World War II in real time

Day 1771 of World War II, July 16th 1944

Eastern Front

Southwest of Vilna, the Soviet 1st and 3rd Byelorussian Fronts converged to capture Grodno. To the south, the 1st Ukrainian Front advanced toward Lvov on a 300-mile frontage. The Russian advance forced the Eastern front Luftwaffe units to retreat again. The Stab of JG 51 left the I Gruppe at Krzewica and transferred to a new airbase at Lemberg. JG 51 lost another pilot when Oblt. Heinz Venth of 10./JG 51 was shot down and killed having achieved seventeen victories, all with the Eastern Front Geschwader.

Western Front (1944) - Battle of Normandy - D-Day +40

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, July 16th 1944



The 15th, 43rd, 49th, 50th, 53rd and 59th Anglo-Canadian infantry divisions still fight the Western Panzergruppe commanded by Eberbach in the Odon valley, while in Caen the British continue their efforts to control the entire city.

Photo: A Sherman Firefly advances during operations in the Odon valley, west of Caen, 16 July 1944



Tank fighting is numerous and the Allies owe their salvation only to their powerful support of artillery and air, which limits the German counter-offensive. A new British offensive, named Pomegranate, is launched in the Odon valley. It is supposed to break the front and revive the action of operation Greenline.

Photo: Churchill tanks moving into position at dawn to support the attack on Evrecy, 16 July 1944



Photo: Churchill tanks during the attack on Evrecy, 16 July 1944



Photo: Infantry watch Churchill tanks moving up for a dawn attack towards Evrecy, 16 July 1944



Lieutenant-General Simonds presented to the 2nd Canadian Corps another operation, called Atlantic, which aimed to pierce the front to the southwest of the city of Caen in the direction of the village of Louvigny. This small offensive, led by the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, is now under preparation.

Photo: Sgt E Walter of the Army Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU) examines a German artillery piece left behind during their retreat from Evrecy, 16 July 1944



Photo: Infantry occupy slit trenches in the forward area between Hill 112 and Hill 113 in the Odon valley, 16 July 1944



Photo: Sgt J Lloyd (right) and L/Cpl Jones, two motorcycle despatch riders of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers have a 'brew' before the attack on Evrecy, 16 July 1944



The American front in the south of the Cotentin is relatively straight, except north of Saint-Lô where German counter-attacks multiply. The 29th and 30th American infantry divisions are gradually distanced from one another, and this situation worries the Allied Command. Thus, the 9th and 30th divisions launched a new offensive to the south, along the Carentan-Saint-Lô road, to reform the front line in a rectilinear way. The American advance is extremely slow and difficult, but the Americans still reach the locality of Esglandes.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion of the 116th Infantry Regiment is encircled, but the German forces are also weakening.

Photo: Ambulances, trucks and carriers halted in a cutting on the Bayeux-Caen railway line during the attack in the Odon valley, 16 July 1944



Air War over Europe

Mission 476: 1,087 bombers and 712 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany; eleven bombers and three fighters are lost: 1. Of 407 B-17 Flying Fortresses dispatched, 213 hit an aircraft engine plant at Munich, 54 hit Augsburg, 52 hit Stuttgart and 50 hit two targets of opportunity; they claim 2-3-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; ten B-17s are lost. Escort is provided by 240 P-38 Lightnings, P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs; a P-51 is lost. 2. Of 238 B-17s dispatched, 206 hit Stuttgart and two hit a target of opportunity; a B-17 is lost. Escort is provided by 214 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; a P-51 is lost. 3. 407 B-24s hit the marshalling yards at Saarbrucken. Escort is provided by 169 P-38s and P-47s; a P-38 is lost.

USAAF's Eighth Air Force Mission 477: Five B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

In Austria, around 380 USAAF Fifteenth Air Force bombers based in Italy attack oil and aircraft targets in the Vienna area, bombing Munchendorf Airfield, Winterhafen oil depot, Vienna marshalling yard, and the Wiener Neudorf engine factory; P-51s and P-38s fly 150+ sorties in escort while 132 other P-51s sweep the Vienna area; 100+ Luftwaffe fighters oppose the raids. Ten USAAF aircraft are lost and several others are missing; USAAF claims of fighters shot down total 30+.

In France, about 375 USAAF Ninth Air Force B-26s and A-20 Havocs, during morning and evening operations, bomb strongpoints in the Saint-Lo area, bridges in the frontline area, and bridges and a fuel dump southeast of Rennes. Fighters escort the bombers and fly armed reconnaissance over the frontlines in the Chateaudun-Orleans- Tours areas.

Twenty four B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

Italian Campaign

Arezzo, Italy falls to the British 8th Army. Elements of the British 13th Corps crossed the Arno River as the German forces fell back. Allied forces were making only slow progress against German positions of the Gothic Line south of the Arno river.

Photo: British infantry advance near Arezzo, Italy, 16 July 1944



Photo: A Sherman tank of 26th Armoured Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, at Arezzo in Italy, 16 July 1944



Photo: A Stuart reconnaissance tank and a Sherman of 6th Armoured Division in Arezzo, 16 July 1944



Photo: Men of 1st Guards Brigade rest beside Route 71 west of Arezzo, 16 July 1944



United Kingdom

The London Polish government publishes a paper claiming territory in East Prussia, Danzig and the Polish Corridor for postwar Poland.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy ammunition ship USS Mount Hood (AE-11) off the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia (USA), on 16 July 1944. She is painted in camouflage Measure 32, Design 18F



Photo: The U.S. Navy transport USS General S. D. Sturgis (AP-137) underway on 16 July 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 13T. The photo was taken by and aircraft of Naval Air Station Astoria, Oregon (USA)



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 27 P-40s continue to hit forces in the Myitkyina area; 20+ P-51s and P-47s attack railroad bridges at Namkwin, Manla, and Hopin, and hit general targets of opportunity in the Hopin area; 12 B-25s bomb the town of Maingna and bridges at Mohnyin. In India, HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Pandaveswar to Fenny.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-24s pound Changsha, causing heavy damage; 40 P-51s and P-40s hit river shipping at Changsha, attack targets of opportunity S of Hengyang, and bomb the building area at Ikiawan; and the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, moves from Kweilin to Chengkung with P-38s.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s continue to pound Tinian Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s continue bombing Yap and also hit Atamboea Airfield on Timor Island. B-24s pound AA positions at Manokwari; fighter-bombers bomb supply dumps N of Moemi and attack shipping in the Kokas-Babo area; bombers and fighters again hit troop and supply concentrations in the Wewak sector; troop carrier missions to forward bases, especially Biak, increase; and the 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Owi to Biak with P-39s.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 476, JULY 16, 1944

Guam Island was attacked on July 15 (West Longitude Date) by air­craft of a fast carrier task group. Bombs and rockets destroyed or damaged buildings and caused fires among bivouac areas. A dive bomber was shot down but landed in the water two miles off Guam where the crew was picked up by one of our destroyers.

On July 15 rocket‑firing carrier planes attacked ground installations on Rota Island. Fires were started and a direct hit scored on a concentration of automotive and railroad equipment.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked July 13 by low flying Liberators of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two. A Japanese destroyer was hit squarely by a 500‑pound bomb. Explosions and fires resulted after one 6,000‑ton and one 3,000‑ton cargo ship were strafed. A destroyer escort, a coastal ship and 12 smaller craft were heavily strafed. An oil dump was set afire and five other fires were started. Three Japanese airplanes on the ground at the time of the attack on the south field were believed destroyed and 10 damaged by strafing. There was no enemy airborne interception. Intense antiaircraft fire slightly damaged one of our planes.

Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Corsair fighters and Dauntless dive bombers bombed Japanese antiaircraft and coastal gun positions in the Marshall Islands on July 14. Gun emplacements were strafed. Meager antiaircraft fire damaged one of our planes.

MARIANA ISLANDS AND PALAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

Photo: The U.S. Navy attack transport USS George Clymer (APA-27) underway at sea on 16 July 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 16D. The photo was taken from the destroyer USS Ringgold (DD-500)



PACIFIC

Infantry landing craft (gunboat) LCI(G)-469 is damaged by shore battery off Guam, as she supports ongoing UDT operations.

Destroyer Longshaw (DD-559) is damaged when she runs aground on submerged reef, Eniwetok.

TG 17.16 (Captain William V. O'Regan) attacks Japanese convoys off northern Luzon; Piranha (SS-389) sinks army transport Seattle Maru, 19°17'N, 120°15'E, Guardfish (SS-217) (flagship for TG 17.16) sinks transport Mantai Maru and army cargo ship Jinzan Maru off Cape Bojeador, 19°21'N, 119°43'E; Thresher (SS-200) sinks army cargo ship Shozen Maru, 18°23'N, 119°06'E, and damages merchant cargo ships Sainei Maru and Nissan Maru, 18°23'N, 119°32'E.

Submarine Bonefish (SS-223) sinks Borneo-bound Japanese cargo vessel No.3 Tatsu Maru in Sulu Sea 10 nautical miles south of Palawan, 10°20'N, 119°50'E.

Submarine Cabrilla (SS-288) attacks Japanese convoy off the west coast of Mindanao, but is not successful against transport Natsukawa Maru, 08°18'N, 122°49'E; counterattacks by what is most likely submarine chaser Ch 31 and auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 64 (see 17 July 1944) prove equally unproductive.

Submarine Skate (SS-305) sinks Japanese transport Nipp_ Maru, east of South Sakhalin, Kurils, 48°29'N, 147°36'E. Survivors are rescued by Russian ship Dalstroi.

RAAF Beaufighters damage Japanese gunboat Man-Yo Maru, cargo vessel Tensho Maru, and motor sailboat No.14 Sakura Maru off Maumere.

Japanese cargo ship Hozan Maru is sunk by explosion inManila harbor, 14°36'N, 120°57'E.

Day 1773 of World War II, July 18th 1944

Eastern Front

On the Eastern Front, the First Belorussian Front near Kovel begins an offensive; the Third Baltic Front advances toward Ostrov and Pskov, while the First Ukraine Front is beginning to make progress towards Lvov after two days on the offensive.

Western Front (1944) - Battle of Normandy - D-Day +42

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, July 18th 1944



General Montgomery begins operation Goodwood, which aims to liberate the eastern; souwestern and southeastern area of ​​Caen from positions captured on D-Day by the 6th British Airborne Division between the Orne river and the village of Troarn. The 8th Corps, commanded by General O’Connor, launches three armored divisions in the attack east of Caen towards the town of Falaise: the 7th, the 11th, and the Armored guards divisions. The offensive began with a terrible bombardment of three hours: 2,500 bombers released nearly 6,000 tons of bombs, while artillery (both naval and ground) fired nearly 250,000 shells targeted in a vast area between the eastern part of Caen and the village of Troarn, a corridor about 14 miles long and fourteen kilometers wide.

Photo: A Morris light reconnaissance car and, in the background, Sherman Crab flail tanks move up to the battle area for Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944



Photo: Sherman tanks of the Staffordshire Yeomanry, 27th Armoured Brigade, carrying infantry from 3rd Division, move up at the start of Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944



Photo: Sherman tanks carrying infantry wait for the order to advance at the start of Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944



Photo: Cromwell tanks moving across York Bridge, a Bailey bridge built over the Caen Canal and the Orne River, 18 July 1944



The fighting southwest of Caen in the vicinity of Louvigny is fierce between the Canadians and the 12th and 21st S.S. Panzer divisions attached to the Panzergruppe west commanded by Eberbach. This small village, lost the day before by the Allies, was taken again on 18 July in a vast attack carried out by the Royal Regiment of Canada, supported by field and naval artillery.

Photo: A Sherman Firefly crosses 'Euston Bridge' over the Orne as it moves up to the start line for Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944



The 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry, supported by the tanks of the 29th Brigade belonging to the 11th British Armored Division, advance in turn towards the villages of Cuverville, Giberville and Demouville, severely bombed on the morning of July 18 and defended by the 16th Luftwaffe Feld Division, which retreated shortly after the bombing, abandoning the village of Cuverville to the Allied troops and positioning itself to the southwest of the locality of Saint-Pair.
The 3rd Royal Tank Regiment liberates the villages of Touffréville and Sannerville, located south of the locality of Herouvillette-Escoville, itself liberated in the early hours of operation Goodwood.
The first line of German defense is depressed, and the Anglo-Canadians advance for nearly 6 kilometers in the direction of Cagny.

Major von Luck, commander of the 21st Panzer Division, is aware of the weak resistance of the British tanks against the German 88mm guns of the Tiger and Panther tanks. It then regroups five of its artillery pieces and a Tiger tank on the height of the village of Cagny, which becomes a stronghold of the German resistance southwest of Caen: nearly sixteen English tanks are destroyed in a few minutes and the progression is greatly slowed. The German tanks opposed the English tanks and one of the most important tank battle of the whole battle of Normandy takes place north of Cagny, and the German forces have the advantage.

But the British did not give up the fight: the armored division of the Irish Guard attacked Cagny while the 5th brigade of the Guards armored division was heading towards the Emiéville and Guillerville villages, east of Cagny. But once again, the German Tiger tanks of the 503 Armored Battalion showed their superiority and repelled the British attack. The Irish Guards still managed to break through the German defenses because of their numerical superiority and the bombardment of the British artillery, and they liberated the village of Cagny, after having silenced the artillery positions defended by the men of the 21st SS Panzer Division.

At the end of the day, the British lost 1,500 soldiers 270 tanks. The whole plain to the south-east of Caen is finally liberated. The city of Caen itself is fully liberated, more than a month after the date scheduled by the Allies.

On the American front, soldiers penetrated for the first time into the ruins of Saint-Lô. They are the men of the 29th Infantry Division, gathered in a force called Task Force Cota (named after the 29th Division commander), who take the road that leads to Saint-Lô from Lison, the crossroads of Couvains. The advance of the infantry and American vehicles was made difficult by the action of the German artillery, positioned south of Saint-Lô. Throughout their advance, mortars target groups of soldiers who are trying to make their way through the ruins of the city, severely hit by bombardments for a week.

Air War over Europe

In France, 400+ USAAF 9th AF B-26 Marauders and A-20 Havocs hit various military targets in support of the ground forces in the Caen area, and later in the day bomb rail and highway bridges beyond the frontlines; large number of fighters fly escort, dive-bomb gun positions at Rouen and Mantes-la-Jolie, hit military targets in the Chartres area (using rockets), attack gun positions, bridges, and other targets in the Benney-Alencon- Saint-Lo area, and fly armed reconnaissance and fighter sweeps over wide areas of northern and western France.

The USAAF's 8th AF in England flies Mission 481: Part 1. 644 B-24s are dispatched, in conjunction with Ninth Air Force and RAF Bomber Command, to bomb enemy equipment and troop concentrations in support of the assault by the British Second Army in the Caen area; 249 hit Solier, 146 hit Frenouville, 139 hit Troarns, 23 hit Hubert la Folie and 12 hit the Mezidon marshalling yard; a B-24 is lost; 90 RAF Spitfires fly uneventful support for the B-24s.

25 B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions in France during the night; a B-24 collides with an RAF aircraft over France and is lost.

The USAAF's 8th AF in England flies Mission 481 Part 2: 1,394 bombers and 476 fighters are dispatched to hit targets in Germany: Of 291 B-17s dispatched, 107 hit the Kiel port area, 55 hit the Hemminstedt oil refinery and 54 hit Cuxhaven. Escort is provided by 48 P-38 Lightnings and 84 P-51 Mustangs without loss. Of 459 B-17s dispatched, 377 hit the Peenemunde experimental establishment, scientific HQ at Zinnowitz, and marshalling yards at Stralsund; three B-17s are lost. Escort is provided by 297 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 21-0-12 Luftwaffe aircraft; three P-51s are lost .

The USAAF's 15th AF in Italy dispatches 200 B-24s and B-17s to attack Memmingen Airfield and the Dornier aircraft works at Manzell, Germany, and Casarsa della Delizia railroad bridge in Italy; 250-300 fighters oppose the formations attacking targets in Germany, beginning the interception at the northern Adriatic coast, continuing to the targets and back as far as the Brenner Pass.

Italian Campaign

Elements of the US IV Corps begin an attack on Leghorn on the west coast of Italy. The Poles capture Ancona.

Photo: American tank passes knocked-out Mark IV on the road near Ponsacco. 18 July, 1944



Photo: U.S. troops inspect abandoned German Mark IV tank. Ponsacco area, Italy. 18 July, 1944



Battle of the Baltic Sea

'U-286' Type VIIC Sank the first time 3-17-1944 in the Baltic Sea east of Rügen after collision with 'U-1013'. 26 survivors. Raised and repaired and returned to duty. Today a Norwegian Mosquito aircraft (Sqdn 333/K) attacked the boat, causing damages and killing 1 man and wounding 7 more. The boat reached Kristiansand, Norway on the same day.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy gasoline tanker USS Tombigbee (AOG-11) in the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana (USA), on 18 July 1944. She is wearing Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Purdy (DD-734) underway off Cape Elizabeth, Maine (USA), on 18 July 1944



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 25 P-40s hit the Myitkyina area; 8 P-47s attack Theinin, and 16 P-51s support ground forces at Pyindaw; 9 B-25s bomb Myitkyina and Naungtalaw.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In the Hengyang-Tungting Lake region of China, 30+ P-40s strafe shipping between Chaling and Hengyang, bomb the town of Hengyang, and hit the airfield and several AA positions in the area; 16 P-51s and P-40s hit river shipping from Lienchiangkou to Samshui to Sainam; 13 P-40s hit a fuel dump on the railroad near Kangtsun-i.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s pound Tinian and Pagan. 5 B-24s, flying out of Kwajalein, hit Wotje Atoll. 25 B-24s, staging through Eniwetok Atoll, attack Truk Atoll.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s strike Yap, bombing the town and Blelatsch peninsula; several of the B-24s bomb Sorol Atoll. In New Guinea, bad weather prevents strikes on the Vogelkop Peninsula; fighter-bombers continue to hit barges, supply routes, and troop concentrations in the coastal area from Aitape to Wewak.

JAPAN

General Tojo resigns as Prime Minister and Army Chief of Staff in the Japanese Cabinet. Events in the Marianias have brought down his cabinet. General Koiso and Admiral Yonai are chosen to form a new cabinet. General Umezu will become the New Army Chief of Staff. This is the first change in cabinet by the Japanese since 1941.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 478, JULY 18, 1944

Guam Island was shelled at close range by battleships, cruisers, and destroyers of the Pacific Fleet on July 16 (West Longitude Date). Spotting aircraft directing the fire of our heavy units encountered some antiaircraft fire, and these antiaircraft positions were in turn neutralized by our light units.

On Saipan Island a few remaining snipers are being hunted down. As of July 16 our forces had captured 1,620 enemy troops who have been made prisoners of war, and have interned 13,800 civilian residents of Saipan, the majority being Japanese. Neutralization of enemy defenses on Tinian Island by Saipan‑based aircraft and field artillery continues. Our destroyers shelled selected targets on Tinian during July 16 and during the night of July 15‑16.

Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Air­craft Wing and Ventura search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, attacked enemy positions in the Marshalls on July 16.

PACIFIC

Fleet tug Apache (ATF-67) retrieves disabled LCI(G)-348 from waters off Guam where she had been abandoned the day before. Cruiser gunfire supports the successful extraction.

Motor gunboat PGM-7 is damaged in collision in Bismarck Sea, 07°15'S, 155°40'E.

Coordinated submarine attack group, TG 17.3 (Captain Warren D. Wilkin), operating near Luzon Strait, attacks Japanese convoy; submarine Tilefish (SS-307), trailing Rock (SS-274) and Sawfish (SS-276), torpedoes Coast Defense Vessel No.17, 21°50'N, 119°55'E as the latter hunts for Rock, whose attack on enemy ships is not successful. Sawfish torpedoes oiler Harima Maru, 21°56'N, 119°50'E.

Submarine Cobia (SS-245) sinks Japanese gunboat No.10 Unkai Maru northwest of Chichi Jima, 29°15'N, 139°10'E, and army cargo ship Nisshu Maru west of Chichi Jima, 28°17'N, 139°00'E.

Submarine Lapon (SS-260) sinks Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Kurama Maru off southern end of Palawan, 08°22'N, 116°40'E; and survey ship No.36 Kyodo Maru and auxiliary submarine chaser Kamo Maru northwest of Labuan, Borneo, 08°22'N, 116°45'E.

Submarine Plaice (SS-390) attacks Japanese convoy, sinking submarine chaser Ch 50, 200 nautical miles northwest of Chichi Jima, 29°22'N, 139°14'E.

Submarine Ray (SS-271) sinks Japanese merchant tanker Jambi Maru (ex-Dutch Djambi) in the Java Sea north of Bawean Island, 05°21'S, 112°30'E.

USAAF B-24 sinks Japanese transport No.3 Kaio Maru northwest of Morotai, 03°14'N, 127°41'E.

USAAF B-25s sink small Japanese cargo vessel Yamahama Maru off Maumere.

Day 1775 of World War II, July 20th 1944

Western Front (1944) - Battle of Normandy - D-Day +44

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, July 20th 1944



Operation Goodwood continues southwest of Caen. The British repulsed several German attacks from the 21st Panzer Division to the north and east of the villages of Emiéville and Guillerville. The weather is getting worse in Normandy and the Allied forces are no longer moving in the southern plain of Caen. Operation Goodwood abruptly stopped and German defenders, if they were disoriented on July 18 during the bombings and the beginning of the Commonwealth offensive, are now determined not to let go of an inch of land to the Allies. They also inflicted the loss of more than 100 tanks to the British on July 20, which already lost nearly 400 tanks in three days.

Photo: A British soldier examines an abandoned German 'Nebelwerfer' near Troarn, Normandy, 20 July 1944



Photo: A Sherman tank negotiates a sharp bend in the road in the village of Herouvillette, 20 July 1944



Photo: A herd of cows pass a 6-pdr anti-tank gun as they are brought in for milking at St Manvieu, 20 July 1944



The rain falls again on Normandy, and the air support ally remains nailed to the ground. A large-scale operation aimed at breaking through the American front, called Cobra, must be delayed by General Bradley, because of the impossibility of aviation support. Saint-Lô is still the prey of numerous snipers who handicap the American troops: houses are searched one after the other by soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division. The city is almost entirely destroyed by the bombing and difficult work is being undertaken by the US military engineer to open roads previously closed to traffic. An odor of death comes from Saint-Lô, destroyed at nearly 80%, where 800 inhabitants (out of a population of 10 000 souls) have died as a result of the bombings since the Allied invasion in Normandy.

Photo: Infantry and M10 tank destroyers advancing near Troarn, 20 July 1944



Photo: A gunner at a 25-pdr battery chats to a local French girl in Normandy, 20 July 1944



Air War over Europe

In France, weather prohibits morning operations by the USAAF's Ninth Air Force; in the afternoon 62 A-20 Havocs and B-26 Marauders strike the Senonches fuel dump and Chaulnes marshalling yard; fighters escort the bombers and transports and fly armed reconnaissance against rail lines, bridges, and gun positions south of the frontlines.

The USAAF's Eighth Air Force Mission 484: 1,172 bombers and 542 fighters are dispatched to hit oil and industrial targets in central Germany; 19 bombers and eight fighters are lost: 1. Of 417 B-17s dispatched, 107 hit Dessau, 69 hit Kothen, 56 hit Leipzig/Mockau, 45 hit the Leipzig bearing industry, 36 hit Nordhuasen Airfield, 23 hit Kolleda Airfield, 20 hit targets of opportunity, 12 hit Bitterfeld, 12 hit Giessen Airfield, and 12 hit Rudolstadt; they claim 11-9-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 15 B-17s are lost. Escort is provided by 253 P-38 Lightnings, P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs; they claim 5-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-0 on the ground; 2 P-47s and 4 P-51s are lost. 2. Of 295 B-17s dispatched, 155 hit Merseburg, 53 hit Lutzkendorf, 47 hit Wetzlar and seven hit targets of opportunity; two B-17s are lost. Escort is provided by 178 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-1-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-4 on the ground; a P-51 is lost. 3. Of 460 B-24s dispatched, 123 hit Erfurt Nord and 11 hit Erfurt/Bindersleben Airfields; 80 hit Schmalkalden; 72 hit Gotha; 24 hit Freiburg, 18 hit Fulda, 12 hit Idstein, 10 hit Bad Salzungen, 10 hit Wernhausen and nine hit Homburg marshalling yards; 21 hit Berka, 12 hit Bad Nauheim, seven hit Koblenz, six hit Boppard and sxi hit targets of opportunity; a B-24 is lost. Escort is provided by 45 P-47s; they claim 6-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground; a P-47s is lost.

USAAF's Eighth Air Force Mission 485: Six B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

The USAAF's Fifteenth Air Force in Italy dispatches about 450 B-17s and B-24s to bomb targets in Germany; B-17s attack the airfield at Memmingen while B-24s bomb the airfield, Zeppelin works, and aircraft factory at Friedrichshafen; P-38s and P-51s provide escort and, with the bombers, claim 19 aircraft shot down.

Twelve B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

Germany

A bomb planted in Hitler's conference room at Rastenburg, East Prussia, explodes just after noon. Colonel Count Klaus von Stauffenberg has planted this bomb on behalf of a wide-ranging conspiracy of senior officers and a few politicians. Hitler is only injured. Assuming that he is dead, the coup goes on. Once it is clear that Hitler has survived, the plot falls apart. The effects of this bomb are wide ranging. Hitler's distrust of his generals increases; the physical deterioration caused by the dubious combination of medicines combined with the shock of the explosion further weaken his ability to concentrate; the remaining military are further weakened in their efforts to argue for any type of rational military response to events.

United States

The U.S. Army establishes a Pearl Harbor Board consisting of Lieutenant General George Grunert and Major Generals Henry D. Russell and Walter A. Frank, to "ascertain and report the facts relating to the attack" on Hawaii on 7 December 1941.

The US Democratic Convention began in Chicago yesterday and will end tomorrow. Franklin D. Roosevelt is nominated 1086 to Senator Byrd with 89 and James Farley with 1. Harry Truman receives 1031 votes for the nomination as Vice President to Henry Wallace with 105 votes.

Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, a few P-40s attack targets in the Myitkyina area. In India, the 82d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Pandaveswar to Fenny with B-25s.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In the Tungting Lake area of China, 11 B-24s bomb the E half of Changsha, causing heavy destruction; 140+ P-40s and P-51s attack river shipping and road traffic at several locations throughout the region, pound supply villages S of Changsha and Sinshih, bomb a motor pool at Tsungyang, hit the warehouse area at Siangtan, and attack troop compounds and gun positions N of Hengyang and at Leiyang and Chaling.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s pound Tinian Island. B-25s from Engebi bomb Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s hit the airfield and AA guns at Manokwari and AA at Moemi; B-25s hit shipping off Sorong, in Kaiboes Bay, and off Misool Island, and bomb Kasim Island; A-20s support Allied ground forces in the Sarmi sector; A-20s and a B-25 bomb supply dumps at Cape Moem, Wom, and Sauri while fighter-bombers hit targets of opportunity along the Yakamul coastal road and troops on Kairiru Island; and the 63d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 43d Bombardment Group moves from Nadzab to Owi, with B-24s. B-24s bomb the W part of Yap town and in the Moluccas Islands, Namlea Airfield on Buru Island and shipping in Kayeli Bay. B-25s hit shipping at Dili.

MARIANA ISLANDS AND PALAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Guam in the Mariana Islands, USN underwater demolition teams (UDTs) have removed all beach obstacles on the beaches that U.S. forces will land on tomorrow. A total of 640 obstacles were removed on Asan and 300+ on Agat beaches.

Photo: View of Sumay Town and Orote Airfield, Guam, following pre-invasion bombardment, July 20, 1944



Photo: : Causeway leading from the Guam mainland to Cabras Island. Smoke is rising from the burning installations at Piti. Photographed 20 July 1944, Just before Marines landed nearby



NEW HEBRIDES

Photo: The U.S. Navy repair ship USS Briareus (AR-12) at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, on 20 July 1944. Alongside are the destroyer escort USS George (DE-697) and three Landing Craft Infantry (LCI)



UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 480, JULY 20, 1944

More complete reports of the carrier aircraft attack on Guam Island on July 18 (West Longitude Date) raise the tonnage of bombs dropped to 401 from the previous total of 148 announced in Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas Press Release No. 479. Widespread and heavy damage has been done to military objectives on Guam as a result of coordinated aerial bombing and shelling by surface ships.

Pagan Island in the Northern Marianas was bombed twice on July 17.

Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin Islands were attacked by Libera­tor search planes of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, on July 18. The attacks were made from low level. Eleven seaplanes were damaged and four coastal vessels were set afire by strafing. At Haha Jima a small cargo ship was sunk. Several fires were started among buildings on the seaplane base. Antiaircraft fire was moderate. All of our aircraft returned.

On Saipan Island shore‑based artillery and aircraft are being used to neutralize enemy defenses on Tinian Island. Selected targets are being shelled from the sea by our light surface units. As of July 17 our forces have buried 19,793 enemy dead.

The Naval base at Dublon Island in Truk Atoll was bombed on July 18 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators. Two of eight airborne enemy fighters were damaged by our planes. Seven of our planes received some damage, but all returned. Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force, Catalina search planes of Fleet Air Wing Two, and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing continued neutralization raids against enemy positions in the Marshalls on July 18.

Amphibious operations for the assault and capture of Saipan Island were directed by Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner, U. S. Navy Commander Am­phibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. All assault troops engaged in the seizure of Saipan were under command of Lieutenant General Holland McT. Smith, USMC, Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific. Major General Sanderford Jarman, U.S.A., has resumed command of Saipan as Island Com­mander.

PACIFIC

Submarine Cobia (SS-245) engages three-ship Japanese convoy northwest of Chichi Jima, sinking auxiliary submarine chasers No.3 Yusen Maru and No.2 Kaio Maru, 28°06'N, 141°32'E, and damaging cargo vessel Shoei Maru, but not before one of the escorts, however, rams Cobia, causing minor damage.

Day 1777 of World War II, July 22nd 1944

YouTube (Sayonara Tojo)



Eastern Front

Chelm falls to Rokossovsky's First Belorussian Front on their advance to Lublin.

Western Front (1944) - Battle of Normandy - D-Day +46

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, July 22nd 1944



Operation Goodwood is now completely over and this offensive is considered by the Americans to be a failure. Reports of loss appear to be far too high (3,600 soldiers and 469 tanks out of fight). The British advanced only 11 kilometers and the front line on 22 July was as follows: the road linking Fleury-sur-Orne to Saint-André-sur-Orne south of Caen was secured and the villages of Bourguébus and Frénouville are liberated. But Commonwealth troops are stopped, while the English Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, flies over the front to the southwest of Caen.

In preparation for operation Cobra to take place in the Cotentin, the 358th regiment of the 90th US Infantry Division attacks despite the bad weather and the lack of air support towards the village of Saint-Germain-sur-Sèves, 5 kilometers north of Périers. The American losses are very high even though the two battalions employed fail to enter the village. Weakened, they retreated and had to defend their positions in the evening, attacked by infantry and German tanks. The 358th American regiment loses during the offensive nearly 700 soldiers, of whom 100 were killed and missing, 400 wounded and 200 prisoners. The locality of Saint-Germain-sur-Sèves is yet not reached.

Photo: The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Winston Churchill, MP, with men of the 50th Division who took part in the D-Day landings. Behind the Prime Minister is General Sir Bernard Montgomery, 22 July 1944



Photo: The Commander of the British 2nd Army, Lieutenant General Sir Miles Dempsey, pointing out a section of the front to the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Winston Churchill, MP. Also in the picture are the Commander of the 2nd Canadian Corps, Lieutenant General G G Simonds (left) and the Commander of the 21st Army Group General Sir Bernard Montgomery (right), 22 July 1944



Air War over Europe

USAAF's Eighth Air Force in England flies Mission 489: Seven B-17s drop leaflets in France and the Netherlands during the night.

Forty four B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

In France, the USAAF's Ninth Air Force dispatches a group of A-20 Havocs and two groups of B-26s to attack a rail bridge at Bourth and fuel dumps at Foret de Conches and Flers; four groups of fighter-bombers fly armed reconnaissance and rail cutting missions during the late evening; a fighter group escorts the bombers; and fighters of the IX Tactical Air Command escort 100+ C-47 Skytrains on a supply-evacuation run to the Continent, and provide cover over the battle area.

Another 7.5 tons of bombs were dropped on the Resistance at Vercors. Luftwaffe aircraft provided support, flying operations against Resistance groups east of Valance. The road eight kilometres north of Die was blocked by three bomb hits. Supplies were also brought in to the hedgehog position at Vassieux-en-Vercors. The Germans were carrying out mopping up operations in the areas of Bouganeuf, Ussel, Limoges and Chateauroux. Geschwader Bongart flew sixty-eight sorties, and the Jafü Süd flew seventeen sorties in support of the 157. Reserve Division. Air cover, army support and supply missions were flown.

In Romania, 76 P-38s and 58 P-51s begin the second Fifteenth Air Force shuttle missions, attacking airfields at Zilistea and Buzau (claiming the destruction of 56 enemy aircraft) and landing at Operation FRANTIC bases in the USSR; 458 B-17s and B-24s (with fighter escorts) bomb an oil refinery at Ploesti and other bombers hit alternate targets of the Verciorova marshalling yard, Orsova railroad bridge, and Kragujevac, Yugoslavia marshalling yard.

The USAAF's Eighth Air Force in England flies Mission 488: Seven B-17s drop leaflets on Bremen, Hamburg and Kiel, Germany. Escort is provided by 27 P-51 Mustangs.

Soviet occupied Poland

In Poland, the Soviets set up the communist controlled Polish Committee of National Liberation at Lublin to administer all of the territory they have occupied in Poland.

United States

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sails for Hawaii in the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore to confer with Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Solar (DE-221) in New York harbour (USA) with a barge and harbour tug alongside, 22 July 1944. Photographed from a 90 m altitude by Naval Air Station New York aircraft



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) off the Boston Naval Shipyard, Massachusetts (USA), 22 July 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 9D



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Gantner (DE-60) underway off New York City (USA) on 22 July 1944



Photo: The U.S. Navy light cruiser USS Astoria (CL-90) underway at sea on 22 July 1944, while en route to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania (USA), for post-shakedown overhaul. Her camouflage is Measure 33, Design 24D



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 14 P-40s attack forces in the Myitkyina area; 7 B-25s bomb the railroad at Mohnyin while 2 hit storage sheds at Maingna.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 120+ P-40s and P-51s attack the town area, airfield, railroad yards, and shipping at Hengyang, bomb the towns of Chaling, Yuhsien, and Chuchou, hit river shipping, troops, trucks, and targets of opportunity in the areas around Changsha, Kiaotow, Siangtan, and Sinshih, and hit troop compounds and shipping at Yuhsien; 25 B-24s bomb Changsha, causing heavy damage; and 31 P-40s and P-51s blast Tsingyun and strafe about 40 junks to the S of town. 4 P-40s sink several large junks off the NE French Indochina coast.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s from Saipan, using napalm-bombs for the first time, hit Tinian and Pagan. Makin based B-25s pound Ponape Island.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s attack the airfield on Yap. B-24s, B-25s, A-20s, and an assortment of fighter-bombers direct their main attacks against several shipping terminals on the Vogelkop Peninsula area, sink a submarine chaser off Morotai, bomb Saumlakki on Tanimbar Island, and hit But Airfield and personnel areas, barge hideouts, supply and ammunition dumps, bridges and roads at, and to the W of, Wewak; HQ 35th Fighter Group moves from Gusap to Owi; and 19th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi with B-24s.

MARIANA ISLANDS AND PALAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

Both Marine divisions advance about 1 mile from their beachhead positions taken yesterday in the invasion of Guam.

Photo: Three Marines from the front coming along a seashore road at Chonito Cliff with Adelup point shown in background. The wrecked house on the summit may be seen. The entire rocky point is honey combed with caves in which the Japanese were still hiding when this picture was taken. It took a day to smoke them out from inner recesses. July 22, 1944



Photo: Aerial view of Umatac Village in the southern part of Guam, 22 July 1944. Invading forces had not yet reached this area



Napalm is used for the first time in the Pacific against targets on Tinian. The mission was flown by USAAF P-47s to burn out heavy brush overlooking the landing beach. The early mixture with gasoline was less than satisfactory.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

Following an air and artillery bombardment, U.S. Army personnel clear the last organized Japanese pocket on Biak Island off New Guinea.

JAPAN

Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Kuniaki Koiso (in office 1944–45, third from the left, front row) and the members of his cabinet, including Naval Minister Mitsumasa Yonai (to the right of Koiso) who was ranked with the prime minister, on the inaugural day of his administration, July 22, 1944



ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-25s flying a negative shipping search encounter a bomber which evades contact.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 532, JULY 22, 1944

2. [sic] The submarines USS Trout and USS Tullibee are overdue from patrol and must be presumed to be lost.

2. The next of kin of casualties of the Trout and Tullibee have been so notified.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 84, JULY 22, 1944

Our troops are making satisfactory progress in both sectors on Guam. We have captured Mount Alifan in the southern area. In the north the roads from Agana to Piti Town are in our hands.

Our northern beach extending from Asan Point to Adelup Point, was under mortar fire during the night of July 20‑21 (West Longitude Date). Before day­light on July 21 the enemy launched a counter attack on the eastern side of our lines in the northern sector which was thrown back after daylight by our troops supported by air, naval, and artillery bombardment. Cabras Island is under our control and about half of it has been occupied.

At the southern beachhead, extending from Agat Town south to Bangi Point, the enemy attempted a counter attack in the early morning of July 21, which was thrown back. In retreating the enemy left behind five tanks and approximately 270 dead.

Initial beachheads on Guam Island were established immediately above and immediately below Orote Peninsula. Troops of the Third Marine Division landed on the northern beach. The First Provisional Marine Brigade landed in the south. Following the Initial assault landings, elements of the Seventy Seventh Infantry Division, U. S. Army, were landed in support of the Marines.

Day 1779 of World War II, July 24th 1944

Eastern Front

Lublin, Poland falls to Rokossovsky. The First Ukraine Front captures the site of Majdanek Concentration Camp.

Western Front (1944) - Battle of Normandy - D-Day +48

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, July 24th 1944



As the weather has improved significantly in Normandy, operation Cobra can finally begin.
Three divisions of the 8th U.S. Air Force, that is to say nearly 1,600 bombers, as well as six groups of fighter-bombers of the 9th T.A.C. (Tactical Air Combat) began bombing a narrow corridor in the early afternoon, 4 kilometers north-west of Saint-Lô, itself 6 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. Clouds are numerous and hinder the proper conduct of the bombardment; 500 bombers choose not to drop their bombs.

Photo: A 155mm howitzer, also known as whispering death, of the 4th Infantry Division, throws another shell into the cracking German lines. 24 July, 1944



US forces in the area (the 9th and 30th infantry divisions) were ordered on the night of 23-24 July to retreat for a distance of 1,100 meters to the northeast. But, if time has improved, it is not yet excellent and units of the 30th Infantry Division are bombed by mistake. 25 American soldiers are killed and 131 wounded. The survivors of the 30th Division rejoin their abandoned positions during the night and observe the enemy movements. Fighting took place because the Germans of the Panzer Lehr Division infiltrated these positions, particularly in the area of ​​the 60th infantry regiment belonging to the 9th American Division, between the place Hauts-Vents and the Bois du Hommet, Along the road from Saint-Lô to Périers, south-west of Saint-Jean-de-Daye.

Map: German dispositions, night of 24–25 July 1944



The reports of the bombardment alarm General Bradley. Drop mistakes are numerous due to weather conditions. However, he decides to keep the Cobra offensive for the next day.

The British, on their side, received the reinforcement of the 1st Canadian Army, led by General Crerar. The front does not evolve, however, and no major offensive is planned on this day to change the situation. However, the Anglo-Canadians regrouped to the south of Caen in order to launch the next day a new operation, called Spring.

Photo: A pilot of No. 175 Squadron RAF scrambles to his waiting Hawker Typhoon Mk IB fighter-bomber at Le Fresne-Camilly in Normandy, 24 July 1944



Continuation War

Photo: A Finnish sub-machinegunner in the Vuosalmi bridgehead, Karelian Isthmus, 24 July 1944



Photo: Finnish soldier with Machine-gun work out in frontline Äyräpää-Vuosalmi, 24 July 1944



Air War over Europe

In France, 11 groups of Ninth Air Force bombers scheduled to participate in Operation COBRA have missions cancelled due to weather; 5 groups of B-26s hit rail bridges and 5 groups of B-26s and A-20 Havocs strike 3 fuel and ammunition dumps; fighters fly escort to the bombers, fly area cover, bomb installations in the Laval-Nantes- Le Mans-Chartres areas, and hit bridges and supply dumps in support of the US First Army.

The USAAF's Eighth Air Force in England flies two missions.
Mission 492: Heavy bombers are scheduled to participate in a US First Army offensive (Operation COBRA) to penetrate the German defenses west of Saint-Lo and secure Coutances; 1,586 bombers and 671 fighters are dispatched but bad weather causes the ground forces to delay the attack until next day, and cloud conditions cause 1,102 bombers to abort. Escort for the bombers is provided by 478 P-38 Lightnings, P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs; they claim 1-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 1-0-1 on the ground; 3 P-38s are lost. Targets hit are: 1. Of 909 B-17s dispatched, 343 hit the Periers/St Lo area and 35 hit the Granville railroad junction; a B-17 is lost. 2. 109 of 677 B-24s dispatched bomb targets of opportunity including road intersections and rail lines; 2 B-24s are lost. 143 P-51s fly a sweep over Lechfeld and Leipheim Airfields in Germany; they claim 3-0-0 aircraft in the air and 12-0-16 on the ground; 2 P-51s are lost.

Mission 493: 7 B-17s drop leaflets in France during the night.

Six B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions during the night.

Whilst acting as HQ ship for troops ashore destroyer HMS 'Goathland' is mined NNE of Courcelles. She is towed back to Portsmouth but not repaired.

Action continued against the French resistance on the Vercors plateau. Geschwader Bongart flew twenty sorties. Sixteen of which were against the Resistance, while four were for supply missions and rescuing the wounded.

Italian Campaign

The USAAF's Fifteenth Air Force in Italy dispatches 200+ bombers to attack targets in France and Italy; B-17s attack tank repair and ball bearing works in Turin, Italy; B-24s attack the harbor at Genoa, Italy, and airfields at Valence/La Tresorerie and Les Chanoines, France; fighters hit troop concentrations at Sjenica, Prijepolje, Pljevlja, and Andrijevica and strafe the Prizren, Yugoslavia area.

Photo: A Hawker Hurricane Mark IV of No. 6 Squadron RAF being serviced on an airfield in Italy, probably Foggia Main, prior to a sortie over the Adriatic. Note the asymmetric wing loading on the aircraft, consisting of a 44-gallon long-range fuel tank under the port wing, and four 3-inch rocket projectiles under the starboard: also the Type G45 gun camera being serviced by the airman standing second from the right. Propped up by the starboard undercarriage is the port lower engine access panel, on which is painted the pilot's personal emblem, 24 July 1944



Battle of the Atlantic

German submarine U-861 attacks convoy JT 99 and eludes search aircraft from escort carrier Solomons (CVE-67).

United States

In the U.S., the U.S. Navy Court of Inquiry into the Pearl Harbor attack is enjoined to "give its opinion as to whether any offenses have been committed or serious blame incurred on the part of any person or persons in the naval service." The board consists of three retired admirals.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Sellstrom (DE-255) underway off Boston, Massachusetts (USA) on 24 July 1944



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Dufilho (DE-423) underway off Houston, Texas (USA), on 24 July 1944. The ship is painted in Measure 32, Design 14D



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 14 P-51s hit the Kamaing and Mogaung areas while 28 P-40s hit Myitkyina; 8 B-25s bomb Mohnyin and Naungtalaw.

Photo: A 4.5-inch anti-aircraft gun of 66th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, at one of the main supply airstrips on the Ledo road, 24 July 1944



CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 13 B-25s and 20 P-40s bomb railroad facilities at Sienning; 22 P-40s pound Pailochi Airfield, destroying about 30 aircraft and causing heavy destruction in general; 9 B-25s and 20 P-40s hit the town of Puchi, causing several fires; 46 P-40s hit river and road traffic, enemy concentrations, and targets of opportunity at Changsha, Sinshih, Fulinpu, Hengshan, Liling, Leivang, and Hengyang; and in the Canton area 7 P-51s dive-bomb White Cloud Airfield and the town of Tsingvun. In French Indochina, 3 P-40s on armed reconnaissance bomb Ben Thuy railroad yards and strafe junks and barges in coastal areas.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s hit Tinian, on which US Marines land, and Rota Island. B-25s from Engebi bomb Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Operations in the Caroline Islands are restricted to B-24 snooper strikes; other B-24s bomb AA positions at Saumlakki, Tanimbar Island. In New Guinea, bad weather cancels scheduled strikes in the Vogelkop Peninsula area; 18 A-20s and a B-25 bomb But Airfield, P-47s hit supply areas at Sauri, and P-39s bomb and strafe bridges and supply dumps in the Suain area; HQ 85th Fighter Wing moves from Gusap to Hollandia; and the 499th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Nadzab to Biak Island. In the Solomon Islands, the 390th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), based in the Renard Field ceases operating from Stirling Island with B-25s.

MARIANA ISLANDS AND PALAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

In the Marianas, the 4th Marine Division lands on Tinian.

Photo: From Coast Guard-manned landing craft, American invaders wade through a golden, shallow surf to hit the beach of Tinian Island. Units of a task force stand on the horizon-Navy warships, transports and LSTs, July 24th 1944



Photo: "Going In-Loaded to the gunwhales with Marines, an amphibious tractor churns past a covering warship as it heads for the beach at Tinian," July 24th 1944



Photo: "Tinian Beachhead-In this airview of the Tinian landing, Marines can be seen strung out in foxholes only a few yards from the beach, while amphibious tractors unload more men, July 24th 1944"



Photo: The first wave LVT's are leaving Beach White 1, second wave is approaching, July 24th 1944



ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): In the Aleutian Islands, 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping search.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 86, JULY 24, 1944

Assault troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions established beachheads on Tinian Island on July 23 (West Longitude Date) supported by carrier and land‑based aircraft and by artillery and Naval gunfire.

Amphibious operations against Tinian Island are being directed by Rear Admiral Harry W. Hill, U. S. Navy, Commander Group Two Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet.

Expeditionary troops are commanded by Major General Harry Schmidt, USMC, Commanding General Fifth Amphibious Corps.

The landings are being continued against light ground opposition.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 87, JULY 24, 1944

Enemy forces on Orote Peninsula, on Guam Island, have been completely cut of by troops of the First Provisional Marine Brigade, and the Seventy-Seventh Infantry Division which advanced during July 23 (West Longitude Date) across the base of the peninsula. In the northern sector, the Third Marine Division has made additional gains against strong enemy opposition which continues despite heavy casualties inflicted by our ground troops and intense air and Naval bombardment.

In the North our lines as of 6:00 P.M., July 23, extend northeast from the mouth of the Sasa River to Adelup Point and extend inland approximately 2900 yards at the point of deepest penetration. In the south our lines extend from the inner reaches of Apra Harbor to a point opposite Anae Island. The greatest depth of advance is approximately 5000 yards.

Rota Island was attacked by carrier aircraft on July 23. Runways and adjacent installations were principal targets. Ponape in the Caroline Islands was bombed on July 22, by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells. Gun positions were bombed and harbor installations strafed.

Shimushu Island in the northern Kuriles was attacked on July 22, by Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four. A large fire was started near the airfield. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. Eight enemy fighters intercepted our force and caused some damage to a Ventura.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 88, JULY 24, 1944

A firm beachhead had been secured on the northwest shore of Tinian Island by troops of the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions. Our forces control approximately two and one half miles of coastline, extending from a point twenty five hundred yards south of Ushi Point to a point twelve hundred yards north of Faibus San Hilo Point. During July 23 (West Longitude Date) enemy resistance was confined largely to machine gun and rifle fire. Our casu­alties through July 23 were light. The situation is considered well in band.

PACIFIC

USAAF B-24s (5th Air Force) sink Japanese transport Asahisan Maru in Kau Bay, Halmahera, 01°10'N, 127°54'E.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Morrison (DD-560) underway, viewed from the escort carrier USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73), 24 July 1944. The ship is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 13D

Western Front (1944) - Battle of Normandy - D-Day +49

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, July 26th 1944



Operation Cobra in the south of the Cotentin Peninsula continues. Northwest of the area which was the starting point for the offensive, four American infantry divisions also attacked: the 8th, 79th, 83rd and 90th divisions. These divisions attack on two axes, one on the east along the road linking the localities of Lessay and Coutances, the other along the Périers-Coutances road.

The German forces no longer oppose any strong resistance, and the Americans are heading south: the village of Marigny is attacked and violent battles are fought in the vicinity. This village is defended by elements of the Das Reich division, supported by tanks and by elements of the 353rd Infantry Division. The 2nd US Armored Division reached the village of Saint-Samson-de-Bonfossé at the end of the evening, after making the most important US progression of the day. But the best news for the Allies is that the breakthrough has been carried out south of the Cotentin.

Photo: Troops shelter behind a White scout car and Staghound armoured car as an ammunition lorry burns after being hit by shellfire, 26 July 1944



The Anglo-Canadians, for their part, try to recover from operation Spring, launched the day before. The terrifying losses force them to abandon the ground gained during the past twenty-four hours. However, the sacrifice of the Canadians allowed the Spring offensive to be accomplished: the Germans decided not to send reinforcements to the Cotentin but rather to maintain a sufficient force south of Caen to counter possible offensives. Spring is a success on paper, but a catastrophe at the level of losses: 1,500 Canadians are put out of action.

Photo: An RAF Typhoon landing at a forward airstrip, as supply lorries pass in the foreground, 26 July 1944



Air War over Europe

In France, weather forces the recall of several groups of Ninth Air Force B-26s and A-20 Havocs, assigned to support the US First Army, but about 160 aircraft manage to bomb a fuel dump at Senonches with good results; fighters escort the bombers, fly cover over the assault area, carry out close support for ground troops in the Saint-Lo area, and fly armed reconnaissance in the Poix, Amiens, Chartres, Laval, and Angers areas.

Photo: A German SdKfz 251 halftrack destroyed by USAAF 9th Air Force fighters in Northern France, on 26 July 1944



In France, the Eighth Air Force flies two missions. Mission 496: 93 P-47 Thunderbolts attack the St. Just marshalling yards and 40 attack the Givet fuel dump; a P-47 is lost. Mission 497: 7 B-17s drop leaflets during the night.

Nine B-24s fly CARPETBAGGER missions.

Italian Campaign

Fifteenth Air Force fighters on the second shuttle mission leave USSR Operations FRANTIC bases, strafe enemy aircraft in the Bucharest-Ploesti, Romania area, and return to bases in Italy. In Austria, 330+ B-17s and B-24s attack the Wiener Neudorf aircraft factory, the airfield at Markersdorf, Thalerhof, Zwolfaxing, and Bad Voslau, and targets of opportunity in the Vienna area. Also hit are Szombathely Airfield, Hungary and oil storage at Berat, Albania. Fighters fly escort and carry out patrols and sweeps in the Brod-Zagreb, Yugoslavia and Ploesti-Bucharest, Romania areas; U.S. bombers and fighters claim 70+ enemy aircraft shot down.

Photo: HM King George VI leaving a Dakota aircraft of Royal Air Force Transport Command after landing at a forward airfield in Italy, 26 July 1944



Photo: HM King George VI talks to a pilot during an inspection of the Desert Air Force in Italy, 26 July 1944



Battle of the Atlantic

German submarine 'U-214' (Type VIID) is sunk in the English Channel about 34 nautical miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Plymouth, Devonshire, England (49.58N, 03.30W) by depth charges from the British frigate HMS Cooke [K 471, ex USS Dempsey. 48 dead (all hands lost).

German submarine 'U-2323' (Type XXIII) is sunk by a mine at 1635 hours west off Mšltenort, about 5 nautical miles (9 kilometers) north-northeast of Kiel, Germany, (54.23N, 10.11E) while on a training mission. There are two dead and 12 survivors. The boat had been commissioned 8 days earlier.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Jaccard (DE-355) underway off Bermuda on 26 July 1944 during her shakedown cruise. She is wearing Camoufage Measure 32, Design 14D



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS O'Reilly (DE-330) off Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia (USA), on 26 July 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 42 P-40s pound the Myitkyina area while 16 P-51s hit the Mogaung and Kamaing sectors; about 20 other fighter- bombers hit targets of opportunity at Hopin, Bhamo, Myothit, Wuntho, and the N part of Mandalay; 9 B-25s bomb storage sheds at Mohnvin.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 27 B-25s and 3 P-40s blast the town of Tengchung, breaching the SE wall in several places; 32 P-40s and P-38s attack targets of opportunity throughout the Tengchung, Lungling, and Mangshih areas; 97 P-40s attack troops, horses, trucks, fortified points river shipping, and other targets of opportunity at numerous locations in or near Siangtan, Changsha, Hengshan, Fulinpu, Leiyang, Pingkiang, Hengyang, Chaling, and Nanyo; the airfield at Hengyang is also bombed.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s and B-25s from Saipan Island pound Tinian. B-25s from Engebi attack Ponape.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s again hit supply areas, communication, and other targets on Woleai. B-24s bomb airfields at Babo and Ransiki; A-20s and B-25s, along with RAAF fighter-bombers, hit troop concentrations, small shipping, mortar positions, shore guns, and other targets of opportunity along the Hollandia- Aitape-Wewak coastline; B-25s bomb Langgoer; the 408th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22d Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Nadzab to Owi, Schouten Islands with B-24s; and the 419th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, based on Guadalcanal, sends a detachment to operate from Noemfoor with P-61s.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

Japanese resistance continues in New Guinea in the areas of Aitape, Biak and Numfoor.

MARIANA ISLANDS AND PALAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

In the Caroline Islands, carrier-based aircraft of the USN's Task Groups 58.2 and 58.3 again attack Japanese installations in the Palau Islands while aircraft of TG 58.1 attack and photograph islands in Ulithi and Yap Atolls. They are joined by Far East Air Forces B-24s which again bomb supply areas, communication, and other targets on Woleai Atoll.

Photo: Ruins of a tile factory in Guam, Inland between Agana and Adelup Point. Japanese installations were perported to be in the area. Photographed 26 July 1944



HAWAII

US President Roosevelt meets with Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur in Honolulu. They discuss plans by MacArthur to capture the Philipines vs plans by Nimitz to bypass the Philipines and strike Formosa.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 376, APRIL 26, 1944

Paramushiru and Shimushu in the Kurile Islands were bombed by Ven­tura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four, and Matsuwa Island was bombed by Liberators of the Eleventh Army Air Force at night on April 24‑25 (West Longitude Date). Heavy antiaircraft fire was encountered over Paramushiru and Shimushu. No opposition was encountered at Matsuwa.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Eten, Param, Moen, Tol and Dublon in the Truk Atoll on the night of April 24‑25 (West Longi­tude Date). Several enemy fighters were airborne but did not attempt inter­ception. Thirty‑six tons of bombs were dropped.

Ponape Town and an airstrip on Ponape Island were bombed by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators before dawn on April 25.

PACIFIC

Destroyers (TG 57.8) bombard Japanese shore batteries and installations on Mille Atoll, Marshalls.

Operations against NA line continue; destroyer escort England sinks Japanese submarine RO-108 110 miles northeast of Manus, 00°32'S, 148°35'E.

Submarine Cabrilla (SS-288) sinks Japanese transport (ex-seaplane carrier) Sany_ Maru about 80 miles north of Menado, Celebes, 02°40'N, 124°35'E.

Submarine Permit (SS-178) torpedoes and damages Japanese submarine I-44 west-southwest of Truk, 07°05'N, 152°00'E.

Submarine Tambor (SS-198) sinks Japanese stores ship Chiy_ Maru west of the Marianas, 20°40'N, 141°50'E.