operations, Korea

During the night 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off Najin, Pusan, and Wonsan.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Bomber Command B-25s and V Fighter Command P-38s and P-51s support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.

Air Operations, Pacific

10 large Japanese cities are devastated by US bombers.

Air Operations, CBI

• 5 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and more than 60 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack transportation targets across northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack warehouses on Celebes.

Air Operations, Formosa

V Fighter Command P-51s attack a bridge and rail targets while sweeping the island.

Air Operations, Japan

• 33 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack rail bridges at Nobeoka.
• 6 B-24s attack port facilities and the town area at Aburatsu.
• 27 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s, 1 B-24, and 39 FEAF P-47s attack the Miyazaki airfield on Kyushu and a nearby bridge.
• 36 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s, 1 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24, and 1 A-26 attack a bridge at Sadohara.
• 5 FEAF P-47s attack Yanagawa.
• V Fighter Command P-51s attack coastal targets around Kagoshima Bay.
• More than 100 VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers based on Iwo Jima attack airfields and several tactical targets on Honshu.

• 4 28th Composite Bomb Group B-25s attack shipping and strafe shore targets in the Kurile Islands.
• During the morning, 2 VC-13 (USS Anzio) anti-submarine TBMs help sink a Japanese submarine off Honshu.
• 21st and 506th Fighter group P-51s down 25 Japanese fighters over Honshu between 1320 and 1400 hours.
• During the night 119 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Numazu. 124 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Oita. 94 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Kuwana. 129 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Hiratsuka. 3 B-29s attack targets of opportunity.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Bomber Command B-25s and V Fighter Command P-51s support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.

Air Operations, Pacific

A force of 500 B-29s bomb targets on Honshu and Kyushu. Altogether, more than 1,500 American planes pound Japan.

Atomic Research

The world's first atomic weapons test takes place at Alamagordo in New Mexico. The bomb used is based on the element plutonium and gives a yield of between 15 and 20 kilotons. It is mounted on top of a steel tower which is vaporized by the head of the explosion which is greater that the temperature inside the sun. The explosion is visible and audible up to 180 miles away. Truman is advised of the successful test at Potsdam in a terse coded message, 'Babies satisfactorily born.'

Air Operations, CBI

• Nearly 150 FEAF B-24s, B-25s, and A-26s attack Chiang Wan airfield at Shanghai.
• FEAF P-47s attack warehouses and shipping at Tinghai and Taishan Island.
• 1 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25 and more than 70 14th Air Force fighter-bombers disrupt Japanese troop movements in northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.
• FEAF B-25s attack Itu Aba Island.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack barracks at Limboeng.
• 42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack the Jesselton airfield on Borneo.

Air Operations, Japan

• Despite bad weather, Task Force 38 and Task Group 37.2 carrier aircraft attack various targets in the Tokyo area, but carrier operations are canceled in the afternoon.
• V Fighter Command P-51s attack shipping off Kyushu.
• FEAF P-47 dive-bombers attack rail tunnels near Kagoshima.
• During the night 27 6th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s sow mines in Shimonoseki Strait and other areas.

• Against no aerial opposition whatsoever, elements of the US 3rd and British Pacific fleets bombard shore targets.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

V Fighter Command P-51s attack targets in Amami O Shima and the northern Ryukyus.

Britain, Home Front

Field Marshal Ernst Busch, former commander of German Army Group Center in Russia, dies in a military hospital in Notts at age 60.

The King, Queen and Princess Elizabeth visit Ulster.

Diplomatic Relations

Truman, Stalin and Churchill meet at Potsdam near Berlin. The meeting will last until August 2. There are further clarifying dicussions of plans for dealing with defeated Germany and all the former occupied countries of Europe. Stalin confirms his undertaking to join the war with Japan but also tells the other Allies of peace moves that the Japanese have made via the as yet neutral USSR. There are no definite proposals contained in these approaches and it is therefore decided to do nothing direct to follow them up. On July 26 a broadcast is made to Japan with what has become known as the Potsdam Declaration. This repeats the demand for unconditional surrender, but states that the Allies do not want to reduce Japan to poverty in the postwar world. It says nothing of allowing or preventing the Emperor to remain at the head of the Japanese government.

Air Operations, Asia

200 B-24s and B-25s of the Far East Air Force from Okinawa bomb Kinagwan airfield in Shanghai.

Air Operations, CBI

• Nearly 150 FEAF B-24s, B-25s, and A-26s, and 54 FEAF P-47s, attack targets in the Shanghai area, port facilities at Shanghai, shipping on the Whangpoo River, airfields on Chusan Island, the Chiang Wan airfield at Shanghai and the airfields at Lunghua and Wusung.

• 4 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack rail yards at Dong Anh.
• 36 51st Fighter Group P-38s and P-51s attack defenses and transportation targets in northern French Indochina and adjacent areas of China.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack targets on Celebes.
• 42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack Jesselton.
• XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack Langkon.

Air Operations, Formosa

• V Bomber Command B-24s attack the airfield at Matsuyama.
• V Fighter Command P-38s attack various targets in northern Formosa.

Air Operations, Japan

• Despite lingering bad weather, Task Force 38 and Task Group 37.2 carrier aircraft attack various targets in the Tokyo area, especially the Yokosuka naval shipyard, where VF-88 fighter-bombers damage the battleship HIJMS Nagato at her moorings. In the attack, a Japanese destroyer, a submarine, 2 escort ships, and a patrol boat are sunk, and 5 small vessels are damaged.
• FEAF P-47s and P-51s based on Okinawa and Ie Shima attack targets across Honshu and Kyushu.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command P-38s attack troops on Luzon.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

VMF(N)-533 F6Fs down 2 D4Y 'Judy' dive-bombers off Okinawa at 2136 and 2140 hours, respectively.

Air Operations, Central Pacific

Fleet Carrier Air Group 86 aircraft (USS Wasp) attack Wake Island.

Belgium, Politics

The Belgian Senate votes to forbid the return of Leopold III.

Brazil, Home Front

The Brazilian Expeditionary Force parades through Rio de Janeiro on its return from Italy.

Air Operations, Asia

The Far East Air Force bombs 4 air bases in the Shanghai area.

Air Operations, CBI

• 20 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 20 14th Air Force P-47s and P-51s attack rail yards at Shihkiachwang.
• 7 B-25s and 2 P-51s attack motor-vehicle convoys in the Siang-Chiang valley and bridges near Yoyang.
• FEAF B-25s attack Itu Aba Island.
• 37 fighter-bombers attack various targets across northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

• 42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack the Jesselton airfield on Borneo.
• XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack suicide boats hidden near Sandakan.

Air Operations, Japan

• More than 90 FEAF fighter-bombers attack targets throughout the Nagoya area.
• VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack numerous targets on Honshu.
• 15th and 506th Fighter group P-51s down a D3A 'Val' dive bomber and 8 fighters over the Osaka area between 1005 and 1100 hours.
• During the night 127 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Fukui. 126 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Hitachi. 91 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Choshi. 126 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Okazaki. 83 315th Very Heavy Bomb B-29s attack oil facilities at Amagasaki. 7 B-29s attack targets of opportunity. 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off Kobe, Osaka, and several other port cities.
• 3 B-29s are lost.

Air Operations, Korea

During the night 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off Wonsan.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command P-38s attack troops and defenses on Luzon and Palawan.

Air Oprations, CBI

• 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 14th Air Force P-51s attack motor-vehicle convoys near Hengyang and Wuchang, rail facilities near Changsha, and Japanese troops withdrawing through southern and eastern China.

• 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 51st Fighter Group P-51s attack rail facilities near Vinh and Phu Thuong, a power plant near Vinh, and Japanese troops withdrawing through northern French Indochina.

Air Oprations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack Togian Island.
• XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack targets on Borneo and Celebes.

Air Oprations, Japan

• Nearly 100 VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers based on Iwo Jima attack 7 airfields on Honshu.
• 8 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s attack the airfield at Matusuwa.

Air Oprations, Philippines

• V Bomber Command B-24s, B-25s and A-20s, and V Fighter Command fighter-bombers support US 8th Army ground forces and attack various targets on Luzon.
• P-38s attack targets on Palawan.

Pacific

• The Japanese minesweeper No. W-39 is sunk by the US submarine Threadfin (SS-410) in the Yellow Sea.
• Continuing an attack on a Japanese convoy, the US submarine Bumper (SS-333) sinks the guardboat No.3 Kyoraku Maru.
• Mines sink the Japanese merchant cargo ship Tatsutagawa Maru (873t) in Shimonoseki Strait.
• The Japanese merchant ship Shintai Maru (933t) is lost due to unknown causes in the Gulf of Siam.

Air Operations, CBI

• 11 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 2 14th Air Force P-51s attack a Japanese Army headquarters near Wuchang, motor-vehicle convoys in the Siang-Chiang valley, and targets around Sienning.
• More than 40 fighter-bombers attack Japanese troops moving through northern French Indochina and eastern China.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command P-38s attack targets on Luzon.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

FEAF B-25s and 32 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s attack shipping at Naze-Ko.

Burma

Heavy fighting takes place along the Sittang River as the Japanese continue their counterthrusts.

Japan, Home Front

US radio broadcasts call on Japan to surrender or face destruction.

Air Operations, Asia

300 planes of the Far East Air Force, including some new Invader fast bombers, again hit air bases and shipping in the Shanghai area.

Air Operations, Carolines

Operating temporarily from Guam, the 20th Air Force’s 414th Fighter Group, in P-47s, attacks the Japanese Navy base in the Truk Atoll.

Air Operations, CBI

• 16 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 8 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack bridges at Lohochai and Sincheng, supply convoys in the Siang-Chiang valley, and rail yards at Siaokan.
• More than 50 fighter-bombers attack Japanese forces withdrawing through northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.
• 22 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s based on Okinawa attack Chiang Wan.
• 37 FEAF B-25s based on Okinawa attack an oil installation at Shanghai and a Japanese destroyer on the Whangpoo River.

• 37 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s attack the airfield at Tachang.
• FEAF P-47s and P-51s based on Ie Shima and Okinawa attack factories and rail shops in Shanghai and Japanese warships and gunboats on the Whangpoo River.
• During the night 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the airfield at Tinghai and the airfield on Chusan Island.

Air Operations, Japan

More than 100 VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers based on Iwo Jima attack rail facilities, airfields, and tactical targets on Honshu. A 21st Fighter Group P-51 downs an A6M Zero near Nara at 1345 hours.

Air Operations, Korea

During the night several 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Pusan. Also, in the longest B-29 combat mission of the war, 20th Air Force B-29s stage through Iwo Jima to sow mines off Najin. Mines are also sown in the Pusan and Masan areas.

Air Operations, CBI

• 8 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and more than 100 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack airfields, stores, bridges, rail lines, troops, and other targets across vast areas of northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.
• 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against Tinghai.
• FEAF B-25s attack Itu Aba Island.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack Amboina and Tolonoeoe islands.
• 42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack Jesselton.

Air Operations, Philippines

V Fighter Command fighter-bombers attack targets on Luzon.

Air Operations, Japan

• 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Miho and Saeki.
• Individual B-24s attack the harbor area at Kure.
• 2 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s attack the Kurabu Cape airfield.
• During the night 72 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack a coal-liquifaction plant at Ube.
• Several 11th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Yonago.
• 6th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s stage through Iwo Jima to sow mines in Shimonoseki Strait.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

VMF-351 carrier-based F4Us down a Ki-46 'Dinah' reconnaissance plane and a D4Y 'Judy' dive bomber at sea at 0625 and 1105 hours, respectively.

Air Operations, CBI

• FEAF B-25s attack Itu Aba Island.

• 10 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 3 449th Fighter Squadron P-38s attack bridges at Quang Tri and Tho Linh, and river traffic at Wuchou, China.
• 30 51st Fighter Group P-38s and P-51s attack river and rail targets at Bac Ninh, Duc Tho, Hanoi, Vinh, and areas of southern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the Kuching and Pontianak airfields on Borneo.
• 42nd Medium Bomb Group B-25s attack the Jesselton airfield on Borneo.

Air Operations, Japan

• During the morning, US Navy carrier aircraft from Task Force 38 and Royal Navy carrier aircraft from Task Group 37.2 continue to mount punishing strikes against targets in and around the Inland Sea.
• FEAF B-24s attack Kikai Shima and the town area at Tsuiki.
• US carrier-based F6Fs and F4Us down a D4Y 'Jill' dive bomber, a Ki-21 'Sally' medium bomber, a utility airplane, and 11 fighters over airfields on Honshu between 0610 and 0645 hours.
• A VF-16 F6F downs a C6N 'Myrt' reconnaissance plane at sea at 0830 hours. a VBF-6 F4U downs a C6N 'Myrt' reconnaissance plane over Task Force 38 at 1822 hours.
• A VF(N)-91 F6F downs a K5Y 'Willow' trainer at sea at 1823 hours.
• A VF(N)-91 F6F downs a B7A 'Grace' torpedo bomber at sea at 1850 hours.

• Carrier strikes planned for the afternoon are canceled in the face of bad weather. Nevertheless, in only a day and a half, the carrier aircraft have sunk or severely damaged most of the remaining ships of the Combined Fleet: 3 aircraft carriers, a battleship-carrier, a battleship, 3 heavy cruisers, 2 obsolete cruisers, 5 destroyers, and many lighter combat vessels.
• During the night 75 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack oil-industry targets at Kawasaki.504th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off several port cities.
• 1 B-29 is lost.

Air Operations, Korea

During the night 504th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines off Pusan and Seishin.

Air Operations, Philippines

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack troops on Negros.

Burma

Japanese forces pull out of Taunggyi in the Shan states of Burma.

Diplomatic Relations

There is a recess in the conference for the next four days when the British delegation leave for their election results. Attlee is the new prime minister and Bevin the foreign secretary.

Radio Tokyo indicates Japan would accept peace terms but not unconditional surrender.

Air Operations, CBI

• 8 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and more than 100 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack road, rail, and river facilties and traffic associated with the Japanese withdrawal from French Indochina and southern and eastern China.
• FEAF B-25s attack Itu Aba Island.
• FEAF B-25s attack the airfield at Tinghai.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the following airfields on Borneo: Oelin, Sengkawang, Tabanio, and Trombol.

Air Operations, Japan

• FEAF B-25s attack the Nakatsu airfield on Kyushu and a convoy in Tsutu Bay.
• 7 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s attack the Kataoka naval base with incendiary bombs.
• During the night 127 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Matsuyama. 97 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Tokuyama. 124 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Omuta. 2 B-29s attack targets of opportunity.
• 1 B-29 is lost.

Air Operations, Korea

FEAF B-25s attack the port area at Pusan.

Air Operations, Philippines

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack defenses and troops on Negros.
• XIII Bomber Command B-25s and XIII Fighter Command fighter-bombers support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.
• The 13th Air Force assumes responsibility for all air operations throughout the Philippines and East Indies.

Britain, Politics

The election results begin to be announced. The Labor party garners 393 seats to 213 for the Conservatives with 31 going to minor parties while the popular vote was 47.8 percent Labor to 39.8 Conservative. It is a massive victory for the Labor Party and a terrible defeat for Churchill's Conservatives. Attlee becomes prime minister. The reason for the Conservative defeat, despite Churchill's war record is that they have failed to convince the electorate that they would be active and original enough to prevent any return to the conditions of the 1930s when the Conservative governments did too little, it is felt, to mitigate the economic effects of the world depression and failed to stand up to Hitler. In the war years, too, it has mostly been the Labor politicians who have been responsible for the government departments charged with running the rationing system and organizing industry and it is felt that they have done this in a way that has benefitted the people in ways apart from helping the war Attlee becomes the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense; Foreign Secretary, Ernest Bevin; Chancellor of the Exchequer, Hugh Dalton; President of the Board of Trade, Sir Stafford Cripps; Lord President, Herbert Morrison; Lord Chancellor, W. Jowitt.

Air Operations, CBI

• 13 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and more than 50 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack road, rail, and river traffic throughout northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China. Chinese Army ground forces recapture the airfield at Tanchuk.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the Pontianak airfield on Borneo.

Air Operations, Japan

• More than 60 FEAF B-24s attack marshalling yards at Kagoshima, and their 50 P-51 escorts attack numerous targets of opportunity in the Kagoshima area.
• More than 150 FEAF P-47s attack bridges, a tunnel, a power plant, and numerous industrial and communications targets across Kyushu.
• During the night 24 504th Very Heavy Bomb Group B-29s sow mines in Shimonoseki Strait, Fukawa Bay, and off 4 port cities.

Air Operations, Pacific

B-29s drop 660,000 leaflets by night over 11 Japanese cities, warning inhabitants to flee before selected targets are destroyed. By August 5, 35 cities have been subjected to this novel, and highly effective, form of psychological warfare. 16 of the cities are actually bombed.

Britain, Politics

Attlee immediately flies to Potsdam to join Stalin and Truman in the Big Three conference.

China

The first Chinese forces enter Kweilin. Fighting for possession of the town continues until the end of the month. Other Chinese forces capture Tanchuk airfield.

Air Operations, CBI

• 7 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and nearly 100 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack Japanese forces withdrawing through eastern and southern China.

Air Operations, Japan

• More than 70 FEAF B-24s attack Japanese warships and other shipping at Kure.
• FEAF B-25s and 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s attack the Kanoya airfield complex on Kyushu.
• B-25s and FEAF P-51s sweep shipping in the Inland Sea.
• 137 FEAF P-47s based on Ie Shima attack artillery positions, rail yards, industrial targets, warehouses, and other targets across Kyushu.
• 21 P-47s attack shipping at Yatsushiro.
• More than 140 VII Fighter Command P-51s based on Iwo Jima attack military installations and airfields at 9 locations in the Tokyo area.
• VII Fighter Command P-51s sink a Japanese destroyer-escort off the Chiba peninsula.
• US Navy aircraft from Task Force 38 and Royal Navy aircraft from Task Group 37.2 mount massive attacks against airfields and naval targets around the Inland Sea. The battleship-carrier HIJMS Hyuga is sunk and other Mobile Fleet warships are damaged at Kure by Task Force 38 carrier bombers. In return for this completely symbolic gain, however, very heavy anti-aircraft fire brings about the staggering loss of 133 US carrier aircraft and 102 airmen. US carrier-based F6Fs down 13 Ki-84 'Frank' fighters, 3 Ki-61 'Tony' fighters, 4 F1M 'Pete' reconnaissance planes, and an N1K 'Rex' floatplane figher over Japan between 0625 and 0845 hours. A VBF-87 F6F downs a B6N 'Jill' torpedo bomber 7 miles from Task Force 38 at 1711 hours. Royal Navy Hellcat night-fighters from HMS Formidable also down 3 night intruders.

• During the night 76 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Tsu. 61 58th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Aomori. 122 73rd Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Ichinomiya.
• 93 313th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Ujiyamada 90 314th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack Ogaki. 29 314th Very Heavy Bombt Wing B-29s attack Uwajima. 76 315th Very Heavy Bomb Wing B-29s attack an oil refinery at Shimotsu. 7 B-29s attack targets of opportunity.

Air Operations, Philippines

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s support US 8th Army ground forces on Negros.
• B-25s and XIII Fighter Command P-38s support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.
• P-38s attack Japanese troops on Jolo Island.

Air Operations, Pacific

2,000 Allied planes bomb Kure, Kobe and targets on the Inland Sea. The US destroyer Callaghan is sunk by a suicide plane off Okinawa, the last ship to be destroyed by kamikazes although the next day a suicide plane damages the destroyer Cassin Young.

Burma

The Japanese 28th Army attempts to escape across the Sittang River suffering catastrophic losses. Over 13,000 are killed or drowned.

Diplomatic Relations

Attlee and Bevin arrive at Potsdam for further consultations.

Air Operations, CBI

• 2 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and more than 40 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack numerous targets across northern French Indochina and southern and eastern China.

Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the Kota Waringin airfield on Borneo.

Air Operations, Japan

• The government of Japan rejects the July 26 Potsdam ultimatum.
• Task Force 38 and Task Force 37.2 carrier aircraft attack Kobe and Nagoya.
• More than 60 FEAF B-25s and 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s attack the Omura airfield on Kyushu, 4 medium bombers attack the Izumi airfield on Honshu, and escorting P-47s sweep the area.
• FEAF B-25s and P-51 escorts unable to locate shipping targets off Korea sweep the Sendai area.
• More than 80 P-47s bomb Sendai.
• 80 FEAF P-47s attack the airfield at Shibushi and various military and commercial targets at Karasehara, Miyazaki, and Tomitaka.
• FEAF P-51s reconnoitering southern Kyushu attack trains and small craft.
• VII Fighter Command fighter-bombers based on Iwo Jima attack rail lines, airfields, and tactical targets between Kobe and Osaka.

Air Operations, Philippines

XIII Bomber Command B-25s and XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack various targets on Luzon.

Air Operations, Ryukyus

• A VMF(N)-533 F6F downs a G4M 'Betty' bomber near Zampa Misaka at 0206 hours.
• At 0306 hours, a fabric-and-wood kamikaze crashes into a US radar picket destroyer, killing 17 and wounding 75. This destroyer, which is moderately damaged, is the last of 368 Allied ships damaged during the Okinawa Campaign, mostly by kamikazes. A total of 30 naval ships have been sunk off Okinawa, mostly by kamikazes and other air attacks. The cost from these attacks has been more than 4,900 sailors lost and nearly 4,900 others wounded or injured. US and British land and naval air units have lost 763 aircraft during the Okinawa Campaign, both to enemy action and in operational incidents.

Japan, Home Front

Food shortages have become so acute in Japan the government calls on the civilian population to collect 2.5 million bushels of acorns to be converted into eating material. The average Japanese has to survive on a daily intake of 1,680 calories, or 78 percent of what is considered the minimum necessary to survive.

Japan, Policy

Japan rejects the Potsdam ultimatum. Nonetheless Gen Marshall gives instructions to Gen MacArthur and Adm Nimitz to co-ordinate plans in readiness for an early surrender by the enemy.

New Guinea

The Japanese 18th Army makes a last stand at the village of Numbogua. Gen Hataso Adachi orders his troops 'to die in honorable defeat'.

Air Operations, CBI

• 3 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 52 14th Air Force fighter-bombers attack numerous transportation and other targets across southern and eastern China.

Air Operations, Japan

• More than 80 FEAF B-24s attack rail yards at Kagoshima, the Sasebo naval base, Nagasaki and Yakishima.
• FEAF B-25s and 319th Medium Bomb Group A-26s attack Marushima, the Sasebo naval base, the Kanoya and Miyazaki airfields on Kyushu, warehouses at Nagasaki, and a power plant and factory on Koyagi Island.
• FEAF P-51s attack many targets throughout the Kyushu area.
• In their portion of the attack against the Sasebo naval base, 41st Medium Bomb Group B-25s mount exprimental attacks against shipping with a new 'glide' torpedo that can be launched from medium altitude a great distance from the target. The attack is not successful, but further experiments with the device will be conducted until the cessation of hostilities.

• Task Force 38 and Task Group 37.2 cease combat flight operations and withdraw from the path of an oncoming typhoon.
• During the night FEAF P-61s undertake harrassment missions over Kyushu and Honshu.

Air Operations, Philippines

• XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack targets on Luzon.
• XIII Bomber Command B-25s and XIII Fighter Command P-38s support US 8th Army ground forces on Luzon.

Canada, Home Front

Field Marshal Harold Alexander is appointed Governor General.