News Dispatches Regarding The Progress Of The Ninth Air ForceI encourage anyone that has more information (Flight Log Book entries) or photos on 112 Squadron please send an e-mail to raf_112_sqdn@yahoo.com before the history is lost. Issued between September 1942 and May 1943Note that the month of October, 42 is missing, I will post this information when I find it...sorry.TUESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 1942MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF)]: B-24s hit harbor installations at Suda Bay, Crete. P-40s fly an offensive sweep over the battle area, and carry out an interception mission against Ju 87s over the frontline near El Alamein, Egypt. The 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Ismailia to Landing Ground 88, Egypt with B-25s.MONDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 1942MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF)]: In Egypt, the British Eighth Army opens an assault (Operation SUPERCHARGE, the plan for the British XXX Corps breakout from Egypt) W of Tell el-Eisa with 2 New Zealand Division in the lead; B-25s bomb a track extending S from Rahman as the British 9 Armored Brigade establishes bridgeheads across the track; other B-25s attack tanks and other targets in support of the assault; P-40s fly escort and strafing missions in the battle area. B-17s bomb shipping and jetties in Tobruk, Libya harbor.TUESDAY, 3 NOVEMBER 1942MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF)]: In Egypt, B-25s bomb tanks, motor transports, landing ground, ammunition dumps, mainly in the Rahman Track area and on the road between Fuka and El Daba, and also hit town of Fuka and Ghazal station; P-40s fly several escort and fighter-bomber missions, attacking ground targets in support of the British Eighth Army; Allied aircraft fly 400+ sorties against troops retreating along the coastal road; during the night of 3/4 Nov, British and Indian troops outflank and break an enemy tank screen in the sector S of Tell el Aqqaqir.WEDNESDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 1942MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF)]: 9 B-24s bomb the Bengasi, Libya harbor, hitting 3 ships and claiming 1 enemy fighter shot down. In Egypt, B-25s and P-40s attack motor transports and troops retreating W from the El Alamein battleline with British in pursuit; 10 Corps armor clashes with the rearguard S of Ghazal. Lieutenant General Frank M Andrews replaces Brigadier General Russell L Maxwell as Commanding General USAFIME.THURSDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 1942MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS [MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF)]: General Bernard L Montgomery announces the victory of the British Eighth Army in Egypt; 10 Corps, pushing rapidly W, overcomes a rearguard action near Fuka; as Field Marshall Erwin Rommel retreats W from El Alamein, P-40s bomb targets on the Fuka road and patrol the Sidi Hanaish area; B-25s also bomb motor transports.THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 1942MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO) NE AFRICA (Ninth Air Force): US Army Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF) is dissolved and replaced by HQ Ninth AF, commanded by Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton; major components are: IX Bomber Command (Brigadier General Patrick W Timberlake) at Ismailia, Egypt, IX Fighter Command (Colonel John C Kilborn) enroute to Egypt, and IX Air Service Command (Brigadier General Elmer E Adler). HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 65th Fighter Squadron move from Egypt to Libya with P-40s; the 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group, arrives in Egypt from the US with P-40s; the 415th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Ramat David, Palestine to Fayid, Egypt with B-24s.SATURDAY, 5 DECEMBER 1942EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) The 82d and 434th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfer from Egypt to Gambut, Libya.SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBER 1942EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Libya, B-24s sent to attack shipping at Tobruk fail to locate the target due to bad weather, but a few bombers manage to bomb Misurata and two enemy airfields. Meanwhile, P-40s fly top cover for RAF aircraft attacking Marble Arch. HQ, 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 81st and 83d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25s moves from Egypt to Gambut, Libya.TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 1942EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) Over Tunisia, nine B-24s of the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), opening the Ninth Air Force offensive against Tunisian ports, hit the railroad yard, repair shop, and roundhouse at Sfax dropping 72x500 pound bombs. Over Libya, B-25s and P-40s strike at retreating troops and vehicles between El Agheila and Merduma, as the New Zealand 2 Division drives to the coast in the Merduma area to obstruct the retreating Germans. Over Italy, Royal Air Force Liberators, operationally controlled by the IX Bomber Command, hit Naples harbor during the night of 15/16 Dec.WEDNESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 1942EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Libya, P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions and sweeps over the battle area as the enemy, breaking into small detachments, manages to withdraw from El Agheila positions after hard fighting and heavy losses. Meanwhile, B-25s hit troop concentrations and transport targets. Detachments of the 328th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Hardwick, England with B-24s, move from Tafaraoui, Algeria to Gambut, Libya; the three squadrons, which have been in Algeria since 7 Dec, will remain attached to the IX Bomber Command until Feb 43.SATURDAY, 2 JANUARY 1942EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Crete, B-25s of the 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) bomb the airfield at Heraklion while B-24s of the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit the airfield at Kastelli/Pediada. Twenty fighters and a few bombers are destroyed on the ground.TUESDAY, 5 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, B-24s of the 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) bomb Sousse harbor (clouds obscure the primary target at Tunis). RAF Liberators of No. 160 Squadron hit the harbors at Tunis and Sousse during the night of 5/6 Jan. On the ground, a severe two-day storm on 4 and 5 Jan sharply decrease the capacity of Bengasi port and forces the British Eighth Army to make a greater use of the more distant port of Tobruk.SUNDAY, 10 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Tunisia, B-24s forced by overcast to divert from the primary target of Bizerte, strike La Goulette, the seaport of the city of Tunis. P-40s fly reconnaissance missions. The 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfers from Gambut, Libya to Tmed El Chel, Libya.MONDAY, 11 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Libya, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb a road junction at Tripoli during the night of 10/11 Jan. P-40s fly reconnaissance and escort missions. In Italy, US B-24s hit the harbor at Naples. The 81st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfers from Gambut, Libya to Tmed El Chel, Libya.WEDNESDAY, 13 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Libya, weather prevents B-24s from attacking Tripoli and also causes B-25s sent to bomb Bir Dufan to abort. P-40s fly cover for RAF Baltimores.THURSDAY, 14 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25s strike motor transport near Gheiada, with P-40s providing cover. B-24s fail, due to weather, to locate Sousse harbor (the primary target), but several bomb in the target area and along the road near Teboulba. In Libya, RAF Liberators, under the operational control of the IX Bomber Command, hit Tripoli, Tagiura and the supply dump at Misurata.TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-24s hit the harbor at Sousse. In Libya, B-24s hit the harbor at Tripoli while B-25s hit Castel Benito Airfield and motor transport on the road. Ground forces regain contact with the enemy. The coastal force reaches Homs while the southern column presses toward Tarhunah.THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Libya, B-24s bomb Tripoli harbor while B-25s attack targets along the Surman-Az Zawiyah road. P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions against ground targets as the British Eighth Army overcomes resistance in the area. The enemy strengthens the Tarhunah area at the expense of the Homs front, causing General Montgomery to decide to make the main effort along the coast.FRIDAY, 22 JANUARY 1943 EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Libya, B-25s bomb a road junction near Tripoli. P-40s fly cover and fighter-bomber missions as the British Eighth Army's 22 Armored Brigade passes through 51 Infantry Division at Homs and drives beyond Castelverde. Forces to the south advance to within 17 miles of Tripoli.MONDAY, 31 JANUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton, Commanding General Ninth Air Force assumes command of US Army Forces in the Middle East. In Italy, B-24s hit the railroad ferry installations at Messina harbor. The British 7 Armored Division finishes clearing Zuwarah. HQ IX Fighter Command arrives at Kabrit, Egypt from the US. The 343d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Kabrit, Egypt to Gambut, Libya.THURSDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) The 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfers from Tmded El Chel, Libya to Berteaux, Algeria.TUESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Crete, B-25s bomb several airfields. HQ 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Fayid, Egypt to Benina, Libya.MONDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) The Desert Air Task Force (DATF) is established with Brigadier General Auby C Strickland as Commanding General. Whereas Desert Air Task Force HQ, organized on 22 Oct 42, controlled US Army Mid East Air Force (USAMEAF) tactical operations in the Western Desert, this new organization, with HQ at Tripoli, Libya, supervises, operationally and administratively, all Ninth Air Force units west of, and including, Marble Arch. In addition, General Strickland is commander of US troops in the area. In Italy, B-24s attack the harbor at Naples, scoring direct hits on 2 vessels. In Libya, British Army ground forces resume operations toward the Mareth Line as weather improves. Colonel Hugo P Rush succeeds Brigadier General Patrick W Timberlake as Commanding Officer of IX Bomber Command, which transfers from Ismailia, Egypt to Bengasi, Libya.TUESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Crete, RAF Liberators under operational control of the IX Bomber Command bomb Heraklion Airfield during the night of 16/17 Feb. In Tunisia, the British Eighth Army's 7 Armored Division drives into Ben Gardane, an outpost of the Mareth Line. The 83d and 434th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12 Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfer from Gambut, Libya to Castel Benito, Libya. The 345th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Tobruk, Libya to Benina, Libya.FRIDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25s bomb the Gabes western area through heavy clouds.SUNDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) The North African Tactical Air Force assumes operational control of the Western Desert Air Force; tactical groups remain administratively assigned to the Ninth Air Force. WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (North African Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25s hit the railroad yards at Gafsa. Weather foils 3 attempts by P-39s and Spitfires to furnish support to ground forces battling the German drive north and west of the Kasserine Pass. Only 2 P-39s are able to reach the enemy and strafe tanks and trucks. HQ 31st Fighter Group transfers from Tebessa, Algeria to Youks-les- Bains, Algeria. The 308th Fighter Squadron assigned to the group transfers its Spitfire Mk Vs from Tebessa to Canrobert, Algeria. The 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) with A-20s transfer from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria.TUESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24s attack the Messina ferry slip, scoring direct hits and leaving the target area burning. In Tunisia, B-25s hit Arram in the Mareth Line during the late evening.THURSDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples harbor and Crotone during the night of 24/25 Feb. In Tunisia, B-25s attack motor transport on the Arram road. The 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfer from Gambut, Libya to Soluch, Libya.FRIDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, P-40s carry out fighter-bomber missions as ground forces maintain pressure on the enemy along the coast and on the Gabes road. B-25s attack roads and motor transport in the Arram area during the night of 26/27 Feb. General Bernard L. Montgomery sets 20 Mar as D-Day for an attack on the Mareth Line. The 328th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) cease operations from Gambut, Libya with B-24s and return to their base at Hardwick, England.WEDNESDAY, 3 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24s dispatched against Naples fail to reach the primary target. Several bomb the secondary target, Messina, while 3 bomb bridges at Bianco and Siderno Marina. In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions along the Mareth Line as a probing attack against the British 51 Division positions near Mareth is driven back. The German Afrika Korps issues a plan for a counterattack from the Mareth Line. The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya The 343d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Gamut, Libya to Lete, Libya.SATURDAY, 6 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, 35 planes strafe and bomb installations in the Mareth Line as Rommel's expected attack in Tunisia takes place and is defeated. Four thrusts toward Medenine are repulsed by the British, and the enemy retreats after nightfall, having lost about 50 tanks.MONDAY, 8 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) The 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya and is attached to the 57th Fighter Group to gain experience. The 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya.SUNDAY, 14 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy during the night of 13/14 Mar, RAF Liberators under the operational control of the IX Bomber Command hit the harbor at Naples. In Tunisia during the day, fighters fly cover and sweep over the battle area. The 85th and 87th Fighter Squadrons of the 79th Fighter Group fly their first combat mission when 12 P-40's escort 11 B-25's on a mission against the Mareth Line.MONDAY, 15 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25s, escorted by P-40's of 79th Fighter Group (the group's first operation in the theater), bomb Zarat. Fighters also fly strafing and bombing raids against ground targets. The 81st and 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Berteaux, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria. These Ninth Air Force units are TDY to the Northwest African Air Force. The 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya.SATURDAY, 20 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Mareth area. AA is intense and all medium bombers suffer hits. P-40's escort bombers and carry out fighter-bomber and top cover operations as British ground troops open the assault on positions with infantry and artillery. The British 30 Corps gains a bridgehead across the Oued Zigzaou.SUNDAY, 21 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy during the night of 20/21 March, B-24's attack the harbor and surrounding area of Naples, hitting a vessel, the city area, and in the vicinity of the railroad yards. In Tunisia, B-25's bomb targets, including a highway, in the Gabes area. They are escorted by almost 100 P-40's.MONDAY, 22 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy during the night of 21/22 Mar, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb Naples. In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Gabes area, bombing a road junction, motor transport, and troop concentrations. P-40's fly 5 escort missions during the day. British ground forces, after expanding the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead during 21/22 Mar, are severely handicapped by heavy rain. The enemy counter-attacks and forces 50 Division to give ground.TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's bomb Messina, concentrating on the ferry slip. In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Mareth area. P-40's fly fighter-bomber operations and bomber escort over the battle area as the British 50 Division withdraws from the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead under cover of artillery fire.WEDNESDAY, 24 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's attack the ferry installations at Messina. Direct hits are scored in the target area and adjacent railroad yards and naval oil and storage tanks are set afire. Just before midnight, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, blast the docks at Messina. In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zarat. P-40's fly an escort, armed reconnaissance, and strafing mission. The British Eighth Army prepares to assault the west flank of the Mareth Line.THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's, in the early daylight hours, bomb installations in the Mareth area. P-40's attack motor transport, tanks, and communications targets in the battle area. During the night of 25/26 Mar heavy, medium and light bombers blast forces gathering in the El Hamma area.FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's attack the Mareth area, dropping over 28.5 tons of bombs during 2 strikes. P-40's fly fighter-bomber and strafing missions, destroying or damaging over 50 military transport vehicles, tanks, and gun emplacements. Intense ground fire downs several US fighters. Following the aerial bombardment, Allied ground forces renew their assault on the Mareth Line.MONDAY, 29 MARCH 1943 EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's attack Sfax and El Maou area, scoring hits on several parked aircraft. P-40's fly escort and fighter-bomber missions as British ground forces pursue the enemy north through Gabes. The British Eighth Army completes the occupation of the Mareth Line. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's arrive at El Kabrit, Egypt from the U.S. The group will fly it's first mission on 6 Apr. The 315th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40's arrives at El Kabrit, Egypt from the U.S.TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, 3 B-24's sent to bomb the Messina ferry slip are unable to rendezvous because of bad weather; 1 B-24 bombs the Crotone chemical factory, hitting the center of the factory area, warehouses, and rail facilities. RAF Liberators sent against the same target return without bombing. In Tunisia, B-25's hit the landing ground at Sfax, scoring direct hits on 4 aircraft. P-40's fly escort missions. British ground forces make contact with the enemy's new line along Oued el Akarit.WEDNESDAY, 31 MARCH 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's bomb Sfax Airfield; bombs explode among 6 parked airplanes. P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter-bomber operations, during which motor transport along the highway north of Gabes is hit. The 9th Fighter Wing is inactivated at El Kabrit, Egypt.THURSDAY, 1 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, P-40's escort bomber missions. Medium and light bombers hit parked airplanes and AA batteries at El Maou Airfield at Sfax.SATURDAY, 3 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's the bomb Sfax-El Maou area during the night of 2/3 Apr. P-40's fly fighter-bomber missions N of Gabes. HQ, 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) with B-25's transfer from El Assa, Libya to Medenine, Tunisia.SUNDAY, 4 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's attack Naples, concentrating on the dock area. In Sicily, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb Palermo. The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfers from El Assa, Libya to Medenine, Tunisia.TUESDAY, 6 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Sicily, B-24's hit the ferry and slips at Messina harbor. In Italy, RAF Liberators, under IX Bomber Command control, bomb the Naples area and rail facilities in Messina, Sicily. In Tunisia, B-25's fly 2 missions against concentrations in the Oued el Akarit region, scoring hits on buildings, tanks, and numerous vehicles. P-40's fly escort, fighter sweep, and strafing operations, attacking guns, vehicles and personnel as the British Eighth Army begin their assault on Oued el Akarit from which the enemy begins withdrawing during the night. HQ 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it"s 514th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) with B-24's transfer from Soluch, Libya to Bengasi, Libya.WEDNESDAY, 7 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Sicily, B-24's attack Palermo harbor. In Tunisia, B-25's bomb retreating columns which are being pursued N of Oued el Akarit by the the British Eighth Army's 30 and 10 Corps. Fighters carry out bombing and strafing operations the battle area.THURSDAY, 8 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, P-40's fly 29 bomber escort, armed reconnaissance, and fighter-bomber missions against retreating column along coast N of Gabes.SUNDAY, 11 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's attack Naples harbor. AA is intense and fighters attack B-24's from all sides, knocking 1 down. The B-24's claim destruction of 3 fighters. In Tunisia, B-25's attack motor transport and concentrations N of Sfax as Allied ground troops push toward Sousse. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th and 487th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25C's transfer from El Kabrit, Egypt to Medenine, Tunisia.THURSDAY, 15 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, hit Naples and Messina. In Sicily, B-24's attack Catania and Palermo. In Tunisia, B-25's hit the airfield and area near a fuel dump at Sainte-Marie du Zit. P-40's fly reconnaissance and sea patrol. HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Medenine, Tunisia to Sfax, Tunisia. The 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24D's transfers from Soluch, Libya to Bengasi, Libya.FRIDAY, 16 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Sicily, B-24's attack a tanker in Catania harbor, scoring several hits on the target and in surrounding areas. In Tunisia, fighters fly sea patrol. The British Eighth Army abandons their attempts to force a German retreat from Enfidaville by quick jabs and prepares to launch a full-scale assault during the night of 19/20 Apr. The 83d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 488th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), both with B-25's, transfer from Medenine, Tunisia to Sfax, Tunisia. The 512th and 513th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24's transfer from Soluch, Libya to Bengasi, Libya;.SATURDAY, 17 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Sicily, B-24's (including Liberator Mk II's of the RAF 178 Squadron, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command) bomb Catania. In Tunisia, P-40's fly sweeps, sea patrol, and fighter-bomber missions. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 486th and 487th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's and the 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Medenine, Tunisia to Sfax, Tunisia.SUNDAY, 18 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) Off Cap Bon, 46 P-40F's of the 57th Fighter Group's three squadrons (64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons) and the attached 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, plus 11 Spitfires of the RAF 92 Squadron flying top cover, take off to patrol. At approximately 1800 hours, they spot 2 Bf 109's and an armada of 65 Ju 52/3m transports heading back to Sicily for more supplies. The transports are in three great vees, covered by 16 Bf 109's and Mc 202's and 5 Bf 110's. The 64th Fighter Squadron and the RAF Spitfires stay high; the remaining 3 squadrons of P-40's attack the Luftwaffe formation and down 24 Ju 53/3m's and 16 fighters; another 35 Ju 52/3m's crash along the coast. In Sicily, B-24's attack Catania. In Tunisia, P-40's fly sweeps, armored reconnaissance, escort, and fighter-bomber missions. B-25's hit landing grounds.MONDAY, 19 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's hit landing grounds and defensive positions, and P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter sweeps as the British Eighth Army opens an assault on Enfidaville positions.FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's attack a landing ground, troops, and artillery N of Enfidaville. P-40's fly escort, sweeps, and fighter-bomber missions in the battle area.SUNDAY, 25 APRIL 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's attack landings grounds, concentrations, and vehicles N and NW of Enfidaville. P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter sweeps over the battle area.TUESDAY, 4 MAY 194EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's attack shipping at Reggio di Calabria and Taranto. In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zaghouan, including a landing ground and a road running to Bou Ficha. P-40's fly sea patrol and escort, as well as fighter-bomber missions in the Zaghouan area.THURSDAY, 6 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's bomb Reggio di Calabria harbor, hitting several vessels and shore installations. In Tunisia, B-25's attack Furna and Massicault and surrounding areas. P-40's hit shipping in the Gulf of Tunis and vehicles and buildings along the coast.FRIDAY, 7 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's hit the town of Kelibia. P-40's bomb and strafe shipping in the Gulf of Tunis, severely damaging 3 boats.SATURDAY, 8 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit the landing ground on Pantelleria Island. In Tunisia, P-40's strafe and bomb shipping in the Cap Bon area and shipping and shore installations on the Gulf of Tunis. Fighters claim 5 Bf 109's destroyed.SUNDAY, 9 MAY 194EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-24's attack harbor facilities at Messina, scoring hits on the ferry terminal, roundhouse, 2 ferries, and a ship. In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit the landing ground on Pantelleria Island. In Tunisia, over 300 P-40's fly escort and reconnaissance missions, and strafing and bombing raids on landing grounds vessels, vehicles, bridges, and gun positions in the areas of Zembra Island, Cap Bon, and Pantelleria Island. HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Fayidk Egypt to Nouvion, Algeria and begins training for the invasion of Sicily.MONDAY, 10 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In the Mediterranean B-25's and P-40's bomb Pantelleria landing ground. In Tunisia, P-40's bomb the Medi and Cap Bon peninsula. Fighters claim 4 airplanes destroyed. The 36th and 44th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 316th Troop Carrier Group with C-47's transfer from Egypt to Nouvion, Algeria and begin training for the aerial assault on Sicily.TUESDAY, 11 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Sicily, B-24's strike Catania harbor, severely damaging the harbor area and several ships. In Tunisia, B-25's strike the battle area in NE Tunisia. P-40's fly escort and armed reconnaissance, and carry out bombing and strafing missions in the Cap Bon area against motor transport, concentrations, roads, docks, and AA batteries.WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Tunisia, B-25's bomb targets in the battle area in NE Tunisia.THURSDAY, 13 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) In Italy, B-25's bomb Augusta while RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, attack the Messina ferry terminal.FRIDAY, 14 MAY 1943EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force) P-40's fly sea patrol and escort for bombers.
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