APRIL, 1943

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 331, APRIL 1, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 30:

(a) During the morning, Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters attacked Japanese positions at Kiska.

(b) During the early afternoon, Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Lightning fighters attacked Japanese positions at Holtz Bay, Attu Island. All U. S. planes returned.

(c) Later in the afternoon, Army Liberator bombers and Lightning fighters attacked the main Japanese camp area at Kiska. One U. S. bomber was shot down by antiaircraft fire in this attack.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On March 30:

(a) During the afternoon, a force of Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese Installations at Munda, on New Georgia Island. Hits were scored and fires started. All U. S. planes returned.

APRIL 1, 1943

GERMAN SUBMARINE DAMAGED BY NAVY GUN CREW

Fire from the guns of a Navy Armed Guard Crew damaged a Nazi U‑boat which engaged the S. S. Columbian, 30‑year‑old United States merchant vessel, in a surface duel fought in the Atlantic.

The submarine's deck was swept clean by the Navy crew's machine guns shortly after the submarine engaged the merchantman. Then a direct hit made

at point blank range just below the U‑boat's conning tower caused a violent explosion. The submarine was dead in the water and in a seriously damaged condition when the merchantman steamed safely away.

The Columbian, built in 1913 at W. Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was undamaged.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 332, APRIL 2, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On March 30:

In addition to the two attacks reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 331, Kiska received two more attacks. During the afternoon, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters attacked the Japanese main camp area with unobserved results.

Later in the day, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers bombed and strafed Japanese installations and personnel from an altitude below 50 feet. Heavy explosions and large fires were observed.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On April 1:

(a) During the night of March 31‑April 1, a Catalina (Consolidated) patrol bomber attacked a Japanese surface force of five destroyers and one cargo vessel southwest of Kolombangara Island. At the same time Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) bombers carried out a low altitude attack on the same force. Results were unobserved.

(b) During the morning, 30 to 40 Zero fighters were engaged by a force of Wildcat (Grumman F4F), Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning fighters northwest of Guadalcanal Island. Sixteen Japanese planes were shot down. Six U. S. planes were shot down but two U. S. pilots were rescued.

(c) A force of Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Suavanau Plantation (southeast coast of Rekata Bay). Results were not reported.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 333, APRIL 3, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 1, a force of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell (North American B‑25) bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, made four attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored on the enemy main camp area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On April 2, Lightning and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters attacked and set on fire a small Japanese cargo vessel at anchor at Vella Lavella Island, New Georgia group.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 334, APRIL 3, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One large transport sunk.

(d) One medium‑sized freighter damaged and probably sunk.

(e) One destroyer damaged.

(f) One medium‑sized freighter damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 335, APRIL 4, 1943

North Pacific.

1. (a) On April 2, formations of Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25) and Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) made eight attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits in the target area were observed. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) On the same day a force of Liberator bombers attacked Japanese positions on Attu Island.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. (a) On April 2, a U. S. reconnaissance plane encountered a Japanese seaplane west of New Georgia Island and shot it down.

(b) In Navy Department Communiqué No. 332 it was reported that 16 Japanese Zero planes were shot down by U. S. fighters northwest of Guadalcanal. Further reports reveal that a total of 18 Japanese Zeros, instead of 16, were shot down by the U. S. pilots.

CINCPAC PRESS RELEASE NO. 132, APRIL 4, 1943

United States Navy and Marine Corps pilots at Guadalcanal flying Douglas Dauntless dive bombers and Grumman Avenger torpedo planes sank or damaged 85 Japanese ships in the period from August 25, 1942, to February 28, 1943.

In addition, the rear seat gunners aboard these planes shot down 14 Zero fighter planes and 11 floatplanes.

As of January 1 these totals included: Five destroyers, 8 transports and 3 cargo ships sunk; and 6 heavy cruisers, 8 light cruisers, 15 destroyers, 2 submarines and 12 transports damaged.

On November 14, 1942, these planes aided in the sinking of a Japanese battleship after she had been disabled by American surface forces in the night action of November 13‑14.

The dive bombers and torpedo planes scored hits on 25 enemy ships during January and February. Most of these ships were destroyers and light cruisers which maneuvered at high speed.

The above totals include only damages inflicted by the Dauntless and Avenger planes, and does not include damages by other aircraft operating in the Guadalcanal area.

The Douglas Dauntless is a two‑place, low‑winged monoplane, powered by a Wright Cyclone engine. Employed more extensively in the Pacific than any other dive bomber to date, it has figured prominently in all major naval air engagements.

The Grumman Avenger, also powered by a Wright engine, carries a torpedo completely enclosed in its fuselage. It first appeared in action in the Battle of Midway. Both types were developed by the Navy as standard carrier‑based airplanes.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 336, APRIL 7, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 5, forces of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out five attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska and one attack against Attu. Hits were scored on enemy positions. South Pacific (all dates are east longitude). 2. On April 7, a group of Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas SBD) and Lightning fighters attacked Japanese positions at Vila, in the Central Solomons. Fires were started.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 337, APRIL 8, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 6:

(a) During the morning, a force of Dauntless .(Douglas SBD) and Avenger (Grumman TBF) dive bombers, escorted by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese installations at Vila, in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored in the target area and a large fire was started. All U. S. planes returned.

(b) In the early evening, three Japanese planes bombed Guadalcanal Island. There were no casualties to personnel and only light damage was reported.

(c) During the night of April 6‑7, Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers attacked Vila. At the same time Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) attacked Japanese installations at Kahili, in the Shortland Island area, and also small enemy shipping between Choiseul Island and Santa Isabel Island.

2. On April 7:

(a) During the early morning, a force of Dauntless and Avenger dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Vila. Hits were scored on Japanese antiaircraft positions and the camp area. A large fire was started.

(b) In the early afternoon, a force of Avenger and Dauntless dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. A Japanese four‑engine flying boat was destroyed. All U. S. planes returned.

(c) Fifty Japanese bombers, escorted by 48 Zero fighters, attacked U. S. shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island. U. S. fighters engaged the enemy and shot down 21 Zeros, 5 dive bombers, and 10 other enemy planes whose types were not reported. Another enemy plane was later observed to crash. U. S. planes lost were 1 Airacobra, and 6 Wildcat fighters. One U. S. pilot was rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 338, APRIL 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 8:

Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) light bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Due to bad weather, observation of results was not reported.

2. In Navy Department Communiqué No. 337 it was reported that a total of 37 Japanese planes were destroyed in an enemy attack on U. S. shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island. Later reports have been received revealing that a total of 34 Japanese planes, instead of 37, were destroyed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 339, APRIL 9, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. Further reports of the Japanese air attack on Allied shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island on April 7 (as reported by Navy Department Communiqué No. 337) reveal that the following damage was suffered:

(a) One destroyer damaged by bombs and later sunk while being towed.

(b) One tanker sunk as result of damage by bombs.

(d) One small fuel oil boat sunk.

2. Next of kin of all casualties will be notified by telegram as soon as possible.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 340, APRIL 11, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. More complete reports of the Japanese air attack on Allied shipping in the vicinity of Guadalcanal Island on April 7 have been received by the Navy Department, making necessary a revision of the table of losses previously announced in Communiqués Nos. 337, 338 and 339. The previous communiqués were based on preliminary reports which were announced as soon as possible after being received in the Navy Department.

2. Losses sustained by Allied forces from enemy air attack are revised to stand as follows:

(a) One destroyer sunk.

(b) One tanker sunk.

(d) One small fuel oil boat damaged.

(e) A total of seven planes lost.

3. Recapitulation and additional verification establish enemy plane losses as:

(a) 25 Zero fighters shot down.

(b) 12 dive bombers shot down.

4. Of the seven U. S. pilots downed with their planes, five have been rescued.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 341, APRIL 12, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of April 10‑11, Catalina patrol bombers (Consolidated PBY) bombed Japanese installations at Munda on New Georgia Island, starting a small fire.

2. On April 11:

(a) In the early morning, Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated

B‑24) attacked Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Hits were made on the airfield runway and adjacent antiaircraft positions.

(b) On the same morning, a force of Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) carried out an attack on Munda. Fires and heavy explosions resulted.

North Pacific.

3. Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters twice attacked Kiska during the afternoon of April 10. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 342, APRIL 13, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 11:

(a) During the evening, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters strafed Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island. A number of Japanese antiaircraft positions were silenced.

(b) During the night, Flying Fortress heavy bombers (Boeing B‑17) attacked Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Two Fortresses failed to return, apparently due to unfavorable weather. Results of the attack were unobserved.

2. On April 12:

A force of Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) and Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F) bombed and strafed Vila on Kolombangara Island. Fires were started in the camp area. In this same operation Avengers attacked Ringi Cove, three miles northwest of Vila, and started a fire. No U. S. planes were lost in these two attacks.

North Pacific.

3. On April 11, formations of U. S. army planes, composed of Mitchells (North American B‑25), Warhawks (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightnings (Lockheed P‑38), carried out four bombing attacks on Kiska. Hits were scored and fires were started in the enemy camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 343, APRIL 14, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. During the night of April 12‑13, Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) bombed Munda, on New Georgia Island.

2. On April 13, during the morning, Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF), escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, bombed and strafed Munda. Bombs were dropped on the runway and dispersal areas, and fires were started from hits scored on an ammunition dump and in the camp area.

North Pacific.

3. On April 12, formations of Army Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25), with Corsair (Vought F4U) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, carried out six attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were scored on the runway, gun emplacements and the main camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 344, APRIL 15, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 13, during the day, ten attacks were carried out against Japanese installations at Kiska by formations of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) light bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters. Beached enemy float planes were strafed. Many hits were scored and fires were started in the runway and main camp area.

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

2. On April 14, during the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters bombed and strafed Japanese barges and installations in Viru Harbor, New Georgia Island. Several fires were started.

ARMY BOMBER SINKS SUBMARINE IN CARIBBEAN

APRIL 15, 1943

A heavy bomber of the U. S. Army Air Forces caught a German submarine cruising on the surface in the Caribbean Sea several months ago, and destroyed the undersea raider with depth charges. A member of the submarine's crew, who survived the attack, later was picked up by a United States destroyer.

The plane, piloted by Capt. Howard Burhanna, Jr., U. S. Army Air Corps, of 1747 Maryland Street, Philadelphia, was on a patrol flight when the submarine was sighted on the surface, eight miles away. Changing his course Captain Burhanna made for the sub, and in a few minutes was over his target. The sub had not had time to submerge, and was still on the surface when the plane released its depth charges.

Immediately after the attack, air and oil bubbles began rising from the water with gradually increasing intensity. Thirty‑seven minutes later the men in the bomber spotted a large volume of oil and air bubbles surging to the surface. The oil slick spread out in a large circular area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 345, APRIL 16, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 15:

(a) During the morning, Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF), escorted by Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F), bombed Japanese installations at Munda, on New Georgia Island.

(b) During the afternoon, Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas), with Wildcat fighter escort, attacked Japanese installations at Vila on Kolombangara Island. A building, believed to a power generating station, was destroyed.

(c) Still later in the day, Avenger torpedo bombers, escorted by Corsair (Vought F4U) and Wildcat fighters, attacked and sank an 80‑foot Japanese vessel in Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island.

North. Pacific.

2. On April 14, formations of Army Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24) and Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25), supported

by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out eight attacks on Kiska. Hits were scored in the Japanese camp area, damaging the runway and revetment area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 346, APRIL 17, 1943

North Pacific.

1. On April 14, two additional attacks were made by Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters against Japanese installations at Kiska, raising to ten the total of attacks on that date.

2. On April 15, Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked thirteen times by formations of U. S. Army planes. Liberator heavy bombers (Consolidated B‑24), Mitchell medium bombers (North American B‑25), and Lightning and Warhawk fighters carried out these raids. Many hits were scored in the main camp and on the runway and hangar areas, causing numerous fires and explosions. One heavy bomber was shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 347, APRIL 17, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

(a) One large supply ship sunk.

(b) Two medium‑sized cargo ships sunk.

(d) One small patrol ship sunk.

(e) One destroyer damaged.

(f) One medium‑sized transport damaged.

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

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 348, APRIL 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 18:

(a) During the night, Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17), Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and shipping at Ballale, in the Shortland Island area. A tanker and a cargo ship were possibly damaged.

(b) During the night, two Japanese planes attacked Guadalcanal Island, resulting in light casualties to U. S. personnel and minor damage to material. It is believed that one of the Japanese planes was shot down by U. S. antiaircraft fire.

2. On April 18, a number of Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters engaged two Japanese bombers, escorted by sip Zero fighters, over Kahili in the Shortland Island area. The two bombers and three of the Zeros were shot down. Later, another Japanese bomber was encountered by the same group of Lightnings and destroyed. One U. S. fighter is missing.

North Pacific.

3. On April 16:

(a) A formation of Army Liberator heavy bombers bombed Japanese installations on Attu Island.

(b) On the same day, formations of Army Liberator heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out ten attacks against Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were scored in the vicinity of the runway and in the main camp area. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 349, APRIL 19, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 17

(a) In the afternoon, Dauntless (Douglas) light bombers and Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters bombed the Japanese dispersal and runway areas at Munda, in the Central Solomons.

(b) During the night, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked two Japanese cargo vessels in the Shortland Island area. Five hits were scored on a large ship of about 10,000 tons which was later seen in a sinking condition. Two other cargo vessels were encountered by Avengers and two hits were scored on one ship and a number of near hits on the other vessel.

(c) The same night, formations of Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) and Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers and Avengers attacked Kahili, in the Shortland Island area. Hits were scored on the runway and dispersal areas, resulting in fires visible for 30 miles.

North Pacific.

2. On April 17:

(a) During the afternoon, a formation of Army Liberators bombed Japanese installations on Attu Island.

(b) On the same day Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, carried out nine attacks on Japanese positions at Kiska. Hits were observed in the camp and hangar area. One building was entirely destroyed, gun positions were silenced and three beached planes were strafed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 350, APRIL 20, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 18:

(a) During the night, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Munda, in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on the runway and a large explosion resulted.

(b) The same night, Guadalcanal Island was bombed by Japanese planes, resulting in slight casualties to U. S. personnel and very slight damage to materiel. One of the Japanese bombers was shot down.

North Pacific.

2. On April 18, Japanese positions at Kiska were attacked nine times by formations of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters. In these attacks a total of seventeen tons of bombs was dropped. Hits were scored in the North Head, Salmon Lagoon and main camp areas. Fires were started in the submarine base area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 351, APRIL 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 19:

(a) Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kieta, on Bougainville Island.

(8) Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked the Japanese airfield at Kahili, in the Shortland Island area.

(c) A second formation of Avengers attacked Japanese shipping at Tonolei Harbor, on Bougainville Island. A direct hit was scored on one freighter and several near hits were scored on a second freighter.

2. On April 20, a force of Avengers and Dauntless (Douglas) light bombers bombed Japanese installations at Munda, in the Central Solomons. Several antiaircraft positions were silenced and a large fire was started.

North Pacific.

3. On April 19, Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked fifteen times by formations of Army planes. Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out these raids. The bombing and strafing attacks were made at varying altitudes and resulted in numerous hits on the main camp area, the runway and defensive positions. Fires were also started.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 352, APRIL 22, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 20:

During the night, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers bombed Japanese installations in Numa Numa Harbor, Bougainville Island. Bad weather prevented observation of results.

2. On April 21:

A large force of Army bombers carried out a daylight bombing attack on Nauru Island, in the Gilbert Island Group.

In spite of heavy antiaircraft fire and defending fighter planes much damage was done to Japanese installations. U. S. pilots shot down five and possibly seven Zero fighters. All U. S. planes returned.

North Pacific.

3. On April 20:

Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked ten times by formations of Army planes. Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out these raids. Strafing from various altitudes was carried out in conjunction with bombing. Hits were scored on the runway and camp area.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 353, APRIL 23, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are, east longitude). .

1. On April 21:

(a) A group of U. S. fighter planes strafed Japanese Positions in the Bougainville Strait area. Enemy installations near Cape Alexander, on Choiseul Island, were also bombed.

(b) During the night, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) and Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, supported by Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers, attacked Poporang Island in the Shortland Island area. Two of the many fires which were started were visible for 40 miles.

(c) During the same night, Avenger torpedo bombers attacked an enemy cargo ship near Buin in the Shortland Island area. Enemy lighter interception prevented observation of results, but it is believed hits were scored on the ship. All U. S. planes returned.

2. On April 22:

During the early morning, a group of enemy bombers raided Funafuti, U. S. occupied position in the Ellice Island Group. Light casualties to personnel were suffered and minor damage was inflicted.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 354, APRIL 24, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 22:

(a) During the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers attacked Japanese installations at Munda in the Central Solomons. Bombs were dropped on the runway and antiaircraft positions were silenced.

(b) Later the same afternoon, Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters carried out a strafing attack on Munda and set fire to three grounded enemy planes.

(d) During the night, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers bombed Kahili in the Shortland Island area.

(e) All U. S. Planes returned from the above attack missions.

2. On April 23: During the early morning, Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers, escorted by Corsair fighters, bombed and strafed Japanese positions at Rekata Bay, on Santa Isabel Island. All U. S. planes returned.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 355, APRIL 25, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 24: During the morning Avenger torpedo bombers (Grumman TBF) and Dauntless dive bombers (Douglas) escorted by Wildcat fighters (Grumman F4F), attacked Munda on New Georgia Island. Buildings were destroyed, a large fire was started, and a heavy explosion was observed.

North Pacific.

2. On April 24th

Despite bad weather, Army Lightning fighters (Lockheed P‑38) bombed and strafed Kiska during the morning. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 356, APRIL 26, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 25, during the early morning, a group of four Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters strafed Japanese installations on Kolombangara Island, in the Central Solomons.

2. Later the same group of Corsairs sighted and attacked ten enemy bombers, escorted by twenty Zeros, 95 miles northwest of Lunga Point, on Guadalcanal Island. During the aerial combat which followed five Zeros were shot down. Two U. S. planes failed to return.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 357, APRIL 27, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 26, during the early morning, a group of Liberator (Consolidated B Z4) heavy bombers attacked Japanese positions at Kahili in the Shortland Island area.

North Pacific.

2. On April 25:

(a) During the day, Japanese installations at Kiska were attacked thirteen times by formations of Army planes. Liberator heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters participated in these raid. Although bomb hits were made on enemy positions, poor visibility prevented complete observation of results.

(b) On the same day, a group of Liberators attacked Attu Island and scored hits on the runway and other installations.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 358, APRIL 28, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 27:

(a) During the early morning, a group of Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili and Ballale in the Shortland Island area and at Vila in the Central Solomons. Fires were started at Ballale and at Vila.

(b) Later in the morning, five Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers carried out a second attack on Kahili. Poor visibility prevented observation of results.

North Pacific.

2. On April 26, formations of Army planes carried out eleven attacks against Japanese installations at Kiska. Liberator heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters participated in these raids. Hits were scored in the enemy main camp area, on the runway and a number of buildings were destroyed. Damage was also inflicted on North Head. Canadian pilots, flying Warhawks, executed two other attacks.

APRIL 28, 1943

NAVY PATROL PLANE DESTROYS ENEMY SUBMARINE

Trapping an enemy submarine on the surface some months ago, a Navy Catalina patrol bomber dropped depth‑charges squarely on the undersea raider and sank her in a surprise attack.

Lt. Richard E. Schreder, USNR, 27, of 837 Wyle Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, was bringing his heavy patrol plane in from a routine flight over the Atlantic when his radioman reported that he had sighted a large enemy submarine cruising on the surface. Course was immediately changed, and preparations made for attack.

Carefully keeping the sun directly behind him to blind observers on the raider, Lt. Schreder nosed his heavy plane over in a steep dive, and reared down on the sub. As he leveled off at a low altitude, the submarine attempted to dive, but it was too late. A depth‑charge dropped by the bomber exploded just under the stern.

The sub again made an attempt to crash dive, but before she could submerge a second charge was released. It struck squarely on the deck and exploded in full view of the crew of the plane. Wreckage was strewn over the surface of the ocean.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 359, APRIL 29, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 23, a force of Army bombers attacked the Japanese air base at Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. Extensive damage to enemy installations was indicated. Enemy fighter opposition and antiaircraft fire was encountered, but all U. S. planes returned.

2. On April 28, Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations at Kahili in the Shortland Island area and at Vila in the Central Solomons. Results were unobserved.

North Pacific.

3. On April 24, during the morning, U. S. surface units bombarded Japanese positions at Holtz Bay and at Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island. Several fires were started by the bombardment. No enemy gun fire was encountered. No further details have been reported.

4. On April 27, despite bad weather, Army Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters carried out one attack against Japanese installations at Kiska. Results were not observed.

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 360, APRIL 30, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

1. On April 28, during the morning, a Japanese patrol of one officer and eight men, attempting to escape from Guadalcanal, was intercepted and wiped out by U. S. troops in the vicinity of Beaufort Bay, on the western coast of Guadalcanal Island.

2. On April 29:

(a) During the early morning, Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers bombed the Japanese‑held area at Kahili in the Shortland Island area. Poor visibility prevented observation of results.

(b) Later in the morning, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, bombed Japanese installations at Gatere on the southwestern coast of Kolombangara Island in the Central Solomons. An antiaircraft position and a pier were destroyed.

(c) During the afternoon, a group of Avenger torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers, with Lightning and Corsair escort, attacked Pelpeli, two miles northwest of Gatere on Kolombangara Island. A fire was started.

(d) A formation of Avenger torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers, supported by Wildcat (Grumman F4F) fighters, attacked Japanese positions at Munda in the Central Solomons. Hits were scored on the runway, on the revetment area and on an antiaircraft position.

(e) All U. S. planes returned from the above attack missions.

APRIL 30, 1943

JAPANESE SUBMARINE SUNK BY PATROL BOMBER

Blasted by two depth charges dropped from a Consolidated Catalina patrol bomber, a Japanese submarine was sunk while prowling off the Aleutian Islands.

The attack upon the underseas craft occurred some time ago, but the submarine's destruction has not previously been reported.

Machinist Leland L. Davis, USN, 26, of Hattiesburg, Miss., pilot of the bomber, was awarded the Navy Cross. Machinist Davis is listed as missing following another patrol flight made later on the day the submarine was sunk.

The Navy bomber was on a patrol mission when the Japanese submarine was sighted running on the surface eight miles away. Machinist Davis flew into the clouds to escape detection, came out one mile from the submarine as it began to submerge, and plunged downward in a bombing run.

Two depth charges were released just ahead of the wake. Almost immediately the submarine blew its tanks and emerged, bow first, with a large oil slick spreading from either side of its hull.

Members of the Catalina's crew opened fire with their machine guns and raked the submarine from bow to stern, but the depth charges had dealt the underseas craft a fatal blow. Within a few minutes the Japanese vessel sank stern first in a death dive.