Air Operations, EuropeThe Battle of the Ruhr continues. More than 2,000 tons of bombs are dropped on Dortmund on the night of May 23, the heaviest raid yet, and other major targets include Essen, Duisburg and Wuppertal. The USAAF concentrates on the U-boat war dropping 2,800 tons of bombs on a range of objectives including St Nazaire, Antwerp and Kiel. A specially trained RAF squadron attacks the Möhne and Eder Dams (see May 16-17). Air Operations, MediterraneanAllied aircraft based in the Mediterranean fly about 25,000 missions in support of operations in Tunisia, until the German surrender, and against targets in Sicily, Sardinia and southern Italy. |
Battle of the AtlanticAllied shipping losses decline again to 58 ships of 299,400 tons, of which submarines sink 50 ships of 264,900 tons. (Allied Ships Lost to U-boats this month) The Germans lose 41 U-boats and May 22 Dönitz decides to withdraw his forces from the north Atlantic routes (see May 22). Typical convoy battles might be those of HX-237 which loses 3 ships but sinks 3 U-boats helped by the escort carrier Biter, or SC-129 which loses 2 and sinks 2, again with Biter's help. From the German side the month has looked hopeful at the start, with 4 groups, 13-17 strong, on patrol in the Atlantic and another 18 in the Mediterranean. Dönitz is being forced, because of increasing British air operations, to order his boats to reverse their previous procedure while crossing the Bay of Biscay and to surface by day and try to fight the air attacks. |
On the Allied side one important change of organization is the creation of US 10th Fleet under the direct command of Adm Ernest J. King to supervise US anti-submarine operations. This unit has no ships of its own but is important in coordinating the actions of the various US commands. Greece, ResistanceThe British and the Americans encourage the Greek resistance to increase its operations as part of the plan to draw German attention away from Sicily and Operation HUSKY. 2 extra German armored divisions are sent to Greece. Once they have arrived an important viaduct on the Athens-Thessalonika railroad is destroyed, so that if the tanks are moved away they will have to do so under their own power at the cost of much wear and tear. SOE agents help the resistance workers. The rail line is blocked for 4 months. |
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Air Operations, Aleutians7 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s, 11 B-25s, 20 343rd Fighter Group P-38s, 27 P-40s, and 2 F-5s mount 9 separate attacks against Kiska and one reconnaissance mission to Attu. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
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Air Operations, Solomons
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Eastern FrontRed Army troops halt a German counteroffensive in the Kuban area. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() IcelandLt-Gen Frank M. Andrews, Commanding General of US forces in the ETO, is killed in an air crash over Iceland. He was 59.
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North AfricaTUNISIAThe American 1st Division finally fights its way out of 'Mousetrap' Valley and captures Mateur, but the Germans manage to improvise a new defense line and the advance is halted. Meanwhile, there is also activity on the central and southern sectors of the front, scene of what may the final attacked. Gen Alexander outlines his plan for the final attack to Gen Anderson. The IX Corps, with 2 infantry and 2 armored divisions, is to make the main effort, thrusting directly toward Tunis along the road from Medjez el Bab. A lightning attack is planned in order to split and destroy the enemy rather than compress his bridgehead, since the schedule for the invasion of Sicily requires a quick conclusion to North African operations. In the US II Corps area, the 81st Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, followed by other elements of the 1st Armored Division, advances to Mateur as the enemy is withdrawing from it and quickly secures the town. The 34th Division moves eastward toward Chouïgui, making no contact with the enemy. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, CommandGen Frank Andrews, US Gen commanding the European Theater, is killed in an air accident. Gen Jacob L. Devers is selected to replace him. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, PolicyGen George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of the US Army, sends a message to Gen Joseph Stilwell, Chiang Kai-shek's Chief of Staff, that the President had decided to provide substantial air forces to take part in the Chinese war effort. The President also asks for a revision of the plan code-name ANAKIM, the recapture of Burma. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Aleutians
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against barges off New Britain. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, CBICHINA
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeP-47s escort B-17s during a raid on an automobile factory in Antwerp. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
BELGIUM:
ITALY: IX Bomber Command B-24s attack shipping at Reggio di Calabria and Taranto. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Babo and Wewak. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, SolomonsUSN fighters and dive-bombers, and USAAF fighters attack Vangavanga. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Tunisia
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansAfter a day's delay due to bad weather, the convoy sails for the landing on Attu. Strong unfavorable winds on the voyage make it necessary to put back Day X by three more days, i.e. to May 11. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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BurmaThe Japanese, with their technique of infiltrating in small groups, have now infiltrated between Buthidaung and Maungdaw, disrupting British communications. The British attacks to dislodge them are easily repulsed. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ChinaThe Japanese advance south of the Yangtze River. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Eastern FrontHitler postpones the launching of Operation ZITADELLE (CITADEL) from May 9 to mid-June. THE AIR WARThe air war intensifies as the Soviets launch a large raid upon the German railway yards at Orsha. A lucky strike by one aircraft hits an ammunition train, the resulting explosions destroying the surrounding area and more than 300 freight wagons. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Germany, StrategyHitler decides to delay Operation CITADEL to June 13 so that more Tiger and the new Panther tanks can take part in the coming offensive. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAThe Germans put up a more stubborn defense that ever on the defensive line at Mateur. The US II Corps pushes forward in preparation for its full-scale drive on Bizerte on the 6th. On the northern flank, the 9th Division and the Corps Franc d'Afrique get into position for the advance on Bizerte over the hills north of Garaet Achkel. The Corps d'Afrique improves its positions west of Djebel Cheniti, the commanding ridge just north of Gararet Achkel. To the right, the 1st Armored Division, whose next objective is Ferryville, patrols actively from Mateur. The enemy is subjecting Mateur to heavy air attacks. The 91st Reconnaissance Squadron begins a limited offensive for Djebel Achkel, a precipitous hill just south of Garaet Achkel commanding the Mateur-Ferryville area, and meets strong opposition. On the southern flank of the II Corps, the 34th Division patrols uneventfully to Eddekhila in preparation fo the attack on the Chouïgui Pass. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
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Air Operations, Aleutians14 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s, 17 B-25s, 16 343rd Fighter Group P-38s, 32 P-40s (including a number of RCAF P-40s), and 5 F-5s mount 4 separate missions against Attu and 6 separate missions against Kiska. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks1 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24 attacks the Cape Gloucester and Gasmata airfields on New Britain. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeThe Germans accuse the RAF Bomber Command of dropping explosive pencils and fountain pens, 'with the intention of killing German children'. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New GuineaV Bomber Command B-25s attack Toeal. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, SolomonsUSAAF P-38s and USN F4Fs strafe Nyanga. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Tunisia
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ChinaJapanese forces in central China begin a huge offensive into Hunan Province in an attempt to extend territorial gains and seize additional rice fields. Since 1941, the China conflict has been a mixture of savage localized campaigns by the Japanese, often involving the slaughter of whole village populations, and de facto truces between the Japanese, the Chinese Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and the Chinese Communists under Mao Tse Tung. US commanders wanting to station air bases in China have been particularly disappointed by the intermittent Chinese co-existence with the Japanese invaders. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Eastern FrontIn the Kuban the Soviets advance once more, capturing Krymsk and Neberjaisk, 10 miles from Novorossiysk. Stalin and Polish leader Gen Sikorski agree to work together to defeat Nazi Germany. SOUTHERN SECTORKrymsk and Neberjaisk fall to the North Caucasus Front as the fighting in the Kuban continues. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIALate in the day Djebel Bou Aoukaz, south of Tunis, is recaptured by the British 1st Division. The left flank is now secure for the attack on Tunis. The V Corps is now commanded by Gen Brian Horrocks, who has taken the place of Gen John T. Crocker wounded a few days earlier, and includes 6th and 7th Armored Divisions and 4th Indian Division. To the south Gen Alphonse Juin's French XIX Corps attack toward Pont du Fahs, the last line of defense before Tunis. In the US II Corps area, the 47th Regimental Combat Team, 9th Division, paves the way for a direct assault on Djebel Cheniti by clearing the hilly region northwest of it. The 81st Reconnaissance Squadron, 1st Armored Division, gainst control of Djebel Achkel, but the enemy remains on its eastern slopes until the 11th. The 1st Division moves forward to the west bank of the Tine facing Djebel Douimiss. The 34th Division reconnoiters toward Eddekhila in force against strong opposition. In the British 1st Army's V Corps area, the 1st Division, with effective air and artillery support, attacks Djebel Bou Aoukaz, on the east bank of the Medjerda River between Medjez el Bab and Tebourba, in order to cover the left flank of the IX Corps as it drives on Tunis on the 6th. The position is secured during bitter and costly fighting. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
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Air Operations, Aleutians28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s, B-25s, and 343rd Fighter Group P-38s and P-40 mount attacks against Attu and Kiska. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Dili, Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeIn a series of tactical air strikes Russian bombers raid German troop concentrations and railways in Novgorod and the Bryansk-Orel areas and the Ukraine. Fierce air battles result. US 0th AIR FORCEITALY IX Bomber Command B-24s attack the harbor at Reggio di Calabria and claim hits on several ships. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Mediterranean
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SicilyNASAF B-17s attack the Marsala and Milo/Trapani Airdromes. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Solomons
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Air Operations, Tunisia
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() New GuineaThe Australians capture Mubo. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North AfricaTUNISIASupported by a massive artillery barrage by 600 guns and an air bombardment, V Corps destroys what is left of 15th Panzer and breaks through the Medjerda Valley defenses in the Medjez-el-Bab sector toward Tunis. 6th and 7th Armored Divisions of the British IX Corps succeed in reaching the plain behind Djebel Bou Aoukaz, throwing Axis communications and supply lines into disorder. The 2 armored divisions manage to reach Massicault. Farther north the Americans are also on the move, with the 9th Division heading for Bizerta, the 1st Armored Division by-passing Mateur is heading for Ferryville to the north and Protville to the east. The French XIX Corps is approaching Pont Du Fahs. The 18th Army Group opens if final assault, Operation Vulcan, before dawn. The offensive is supported by massed artillery fire, which at dawn is supplemented with the most intensive air bombardment yet employed in North Africa. In the US II Corps area, while the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, continues to clear the hills north of Djebel Cheniti, the 60th Infantry passes throught the Corps Franc d'Afrique for a frontal assault on Djebel Cheniti and clears most of it. Combat Command A, 6th Armored Infantry, reinforced, of the 1st Armored Brigade, begins an attack on the hills east of the Mateur-Ferryville road, takes the first ridge, Djebel el Messeftine, but loses it in a counterattack. Combat Command B, 13th Armored infantry, reinforced, to the right, protects the flank of Combat Command A and starts eastward along the Mateur-Djedeïa road. The 1st Division, employing the 18th and 26th Regiments and with Company H, 1st Armored Regiment in support, attacks across the Tine to clear Djebel Douimiss hills but is forced to withdraw to the west bank, during the night, where it conducts a holding action.The 3rd Division, lest the 7th Regimental Combat Team, upon its arrival from Morocco, assembles behind the 1st Division for possible commitment. The 34th Division's 168th and 133rd Regiments drive beyond Eddekhila. In the British 1st Army area, the IX Corps opens its attack toward Tunis with the British 4th and the Indian 4 Divisions abreast, the latter on the left, on a narrow front. After the enemy line is breached, the 6th and 7th Armored Divisions pass through the infantry and push on to Massicault, about half way to Tunis. The enemy attempts unsuccessfully to establish a new line from Djedeïda to St Cyprien. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Gar (SS-206) sinks the Japanese merchant cargo ship Kotoku Maru near Tarakan, Borneo. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Southwest PacificAllied headquarters sends out further instructions for the preparation of Operations CARTWHEEL, the plan for the re-capture of Rabaul. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Penfoei, Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Europe
Daylight Ops:
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Baltic SeaRussian submarines supported by aircraft and minesweepers, make unsuccessful attempts to break through the German-Finnish blockade in the Baltic. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
BurmaThe 26th Indian Division is forced to retire to the northwest from Buthiduang, which is taken by the Japanese. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAThe Allied forces burst forward all along the line. Tunis and Bizerta are both captured at about the same time in the afternoon by the British at 3:40pm and the Americans at 4:15pm respectively. French forces with the 1st Army enter Pont du Fahs. In the US II Corps area, the 9th Division finishes clearing Djebel Cheniti and the adjacent hills to the north, then reconnoiters toward Bizerte as enemy resistance on the northern front collapses. Reconnaissance elements of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion, followed closely by elements of the 751st Tank Battalion, enter Bizerte, where they find few enemy but many mines and booby traps. Ferryville falls to the 1st Armored Division. Elements of the 1st Armored Division driving eastward to cut the Tunis-Bizerte road reach Oued ben Hassine and take the bridge intact. The 34th Division drives toward the Chouïgui defile but is stopped a little short of it by enemy forces on Hill 242. The enemy abandons the pass during the night. |
In the British 1st Army's IX Corps area, the 7th and 6th Armored Divisions continue northeastward from Massicault, overrunning St Cyprien and Le Bardo. The Derbyshire Yeomanry and the 11th Hussars enter Tunis in the afternoon. The French XIX Corps occupies Pont-du-Fahs. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Canada, Home FrontThe House of Commons vote to contribute an additional $1 billion toward the war effort. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediterraneanBritish destroyers of Force K and Force Q blockade Cape Bon to prevent an Axis 'Dunkirk'-style evacuation from Tunisia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() SolomonsUS forces lay mine barrages in the waters around New Georgia across the Blackett Strait in the Kula Gulf to isolate it from Japanese supplies. 3 destroyers are sunk by these mines on May 8. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Bismarcks
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeUSAAFPANTELLERIA: P-38 fighter-bombers attack the Italian Army garrison on Pantelleria Island, and NATBF B-25s and NATAF A-20s and fighters attack the landing ground. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Mediterranean
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, PacificUS Dauntless and Liberator aircraft bomb Japanese shipping and installations throughout the Solomon Islands. 3 Japanese destroyers are damaged, 1 severely. The next stage of Operation CARTWHEEL, the invasion of New Georgia, is planned for the following month, and the US commanders are eager to soften up the Japanese naval resources throughout the Solomon Islands. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Solomons
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the AtlanticU-663 is sunk in a depth-charge attack by Sunderland 'W' of No 10 Squadron RAAF.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() HungaryThe Hungarian parliament is dissolved. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediterraneanThe US freighter Pat Harrison (7191t) hits a mine in Gibraltar Bay and is written off as a total loss. 1 crewman is lost in the incident. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Occupied PolandMordechai Anielewicz, 25-year-old commander of Jewish fighters in Warsaw, and 60 others are blown up and killed by the SS in their Mila St Headquarters. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAThe Axis forces are trying to retire to the Cape Bon Peninsula for a final stand. An Axis convoy of 3 steamships succeeds in reaching the waters off Tunisia, but are then attacked by British units and sunk before they can unload. During the night, however, the British 6th Arm Division drives from Hammam Lif toward Hammamet, right in among the retreating troops and completing their disorganization. The commander of the Axis army group in North Africa signal that none of his units can move for lack of fuel. The Allies capture Tebourba and Djedeida. The French occupy Zaghouan in southern Tunisia. In the US II Corps area, the Corps Franc d'Afrique makes the official entry into Bizerte. The 47th Regimental Combat Team, 9th Division, also enters, but withdraws while the French mop up. The 1st Armored Division pushes to the east in the region south of Lac de Bizerte, clearing Djebel Sisi Mansour. Left flank elements, upon reaching the Tunis-Bizerte road, drive northward to Menzel Djemil. A column on the right flank moves toward Protville to establish contact with the British moving northeastward from Tunis and reaches Hill 111, about midway between Mateur and Protville. In the British 1st Army's IX Corps area, while the 7th Armored Division pushes northward toward the US II Corps zone from Tunis, the 6th Armored Division, followed by the 4th Division, drives southeastward toward Hammamet in an effort to prevent the enemy from making a final stand on Cap Bon Peninsula and is halted abruptly at the narrow Hamman Lif difile by enemy rear guards bent on keeping this line of retreat open. The 1st Armored Division, released to the IX Corps from army reserve, is pushing northeastward from the Goubellat area. The V Corps' 1st Division and the Indian 4th Division press eastward in conjunction with the French XIX Corps. The French XIX Corps is meeting firm resistance in the hilly Zaghouan area. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific3 Japanese destroyers, Kuroshio, Oyashio and Kagero, are sunk by mines and aircraft in the central Solomons. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, BismarcksV Bomber Command B-25s attack the Gasmata airfield onNew Britain. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDEvening Ops:
PANTELLERIA:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, MediterraneanAllied air raids on towns in southern Italy and Sicily continue without respite. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the Madang airfield, Kaimana, Manokwari, Nabire, and Wewak. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sicily
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Air Operations, TunisiaEven though the Axis high command in Tunisia surrenders unconditionally, some German units continue to fight on. NATAF A-20s and fighters and IX Fighter Command fighters mount an all-out ground-support effort throughout the ground battle zone. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Allied PreparationsThe US Gen Raymond G. Wheeler is given the task of co-ordinating and speeding up the construction of a big airfield in Assam, India to support the Burma front and increase the Allies' capacity to send supplies to China. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediterraneanA violent bombardment heralds the Allies' operation, called Operation CORKSCREW, for the capture of the island of Pantelleria. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAFighting ends in northeast Tunisia at 11:00am as the Germans accept unconditional surrender. 6 generals are among the prisoners. Meanwhile the Allies advance towards the Cape Bon peninsula. The British arrive near Hammam Lif, where they are fiercely engaged by the Germans. The US II Corps receives the unconditional surrender of the enemy within its zone. Thousands of prisoners, including 6 generals, are taken. The 1st Armored Division drives to the coast on the left and makes contact with the British 7th Armored Division on the right. The British 1st Army continues to meet resistance in the region south of the US II Corps zone. The IX Corps' 6th Armored Division is still held up at the Hamman Lif defile. The French XIX Corps battles the enemy in the Zaghouan area. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Occupied HollandFollowing resistance to German occupation of the Netherlands, the Reich Commissioner Arthur Seyss-Inquart imposes martial law and an 8pm to 8am curfew along with other restrictive measures. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Secret WarLuftwaffe defectors land a Ju-88R night-fighter at Aberdeen. This aircraft is fitted with the new Liechtenstein BC radar set. The analysis of this new advanced equipment and other data about the organization and tactics of German night-fighters is vital to the Allies. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Bismarcks
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Air Operations, Sicily
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SolomonsAirSols light bombers and fighters attack the Munda Point airfield on New Georgia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, TunisiaNATAF B-20s, B-25s, and fighters and IX Fighter Command P-40s continue to attack Axis trops and vehicles on the Cap Bon Peninsula and in other areas in which Axis units are still putting up resistance. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Aleutians
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Eastern FrontHitler gives his consent for Operation ZITADELLE (CITADEL), the attack on Kursk, to go ahead despite news of Soviet defensive preparations. Later Hitler defers the starting date from June 13 to early July in order to allow extra Panther tanks to be supplied to the attacking units. GERMAN COMMANDHitler postpones CITADEL until June 13. Every day gives the Red Army more time to prepare its defense and lessen the likelihoos of a German victory, just as Manstein had stated while the plans were being drawn up. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAThe 6th Armored Division takes Hammam Lif and now goes for Hammamet and Korba on the east coast of the Cape Bon peninsula. The plan is to join up with the units of Montgomery's 8th Army advancing from Enfidaville. For the Axis troops there is no hope of evacuation and wholesale surrenders begin. In the British 1st Army's IX Corps area, the 6th Armored Division forces the Hamman Lif defile in the morning and moves rapidly to Hammamet, cutting off the Cap Bon Peninsula. The advance is continued toward Bou Ficha. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Plunger (SS-179) attacks a Japanese convoy sinking the merchant passenger/cargo ship Tatsutake Maru (7068t) and damaging the transport Kinai Maru (8360t) about 200 miles east of Saipan. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, CommandLt-Gen Jacob L. Devers takes over as commander of the European Theater of Operations, succeeding Lt-Gen Frank M. Andrews, who was killed in a plane crash on Iceland. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Bismarcks43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Rabaul and airfields in the area. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, CBIBURMA
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Dili and Penfoei, Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeFW-190 fighter-bombers attack Greater Yarmouth. 26 people are killed in an ATS hostel. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
ITALY: XII Fighter Command P-40 fighter-bombers attack the harbor at San Michele. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, MediterranaanThere are more raids on Catania, Marsala and Trapani in Sicily. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sicily
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Air Operations, SolomonsDuring the night, XIII Bomber Command B-17s mount harrassment raids against the Kahilie airfield on Bougainville. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, TunisiaNATAF A-20s, B-25s, and fighters, IX Bomber Command B-25s, and IX Fighter Command P-40s continue to attack Axis forces that are still resisting in northeastern Tunisia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansIn Operation LANDCRAB the American 7th Division under Gen Albert E. Brown begins to land at several points on Attu supported by Adm Thomas C. Kinkaid's Task Force 16. All units get ashore safely in the afternoon in Massacre Bay, at Alexai Point, west of Holtz Bay in the northern part of the island. However, they are held up by the Japanese and the difficult terrain when they try to advance inland. More landings are carried out during the night. The landing forces advance towards the Jarmin Pass, but about 7:00pm they are held up by intense fire from defending troops on the heights on either side of the pass. Mud paralyzes trucks and tractors. Gen Brown plans an assault on the pass the following day. There are strong naval forces in support including 3 battleships, 1 escort carrier and numerous cruisers and destroyers. The ships provide effective fire support throughout the operation. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AtlanticThe first of 5 Italian submarines leave Bordeaux on transport missions to Sumatra and Singapore. 2 will be lost. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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BurmaThe British pull the 26th Division back from Maungdaw which the Japanese occupy on May 14. The 1943 Arakan campaign is over. The British have lost 3,000 killed and seriously wounded, more than twice as many as the Japanese. Above all the morale of the British force could hardly be poorer and their health is also weak. Gens Noel M. Irwin and W. L. Lloyd are relieved and William Slim is appointed to command 14th Army on May 15. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() IndiaThe monsoon rains make it impossible to proceed with work on the construction of the new Burma Road, which is to lead from Ledo, in Assam, to China. The roadway has been completed up to 45 miles east of Ledo, in Burmese territory. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAAllied forces rout the remaining Axis forces. Organized resistance ceases and the Allies control the whole country. In the British 1st Army's IX Corps area, an uneventful sweep around the Cap Bon Peninsula by the 4th Division reveals no important enemy forces are there. The 6th Armored Division reaches Bou Ficha. In the French XIX Corps area, Axis resistance is weakening in the Zaghouan sector. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Grayback (SS-208) attacks a Japanese convoy sinking the collier Yodogawa Maru (6441t) about 125 miles northwest of Kavieng. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians11th Air Force aircraft support US 7th Infantry Division troops battling Japanese Army defenders on Attu Island. 11th Air Force aircraft drop supplies (1 B-24), provide air-ground liaision (1 B-24), and mount 7 direct-support attack missions using 10 B-24s, 12 B-25s, and 24 P-38s. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual missions against Gasmata. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Saumlakki in the Molucca Islands. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDEvening Ops:
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, TunisiaNATAF A-20s, B-25s, and fighters and IX Bomber Command B-25s continue to attack Axis forces that are still resisting in northeastern Tunisia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn the island of Attu, supported by aircraft and naval guns, the 7th Division converges on Jarmin Pass from two directions. A frontal attack carried out from Massacre Bay has no result. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied PlanningRoosevelt and Churchill meet in Washington for the 'Trident' Conference which lasts until May 25. The Americans come to this better prepared for detailed argument than they have been in the past and are determined to get a firm commitment by the British to a cross-Channel invasion. The British feel that their commitment to this has never been in doubt and that the American insistence in planning so formally so far ahead will deprive the Allies of any strategic flexibility, especially in the Mediterranean. The invasion of Sicily has already been agreed but the British wish to be able to exploit this on the Italian mainland and perhaps also to act in the Balkans. The Americans feel that this is motivated by dubious postwar political aims and their Chiefs of Staff are opposed on strategic grounds as well. Adm King has always wanted and striven for priority to be given to the Pacific, and Marshall is worried about doing anything which might detract from the cross-Channel operation which he believes is essential. From the British point of view a major complaint is that despite the agreed Germany-first policy, the Americans have committed a larger share of their army and air force to the Pacific as well as the bulk of their navy. The British feel that the shortage of shipping which is the major limiting factor for European operations can be put down to this. (In fact an important contributory element of this shortage is the decision taken at Casablanca in January to give priority to the building of escorts for the Battle of the Atlantic and not to landing craft.) Compromises are reached on all headings. The Americans do not have to accept any real limitations on their Pacific operations and the British get a provisional agreement to exploit any Italian successes. Perhaps the most significant decision taken by the conference is to set a target date for D-Day - May 1, 1944. The British Gen Frederick E. Morgan, is appointed to prepare plans for the invasion. He is given the designation COSSAC (Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander). [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() BurmaThe first Arakan campaign ends in a stalemate. The 26th Indian Division evacuates Maungdaw and withdraws to defensive positions further north. It has been a useless sacrifice of men and materials. Most important of the reasons for its failure is the absence of any intervention by Chinese units from Yunnan province. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Diplomatic RelationsFranco of Spain offers to mediate a peace between Germany and the US and Britain if the Allies sever their ties with the Soviet Union. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Indian OceanThe US freighter Cape Neddick (6797t), bound for Suez via Durban, South Africa, is torpedoed by U-195 in the South Atlantic. She eventually reaches Walvis Bay, South Africa under her own power. There are no casualties in the attack. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAGen Jürgen von Arnim surrenders to the Allies as the mopping up continues. Since April about 150,000 Axis troops have surrendered to the Allies. The total number will be 238,243. Gen Giovanni Messe is promoted to Field Marshal by Mussolini in the hope that he will be encouraged to hold out. The collapse of enemy resistance in the south is all but complete by nightfall. Then enemy is surrendering en masse, among them Gen von Arnim, C-in-C, Army Group Africa. In the British 1st Army's IX Corps area, organized resistance collapses as the 6th Armored Division drives southward from Bou Ficha. The British 8th Army's 56th Division co-operates by shelling from the south. Isolated pockets of enemy remain northwest of Enfidaville. Resistance in the French XIX Corps zone ceases. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Occupied PolandSzmul Zygielbojm, leader of Polish Jews and hero of the Siege of Warsaw, commits suicide in London at age 48. His wife and children had already been murdered by the Nazis. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() SolomonsRear-Adm W. L. Ainsworth leads 4 cruisers and 7 destroyers in 2 groups to shell Vila and Munda. Other vessels also lay mines in the Gulf of Kula a narrow arm of the sea between Kolombangara and New Georgia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, AleutiansBad weather prevents all but 2 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s from supporting US 7th Infantry Division troops battling Japanese Army defenders on Attu Island. 4 B-24s diverted from Attu attack Kiska, and 8 343rd Fighter Group P-40s sent to attack Kiska are diverted by bad weather to Little Kiska. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
FRANCE:
ITALY: IX Bomber Command B-24s attack the harbor at Augusta and damage the oil storage tanks and a number of anchored vessels and seaplanes. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, New Guinea
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sardinia96 USAAF B-25s, 107 USAAF B-17s, and 22 RAF Wellingtons, escorted by 4 fighter groups, attack port facilities, marshalling yards, an oil dump, and a chemical plant at Cagliari with 438 tons of bombs. 3 Axis fighters are downed near Cagliari by 1st and 82nd Fighter Group P-38s between 1240 and 1330 hours. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Solomons
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansThe American forces are still being contained virtually in their landing areas although they now outnumber the Japanese by about 4 to 1. Bad weather has been hindering the US air support and the terrain is very difficult. The Japanese have recovered from their surprise and are putting up a vigorous, well co-ordinated defense. In the northern part of the island they have gone over to the attack, trying, but without success, to dislodge the invaders from a hilltop called Hill X. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Allied PlanningThe Trident Conference approves the final version of the plans for the landing in Sicily, called Operation HUSKY, including the date, July 10, and the areas chosen for the landings. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Britain, Home FrontBritish Deputy Prime Minister Clement Attlee formally announces the end of the campaign in North Africa. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Japan, PolicyJapan's powerful lord keeper of the privy seal, Marquis Koichi Kido, confides to the foreign minister, Mamoru Shigemitsu, that the war can be ended only by the royal family's assistance in bringing the military under control. Shigemitsu had joined the Tojo cabinet in an effort to conclude a peace in China honorable to the Chinese and to avert what is increasingly perceived as a disastrous military outlook in the war against the US. Kido, Shigemitsu and other Japanese leaders, however, can never overcome the destructive momentum of the military's actions until it is too late. The emperor was by no means the ultimate decision-maker. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() New GuineaJapanese aircraft begin another series of raids on Allied positions. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAField-Marshal Messe orders the surrender of the remaining German and Italian troops. Altogether 250,000 have been captured in the last few days, half of them German. Gen Alexander sends the following message to Churchill: 'It is my duty to report that the Tunis campaign is over. All enemy resistance has ceased. We are masters of the North African shores.' With the surrender of Gen Messe, Rommel's successor, who is notified on this date of his promotion to marshal, the Tunisian Campaign ends. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificAn accidental explosion damages the US light cruiser Nashville (CL-43) and the US destroyer Nicholas (DD-449) in the Solomon Islands area. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontCzech Pres Benês addresses Congress. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, AleutiansDue to bad weather, 11th Air Force aircraft are unable to conduct scheduled bombing attacks against Attu. However, 6 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s and 5 B-25s are able to provide direct support for US Army troops. 1 re-supply B-24 crashes into a mountain. 2 P-40 fighter-bombers mount a dusk attack against Kiska. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Europe125 US bombers attack Kiel. 3 U-boats are sunk. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
BELGIUM:
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US 8th AIR FORCE GERMANY:
NETHERLANDS:
ITALY: NASAF B-17s attack Civitavecchia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against various targets. In the last of a series of Japanese Navy air attack missions going back to March 11, a total of 40 G4M 'Betty' bombers and A6M Zeros attack the Oro Bay-Dobodura area. P-38s of the 49th Fighter Group’s 8th Fighter Squadron bring down a reconnaissance plane near Buna at 0935 hours, and 11 'Bettys', and 10 Zeros near Oro Bay between 1030 and 1045 hours. 1 P-38 and its pilot are lost. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sardinia
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sicily1 Luftwaffe medium bomber is downed over Gela at 1300 hours by a 14th Fighter Group P-38. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Solomons
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the AtlanticThe German submarine U-657 is sunk by naval land-based aircraft (VP-84) in the North Atlantic area.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Italy, Home FrontThe Under-Secretaries for War, Air and Navy announce anti-invasion measures. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediterraneanPantelleria is blockaded. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific |
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Air Operations, Aleutians
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Central Pacific11 307th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s under VII Bomber Command control are dispatched from Midway to attack Wake, but only 7 B-24s are able to locate the target and deliver an attack. 22 Japanese Navy fighters attack the bombers, and 1 B-24 is forced to ditch at sea. 1 crewman is lost in the crash, but all the others are rescued by a US Navy ship. This is the first VII Bomber Command loss to enemy action. [![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeThere is a night raid on Sunderland. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
GERMANY:
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US 8th AIR FORCE NETHERLANDS:
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOne American attack at Massacre Bay is renewed, but even with the help of naval guns, they make no progress. A second in the north of Attu, in Holtz Bay, does better although there are casualties from badly aimed American bombing as well as Japanese fire. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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China
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Eastern FrontThe Germans attempt a small attack in the Leningrad sector but fail to make any progress. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAThe pro-Axis Bey of Tunis is deposed. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Occupied YugoslaviaThe fifth Axis offensive (Operation BLACK) against Tito's Partisans begins. It will last about a month. 120,000 Germans, Italians, Bulgarians and Croats will participate supported by the Luftwaffe. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Gar (SS-206) attacks a Japanese convoy at the eastern entrance of the Verde Island passage and sinks the army cargo ships Meikai Maru (3197t) and Indus Maru (4361t) between Dumali Point, Mindoro and Marinduque Island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Soviet Union, PoliticsThe Soviet authorities decide to dissolve the Comintern to 'prove' to the West that Russia no longer has any expansionist aims. The dissolution is announced on May 22. In a gesture designed to reassure his Western Allies that the USSR is no longer trying to foment world revolution, Stalin dissolved the Comintern. The latter, founded in 1919 by Lenin and the Bolsheviks, is dedicated 'by all available means, including armed force, for the overthrow of the international bourgeoisie and for the creation of an international Soviet republic as a transition stage to the complete abolition of the State'. The Americans in particular were keen for this organization to be disbanded. [![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians8 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s, 12 B-25s, and 343rd Fighter Group P-38s are sent to attack targets on Attu, but all the bombers are redirected against Kiska because of bad weather over Attu. Nevertheless, the P-38s are able to strafe ground targets on Attu, and a B-24 drops supplies to US Army ground troops. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against various coastal targets on New Britain and New Ireland. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesIn their unit’s combat debut, 380th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s based at the airfield in Fenton, Australia attack the Kendari airfield on Celebes. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeThousands of leaflets containing the names of 412 British ships claimed as sunk since June 1941 are dropped over northeast England. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
NORTHWESTERN EUROPE: A total of 227 P-47 sorties are mounted over France, Belgium, and the Dutch coast by the 4th, 56th, and 78th Fighter Groups. During the afternoon sweeps, the 4th and 78th Fighter Groups are engaged by several FW-190 squadrons. 3 Luftwaffe fighters are downed, but 1 P-47 is lost. Also, an F-5 of the 13th Photographic Squadron fails to return from a sortie to Paris. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against various coastal targets. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
AleutiansThe Americans continue their attacks near Holtz Bay on Attu. The Japanese, having only 2,380 men opposed by 11,000 Americans, are in danger of being taken in the rear if the Americans succeed in breaking through from Massacre Bay. The Japanese pull back during the night to Chicagof Harbor to put up their final resistance. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The Dambusters RaidDuring the night a specially trained RAF squadron, No 617, led by Wing Cmdr Guy Gibson, undertakes a precision attack on the dams on the Möhne and Eder Rivers in the Ruhr. They use specially designed bombs and unique techniques to attack targets which are reckoned to supply the majority of the electricity used in the Ruhr and a great deal of the water. A third target, the Sorpe dam, is not attacked. The operation, which is called Operation CHASTISE, has only been possible by training an elite squadron for this one mission and the losses, 8 of 19 planes, are too high to bear repetition. Both dams are damaged, causing many deaths and widespread flooding. The damage, however, is far slighter than has been hoped and both dams are fairly quickly repaired. The operation certainly does not prove that such precision attacks are either possible on a large scale, or likely to have the greatest effects. Eastern FrontOver the next 10 days the Germans mount a series of counterattacks in the Kuban area but these are fairly comfortably held by the Soviet forces. Operation GYPSY BARON begins which is intended to capture Soviet partisans. SOUTHERN SECTORThe German 17th Army begins a series of counterattacks in the Kuban. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North AfricaGen Harold Alexander informs Churchill: 'Sir, it it my duty to report that the Tunisian campaign is over.' [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Occupied HollandThe Germans confiscate all wireless sets in Holland. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US freighter William K. Vanderbilt is torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-19 southwest of Suva, Fiji Islands and abandoned. Of the 41-man crew and the 16-man Armed Guard only 1 crewman is lost. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Poland, ResistanceIn the last act of the extermination of the Warsaw ghetto, the SS blow up the Tlomacki Synagogue. Only 8 buildings are left standing. Jürgen Stroop, the SS commander, boasts that since the rising began 14,000 Jews have been killed in the ghetto and a further 40,000 have been sent to Treblinka to be killed.(22,000 to concentration camps and 20,000 to labor camps?) Ornganized resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto comes to an end. SS-Brigadeführer Jörgen Stroop, the SS commander during the rising, writes the following missive about the revolt in the battle diary: 'The resistance offered by the Jews and bandits could be broken only by the energetic, tireless deployment of storm patrols night and day. On April 23, 1943, the Reichsführer-SS, through the Higher SS and Police Führer for the East, in Kracow, issued the order that the Warsaw ghetto be combed out with maximum severity and ruthless determination. I therefore decided to carry out the total destruction of the Jewish quarter by burning down all residential blocks, including the blocks attached to the armament factories. One by one the factories were systematically cleared and then destroyed by fire. Almost always the Jews then emerged from their hiding places and bunkers. Not rarely, the Jews stayed in the burning houses until the head and fear of being burned to death caused them to jump from the upper floors after they had thrown mattresses and other upholstered objects from the burning houses to the street. With broken bones they would then try to crawl across the street into buildings which were not yet, or only partially, in flames. Often, too, Jews changed their hiding places during the night, by shifting into the ruins of buildings already burned out and taking refuge there until they were found by one of the shock troop units. Only as a result of the unceasing and untiring efforts of all forces did we succeed in capturing altogether 56,065 Jews. [![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Europe
Daylight Ops:
FRANCE:
NETHERLANDS:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, BismarcksV Bomber Command B-25s attack Gasmata. 43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against Cape Gloucester and Gasmata. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Barique, Dili, and Penfoei, Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SolomonsAirSols light bombers and fighters attack Rekata Bay. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu, the units from Holtz Bay advance and occupy the positions evacuated by the enemy during the night. The units at Massacre Bay also discover that the Japanese have gone and occupy Jarmin Pass. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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Diplomatic RelationsIn Washington the US and Britain agree to exchange intelligence obtained from deciphered signals, codename 'Ultra'. The US will concentrate on Japanese ciphers, Britain on German and Italian. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediterraneanFor the first time since Italy entered the war, an Allied convoy passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and steamed across the length of the Mediterranean without meeting any Axis opposition. Possession of the territory in Northwest Africa permitted safe and free passage for the movement of troops and supplies. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Grayback (SS-208) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks the army cargo ship England Maru (5330t) about 60 miles northwest of Mussau Island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Secret WarThe US and Britain arrive at a cooperation agreement in the code-breaking war against the Axis. From now on, the two countries will actively share the burden of unravelling the ciphers produced by the German Enigma, the Japanese Purple and the Italian C38M machines. The Allies will share not only technical knowledge, but also the intelligence gleaned, to be known as ULTRA. US intelligence analysts are to spend more time on Pacific theater intelligence, while Britain focuses on German and Italian ciphers. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() SpainThere is a disastrous fire at El Ferrol naval base. 3 cruisers and 2 destroyers are seriously damaged. [![]() ![]() ![]() Yugoslavia, ResistanceThe Germans continue their fifth major offensive against Tito's Partisans, code name Operation SCHWARZ and commanded by Gen Rudolf Luters. The main striking forces for the operation are to be provided by the SS Division Prinz Eugen and 2 formations specially brought in, 1st Mountainn Division and 4th Brandenburg Regiment. Various other Axis formations are to hold an encircling ring and altogether there are 120,000 against Tito's 20,000 at most. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Aleutians6 28th Comp Bombardment Group B-24s attack Kiska after being diverted from Attu by bad weather. 4 343rd Fighter Group P-40s strafe barges at Kiska. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Gasmata, airfields in the Rabaul area, Arawe, and Cape Gloucester. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, CBIBURMA
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
NORTHWESTERN EUROPE:
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USAAF PANTELLERIA: Allied warplanes open an all-out offensive against Axis forces on the island, with special emphasis on the port and Marghana Airdrome. At least 80 B-25s, B-26s, and their P-38 escorts attack these targets. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, MediterraneanAllied attacks on Pantelleria are intensified, and the island is virtually cut off by a naval blockade. Heavy raids will continue until June 5. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
Air Operations, New Guinea
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Air Operations, SicilyNAAF B-17s attack Trapani. 14th Fighter Group P-38s escorts down 6 Axis fighter during the return flight to their base in Tunisia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the American forces advancing from the north and south of the island link up and prepare to attack what they believe are the last Japanese positions on the approach to Chicagof Harbor. In the northern sector new units and supplies are landed. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ChinaThe Japanese launch an offensive across the Yangtze River in China. The ultimate objective is the Chinese capital of Chungking. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() World AffairsA United Nations Food Conference begins in Hot Springs, Va. It sits until June 3 and produces various resolutions calling for fairer distribution of resources in the post-war world. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Aleutians6 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s and 11 B-25s mount 3 ground-support missions to Attu. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, BismarcksV Bomber Command B-25s attack the Gasmata airfield on New Britain while 43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s mount individual attacks against Gasmata. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, CBIBURMA
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Penfoei, Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
GERMANY:
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Air Operations, New GuineaV Bomber Command B-25s attack the Salamaua area and targets of opportunity on the Huon Peninsula. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sardinia
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sicily14th Fighter Group P-38 are engaged by Bf-109s while escorting NASAF B-17s on a midday attack against Trapani/Milo Airdrome, but no confirmed victories are credited. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Solomons
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the Americans attack before dawn to open Clevesy Pass which would clear a way to the Sarana Valley. Fighting continues until sunset, with the Japanese forces apparently dislodged. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Germany, Home FrontGoebbels announces that Berlin is completely free of Jews. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Gar (SS-206) sinks the Japanese guardboat Asuka Maru (37t) in Makassar Strait. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontChurchill addresses a joint meeting of Congress. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians11th Air Force operations against Attu are canceled because of bad weather, but 20 343rd Fighter Group P-40s attack Kiska. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
ITALY: NASAF B-17s attack Grosseto Airdrome. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Mediterranean
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New GuineaV Bomber Command B-25s attack barges between Madang and Cape Cretin. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sardinia
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SicilyA 1st Fighter Group P-38 downs an Fi-156 observation plane near Trapani/Milo Airdrome. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SolomonsDuring the night, XIII Bomber Command B-17s and B-24s mount light harrassing attacks against the airfield at Ballale Airdrome and the Kahili area to mask a mine-sowing operation off Buin by AirSols TBFs. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansFighting continues on Attu in the Clevesy Pass area where the Japanese hold the high ground and have to be prised out of every position. Men trained in desert warfare have to turn themselves into mountaineers to get behind the enemy. After hard fighting the attackers succeed in advancing into the Sarana Valley. Some progress is also made in the northern part of the island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Battle of the Atlantic
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() BurmaIt is officially announced that the three-month commando operations carried out by the Chindits commanded by Gen Orde Wingate have ended. In their guerilla actions behind the enemy lines the Chindits have lost a lot of their effectives. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ChinaThe Chinese counterattack in the Middle Yangtze front. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Pollack (SS-180) sinks the Japanese armed merchant cruiser Bangkok Maru (5350t) southeast of Jaluit, Marshalls. Pollack is damaged by depth charges by a counterattack by a torpedo boat, but remains on patrol. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, AleutiansDue to bad weather, only 1 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24 and 6 343rd Fighter Group P-38s are able to attack Attu, and other aircraft are diverted to Kiska. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Saumlakki in the Molucca Islands. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
BELGIUM:
GERMANY:
ITALY: IX Bomber Comman B-24s attack Reggio di Calabria and Villa San Giovanni. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Mediterranean
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Sardinia![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SicilyNASAF B-17s, escorted by 14th Fighter Group P-38s, attack Castelveltrano Airdrome at 0945 hours. The P-38s are engaged by the Luftwaffe, but there are no confirmed victories. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu, on the southern front, the Americans succeed in eliminating the only remaining Japanese strongpoint on one of the peaks overlooking Clevesy Pass and advance towards a crest near another pass leading from the Saran Valley to Chicagof Harbor. The troops landed at Holtz Bay advance more slowly on account of the greater difficulty of the mountainous terrain. Over the next 7 days the Americans make some progress on Attu each day. The fighting is especially fierce from May 24-27 when the Japanese are gradually driven off a feature known as Fish Hook Ridge. On May 27 work is begun on an airfield at Alexai Point. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Britain, Home FrontThe first American-built airfield in Britain is officially taken over by the 8th US Army Air Force. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Free French ForcesAdm Rene Godefroy, commanding the small French squadron interned in Alexandria since July 1940, decides to join the Allies. Vichy alleges that the crews have been 'starved into submission'. [![]() ![]() ![]() Japan, Home FrontTokyo announces the death in action of Adm Yamamoto. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Mediterranean
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontMore than 150,000 people are made homeless as rivers in the Mississippi system burst their banks. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, AleutiansThe 11th Air Force is grounded by bad weather, but 19 G4M 'Betty' bombers armed with torpedoes attack a US cruiser and destroyer off Attu. No torpedo hits are scored and 2 'Bettys' are downed by anti-aircraft fire. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Kaimana and motor launches off Koer Island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Solomons2 XIII Fighter Command fighter pilots share in the downing of a G4M 'Betty' bomber near Rendova Island during an early-morning engagement. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Battle of the AtlanticDönitz orders all U-boats on patrol in the north Atlantic to break off operations against the convoys. The losses have grown too high and although the Germans continue to hope for a revival of their fortunes by technical developments, the battle has effectively been won. Some boats are moved south to the Caribbean and to waters off the Azores. It is only by diverting his operations to less vital areas that Dönitz is able to continue his campaign, even at a reduced level. The causes of the Allied victory are several: radar, aircraft and code-breaking information figure prominently. The U-boats can perform their operations best on the surface and when they are able to signal to each other. Air cover prevents them reaching their patrol positions quickly and they cannot shadow a convoy on the surface and signal its position without being detected and attacked. Messages from the U-boat Command can be decoded and U-boat patrols avoided and the favored tactics for night attacks are made difficult when radar ends the U-boat concealment. Altogether the Allies performance has been impressively coordinated, with scientists designing and airmen and sailors operating the weapons so quickly produced by industry. The only question over the Allied performance has been the way the maritime air services have had to compete with the strategic bomber forces for long-range aircraft. The Germans have been slow to realize the potential of their submarine force as the rate of building even as late as 1941 shows. Equally, they have been slower in fitting scientific developments into their operations.
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AleutiansOn Attu troops on the southern front succeed in penetrating into the valley that leads to Chicagof, while those in the north stay in their positions. Whenever the weather permits, an important contribution is made by fire from the ships of Task Force 51, which, under cover from Task Force 16, was responsible for the landing operation. Task Force 51, commanded by Rear-Adm Francis W. Rockwell, consists of the old battleships Pennsylvania (BB-38) and Idaho (BB-42), 1 escort aircraft carrier, 6 cruisers and 18 destroyers. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Allied PreparationsUrgent messages are sent to all headquarters concerned with the building of new airfields in Assam to get the work completed more quickly. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Germany, Home FrontAdolf Galland, fighter 'ace' and 'General of Fighters', test flies the Me-262 jet fighters. He reports to Luftwaffe QMG Erhard Milch that if mass production of the jet is begun immediately, German can regain air superiority. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Soviet Union, PoliticsMoscow announces the dissolution of the Communist International (Comintern): '...long before the war, it became more and more clear that, with increasing complications in internal and international relations of various countries, any sort of international center would encounter obstacles in solving the problems facing the movement in each separate country.' This is an act of goodwill intended to placate the very large section of public opinion in the West that are still nervous of dealings with Soviet Russia. The decision was made on May 15. [![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
There is an interesting story to tell about a Wellington of 431 Squadron which took part in this raid. Just after leaving the target, the Wellington was coned by searchlights and hit several times by fragments of flak. The rear gunner reported that he thought the aircraft was on fire. The pilot twice put the aircraft into a steep dive to evade the searchlights but was not able to do so. There was some confusion over whether an order to bale out was given by the pilot and the pilot actually did leave the aircraft. The bomb aimer, Sergeant SN Sloan, an Englishman, took over the controls and eventually was able to shake off the searchlights. The navigator and wireless operator were still aboard and Sergeant Sloan flew the aircraft back to England and made a perfect landing at Cranwell. He was immediately awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, commissioned and posted to a pilot training course.The wireless operator, Flying Officer JBG Bailey, and the navigator, Sergeant GCW Parslow, received immediate awards of the DFC and the DFM respectively.Minor Ops:
ITALY: NAAF P-38s attack the zinc works at Iglesias and the port at Carloforte, San Pietro Island. USAAFPANTELLERIA: NASAF B-25s and B-26s attack the port and Marghana Airdrome, and NAAF P-40s attack gun emplacements throughout the island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, AleutiansDue to poor weather, 6 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s and 12 B-25s dispatched in three separate ground-support missions to Attu are diverted to Kiska, where only 1 B-25 is able to locate a target. Directed by a Patrol Wing 4 PBY, 343rd Fighter Group P-38s bring down 5 of 16 G4M 'Betty' bombers encountered over Attu between 1615 and 1640 hours. 2 P-38s are lost. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Ubili, the Gasmata airfield on New Britain, the Kavieng airfield on New Ireland, and the harbor at Kavieng. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, HawaiiVII Fighter Command P-40 fighter-bombers based on Kauai attack a Japanese Navy submarine. Hits and a possible sinking are claimed. Air Operations, SolomonsDuring the night, 5 XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack the airfield at Ballale and the Kahili airfield on Bougainville, but 10 other B-24s abort in the face of bad weather while attempting to mount a follow-up attack on the same targets. Also, in a separate action, a mine-laying mission is completed in the Buin area while 19 XIII Bomber Command B-17 and B-24s mount a diversionary attack against Buin, Kahili, and Tonolei. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the units from the southern front attack the important Fish Hook Ridge but are held up by intense enemy fire. The mountains of Attu Island seem to present an insurmountable obstacle to the American fores, despite their large numbers and better equipment. After the day's unsuccessful efforts it is decided that Fish Hook Ridge must be the objective of a co-ordinated attack by units from both southern and northern fronts. This begins the final phase of the Attu Island battle. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Atlantic21 German MTBs begin intensive minelaying operations along the English southern coast. The operation will continue until June 12. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Battle of the Atlantic
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Canada, Home FrontWilliam Aberhart, the 'Social Credit' Premier of Alberta, 1935-42, dies at age 64. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIAThe 18th Army Group staff is disbanded, having served its purpose. [![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() YugoslaviaAs reported by a German news agency, there is heavy fighting in South Croatia between German troops and Yugoslav guerillas. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians6 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s, 11 B-25s, and 1 F-5 attack Attu in 2 separate missions. A third mission is canceled, but 2 B-25s fail to receive the order and they also attack Attu. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East IndiesV Bomber Command B-25s attack Penfoei, Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
ITALY: IX Bomber Command B-24s attack the ferry terminal and a tanker at Reggio di Calabria, and the ferry terminal and rail yards at Villa San Giovanni. USAAFPANTELLERIA: NASAF and NATAF fighers attack Marghana Aidrome throughout the day. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Sardinia
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Aleutian IslandsOn Attu renewed American attacks on Fish Hook Ridge are repulsed by the Japanese. The Japanese are resisting with fanatical determination. The Chief of Staffs Conference approve a plan for the capture of Kiska Island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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Eastern FrontBattles continue over much of the front. There is fierce fighting in the Sevsk sector, on the Kuban front, and in the Central Don area. SOUTHERN SECTORThe combat line begins to come to life once more as fighting flares up along the Donets. In the Kuban the V Corps of 17th Army holds strong Soviet attacks. The German ability to repel their attacks promps the North Caucasus Front to conclude its long running Krasnodar Offensive. Some 66,814 have been killed and 173,901 wounded during the fighting. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Bismarcks43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb B-24s attack Cape Gloucester and barges along the coast. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
PANTELLERIA: NATAF B-25s and P-40s attack Marghana Airdrome, shipping, and troop concentrations. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack Madang and several other coastal towns. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Sicily
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu American troops coming up from the south manage to reach the top of Fish Hook Ridge after hand-to-hand fighting in a complex system of trenches and tunnels dug by the Japanese. The units from the northern sector also make some progress from the other side of the ridge. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Allied PlanningThe Trident Conference, which began in Washington on May 12, comes to an end. It has been decided that the invasion of northwest Europe, Operation OVERLORD, will start early in May 1944. The invasion will be preceded by a gigantic air offensive. In Italy, after the landing in Sicily, Operation HUSKY, whatever actions are necessary will be taken to eliminate the country from the war. Systematic bombing of the Ploesti oilfields in Rumania, vital to the Germans, will be undertaken from bases in the Mediterranean. It was also agreed to increase aid to China and to step up the tempo of the war against Japan by island-hopping through the central Pacific. The strategy to be adopted in the Pacific was also approved in outline. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the AtlanticUS Naval land-based aircraft (VP-84) sink the German submarine U-467 in the Atlantic Ocean area.
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MediterraneanU-414 is sunk in a depth-charge attack by the British corvette HMS Vetch during an attack on a convoy.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() North AfricaTUNISIASousse is chosen as the site for the headquarters for the invasion of Pantelleria. The tactical method chosen is to be saturation bombing. [![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontThe president of Ford Motor Co, Edsel Ford, dies at age 49. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeUSAAFITALY
PANTELLERIA P-40 fighter-bombers attack gun emplacements, motor vehicles, and troop concentrations along the southeastern coast. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Gilberts3 VII Bomber Command B-24s based at Canton Island attack a barracks in Abemama Atoll. [![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, MediterraneanThe Allied air offensive continues on Sicily, Sardinia and Pantellaria. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea3 V Bomber Command bombers hit both airfield and town of Madang. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SardiniaNAAF P-38s attack Villacidro Airdrome and shipping at Porto Ponte Romano. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, SicilyNASAF B-17s, B-25s, and B-26s attack Biscari, Comiso, and Gela/Ponte Olivo Airdromes. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the Americans improve their positions both on the southern slope and on the north side of Fish Hook Ridge. Japanese submarines begin the evacuation of the Kiska Island garrison. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the AtlanticReturning to port from a patrol, U-436 runs into the escort for convoy KX-10 and is sunk in a depth-charge attack by the Indian corvette and British frigate HMS Test.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Canada, Home FrontMeat rationing is introduced throughout the country. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Eastern FrontSOUTHERN SECTORThe V Corps is involved in further heavy fighting. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
MediterraneanThe first Allied convoy since 1941 to sail without a loss through the Mediterranean from Gibraltar arrives in Alexandria having left on the 17th. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Occupied PolandOver 1,000 gypsies are gassed in Auschwitz. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Occupied YugoslaviaThe fifth Axis offensive against Tito's Partisans continues. 120,000 Germans, Italians, Bulgarians and Chetniks (turncoat Partisans) trap about 16,000 Partisans in Montenegro, but they fight their way out in June. About 8,000 are killed. The Germans deport all civilians from this area. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontPres Edwin Barclay of Liberia arrives in Washington. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu forces of the US 7th Infantry Division finally seize Fish Hook Ridge. The construction of a fighter runway near Alexai Point is begun. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
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Minor Ops:
PANTELLERIA: NAAF P-40s attack harbor defenses and various targets along the south coast. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SardiniaNASAF B-25s and B-26s attack Decimomannu and Villacidro Airdromes. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Allied PlanningChurchill and Gen Marshall leave Washington for North Africa for talks with Gen Eisenhower on what is to be attempted in the coming Italian campaign. Marshall wishes to avoid any commitment that could interfere with a later cross-Channel operation, while Churchill is keen for opportunities in the Mediterranean to be explained and Italy knocked out of the war. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Britain, Home FrontArthur Mee, author of children's books and editor of the 'Children's Newspaper', dies at age 67. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Diplomatic RelationsThe Pope appoints Monsignor Godfrey the Papal Chargé d'Affaires to the Polish Government. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Eastern FrontIn the Kuban another Soviet attack goes in but fails to penetrate the German defenses. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
France, ResistanceThe Comite National de la Resistance, Council of National Resistance, meets in Paris for the first time. This nationwide organization for the various resistance groups has largely been the achievement of de Gaulle's lieutenant, Jean Moulin. Politically this is of considerable benefit to de Gaulle's position with the Allies. [![]() ![]() ![]() PacificThe US submarine Finback (SS-230) sinks the Japanese army cargo ship Kochi Maru (2910t) about 75 miles northwest of Palau. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontAll contractors involved in the production of US war materials are barred from practicing racial discrimination. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, PlanningThe Joint Committee for War Planning is asked to work out the requirements in men and materials, and to suggest possible dates, for the invasion of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Yugoslavia, ResistanceBritish officers are dropped to rendezvous with Tito's Partisan forces in Montenegro near Mount Durmitor. For some time the SOE, Special Operations Executive, have been receiving reports that Gen Draza Mihailovic and his Chetniks are cooperating with the Germans, but only now are they able to contact Tito and the real resistance. Tito's forces are in trouble at this time. They are hemmed in by superior German, Italian and Bulgarian forces and have been under attack for 10 days but are beginning now to concentrate their force in preparation for fighting their way out. One reason for this slowness has been the desire to keep the appointment with the British. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, CBICHINA
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeOver 100 US Fortress bombers make a devastating daylight raid on Leghorn (Livorno). P-40s and Marauders hiit 4 Sicilian airfields despite 'terrific flak'. BOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
ITALY:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Gilberts3 VII Bomber Command B-24s based at Canton Island attack Abemama Atoll. [![]() ![]() Air Operations, Mediterranean14th Fighter Group P-38s down 2 Bf-109s about 1800 hours near Favignana Island in the Egadi group. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s and 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s attack the airfields at Boram, Dagua, and Wewak and the Wewak-Dagua road. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, SardiniaNAAF P-40 and NATAF A-20s attack various targets. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SicilyNASAF medium bombers attac, the Bo Rizzo, Castelveltrano, Trapani/Milo, and Sciacca Aiddromes. 3 325th Fighter Group P-40s down 3 Bf-109s over the Trapani/Milo Airdrome. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SolomonsAn attack by AirSols light bombers against Kolombangara and the Munda area is hampered by bad weather, but a number of bombers are able to attack the aifield at Munda Point on New Georgia. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the Japanese, already squeezed into the Chicagof Harbor area, take refuge in the surrounding mountains. The Americans drop leaflets inviting them to surrender. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the Atlantic
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MediterraneanU-755 is attacked and sunk by Hudson 'M' of No 608 Squadron RAF. This the second U-boat to be sunk using rockets, and the first by the RAF.
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Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontThe Office of War Mobilization is established to co-ordinate production. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Bismarcks43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s, 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s, and V Bomber Command B-25s mount individual attacks against targets on New Britain. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, CBICHINAResponding to pleas from Chinese Army forces facing a massive Japanese Army ground offensive along the Yellow River, 9 308th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s temporarily based at the Hsinching airfield at Chengtu attack a supply area near the city of Ichang with 18 tons of bombs. Several of the B-24s are also equipped with remotely fired, fixed bomb-bay-mounted machine guns, which are used to blindly strafe ground targets during the bomb runs. Also, 4 23rd Fighter Group P-40s attack targets of opportunity around Lungling and Tengchung. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East Indies43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s, 90th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s, and V Bomber Command B-25s mount individual attacks against targets on Sumatra and Timor. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, EuropeBOMBER COMMANDDaylight Ops:
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US 8th AIR FORCE FRANCE:
PANTELLERIA: NASAF B-26s, P-38s, and P-40s and NATAF P-40s attack gun emplacements, a radar installation, and the town. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SardiniaP-38 fighter bombers attack the Porto Ponte Romano. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the Japanese mount a final fanatical attack on the Americans who are now established in Chicagof. The fighting is extremely vicious and continues all day and during the following night. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ChinaThe Chinese recapture Yuyangkwan, east of Ichang. Chinese Nationalist troops in the Ichang area halt the Japanese advance on Chungking. They promptly went of the offensive. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Pacific
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() United States, Home FrontRockwell’s depiction of Rosie represents one of two ways that she was typically depicted. Deborah Felder explains that Rosie was either depicted in this rather unfeminine and muscular manner, like the Rockwell image, or as a more traditional feminine character wearing more form fitting cover-alls. Rockwell’s image, clearly, is a masculine depiction. James J. Kimble and Lester C. Olson describe in their essay outlining the history and several depictions of Rosie the Riveter, that the various details of Rockwell’s depiction “suggest gender ambiguities and violations insofar as they tended to be masculine attributes…”(33) The article also explores the connection, made by other writers as well, between the composition of Rockwell’s Rosie to that of Michelangelo’s portrayal of the prophet Isaiah in the Sistine Chapel. This reference “… may tacitly reinforce the print’s masculinity and its righteousness.” One example of a more conventionally feminine Rosie, and among the most well known depictions, is by J. Howard Miller, entitled We can Do it!. (Figure 14) While this woman, like Rockwell’s Rosie, is exhibiting her physical strength by flexing her arm, and she appears ready to work, she is at the same time a much more feminine depiction than Rockwell’s. Felder states that the media “preferred to highlight the more feminine qualities of American’s Rosies.”(35) She continues to suggest that these more conventional feminine Riveters emphasized that “she was a housewife and mother at heart, who would (and should) gladly return to her rightful place in the home at the first opportunity.” (36) The realization that magazines could “equate consumerism with patriotism,” led to advertisements, such as Eureka Vacuums making use of Rosie characters. (37) Kimble and Olson note the similarities and differences between these two images in their essay. One important difference is in the feminine appearance of Miller’s Rosie. “Cosmetics affirm her femininity, including mascara, eyebrow liner, a hint of lipstick, and fingernail polish on one well- manicured fingernail.”(38) Furthermore, the tools that she would use are not present in her portrait, unlike the riveter included in Rockwell’s. Kimble and Olson suggest that Rockwell’s image had an impact on many women, not just those in the working class. Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter would have changed the views of wealthier women, for example, by gaining their approval of the female workers, and even prompt them to “avidly support their decisions concerning their public performances of womanhood.” [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Air Operations, Aleutians
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, East Indies380th Heavy Bomb Group B-24s based at the airfield at Fenton, Australia, attack Kendari, Celebes. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Europe
Evening Ops:
ITALY:
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USAAF PANTELLERIA: IX Bomber Command B-25s attack troop concentrations, and NAAF fighters and medium bombers and NATAF fighters attack various targets around the island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, MediterraneanRound-the-clock bombing of Pantelleria continues. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea43rd Heavy Bomb Group B-17s attack Boram and Wewak. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SardiniaNAAF P-38s attack the marshalling yard at Chilivani and strafe various targets of opportunity throughout the island. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansAfter their last, desperate effort, all organized resistance by the Japanese on the island is exhausted. The Americans complete the capture of Attu. The Japanese have lost 2,350 killed including about 500 suicides by hand grenades and only 28 wounded have been captured. The American have paid dearly for their conquest. The losses amount to 600 dead and 1,200 wounded in capturing what is really a very unimportant position. An American detachment occupies the island of Shemya without opposition. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AtlanticThe British submarine Untamed is lost when she fails to surface during exercises with anti-submarine sloop Shemara off Campbeltown, Scotland. All 36 crew members are lost. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Battle of the AtlanticU-126 torpedoes the US freighter Flora McDonald off the west coast of Africa. The escorting British trawler Fandango rescues the survivors and takes them to Freetown, Sierra Leone. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
France, PoliticsDe Gaulle arrives in Algiers for talks with Gen Giraud to reconcile their differences. Talks take place to establish a central authority for the unified conduct of the French war effort. De Gaulle also meets with Churchill. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
PacificThe US submarine Saury (SS-189) attacks a Japanese convoy sinking the merchant cargo ship Shoko Maru (5335t) and the army cargo ship Takamisan Maru (1992t) about 150 miles east-southeast of Shanghai, China. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Vichy FranceVichy announces that the previously immobilized French naval squadron in Alexandria harbor had gone over to the Allies. According to the Laval government, the French ships had been subjected to incessant pressure from the British, including the withholding of pay. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Air Operations, Aleutians6 28th Composite Bomb Group B-24s, 10 B-25s, 8 343rd Fighter Group P-38s, and 37 P-40s attack Kiska throughout the day. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, CBICHINA
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Daylight Ops:
ITALY: NASAF B-17s attack a marshalling yard and airbase comples at Foggia. USAAFPANTELLERIA:
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Air Operations, Far EastUS and Chinese aviators shoot down 20 Japanese fighters in a short aerial combat over Ichang, Hunan Province. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, New Guinea90th Heavy Bomb B-24s attack the airfield and town area at Lae. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, PacificB-24s bomb Lae. A lone B-17 routs a Japanese fighter squadron over Finschhafen. 3 of the crew are wounded. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, SardiniaNAAF P-38 fighter-bombers attack Cagliari, a factory at Guspini, and the power station at Santa Caterina. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Air Operations, Solomons3 XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack targets in southern Bougainville. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AleutiansOn Attu the Americans reconnoitre the whole of the island in search for Japanese survivors. They find only corpses.
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Battle of the AtlanticU-boats U-440 and U-563 are sunk by Coastal Command aircraft, Dönitz having instructed their commanders to engage aircraft with their guns. U-440 is sunk by Sunderland 'R' of No 201 Squadron and U-563 is sunk by Halifax 'R' of No 58 Squadron.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Eastern FrontTHE OSTHEERThe opposing forces around Kursk continue to build. The Ostheer is sending the buld of its replacements to this sector, other sectors having to get by with what they have. During May the Germans pull the 4th SS Motorized Division out of the combat line and disband the 7th Lufwaffe Division. The 79th Infantry Division enters the line bringing Ostheer deployment to 16 panzer, 14 panzer grenadier and 146 infantry divisions. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Free FrenchAdm Réne Godfroy, commander of the French naval units in Alexandria, formally announces that his ships will join the Allied military effort. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Germany, Home FrontSpeer's Armaments Ministry assumes responsibility for naval armaments including U-boat construction. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Germany, PlanningGen Guderian tries to talk Hitler out of a summer offensive on the Russian front. Hitler replies, 'You're quite right. Every time I think of this attack my stomach turns.' In the end, however, he approves Operation CITADEL, which turns into the disastrous Battle of Kursk. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() MediterraneanPantelleria is shelled by a British cruiser and 2 destroyer. It has already been bombed several times in the past few days. [![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
[ April 1943 - June 1943] |