World War II in real time

Day 1829 of World War II, September 13th 1944

Eastern Front

The 2nd Belorussian Front takes Lomza on the Narew River. The Red Army captured the Warsaw suburb of Praha on the east bank of the Vistula.

B-24s of the USAAF Fifteenth Air Force bombs two targets: 96 B-24s bomb the I.G. Farben oil refinery at Oswiecim and 25 bomb the marshalling yard at Wadowice. The Auschwitz concentration camp is located near Oswiecim and some of the bombs land inside the main camp destroying a barracks, killing 15 SS men and injuring 28. A cluster of bombs is also mistakenly dropped farther west at Birkenau, damaging the railroad but missing the crematoria. One hundred sixteen B-17s bomb the I.G. Farben synthetic oil refinery at Blechhammer while 112 B-24s bomb the Deschowitz synthetic oil refinery at Odertal.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 13th 1944



General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander-in- Chief Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, directs the capture of two objectives: the Ruhr and a deepwater port, either Antwerp or Rotterdam.

In northern France, the German garrison at Brest refuses a request to surrender although the garrison is being steadily compressed on all sides. In the US XII Corps area, the Germans have decided to abandon Nancy in order to mass forces with which to overwhelm the Dieulouard bridgehead. A regiment of the 79th Infantry Division takes Neufchateau.

Photo: A Sherman tank passes an abandoned German 88mm anti-tank gun during the advance in Belgium, 13 September 1944



Photo: Churchill bridgelayers, Sherman flail tanks and infantry during the assault on Le Havre, 13 September 1944



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of Belgium

Photo: Knocked-out German Jagdpanther tank destroyer near Gheel, 13 September 1944



Battle of the Mediterranean - Operation Dragoon

In southern France, the French 1st Armoured Division takes Langres. In the VI Corps area, the Germans surrender Vesoul and the 45th Infantry Division overruns Villersexel. VI Corps takes more than 1,300 POWs during the day.

First Allied Airborne Army's IX Troop Carrier Command C-47 Skytrains fly numerous supply and evacuation missions.

Air War over Europe

The USAAF Ninth Air Force's HQ XIX Tactical Air Command accompanies HQ US Third Army HQ to ChaIons-sur- Marne; B-26s fly a leaflet mission to coastal northern France and Belgium; fighters support ground forces in the Brest and Nancy-Metz areas (air-ground coordination being especially effective between XIX Tactical Air Command and French 2d Armored Division in defeating the German move on Vittel. The USAAF Ninth Air Force flies armed reconnaissance over the Cologne, Aachen, Koblenz, Linz/Rhine, and Wahn areas; the XIX Tactical Air Command inaugurates a rail cutting campaign.

The U.S. VII Corps penetrates the West Wall at two points.

The USAAF Eighth Air Force in England flies three missions. Numbers in parenthesis indicate the number of aircraft bombing the target. Mission 628: 1,015 bombers and 477 fighters, in three forces, attack oil and industrial targets in southern Germany by visual means; 15 bombers and 8 fighters are lost. (1) B-17s bomb Sindelfingen oil refineries at Stuttgart (109) and Ludwigshafen (74); secondary targets hit are Darmstadt (95) and Wiesbaden (8 ); targets of opportunity hit are Mainz (22), a marshalling yard near Wiesbaden (12) and others (3); four B-17s are lost; escort is provided by 73 P-47s, they claim 6-0-2 aircraft on the ground. (2) B-24s attack Schwäbisch Hall Airfield (65), a munitions dump at Ulm (65) and Weissenhorn (45); a target of opportunity hit is Reichelsheim (1); four B-24s are lost; escort is provided by 99 P-38s and P-51s; they claim 14-0-5 aircraft on the ground; two P-51s are lost; and (3) B-17s hit oil refineries at Merseburg (141) and Lutzkendorf (77); targets of opportunity hit are Giessen (17), Eisenach (12), Altenburg (7), Gera (7) and other (19); they claim 1-0-0 aircraft; seven B-17s are lost; escort is provided by 233 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 33-0-4 aircraft in the air; 6 P-51s are lost. Mission 629: B-24s are dispatched on an Azon mission to the oil refinery at Hemminstedt (6);five hit the secondary target, ammunition dumps at Kropp. Escort is provided by 15 P-51s without loss.

The Allies attacked the II./NJG 6 base at Schwäbisch Hall. Losses at II./NJG 6 included five night-fighter type Ju 88s and some message/radio equipment.

During the day, RAF Bomber Command dispatches 140 aircraft, 102 Halifaxes, 28 Lancasters and ten Mosquitos to attack the Nordstern synthetic oil plant at Gelsenkirchen; 100 bombed the target and 14 bombed the city. Large explosions are seen through the smoke-screen. 2 Halifaxes lost. In a second raid, 98 Halifaxes and 20 Lancasters are dispatched to attack Osnabrück; 80 aircraft bomb the marshalling yard and 37 bomb the city. The marking and bombing are accurate but no details are available. No aircraft lost.

During the night of 13/14 September, 36 Mosquitos of RAF Bomber Command are sent to Berlin and three to Karlsruhe. All aircraft bomb their targets with the loss of two aircraft bombing Berlin.

Italian campaign

The British 8th Army has cleared the Coriano Ridge of German positions in Italy. U.S. forces continue attacking the Gothic line but make little progress against stiff resistance.

US Twelfth Air Force B-25s destroy a bridge at Peschiera del Garda, cutting the Milan-Verona line; B-25s and B-26s bomb guns and defensive positions north of Florence; fighter-bombers attack railroads, rolling stock, and bridges in northern Italy, although a heavy overcast hampers operations in the northwest.

B-24s bomb three targets: 50 bomb the railroad viaduct at Aviso, 28 bomb the railroad bridge at Ora and 27 bomb the railroad bridge at Mezza Corona.

Three USAAF Fifteenth Air Force B-24s bomb the railroad at Berzence, Papa Airfield and an industrial area.

German occupied Poland - Warsaw Uprising

The Germans blow up Warsaw bridges. A KG AK messenger crosses the Vistula at night to establish contact with Berling's army staff.

Soviet forces begin supply drops to the Polish Home Army (AK) forces engaging German forces in the Warsaw uprising. This action is taken in response to British and American pressure.

Canada

The Octagon Conference continues. Churchill and Roosevelt and their staffs meet in Quebec to discuss strategy.

Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s hit targets at Mawhun and some of the fighter-bombers afterwards strafe targets of opportunity on the Irrawaddy River from Katha to Shwegu; 8 others sweep the river between Bhamo and Katha; 12 more hit targets along a road in the Kutkai area; large-scale transport operations in the CBI continue.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): B-24s claim 3 cargo vessels sunk off the Pescadores's near Formosa.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

A USN task force under Vice Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf, comprised of five old battleships, [USS Maryland, USS Mississippi, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee and USS West Virginia], nine cruisers, and destroyers begins two days of bombardment of Peleliu and Angaur Islands in the Palau Islands. Additional support is from four Third Fleet escort aircraft carriers. Minesweeping begins to clear approaches for the landing craft.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): Saipan based P-47s hit buildings on Pagan with rockets and machine gun fire. B-24s on armed reconnaissance, snooper, and training missions bomb Iwo Jima, Marcus, and Pagan

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s and B-25s hit 4 airfields and bomb villages on Morotai . In New Guinea, B-25s hit Langgoer Airfield while A-20s and fighter-bombers hit 2 airfields on Efman; A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers hit Babo AA positions and airfields at Manokwari and Ransiki; HQ Thirteenth AF moves from Los Negros to Hollandia.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Fifth Air Force A-20 Havocs and fighter-bombers hit two airfields on Efman Island; A-20s, B-25 Mitchells, and fighter-bombers hit Babo antiaircraft positions and airfields at Manokwari and Ransiki (Moemi North) Airfields.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINES ISLANDS

Carrier-based aircraft of the USN's Task Groups 38.1, 38.2 and 38.3 make unopposed attacks against Japanese faculties in the central Philippines. Because of the lack of a reaction from the Japanese, Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., Commander of the Third Fleet, recommends that the invasion of the Palau Islands be scrapped and the invasion of the Philippines be moved forward.

JAPAN

During the night of 13/14 September, three USAAF Eleventh Air Force B-24 Liberators strike Kurabu Cape shipping and airfield on Paramushiru Island in the Kurile Islands.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 115, SEPTEMBER 13, 1944

Carrier based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet shot down more than fifty enemy aircraft and destroyed more than 150 on the ground in a day long attack against Cebu, Negros, and Panay Islands in the Philippines on Septem­ber 11 (West Longitude Date). Preliminary reports are fragmentary, but it is indicated that air operations are continuing against strong enemy opposition. Several cargo ships and numerous smaller craft were sunk in the initial attacks.

Paramushiru in the Kurile Islands was bombed and strafed by search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four on September 10. Waterfront installations along the Southeast Coast were the principal targets and several fires were started. Each of two medium cargo ships discovered near Paramushiru suf­fered a direct bomb hit and both were strafed. Strafing attacks were also delivered to a number of small craft offshore. On the same day a Navy search plane bombed Shimushu Island, and another search plane shot down an enemy fighter East of Onekotan Island.

On September 11, Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchells bombed and strafed a number of vessels in the harbor at Shimushu, sinking one medium cargo vessel and four small cargo vessels. Two other small cargo vessels were damaged. Seven enemy fighters intercepted our planes and inflicted minor damage on one Mitchell but all returned safely. On the same day, Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed and strafed Paramushiru, Araido and Onekotan, setting fires to docks and warehouses.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force dropped 26 tons of bombs on airfields at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 10. Large fires were started. One of four intercepting enemy fighters was destroyed. Anti­aircraft fire damaged two Liberators. On September 11, a lone Navy Catalina bombed an ammunition dump at Nauru Island, and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit the storage and magazine areas at Jaluit.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked on September 11, by Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts using bombs and rockets. Gun positions and buildings were hit.

PACIFIC

TG 38.2 (Rear Admiral Gerald F. Bogan) continues operations against Cebu, supported by TG 38.1 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) and TG 38.3 (Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman), as well as against Japanese targets in the area of Negros, Cebu, and Legaspi. Navy carrier-based planes sink submarine chaser Ch 55 three miles northeast of Cebu, 10°20'N, 124°00'E. Late that afternoon, TG 38.1 (see 14 September) is detached to provide support for the landings at Morotai.

High speed minesweeper Perry (DMS-17) is sunk by mine, 750 yards off the southeast coast of Angaur, southern Palaus, 06°53'N, 134°10'E.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer-minesweeper USS Perry (DMS-17) being abandoned after striking a mine off Angaur, 13 September 1944, during the Palaus operation. USS Preble (DM-20) is standing by



Submarine Sunfish damages Japanese army cargo ship Gyoku Maru, 34°32'N, 124°44'E, and sinks army cargo ship Etajima Maru, 35°04'N, 124°49'E.

USAAF A-20s sink merchant cargo ship Akitsushima Maru off southeastern Ceram, 03°04'S, 128°11'E.

Japanese landing ship T.153 damaged (probably by USAAF aircraft) off Iwo Jima.

Day 1831 of World War II, September 15th 1944

Eastern Front

The Soviets achieved a breakthrough at Narva.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 15th 1944



In northern France, the US 2d and 29th Infantry Divisions continue to make slow progress at Brest. Units of the Task Force Sebree move into Nancy from Toul without opposition.

Francois de Menthon, Justice Commissioner in de Gaulle's administration, orders the arrest of Marshal Petain and all members of the Vichy French cabinet because of their alleged collaboration with the Nazis.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of Belgium

The Canadian 4th Armoured Division establishes a bridgehead across Canal de Derivation near Balgerhoek.

In preparation for Operation Market-Garden, the British Second Army crosses the Meuse-Escaut canal.

Photo: Pvt. Stanley J. Zielonka fires an automatic rifle at a hidden sniper in Harze, Belgium. 15 September, 1944



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

Photo: Poster at Groote Sociëteit urging the inhabitants of Maastricht, Netherlands, to join the allied forced, a day after the liberation from the German occupation by the US 30th Infrantry Division, 15 September 1944



Photo: View of the river Meuse and the blown-up Saint Servatius Bridge in Maastricht, Netherlands, one day after the liberation from the German occupation by the US 30th Infrantry Division, 15 September 1944



Air War over Europe

The USAAF Eighth Air Force in England flies Mission 632: As part of Operation FRANTIC, 110 B-17s are dispatched to drop supplies to Warsaw patriots and then proceed to bases in the U.S.S.R.; a weather front is encountered over the North Sea and the bombers are recalled. Escort is provided by 149 P-51s; two P-51s collide in a cloud and are lost.

During the night of 15/16 September, six RAF Bomber Command aircraft laid mines in Kaa Fjord.

During the night of 15/16 September, nine RAF Bomber Command aircraft lay mines off Gdynia.

In southern France, 53 B-24s fly a supply mission from Italy.

During the night of 15/16 September, RAF Bomber Command sent 490 aircraft, 310 Lancasters, 173 Halifaxes and seven Mosquitos, to Kiel; 465 bomb the target. Four Halifaxes and two Lancasters are lost. The evidence of returning crews and of photographs caused Bomber Command to record this as “a highly concentrated raid” with “the old town and modern shopping center devastated.” Other targets are also bombed: 24 of 27 Mosquitos bombed Berlin with the loss of one aircraft; 7 of 9 Mosquitos bombed Lübeck; and 7 of 8 Mosquitos bombed the marshalling yard at Rheine. Minelaying missions included 13 aircraft mining Kiel Harbor, nine mining off Pillau, nine mining the Fehmarn Channel, six mining the Elbe River and five mining the Kattegat.

Lapland War

Today is the deadline by when all Germans should have evacuated Finland. Southern Finland has been evacuated in time, but in Finnish Lappland (where Germans have manned the frontline since 1941) it has been evident all the time that the Germans could not and would not leave in time. That is why Finns and Germans have secretly agreed to orchestrate the German withdrawal so that there would be no fighting. Despite the agreement, this day sees the first bloodletting between the former "Waffenbruderen". In eastern Gulf of Finland a major battle is fought when Germans launch Operation Tanne Ost, capture of the island of Suursaari (today Gogland or Sur-Sari in Russian possession). After midnight some 2,000 men invade the island. Germans expect to gain the island without a fight but the Finnish defenders, led by Lieutenant Colonel Martti Miettinen, refuse to surrender and fight back. After dawn it's clear the German situation is hopeless. They are pinned down on the beach by the Finnish defenders and are strafed by Soviet fighters who have also driven away the German ships giving fire support to the operation. In the end Germans surrender. They have lost 153 killed and 1,231 POW's (who are later handed over to the Russians). For Finnish political leadership this action is heaven-sent. The peace negotiations are going on at Moscow, and now there's proof that Finns are seriously fighting Germans. It is hoped (vainly) that this would help the negotiators to get a little better deal.

Italian campaign

The US IV Corps occupies Viareggion. The 6th Regimental Combat Team, Brazilian Expeditionary Force (BEF), under command of Brigadier General Euclydes da Costa, enters the line. These are the first Brazilians to fight on European soil and the first echelon of the Brazilian 1st Infantry Division to arrive, the rest of the division is coming later. The British 1st Division completes the capture of Poggio Prefetto. The British Eighth Army drives quickly toward the Rimini Line while the British 46th Division takes Montescudo.

All USAAF Twelfth Air Force medium bomber missions are cancelled or aborted due to weather; fighter-bombers, though restricted by weather, carry out armed reconnaissance against German communications and defensive positions in the Milan-Genoa- Modena-Pistoia areas, as Allied forces (joined on this date by elements of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force) attempt to penetrate German strongholds in the northern Apennines.

Twenty four USAAF Fifteenth Air Force 24 B-24 Liberators begin evacuating aircrews formerly imprisoned in Bulgaria from Cairo to Bari, Italy.

Battle of the Mediterranean - Operation Dragoon

In southern France, the 6th Army Group becomes operational at 0001 hours local and assumes control of the Allied Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) forces that are in France. At the same time, operational control of the 6th Army Group passes AFHQ to Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force, a move previous agreed upon between American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander-in- Chief Supreme Headquarter Allied Expeditionary Force, and British General Henry Wilson, Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean. French Army B acquires autonomy and is on a par with the U.S. Seventh Army. French Army B regroups during the next few days for a drive eastward.

Battle of the Mediterranean

The USAAF Fifteenth Air Force in Italy bombs four targets in Greece. One hundred nine B-17s bomb Kalamaki Airfield in Athens while 51 bomb the German U-boat base at Salamis; 113 B-24s bomb Tatoi Airfield and 54 bomb Eleusis Airfield, both in Athens. P-38s and P-51s fly escort, target cover, and sweep target areas; the attacks are aimed at hampering the withdrawal of German forces from the area.

German occupied Poland - Warsaw Uprising

A Kosciuszko division patrol crosses in the morning to Czerniakow, establishing contact with a liaison officer of 'Radoslaw'. At night, 300 well-armed soldiers from the First Division cross to the left bank of the Vistula. The Germans, with support from the air, use everything at their disposal to keep the insurgents from the Vistula.

German Occupied Norway

A force of 28 British Lancaster bombers, from a Soviet airbase, attack the German battleship Tirpitz at its anchorage in Altafiord. Special 12,000-pound bombs are used. Only one bomb hit is achieved (on the bow) because of a German smoke screen obscuring the target.

Canada

The Octagon Conference continues. Churchill and Roosevelt and their staffs meet in Quebec to discuss strategy.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff decide to invade central rather than the southern Philippines and advance the target date for the invasion of Leyte from 20 December to 20 October. Projected operations against Yap Island in the Caroline Islands, Talaud Island in the Netherlands East Indies and Mindanao Island in the Philippines are canceled.

Two USN commissioned escort aircraft carriers are renamed so that their present names can be used on for Midway Class large aircraft carriers. The two are: USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) which is renamed USS Anzio and USS Midway (CVE-63) which is renamed USS St. Lo.

Photo: The U.S. Navy high-speed transport USS Lloyd (APD-63) underway off the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania (USA), on 15 September 1944



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s bomb Kutkai, 16 sweep the river from Bhamo to Katha and bomb Naba, Katha, and Mohnyin; several other P-47s sweep the Burma Road from Lungling, China to Muse to Bhamo and strafe a boat on the river at Myothit; 12 P-51s hit Mawhun while 8 B-25s hit fuel storage and targets of opportunity in the the Chefang, China area; 13 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow, China; a detachment of the 1st Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group, based at Sylhet, India begins operaing from Yunnani, China with C-47s; and the 89th Fighter Squadron, 80th Fighter Group, moves from Nagaghuli to Myitkyina with P-47s.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 19 B-24s bomb a military storage area at Hengyang; 20 B-25s hit Chuanhsien and 5 pound a ferry crossing and bus station at Lingling; 90+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance attack river shipping, numerous buildings, troops, and general targets of opportunity from NE of Ichang to Liuchow Peninsula concentrating on the Kiyang and Changsha areas; and HQ 68th Composite Wing moves from Kweilin to Liuchow.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): P-47s from Saipan hit AA positions on Pagan with machinegun and rocket fire. A lone B-24 on a snooper mission bombs Iwo Jima; all other B-24 missions abort. US Army lands on Morotai.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

1st Marine Division (Reinforced) (Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC) lands on Peleliu, Palaus, in Operation STALEMATE II. Landing is preceded by several days of intensive carrier-based aircraft bombing and ship gunfire bombardment (TG 32.5, Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf).

TF 77 (Rear Admiral Daniel E. Barbey) lands Army 41st Infantry (Reinforced) (Major General John C. Persons,USA) on Morotai Island, N.E.I., in Operation TRADE WIND; supported by two heavy cruisers, three light cruisers and ten destroyers (TG 77.2) (Rear Admiral Russell S. Berkey) and aircraft from six escort carriers (TG 77.1) (Rear Admiral Thomas L. Sprague), screened by eight destroyer escorts. Airfield facilities built on Morotai will be used in operations to support operations against Japanese positions in the Philippines.

Photo: The first wave of LVTs moves toward the invasion beaches, passing through the inshore bombardment line of LCI gunboats. Cruisers and battleships are bombarding from the distance. The landing area is almost totally hidden in dust and smoke. Photographed from a USS Honolulu (CL-48) plane



Photo: U.S. Navy LVTs approach Peleliu on 15 September 1944



Photo: Peleliu Island...Marines move through the trenches on the beach during the battle, 15 September 1944



NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

USN Task Force 77 (TF 77), consisting of U.S. and Australian ships, lands the U.S. Army's 41st Infantry Division (Reinforced) on the southwest coast of Morotai Island, Moluccas Islands, Netherlands East Indies, at 0830 hours local in Operation TRADE WIND; there is no opposition. TF 77 is supported by two heavy cruisers, three light cruisers and ten destroyers and aircraft from six escort carriers, screened by eight destroyer escorts. Japanese resistance is negligible and Pitoe Aerodrome is quickly captured. Airfield facilities built on Morotai will be used in operations to support missions against Japanese positions in the Philippines. Forces push inland about 2,000 yards to D-Day objectives.
The USN submarine USS Stingray lands men and stores on Majoe Island, in the Molucca Sea.

Map: A map showing the operations of US forces on the first day of the Battle of Morotai



Photo: USS LST-458 at Morotai Island, Dutch East Indies, 15 September 1944, off loading equipment



In the air over the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces A-20 Havocs, B-24 Liberators and P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kaoe, Lolobata and Hate Tabako on Halmahera Island. B-24 Liberators sink two small Makassar-bound Japanese cargo vessels off Mongole Island. RAAF Beaufighters and USAAF A-20s bomb Japanese shipping off southeast coast of Ceram, sinking two fishing vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s, A-20s, and P-47s bomb Kaoe, Lolobata, and Hate Tabako. P-39s bomb Manokwari Airfield and town area; and the 675th Bombardment Squadron, 417th Bombardment Group, moves from Saidor to Noemfoor with A-20s.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 117, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944

United States Army and Marine assault troops established beachheads in the Palau Islands on September 14 (West Longitude Date) with the support of carrier aircraft and surface combat ships of the Third Fleet under the command of Admiral Halsey. Enemy defenses are being heavily bombed and shelled at close range.

Amphibious operations against the Palau Islands are being directed by Vice Admiral T. S. Wilkinson, U. S. Navy, Commander Third Amphibious Force.

Expeditionary troops are commanded by Major General Julian C. Smith. USMC.

The landings are continuing against stiff ground opposition.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 118, SEPTEMBER 15, 1944

United States Marines are developing a beachhead in the southern portion of Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, and are closing in upon the principal airport in the island group. The beachhead extends for approximately one and one‑half miles along the southwestern shore of Peleliu. Several enemy counterattacks, employing tanks, were thrown back during September 14 (West Longitude Date) by our ground forces assisted by strong air support and Naval gunfire. Our casualties during the first day of the assault were light, although the landing beaches have been under sporadic mortar and artillery fire.

The landings on Peleliu Island were supported by carrier‑based aircraft which bombed, strafed, and launched rockets against enemy installations immediately behind the landing beaches on September 14. Gun emplacements and other defense installations on the northern end of the island were also heavily bombed. We lost one plane and four flight personnel in these attacks.

The fast carrier task force covering and supporting the landings by far ranging operations throughout the Western Pacific are commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, U. S. Navy.

The amphibious assault troops engaged are under the command of Major General Roy S. Geiger, USMC, Commander, Third Amphibious Corps.

The initial landings were made by the First Marine Division, commanded by Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC The ships in direct support are commanded by Rear Admiral George H. Fort, U. S. Navy.

Ventura search planes of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Shimushu Island on September 12, setting buildings afire. Antiaircraft fire was ineffective. Seven enemy fighters rose to intercept our force but did not press home the attack. During the night of September 13‑14 Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed installations at Paramushiru. All returned undamaged to their base.

Three Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force bombed Iwo Jima on September 13, dropping 52 tons of bombs on the airfield and adjacent installa­tions. Large explosions visible for many miles were observed. Enemy air­craft made no attempt at interception. All planes returned safely.

Pagan Island installations were bombed by Thunderbolts of the Seventh Army Air Force on September 13. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. On the same day fighter planes of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing hit gun positions on Rota, encountering meager antiaircraft fire.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing made further neutralization raids on the Marshall Island Atolls of Mille, Jaluit, and Wotje on September 12 and 13.

Liberators of the Seventh Army Air Force flew through moderate antiair­craft fire to bomb Marcus Island on September 13.

PACIFIC

Submarine Guavina (SS-362) sinks Japanese fast transport T.3 off Pagubas, southern Mindanao, 05°35'N, 125°24'E.

Submarines Pampanito (SS-383) and Sealion (SS-315) rescue 73 British and 54 Australian POWs who survived loss of Rakuyo Maru when she was sunk by Sealion on 12 September, about 300 miles west of Cape Bojeador, Luzon. There had been some 1,300 men on board Rakuyo Maru when she was attacked.

Submarine Stingray (SS-186) lands men and stores on Majoe Island, Molucca Sea.

USAAF B-24s sink small Makassar-bound Japanese cargo vessels Kirishima Maru and No.6 Keinan Maru off Mongole Island.

RAAF Beaufighters and USAAF A-20s bomb Japanese shipping off southeast coast of Ceram, sinking fishing vessels No.3 Hoyu Maru and No.4 Bonan Maru.

U.S. aircraft sink Japanese guardboats Kaiko Maru and No.1 Kaza Maru, Marshalls.

Day 1833 of World War II, September 17th 1944

Eastern Front

B-17s and B-24s of the USAAF Fifteenth Air Force in Italy attack five targets in the Budapest area in an attempt to hit Germany's principal remaining oil supply and to aid the Soviets and other friendly forces on the southern front: 209 aircraft bomb the Rakos marshalling yard, 72 bomb the Ferencvaros marshalling yard, and 40 attack the Kobanya marshalling; two oil refineries are hit with 55 aircraft bombing the Shell refinery and 48 hitting the Magyar refinery. Eight other aircraft bomb the Baja railroad bridge as a target of opportunity.

Lapland War

Photo: Commander of JR 44, Lieutenant Colonel Rytkönen, and Commander of III / JR 44, Captain Pentti, examining the front terrain in Nietjärvi at the ““ Siimes ”” base. Arvo Pentti on the right, Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, 17 September 1944



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 17th 1944



In northern France, the Canadian 3rd Division, with strong air and artillery support, begins a six-day battle for Boulogne, making slow progress against strong fortifications. The US VIII Corps continues the battle for Brest.

In southern France, the US Seventh Army's French II Corps makes contact with the US Third Army's French 2d Armored Division near Bains-les-Bains, southeast of Epinal.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of Belgium

The British I Corps starts to clear the Schelde Estuary in order to open the port of Antwerp.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

Operation Market Garden: The Allied intention is to secure key bridges over a series of rivers and canals in Holland to achieve a rapid advance onto the north German plain. On the first day, the US 101st Airborne Division secures bridges at Veghel and Zon. The US 82nd Airborne Division secures the bridge at Grave but not the one at Nijmegen. The British 1st Airborne Division, dropped near Arnhem, fails to secure the bridge there because of unexpected German resistance. Unknown to Allied planners, the 9th SS Hohenstaufen and 10th SS Frundsberg Panzer Divisions are located in Arnhem for rest and refit from combat on the Eastern Front.

Photo: the airborne operation to seize bridges between Arnhem and Eindhoven, Holland, (part of Operation Market Garden). Paratroops of 3rd Platoon, 21st Independent Parachute Company, assemble at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK in front of Short Stirling Mark IVs of 620 Squadron RAF parked on the perimeter track, 17 September 1944



Photo: "Long, twin lines of C-47 transport planes are loaded with men and equipment at an airfield from which they took off for Holland September 17, 1944. The C-47's carried paratroopers of the First Allied Airborne Army, 17 September 1944"



Photo: A Short Stirling Mark IV (LK115, '8S-Z') of No. 295 Squadron RAF, taking off from Harwell, Oxfordshire (UK), towing an Airspeed Horsa glider. This was one of 25 Stirling/Horsa combinations which carried the Headquarters of I Airborne Corps to landing zones near Groesbeek, Nijmegen, 17 September 1944



Photo: American C-47 aircraft flying over Gheel in Belgium on their way to Holland for Operation 'Market-Garden', 17 September 1944



Photo: US Army paratroopers are dropped near Grave, Netherlands while livestock graze near gliders that landed earlier, 17 September 1944



Photo: the airborne operation to seize bridges between Arnhem and Eindhoven, Holland, (part of Operation Market Garden). Oblique photographic-reconnaissance aerial showing Douglas Dakotas dropping paratroops of 1st Airborne Brigade on to Dropping Zone (DZ) 'X', at Renkum, west of Arnhem, 17 September 1944



The British 30th Corps (part of British 2nd Army) attacks northward toward Eindhoven to relieve the paratroopers.

Photo: Sherman tanks of the Irish Guards Group advance past others which were knocked out earlier during Operation 'Market-Garden', 17 September 1944



Photo: A Loyd carrier of the anti-tank platoon of 3rd Battalion, Irish Guards explodes during 30 Corp's advance up the Eindhoven road at the start of Operation 'Market-Garden', 17 September 1944



The US 30th Infantry Division crosses the German border east of Simpelveld.

Air War over Europe

The USAAF Ninth Air Force XIX Tactical Air Command supports the US VIII Corps in the Brest area.

One hundred two USAAF Eighth Air Force bombers deliver supplies from England to Chartres but bad weather hampers all but eight of 54 USAAF Fifteenth Air Force B-24s flying supplies from Italy to southern France.

The USAAF Eighth Air Force flies Mission 637 supporting Operation Market Garden: 875 B-17s are dispatched to bomb 117 flak batteries and installations and an airfield, all in the Netherlands; 815 B-17s attack the primaries and six hit Eisenach; two B-17s are lost; escort is provided by 141 P-51s; a P-51 is lost. USAAF Eighth Air Force dispatches 503 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s to escort aircraft of the First Allied Airborne Army. The fighters bomb and strafe flak positions and other ground targets, encountering intense flak and about 30 fighters; they claim 7-0-0 aircraft in the air, 1-0-0 on the ground and the destruction of 107 flak positions; six P-47s and seven P-51s are lost.

In support of Operation Market Garden during the day, RAF Bomber Command sent : 112 Lancasters and 20 Mosquitos to attack three targets: 34 aircraft bombed coastal installations at Westkapelle, 32 hit gun emplacements at Biggerkerke and 30 attacked gun emplacements at Flushing. During the night of 17/18 September, 241 aircraft made two diversionary sweeps, one to the Dutch coast and one into the Netherlands, in order to draw up German fighters from Southern Holland. This intention is not achieved. No aircraft lost.

The USAAF Ninth Air Force's XIX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance over the Trier and Saarbrucken areas and IX Tactical Air Command flies armed reconnaissance in the Dusseldorf, Duren, Cologne, and Linz/Rhine areas.

During the night of 17/18 September, RAF Bomber Command Mosquitos bombed two targets: 42 hit Bremen and six bombed Dortmund.

Italian campaign

Twenty two bombers return from Cairo, Egypt, to Italy with Allied airmen formerly imprisoned in Bulgaria while two B-17s, escorted by 41 P-51 Mustangs, evacuate wounded airmen from Czechoslovakia to Italy.

In the mountains south of the Po Valley, the US II Corps break through the Gothic Line at Il Giogo Pass, take Monte Altuzzo and Pratone, finish clearing Monte Veruca, and gain the crest of Monte Monticelli. During the night of 17/18 September, the Germans begin a withdrawal from the Gothic Line.

During the night of 17/18 September, 92 RAF heavy bombers of No. 205 (Heavy Bomber) Group bomb the Brescia West marshalling yard.

USAAF Twelfth Air Force B-25s hit troop concentrations in the British Eighth Army battle area in the vicinity of Rimini; B-25s also bomb rail bridges in the western Po Valley, while fighter-bombers operating in the Po Valley attack rails, roads, rolling stock, road bridges, motor transport and other targets.

Bombers in Italy bomb two marshalling yards: eight aircraft hit the Vincovici marshalling yard and five bomb the Osijek marshalling yard. One other bomber attacks a railroad bridge.

The last UK-USSR -Italy-UK shuttle mission (Operations FRANTIC) is completed as 72 USAAF Eighth Air Force B-17s and 59 P-51s fly without bombs from Italy to the UK; two B-17s and a P-51 abort and a P-51 crash lands southwest of Paris; 70 B-17s and 57 P-51s land safely in the UK.

German occupied Denmark

A general strike continues in protest of recent deportations by German authorities.

United States

While British airborne troops are landing at Arnhem, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill travels by train to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's home at Hyde Park, New York. From Hyde Park he returns to New York City where he boards the RMS 'Queen Mary' for the voyage home to England. Upon his return he immediately prepares to leave for Moscow.

Pacific War

BURMA

Tuitum falls to the Indian 5th Division.

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 8 P-47s bomb Katha, 8 hit Momauk and Wanling, and 8 others attack Bhamo; 6 B-25s hit Mangshih while 3 others bomb Indaw; 16 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China; C-47s fly 200+ sorties delivering personnel and supplies to various points in the CBI.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 29 B-24s bomb Changsha; 27 B-25s hit Hwangshapu, Kiyang, and Nanyo; 130+ P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack town areas, strongpoints, shipping, railway targets, gun positions, trucks, and other targets of opportunity from NE of Ichang southward through Hunan Province and beyond; areas hit include Changsha, Kiyang, Lingling, Chuanhsien, Siangtan, Hengshan, Kweiyang, and Lingkuantien, plus scattered targets of opportunity elsewhere; the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Fourteenth AF, moves from Kunming to Chanyi with F-5s (flights are operating from Nanning and Yunnani).

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): A B-24 on a snooper mission from Saipan bombs Iwo Jima ; armed reconnaissance over Marcus is unsuccessful due to bad weather.

(Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelon of HQ 497th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) and the 869th, 870th and 871st Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field from the US (first mission is 28 Oct).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-25s bomb Buayoan Airfield on Mindanao . B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit Langoan Airfield on Celebes . B-25s and P-39s, fighting bad weather, attack a variety of targets, including airfields and villages in Amboina-Ceram s area. InNew Guinea, P-47s and P-40s pound the airfield on Samate.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

In the Palau Islands, the 321st and 322d Infantry Regiments of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry Division land on Angaur Island in the Palau Islands; resistance is strong from the 1,600 man Japanese garrison. During the afternoon, USN carrier-based F6F Hellcats attack U.S. Army ground troops killing seven and wounding 46. All close-air support missions are temporarily halted on Angaur.

Most of the south end of Peleliu Island is held by U.S. Marines. Attacks on the Japanese positions on Mount Umurbrogol begin, marking the tough fighting ahead.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

U.S. Army action on Morotai Island in the Netherlands East Indies subsides to patrolling in order to locate small Japanese parties.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NAURU ISLAND

USAAF Seventh Air Force B-25 Mitchells bomb the island. Nauru Island is a 21 square kilometer (8 square mile) island in the South Pacific Ocean, located about halfway between the Gilbert and Solomon Islands. The island is rich in phosphate deposits and was occupied by the Japanese on 25 August 1942.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

USAAF Far East Air Force B-25 Mitchells bomb Buayan Aerodrome on Mindanao.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-24, B-25s, and P-38s hit Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island while B-25s and P-39s, fighting bad weather, attack a variety of targets, including airfields and villages in Amboina-Ceram Islands area.

ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile Islands, two USAAF Eleventh Air Force B-24 Liberators abort a mission to Suribachi on Paramushiru Island due to weather and four B-25 Mitchells fly an unsuccessful shipping sweep. Four PV-1 Venturas of the USN's Bombing Squadron One Hundred Thirty Six (VB-136) based on Attu attack Parmushiru and Shimushu Islands. The aircraft flown by the squadron commander is damaged and forced to land in the USSR where the crew is interned. As a result of this mishap, further Empire Express missions are canceled and VB-136 missions are restricted to sector searches or special photo missions where the speed of the PV-1 is required.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 120, SEPTEMBER 17, 1944

United States Army assault troops established beachheads on Angaur Island, the southernmost of the Palau Islands, on September 16 (West Longi­tude Date). Carrier‑based aircraft of the Pacific Fleet heavily bombed the island prior to the landings, and cruisers and destroyers took enemy defensive positions under deliberate fire.

The initial landings were made by troops of the 81st Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Paul J. Mueller, U.S.A. The ships in direct support are commanded by Rear Admiral W. H. P. Blandy, U. S. Navy.

All initial objectives have been gained against resistance which so far has been relatively light.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 121, SEPTEMBER 17, 1944

The First Marine Division continued to encounter heavy opposition on Peleliu Island during September 16 (West Longitude Date), but extended the area under their control in the southwestern peninsula and moved ahead in a northerly direction approximately a third of a mile. Our attack was preceded by bombing and Naval gunfire. The enemy is using artillery and mortars in considerable numbers against our positions although many have been destroyed by bombing and counter‑battery fire. On Angaur Island, troops of the 81st Infantry Division have joined the beachheads established on the north and northeast sectors of the island, and have pushed inland more than a thousand yards against light opposition. The northeast third of Angaur is now in our hands.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was bombed on September 14 (West Longitude Date) by a single Liberator of the Seventh Army Air Force and by Liberators in greater number on September 15. In the latter attack the airstrips and surrounding areas were bombed causing large explosions and starting fires. Four enemy planes attempted interception without success. There was moderate antiaircraft fire, which did no damage.

Pagan Island in the Marianas was attacked twice on September 15 by the Seventh Army Air Force. Liberators attacked early in the day followed by Thunderbolts which launched rockets and strafed gun positions and the runway. There was meager antiaircraft fire. There were two attacks against Rota on September 14. In the afternoon Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Air­craft Wing strafed gun positions and Navy Hellcat fighter planes strafed the airfield at night. Rota was again visited by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing on September 15. The runway and gun emplacements were bombed and strafed.

Gun positions and the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 14 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells.

On September 15 a single Seventh Army Air Force Liberator bombed Marcus Island.

The same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dropped six tons of bombs on Wotje. One of our planes was shot down. The crew was rescued. Corsairs again bombed Wotje on Septem­ber 16.

A lone Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing Two attacked Nauru on the night of September 16.

PACIFIC

Submarine Barb (SS-220) sinks Japanese escort carrier Un'yo and tanker Asuza Maru, 220 nautical miles southeast of Hong Kong, 19°08'N, 116°36'E. Barb and Queenfish (SS-393) pick up an additional 32 British and Australian POWs, survivors of the sunken Rakuyo Maru (see 12 and 15 September).

Motor torpedo boat PT-371 is damaged by grounding, N.E.I., 02°05'N, 127°51'E.

USAAF P-40s sink Japanese fishing vessel Hoyo Maru and damage No.5 Kyoei Maru off eastern Ceram.

Japanese merchant cargo ship Shinai Maru is sunk by mine off east coast of Celebes.

Day 1835 of World War II, September 19th 1944

Eastern Front

Troops of the Soviet Third Baltic Front overrun Valga, on the Estonian--Latvian border. Other Soviet forces are approaching Tallinn and Riga.

One hundred B-17s and 61 P-51s takeoff from bases in the U.S.S.R. and 91 B-17s bomb the marshalling yard at Szolnok and continue on to bases in Italy.

Lapland War

The so-called Autumn Maneuvres, the orchestrated German withdrawal and Finnish advance in northern Finland, begin. The advance is arranged in such a way that Finns arrive always one day after Germans have left. This phase of the Lappland War will be short, however. The Soviets soon smell the rat and demand real action. Meanwhile the civilian population in the areas manned by Germans is being evacuated to Sweden.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 19th 1944



In the U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps successfully concludes the Brittany campaign as the 8th Infantry Division finishes clearing the Crozon Peninsula and captures German Major General Hermann Bernhard Ramcke, fortress commander of Brest. In the 6th Army Group area: Commanders conference is held at Lyon to plan for future operations. The French Army B is renamed the French 1st Army.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of Belgium

Photo: A Universal carrier of the 1st East Lancashire Regiment, 53rd Division, being pulled across the Meuse-Escaut (Maas-Schelde) canal on a raft, near Lommel, 19 September 1944



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

Operation Market Garden - Day 3: With the South Staffords and 11th Parachute Battalion arriving at the positions of the 1st and 3rd Parachute Battalions on the western outskirts of Arnhem, the British hoped to have sufficient troops to break through to Frost's position at the bridge. Lieutenant Colonel Dobie, the commander of the 1st Parachute Battalion, planned to attack before first light, but an erroneous report suggesting that the bridge had fallen led to the attack being cancelled. By the time the report was corrected, first light was not long away, but with reinforcement at the bridge the priority, the attack had to proceed. The advance began on a narrow front between the railway line to the north and the river to the south. The 1st Parachute Battalion led, supported by remnants of the 3rd Parachute Battalion, with the 2nd South Staffordshires on the left flank and the 11th Parachute Battalion following behind. As soon as it became light, the 1st Parachute Battalion was spotted and halted by fire from the main German defensive line. Trapped in open ground and under heavy fire from three sides, the 1st Parachute Battalion disintegrated and what remained of the 3rd Parachute Battalion fell back

Map: Drive From the Albert Canal to the West Wall, XIX Corps, 10-19 September 1944



Photo: Cheering Dutch civilians gather around a Sherman OP tank of 'C' Troop, 55th Field Regiment RA, Guards Armoured Division, as Eindhoven is liberated, 19 September 1944. Sitting on the front of the tank is Sgt Herbert Frederick Jones



The 2nd South Staffordshires were similarly cut off and save for about 150 men, overcome by midday. The 11th Parachute Battalion was overwhelmed in exposed positions while attempting to capture high ground to the north. The South Staffords similarly attempted to secure high ground, but were driven off. With no hope of breaking through, the 500 remaining men of these four battalions retreated westwards in the direction of the main force, 3.1 miles (5 km) away in Oosterbeek. As they approached Oosterbeek, they were met by Lieutenant Colonel Sheriff Thompson, of the 1st Airlanding Light Artillery Regiment, who formed most of the men into a defensive screen under Major Robert Cain 0.5 miles (0.80 km) forward of his artillery positions. The battle gave Urquhart the opportunity to escape from his hiding place, and he was able to return to Division HQ at the Hotel Hartenstein in Oosterbeek, where for the first time he was able to learn the extent of the German forces facing them. In Britain, ground fog again frustrated reinforcement. Thirty-five gliders of the 3rd lift carrying the Polish glider-borne elements were delayed in taking off and the parachute brigade failed to take off at all.

Photo: Cheering Dutch civilians swarm onto a universal carrier and trailer as Eindhoven is liberated, 19 September 1944



Photo: A heavily-loaded Universal carrier during the advance of 3rd Division, 19 September 1944



North of the railway line, the 156th and 10th Parachute Battalions tried to seize the high ground in the woods north of Oosterbeek. The advance was slow and by early afternoon they had not advanced any further than their original positions. Urquhart, realising the need to go on to the defensive and prevent the two battalions being cut off north of the railway, ordered them to fall back to Wolfheze and Oosterbeek. Making a fighting withdrawal with the Germans of Kampfgruppe Krafft closely pursuing them, the units fell back across LZ 'L', defended by the King's Own Scottish Borderers, who were awaiting the arrival of the glider-borne elements of the Polish Parachute Brigade. Fighting began as the gliders arrived in the middle of the retreat and Polish losses were severe. All four Allied units streamed south and west toward the road crossings over the steep railway cutting at Oosterbeek and Wolfheze and gathered in ad hoc units in the woods on the south side, where most of them spent the night. Some German units followed them across the railway and an SS battalion reached Wolfheze, but stopped when it was strafed by the Luftwaffe.

Map: The planned British landings and defence at Arnhem, 17 to 19 September 1944



In the afternoon, the RAF flew its first big supply mission, with 164 aircraft carrying 390 short tons (350 t) of supplies. The Germans anticipated the flight and moved five flak batteries into the area; as the RAF came into view, they shot down ten aircraft. Despite the bravery of the pilots (Flight Lieutenant David Lord received the Victoria Cross posthumously), the Airborne forces only recovered 31 short tons (28 t) of supplies. The dropzone, DZ 'V', was still in German hands (the British would never reach this zone during the battle) and no message had reached Britain to explain this. At the bridge, Frost held on, but without supplies or reinforcements, the position was becoming precarious. The Germans began systematically to destroy the houses the British were in, using tanks, artillery and mortars. The Luftwaffe was able to make strafing runs on the British-occupied houses.

Photo: Major General Roy Urquhart shortly after returning to his Divisional HQ at the Hotel Hartenstein, 19 September 1944



Photo: Aerial view of the bridge over the Neder Rijn, Arnhem, 19 September 1944



Photo: German Soldiers ride a Sturmgeschütz III through the streets of Arnhem during Market Garden, , 19 September 1944



Western Front (1944) - Siegfried Line campaign

In the U.S. First Army's XIX Corps area, the U.S. 2d Armored Division drives through Gangelt toward Geilenkirchen, forcing a salient between two German armies, but the Germans restore contact during counterattacks. Corps faces the West Wall and prepares to attack it tomorrow.

Air War over Europe

One hundred seventy two USAAF Eighth Air Force P-51 Mustangs supporting the First Allied Airborne Army engage 100+ German fighters, claiming 23-4-14; six P-51s are lost.

During the day, RAF Bomber Command dispatched 56 aircraft, 28 Lancasters, 27 Halifaxes and a Mosquito, to attack the Domburg coastal battery but are recalled. A Halifax crashes in England.

The USAAF Eighth Air Force flies Mission 642: 796 B-17 Flying Fortresses, in two forces, are dispatched against marshalling yards in western Germany; weather prevents about half from bombing primary targets but most manage to bomb targets of opportunity; seven bombers and a fighter are lost. (1) B-17s hit targets of opportunity, i.e., marshalling yards at Koblenz (87), Dillenburg (39), Limburg (37) and Darmstadt (24); bridges at Limburg (35), Koblenz (25) and a bridge over the Rhine River at Koblenz (13); and Wiesbaden (38), Wetzlar (14), the railroad line at Koblenz (13) and Wiesbaden Airfield (12); four B-17s are lost; escort is provided by 131 P-47s and P-51 Mustangs; a P-47 is lost. (2) B-17s bomb marshalling yards at Hamm (186) and Soest (32) and Dortmund/Unna depot (64); other targets hit are marshalling yards at Raesfeld (11), Wesel (9), Rheine (6) and Munster (3); Dillenburg (11), Emmerich (7), Hamm (5), Osnaburck (2) and others (6); three B-17s are lost; escort is provided by 109 P-47s and P-51s.

Photo: Air raid on Koblenz (Germany) by the US Air Force, September 19th 1944, 447th Bombardment Group (Letter K in a square)



During the night of 19/20 September, RAF Bomber Command dispatched 227 Lancasters and ten Mosquitos of Nos 1 and No 5 Groups to the twin towns of Mönchengladbach/ Rheydt; 233 bombed the target with the loss of four Lancasters and a Mosquito lost. Bomber Command claimed severe damage to both towns, particularly to Mönchengladbach. The Master Bomber for this raid is Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DSO, DFC flying a Mosquito from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England, where he is serving as Base Operations Officer. Gibson's instructions over the target are heard throughout the raid and gave no hint of trouble, but his aircraft crashed in flames, according to a Dutch eyewitness, before crossing the coast of Holland for the homeward flight over the North Sea. There are no German fighter claims for the Mosquito; it may have been damaged by flak over the target or on the return flight, or it may have developed engine trouble. It is possibly flying too low for the crew to escape by parachute. Gibson and his navigator, Squadron Leader JB Warwick, DFC are both killed and are buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Steenbergen- en-Kruisland, 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Bergen-op-Zoom. Theirs are the only graves of Allied servicemen in the cemetery.

Italian campaign

B-24s based in Italy attack two railroad bridges: 48 bomb the bridge at Mitrovica and 48 bomb the bridge at Kraljevo while 70 P-38s provide target area cover.

During the night of 19/20 September, 85 RAF Liberators of No. 205 (Heavy Bomber) Group bomb the marshalling yard at Szekesfehervor.

In U.S. Fifth Army's IV Corps area, two antiaircraft battalions reach Montrone on the coast and Pietrasanta, northeast of Montrone. In Br Eighth Army area, 10 Corps continues to battle the Rimini Line, meeting particularly stubborn opposition in the vicinity of Ceriano, but the 46th Division succeeds in breaching the line during night of 19/20 September at Torraccia after crossing the Ausa River at Serravalle.

Photo: Troops examining the wreck of a German PzKpfw IV tank knocked out in the village of San Savino, 19 September 1944



Photo: Two Sherman tanks of 6th Royal Tank Regiment in action against German machine-gun positions on the walls of San Marino, 19 September 1944



Bad weather grounds USAAF Twelfth Air Force medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit guns and defensive positions along the Gothic Line and attack roads and bridges in the Bologna area.

Arctic naval operations

While on her first patrol, German submarine 'U-867' is sunk about 150 nautical miles (279 kilometers) northwest of Bergen, Norway, by depth charges from an RAF Liberator Mk. V, aircraft of No. 224 Squadron based at Milltown, Morayshire, Scotland; all 60 crewmen are lost.

Battle of the Mediterranean

German submarine 'U-407' is sunk about 73 nautical miles (136 kilometers) north-northwest of Iráklion, Crete, by depth charges from the British destroyers HMS 'Troubridge' and 'Terpischore' and the Polish destroyer ORP 'Garland' (H 37); 48 of the 53 crewmen survive. The boat is on her 12th patrol and has been credited with sinking four ships for a total of 34,068 tons and damaging three others for a total of 24,107 tons.

German Occupied Denmark

A general strike continues in protest of recent deportations by German authorities.

Finnish/Soviet relations

The peace treaty between Finland and Soviet Union is signed in Moscow today at 1200 hours local. The Finnish delegation, led by Prime Minister Antti Hackzell had arrived Moscow already on 7 September, but they have to wait a week while the Soviets and British are negotiating what kind of conditions shall be presented (British actually manage to persuade the Soviets to halve the amount of reparations demanded). The first meeting is on 14 September, but there's a further delay as Prime Minister Hackzell suffers a brain hemorrhage and is paralyzed; Foreign Minister Carl Enckell is sent to Moscow to replace Hackzell. On the evening of 18 September, Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs Viachislav M. Molotov presents an ultimatum: Finns have to accept the Soviet demands by the 1200 hours local today, or the hostilities would be started again. The main points of the treaty are:

- The territories lost in 1940 are again ceded to Soviet Union as is Petsamo in far north. The peninsula of Porkkala (uncomfortably near to Helsinki!) is leased to Soviet Union for 50 years as a naval base.

- Finland pays US$300 million (UK£74 million) as war reparations - that is in uninflated 1938 US dollars ("We have no intention of letting you to gain any benefit of the war." comments Molotov.

- Finland agrees to banish all German troops from the country.

- Finland agrees to prosecute all war-criminals and those deemed guilty of initiating the war and allying Finland with Germany.

- There are also many minor points, like freeing the political prisoners, disbanding all "hitlerite" organisations, limiting the size of the armed forces etc. A Soviet-dominated Allied Supervisory Committee is situated at Helsinki to ensure that Finland will comply with the treaty.

Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): 18 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow and Chengkuing, China. C-47s transports fly 100+ sorties carrying men and supplies to several CBI locations.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 28 B-25s bomb Lingling, Lengsbuitang, Chuanhsien, Sinning, and Shanhsien; 150+ P-40s and P-51s pound numerous targets of opportunity during armed reconnaissance flights from the Tungting Lake-C Yangtze River area to the S China Sea; and the fighter-bombers particularly concentrate on road transport in the Changsha area and supply dumps, buildings, and trucks near Sintsiang.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): 29 Saipan based B-24s blast shipping at Chichi Jima . 24 P-47s bomb and strafe AA positions and storage areas on Pagan. 3 B-24s on snooper and armed reconnaissance missions bomb Iwo Jima and Marcus.

(Twentieth Air Force): Ground echelons of the 881st, 882d and 883d Bombardment Squadrons (Very Heavy), 500th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), arrive at Isley Field from the US (first mission is 11 Nov).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Striking all principal targets in NE Celebes, B-24s, B-25s, and P-38s hit the Amoerang port area, Menado fuel tanks and shipping personnel areas and AA guns at Mapanget and Sidate, bivouac, supply areas, and lookout towers along Lembeh Strait, Langoan Airfield, and Kakas rest camp. In New Guinea, HQ 8th Fighter Group and the 36th Fighter Squadron move from Owi, to Morotai with P-38s; and HQ 347th Fighter Group and the 339th Fighter Squadron move from Sansapor to Middleburg with P-38s.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the Japanese on the peaks of central ridge continues to hold up the 1st and 7th Marine Regiments; however, elements of 1st, advancing along East Road, push through Asias village. The 5th Marine Regiment secures the eastern arm of the island with little difficulty.

On Angaur Island in the Palau Islands, the Army's 81st Infantry Division commits four battalions the main effort of clearing southern Angaur and splitting Japanese forces there. Little opposition is met as assault forces establish a line across southern Angaur from Garangaoi Cove eastward, but some resistance is bypassed on the southeastern coast.

Photo: A U.S. Marine Corps Stinson OY-1 Grasshopper being manhandled on the flight deck of the escort carrier USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) on 19 September 1944, during the Peleliu operation ("Operation Stalemate II"). Note the motto on the cowling: "It flies, don't it?"



NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

On Morotai Island in the Halmahera Islands of the Netherlands East Indies, work is begun on a bomber airstrip, Wama Airfield at Gotalalamo. The existing fighter base, Pitoe Airfield, becomes known as Moratai or Pitu Airfield.

Striking all principal targets in the northeastern Celebes Islands, Netherlands East Indies, US Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators, B-25 Mitchells, and P-38 Lightnings hit the Amoerang port area, Menado fuel tanks and shipping personnel areas and antiaircraft guns at Mapanget and Sidate, bivouac, supply areas, and lookout towers along Lembeh Strait, Langoan Airfield, and Kakas rest camp. On Halmahera Island during the night of 19/20 September, USAAF Fifth Air Force A-20 Havocs and P-47 Thunderbolts strike Kaoe Aerodrome while B-24 Liberators, B-25 Mitchells, and fighter-bombers, attack airfields at Amahai Airfeild on Amahai Island, Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, Liang (Laha, Ambon East) on Ambon Island, the town of Lautem on Dutch Timor Island, and several targets of opportunity.

ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kuriles, 2 B-25s fly a shipping sweep over Tomari Cape; and 4 B-24s off to strike Kurabu Cape turn back due to weather and mechanical failures.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 543, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

Central Pacific.

1. The USS Perry (DMS‑17) was sunk as the result of enemy action during the present operation in the Palau Islands.

2. The next of kin of casualties (which were small) have been informed.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 544, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 29 vessels, including three combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters as follows:

2 destroyers
1 large cargo transport
11 medium cargo vessels
9 small cargo vessels
2 medium cargo transports
1 escort vessel
3 medium tankers

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Depart­ment communiqué.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 545, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

1. The submarine USS Flier was lost in recent operations against the enemy.

2. The next of kin of officers and crew have been informed.

3. The USS Noa recently was sunk in the Pacific as the result of a collision with a U. S. destroyer. There were no casualties to personnel.

CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 123, SEPTEMBER 19, 1944

First Marine Division troops on Peleliu Island scored further gains in a northeasterly direction during September 18 (West Longitude Date), securing Ngardololok Town and bringing most of the eastern coastal area under con­trol. There was no significant change in our positions in the center and along the west coast. The enemy, fighting from pillboxes, trenches and other pre­pared fortifications, supported by mortars and artillery, continues to offer stubborn resistance. Found in badly damaged condition on the Peleliu Airfield were 77 single‑engine fighter aircraft, 28 medium bombers, eight light bombers, and four transport plane

On Angaur Island further southward advances have been made and two thirds of the island is in the hands of the 81st Infantry Division. The enemy now occupies only two isolated pockets of the island. During September 1 Saipan Town and Middle Village were occupied.

A landing craft equipped as a gunboat (LCI‑459) struck a mine while firing rockets in close support of our troops on Peleliu on September 17, and sank in about 20 minutes. Two of the crew were wounded, but all are safe.

Shimushu Island in the Kuriles was bombed by Eleventh Army Air Force Liberators during the night of September 16. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate and all our planes returned to their base. Shimushu and Paramushiru were attacked on September 17 by search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four. Build­ings were set afire. A small boat, loaded with enemy personnel, and a warship, thought to be a destroyer, were strafed off the east coast of Paramushiru. Several enemy fighter planes intercepted and one was shot down. One of our planes was damaged.

Iwo Jima was attacked on the night of September 16 (West Longitude Date) by a single plane. There was no antiaircraft fire.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 17. Antiaircraft fire varied from meager to intense. On the same day Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells flew through moderate antiaircraft fire to bomb runways, bivouac areas, and gun emplacements on Nauru Island.

Further neutralization raids were carried out against Wotje in the Mar­shalls on September 16 and 17. Both attacks were directed at storage areas and encountered meager antiaircraft fire. On September 16 Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Jaluit.

PACIFIC

Infantry landing craft (gunboat) LCI(G)-459 is sunk by mine off west side of Peleliu reef.

Motor torpedo boat PT-371, damaged by grounding off northwest coast of Halmahera, 02°05'N, 127°51'E, is sunk by demolition charges.

Submarine Bang (SS-385) attacks Japanese shipping off east coast of Formosa, sinking tanker No.2 Toosei Maru and damaging Coast Defense Vessel No.30, 24°54'N, 122°23'E.

Submarine Redfin (SS-395) sinks Japanese fishing vessel Nanko Maru, 05°36'N, 122°16'E.

Submarine Scabbardfish (SS-397) damages Japanese submarine tender Jingei, 80 miles northwest of Okinawa,27°45'N, 127°00'E.

Submarine Shad (SS-235) sinks coast defense ship Ioshima (ex-Chinese cruiser Ning Hai) 85 miles off Hachij_ Jima, 33°40'N, 138°20'E.

Saipan-based USAAF B-24s pound Japanes shipping off Chicchi Jima, damaging landing ship T.153 and small cargo vessel Tsukiura Maru.

Day 1837 of World War II, September 21st 1944

Eastern Front

The Polish 1st Army is forced to withdraw from its bridgeheads in Warsaw.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 21st 1944



In the U.S. Third Army's XX Corps area, the 5th Infantry Division remains in place because of an ammunition shortage and the 10th Infantry Regiment, suffers heavily under continuous German fire and repeated counterattacks against Pournoy-la-Chetive. In the XII Corps area, the 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, recovers Agincourt in bitter fighting; the 137th is still held up in Foret de Champenoux. The 4th Armored Division, continues sweeping its zone, taking Eures and Coincourt with ease and reaching the canal to the south. In the XV Corps area, the 313th Infantry Regiment of 79th Infantry Division, leaving a battalion at Luneville where fighting continues in the streets, drives southeast along the Meurthe River, clearing Moncel and halting under fire at the edge of Foret de Mondon; against heavy fire, the 3d Battalion of the 314th Infantry crosses the Meurthe River near St Clement but is unable to advance across open ground leading to Foret de Mondon and withdraws after dark.

In the U.S. Seventh Army area, the VI Corps begins crossing the Moselle River. On the left flank, the 157th Infantry Regiment (-) of the 45th Infantry Division, having shuttled to the Epinal area, begins crossing XV Corps' bridge at Chatel, during the night 21/22 September, and moves to Vaxoncourt; the 3d Battalion, with the task of clearing Thaon before crossing, gets patrols into the town and wades the river near Igney. The Germans are delaying advance of 3d Infantry Division toward the Moselle.

In the French 1st Army area, the 2d Corps, which has been reinforced for the coming offensive, is moving forward to gain contact with the Germans.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

Operation Market Garden - Day 5: Throughout the morning, the Germans mopped up British survivors and stragglers in hiding around Arnhem bridge. It took several hours to clear the bridge of debris to allow German armour to cross and reinforce Nijmegen. Crucially, the British had held the bridge long enough for the 82nd Airborne Division and the Guards Armoured Division to capture the Nijmegan bridge.[122] With the resistance at the bridge crushed, the Germans had more troops available for the Oosterbeek engagement, although this changed suddenly in the afternoon.

Delayed by weather, the parachute infantry battalions of Stanisław Sosabowski's 1st (Polish) Parachute Brigade were finally able to take off; 114 C-47s took off but 41 aircraft turned back after Troop Carrier Command decided it would be too dangerous to land if the aircraft were up too long. The remainder pressed on; they did not have the correct transmission codes and did not understand the messages. One of the few messages to get out of Arnhem warned the Poles that DZ 'K' was not secure and to land instead on the polder east of Driel, where they should secure the Heveadorp ferry on the south bank of the Rhine. The Poles dropped under fire at 17:00 and suffered casualties, but assembled in good order. Advancing to the river bank, they discovered that the ferry was gone; the ferryman had sunk it to deny its use to the Germans.

The arrival of the Poles relieved the pressure on the British, as the Germans were forced to send more forces south of the Rhine. Fearing an attack on the southern end of the road bridge or the Nijmegen road, a battalion of the 34th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Landstorm Nederland, Machine Gun Battalion 47 and other Kampfgruppen headed across the river overnight.

Map: The British battalions break off their engagements and withdraw into the Oosterbeek perimeter, 19–21 September 1944



Photo: Cromwell tanks of 2nd Welsh Guards crossing the bridge at Nijmegen in Holland during Operation 'Market Garden', 21 September 1944



Photo: Sergeants J Whawell and J Turl of the Glider Pilot Regiment search for snipers in the ULO (Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs) school in Kneppelhoutweg, Oosterbeek, 21 September 1944



At Oosterbeek, the defensive positions were consolidated and organised into two zones. Hicks commanded the western and northern sides of the perimeter and Hackett, after some rest, the east side. The perimeter was not a defensive line but a collection of defensive pockets in houses and foxholes around the centre of Oosterbeek, with the divisional headquarters at the Hotel Hartenstein at its centre. The perimeter was roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) round and was defended by about 3,600 men. The Hermann Göring NCO School attacked the Border positions on the west side near the Rhine, forcing them to abandon tactically important high ground overlooking Oosterbeek. The biggest boost to the besieged British was being able to make contact with the 64th Medium Regiment, RA of XXX Corps, which bombarded the German positions around the perimeter.The radio link to the battery headquarters was also used as the main line of communication to XXX Corps. So important was the 64 Medium Regiment that afterward Urquhart lobbied (unsuccessfully) for the regiment to be able to wear the airborne Pegasus badge on their uniforms.

Photo: 3-inch mortar team of No.23 Mortar (Handcarts) Platoon of Support Company, 1st Border Regiment, 1st Airborne Division, in action in the Oosterbeek perimeter, 21 September 1944



Photo: Men from Nos. 15 & 16 Platoons, 'C' Company, 1st Battalion Border Regiment, waiting in roadside ditches along the Van Lennepweg to repulse an attack by the enemy, who were barely a hundred yards away, Oosterbeek, 21 September 1944



The British had seen the Polish drop, but were unable to make contact by radio; Private Ernest Henry Archer swam the Rhine with a message. The British planned to supply rafts for a river crossing that night, as the Poles were desperately needed on the northern bank. The Poles waited on the southern bank, but by 03:00 no rafts were evident and they withdrew to Driel to take up defensive positions.

Photo: A Vickers machine-gun team of 7th Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, 59th (Staffordshire) Division in position in a field of corn at Someren in Holland, 21 September 1944



Photo: Officers of 250th Airborne Light Company, RASC, part of 1st Airborne Division's 'seaborne tail', playing cards and reading beside their jeeps during the advance of 30 Corps, 21 September 1944



Western Front (1944) - Siegfried Line campaign

In the U.S. First Army's XIX Corps area, the West Wall offensive is again postponed because of weather conditions. In the VII Corps area, Combat Command A of the 3d Armored Division completes the mop up of the Muensterbusch area; in Combat Command B's sector, Task Force Mills, leaving the defense of Donnerberg to Task Force Lovelady, drives into the town of Donnerberg, a suburb of Stolberg, gaining a precarious foothold. The V Corps authorizes the withdrawal of the Wallendorf bridgehead. This is accomplished before dawn of 22 September, using a ford since the Germans have destroyed the Wallendorf bridges. The USAAF's IX Tactical Air Command, Ninth Air Force, gives unusually effective air support.

Air War over Europe

90 USAAF Eighth Air Force P-47s and P-51s support the First Allied Airborne Army's C-47 Skytrains dropping supplies and paratroops of the Polish 1st Brigade near Driel; they encounter about 50 Luftwaffe fighters, claiming 20-0-2; three P-47s are lost.

The USAAF Eighth Air Force flies Mission 644: 486 bombers are dispatched to hit targets in western Germany using pathfinder force methods; two bombers are lost: (1) 154 B-17 Flying Fortresses escorted by 39 P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs, are dispatched to hit the synthetic Opau oil plant at Ludwigshafen and two others hit targets of opportunity; (2) 153 B-17 Flying Fortresses, escorted by 34 P-51s, are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Mainz; and (3) 179 B-24 Liberators, escorted by 44 P-51s, are dispatched to hit the marshalling yard at Koblenz while 12 others hit targets of opportunity.

The USAAF Ninth Air Force dispatches 79 B-26s and A-20s to bomb marshalling yards at Gerolstein, Pronsfeld, and Ebrang; fighters escort the bombers, fly armed reconnaissance over the Bonn, Koblenz, Karlsruhe, Cologne, and the Strasbourg area, and support the US First and Third Armies in western Germany and eastern France; the IX Tactical Air Command is exceptionally effective in aiding the V Corps withdrawal from the Wallendorf bridgehead; during the evening IX Air Defense Command fighters patrol the Luxembourg-Chaumont , France area.

Italian campaign

German forces of Army Group E evacuate the Peloponnes peninsula.

During the night of 21/22 September, 71 RAF heavy bombers of No. 205 (Heavy Bomber) Group attack the Salonika port area.

In the U.S. Fifth Army's IV Corps area, Regimental Combat Team 6, Brazilian Expeditionary Force, tries unsuccessfully to take Mt Prano. The South African 6th Armored Division reaches Serra. In the II Corps area, the 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, seizes Firenzuola; the 339th Infantry Regiment takes Mt Frena and Mt Coloreta. The 91st Infantry Division, to the west, gets advance elements of 361st and 363d Infantry Regiments to the Santerno River; the 362d, against rear-guard opposition, clears St Lucia and Mt Gazzari and enters Futa Pass, but the Germans retain the hill dominating it to west. On the left flank of the corps, the 133d Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division at last clears Torricella Hill. On the right flank of the corps, the 88th Infantry Division is committed through the right flank of the 85th Infantry Division and, with the 349th Infantry Regiment on the left and 350th on right, starts quickly down the Santerno valley toward Imola. In the British 13 Corps area, the 1st Infantry Division is half way between Crespino and Marradi. The 6th Armoured Division takes Mt Peschiena.

The British Eighth Army pursues the retreating Germans toward the Marecchia River. 5 Corps finds the Ceriano ridge abandoned and gets patrols to the river before dawn of 22 September. The strength of the 1st Armoured Division and 56th Division is so badly depleted that the divisions must be reorganized. The 56th Division is ordered to withdraw from the line on 22 September. In the Canadian I Corps area, the British 4th Division gets patrols across the Marecchia River during the night 21/22 September. The Canadian 1st Division mops up the San Fortunato position and establishes a bridgehead across the Marecchia River west of Rimini; the attached Greek 3d Mountain Brigade, having cleared the airfield south of Rimini, enters the coastal city, from which the Germans have withdrawn.

In the air, bad weather and unserviceable landing grounds cancel all USAAF Twelfth Air Force operations.

USAAF Fifteenth Air Force heavy bombers bomb four transportation targets: 46 hit the railroad bridge at Novi Sad; 26 bomb the marshalling yard at Brod; two bomb the marshalling yard at Vincovici; and one bombs the marshalling yard at Subotica and 42 P-38 Lightnings dive-bomb the Osijek marshalling yard . Two C-47 Skytrains, with eight P-51 Mustangs escorting, evacuate Fifteenth Air Force personnel from Yugoslavia to Italy.

USAAF heavy bombers attack six transportation targets: 103 bomb the marshalling yard at Debrecen; 56 bomb the marshalling yard at Bekescaba; 54 hit the railroad bridge at Baja; 32 attack the railroad bridge at Tiza Fured; 21 bomb the railroad bridge at Kiskore; and ten hit miscellaneous railroad targets. Two bombers are lost.

German Occupied Denmark

The general strike protesting recent deportations by German authorities comes to an end.

San Marino

The small [24 square mile] San Marino republic in central Italy declares war on Germany.

Finland

Finnish military intelligence begins to execute Operation STELLA POLARIS. In the following days the personnel, equipment and archives of the military intelligence is transferred covertly by sea to Sweden, so that under no circumstances they would fall in the Soviet hands. Many of the officers involved use the intelligence they have to secure jobs in the Swedish and diverse western Allied intelligence services.

United Kingdom

Photo: HMCS Copper Cliff at Greenock on 21 September 1944. The castle-class corvette was originally built for the Royal Navy as HMS Hever Castle but transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy under its new name



Photo: HM Rescue Tug Advantage on 21 September 1944 at Greenock



United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Tinsman (DE-589) underway off Boston, Massachusetts (USA), 21 September 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 7 B-25s hit Man Mawn and 1 other bombs Indaw; 21 B-24s haul fuel to Liuchow, China. 170+ other transport sorties are flown to various terminal points in CBI.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 27 B-25s pound Kiyang, Yungming, Lingling and areas to the N, and the area W of Chuanhsien; 100+ P-40s and P-51s attack buildings, river shipping, troops, horses, and supplies at numerous points especially around Sinshih, Kiyang, Wuchou, and Isuho.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): 5 B-24s on armed reconnaissance and training missions from Saipan bomb Marcus and Pagan s. B-25s, based in the Gilberts, strike Ponape .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: B-24s attack Ambon on Amboina and Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes and shipping in Piroe Bay. On Celebes, P-38s and B-25s hit Menado, Tomohon, the Kakas rest camp, small craft near Belang , Kairatoe, and Namlea Airfield on Buru , and a barge off Kaoe Point, Halmahera. Fighter-bombers hit Windissi and Ransiki and strafe targets of opportunity near the Orai River; during the night of 21/22 Sep fighter-bombers hit the Geelvink Bay-Bentoni Bay area; the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Espiritu Santo to Biak with C-47s (squadron is operating from Los Negros); the detachment of the 421st Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, operating from Wakde with P-38s and P-61s, returns to base at Nadzab.

AUSTRALIA

U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander South West Pacific Area, radios the U.S. Chiefs of Staff that he can mount a major assault on Luzon, Philippine Islands about 20 December as a result of the acceleration of the Leyte invasion; he also suggests that the Formosa operation may be unnecessary if Luzon is occupied.

Australian General Thomas Blamey, commander of the Allied Land Forces South West Pacific Area and commander of the Australian Military Force, tells the Australian Advisory War Council that he will have two divisions available for the upcoming invasion of the Philippines. This is addition to Australian responsibilities in New Guinea and adjacent islands.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

Radar is established on Raoe Island, off the west coast Morotai Island, Halmahara Islands, Netherlands East Indies.

In the air over the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s attack Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island, Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island and shipping in Piroe Bay, Ceram, Moluccas Islands. On Celebes Island, P-38s and B-25s hit Menado, Tomohon, the Kakas rest camp, small craft near Belang Island, Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island, Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, and a barge off Kaoe Point, Celebes Island.

In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Far East Air Forces fighter-bombers hit Windissi and Ransiki (Moemi North) Aerodrome and strafe targets of opportunity near the Orai River; during the night of 21/22 September fighter-bombers hit the Geelvink Bay-Bentoni Bay area.

MARCUS ISLAND

USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators on an armed reconnaissance and training mission bomb the island. The island is located in the North Pacific about 768 nautical miles WNW of Wake Island and is used as a refueling point for Japanese aircraft en route to the Central Pacific.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINES ISLANDS

TF 38 (Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher) begins strikes on Japanese shipping in Manila and Subic Bays, Clark and Nichols Fields near Manila, and the Cavite Navy Yard. At Manila, planes from TG 38.1, TG 38.2, and TG 38.3 sink destroyer Satsuki, fleet tanker Kyokuto Maru, oilers Sunosaki and Okikawa Maru, tanker No.2 Horai Maru, army cargo ships Norway Maru, Yozan Maru, China Maru and Tsukubusan Maru, merchant tanker Niyo Maru, cargo ships Hioki Maru, Risshun Maru, and Rozan Maru, 14°35'N, 120°55'E; army cargo ships Nansei Maru and Yamabuki Maru, 14°45'N, 120°12'E; army cargo ships Toyofuko Maru, Wakashiro Maru, Eikyu Maru, and Fukuei Maru, cargo ships Amahi Maru, Soerabaja Maru and Yamakaze Maru. Navy carrier-based aircraft also sink Coast Defense Vessel No.5, passenger-cargo ship Hofuku Maru, tanker No.1 Ogura Maru, army cargo ships Surakaruta Maru and Yuki Maru, merchant tanker Shichiyo Maru and cargo vessel Nansei Maru north of Masinloc, 15°25'N, 119°50'E; destroyer Hibiki is damaged by strafing and by collision while attempting to save No.1 Ogura Maru. Planes also damage army cargo vessels Yuki Maru, Tsukubasan Maru, and tankers Horai Maru and No.1 Ogura Maru.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 126, SEPTEMBER 21, 1944

The First Marine Division made minor gains in a northerly direction along the western ridge of Peleliu Island on September 24 (West Longitude Date) facing stiff opposition from the enemy troops well entrenched in pre­cipitous terrain. Our attack was preceded by gunfire from cruisers and de­stroyers and by bombing.

Meantime, our forces occupied the entire east coast of Peleliu, including the island of Ngabad.

More enemy equipment has been captured consisting of six trench mortars and 31 machine guns. An additional 10 enemy aircraft have been found de­stroyed on the airfield.

The 81st Division is continuing mopping‑up operations on Angaur.

Enemy troops killed on Peleliu number 8,792. Enemy troops killed on Angaur number 850.

The airfield and installations on Babelthuap and the seaplane base at Arakabesan were bombed on September 20.

Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts strafed and bombed gun emplace­ments on Pagan in the Marianas on September 19.

Aircraft of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed storage areas at Rota Island on September 18 and attacked it again on September 19, causing several explosions and starting fires.

A single plane bombed Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on September 18. There was no antiaircraft fire.

Truk Atoll was the target of Seventh Army Air Force Liberators on September 18. Sixty‑nine tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield at Moen. Four enemy aircraft attempted interception. Antiaircraft fire was meager. Three Liberators were slightly damaged but all returned.

Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Four bombed Paramushiru in the Kuriles on September 19. Direct hits were scored on communication facilities. Later the same day a single Eleventh Army Air Force Mitchell bomber attacked Paramushiru, encountering meager antiaircraft fire. All planes returned safely.

Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing attacked Wotje, in the Marshalls, on September 19. Bivouac areas, storage areas, and communication facilities were bombed. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 127, SEPTEMBER 21, 1944

Carrier aircraft of the Pacific Fleet swept the island of Luzon in the heart of the Philippines on September 20 (West Longitude Date) striking in great force at shipping in Manila Bay and in Subic Bay, at enemy Installa­tions at Clark Field and Nichols Field near Manila, and at the Cavite Naval Base.

One hundred and ten enemy aircraft were shot down in the air and 95 were destroyed on the ground. The following additional damage was inflicted on the enemy:

Enemy ships sunk:

One large destroyer leader
Four large oil tankers
One small oil tanker
Two large cargo ships
One medium cargo ship
Two small cargo ships

Enemy ships damaged:

including those probably sunk
One destroyer
Two large oil tankers
One large transport
Ten large cargo ships
Twelve medium cargo ships
One floating dry dock
Two barges

In addition to the heavy shipping and aircraft losses inflicted upon the enemy, much damage was done to military objectives on and adjacent to Clark Field and Nichols Field, and to the fields themselves. Our losses in this superlatively successful attack which apparently caught the enemy completely by surprise, were 15 aircraft from which several of the flight personnel were recovered. There was no damage to our surface ships.

PACIFIC

Japanese army cargo ships Nansei Maru, 15°06'N, 119°05'E, and Soerakarta Maru, 15°23'N, 119°50'E, are sunk by aircraft.

Submarine Haddo (SS-255), while lifeguarding for TF 38, sinks Japanese surveying ship Katsuriki 80 miles southwest of Manila, 13°35'N, 119°06'E.

Off north coast of Luzon, Picuda (SS-382) sinks Japanese transport Awaji Maru, 18°43'N, 120°53'E; and Redfish (SS-395) sinks transport Mizuho Maru, 18°37'N, 120°43'E.

Submarine Searaven (SS-196) sinks Kurils-bound Japanesearmy transport Rizan Maru, 49°13'N, 145°30'E.

Submarine Shad (SS-235) sinks Japanese auxiliary minesweeper No.2 Fumi Maru east of Shinto, 34°45'N, 139°40'E.

TU 33.13.1 (Captain Robley W. Clark), consisting initially of light minelayers Montgomery (DM-17) (flagship) and Preble (DM-20), four minesweepers and seven motor minesweepers (YMS), begins minesweeping operations in Ulithi lagoon. These operations will continue daily until 13 October, after which operations will be conducted on the 17th, 27th and 28th.

Day 1839 of World War II, September 23rd 1944

Eastern Front

Soviet forces in Estonia reach the Baltic Sea at Parnu. In Romania, Soviet forces advance from Arad to the Hungarian frontier.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 23rd 1944



In the U.S. Third Army's XII Corps area, the 35th Infantry Division clears Bois de Faulx of German rear guards, capturing many. In the XV Corps area, the 79th Infantry Division clears Foret de Mondon. A French patrol crosses the La Vezouse River and takes Domjevin but the Germans restore positions along the river. After nightfall, the final German remnants fall back across the river to organize a new defense line. In the U.S. Seventh Army's VI Corps area, the 36th Infantry Division finishes clearing Remiremont and begins crossing the Moselle. The 3d Infantry Division, reaches the Moselle across from Rupt and about midnight begins crossing over a bridge, which is found to be intact. In the French 1st Army area, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny revises his plan of attack as a result of Lieutenant General Lucian K Truscott's decision to make the main effort with the U.S. Seventh Army while French forces provide flank protection. He calls for an offensive limited in strength to one combat command of the French 1st Armored Division and one regimental combat team of the French 1st Infantry Division. The armor is to attack on an axis Melisey-Le Thillot; the infantry is to conduct diversionary attacks.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

Operation Market Garden - Day 7: Spindler was ordered to switch his attacks further south to try to force the British away from the river, isolating the British from any hope of reinforcement and allowing them to be destroyed. Despite their best efforts, however, they were unsuccessful, although the constant artillery and assaults continued to wear the British defences down further.

A break in the weather allowed the RAF to finally fly combat missions against the German forces surrounding Urquhart's men. Hawker Typhoons and Republic P-47 Thunderbolts strafed German positions throughout the day and occasionally duelled with the Luftwaffe over the battlefield. The RAF attempted their final resupply flight from Britain on the Saturday afternoon, but lost eight planes for little gain to the airborne troops. Some small resupply efforts would be made from Allied airfields in Europe over the next two days but to little effect.

South of the river, the Poles prepared for another crossing. That night, they awaited the arrival of assault boats from XXX Corps, but these did not arrive until after midnight, and many were without oars. The crossings started at 03:00, with fire support from the 43rd Wessex Division. Through the remaining hours of darkness, only 153 men were able to cross – less than ¼ of the hoped for reinforcement

Photo: British airborne troops moving through a shell-damaged house in Oosterbeek near Arnhem during Operation 'Market Garden', 23 September 1944



British 30th Corps fails to make further progress. There is a successful German counterattack north of Eindhoven. To the west, Canadian forces cross the Escaut canal in attacks aimed at clear German forces from the north bank of the Scheldt.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of Belgium

Canadian units cross the Escaut canal during their advance to clear the north bank of the Scheldt.

Air War over Europe

162 USAAF Eighth Air Force B-24s fly a TRUCKIN' mission to France delivering fuel. Fighters support the US Third Army in the Chateau-Salins area.

The fighting in Arnhem continues between the Allied paratroops and the Germans. The British XXX Corps continues attacks in its attempts to advance.

559 USAAF Eighth and Ninth Air Forces P-38s, P-47s and P-51s bomb and strafe flak positions and other ground targets in two landing zones in the Nijmegen area, immediately preceding the arrival of the remainder of the US 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions and the Polish 1st Brigade; the P-38s are flown by Eighth and Ninth Air Force units; they engage 150+ Luftwaffe fighters; the USAAF claims 27-2-6 aircraft in the air; four P-47s and ten P-51s are lost.

During the day, RAF Bomber Command sent 50 aircraft, 34 Halifaxes, ten Mosquitos and six Lancasters, to bomb coastal batteries at Domburg; 49 bombed the target without loss. One particularly large explosion is seen.

B-26s and A-20s sent against targets in are recalled due to weather; fighters support the US First Army in western Germany, escort bombers (recalled), and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas.

During the night of 23/24 September, RAF Bomber Command sent 549 aircraft, 378 Lancasters, 154 Halifaxes and 17 Mosquitos, to bomb Neuss; 492 aircraft bombed the target with the loss of five Lancasters and two Halifaxes. Bomber Command's report states that most of the bombing fell in the dock and factory areas. In a second raid, 136 Lancasters and five Mosquitos are sent to bomb the banks of the two parallel branches of the Dortmund-Ems canal at a point near Ladbergen, north of Munster, where the level of the canal water is well above the level of the surrounding land. Ninety nine aircraft bombed the Munster Aqueducts with the loss of 14 Lancasters, more than 10 per cent of the Lancaster force. Despite the presence of 7/10ths cloud in the target area, breaches are made in the banks of both branches of the canal and a 6-mile (9,7 kilometer) stretch of it is drained. Most of this damage is caused by two direct hits by 12,000 pound (5 543 kilogram) Tallboy bombs dropped by aircraft of No 617 Squadron at the opening of the raid. In a third raid, 113 aircraft, 107 Lancasters, five Mosquitos and a Lightning, carried out a supporting raid on Handorf Airfield the local German night-fighter airfield just outside Munster; one Lancaster is lost. No photographic reconnaissance flight is carried out after this raid. Sixty five aircraft also bombed Münster itself; the town records 100 high-explosive bombs but no fatal casualties. Two other raids are flown by Mosquitos, 42 bombing Bochum and six bombing the Rheine marshalling yard.

Italian campaign

In the U.S. Fifth Army's II Corps area, the 34th Infantry Division, with the capture of Montepiano, is through the Gothic Line. In the British XIII Corps area, the 1st Division occupies Poggio Cavalmagra and pushes on toward Palazzuolo on the left and Marradi on the river. The Indian 8th Division occupies Mt Villanova. In the British Eighth Army area, V Corps is vigorously engaged with the Germans north of the Marecchia River on a delaying line San Arcangelo-Poggio Berni-Montebello. The Canadian I Corps continues to pursue the Germans toward the Uso River.

Photo: Tank-dozer of 752nd Tank Bn. clears debris from road in Firenzuola, Italy. 23 September 1944



Photo: 75mm German gun knocked out by our artillery with a direct hit in the area south of Futa Pass. 23 September, 1944



In the air, several missions are aborted by bad weather but USAAF Twelfth Air Force medium bombers attack several railroad bridges in the Po River Valley; fighter-bombers hit guns and rail and road targets in the battle area. B-24s attack seven railroad targets: 118 bomb the Piave Ponte di Piave railroad bridge, 61 bomb the Casarsa railroad bridge, 14 bomb the South railroad bridge at Pinzano, 13 each bomb the Nervesa and Latisana railroad bridges and ten bomb the Venzone railroad bridge.

One hundred thirty B-17s, escorted by P-38s and P-51s, bomb the synthetic oil refinery at Brux. Four bombed visually and 126 used H2X radar. Ten B-17s, escorted by P-38s and P-51s bomb the marshalling yard at Wels.

Battle of the Mediterranean

The British Special Boat Squadron, Mediterranean, is dropped on Araxos, on the northwest coast of the Peloponnesus Peninsula, to seize an airfield, from which retreating Germans can be harassed, and to occupy Patras.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Doyle C. Barnes (DE-353) on 23 September 1944. Note the unusual camouflage. She was completed in Camouflage Measure 12 on her starboard side only. It was an experiment comparing various camouflage schemes against British Admiralty designs



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Grady (DE-445) underway off New York City (USA) on 23 September 1944, with the Statue of Liberty in the background. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 22D. Note that she was fittet with a SU radar on the mast and a direction finding antenna on the stack



Photo: The U.S. Navy attack transport USS Dauphin (APA-97) in the Chesapeake Bay off Norfolk, Virginia (USA), on 23 September 1944, the day she was commissioned. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 4T



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 19 P-47s attack bridges along a line Wanling-Bhamo-Myitkyina destroying 1 bridge; 6 B-25s hit bridges S of Meza, destroying 1 and extensively damaging several others. In China, 19 B-24s fly fuel to Liuchow while 2 deliver fuel to Kunming.

CHINA

U.S. Ambassador to China Major General Patrick J Hurley sends a report to President Franklin D Roosevelt and tells him of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's reaction to his (Roosevelt's) message of 19 September.

On the Salween front, the Japanese send a rescue column to extricate the garrison at Pingka.

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 15 B-24s pound the Burma Road in the Chefang area; 36 B-25s hit Chuanhsien and targets of opportunity in surrounding areas; 6 B-25s bomb Kuanyang, 5 hit Yungming, 6 damage Dara bridge, 12 bomb Lungling, and 2 knock out a bridge near Jinyang; 2 B-24s bomb docks at Amoy; again 90+ P-40s and P-51s hit numerous targets of opportunity throughout SE China concentrating on Japanese troops in the Chuanhsien area and various targets around Jungyun, Yuankiang, Yungming, Lingling, and Hsuchang.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): 15 B-24s from Saipan bomb Chichi Jima, Haha Jima, and Ani Jima. 2 B-24s on armed reconnaissance bomb Marcus while 1 on a training mission hits Pagan. On the night of 23/24 Sep a B-24 from Kwajalein bombs Wake.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: During night and day raids B-24s and B-25s concentrate on Sidate and Mapanget Airfields on Celebes . P-47s pound Kaoe Airfield. P-47s and P-40s bomb AA guns at Manokwari, Moemi, and Ransiki Airfield; HQ Thirteenth Air Force moves from Hollandia to Noemfoor; the 460th Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, moves from Nadzab to Noemfoor with P-47s.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

Regimental Combat Team 321 of the 81st Infantry Division arrives on Peleliu Island from Angaur Island and is attached to the 1st Marine Division. After relieving the 1st Marine Regiment on the left flank just north of the third phase line, north of the village of Ngarekeukl, RCT 321 reconnoiters along the coast to Garekoru, near the fourth phase line, without difficulty. Efforts to make a general advance northward, however, fail because of intense fire from the center ridges. The 7th Marine Regiment has the task of supporting the drive of the infantry. On Angaur Island, the 322d Infantry Regiment again drives into the Lake Salome bowl from south but pulls back again when forward positions become untenable.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

In the Netherlands East Indies, work is begun on another airfield, named Pitoe Drome on Morotai, about 1,200 yards N of Wama Drome.

In the air, during night and day raids USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s and B-25s concentrate on Sidate and Mapanget Airfields on Celebes Island while P-47s pound Kaoe Airfield on Halmahera Island.

At Allied headquarters in Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, U.S. Lieutenant General Stephen J. Chamberlin, Deputy Chief of Staff South West Pacific Area, tells Australian Lieutenant General Sir Frank Horton Berryman, General Officer Commanding I Australian Corps, that for planning purposes, the roles of I Australian Corps are:

(1) Aparri, Philippine Islands, with an earliest date of 20-30 December 1944;
(2) Sarangani, Philippine Islands after Lingayen Gulf; and
(3) after Sarangani an advance down the west coast of Borneo with Java as an ultimate objective.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Battleship West Virginia (BB-48) reaches Pearl Harbor and rejoins the Pacific Fleet, marking the completion of the program of salvage and reconstruction of the ships damaged at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 129, SEPTEMBER 23, 1944

Carrier‑based planes bombed Yap Island on September 21, finding new worthwhile targets, no airborne opposition and only moderate antiaircraft fire.

Enemy forces on Peleliu Island were slowly but steadily being pushed toward the northern end of the island during September 22. Garekoru Village and a small, unnamed island along the east coast were occupied by United States Marines. Approximately three‑fourths of the island is now in our hands.

On the same day seven barges were sighted in the narrow channel be­tween Peleliu and Ngesebus Islands. One was sunk by our patrol vessels and the remainder dispersed. These were destroyed by bombing, strafing and ships' gunfire after being beached on Peleliu. In the action a small supply dump was also set afire.

At sundown on September 22, 7,020 enemy troops had been killed on Peleliu while 950 had been killed on Angaur.

Pagan and Anatahan in the Marianas were attacked by Seventh Army Air Force Thunderbolts on September 21. On the same day Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed the phosphate plant and storage facili­ties on Rota Island.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators attacked shipping in the harbor at Chichi Jima in the Bonins on September 21. One barge was sunk and near misses were scored on a freighter. Large explosions in the harbor area were caused. Meager antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 21 and gun positions and areas surrounding the airfield at Ponape were bombed on September 21 by Seventh Army Air Force Mitchells.

On the same day Jaluit Atoll was attacked by Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.

PACIFIC

Submarine Apogon (SS-308) sinks Japanese guardboat No.6 Choyo Maru east of Honshu, 34°57'N, 154°44'E.

Submarine Escolar (SS-294) departs Midway for first war patrol.

German submarine U-859 is sunk by British submarine HMS Trenchant off Penang, Malaya, 05°46'N, 100°04'E.

Navy land based aircraft sink Japanese auxiliary vessel Toshu Maru off Wowoni, Celebes, 04°23'S, 122°43'E.

PBY sinks cargo ship Heiho Maru in Celebes Sea, 03°40'N, 122°25'E.

Japanese gunboat Nankai and transport Hokkai Maru are damaged by mines (laid by submarine Bowfin on 29 January) off Balikpapan, Borneo, 03°37'S, 116°25'E.

Japanese army cargo ship Kurogane Maru is damaged by aircraft, Manila.

Day 1841 of World War II, September 25th 1944

Eastern Front

In Estonia, Soviet forces capture the Baltic port of Haapsalu.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 25th 1944



In the Canadian First Army's 2 Corps area, the 3d Division, having moved up to Calais from Boulogne, begins an all-out assault after preparatory bombardment. Polish armor is moving from the east flank of 2 Corps to the east flank of the British I Corps. In the U.S. Third Army area, General George S Patton lists the priorities for limited attacks. In the XX Corps area, the 5th Infantry Division, extending southward, completes relief of the 7th Armored Division and withdraws to a new main line of resistance, pulling back its outpost line. Corny and Pournoy-la-Chetive, secured at great cost, are abandoned in the retrograde movement. The 83d Infantry Division, tasked with clearing rear guards from the northern flank of the corps west of the Sauer and Moselle Rivers, reaches the west bank of the Moselle River at Remich. Task Force Polk then moves south to the Thionville area. In the XII Corps area, the 35th Infantry Division is relieving the 6th Armored Division (-) in the Foret de Gremecey sector. In powerful counterattacks against the salient held by Combat Command A, 4th Armored Division, a German Fifth Panzer Army column drives through Marsal and Moyenvic to Vic-sur-Seille where contact is made with the German First Army. The enemy also thrusts sharply at other points of Combat Command A's perimeter and overruns Moncourt; Combat Command B turning over its positions west of Chateau-Salins to the 35th Infantry Division, moves to the south of Combat Command A, between Rechicourt and the canal. In the U.S. Seventh Army's VI Corps area, the 45th Infantry Division completes clearing Epinal. The 36th Infantry Division is attacking toward Bruyeres and Tendon and the 3d Infantry Division takes over St Ame area from 36th Infantry Division. In the French 1st Army area, the 2d Corps opens a limited offensive with the 1st Armored Division, whose third combat command has now joined it, and the 1st Infantry Division. Progress is limited because of firm opposition.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

During the night, a copy of the withdrawal plan was sent across the river to Urquhart.[155] Despite the obviously frustrating content, Urquhart knew there was little other choice. He radioed Thomas at 08:00 and agreed to the plan, provided it went ahead that night. The Airborne forces would need to endure another day in their perimeter. More men were evacuated from the aid posts throughout the day, but there was no official truce and this was sometimes done under fire. At 10:00, the Germans began their most successful assault on the perimeter, attacking the south-eastern end with infantry supported by newly arrived Tiger tanks. This assault pushed through the defenders' outer lines and threatened to isolate the bulk of the division from the river. Strong counter-attacks from the defenders and concentrated shellfire from south of the river eventually repulsed the Germans.

Photo: British paratroops being marched away by their German captors. Some 6,400 of the 10,000 British paratroops who landed at Arnhem were taken prisoner, a further 1,100 had been killed. (German photograph)



Urquhart made his withdrawal plan on the model used in the evacuation of Gallipoli during the First World War. The northernmost units would fall back first, moving through the more southerly groups, who would then follow behind. The glider pilots would organise the routes to the river and the operation would be covered by an intense artillery bombardment from XXX Corps. South of the river, the evacuation was organised and staffed by men of the 43rd (Wessex) divisional engineers and Royal Canadian Engineers, using rafts and storm boats. To keep the operation secret, the plan was not announced until the afternoon and some men (mainly wounded) would remain to provide covering fire through the night. Men were ordered to muffle their boots and weapons to help them bypass German incursions into the perimeter.Some men took the opportunity to shave before withdrawing, providing quite a morale boost.

Photo: The northern end of the bridge over the River Maas at Grave, 25 September 1944



By 21:00, heavy rain had begun to fall, which helped disguise the withdrawal. The bombardment commenced and the units began to fall back to the river. Half of the engineers' boats were too far west to be used (the 43rd (Wessex) Division mistakenly believing the crossing points used by the Dorsets the previous night were in British hands), slowing the evacuation. The Germans shelled the withdrawal, believing it to be a supply attempt. At 05:00, the operation was ended lest the coming light enable the Germans to fire onto the boats more accurately. A total of 2,163 Airborne men, 160 Poles, 75 Dorsets and several dozen other men were evacuated, but about 300 men were left behind on the northern bank when the operation was stopped, and 95 men were killed overnight during the evacuation.

Air War over Europe

176 B-24s on a TRUCKIN' mission fly fuel to France; 1 B-24 is lost. The USAAF Ninth Air Force’s IX Air defence Command flies night patrols from Paris east to Luxembourg and the German border.

Mission 647: 1,306 bombers and 622 fighters are dispatched to attack marshalling yards in western Germany and the synthetic oil plant at Ludwigshafen bombed by the Pathfinder Force; 5 bombers and 3 fighters are lost.

(1) 400 B-17s, escorted by 200 P-51s, bomb the Opau oil plant and the marshalling yard at Ludwigshafen; 46 others hit targets of opportunity; 3 B-17s are lost;
(2) 410 B-17s, escorted by 210 P-38s and P-51s, bomb the Frankfurt industrial area and 2 others hit targets of opportunity; 2 B-17s and 2 fighters are lost; and
(3) 257 B-24s, escorted by 157 P-38s, P-47s and P-51s, bomb the Mosel and Rhein marshalling yards at Koblenz; 1 P-51 is lost.

Due to bad weather, no bomber missions are flown by the USAAF Ninth Air Force but the fighters fly cover for U.S. First Army units in western Germany, dive-bombs rail lines, and armed reconnaissance over the Trier-Koblenz- Aachen area.

Italian campaign

In the U.S. Fifth Army's IV Corps area, Task Force 92, consisting of the 370th Infantry of the 92d Infantry Division and Combat Command B of the 1st Armored Division, takes command of the zone previously held by the 1st Armored Division. Elements of the South African 6th Armoured Division move to Mt. Casciaio, west of Mt. Coroncina, and relieve the 34th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop of the task of screening the left flank of II Corps. In the II Corps area, the 34th Infantry Division progresses slowly toward Mt. Bastione on the left flank of the corps. The 91st Infantry Division takes Mt. Beni, below Mt. Oggioli, on the right but makes little headway on the left under fire from Mt. Bastione. The 338th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division, attempts to outflank the enemy on Mt. Canda by attacking first toward Torre Poggioli to the northeast, but is unable to gain this objective; the 3d Battalion, 339th Infantry, tries to assist the attack on Torre Poggioli but is stopped by opposition from Montarello. The boundary between the 85th and 88th Infantry Divisions is altered in preparation for a strong effort by the 88th Infantry Division on 26 September to break through the last heights before Imola. The 337th Infantry, 85th Infantry Division, takes responsibility for Mt. la Fine, releasing the 349th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division. The British 13 Corps battles for the heights commanding Palazzuolo, Marradi, and San Benedetto. Several attempts by the 1st Division to take Mt. Gamberaldi fail. The Indian 8th Division begins an attack on Mt. di Castelnuovo, where the enemy resists strongly. The 6th Armoured Division, previously ordered to the Eighth Army front, is directed to remain in place and contain enemy on right flank of corps. In the British Eighth Army's 5 Corps area, the Indian 4th Division is delayed in crossing the Uso River on the left flank of corps by fire from Cornacchiara on the far bank, but the enemy withdraws during the night of 25/26 September. The 46th Division expands its Uso bridgehead toward Canonica. The 1st Armoured Division, after establishing a bridgehead across the Uso at San Arcangelo and Highway 9, is relieved there by the 56th Division. In the Canadian I Corps area, the 5th Armoured Division secures a bridgehead across the Uso River.

Medium bombers and A-20s cancel operations due to bad weather; fighter-bombers hit barracks areas, railroads, roads, and transportation in or near Bologna, Bozzolo, Parma, Castelfranco Veneto, and Canneto sull'Oglio, and in the immediate battle areas as the US Fifth Army meets strong opposition, especially in the vicinity of Mt Bastione, and near Torre Poggioli, Mt Gamberaldi, and Mt Castelnuovo.

Battle of the Mediterranean

51 B-24s, with P-51s and P-38s providing target cover and close escort, bomb Piraeus, Skaramanga, and Salamis harbors in Greece.

USAAF B-24s sink German submarines U-565 and U-596, Salamis, Greece.

German occupied Yugoslavia

Partisan forces occupy Banja Luka.

United Kingdom

Allied propaganda exhorts the estimated 12 million foreign workers and slave laborers in Germany to rebel.

Germany

Allied Intelligence has a poor opinion of some of the new recruits appearing in the front line facing the Allies in the west - "policemen ... boys of 16 and men with duodenal ulcers have been taken prisoner recently". Hitler's new recruits are likely to be of yet poorer calibre. The formation of the new "home guard", the Volkssturm, was announced today. It will be organized by Nazi Gauleiters under the direction of Himmler and Bormann. Hitler's mistrust of his generals is such that he believes that the Nazi Party, rather than the military, will mount the final defence of Germany. The Volkssturm will be operational next month. On paper, the Fuhrer still has ten million men in his armed forces, seven and half million of them in the army. Most are scattered across Europe, in the Baltic states, the Balkans, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and northern Italy, instead of coming to the defence of the Reich. Many of the regular formations assigned to home defence, and identified as divisions, are of no more than battalion strength.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CV-20) underway off Long Island, New York (USA), on 25 September 1944. She is painted in camouflage Measure 32, Design 17A



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 13 P-47s attack the towns of Haungton, Myintha, and Mawlu. B-24s again haul fuel to China, 15 landing at Kunming, 3 at Liuchow, and 1 at Yungning and the Tenth AF flies 220+ other transport sorties to various CBI terminals.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s blast the barracks area at Mangshih; 12 bomb Kweiyang, and 6 hit the town area and railroad yards at Hengyang; 11 B-24s pound Nanking; about 120 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance over the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River attack
a large variety of targets of opportunity at numerous locations including troops, buildings, and communications targets in the Paoching area and between Siangtan and Fulinpu.

Still furious about the letter he received from US President Franklin D Roosevelt on the 19th, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek refuses to give US General Joseph Stillwell, Chief of Staff to Chiang, operational control of the Chinese Nationalist Army.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): Saipan based B-24s strike Iwo Jima and Marcus. During the night of 25/26 Sep Kwajalein-based B-24s stage through Eniwetok on a strike at shipping at Truk; failing to locate the primary targets the B-24s bomb Tol, Eten, Param, and Moen while others hit Wake during the night of 25/26 Sep.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-24s hit Kendari Airfield and B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield. A-20s fire storage areas and hit personnel areas on the W shore of Kaoe Bay. Namlea Airfield on Buru is again bombed by B-24s. P-38s pound Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes and Boela Airfield on Ceram. B-25s and A-20s hit Sagan and Urarom Airfields while P-40s attack Kaimana.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

On Morotai, Task Force TRADEWIND is dissolved. Major General Charles Hall, as Commanding General XI Corps, is responsible for continuing base development.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

In the air, USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s bomb Kendari Airfield and B-25s bomb Langoan Airfield on Celebes Island. A-20s fire storage areas and hit personnel areas on the western shore of Kaoe Bay on Halmahera Island. Namlea Airfield on Buru Island is again bombed by B-24s while P-38s attack Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes Island and Boela Airfield on Ceram Island.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINES ISLANDS

The submarine Nautilus (SS-168)lands 25 tons of cargo, 20 drums of gasoline and 2 drums of oil on Cebu Island in the Philippines. As she begins to retire, the submarine grounds on Iuisan Shoal. Forced to lighten her load, her evacuees, mail, captured documents, and cargo are sent ashore. All secret materials is burned. Her reserve fuel tanks are blown dry, variable ballast is blown overboard and 6-inch ammunition jettisoned. With the blowing of her main ballast tanks she is finally able to get off the reef within 3 1/2 hours, despite the receding tide, and clear the area by dawn.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Peleliu, the 7th Marines continue to support attack of 321st Infantry, 81st Infantry Division, and extends the left flank to release elements of 321st for the main push. On the left, 321st Infantry patrols northward along the coast almost to the fifth phase line against light resistance. The 5th Marines move forward to join with the 321st Infantry in an attack to clear the northern part of the island. The right flank elements of the 321st Infantry continue clearing the lateral trail through the central ridge system, meeting strong opposition.

On Angaur, the 322d Infantry, whose efforts to push into the Lake Salome bowl from the south have all ended in failure, attempts in vain to find a suitable route of advance into the bowl from the north coast. Engineers then begin construction of road for an attack from the east-northeast

ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): 2 B-25s fly a negative shipping sweep.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 131, SEPTEMBER 25, 1944

Units of the First Marine Division maneuvered so as to by‑pass enemy strong-points on Peleliu Island and made substantial progress in a northerly direction along the western arm of the island during September 24 (West Longitude Date). At one point on the western shore they are less than a mile from the northern tip of the island. During the night of September 23 24 an enemy barge was destroyed by Naval gunfire. Certain elements of the 81st Infantry Division have reinforced the First Marine Division, while other elements are continuing to mop up on Angaur Island. Through September 24 our troops had counted 8288 enemy dead, of which 7313 were killed on Peleliu and the remainder of 975 killed on Angaur. Heavy fighting continues.

Harbor facilities and shipping at Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands were bombed on September 23 by Seventh Army Air Force Liberators.

Seventh Army Air Force Liberators bombed Marcus Island on September 22 and again on September 23.

On September 23 Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing strafed

gun emplacements at Rota Island in the Marianas. There was meager anti­aircraft fire.

Bivouac areas at Jaluit Atoll were attacked twice on September 23 by Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. Other Corsairs struck at defensive positions at Wotje Atoll and Mille Atoll on the same day.

PACIFIC

Submarine Barbel (SS-316) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Bushu Maru off Togara Gunto, 29°46'N, 129°40'E.

Submarine Guardfish (SS-217) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship No.2 Miyakawa Maru in Yellow Sea off Chinnampo, Korea, 38°30'N, 124°06'E.

Submarine Searaven (SS-196) attacks Japanese small craft off southwest tip of Etorofu, Kurils, sinking No.1 Hirota Maru.

Submarine Thresher (SS-200) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Nissei Maru in Yellow Sea, 37°32'N, 124°33'E.