MARCH
CHRONOLOGY
Unpublished Photos of Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941
COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
March
MARCH 43 - MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO)
MONDAY, 1 MARCH 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24s raid the harbor at Naples; 1 bombs Soverato while 2 others
hit Staletti and Catanzaro as targets of opportunity. AA fire is accurate and
several B-24s are hit over Naples and Palmi.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
General Carl Spaatz assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force in Algeria.
Colonel Laurence P. Hickey becomes acting commander of the XII Fighter Command
until the arrival of Brigadier General Elwood R. Quesada. Lieutenant General
John K. Cannon takes command of the Northwest African Training Command (NATC).
In Sardinia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping, also hitting railroad yards and
the town area, at Cagliari.
In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force
attack bridges and AA gun positions in the La Hencha area. Fighters escort
bombers and hit ground forces in the battle areas around Sidi Nsir and Bedja.
B-25s of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force bomb the Mateur area.
In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a freighter NE of Bizerte, Tunisia.
The 5th Bombardment Wing transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun,
Algeria while the 47th Bombardment Wing moves from Chateaudun, Algeria to El
Guerrah, Algeria.
The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group establishes HQ at Tafaraoui,
Algeria upon arrival from the U.S. The squadron is equipped with P-40s.
TUESDAY, 2 MARCH 1943
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s bomb shipping and the
harbor area at Palermo.
In Tunisia, B-26s attack bridges and flak positions at La Hencha. Northwest
African Tactical Air Force fighters hit troops, tanks, and motor transport S of
Mateur and NE of Bedja as the enemy renews an attack along the Mateur-Taberka
road near Jefna.
HQ 33d Fighter Group and it's 58th, 59th and 60th Fighter Squadrons with
P-40s transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping at Tunis and shipping and a power
plant at La Goulette harbor. Fighters and medium bombers of the Northwest
African Tactical Air Force hit ground forces in the areas around Bedja, Bou
Arada, and Mateur. Fighting around Bedja subsides but enemy forces take
Sedjenane.
HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th and 440th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26s are pulled out of combat for training
and reorganization and transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Oujda, French
Morocco.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40s fly top cover missions as the British Eighth Army
completes the concentration of troops and weapons in forward areas and awaits
an attack which seems imminent in view of German troop movements in the
mountains W of Medenine.
The 344th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-24s transfers from Kabrit, Egypt to Lete, Libya.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-25s and B-26s fly unsuccessful missions against
shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. B-17s attack a convoy NW of Bizerte,
Tunisia, claiming 4 vessels sunk.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command, bomb the harbor at Naples during the night of 4/5 March.
All operations by the IX Bomber Command are suspended for 7 days so the
crews can rest.
The 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from
Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s hit
convoys NW of Bizerte, Tunisia while B-26s attack motor vessels between Tunisia
and Sicily.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighters and medium bombers hit the
Djedeida, Siki Nsir area, and ground forces in the Bedja-Mateur areas.
HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 49th Fighter Squadron with P-38s are pulled
out of combat and transferred from Berteaux, Algeria to Mediuna, French
Morocco.
HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte,
Tunisia.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber missions.
In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance along the battle line.
HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to
Canrobert, Algeria.
HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Ain M'lila, Algeria to
St-Donat, Algeria.
The 92d and 93d Fighter Squadrons, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfer
from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-25s hit shipping between Tunisia and Sicily while
B-17s bomb a convoy in the Gulf of Tunis and shipping and the marshalling yard
at Souase, Tunisia.
The 352d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) with B-17s transfers from Ain M'lila,
Algeria to St-Donat, Algeria.
The 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321st
Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's arrive at Oujda, French Morocco from the
U.S.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17s
and B-25s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, claiming the destruction
or the heavy damage of several motor vessels.
In Tunisia, other B-17s hit shipping and marshalling yard at Sousse. P-38s
escort the bomb missions. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fly several reconnaissance and patrol missions along the Tunisian
British First Army battlefront while Western Desert Air Force P-40s and
Spitfires hit the rear of columns attacking Medenine from the west.
The 2d, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52d Fighter Group with Spitfire Mk Vs
transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
The 32d, 353d and 419th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 301st Bombardment
Group (Heavy) with B-17's transfer from Ain M'lila, Algeria to St-Donat,
Algeria.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
HQ 57th Fighter Group and it's 65th Fighter Squadron with P-40's transfer
from Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Bad weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) operations
and restricts other commands to reconnaissance, patrol, and transport missions.
HQ 52d Fighter Group transfers from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains,
Algeria.
The 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with B-24's,
transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco.
The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from La
Senia, Algeria to Orleansville, Algeria.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Egypt, the flight echelon of the 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) begins
arriving.
The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from
Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb El Aouins Airfield and La Marsa landing ground,
destroying several parked airplanes and hit the town of Gafsa. Fighters escort
the B-17's and carry out numerous reconnaissance missions.
The 93d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from
Berteaux, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a convoy between Tunisia and Sicily.
B-25s in the area carry out no attacks on vessels.
In Tunisia, fighters escort medium bombers and attack guns, vehicles. and
tanks in the Sedjenane, Jefna, and Bedja areas.
HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons with
Spitfire Mk V's transfer from Kalaa Djerda, Tunisia to Thelepte, Tunisia.
The 2d Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with B-24's
transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the docks and marshalling yards at Sousse. B-26s
pound supply dumps and score near misses on bridges at Enfidaville, while B-25s
bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Fighters escort the bombers and carry
out attacks on ground targets, destroying several vehicles in the Pichon area
and south of Pont-du-Fahs. RAF Wellingtons bomb the Tunis docks during the
night of 12/13 March.
The 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Oujda, French Morocco
to Ain M'lila, Algeria. The squadrons will enter combat on next Monday and
Tuesday.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
Lieutenant General Lewis H. Brereton, Commanding General Ninth Air Force,
directs that Headquarters Desert Air Task Force be redesignated Advance
Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, and that the USAAF tactical units with the HQ be
designated Desert Air Task Force (DATF).
In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples harbor through heavy clouds.
In Tunisia, 34 P-40s of the 57th Fighter Group fly top cover and fighter
sweep, and engage about 25 Bf 109 fighters in combat; we claim 4 destroyed; we
lose 4 including 3 pilots.
The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, based at Nouvion,
Algeria with C-47's, begins operating from bases in Egypt and Palestine.
The 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group with P-40's
transfer from Landing Ground 150, Libya to Causeway Landing Ground in Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
B-25s are sent against shipping NE of Bizerte, Tunisia but fail to locate
the target. Fighters hit positions and movement in the Mareth Line area, and
fly patrols and reconnaissance.
HQ XII Air Support Command transfers from Algeria to Tunisia.
The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with P-39's and
P-51's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Thelepte, Algeria. The 154th
is an ex-Arkansas National Guard outfit.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Weather cancels all missions except Northwest African Tactical Air Force
fighter reconnaissance in the Enfidaville-Sfax area and between Tunisia and
Sicily.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26s, with
fighter escort, attack the landing pound at Mezzouna. B-25's follow with an
attack on the same target. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fly tactical reconnaissance over the battle area as the units of the US
II Corps prepare to attack east from the Gafsa area.
In the Mediterranean, B-17s, with fighter escort, hit shipping off Northern
Tunisia.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber operations against enemy positions as
British ground forces prepare to conduct limited attacks as a preliminary to
the main assault against the Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-17s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily,
leaving 2 small vessels aflame. Weather prevents completion of other bomber
operations.
In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance and patrols but bad weather hides
enemy ground activity.
The 346th and 348th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadrons
will fly their first mission on 31 March.
WEDNESDAY, 17 MARCH 1943 (ST. PATRICK'S DAY)
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40s fly scramble and fighter-bomber operations as British
ground forces continue local operations in preparation for the assault on the
Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber (NASAF)
operations.
Tactical fighters and light bombers fly numerous armed reconnaissance
missions and sweeps over Sedjenane, Cap Serrat, and the Sidi Nsir area and
attack ground forces east of Gafsa in preparation for the allied assault. The
US II Corps opens an offensive to the east from the Gafsa area after air and
artillery preparation.
Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft continue coastal and
sea patrols.
The 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with P-38's transfers from La
Senia, Algeria to Mediouna, French Morocco.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's, escorted by P-40's, bomb the harbor at Naples.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Weather cancels operations of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) bombers.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly sweeps
and reconnaissance over the Sidi Nsir-Sedjenane-Medjez el Bab areas and attack
a railway station, other buildings, railroad sidings, and motor transport at
Temara.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
Colonel Uzal G. Ent assumes command of the IX Bomber Command, replacing
Colonel Hugo P Rush. Ent AFB, Colorado was named for Col. Ent.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Landing grounds are non-operational due to continued bad weather. Northwest
African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) cancel missions. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft
fly routine patrols.
The Northwest African Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of the
5lst Troop Carrier Wing and its subordinate units, which are transferred from
the XII Air Force Service Command, is activated. Colonel Ray A. Dunn is acting
Commanding Officer.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) is formed under the
Northwest African Tactical Air Force with a small combined HQ which has under
it the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), the RAF 326 Wing, and air echelons of 2
squadrons of the 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) which are attached for
operational control. B-26's and B-25's launch consecutive attacks against the
landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters fly escort and carry out numerous
reconnaissance missions as the British Eighth Army opens an assault on the
Mareth Line.
In the Mediterranean, B-25's bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily.
HQ XII Fighter Command transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Algiers, Algeria.
A detachment of the 59th Fighter Squadron, 33d Fighter Group based at
Berteaux, Algeria with P-40's begins operating from Thelepte, Tunisia.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia during the night of 20/21 March, RAF Wellingtons bomb the docks
at Ferryville. On the morning of 21 Mar, B-17's, with P-38 escort, attack the
landing grounds at Djebel Tebaga, and Mezzouna. Elements of the US 1st Armored
Division push toward Maknassy, placing it under artillery fire in preparation
for the assault on the town.
The 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group which has been
operating it's C-47's from Telergma, Algeria returns to its base at Blida,
Algeria.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Atlantic, German submarine U-524, is sunk north of the Canary Islands
at 3O-15N 18-13W, by aircraft of 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy).
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons hit
the landing ground near Sfax during the night of 21/22 March. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous reconnaissance and patrol
missions while A-20's bomb Mezzouna and fighter-bombers hit motor transport and
tanks in the northern Tunisian battle area.
In the Mediterranean, B-26's on a sea sweep attack vessels near Zembra
Island.
In Sicily, B-17's bomb shipping in the harbor at Palermo.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia during the night of 22/23 March, RAF Wellingtons hit El Maou
Airfield near Sfax. During the day, B-17's bomb shipping in Bizerte harbor.
Fighters fly reconnaissance and patrol, bomb and strafe trucks, tanks, and
troops near Bir Zallujah, hit tanks and trucks east of Mezzouna and Maknassy,
and east of El Guettar, where the enemy ground forces are making thrusts toward
the town.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's hit
shipping and the the dock area at Ferryville. B-26's bomb the La Smala des
Souassi landing ground and B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga North landing ground.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's and B-25's hit troop
concentrations near El Guettar (where the US 1st Infantry Division is under
attack) and the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters escort bombers and
strafe ground forces along the battleline.
HQ 68th Observation Group and it's 16th and 122d Observation Squadrons
transfer from Oujda, French Morocco to Berrechid, French Morocco. The 16th and
122d, with P-38's, P-39's, P-40's and Spitfires, begin training fighter pilots.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the
docks and shipping at Sousse. B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga landing ground.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous patrols,
sweeps, and reconnaissance flights over the battle areas. Northwest African
Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) bombers hit the Djebel Tebaga Airfield and motor
transport west of Sfax and Sousse during the night of 24/25 March). XII Air
Support Command medium bombers and fighters hit Djebel Tebaga Airfield,
vehicles near Gabes, Mezzouna, Maknassy, and at several other points in the
battle area.
The 416th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly it's
first mission on 31 Mar.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Grombalia area. Other B-25's and B-17's of the
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fail to complete missions because
of weather. P-39's destroy several trucks in the Maknassy-Mezzouna area.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light and medium
bombers bomb a fuel dump at Oudref, roads and a railway near Cekhira, docks at
Sfax, and the airfield at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters strafe vehicles during
armored reconnaissance between Faid and Gabes.
The 347th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly it's
first mission on 31 Mar.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters attack
machinegun installations NE of Maknassy and a train at Mezzouna, and hit Djebel
Naimia. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) fighters on patrol claim
several aircraft shot down. Weather prevents completion of an antishipping
sweep by North African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40's launch a fighter-bomber attack against El Hamma, which
the enemy has held as an escape corridor through which troops have been
withdrawing during the night of 27/28 Mar.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, weather again prevents completion of Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) B-25 shipping strike. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fighters attack trucks south of Maknassy and near Gabes, hit gun
positions and tanks near Mezzouna, where fierce ground fighting is taking
place, and fly patrols and reconnaissance throughout the battle areas of
Tunisia. Bombers hit roads, railroads, and military transport in the Sousse and
Sfax areas during the night of 28/29 Mar.
HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Algiers, Algeria to La Senia,
Algeria.
HQ 82d Fighter Group and it's 95th and 97th Fighter Squadrons with P-38's
transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.
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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Weather cancels all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
operations.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters bomb and
strafe a truck column south of Djebel Chemsi, a troop concentration near
Mezzouna, and vehicles at other points along the Tunisian battlefront.
The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group with C-47's
transfers from Casablanca, French Morocco to Nouvion, Algeria.
The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) with
A-20's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria.
The 92d Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from
Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
Weather halts all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) missions
except fighter reconnaissance.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters bomb the
area northeast of Oued Zarga, attack tanks, trucks, and troops southeast of
Slourhin, at Djebel ben Kheir, at Djebel Chemsi, near El Ayacha and El Avoua,
along the El Guettar-Mahares road, and in the El Agahea area. A-20's bomb the
La Fauconnerie Airfield, hit troops at Djebel Chemsi, and bomb tanks and troops
at Djebel Berda which is being assaulted by the US 9th Infantry Division.
HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 85th and 86th Bombardment
Squadron (Light) with A-20's transfer from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte,
Tunisia.
EASTERN 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.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Sardinia during the night of 30/31 Mar, RAF Wellingtons bomb Decimomannu
Airfield. During the day, B-17's hit Villacidro, Monserrato and Decimomannu
Airfields and Cagliari harbor.
In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit shipping off northeastern Tunisia. The B-l7
and B-25 missions are escorted by P-38's.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and light
and medium bombers attack La Fauconnerie Airfield, hit concentrations on the El
Guettar-Gabes road (enemy positions through which the US II Corps is trying to
break), bomb transport in the Djebel Tabouna area, attack roads in the
Mezzouna-Mahares-Sfax-Sousse areas, hit trucks, halftracks, and tanks south of
Djebel Berda and in the Djebel Berrani area, bomb the Djebel Chemsi Pass,
strafe trucks on the Djebel Hadifa-Sidi Rouda road and in the Ofel- El Guettar
area. Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) aircraft hit the El Maou landing ground.
The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) with
A-20's transfers from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
MARCH 1944 - MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO)
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
For the 5th consecutive day, bad weather forbids all operations except
reconnaissance missions.
Moves in Italy during Mar: HQ 55th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) to Spinazzola
from the US; HQ 305th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) from Spinazzola to Bari.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Twelfth Air Force undergoes a reorganization as a result of the loss of
several operational units (see 14 Feb 44). XII Troop Carrier Command
(Provisional), consisting of a single wing, is disbanded and its personnel
absorbed into the 51st Troop Carrier Wing and other units, the 51st Troop
Carrier Wing being placed under the administrative control of Twelfth Air
Force. HQ XII Bomber Command is reduced to 1 officer and 1 enlisted man as
other personnel are transferred to the 57th Bombardment Wing, which along with
the 42d Bombardment Wing (Medium), is placed under the administrative control
of Twelfth Air Force. HQ XII Bomber Command will exist as a retaining cadre
until 10 Jun 44 when it is officially disbanded.
In Italy, P-40s attack gun positions and vehicles in the US Fifth Army
battle area; P-40s and Spitfires of XII Air Support Command maintain cover over
the Anzio beachhead area. P-47s attack a 2000-ton vessel in the Adriatic Sea.
HQ 57th Fighter Group and 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons move from Amendola
to Cercola, Italy with P-47s.
During March, the detachments of the 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter
Group, operating from Capodichino, Italy with P-39s returns to base on Corsica.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
459th Bombardment Group (Heavy) (with B-24s) becomes operational, giving the
Fifteenth Air Force 13 heavy bomber groups on combat status. In Italy, nearly
300 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 150+ P-38s and P-47s, support the US Fifth
Army's Anzio beachhead, bombing the Cisterna di Roma-La Villa area, Velletri,
and troop concentrations, guns and other military targets in the battle area at
several points, including the Stazione di Campoleone and Carroceto areas.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s attack an assembly area E of Carroceto and, with B-25s, bomb
guns and an assembly area NW of Cisterna di Roma, A-20s hit troops in the
beachhead battle area; P-40s and A-36s blast troops and guns throughout the
Anzio battle area, also hitting Cisterna and Littoria; P-40s and A-36s fly
uneventful cover over Anzio. P-47s hit a motor vessel off Sibenik, Yugoslavia
leaving it burning.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Around 200 B-17s and B-24s, with 50+ P-47s as escort, hit targets in Italy;
the B-17s hit the Rome, Littorio and Tiburtina marshalling yards; the B-24s hit
Canino landing ground and Viterbo and Fabrica di Roma air depots; 80+ B-24s and
100+ P-38s abort because of bad weather.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s bomb Rome/Ostiense and railroad stations at San Benedetto de
Marsi; weather cancels light and other medium bomber operations; P-40s hit gun
positions in the N Anzio beachhead area while A-36s attack the train and tented
area between Magliano Romano and Rome; other P-40s fly patrol over the Anzio
beachhead area.
64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, moves from Amendola to Cercola,
Italy with P-40s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, weather cancels most operations; P-40s fly a few sorties against
gun emplacements in the battle area, and others uneventfully patrol the Anzio
area.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
HQ 451st Bombardment Group (Heavy) moves from Gioia del Colle to San
Pancrazio, Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional) is disbanded at Palermo. Weather
again severely hampers operations in Italy, but P-40s hit Pontecorvo and A-36s
attack Formia.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, P-40s pound gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead (mostly NE of
Ardea), and bomb Frosinone and hit guns near Littoria; A-36s fly armed
reconnaissance of roads and railroad NE of Rome, hitting several vehicles and
bombing railroad cars at Capranica.
302d Fighter Squadron, 332d Fighter Group, moves from Montecorvino to
Capodichino, Italy with P-39s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Around 300 B-17s and B-24s hit targets in France and Italy; the B-17s bomb
the Toulon, France submarine base; in Italy, B-24s hit marshalling yards at
Poggibonsi, Pontassieve and Prato and air depots at Orvieto, Rome and Viterbo.
P-47s and P-38s fly about 150 sorties in support of the bombers.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s bomb the Rome/ Ostiense marshalling yard while other B-25s
hit the Littoria marshalling yard; A-20s strike the Zagarolo railroad station;
P-40s attack enemy positions in the Anzio beachhead area with good results,
while A-36s hit communication at Montebello, railroad station near
Civitavecchia, gun emplacements near Littoria Airfield, and a train at
Monterotondo; P-40s over the Anzio beachhead encounter no air opposition.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Moves in Italy: HQ 306th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) from Lucera to
Torremaggiore; 724th, 725th, 726th and 727th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
451st Bombardment Group (Heavy), from Gioia del Colle to San Pancrazio with
B-24s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s strike at the Orte marshalling yard and Orte-Fabrica di Roma
railroad; B-26s hit the Rome/ Tiburtina marshalling yard and dock area at Porto
Santo Stefano; P-40 fighter- bombers hit gun positions and a road junction near
Rome while A-36s attack a road junction near Montalto di Castro, also hitting a
bridge and a train, and guns and a castle SW of Celano; P-47s hit gun
emplacements; P-40s strafe vehicles near Rome/Via Appia.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
HQ 463d Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives at Celone Airfield, Italy from the
US.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s strike the dock area of Porto Stefano, some bombs falling in
the Port'oErcole area; B-25s bomb a bridge at Montalto di Castro; A-20s hit a
tank repair depot N of Tivoli; P-40s blast gun positions W of Campoleone, W of
Pratica di Mare, and S of Ciampino; A-36s bomb Capranica railroad station and
targets nearby; and fighters fly uneventful patrols over Anzio.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s bomb the Rome/ Tiburtina marshalling yard and unsuccessfully
attack the Orvieto railroad bridge, while B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling
yard; P-40s and A-36s strike at enemy positions on the coast at San Felice
Circeo, gun positions E of Littoria, guns and tanks at Cisterna di Roma,
railroad at Montalto di Castro, train at Monte Libretti station and railway
buildings at Zagarolo; and fighters patrol the Anzio area without incident.
Flight of the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3d Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance), begins operating from San Severo, Italy with F-5s; the
squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
About 100 B-24s, escorted by 30+ P-38s, bomb the harbor at Toulon, France.
In Italy, 100+ B-17s, escorted by 50+ P-47s, hit the marshalling yard at Padua;
other B-24s bomb the marshalling yards at Pontassieve and Prato and hit the
airfield at Iesi. The bombers and fighters claim destruction of 30+ enemy
aircraft in the air.
772d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 463d Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives
at Celone Airfield, Italy with B-17s; first mission is 16 Mar.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers strike at Florence, Orvieto and Fabriano
marshalling yards with good results; P-40, A-36, and P-47 fighter-bombers
attack a supply depot, railroad station, and factory in areas NE of
Monterotondo, and numerous other targets, including gun positions in the battle
areas, railroad facilities, and 2 supply trains.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
345th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, ceases operating form Corsica
with P-39s and returns to base on Sardinia.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
775th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 463d Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives
at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first mission is 18 Mar.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s bomb railway bridges NW and W of Sarzana and at Viareggio.
hit tracks S of the latter, and, along with South African Air Force (SAAF)
light bombers, bomb Fabriano marshalling yard; B-25s bomb Spoleto marshalling
yard, hitting E and W chokepoints and line to Terni, and also attack Perugia
marshalling yard with less successful results; and A-36s bomb a railroad
station between Orte and Orvieto while P-40s hit a supply dump near Velletri
and gun positions along a beachhead line directly S of Rome.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s bomb Prenestina marshalling yard and nearby chemical plant;
B-25s strike Terni and Orte marshalling yards, causing considerable damage,
while A-20s attack tank repair facilities unsuccessfully; P-40s attack guns in
the Anzio beachhead area and also hit a supply dump; and A-36s and P-47s hit
railway stations and the town of Ortia.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Italy, 300+ B-24s and B-17s bomb Cassino, the area S of Cassino and areas
near Venafro in support of the US Fifth Army; 250+ other heavy bombers return
to base without bombing because of complete cloud cover of their target areas;
extensive fighter cover over the Cassino area is provided by P-38s, and P-47s
fly 2 sweeps over the Viterbo-Canino area; there is no fighter opposition.
Arrivals in Italy from the US: 773d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 463d
Bombardment Group (Heavy), at Celone Airfield, Italy with B-17s (first mission
is 30 Mar); 780th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 465th Bombardment Group
(Heavy), at Pantanella Airfield with B-24s (first mission is 5 May).
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium and fighter- bombers, together with Mediterranean Allied
Strategic Air Force (MASAF) heavy bombers and other aircraft of the
Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) in the greatest air effort yet
made in the MTO, rain bombs upon enemy concentrations in Cassino and
surrounding areas as the New Zealand Corps begins the third battle of Cassino;
light and medium bombers also hit a command post E of Ceprano and the town of
San Benedetto de Marsi; fighters on patrol and a sweep over Anzio, Cassino and
Rome meet no air opposition.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, light, medium and fighter-bombers blast gun positions in the
Cassino-Piedimonte area as the battle of Cassino rages on; fighter-bombers also
hit gun positions along the Anzio beachhead front.
FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 1944 - ST PATRICK'S DAY
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
200+ B-24s bomb Vienna, Austria and various targets of opportunity escorted
by P-47s and P-38s; 100+ B-17s abort because of bad weather.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s bomb Montepescali marshalling yard, Cecina, Roccasecca and
Castrocielo, while A-20s hit troop concentrations in the Cassino area; and
fighter-bombers hit guns in the Cassino area and attack a nearby railroad
bridge and underpass with good results.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Italy, 950+ B-17s and B-24s bomb aviation targets; B-17s hit Villaorba
Landing Ground and Udine aviation depot; B-24s bomb Lavariano and Maniago
Landing Grounds and Gorizia aviation depot; 126 P-38s and P-47s carry out
sweeps in the Udine-Maniago area and strafe aircraft at Udine Airfield, a
tanker S of Marano Lagoon and a hangar, 2 trains, 2 radar stations, and a
seaplane anchorage (destroying 6 seaplanes) at Belvedere; the bombers and
escorts claim 48 enemy fighters destroyed, 9 US aircraft are downed.
774th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 463d Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives
at Celone Airfield, Italy from the US with B-17s; first mission is 30 Mar.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s, B-26s, and A-20s bomb Foligno marshalling yard, Orvieto
marshalling yard and railroad bridge, Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Piombino dock
area, Colleferro railroad tracks and assembly area N of Anzio; P-40s, A-36s,
and P-47s attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead area, a factory at
Carroceto, motor transport concentrations in the Cassino area, fuel dump, tank
repair depot, and bivouac in the beachhead area, motor transport around
Ladispoli, railroad bridge N of Rome, and railroad tracks and cars at other
points.
MEDITERRANEAN ALLIED TACTICAL AIR FORCE (MATAF):
Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) issues a directive for
Operation STRANGLE, to interdict supply movements in Italy by destroying
marshalling yards and attacking rail lines and ports in a concentrated
campaign.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
460th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s is declared operational making a
total of 14 bomb groups operational in the Fifteenth Air Force.
234 B-17s and B-24s, escorted by 100+ fighters, bomb the air depot at
Klagenfurt, Austria; 150+ B-24s also hit the air depot at Graz, Austria and the
marshalling yards at Knin and Metkovic, Yugoslavia; Luftwaffe fighters provide
fierce opposition and along with AA fire, shoot down 17 bombers and 1 fighter;
US aircraft claim 30 enemy fighters destroyed in combat.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s attack a road bridge W of Arezzo and port installations at
San Stefano al Mare; B-25s hit a bridge approach in S Orvieto, marshalling
yards at Avezzano and Orte and a bridge at Orte; tank repair shops near Tivoli
are bombed by A-20s; and P-47s and P-40s strike at enemy concentrations, dumps
and guns in the US Fifth Army main battle area and in the area N of the Anzio
beachhead.
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, arrives at Oran, Algeria from the US with
L-4s and L-5s; first mission is in Sep 44.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
HQ 464th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 778th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)
arrive at Pantanell Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first mission is 30
Apr.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
310th Bombardment Group (Medium) is transferred from the XII Fighter Command
to the 57th Bombardment Wing, thus consolidating all B-25 units of the Twelfth
Air Force under 1 wing. In Italy, B-25s strike the harbor and shipping at
Piombino, the Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Port' Ercole and the area around the
Orvieto railroad bridge; B-25s hit Orvieto marshalling yard and underpass and
road bridge nearby, Terni marshalling yard and dock at San Stefano al Mare; a
factory at Fontana Liri is accurately bombed by A-20s; P-40s hit troop
concentrations, guns and fuel dump in the Cassino-Fontana Liri area while A-36s
blast the railway station at Frosinone and also drop food for troops in the
Cassino area; and P-47s hit a fuel dump at Fontana Liri.
HQ 62d Troop Carrier Group moves from Brindisi, Italy to Ponte Olivo,
Sicily.
414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63d Fighter Wing, based at Elmas, Sardinia
with Beaufighters sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica until
Jul 44.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Bad weather limits operations to photographic and weather reconnaissance
missions.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s make an unsuccessful attempt to bomb the Poggibonsi bridge;
weather cancels other B-25 missions and all A-20 operations; B-26s attack
Arezzo and Bucine viaducts and Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges; P-47s
hit railroad bridges N of Rome while P-40s bomb targets in the Anzio area; and
A-36s drop food in the Cassino area.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Italy, around 100 B-17s bomb the marshalling yards at Verona while about
100 B-24s hit marshalling yards at Bologna and Rimini; P-38s and P-47s provide
cover for all the missions; 2 bombers are lost to flak and another has to
ditch.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s attack the Poggibonsi railroad bridge and viaduct W of
Arezzo; B-25s hit a road bridge near Poggibonsi; P-40s bomb guns in the
Avezzano and Pico areas; P-40s on patrols over Anzio and Cassino claim 2
fighters destroyed.
Moves in Italy: HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and 84th, 85th, 86th and
97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) from Vesuvius Airfield to Capodichino with
A-20s; 486th and 488th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group
(Medium), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s bomb Florence/ Campo di Marte marshalling yard while B-25s
hit the Pontassieve railway bridge and its approaches; P-40s attack guns in the
Cassino-Esperia area, causing many fires and explosions; A-36s bomb the Cassino
area with good results; the Germans have been forced into a narrow zone in the
W edge of Cassino but still hold positions commanding the town and the Abbey;
the New Zealand Corps breaks off the attack.
HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Pompeii to Paestum, Italy.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Italy, 100+ B-24s bomb Rimini marshalling yard while 32 others attack
Ancona, Senigallia and rail and road bridges over the Vomano River S of
Giulianova; 200+ other B-17s and B-24s turn back before reaching the target and
before rendezvous with the fighter escorts; and 3 B-17s and 1 B-24 hit targets
of opportunity in Italy and Yugoslavia; 6 B-24s are lost; the bombers claim 10
enemy fighters destroyed.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s pound supply and bivouac areas in Piedimonte and Castrocielo
and harbor installations at Leghorn; B-25s hit bridge and railroad tracks NW of
Orvieto, and A-20s bomb guns in the Cassino area; P-40s and A-36s in Cassino
area hit guns, troop concentrations, road, and causeway; and P-47s on armed
reconnaissance in the Rome-Orvieto-Orte areas hit a train and a bridge.
Moves in Italy: 11th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, from
Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 487th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with
B-25s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Weather severely curtails operations. In Italy, B-26s bomb the Leghorn
dockyard and town of Rignano sull' Amo; P-40 fighter-bombers attack gun
positions in the Anzio beachhead battle area; and fighters fly cover over the
Anzio and Cassino areas.
Moves in Italy: 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, from
Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th
Fighter Wing, from Marcianise to Pomigliano with Beaufighters.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
60+ B-17s and B-24s hit targets in Italy; the B-17s bomb Fiume docks and
shipping; the B-24s hit Maniago Landing Ground, Udine air depot and Rimini
marshalling yard; P-47s and P-38s provide escort; 150+ other B-17s and B-24s
abort missions because of bad weather.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Operations are at a minimum as bad weather continues. In Italy, B-26s score
numerous hits on Arezzo viaducts, B-25s attack the Perugia railway bridge,
scoring near misses, and A-20s successfully bomb troop concentrations N of
Velletri; P-47s achieve direct hits on a railway bridge NW of Stimigliano and
near misses on a railway bridge SW of Tarquinia; and P-40s hit guns near
Fontana Liri and N of the Anzio beachhead with good results.
HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group moves from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, A-20s successfully bomb the Sesti Bagni railway station; B-26s hit
Poggibonsi railway bridge, and tracks and train cars in the area; and B-25s
attack bridges at Marsciano, Perugia and Grosseto railroad bridges, scoring
damaging hits at Grosseto; P-40s hit a command post and supply dumps, and fly
road reconnaissance SE of Rome with good results; A-36s bomb Sesti Bagni
railway station and nearby trucks, while P-47s attack a bridge, junctions and
train cars on the Rome- Orvieto railroad; and P-47s and P-40s maintain cover
over the Cassino and Anzio battle areas.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Almost 400 B-17s and B-24s, the largest attack to date, bomb marshalling
yards in Italy; the B-17s hit Verona; the B-24s hit Mestre and Verona
marshalling yards and railway and highway bridges at Fano and Cessno; P-38s and
P-40s provide excellent coverage and no bombers are lost; the bombers and
escorts claim 12 fighters destroyed; 5 US fighters are lost.
16th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bomber), 68th Tactical Reconnaissance Group
(attached to AAF, MTO), based at Foch Field, Tunisia begins operating from
Foggia, Italy with B-17s.
781st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 465th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrives
at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first mission is 5 May.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s knock out the bridge approach E of Perugia and bomb the
railway junction and marshalling yard at Montepescali; B-25s bomb a railway
bridge S of Mignano and viaduct to the SE, and hit Certaldo railway bridge;
A-20s attack a tank factory N of Tivoli; P-40s strike guns in the Anzio area;
guns, trucks, and roads during armed reconnaissance of the Cassino-Giulianello
area; and supply dumps and truck parks near Velletri and Sora; A-36s attack 2
railroad bridges and tracks at Montalto di Castro and near Orvieto; and
fighters carry out a patrol over the Anzio and Cassino areas.
Moves in Italy: HQ 87th Fighter Wing from Caserta to Bastia, Corsica; and HQ
57th Fighter Group and 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons from Cercola to Alto,
Corsica with P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
About 400 B-17s and B-24s (largest total to date) hit 3 targets in Italy;
the B-17s bomb the ball bearing factory, marshalling yard and industrial area
at Turin; the B-24s hit Bolzano and Milan marshalling yards; P-47s and P-38s
fly escort; the bombers and fighters claim 13 aircraft destroyed; 6 US aircraft
are lost.
HQ 325th Fighter Group and 317th, 318th and 319th Fighter Squadrons move
from Foggia to Lesina, Italy with P-47s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s attack Viterbo Airfield, causing considerable damage to the
target; B-26s hit Leghorn and many small craft nearby. French B-26s attached to
the Twelfth Air Force bomb Portoferraio on Elba; P-40s attack supply dumps and
a bivouac area SE of Rome, a tank repair shop E of Rome and guns and supply
dumps E of Velletri; P-47s cut lines at a railway overpass W of Rome while
A-36s bomb harbors at San Stefano al Mare and Civitavecchia and hit nearby
targets of opportunity; Spitfires, P-40s, and P-47s patrol the Anzio battle
area.
Unit moves in Italy: 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group,
from Brindisi to Pone Olivo, Sicily with C-47s; 12th Troop Carrier Squadron,
60th Troop Carrier Group from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
463d Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17s becomes the 15th bomber group
declared operational by the Fifteenth Air Force.
Nearly 350 B-17s and B-24s bomb marshalling yards at Sofia, Bulgaria and an
industrial complex and airfield at Imotski, Yugoslavia. Escorting fighters and
the bombers claim 13 enemy fighters shot down; 4 bombers are lost.
777th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 464th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrives
at Pantanella Airfield, Italy from the US with B-24s; first mission is 30 Apr.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s hit the harbor at Leghorn and railroad bridge NW of Orte;
P-40s and A-36s attack an ammunition dump NW of Roccasecca, trucks and supply
dump NE of Tivoli and near Fumone and Gaeta, railroad bridges SE of Civita
Castellana and NW of Stimigliano and Orvieto and motor transport N of Cori and
at scattered points.
64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, moves from Cercola, Italy to
Alto, Corsica with P-47s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Weather prevents completion of most Twelfth Air Force operations; P-47s
carry out a sweep N of Rome, Italy.
MARCH 1945 - MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO)
AFRICA-MIDDLE EAST THEATER (AMET):
US Army Forces in the Middle East (USAFIME) takes over NW Africa from MTO US
Army and is redesignated the Africa-Middle East Theater (AMET).
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
"A" and "D" Flights of the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, operating from
Vittel, France with L-4s and L-5s, return to base at Florence, Italy.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Austria, 630+ B-24s and B-17s bomb the Moosbierbaum oil refinery and
alternate targets and targets of opportunity including marshalling yards at
Sankt Polten, Amstetten, Villach, Klagenfurt, Knittelfeld, Feldbach, and the
marshalling yards at Jesenice and Maribor, Yugoslavia, plus several scattered
targets of opportunity; 220+ fighters provide escort; 22 P-38s bomb the
Moosbierbaum refinery and Tulln marshalling yard (afterward 12 of them strafe
the Wiener-Neustadt-Gloggnitz) rail lines); 47 other P-38s strafe rail traffic
around Graz and W of Vienna.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy during the night of 28 Feb/1 Mar, A-20s fly intruder missions
against targets at Lecco and in the Parma area, starting large fires and
causing several explosions during a strike on the Casarsa delta Delizia
temporary railroad bridge, and hit bridges at Nervesa delta Battaglia and
Sacile; weather cancels all daytime operations except for reconnaissance and
supply runs.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Austria, 470 B-24s and B-17s, with fighters flying escort, bomb
marshalling yards at Linz, Sankt Polten, Amstetten, Graz, and Knittelfeld, and
Brescia, Italy; 31 P-51s on a strafing mission attack rail and river
communications from Linz to Regensburg, Germany, while 18 others fly top cover;
F-5s fly reconnaissance missions. During the night of 1/2 Mar, B-24s drop
supplies in N Italy and C Yugoslavia.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, weather again grounds the medium bombers; fighter-bombers and
fighters hit communications, ammunition and stores dumps, 2 sugar refineries,
guns, vehicles, and buildings S of Bologna and in the Po Valley, and the
airfield at Aviano and Lonate Pozzolo.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Rapidly deteriorating weather cancels bombing operations. In Austria, P-51s
strafe rail traffic between Leibnitz and SW of Spittal an der Drau and attack
the airfield S of Graz; P-38s fly reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort. 1
B-24, of 6 dispatched, drops supplies in N Yugoslavia. HQ 31st Fighter Group
and the 307th and 308th Fighter Squadrons move from San Severo to Mondolfo,
Italy with P-51s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, overcast skies and turbulent winds hamper medium bomber missions
against communications in the Brenner area, allowing only limited success
against targets; the Crema and Fidenza Bridges in the Po Valley are damaged;
XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers, destroy a sugar refinery at Verona
and achieve good results against communications and dumps in the C Po Valley
and Brenner area; other fighters and fighter-bombers support the US Fifth Army
S of Bologna; A-20s during the night of 2/3 Mar, hit roads, ammunition
supplies, and vehicles at several points in the Po Valley, particularly in the
Bologna-Modena regions, and bomb the Legnano marshalling yard.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
630+ B-24s and B-17s, with fighter escort, bomb marshalling yards at Sopron
(2 yards) and Szombathely, Hungary; Knittelfeld, Zeltweg, Graz, Sankt Veit an
der Glan and Wiener- Neustadt, Austria; Zagreb (2 yards) and Lbubljana,
Yugoslavia; and several scattered targets of opportunity; other B-24s, with
P-51 escort, drop supplies in Yugoslavia; F-5s, P-38s and P-51s fly
reconnaissance and reconnaissance escort operations. The 309th Fighter
Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, moves from San Severo to Mondolfo, Italy with
P-51s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, good flying weather permits a full-scale effort; medium bombers
hit 7 railroad bridges on the Brenner line and in NE Italy; the Salorno
railroad fill receives a particularly good concentration of bombs; XXII
Tactical Air Command P-47s concentrate on communications targets in the Po
Valley, knocking out a span of the Cittadella railway bridge; Brazilian P-47s
blast an ammunition dump at Villafranca di Verona; during the night of 3/4 Mar,
A-20s bomb the bridge and bridge approaches at Casarsa della Delizia, Ostiglia,
and Nervesa della Battaglia, the radar station at Vignola, and lights, motor
transport, roads, and other targets of opportunity at over 30 places in the C
Po Valley.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Bad weather limits operations to supply, escort, and reconnaissance
missions. HQ 306th Fighter Wing moves from Lesina to Fano, Italy; HQ 325th
Fighter Group and the 317th and 319th Fighter Squadrons move from Lesina to
Rimini, Italy with P-51s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, A-20s hit lines of communications in the N Po Valley during the
night of 4/5 Mar; results are generally good; bad daytime weather grounds the
medium bombers; XXII Tactical Air Command fighter-bombers and fighters operate
on a greatly reduced scale, mostly in the C Po Valley, hitting bridges at
Casarsa della Delizia, Nervesa della Battaglia, Ostiglia, and Ostellato, and
attacking the town of Vignola.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Bad weather restricts all operations except reconnaissance and a supply
mission, with escort, to Yugoslavia. The 302d Fighter Squadron, 332d Fighter
Group, is inactivated at Ramitelli Airfield, Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers pound communications in the Brenner Pass and hit
bridges at Pordenone, Ossenigo, Enego, Ora, Pizzighetone, and San Ambrogio di
Valpolicella; fighters and fighter-bombers concentrate on close support of the
US Fifth Army S and SW of Bologna; during the night of 5/6 Mar, a few A-20s
bomb targets of opportunity in the Po Valley.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Continued bad weather limits operations to a supply drop in Yugoslavia and
routine reconnaissance and escort missions; all bombing operations are
cancelled and 42 P-51s sent on a strafing mission against railroad
SOURCES:
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force History,
Headquarters USAF, 1961, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
COMBAT SQUADRONS OF THE AIR FORCE, WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force
History, Headquarters USAF 1982
THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by the
Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1973
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman, ISBN 1-85409-071-2
WORLD WAR II IN THE NORTH PACIFIC by Kevin D. Hutchinson, 1994,
ISBN-0-313-29130-6
Jack McKillop
USAF (Airways and Air Communications Service)1955-59
Last Update 12/07/2011
