World War II in real time

Day 1845 of World War II, September 29th 1944

Eastern Front

Soviet troops of the 8th Army land on Muhu Island in the Baltic. German forces withdraw to the nearby island of Saaremaa.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, September 29th 1944



In the Canadian First Army’s II Corps area, an armistice for the withdrawal of civilians interrupts the battle at Calais. In the U.S. Third Army area, Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Commanding General Third Army, approves a plan for XX Corps to attack Fort Driant again, beginning on 3 October.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

In the British Second Army area, German swimmers damage bridges at Nijmegen with submarine charges, but the bridges are soon repaired. XII Corps reaches line of the Hertogenbosch-Oss railroad southwest of Nijmegen.

Air War over Europe

During the day, 72 RAF Bomber Command Halifaxes fly petrol (gasoline) from the U.K. to Melsbroek Airfield in Brussels.

Over four hundred B-26s and A-20s hit marshalling yards and rail sidings at Prum, Euskirchen, and Bingen, dragon's teeth antitank defenses near Webenheim, and marshalling yards, rail sidings, warehouses and barracks at Julich and Bitburg; 1,500+ fighters escort the bombers, hit railroads, fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance over wide areas of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, eastern France, and in western Germany as far east as Frankfurt/Main.

During the night of 29/30 September, 39 RAF Bomber Command Mosquitos bombed Karlsruhe and nine Lancasters laid mines in the Heligoland Bight in the south-east corner of the North Sea and four laid mines in the Kattegat, a bay of the North Sea bounded by Denmark and Sweden.

Italian campaign

In the U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, elements of Regimental Combat Team 6, Brazilian Expeditionary Force, take Stazzema; In the U.S. II Corps area, the 34th Infantry Division repels a counterattack on the left at Montefredente and on the right reaches Fornelli. In the British XIII Corps area, the Germans withdraw from Mont di Castelnuovo. The British Eighth Army is hampered all along line by heavy rains and flooding. V Corps advances on its right flank during the night of 29/30 September, taking Savignano and Castelvecchio ridge without opposition, as Germans make limited withdrawal. Patrols cross the Fiumicino River.

A-20s and medium bombers are again grounded by weather; fighter-bombers, hampered by weather, fly 52 sorties in the afternoon, cutting rail lines leading south from Milan.

Battle of the Atlantic

While on her first patrol, German submarine U-863 is sunk about 579 nautical miles (1 072 kilometers) east-southeast of Recife, Brazil, by depth charges from two PB4Y-1 Liberators of USN Bombing Squadron One Hundred Seven (VB-107) based on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic; all 69 crewmen are lost.

U.S. freighter Edward H. Crockett, while proceeding from Archangel to Scotland in convoy RA 60, is torpedoed by German submarine U-310 at 73°00'N, 24°32'E; irreparably damaged, the freighter is scuttledby gunfire from a British destroyer. While there are no casualties to the 27-man Armed Guard, one of the 41-man merchant complement perishes in the explosion of the first torpedo.

United Kingdom

Photo: British S class submarine HMSM Sleuth underway on the Mersey, 29 September 1944



United States

The Soviet representative withdraws from the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, D.C., and the second part of the Conference begins with China participating.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares that Nazi-Fascist influence is growing in Argentina and that the Argentine government has failed to fulfill its obligations under the inter-American agreements. As a result, the U.S. government refuses to allow American ships to call at Argentinean ports.

Photo: The U.S. Navy attack transport USS Shoshone (AKA-65) at Charleston, South Carolina (USA) on 29 September 1944. she is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 13F. Shoshone was commissioned on 24 September 1944



Pacific War

BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): 11 B-25s attack and damage the main bridge, knock out the bypass bridge and silence adjoining AA positions on the Burma Road near Uambkai, Burma. 18 B-24s haul fuel to Yungning, Liuchow, and Kunming, China.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 11 B-25s bomb Mangshih, 24 bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields at Canton, and 15 hit targets of opportunity around Chuanhsien, Taochuan and Taohsien; about 100 P-51s, P-40s, and P-38s again attack various targets of opportunity throughout the vast expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, hitting road, rail, and river targets, troops, and town areas.

A strong Chinese labor force begins work on a trail between Myitkyina, Burma, and Kunming via Tengchung and is assisted by small group of U.S. engineers.

SAIPAN

(Seventh Air Force): 3 B-24s from Saipan bomb Marcus; 2 others hit Iwo Jima and Pagan. P-47s bomb and strafe gun positions on Pagan. B-24s from Eniwetok pound Truk.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

In the Netherlands East Indies, Kendari Airfield on Celebes Island is bombed by B-24s. B-25s hit both Namlea Seaplane Base on Buroe Island, while B-24s blast Liang (Laha or Ambon East) Airfield on Ambon Island and Haroekoe Airfield on Haroekoe Island. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft, continue to pound Urarom Airfield; USAAF A-20s attack Faan Airfield in the Kai Islands. other A-20s bomb Faan Airfield.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Peleliu Island, the 7th Marine Regiment takes responsibility for completing the reduction of the Umurbrogol Pocket, releasing the Army’s 3d Battalion of the 321st Infantry Regiment which then starts north along the route previously taken by the 1st Battalion clearing bypassed resistance as it moves. Other elements of 321st Infantry relieve the 5th Marine Regiment on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands. The 5th Marines continue to clear Amiangal Mountain.

On Angaur Island, the Army’s 322d Infantry Regiment clears the floor of Lake Salome bowl and forces the Japanese to the northwest rim and northwest tip of the island.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

The submarine USS Narwhal evacuates 81 American POWs from Sindangan Bay, Mindanao Island. These men had survived the sinking of the Japanese transport SS Shinyo Maru by the submarine USS Paddle on 7 September. The transport had been carrying 750 American POWs.

ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kuriles, 2 B-24s bomb Katooka naval base and Kokutan Cape.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 135, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944

Elements of the First Marine Division landed on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands, north of Peleliu, on the morning of September 27 (West Longitude Date). The assault was preceded by heavy shelling from cruisers and de­stroyers and bombing from carrier‑based aircraft. Light enemy opposition was speedily overcome. Ngesebus Island is completely secure and our troops are mopping up scattered enemy forces occupying only a small portion of Kongauru Island.

The First Marine Division and elements of the 81st Infantry Division continued to drive the enemy from remaining positions on Peleliu Island. Our forces drove south on Umurbrogol Hill and all the northern arm of the island has been secured with the exception of the pinnacle of an unnamed hill and a small area on the eastern coast. The 81st Division is cleaning out caves and pillboxes on the northwest tip of Angaur Island where a few enemy troops remain.

Naval installations at Chichi Jima in the Bonins were bombed on Sep­tember 27 by Seventh Air Force Liberators. Fires were started and two ex­plosions were observed. Antiaircraft fire which varied from moderate to in­tense did no damage to our planes. A Navy search plane while on routine patrol near Iwo Jima on September 27 damaged an enemy medium bomber.

The enemy plane had one engine shot out and was forced to land, nearly missing two fighter planes about to take off from the airfield at Iwo Jima. On September 27 another Navy search plane downed an enemy bomber north of the Palau Islands. On September 26 a single Seventh Air Force Liberator bombed the airfield at Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

Enemy‑held islands in the Marianas were subjected to further neutraliza­tion raids on September 26 and 27. Seventh Air Force Thunderbolts bombed and strafed installations on Pagan on September 27, and Seventh Air Force Liberators were over Pagan Island twice on September 26. Areas of possible use as airfields were bombed and the Island was strafed. Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Rota, doing further damage to the air­field.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force bombed Wake Island on the night of September 25. Nauru was bombed on September 26 by Seventh Air Force Mitchells. The airfield and gun emplacements were hit. There was meager antiaircraft fire.

Liberators of the Seventh Air Force flew over Truk Atoll on September 26 in search for possible enemy shipping attempting to supply the isolated gar­rison. No shipping was found and bomb loads were dropped on installations still remaining on the key islands. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered.

Defense installations at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshalls were bombed on September 26 by Venturas of Group One, Fleet Air Wing Two, and Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing. On the same day Corsairs and Dauntless dive bombers of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing further neutralized Wotje, Maloelap, and Mille Atolls.

Eleventh Air Force Liberators bombed Southern Paramushiru September 26. There was no enemy opposition.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 136, SEPTEMBER 29, 1944

Kongauru Island and an unnamed Island near it, both in the Palau Group Northeast of Peleliu Island, were secured on September 28 (West Longitude Date) by United States Marines. On Peleliu enemy troops cornered in eaves on Umurbrogol Hill are still offering bitter resistance. Mopping up operations are proceeding in the Northern sector of Peleliu and on Angaur Island. Through September 28, our troops had counted 8,717 enemy dead on Peleliu and 1,055 on Angaur, and had captured more than 150 enemy troops who have been made prisoners of war.

The airfield at Babelthuap Island was attacked on September 28, by Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, which scored numerous direct hits on the landing strips.

PACIFIC

Submarine Skate (SS-305) sinks Japanese auxiliary minesweeper H_ei Maru and army cargo ship Ekisan Maru off Yoron Jima, 27°14'N, 128°25'E.

Japanese guardboat Riki Maru is sunk by mine off Kota Bharu, Malaya.

Day 1847 of World War II, October 1st 1944

Eastern Front

Soviet troops enter Yugoslavia.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, October 1st 1944



German army and naval units defending the fortress of Calais behind Allied lines surrender to British forces.

Photo: Troops investigate the Todt Battery, one of the German cross-Channel gun emplacements at Cap Gris Nez, 1 October 1944



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of Belgium

The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division begins an advance north of Antwerp, Belgium, to close the eastern end of the South Beveland isthmus.

Air War over Europe

2 RAF Liberators and 1 Wellington on signals investigation patrols, 6 Hudsons on Resistance operations, 73 Halifaxes on petrol-carrying flights. No aircraft lost.

In France, HQ 50th Troop Carrier Wing moves from Exeter, England to Le Mans; the 99th and 301st Troop Carrier Squadrons, 441st Troop Carrier Group, move from Villeneuve/Vertus to
St Marceau with C-47s.

US Eighth Air Force Mission 657: 9 of 10 B-17s drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Belgium during the night.

In France, HQ XXIX Tactical Air Command (Provisional) locates advance HQ at Arlon; weather prevents bomber operations; a few fighters fly armed reconnaissance over E France and wide
areas of W Germany and patrol the battle areas; night patrols are flown over E France and Luxembourg; HQ 36th Fighter Group moves from Athis to Juvincourt; HQ 371st Fighter Group and the 406th Fighter Squadron move from Perthes to Dole/Tavaux with P-47s; the 553d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 386th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Great Dunmow, England to Beaumont-sur-Oise with B-26s; the 573d, 574th and 575th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 391st Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Matching, England to Roye/Amy with B-26s. In Belgium, HQ 84th Fighter Wing moves from Vermand, France to Arlon; HQ 404th Fighter Group and the 506th, 507th and 508th Fighter Squadrons move from Juvincourt, France to St-Trond with P-47s; HQ 474th Fighter Group moves from Peronne, France to Florennes; the 125th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force (attached to Ninth Army), moves from Rennes, France to Arlon with L-5s. In Luxembourg, HQ 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group moves from Le Mans, France to Luxembourg City. In Belgium, during Oct 44, HQ IX Fighter Command moves from Charleroi to Verviers.

48 RAF Mosquitos to Brunswick, 8 each to Heilbronn and Krefeld and 6 each to Dortmund and Koblenz, 2 RCM sorties. No aircraft lost.

Italian campaign

In Italy, the US 2nd Corps (part of US 5th Army) attacks northward in the direction of Bologna.

General McCreery takes over command of the British 8th Army, in Italy. The former commander, General Leese, is assigned to command Allied Land Forces, Southeast Asia.

In Italy, B-25s and B-26s attack bridges, fuel dumps, factory, and barracks in C and W Po Valley, including 3 attacks on Piacenza while XII Fighter Command's A-20s hit a fuel dump and bivouacs and fighter-bombers blast guns and communications in the mountainous battle areas between Florence and Bologna; the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62d Fighter Wing, moves from Rosignano to Pisa with Mosquitos.

Destroyer Gleaves (DD-423) shells German gun positions in Ventimiglia, Italy, area and encounters intense shore battery fire; destroyer Benson (DD-421) shells enemy gun emplacement and then destroys two Italian motor torpedo boats (MAS).

Battle of the Mediterranean

British Commandos land at Poros. Greek troops land at Mitilini, Lemnos and Levita.

Destroyer Forrest (DD-461) is damaged in collision with tank landing ship LST-550 off Southern France, 43°20'N, 05°20'E.

HQ 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and the 15th, 23d and 32d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons are assigned to HQ Fifteenth AF, completing the full establishment of 21 heavy bomber groups, 7 fighter groups, and 1 reconnaissance group, as authorized in the War Department directive of 23 Oct 43. Weather permits only photo and weather reconnaissance missions.

Soviet Union

A Hungarian delegation arrives in Moscow to negotiate an armistice with the USSR.

Pacific War

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 34 P-47s bomb Thetkegyin while 20 others hit railroad targets throughout the N Burma railroad corridor and troop concentrations at Ponlon; 4 P-47s bomb Shwegugale while 6 others hit Lungling, China and sweep the Burma Road in the area. The 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th BG (Heavy), moves from Kurimitola to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s. During Oct 44, the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, based at Guskhara, sends an element to operate from Hsinching, China with F-7s.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 18 B-25s bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton, the town of Wuchou, and targets of opportunity in the Samshui and Canton areas; 100+ P-40s and P-51s on armed reconnaissance throughout areas S of the Yangtze River hit a variety of targets of opportunity, concentrating on communications targets and troops in the Mangshih and Hsinganhsien areas.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan strike the airfield on Iwo Jima. B-25s from Makin bomb Nauru while B-24s, staging through Eniwetok hit Truk Atoll. Saipan-based P-47 Thunderbolts of the USAAF Seventh Air Force attack the airfield area on Pagan Island; later in the day a B-24 Liberator hits the same target. During the night of 30 September/1 October a Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands-based B-24 Liberator bombs Wake Island.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

The USN submarine USS Nautilus lands supplies on Panay Island and takes out seven servicemen, ten women, five civilian men and 25 children. Meanwhile, the submarine USS Stingray lands supplies on Mindanao.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: On Celebes , B-24s bomb Langoan while B-25s hit Lembeh , Menado, and Bolaangoeki port. B-24s bomb Taka in the Moluccas while P-38s hit Amahai, Kairatoe, Celebes , and shipping off Amboina, Ambon . B-25s and P-38s on shipping sweeps off Halmahera destroy several barges and luggers. In New Guinea, A-20s and P-38s attack Urarom Airfield and Fak Fak supply dumps, while P-40s hit Doom and targets of opportunity in Windissi, Idorra, and MacCluer Gulf; P-47s and A-20s hit Doeroa, Langgoer, and Faan Airfields; the 63d and 70th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 403d Troop Carrier Group, move from Los Negros and Hollandia respectively, to Biak with C-47s. The 82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Biak to Morotai with P-40s and F-6s. Lost is C-47 42-92062. Lost on a training flight is A-20G 42-86717 and A-20G "Crap Shooter" 42-54155.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

In the Netherlands East Indies, 70 USAAF Far East Air Force B-24 Liberators strike oil installations at Balikpapan, Dutch Borneo; four B-24s are lost. On Celebes Island, Ambesia Airfield is bombed by B-24s while B-25s attack Mapenget, Langoan and Sidate Airfields on Celebes Island, and P-38s hit shipping in Wasile Bay in the Halmahara Islands. Other B-25s attack shipping in the Halmahera Island waters. P-38s hit Amahai and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Ceram Island and Kairatoe and Halong seaplane base on Halmahara Island.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 137, OCTOBER 1, 1944

Isolated enemy forces resisting bitterly from caves situated on Bloody Nose Ridge at Peleliu Island were bombed by aircraft of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing on September 23 (West Longitude Date). Numerous 1,000 pound bombs were dropped to demolish remaining enemy fortifications on the ridge. With the exception of the resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge (Umurbrogol Hill) and in a small pocket on Angaur Island, the islands of Peleliu, Ngesebus, Kongauru, and Angaur are secured. Elimination of the remnants of the Japanese defenders continues. More than 10,000 enemy troops have been wiped out in the Southern Palau area since the invasion began.

On September 29 Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force bombed Shimushu Island in the Kuriles. Moderate antiaircraft fire was encountered. All of our planes returned.

PACIFIC

Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) drone operations continue with two separate attacks on Japanese positions on Bougainville. In the first, four TDRs are launched against antiaircraft gun positions on Ballale and Poporang Islands; one lands in the midst of them, a second detonates within 100 feet of the southwest end of Ballale runway; two explode on Poporang in the general area of the target. In the second, four TDRs (two allocated to each target) are launched against antiaircraft positions on Kangu Hill, two miles south of Kahili airdrome, and the Pororeri River bridge north of Kangu Hill; the first two TDRs hit the lower slope of Kangu Hill but one does not explode; one TDR crashes (perhaps hit by antiaircraft fire) while the second cannot find the target, and explodes north of Kangu Hill.

Destroyer Bailey (DD-492) is damaged by strafing off Palau, 06°59'N, 134°13'E.

During minesweeping operations in Ulithi lagoon with TU 33.13.1, motor minesweeper YMS-385 is sunk by Japanese mine in Zowariyau Channel, 09°52'N, 139°37'E.

Submarine Cabrilla (SS-288) sinks Japanese tanker Kyokuho Maru, and merchant tanker Zuiyo Maru in South China Sea, west of Luzon, 16°15'N, 119°43'E.

Submarine Hammerhead (SS-364) sinks Japanese ore carriers Kokusei Maru and Hiyori Maru and cargo ship Higane Maru north of Borneo, 06°30'N, 116°11'E.

Submarine Snapper (SS-185) sinks Japanese coastal minelayer Ajiro and transport Seian Maru northwest of the Bonins, 28°11'N, 139°30'E.

Submarine Trepang (SS-412) sinks Japanese supply ship Takunan Maru north of Ogasawara-gunto, 25°30'N, 142°30'E.

Auxiliary minesweeper Kaiyo Maru is sunk by mine off Tsingtao, China.

Day 1849 of World War II, October 3rd 1944

Eastern Front

In the Baltic, Soviet forces seize the Hiiuma Island off the coast of Estonia.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, October 3rd 1944



The allies begin a 60-hour truce at Dunkirk to allow the evacuation of civilians.

The US Third Army resumes its attack on Fort Driant, Metz for the next 10 days.

Western Front (1944) - Siegfried Line campaign

North of Aachen, elements of US 1st Army (part of US 12th Army Group) break through the German forces holding the Siegfried Line.

Air War over Europe

252 RAF Lancasters and 7 Mosquitos commenced the attack on the sea walls of Walcheren island. Coastal gun batteries at Walcheren dominated the approaches to the port of Antwerp, whose facilities could handle 40,000 tons per day of much needed supplies when ships could safely use the approaches. The intention was to flood the island, most of which was reclaimed polder below sea level. The flooding would submerge some of the gun batteries and also hamper the German defence against eventual ground attack. The target for this first raid was the sea wall at Westkapelle, the most western point of Walcheren. The main bombing force was composed of 8 waves, each of 30 Lancasters, with marking provided by Oboe Mosquitos and Pathfinder Lancasters, with the whole operation being controlled by a Master Bomber. The attack went well and a great mass of high-explosive bombs, mainly 1,000- and 500-pounders but with some 4,000-pounders, forced a gap during the fifth wave of the attack. Later waves widened the breach until the sea was pouring in through a gap estimated to be 100 yards wide. 8 Lancasters of No 617 Squadron which were standing by were not needed and carried their valuable Tallboy bombs back to England. No aircraft were lost from this successful operation.

US Ninth Air Force fighters fly armed reconnaissance over W Germany, hit railroads W of the Rhine River, and support the US Third Army in the Metz, France area. The IX Air Defense Command continues night patrols.

In Belgium, HQ 70th Fighter Wing moves from Marchais, France to Liege; HQ 303d Fighter Wing moves from Vermand, France to Arlon.

In France, HQ 98th Combat Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from Chartres to Laon/Athies; the 23d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, moves from Athis to Juvincourt with P-47s; and the 405th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group, moves from Perthes to Dole/Tavaux with P-47s.

43 RAF Mosquitos to Kassel, 6 each to Aschaffenburg and Pforzheim, 5 to Münster and 4 to Kamen, 1 RCM sortie, 19 Intruder patrols. No aircraft lost.

US Eighth Air Force: 2 missions are flown: Mission 662: 1,065 bombers and 753 fighters make PFF and visual attacks against airfields and industrial targets in Geramny; 3 bombers and 4 fighters are lost: 1. 380 B-17s are dispatched to hit Giebelstadt Airfield (49); targets of opportunity are Nurnberg (256), Ludwigshafen (13), Ulm (11) and others (24); 130 B-17s are damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 260 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 2-0-0 aircraft on the ground; 4 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA0 and 1 is damaged beyond repair. 228 B-17s are dispatched to hit motor vehicle facotry at Nurnberg (198); 10 others hit Ottingen Airfield; 3 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 4 WIA and 28 MIA. Escort is proivded by 227 P-47s and P-51s; 1 P-51 is damaged beyond repair. 119 B-17s are dispatched to hit the oil refinery at Wesseling (87); targets of opportunity are Cologne (26) and 1 other; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 51 damaged. Escort5 is provided by 24 of 24 P-47s. 338 B-24s are dispatched to hit Gaggenau (139) and Lachen/Speyerdorf (111) visually; secondary targets hit are Offenburg marshalling yard (19) and Pforzheim Airfield (19); targets of opportunity are Speyer Airfield (30) and Lachen (2); 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 38 damaged; 2 airmen are WIA. Escort is provided by 188 P-38s and P-47s. For the defenders, JG 76 losses include 2 pilots missing and 2 wounded, 2 victories being credited to the French Spitfire pilot Capt. Mangin.

US Ninth Air Force: 220+ B-26s and A-20s sent to bomb targets at Durena and Aldenhoven, Germany, and Arnhem, the Netherlands are recalled because of weather.

Italian campaign

"A" Flight of the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, moves from Lyons to Vittel, France with L-4s and L-5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy).

In Italy, US Twelfth Air Force medium bombers continue to pound road and rail bridges and fuel dumps in the Po Valley; A-20s, fighter-bombers, and fighters of the XII Fighter Command hit fuel dumps, rail lines, and transportation in the Valley and support US Fifth Army forces in the battle areas in the N Apennines S and SW of Bologna and N of the Arno River Valley; the 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield with C-47s.

Destroyer Niblack (DD-424) destroys one MAS boat and damages three in San Remo, Italy, harbor, and then bombards Oneglia harbor. After encountering persistent and accurate fire from German 88-mm. gun battery, she shifts target to those guns and knocks them out; destroyer Plunkett (DD-431) shells German artillery in Ventimiglia area.

United States

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) direct General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific (SWPA), to seize bases on Luzon, Philippine Islands from which to support future operations. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander of the Pacific Ocean Area and Commander of the Pacific Fleet, is to provide cover and support for the Luzon operation; invade Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, in January 1945 and the Ryukyu Island, with the assistance of SWPA aircraft, two months later.

Photo: The U.S. Navy gasoline tanker USS Escatawpa (AOG-27) underway in the vicinity of Hampton Roads, Virginia (USA), 3 October 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 8AO



Pacific War

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): Troop carriers fly 240+ sorties, delivering men and supplies to various points in the CBI. In Burma, the 5th Liaison Squadron, Tenth Air Force [attached to 1st Liaison Group (Provisional)], moves from Shaduzup to Myitkyina with L-1s and L-5s.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 23 B-25s attack Pingnam, trucks and rivercraft in the Wuchou, Samshui, and Canton areas, and bomb Tien Ho and White Cloud Airfields in Canton; 100 P-51s and P-40s continue armed reconnaissance over wide expanses of China S of the Yangtze River, attacking rivercraft, road traffic, troops, town areas, and other targets of opportunity; the Hsinganhsien, Pingnam, and Chuanhsien areas are covered exceptionally well.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, the 7th Marine Regiment gains hold on ridges along east side of the Umurbrogol Pocket.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan hit shipping in the Bonin while P-47s pound gun positions, buildings, and a wharf on Pagan. B-24s on special reconnaissance missions bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: For the second time B-24s bomb oil refineries in the Balikpapan, Borneo area, B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana , Moluccas; On Halmahera, B-25s smash Kaoe Airfield runway and bomb Galela; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram - Ambon hit barge and coastal targets of opportunity and pound Taka Airfield in the Moluccas , while fighter-bombers attack Halong seaplane base on Celebes and Namlea Airfield on Buru and Haroekoe Airfields on Haroekoe . On the Vogelkop Peninsula, fighter-bombers again hit Fak Fak and Otawiri.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED BRITISH NORTH BORNEO

In British North Borneo, USAAF Far East Air Force B-24s attack oil refineries and oil storage facilities at Lutong for a second time.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

In the Netherlands East Indies, USAAF Far East Air Force B-25s hit shipping and bomb Sanana on Sanana Island, Moluccas Islands; B-25s attack Kaoe Aerodrome on Halmahera Island and bomb Galela Airfield on Galela Island; B-25s and B-24s over Ceram Island and Ambon Island hit barge and coastal targets of opportunity and pound Taka Airfield in the Moluccas Islands, while fighter-bombers attack Halong seaplane base on Halong Island and Namlea Airfield on Buroe Island and Haroekoe Aerodrome on Haroekoe Island.

ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): In the Kurile , 2 B-24s flying offshore reconnaissance over Onnekotan, Harumukotan, and Shasukotan also strafe several small vessels.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 139, OCTOBER 3, 1944

During October 1 and 2 (West Longitude Date) continued progress was made toward eliminating the last enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on Peleliu Island, and mopping‑up operations proceeded on Angaur Island. The difficult work of rooting out enemy troops from nearly inaccessible caves continues. On the night of October 1 a single enemy plane dropped two bombs in a swamp near the airfield at Peleliu, which did no damage.

On October 1 Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 31 tons of bombs on the airfield at Dublon Island in the Truk Atoll. Two enemy planes attempted unsuccessful interception. Two Liberators were damaged by moderate anti­aircraft fire.

The SS Elihu Thompson, a Liberty ship operated by the War Shipping Administration and chartered by the Navy, struck a mine while entering a South Pacific port on September 25. Eleven Army personnel on board the vessel were killed by the resultant explosion and 22 are missing. No casualties were suffered by Naval or Merchant Marine personnel. Survivors were re­moved from the Thompson by patrol craft and the ship's own boats, and a Navy salvage unit took the vessel in tow and beached her. The ship can be restored to service. All next of kin of casualties have been notified.

PACIFIC

Destroyer escort Shelton (DE-407) is sunk by Japanese submarine RO-41 off Morotai, 02°33'N, 129°18'E. During the ensuing antisubmarine operations, destroyer escort Richard M. Rowell (DE-403), unaware of the proximity of friendly submarines, accidentally sinks Seawolf (SS-197), which is transporting U.S. Army personnel to the east coast of Samar, 02°32'N, 129°18'E.

Destroyer escort Samuel S. Miles (DE-183) sinks Japanese submarine I-177, 60 miles north-northeast of Angaur, Palaus, 07°48'N, 133°28'E.

Submarine Thresher (SS-200) sinks Japanese guardboat No.28 Nanshin Maru north-northwest of Marcus Island, 30°49'N, 153°26'E.

Tank landing craft LCT-1052 is sunk by tropical storm at Ulithi.

USAAF aircraft sinks Japanese merchant tanker No.14 Nanshin Maru off Zamboanga, 06°54'N, 122°04'E.

Day 1851 of World War II, October 5th 1944

Eastern Front

In the Baltic, Soviet forces land on Saaremaa Island. German forces withdraw, under pressure, toward the Syrve peninsula. Meanwhile, Soviet forces continue their advance in the Baltic states. German Army Group North is under pressure by Soviet forces approaching Riga.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, October 5th 1944



The Canadians enter Holland. Allied forces cross the Belgian-Dutch border north of Antwerp.

During the night (October 5-6), an attempted German raid off the coast of the Scheldt, using mini-submarines results in a loss of 36 of the attacking boats.

Photo: Blood supplies being drawn from an advanced blood bank, Holland, 5 October 1944



Air War over Europe

(US Eighth Air Force): General Order 507 implements the decision of 15 Sep to assign staff officers of HQ VIII Fighter Command to HQ Eighth AF to represent units in administrative functions, thus eliminating the administrative and operational control from HQ VIII Fighter Command and placing it under HQ Eighth AF; this is necessitated by the transfer of fighter groups to Bombardment Divisions.

(IX Troop Carrier Command): HQ 442d Troop Carrier Group and the 303d and 304th Troop Carrier Squadrons move from Weston Zoyland, England to Bonnetable and Peray, France respectfully, with C-47s.

(US Ninth Air Force): 330+ B-26s and A-20s dispatched against targets in Arnhem, the Netherlands and Aldenhoven and Duren, Germany are recalled; fighters hit pillboxes along the Westwall, support ground forces of the XV Corps in France, fly armed reconnaissance in the Prum, Bonn, Koblenz, Trier and Landau, Germany areas, hit targets along the Rhine-Marne Canal, and during the night of 5/6 Oct fly patrol in Belgium, E France, and W Germany. In Belgium, the 493d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, moves from Cambrai/Niergnies, France to St Trond with P-47s. In France, the 22d Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group, moves from Athis to Juvincourt with P-47s.

2 US Eighth Air Force missions are flown: Mission 665: 1,090 bombers and 733 fighters are dispatched to hit industrial targets, airfields and railways in W Germany; 9 bombers and 5 fighters are lost: 1. 348 B-17s dispatched hit targets of opportunity at Cologne (248), Brechten (27), Dortmund (14) and Coblenz (11) using GH and H2X; 3 B-17s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 156 damaged; 1 airman is KIA and 16 MIA. Escort is provided by 181 of 193 P-51s; 3 P-51s are lost (pilots MIA). 2. 360 B-24s are dispatched to hit Lippstadt Airfield (175), Rheine marshalling yard (107) and Paderborn Airfield (28) visually; targets of opportunity hit are Herford marshalling yard (8) and Lipperode Airfield (2); 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 7 damaged. Escort is provided by 260 P-47s and P-51s; they claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 15-0-7 on the ground; 1 P-51 is lost (pilot MIA) and 3 P-47s and 1 P-51 damaged. 3. 382 B-17s are dispatched to hit Munster/Loddenheide Airfield (235) and Munster/Handorf Airfield (68) using PFF means; targets of opportunity hit are the Rheine marshalling yard (10) and other (2); 6 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 190 damaged; 6 airmen are WIA and 55 MIA. Escort is provided by 234 P-47s and P-51s without loss. Mission 666: 8 of 10 bombers drop leaflets in France, the Netherlands and Germany during the night.

227 RAF Lancasters and 1 Mosquito of No 5 Group attempted to bomb Wilhelmshaven through 10/10ths cloud. Marking and bombing were all based on H2S and the raid appeared to be scattered. 18 Lancasters did not join in the main attack but bombed a group of ships seen through a break in the cloud over the sea. Wilhelmshaven's diary only states that 12 people died. 1 Lancaster lost.

5 RCM sorties, 5 aircraft on Resistance operations. No losses.

531 RAF Lancasters and 20 Mosquitos of Nos 1, 3 and 8 Groups on the first major RAF raid to Saarbrücken since September 1942. 3 Lancasters lost. The raid was made at the request of the American Third Army which was advancing in this direction; the intention was to cut the railways and block supply routes generally through the town. The bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused in the main town area north of the River Saar, the area through which the main railway lines ran. Damage was particularly severe in the Altstadt and Malstatt districts.

20 RAF Mosquitos to Berlin and 26 to 5 other German targets, 36 RCM sorties, 47 Mosquito patrols, 10 Halifaxes minelaying off Heligoland and 9 Mosquitos of No 8 Group minelaying in the Kiel Canal. No aircraft lost.

Italian campaign

Allied forces occupy Patras.

(US Twelfth Air Force): In Italy during the night of 4/5 Oct A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in the battle area in the mountains S of Bologna and N of the Arno River Valley; during the day weather grounds medium bomber wings and the XII Fighter Command; the 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield with C-47s; the 85th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, moves from Southern France to Iesi with P-47s.

Battle of the Mediterranean

Allied forces occupy Patras, Greece.

Germany

The minimum age for conscription for military service is lowered to 16 years of age. In addition, all hospitals are placed under military control.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy light cruiser USS St. Louis (CL-49) off San Pedro, California (USA), on 5 October 1944. Her camouflage is Measure 32, Design 2c



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Haas (DE-424) underway off Boston, Massachusetts (USA), on 5 October 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D



Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Dale (DD-353) off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Washington (USA), on 5 October 1944. Her camouflage scheme is Measure 31, Design 6D



Pacific War

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 11 P-47s hit Mawlu and attack locomotives and targets of opportunity in the Naha area; 8 B-25s attack bridges at Namhkai, damaging the main bridge. Troop carriers fly 250+ sorties to various locations in the CBI. The 493d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th BG (Heavy), moves from Tezgaon to Pandaveswar, India with B-24s.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 12 B-25s and 22 fighter-bombers attack Samshui, Koyiu and Takhing; 8 hit targets of opportunity in the Canton-Wuchou area, and 3 bomb a storage area at Mangshih; 50+ P-40s and P-51s over wide areas of S China attack rivercraft, road traffic, bridges, town areas, and troops.

The Japanese capture Fuzhou (Foochow), the last seaport under Chinese control.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

In the Palau Islands, on Peleliu Island, action against Umurbrogo Pocket is limited as the 5th Marine Regiment begins relieving the 7th Marine Regiment.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): Saipan -based P-47s hit Pagan with rockets and bombs; a B-24 bombs gun positions on the island. B-25s from the Gilbert bomb runways and gun positions on Nauru while B-24s from the Marshall bomb an airfield at Moen and during the night of 5/6 Oct strike Wake. The 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force, based at Kipapa Airfield, Hawaii, sends a detachment to Peleliu Airfield with F-5s.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

(Far East Air Force): B-24s bomb airfields in the Kendari area on Celebes . B-25s and P-38s hit Kairatoe Airfield on Celebes , the town of Amboina on Ambon and numerous coastal and shipping targets of opportunity in the Ambon-Ceram area. A-20s, B-25s, and fighter-bombers attack Urarom, the Simora Point area, Doom , Babo, Efman and Samate Airfields and disposal areas; A-20s blast Japanese bivouacs and supply areas near Sarmi; HQ 54th Troop Carrier Wing moves from Nadzab to Biak . In the Moluccas , the 418th Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command [attached to HQ 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium)], moves from Owi, Schouten Islands to Morotai with P-61s.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators bomb airfields in the Kendari area on Celebes Island. B-25 Mitchells and P-38s hit Kairatoe Airfield on Halmahara Island, the town of Ambon on Ambon Island and numerous coastal and shipping targets of opportunity in the Ambon-Ceram Islands area.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

The USN's Special Air Task Force (STAG 1), based on Stirling Island in the Treasury Islands, commences operations with Interstate TDR-1 target drones controlled from converted TBM-1C Avengers against Japanese targets in the southwest Pacific. Four Interstate TDR-1s, each carrying a 2,000-pound bomb, are launched against Japanese supply caves in the Keravia Bay, Rabaul, area of New Britain Island. One TDR hits in the vicinity of cave entrances; one misses the target area. Two are lost en route due to interference from communications frequency used by a motor gunboat (PGM) operating in the waters over which the drones fly.

ALASKA

(Eleventh Air Force): At dawn on Paramushiru , 2 B-24s bomb Kashiwabara and Kurabu Cape.

HAWAII

Photo: Stern view of the U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Anzio (CVE-57) on 5 October 1944. Between 23 September and 16 October 1944, she operated from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 12A



UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 141, OCTOBER 5, 1944

United States forces on Peleliu Island continued to apply heavy pressure to the remaining pocket of enemy resistance at Bloody Nose Ridge on October 4 (West Longitude Date). Several defensive positions and caves were cleaned out during the day. Mopping up operations on Angaur Island are being continued.
During the operations in the Southern Palau Islands from September 25 to October 5 the following casualties were incurred:

First Marine Division: 81st Infantry Division
Killed, 191 Killed, 145
Wounded, 1,011 Wounded, 696
Missing, 0 Missing, 8

The total in the missing category for the First Marine Division has been revised downward from 401 to 267 for the entire campaign.

During the same period an additional 2,618 enemy troops were eliminated on Peleliu and 137 were eliminated on Angaur.

Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, operating from the airfield at Peleliu, bombed Babelthuap Island on October 4, hitting the airstrips and strafing a concentration of motor vehicles. Warehouses at Koror were also bombed during the day.

Eleventh Air Force Liberators strafed a small cargo vessel near Onekotan in the Kuriles on October 3. On returning to their base the bombers were Intercepted by two enemy fighters near Paramushiru but were not damaged.

Seventh Air Force Liberators on October 3 bombed a large cargo ship and a destroyer northwest of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Antiaircraft fire from the destroyer was meager. On the same day, Marcus Island was bombed by Seventh Air Force Liberators.

Thunderbolt fighters of the Seventh Air Force dropped bombs and rockets on gun positions and shore installations at Pagan Island on October 3. Other planes bombed barracks and communications facilities the same night.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing dive bombed airfields and installations at Ponape Island on October 4. Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate.

Corsairs of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing and search Venturas of Fleet Air Wing Two bombed enemy positions on Jaluit Atoll on October 4. One Corsair suffered minor damage from antiaircraft fire.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 547, OCTOBER 5, 1944

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the sinking of 11 vessels, including three combatant ships, as a result of operations against the enemy in these waters as follows:

1 escort vessel
4 small cargo vessels
1 destroyer,
1 cable ship
1 medium cargo transport
1 converted seaplane tender
1 medium cargo vessel
1 large tanker

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

PACIFIC

Submarine Cod (SS-224) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Tatsuhiro Maru in South China Sea west of Mindoro, 13°06'N, 120°15'E.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Evans (DD-552) on 5 October 1944, pulling away from the escort carrier USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83), not visible

Day 1853 of World War II, October 7th 1944

YouTube (The End of the Warsaw Uprising)



Eastern Front

The German 20.Gebirgsarmee (Generaloberst Lothar Rendulic) retreats in the face of strong Soviet attacks on the Carelian front.

Lapland War

The Finnish Army starts an attack aimed to encircle and destroy the German troops in the town of Kemi, northern Finland.

Photo: Burning Kemi - 7th October, 1944. Germans are just bombing pulp factory of Kemi Oy located in Pajusaari. The factory in the middle of picture



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, October 7th 1944



In the U.S. Third Army's XX Corps area, the Germans strongly counterattack Company F of the 327th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Divsion, on the slag pile northwest of Maizia-res-les-Metz. While the Germans are thus engaged, Companies E and G bypass the slag pile and push into the town, clearing the northern half and gaining a foothold in the factory area. The Germans move up reinforcements at night. Wormeldange is captured by the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, and the region west of the Moselle River area is cleared. Task Force Warnock, employing the 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, attacks to expand positions at Fort Driant, making limited progress at great cost; two platoons are cut off and destroyed. In the U.S. Seventh Army's VI Corps area, Vagney falls to 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3d Infantry Division.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

In the Canadian First Army"s II Corps area, the corps is now responsible for the first phase of operation to open Antwerp, Belgium, port, clearing Zuid Beveland as well as the Breskens Pocket south of the Schelde. The Canadian 3d Division gets reinforcements to north bank of Leopold Canal against strong resistance that prevents bridging.

Western Front (1944) - Siegfried Line campaign

In the U.S. First Army's XIX Corps area, the 30th Infantry Division, assisted by Combat Command of the 2d Armored Divsion, makes substantial gains and takes about 1,000 prisoners: The 117th Infantry Regiment thrusts to Aldsdorf; Combat Command A reaches Baesweiler; the 119th Infantry Regiment, assisted by an air strike on Merkstein, reaches positions across the Wurm River from Kerkrade. This puts the 30th Infantry Division within about 3 miles of Wuerselen, where contact with the VII Corps is expected to be made.

In the VII Corps area, the 9th Infantry Division continues their attack in the Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt. Forward elements reach the edge of woods near Aermeter and Richelskaul, but the main body is held up far behind. In the V Corps area, the 28th and 4th Infantry Divisions advance to the line of departure for the West Wall offensive. In U.S. Third Army's XX Corps area, the 3d Battalion of the 329th Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, takes Echternach, on the west bank of the Sauer River, after nearly a week of fighting.

Air War over Europe

During the day, RAF Bomber Command sends 121 Lancasters and two Mosquitos to continue the attack on Walcheren Island and the sea walls which were breached near Flushing; 122 aircraft hit the target without loss.

HQ USAAF Ninth Air Force cancels previous instructions against bombing bridges and opens an attack on all bridges on the U.S. front, except those over the Rhine River. Three hundred plus B-26s and A-20s strike bridges at Arnhem, the Netherlands, and in Germany, bridges at Bullay and Dillingen, a supply depot at Euskirchen, and marshalling yard and warehouse at Hengelo and Trier; and fighters fly bomber escort, sweeps and armed reconnaissance in the forward areas, hitting railroads, barges, and troop concentrations, and support ground forces in eastern France and western Germany.

Photo: View of an attack by U.S. Army Air Force aircraft on the "Neue Horn-Kaserne" barracks in Trier, Germany, 7 October 1944. The attack was flown by 29 Douglas A-20G and 7 A-20J Havoc of the 416th Bombardment Group



Mission 669: 1,422 B-17s and B-24s and 900 fighters are dispatched to hit oil installations and armored vehicle plants in Germany; with one exception, bombing is visual; 40 bombers and 11 fighters are lost; the escorting fighters claim 37-0-4 aircraft in the air and 1-0-1 on the ground. 153 hit the Henschel armored vehicle plant at Kassel, 141 hit the synthetic oil facility at Politz, 129 bomb the Zellerfeld explosive factory at Clausthal, 115 bomb the I. G. Farben synthetic oil refinery at Merseberg, 91 bomb the synthetic oil refinery at Lutzkendorf, 87 attack the Braunkohle synthetic oil refinery at Bohlen, 67 hit the Altenbauna aircraft engine factory at Kassel, 63 bomb the Buchau/Krupp armored vehicle factory at Magdeburg, 59 each bomb the Schwartzhelde synthetic oil refinery at Ruhland and the ordnance depot at Bielefeld, 47 hit the aviation repair facility at Zwickau while 35 bomb the motor vehicle factory at Zwickau, 30 hit the Friedrichstrasse industrial area in Dresden, 27 bomb the Nordhausen Airfield, 25 attack Schneeburg, 24 bomb the Freiburg marshalling yard, 13 each bomb Wurzen and an oil refinery at Rositz, 12 each bomb Roszla and marshalling yards at Altenburg and Gera, ten each attacked Munster Airfield and the Steinfort marshalling yard at Bergen, and six aircraft attacks individual targets.

During the day, RAF Bomber Command dispatches 351 aircraft, 251 Halifaxes, 90 Lancasters and ten Mosquitos, to bomb the small German town of Kleve which, together with Emmerich, stands on the approach routes by which German units could threaten the vulnerable Allied right flank near Nijmegen which had been left exposed by the failure of Operation Market Garden; 339 bomb the target with the loss of two Halifaxes. Visibility was clear and the center and north of the town were heavily bombed, although some crews bombed too early and their loads actually fell in the Netherlands near Nijmegen. A second mission consisting of 340 Lancasters and ten Mosquitos carries out an even more accurate attack on Emmerich; 341 aircraft hit the target with the loss of three Lancasters.

Another target was the Kembs Dam. This was another No 617 Squadron special operation. The Kembs Dam on the Rhine, just north of Basle, held back a vast quantity of water and it was feared that the Germans would release this to flood the Rhine valley near Mulhouse, a few miles north, should the American and French troops in that area attempt an advance. The Squadron was asked to destroy the lock gates of the dam. Thirteen Lancasters were dispatched. Seven aircraft were to bomb from 8,000 feet and draw the flak, while the other six would come in below 1,000 feet and attempt to place their Tallboys, with delayed fuses, alongside the gates.
USAAF Eighth Air Force P-51s would attempt to suppress flak positions during the attack. The operation went according to plan with 12 Lancasters attacking the target. The gates were destroyed but two Lancasters from the low force were shot down by flak. Radio listening stations in England hear the German controllers plotting the supposed force "vigorously," but few night fighters are scrambled. Mosquito Intruders and Serrate aircraft, which are part of the No 100 Group force, then fly on towards Bremen and claim a Bf110 destroyed and a Ju 88 damaged.

One USAAF Fifteenth Air Force bomber attacks the marshalling yard at Pec.

Italian campaign

USAAF Fifteenth Air Force B-17s and B-24s attack three targets in Vienna: 251 hit the Winterhafen oil storage facility, 88 hit Lobau oil refinery, and 24 bomb the Schwechat synthetic oil (benzine) facility; 15 aircraft are lost. One other bomber hits a target of opportunity. USAAF Fifteenth Air Force B-17s and B-24s attack ten targets: 157 bomb the Ersekujvar marshalling yard at Nove Zamky, 104 hit the marshalling yard at Komarom, 66 attack Gyor Airfield, 19 bomb the marshalling yard at Szombathely, seven hit the marshalling yard at Zalaegerszeg, three attacked the marshalling yard at Kormend, two bombed the railroad at Celldomolk and six aircraft bomb five targets of opportunity.

In the U.S. Fifth Army area, the South African 6th Armoured Division gets two companies of Frontier Force Rifles to the crest of Mt. Stanco, where they are out of communication with the main body and are forced back to Prada. In the IV Corps area, Task Force 92 tries in vain to reinforce troops driving on Mt. Cauala with tanks and tank destroyers, but the weapons are unable to cross swollen streams. In the II Corps area, the 133d Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division continues toward the Monterumici hill mass. An attack by 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, on Mt. Castellari fails. The 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, takes Castelnuovo di Bisano but is still short of La Villa; the 337th Infantry Regiment is unable to advance from Hill 566. The 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, continues to their attack on Hill 587 and seizes the ridge below Il Falchetto Hill. In the British XIII Corps area, the 3d Brigade of the 1st Division maintains a weak hold on the slopes of Mt. Ceco. The 19th Brigade, Indian 8th Division, clears Mt. Cavallara.
In the British Eighth Army area, V Corps opens an attack across the Fiumicino River in the evening with a heavy volume of artillery support. The assault is preceded by light and fighter bomber strikes on German positions. The Indian 10th Division and the 46th Division make the attack while the 56th Division simulates an attack in the Savignano area. The 20th Brigade, Indian 10th Division, under heavy German pressure on Mt. Farneto, is unable to gain the initiative, but the 25th Brigade secures positions on the ridge between Roncofreddo and St. Lorenzo. The128th Brigade of the 46th Division seizes Montilgallo and pushes west toward Longiano and south toward St. Lorenzo.

Weather again grounds the medium bombers but USAAF Twelfth Air Force fighter-bombers hit guns and troop concentrations in the battle area, which extends over a wide front south of Bologna in the region of Monte Stanco, Monte Cauala, Monte Castellaro, and Monte Ceei, and communications to the north.

United States

Photo: The U.S. Navy fleet oiler USS Mattole (AO-17) underway off Virginia Beach, Virginia (USA), on 7 October 1944



Pacific War

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 5 P-47s bomb supplies and troops at Man Hpa. Large-scale transport operations continue to deliver men and supplies to various points in the CBI.
BURMA: In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the Chines 22d Division, which has been training for the fall offensive since the capture of Myitkyina, begins a movement to Kamaing.

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 53 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack troop concentrations, bridges, river and rail traffic, town areas, and supply dumps around Tunghsiangchiao, Pingnam, Hsinganhsien, Chuanhsien, Lingling, Wuchou, Houmachen, Chiuchiang, and Paoching.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

The Australian 36th Battalion, 6th Brigade, 5th Division, lands at Cape Hoskins on the north coast of New Britain Islands. The battalion is assigned to the U.S. 185th Infantry Regiment.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): B-24s from Saipan , on armed reconnaissance, attack Marcus and nearby shipping.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Peleliu Island in the Palau Islands, ground attacks are temporarily suspended after a futile attempt by the 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, assisted by tanks, to compress the Umurbrogol Pocket.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force]: On Celebes , B-25s bomb Langoan, Tompaso, and Tondegesang. P-38s attack Kaoe on Halmahera , and hit oil tanks at Boela. B-25s bomb a storage area at W Amboina, Ambon. In New Guinea, P-38s and B-25s strike Doom and Babo airfield.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

USAAF Far East Air Forces P-47s bomb Amahai on Amahai Island and Boela Aerodrome on Ceram Island. In the Moluccas Islands, P-38s hit Dodinga Bay barge hideouts, supplies and targets of opportunity along Wasile and Kaoe Bays on Halmahera Island.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief Pacific Ocean Area (CINCPOA), publishes a Joint Staff Study that is a basis for the preliminary planning for the invasion of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands.

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN

Australian General Sir Thomas Blamey, Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces and Commander of Allied land forces in the South West Pacific, Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, General Officer Commanding I Australian Corps and Major General J.H. Cannan, the Quartermaster General, arrive at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea to plan for the movement of the I Corps from Australia to the Philippine Islands. Blamey then meets with American Lieutenant General Richard Sutherland, Chief of Staff, South West Pacific Area, who tells Blamey that it is not politically expedient for the Australian Imperial Force to be amongst the first troops to land in the Phillipines.

Photo: USS LSM-138 beached at Seeadler Harbor, Los Negros, Admiralty Islands Group, while loading rations, small arms ammunition, and trucks, 7 October 1944



JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

In Dutch New Guinea, USAAF Fifth Air Force P-38s and B-25s strike Doom Island and Babo airfield.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24s over Mindanao Island bomb Zamboanga while a P-38 cover force hits seaplanes, shipping, and other targets of opportunity in the area.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 142, OCTOBER 7, 1944

Employing tanks and artillery, United States forces made some progress against stubbornly held enemy positions on Umurbrogol Mountain on Peleliu Island during October 6 (West Longitude Date). Total enemy killed at date total 11,083 on Peleliu Island and 1,128 on Angaur Island. Our forces have captured 214 prisoners on Peleliu and 10 on Angaur.

On the same day, Corsairs of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing attacked several small villages on Babelthuap Island, damaging nine fuel dumps, five supply dumps, two ammunition dumps, two buildings and 28 trucks. Three boats and seven barges in the vicinity of Komeball Lagoon were strafed also.

Liberators of the Eleventh Air Force, flying through weak antiaircraft fire, bombed Paramushiru on October 4. On the same date, Eleventh Air Force Mitchells struck at enemy shipping at Paramushiru and Shimushu, probably sinking a cargo ship and damaging a barge. Returning from the raid, the Mitchells were challenged by 15 to 20 fighters. Two enemy planes were probably destroyed and two damaged. Some of our planes suffered slight damage.

A Navy search plane bombed the airfield and gun positions on Yap on October 4. Antiaircraft fire was meager and ineffective.

Seventh Air Force Liberators dropped 33 tons of bombs on the airstrip and hangars on Moen Island in the Truk Group on October 5. Antiaircraft fire was meager and the three or four enemy fighters that rose to intercept did no damage to our planes.

PACIFIC

Submarine Cabrilla (SS-288) sinks Japanese transport No.8 Shin'yo Maru off Vigan, Luzon, 17°50'N, 119°37'E.

Submarine Cod (SS-224) damages Japanese oiler Shiretoko in South China Sea, west of Mindoro, 13°40'N, 119°25'E.

Submarine Hawkbill (SS-366) damages Japanese cargo ship Kinugasa Maru, 14°37'N, 115°55'E; Baya (SS-318) then finishes off Kinugasa Maru subsequently.

Submarine Hoe (SS-258) sinks Japanese army transport Makassar Maru in South China Sea west of Luzon, 17°46'N, 119°40'E.

Day 1855 of World War II, October 9th 1944

Eastern Front

The Soviet Army reaches the Baltic coast, encircling Memel, the northernmost city in Germany.

Western Front (1944) - Liberation of France

Map: HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map, October 9th 1944



In the U.S. Third Army's XX Corps area, it is decided to break off costly action against Fort Driant. Indecisive fighting continues within Metz. In XII Corps area, Combat Command A of the 6th Armored Division, attacking through Combat Command B attempts to take the final objective of the division, a plateau west of Latricourt; elements clear the woods southwest of Latricourt but the column to right comes under heavy fire from Chenicourt and cannot reach Latricourt. The Germans retain Latricourt and from time to time mount small, ineffective counterattacks. German force breaks into Fossieux, where it is engaged by the 35th Infantry Division. Corps front is largely quiet for rest of month and early days of November. Regrouping and rotation of front-line troops is thus possible. In the U.S. Seventh Army's XV Corps area, the 79th Infantry Division makes all-out effort to clear the rest of Foret de Parroy, gaining the main road junction in center and thereby making the German positions untenable. The Germans withdraw from the forest after nightfall. In the French 1st Army's II Corps area, the 3d Algerian Division forces the Moselotte River in the Thiafosse-Saulxures region and takes the village of Trougemont.

Map: Map of the defenses of Fort Driant



Western Front (1944) - Liberation of the Netherlands

In the Canadian First Army area, II Corps continues clearing the Breskens Pocket. An amphibious assault force of the Canadian 3rd Division lands at the east end of the pocket, taking the Germans by surprise and establishing a bridgehead; other elements of the division expand the holdings north of the Leopold Canal in the Maldegem area.

The 4th Armoured Division exerts pressure on German positions at the east end of the canal. The Germans continue a vigorous defense of the Zuid Beveland causeway, holding the 2d Division to slight gains in the Woensdrecht area.

Western Front (1944) - Siegfried Line campaign

In the U.S. First Army's XIX Corps area, the 119th Infantry Regiment of the 30th Infantry Division drives through Bardenberg to North Wuerselen; the 120th is kept from Euchen and Beck, villages astride road to Bardenbcrg, by a German force crossing its front en route to Bardenberg; the 117th clears Schaufenberg and tries unsuccessfully to reach Mariadorf, then is authorized to go on the defensive in the Alsdorf-Schaufenberg region. At night, a German force reaches Bardenberg and routs the small holding force of the 119th Infantry, isolating the main body of that regiment in North Wuerselen; 119th Infantry Regiment reserves attempt to regain Bardenberg from the north but are stopped at the village. In VII Corps area, the 1st Infantry Division continues operations against Aachen. The 9th Infantry Division attacks to break out of Huertgen Forest; assisted by tanks, the forward battalion of the 60th Infantry Regiment emerges in the Richelskaul area and two platoons of the 39th Infantry Regiment at Wittscheidt. In the V Corps area, a planned attack on West Wall is postponed until 11 October.

Air War over Europe

The USAAF Eighth Air Force flies Mission 670: 1,110 B-17s and B-24s and 878 fighters are dispatched to make pathfinder force attacks on industrial targets in southern and central Germany; one B-24 is lost:
- B-17 targets: (1) 329 B-17 hit the secondary target, ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt; one other hit a target of opportunity; escort is provided by 338 P-51 Mustangs. (2) 211 bomb the marshalling yard at Mainz and 148 hit the aircraft engine plant at Gustavsburg; escort is provided by 202 Ninth Air Force P-38s and P-47s.
- B-24 targets: 360 bomb the Moselhit marshalling yard at Koblenz and hits a target of opportunity; one B-24 is lost. Escort is provided by 271 P-51 Mustangs which claim 1-0-0 aircraft in the air and 1-0-0 on the ground. Captain Ken L. Gilbert landed the 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy) B-24 "Missouri Sue," completing his 75th combat mission. He flew two consecutive combat tours in a six-month period, beginning his first tour on 12 April 44 and completing it on 12 July 44. This is an Eighth Air Force record that is believed to be unsurpassed in WW II.

During the night of 9/10 October, RAF Bomber Command dispatches 435 aircraft, 375 Halifaxes, 40 Lancasters and 20 Mosquitos, to bomb Bochum; 404 actually bomb the target with the loss of five aircraft, four Halifaxes and a Lancaster.. This raid is not successful. The target area is covered by cloud and the bombing is scattered. In a second mission, 46 Mosquitos bomb Wilhelmshaven without loss; other targets hit during the night by Mosquitos are four aircraft bombing Saarbrucken , three to Krefeld and three to Lohausen Airfield at Dusseldorf.

Italian campaign

Aircraft of the RAF's No. 205 (Heavy Bomber) Group attack three airfields in the Athens area during the night of 9/10 October without loss: ten bomb Kalamaki Airfield, six hit Tatoi Airfield and three attack Eleusis Airfield.

In the U.S. Fifth Army IV Corps area, Task Force 92 pushes to the top of Mt. Cauala without opposition but later in the day is forced to withdraw. The next two days are devoted to preparations for another assault. Regimental Combat Team 6 of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, pushing northward along the Serchio River, halts near Barga to avoid a possible German counterattack. In II Corps area, 34th Infantry Division continues to make slow progress against the Monterumici hill mass. The 91st Infantry Division repels a counterattack from Livergnano, mops up, and prepares for a co-ordinated effort against the formidable Livergnano escarpment: Company K of the 361st Infantry Regiment reconnoiters to the edge of Livergnano, where it is cut off from the main body; Companies E and G move to positions above Bigallo and are pinned down. The 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, now well ahead of 337th, prepares to attack Mt. delle Formiche in conjunction with attack of the 91st Infantry Division; 1st Battalion outflanks La Villa. The 337th Infantry Regiment prepares for a full-scale effort against Hill 578, the peak of Monterenzio hill mass. The 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, begins clearing ridge leading to Mt. delle Tombe; the 351st Infantry Regiment reaches the edge of Gesso. In the British XIII Corps area, the 78th Division, reinforced, takes responsibility for Mt. Battaglia and Mt. Cappello, on the left flank of the corps; the 1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, remains on Mt. Battaglia. In the British Eighth Army area, X Corps, upon regrouping in connection with the arrival of 1st Armoured Division headquarters, pursues retreating Germans northward along Highway 71; reconnaissance elements find Mt. Castello and Mercato Saraceno clear. In the V Corps area, hard fighting develops at St. Paola as the Germans make an unsuccessful attempt to recover it.

Weather again grounds the USAAF heavy and medium bombers. USAAF Twelfth Air Force fighter-bombers, and fighters hit roads, rail crossing, transport and other targets in the Bologna and Sabbioso areas.

United States

The Dumbarton Oaks Conference consisting of representatives from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and the Soviet Union, which began meeting in Washington, D.C. on 21 August, concludes.
The purpose of the conference is to plan for the establishment of the United Nations. The objective of the UN is to replace the League of Nations with a more effective organization to preserve world peace and security. The UN proposal is officially unveiled today.

Photo: The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spence (DD-512) in San Francisco Bay, California (USA), on 9 October 1944. The ship is wearing Camouflage Measure 31, Design 2C



Photo: The U.S. Navy heavy cruiser USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) in Boston harbor, Massachusetts (USA), 9 October 1944, the day before she was commissioned. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 33, Design 18D




Photo: The U.S. Navy attack cargo ship USS Athene (AKA-22) off Boston, Massachusetts (USA), on 9 October 1944. She is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 4T



Photo: The U.S. Navy motor torpedo boat tender USS Cyrene (AGP-13) underway in Hampton Roads, Virginia (USA), 9 October 1944. The photo was taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. The ship is painted in Camouflage Measure 31, Design 12F



United Kingdom

Photo: Crews rush to their 3.7-inch guns, 127th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Southwold, Suffolk, 9 October 1944



Soviet Union

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden arrive in Moscow to discuss the political future of Eastern Europe. The London based, exiled Polish government is present for some of the discussions. They achieve no concessions. Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin insists that Bulgaria and Romania are part of a Soviet sphere of influence, while Greece is in the British sphere. In Hungary and Yugoslavia influence is to be divided. This conference will last through 20 October.

Pacific War

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA

(Tenth Air Force): In Burma, 50+ P-47s knock out a bridge at Manyut and thoroughly pound the town area, bomb enemy positions at Nyaunggon, Pinhe, and near Mawhun, damage a bridge near Mawlu, and hit a variety of targets in the Katha area; 9 B-25s attack road bridges SW of Lashio, knocking out Na-lang and Nampawng bridges; the B-25s hit several targets of opportunity in the area. Transport aircraft continue a steady supply of various points in the CBI. A detachment of the 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, begins operating from Chittagong with F-5s (squadron is based at Barrackpore, India).

CHINA

(Fourteenth Air Force): In China, 2 B-25s bomb the area N of Mangshih; 3 B-24s hit shipping along the lower Yangtze River; 29 P-51s and P-40s on armed reconnaissance attack river traffic, troops, bridges, and other targets of opportunity in areas around Tanchuk, Tengyun, Anking, and Amoy; the airstrip at Tanchuk is temporarily put out of commission.

Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs T. V. Soong presents to the U.S. Ambassador to China, Major General Patrick Hurley, an aide memoire (position paper) from Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek denouncing Allied strategy in southeast Asia. General Joseph Stilwell, Commander-in-Chief US China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, Chief of Staff to Chiang Kai-Shek, Commander-in-Chief Northern Area Combat Command (NCAC) and Deputy Commander-in-Chief South East Asia Command, is blamed for the loss of eastern China but the criticism falls indirectly upon U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

MARIANA AND PAULAU ISLANDS CAMPAIGN

On Peleliu in the Palau Islands, the 5th Marine Regiment renews their attack on the Umurbrogol Pocket but makes little headway.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA

(Seventh Air Force): 18 B-24s from Saipan pound Iwo Jima. 25 B-25s from the Marshall bomb Truk Atoll. The 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh AF (attached to VII Fighter Command), moves from Kipapa Airfield to Kualoa Airfield with F-5s (detachments are operating from Saipan and Peleliu).

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

[Far East Air Force]: B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack Boela, Namlea and Kairatoe on Celebes , and Liang on Ambon , concentrating on oil tanks and airfields. On Halmahera, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Lolobata Airfield and Hate Tabako Airfield and nearby barges, supplies, and other targets of opportunity. In New Guinea, A-20s and fighter-bombers strike Faan Airfield and Langgoer Airfields, P-40s hit Manokwari, and B-25s bomb Samate. Lost on a training flight is B-24D "Mr. Five By Five" 42-40505.

JAPANESE OCCUPIED NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

USAAF Fifth Air Force A-20s and fighter-bombers strike Faan and Langgoer Airfields in the Kai Islands; B-25s, A-20s, and fighter-bombers attack Boela Aerodrome on Ceram Island, Namlea on Buroe Island and Kairatoe on Halmahara Island, and Liang on Ambon Island, concentrating on oil tanks and airfields. On Halmahera Island, B-25s and fighter-bombers hit Lolobato and Hate Tabako Airfields and nearby barges, supplies, and other targets of opportunity.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

The USN's Special Air Task Force (STAG 1) continues operations from Stirling Island in the Treasury Islands, Solomon Islands. Four Interstate TDR-1 target drones controlled from converted TBM-1C Avengers are launched against Matupi Bridge, Simpson Harbor, Rabaul, on New Britain Island. Antiaircraft fire, however, downs three of the TDRs; one is lost en route to the target.

HAWAII

In a Warning Order for invasion of Iwo Jima, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief Pacific Ocean Area (CINCPOA), designates the Fifth Fleet Commander, Admiral Raymond Spruance, as commander of the operation (Commander, Task Force 50); Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific, to command the Joint Expeditionary Force (Task Force 51); Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, as commander of the Expeditionary Troops (Task Force 56). The invasion date is tentaviely set for 20 January 1945. Expeditionary troops are to be mounted in Hawaiian area and in the Mariana Islands.

MARCUS ISLAND

In an operation timed to precede a fast carrier task force operations against Okinawa, three heavy cruisers and six destroyers of TG 30.2 (Rear Admiral Allan E. Smith) conduct a diversionary bombardment of Japanese installations on Marcus Island. Enemy return fire is intense and accurate at the outset, with Japanese gunners repeatedly straddling U.S. ships. In related operations, Saipan-based Navy PB4Ys, on interdiction patrols in the path of TF 58 as it approaches the Ryukyus, damage Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Sankyo Maru off Okinawa.

RYUKYU ISLANDS

Saipan-based USN Navy PB4Ys, on interdiction patrols in the path of Task Force 58 as it approaches the Ryukyu Islands, damage Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser Sankyo Maru off Okinawa.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 144, OCTOBER 9, 1944

Units of the Pacific Fleet attacked Marcus Island on October 8 (West Longitude Date) and throughout the day subjected enemy installations and shore defenses to deliberate and destructive gunfire in good visibility. Con­siderable damage was inflicted and the greater part of the coast defense bat­teries were silenced. Buildings were hit and fires were started.

UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT COMMUNIQUES, CINCPAC COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 145, OCTOBER 9, 1944

Elements of the 81st Infantry Division landed on Garakayo Island in the Southern Palau Islands on October 8 (West Longitude Date). A beachhead has been secured and patrols are advancing inland against light opposition. On Peleliu Island Marines continued mopping up operations in the vicinity of Bloody Nose Ridge. Elements of the 81st Infantry Division are continuing to clean up on Angaur. Corsair fighters of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing bombed Umurbrogol Mountain on October 8, strafed small craft in Ngatpang Bay and bombed fuel dumps and warehouses on Babelthuap Island. All of our aircraft returned.

Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands was attacked on October 8 by Seventh Air Force Liberators which bombed the airfield and adjacent installations. Six to eight enemy fighters intercepted our force and two of the fighters were shot down and two were damaged. Antiaircraft fire was moderate.

On October 8 a single Navy search plane of Fleet Air Wing One shot down an enemy bomber while on routine patrol. On the same day another Navy search plane bombed and damaged an enemy picket boat.

A lone Catalina search plane of Fleet Air Wing One sighted four small enemy ships near Iwo Jima on October 8. The largest of the four was bombed and strafed. A direct hit was scored seriously damaging the vessel.

During October 6 Seventh Air Force Liberators bombed two small enemy cargo vessels northeast of Marcus Island and attacked targets on the enemy-held island on both October 6 and 7. The Liberators encountered meager anti­aircraft fire. Other Liberators raided Wake Island on the night of October 6 and on October 8.

On October 7 the air strip, radio station, buildings, beach defenses and other military installations on Pagan Island in the Marianas were bombed and rocketed. No antiaircraft fire was met. One of our planes was shot down by antiaircraft fire over Rota Island on the same date.

Enemy‑held positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed on October 7.

PACIFIC

One company of the U.S. Army 321st Infantry is landed on Garekayo Island, north of Ngesebus, and quickly overruns the island.

In wide-ranging U.S. submarine operations against Japanese shipping in the South China Sea, Becuna (SS-319) damages tanker San Luis Maru, 12°45'N, 118°00'E; and teams with Hawkbill (SS-366) to sink merchant tanker Tokuwa Maru, 12°43'N, 118°05'E; Croaker (SS-246) sinks merchant cargo ship Shinki Maru west of Kyushu, 32°08'N, 129°51'E; Sawfish (SS-276) sinks merchant tanker Tachibana Maru at 19°33'N, 116°38'E.