1942 Details Page

HISTORICAL DATA-1942:



JANUARY:

     On January 2 of this year the United States War Department sends a cable message to the Special Observer Group in England. The message says that the British Joint Staff Mission (in Washington, D.C.) has agreed to allow the Americans to send an initial contingent of troops to Northern Ireland under the code name of MAGNET. This force will be made up of two combat teams and service troops. This message doesn't go into specific details about the MAGNET plan; it is an outline statement only.

     On January 5 of this year eighteen U. S. Army officers who comprise the officer section of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force meet up with the enlisted section at the New York Port of Embarkation.

     On January 6 of this year the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men comprising the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force leave New York harbor bound for the British Isles. They are under the command of Colonel Edward H. Heavy.

     On January 6 of this year also, U. S. Army Colonel Paul R. Hawley, who is the Chief Surgeon, United States Army Forces British Isles, begins a visit to Northern Ireland to carry out a preliminary survey of medical facilities there.

     On January 7 of this year U. S. Army Colonel Paul R. Hawley, Chief Surgeon for the United States Army Forces British Isles, continues his survey trip to Northern Ireland.

     On January 7 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET FORCE) is loaded on board HMT Bergensfjord at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

     On January 7 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

     On January 8 of this year the War Department in Washington, D.C. sends a cable message to the Special [American] Observer Group in London, England. The message says that the initial component of the MAGNET Force has been raised in size to 17,000 men. It is to consist mainly of the reinforced 34th Division.

     On January 8 of this year the advance detachment (eighteen officers and an equal number of enlisted men) of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the British Isles. This small group is commanded by Colonel Edward H. Heavy.

     On January 8 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland.

     On January 8 of this year, the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force), is at sea enroute from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the British Isles. This group is on board HMT Bergensfjord.

     In England on January 8 of this year, Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles (USAFBI) is established with Major General James E. Chaney as commander. The organization is created by a reorganization and expansion of the existing Special Observer Group. A cable fom the War Department in Washington, D.C. dated January 8, 1942 gives authority for this administrative action.

     At Fort Benning, Georgia on January 8 of this year the 2nd Armored Division of the U. S. Army undergoes an administrative reorganization. At this time the 2nd Armored is commanded by Major General George S. Patton, Jr. On January 8, the 92nd Armored Artillery Battalion is activated at Fort Benning, drawing its men from the 14th and 78th Armored Artillery Battalions. At this same time the 68th Armored Regiment (Light) is deactivated, with the War Department stipulating that its personnel, equipment and property are to be disposed of at the direction of the commander of the 2nd Armored Division.

     At Fort Benning, Georgia on January 8 of this year, according to General Orders Number 4 and 5 of the U. S. 2nd Armored Division, the 14th Quartermaster Battalion and the 17th Ordnance Battalion are deacativated, and their personnel are transferred to the newly-established Maintenance Battalion of the 2nd Armored Division. Also on this date, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade is deactivated and the men formerly assigned to those units are transferred to the newly-established Trains Headquarters Company, which will supervise the new Maintenance Battalion, and have overall responsibility for supply and maintenance for the entire division.

     On January 9 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

     On January 9 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

      On January 9 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland.

     On January 9 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

      On January 10 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

      On January 10 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

     On January 10 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

      On January 10 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 10 of this year the U. S. 2nd Armored Division is still stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. It is commanded by Major General George S. Patton Jr., and it is currently undergoing administrative reorganization into a "triangular" three-command structure.

    On January 11 of this year the United States-British Joint Planning Committee issues a report on the stationing of American forces in Northern Ireland. This action is based on the need to transfer British mobile units to North Africa. The report forsees an eventual American force in the British Isles totalling 105,000 men, far above the 36,000 previously planned for. This force would be made up of three infantry and one armored divisions, with additional supporting troops. It assumes that the V Corps, led by Major General Edmund L. Daly, will transfer from the United States with its component 32nd, 34th, and 37th Divisions. The 1st Armored Division would be attached, along with the necessary supporting corps and army troops.

     Under this plan, the first task for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in Europe would be creating the bases and other infrastructure needed by the arriving troops.

     On January 11 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 11 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 11 of this year the U. S. 2nd Armored Division is still stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. It is commanded by Major General George S. Patton, Jr., and it is currently undergoing administrative reorganization into a "triangular" three-command structure.

On January 11 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

     On January 11 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

     On January 12 of this year the Chiefs of Staff conference (Arcadia Conference) in Washington, D.C. reaches a decision to cut back on the first contingent troops going to the British Isles under the MAGNET plan. The new target level is just 4,100 men, and the reduction is decided upon in order to allow for the speedier movement of reinforcements to the Pacific Theater.

On January 12 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 12 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

On January 12 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

   On January 12 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 12 of this year the U. S. 2nd Armored Division is still stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. It is commanded by Major General George S. Patton, Jr., and it is currently undergoing administrative reorganization into a "triangular" three-command structure.

On January 13 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 13 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

On January 13 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 13 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland.

On January 14 of this year the meeting of the highest-ranking British and American military and political leaders ends in Washington, D. C. Among the accomplishments of this meeting, code-named "Arcadia", are: an agreement to set up an overall directing group called the Combined Chiefs of Staff, composed of the most senior leaders of the British and American military establishments; formal agreement that "defeat Germany first" will be the guiding principle of British and American strategy; following from this, the agreement that, in the Pacific, the plan will be to contain and to resist Japanese expansion while denying her access to necessary raw materials for her war effort; and the decision that it was important to the Anglo-American strategy in the Atlantic area that French North Africa be occupied (Operation GYMNAST) and denied to the Axis forces. (SOURCE: TWELFTH AIR FORCE STORY...IN WORLD WAR II KENN C. RUST Historical Aviation Album Temple City, California 91780 ((1975)), pg.5).

On January 14 of this year the United States Special Observer Group in London, England sends a cable message to the War Department in Washington, D.C. The Group informs the War Department of its arrangements for billeting the incoming troops of MAGNET Force.

     According to the Special Observers, Headquarters of V Corps (amounting to 172 persons) will be established in a separate location; exact location still to be determined. Three British base areas large enough for a brigade--Coleraine, Doagh, and Limavady--will house 15,000 men. Additional troops up to the number of 2,000 men will be assigned to quarters on the Londonderry naval base.

On January 14 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 14 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 14 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

On January 14 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 14 of this year the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force-4,058 men led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, commander of the U. S. 34th Division and his Chief of Staff, Colonel Norman E. Hendrickson-boards ship at Brooklyn, New York, and spends the night on board ship before sailing tomorrow. This is supposed to be a secret overseas movement, but local bars and dining spots in NewYork City are rife with suspicions that the Division is going to Ireland.

On January 15 of this year the U. S. War Department in Washington, D.C. sends a cable message to the U. S. Special Observer Group in London, England. The message says that a decision has been made to reduce the size of the initial segment of the MAGNET Force to just 4,100 men. This is after the Special Observers had just completed an initial general plan to house a much larger force.

On January 15 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 15 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

On January 15 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 15 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 15 of this year the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force-4,058 men led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, commander of the U. S. 34th Division-departs New York harbor bound for Belfast, Northern Ireland.

On January 16 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 16 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 16 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 16 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 17 of this year the U. S. Special Observer Group in London, England sends a cable message to the War Department in Washington, D.C. This message says that the Group at this time has a strength in London of just two dozen officers and 13 enlisted men. Five more enlisted men are en route to London. The Group says that the original staffing minimum for the planned establishment of Headquarters, United States Army Forces in British Isles (USAFBI) was to be 194 officers and 377 enlisted men, and that projections called for an ultimate need for as many as 1,500 men.

On January 17 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 17 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles.

On January 17 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 17 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 18 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 18 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 18 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 18 of this year also the eighteen officers and eighteen enlisted men of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force are still at sea, crossing the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the British Isles. They are now just one day away from landing in Scotland.

On January 19 of this year the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force docks at the Firth of Clyde and the troops go ashore at Gourock, Scotland. It has taken them thirteen days to cross the Atlantic Ocean from New York City. Major John Horner of the U. S. Special Observer Group in London meets them at Gourock. The detachment then moves on to Glasgow where Captain William I. LeVan remains behind with the enlisted men while the rest of the seventeen officers go to London with Major Horner by train.

On January 19 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is still just beginning to function. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 19 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 19 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 19 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-lands in Northern Ireland.

On January 20 of this year the eighteen enlisted U. S. Army men from the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force, accompanied by Captain William I. LeVan obtain civilian clothing at the retail establishment of Austin Reed in Glasgow, Scotland. This is in accord with the routine of the U. S. Special Observer Group to not appear in military uniform in public. Meanwhile, the officers who acompanied these enlisted men on the trip across the Atlantic are now in London, England with their escort, Major John Horner of the U. S. Special Observer Group.

On January 20 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 20 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 20 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 20 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 21 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 21 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 21 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his extensive survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 21 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 21 of this year the eighteen enlisted U. S. Army men from the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force, accompanied by Captain William I. LeVan are still in Glasgow, Scotland. The officers who came with them on the trip across the Atlantic from NewYork City are now in London with the U. S. Special Observer Group.

On January 22 of this year twelve of the seventeen officers of the MAGNET advance detachment leave London, England to go to Belfast, Northern Ireland. They are travelling in civilian clothes.

At about this time (January 22) the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment arrive in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 22 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 22 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his extensive survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 22 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 22 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 22 of this year the U. S. Special Observer Group in London, England sends a cable message to the War Department in Washington, D.C. This message is a report that the Group has changed its plan of January 14 for basing the MAGNET force. Under the new plan, the corps headquarters will be based at Wilmont. One division headquarters will be stationed at Ballymena and a military police platoon and a postal detachment will be quartered near Belfast. Quartermaster and ammunition depots will be set up in the vicinity of Antrim. All troops will be billeted in the area of Londonderry-Bellarina-Limavady.

On January 23 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord.

On January 23 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 23 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is continuing his extensive survey of medical facilities in Northern Ireland

On January 23 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

At about this time (January 23) the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 24 of this year Headquarters, United States Army Northern Ireland Force is activated as a subordinate element of United States Army Forces in British Isles, under General Orders 1 of USANIF with this date.

At about this time (January 24) the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 24 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 24 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney

On January 24 of this year, Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the United States Army Forces, British Isles, is attending a two-day series of meetings in Belfast, Northern Ireland to discuss arrangements for the quartering and use of American forces in Northern Ireland.

On January 24 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord. They are now just two days from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean at this time is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 troops in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division.

In England on January 24 of this year, the remaining five officer members of the advance detachment of the MAGNET Force leave London and travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland. They are accompanied by a group of the United States Army Forces in British Isles command, and the purpose of this trip is to hold two days of meetings in Northern Ireland (today and tomorrow). Of this group, Major General Chaney, the commander of USAFBI, Colonel Dahlquist and Lieutenant Colonel William H. Middleswart, Quartermaster of USAFBI, fly to Belfast; the rest of the party use the normal rail and ferry route. USAFBI personnel attending the meetings are Colonel McClure, Colonel Paul R. Hawley (Surgeon), Colonel Matejka, Colonel Case, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Biddle, and Lieutenant Bruce Buttles. Personnel of the MAGNET Advance Detachment are: Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Brenn, the V Corps Surgeon.

On January 25 of this year the USAFBI meetings continue and conclude in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Colonel Paul R. Hawley, the Chief Surgeon of the USAFBI is one of the participants at these meetings, along with Colonel McClure, Colonel Matejka, Colonel Case, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Biddle, and Lieutenant Bruce Buttles, all of the United States Army Forces in the British Isles command. Major General Chaney, USAFBI commander, also attends the meetings.

On January 25 of this year the advance detachment of the Headquarters Unit, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (MAGNET Force) is still crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard HMT Bergensfjord. They are now just a day from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean today and just a day from Northern Ireland is the first full contingent of troops for the MAGNET Force. There are 4,058 men in this shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commanding general of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 25 of this year, in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 25 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

At about this time (January 25) the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 25 of this year Headquarters, United States Army Northern Ireland Force is now active and beginning to function as a subordinate element of United States Army Forces in British Isles, under General Orders 1 of USANIF with date of January 24, 1942.

On January 26 of this year the initial contingent of the MAGNET Force lands at Dufferin Quay in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They had embarked at Brooklyn, New York on 14 January of this year, and sailed from New York harbor on January 15. There are 4,058 men in this initial shipment, and they are led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of the U. S. 34th Division. Medical personnel included in this initial group come to 41 officers, 42 nurses, and 322 enlisted men. Major General Hartle sets foot on Belfast soil at 1215 hours; he is met by a reception party that includes the Governor General-the Duke of Abercorn-the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (John W. Andrews), the Commander of British Troops in Ulster (General G. E. W. Franklyn), and the Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair). Newspaper correspondents, photographers, and newsreel cameramen swarm around the disembarking men and ordinary citizens of Belfast cheer them on. The British Red Cross serves tea and sandwiches to the "Yanks".

    Officially, the first man of this initial contingent of the MAGNET Force to land in Belfast is Private William H. Henke of Hutchinson, Minnesota, but that is just the official listing. Private Henke actually steps ashore after 500 other troops have already landed.

    Personnel of the U. S. 34th Division have landed from the HMTS Strathaird, which is a British troop transport. Another vessel in this convoy is the USAT Chateau Thierry.

    This first contingent of the MAGNET Force consists of, from the U. S. 34th Division:

        The Advanced command post of Headquarters Company, 34th Division (from HMTS Strathaird);

         The 133rd Infantry (less the 2nd and 3rd Battalions);

          The 1st Battalion of the 151st Field Artillery, which will shortly be redesignated as the 151st Field Artillery Battalion (from HMTS Strathaird);

          A Detachment of the 136th Medical Regiment, which will shortly be redesignated as the 109th Medical Battalion;

          A Detachment of the 109th Quartermaster Regiment, which will shortly be redesignated as the 109th Quartermaster Battalion (from the USAT Chateau Thierry);

         Company A, 109th Engineers, which will shortly be redesignated as Company A, 109th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (from the USAT Chateau Thierry); and

         A Detachment of the 34th Military Police Company, which will shortly be redesignated as the Military Police Platoon, Headquarters and Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division.

        Non-34th Division units landing with this initial contingent of the MAGNET Force are:

        A Detachment ofthe 112th Engineer Battalion (Combat);

        The 10th Station Hospital; and

        A Detachment of the 63rd Signal Battalion.

On January 27 of this year, U. S. Army Major General Russell P. Hartle--the commander of the 34th Division--begins a temporary assignment as commander of the United States Army Northern Ireland Force command. This is in addition to his ongoing responsibilities as 34th Division commander. The V Corps commander, Major General Edmund L. Daley had not sailed with the first contingent of the MAGNET Force.

On January 27 of this year the Advanced command post of Headquarters Company, 34th Division is now ashore in Northern Ireland.

On January 27 of this year the 133rd Infantry (less the 2nd and 3rd Battalions) of the 34th Division is also now ashore in Northern Ireland.

On January 27 of this year the 1st Battalion of the 151st Field Artillery, which will shortly be redesignated as the 151st Field Artillery Battalion, is now stationed in Northern Ireland. It is another component of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 27 of this year a Detachment of the 136th Medical Regiment, which will shortly be redesignated as the 109th Medical Battalion, is now stationed in Northern Ireland. This unit, too, is part of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 27 of this year a Detachment of the 109th Quartermaster Regiment, which will shortly be redesignated as the 109th Quartermaster Battalion, has landed and is now stationed in Northern Ireland. It is yet another component of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 27 of this year   Company A, 109th Engineers, which will shortly be redesignated as Company A, 109th Engineer Battalion (Combat), is stationed in Northern Ireland. Company A is another unit of the U. S. 34th Division.

On January 27 of this year a Detachment of the 34th Military Police Company, which will shortly be redesignated as the Military Police Platoon, Headquarters and Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division is now stationed in Northern Ireland.

On January 27 of this year a Detachment ofthe 112th Engineer Battalion (Combat)--which is not part of the U. S. 34th Division--is also now stationed in Northern Ireland.

On January 27 of this year The 10th Station Hospital; and a Detachment of the 63rd Signal Battalion are both now stationed in Northern Ireland. Neither of these units is a part of theU. S. 34th Division.

On January 27 of this year,at about this time, the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 27 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 27 of this year in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 27 of this year the U. S. Army Forces in the British Isles command (USAFBI) is functioning in England, and Colonel Paul R. Hawley is the Chief Surgeon of the USAFBI.

In the United States on Wednesday, January 28 of this year the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is ordered into being; its actual activation ate is set for February 3 of this year. (SOURCE: Information on 97th Bombardment Group posted to Website of Eighth Air Force Historical Society, at http://www.8thafhs.org/bomber/97bg.htm)

On January 28 of this year in England, the new unit called Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the British Isles is now settling into a regular routine in its new offices. It is commanded by Major General James E. Chaney.

On January 28 of this year in England   the U. S. Army Forces in the British Isles command (USAFBI) is functioning in England, and Colonel Paul R. Hawley is the Chief Surgeon of the USAFBI.

On January 28 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 28 of this year Headquarters, United States Army Northern Ireland Force (USANFI) is officially established at Wilmont House, which lies some seven miles to the southwest of Belfast.

On January 28 of this year a Detachment of the 112th Engineer Battalion (Combat)--which is not part of the U. S. 34th Division--is also now stationed in Northern Ireland.

On January 28 of this year G-2 (Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence) for the first MAGNET Force convoy is Major Richard E. O'Connor. Lieutenant Colonel Maurice E. Rovin is the Finance Officer assigned to this first contingent.

On January 28 of this year the 10th Station Hospital; and a Detachment of the 63rd Signal Battalion are both now stationed in Northern Ireland. Neither of these units is a part of theU. S. 34th Division.

On January 28 of this year the United States Army Northern Ireland Force Signal Section opens for service in Wilmont House outside Belfast. This section is staffed by just two men at this time: Colonel Floyd T. Gillespie and Staff Sargeant Joel M. Hirsch.

On January 28 of this year the Public Relations Officer in the first MAGNET Force convoy is Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Arter, the Public Relations Officer of the U. S. Army V Corps. He will later on transfer to become the Public Relations Officer for the Northern Ireland Base Section of the Services of Supply.

On January 28 of this year the men who will establish the initial postal service for American forces in Northern Ireland are led by Lieutenant Joseph E. Porch. Lieutenant Porch has 14 enlisted men in his postal detachment. Lieutenent Porch and six of the men set up Army Post Office 813 at Belfast. Six field post offices are set up at Limavady, Antrim, Londonderry, Eglinton, Ballymena, and Carrickfergus.

On January 28 of this year a temporary mortuary and graves registration service for American forces in England and Northern Ireland is set up by contract with Wilton Funeral Directors of Belfast. Temporary use of the Londonderry and Belfast City cemeteries is also arranged.

On January 28 of this year in the United States, the 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is officially constituted as a new bomber group in the U. S. Army Air Corps. (SOURCE: World Wide Web posting at: http://libraryautomation.com.westserver.net/nymas/usaaf4.html).

On January 29 of this year the Public Relations Officer in the first MAGNET Force convoy is Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Arter, the Public Relations Officer of the U. S. Army V Corps. He will later on transfer to become the Public Relations Officer for the Northern Ireland Base Section of the Services of Supply.

On January 29 of this year the 10th Station Hospital; and a Detachment of the 63rd Signal Battalion are both now stationed in Northern Ireland. Neither of these units is a part of theU. S. 34th Division.

On January 29 of this year the U. S. Army Postal System sends the first mail to the United States from Northern Ireland. It is processed by Lieutenant Porch and his 14-man mail detachment.

On January 29 of this year G-2 (Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence) for the first MAGNET Force convoy is Major Richard E. O'Connor. Lieutenant Colonel Maurice E. Rovin is the Finance Officer assigned to this first contingent.

On January 29 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

On January 29 of this year a Detachment of the 112th Engineer Battalion (Combat)--which is not part of the U. S. 34th Division--is also now stationed in Northern Ireland.

On January 29 of this year ,at about this time, the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 29 of this year a temporary mortuary and graves registration service for American forces in England and Northern Ireland is now functioning by contract with Wilton Funeral Directors of Belfast. Temporary use of the Londonderry and Belfast City cemeteries has also been arranged.

On January 30 of this year ,at about this time, the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 30 of this year G-2 (Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence) for the first MAGNET Force convoy is Major Richard E. O'Connor. Lieutenant Colonel Maurice E. Rovin is the Finance Officer assigned to this first contingent.

On January 30 of this year the 10th Station Hospital; and a Detachment of the 63rd Signal Battalion are both now stationed in Northern Ireland. Neither of these units is a part of theU. S. 34th Division.

On January 30 of this year the men who just yesterday sent out the first mail from Northern Ireland to the United States for American forces in Northern Ireland are led by Lieutenant Joseph E. Porch. Lieutenant Porch has 14 enlisted men in his postal detachment. Lieutenent Porch and six of the men set up Army Post Office 813 at Belfast. Six field post offices are set up at Limavady, Antrim, Londonderry, Eglinton, Ballymena, and Carrickfergus.

On January 30 of this year the United States Army Northern Ireland Force Signal Section is operating in Wilmont House outside Belfast. This section is staffed by just two men at this time: Colonel Floyd T. Gillespie and Staff Sargeant Joel M. Hirsch.

On Saturday, January 31 of this year the United States Army Northern Ireland Force pays its attached troops directly from assigned funds in its first official Force payday transaction. Troops are paid in British currency, at the exchange rate of one pound Sterling for $4.035 of American money.

On January 31 of this year G-2 (Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence) for the former first MAGNET Force convoy is Major Richard E. O'Connor. Lieutenant Colonel Maurice E. Rovin is the Finance Officer assigned to this first contingent.

On January 31 of this year ,at about this time, the eighteen enlisted men who made up the enlisted contingent of the MAGNET advance detachment are now stationed in London,England. [Garrett Dempsey estimate.]

On January 31 of this year-a Saturday- a Detachment of the 112th Engineer Battalion (Combat)--which is not part of the U. S. 34th Division--is also now stationed in Northern Ireland.

On January 31 of this year the United States Army Northern Ireland Force Signal Section is operating in Wilmont House outside Belfast. This section is staffed by just two men at this time: Colonel Floyd T. Gillespie and Staff Sargeant Joel M. Hirsch.

On January 31 of this year the men who just a couple of days ago sent out the first mail from Northern Ireland to the United States for American forces in Northern Ireland are led by Lieutenant Joseph E. Porch. Lieutenant Porch has 14 enlisted men in his postal detachment. Lieutenent Porch and six of the men set up Army Post Office 813 at Belfast. Six field post offices are set up at Limavady, Antrim, Londonderry, Eglinton, Ballymena, and Carrickfergus.

On January 31 of this year a temporary mortuary and graves registration service for American forces in England and Northern Ireland is now functioning by contract with Wilton Funeral Directors of Belfast. Temporary use of the Londonderry and Belfast City cemeteries has also been arranged.

On January 31 of this year the U. S. First Army photographic unit-a detachment from the 161st Signal Photographic Company that consists of Lieutenant Robert H. Lande and 6 enlisted men-remains in Northern Ireland.

  By the end of January of this year the U. S. 2nd Armored Division in America has completed its reorganization. Now the division has five main sub-headquarters; they are: Division HQ, Combat Command A, Combat Command B, Division Artillery, and Division Trains. There are two medium tank battalions in the tank regiments, along with one light tank battalion. The triangular theme has also been extended to the division's infantry regiment: it has three battalions, and the three division artillery battalions each have three firing batteries, giving the division a total complement of fifty-four howitzers. The division reconnaissance battalion's infantry company has been removed, but it now has three reconnaissance companies and a light tank company. The engineer battalion, however, is still "square": it has four companies and a treadway bridge company.` At this time, and with these changes, the number of men in the division now totals 14,618 officers and enlisted men.

   At some time during January of this year, in the Southwest Pacific Area, the Japanese capture Rabaul on New Britain Island in the Bismarck A rchipelago, and this presents a serious threat to the Allied lines of communication from the United States to Australia. It also can block any planned Allied advance along the north coast of New Guinea in the direction of the Philippines. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II The War in the Pacific CARTWHEEL: THE REDUCTION OF RABAUL by John Miller, jr. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF MILITARY HISTORY DEPARTRMENT OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON, D. C. , 1959, pp. 1-2).

FEBRUARY:    In the United States on February 3 of this year orders are issued creating (on paper) the 98th Bombardment Group(Heavy). (SOURCE: THE DESERT RATS The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid-by Michael Hill PICTORIAL HISTORIES PUBLISHING CO. ((paperback))-July, 1990, pg. 1).

FEBRUARY:    In the United States on Tuesday, February 3 of this year, the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is officially activated at MacDill Field in Florida, and its first commander is Colonel Cornelius W. Cousland. (SOURCE: Information on 97th Bombardment Group posted to Website of Eighth Air Force Historical Society, at http://www.8thafhs.org/bomber/97bg.htm)

FEBRUARY:    On February 20 of this year,cadre for the recently-activated 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is separated from the already-established 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), and the men are then scheduled to report to their new base at Fort Myers, Florida on March 28 of this year. (SOURCE: THE DESERT RATS The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid-by Michael Hill PICTORIAL HISTORIES PUBLISHING CO. ((paperback))-July, 1990, pg. 1).

FEBRUARY:    On February 28 of this year in Washington, D.C. President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues Executive Order 9082. This order declares that the U.S. Army "is reorganized to provide under the Chief of Staff a ground force, under a Commanding General, Army Ground Forces; an air force, under a Commanding General, Army Air Forces; and a service of supply command, under a Commanding General, Services of Supply; and such overseas departments, task forces, base commands, defense commands, commands in theaters of operations, and other commands as the Secretary of War may find to be necessary for the national security.

               " 2. The functions, duties, and powers of the chiefs of the following-named branches of the Army of the United States are transferred to the Commanding General, Army Ground Forces: Infantry, Cavalry, Field Artillery, and Coast Artillery Corps (except those relating to procurement, storage, and issue).

               " 3. The functions, duties, and powers of the Commanding General, General Headquarters Air Force (Air Force Combat Command), and of the Chief of the Air Corps are transferred to the Commanding General, Army Air Forces.

               " 4. The functions, duties, and powers of the Chief of Coast Artillery relating to procurement, storage, and issue are transferred to the Commanding General, services of Supply." (SOURCE: See text of this order at: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=16227 ).



FEBRUARY (WHOLE MONTH):   All during this month, the United States continues to maintain a small but growing military presence in the United Kingdom.

MARCH:     In the United States on March 1 of this year, the 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is activated at Salt Lake City Air Base, Utah. (SOURCE: World Wide Web posting).

MARCH:     On March 3 of this year,in a conversation with some of his close associates, Adolf Hitler reverts back to his youthful student days. He says that most of his early teachers were a little insane, and that the few good teachers were the exception. (It is not known whether Hitler, at this time, is personally aware of how extensively theUnited States is mobilizing and increasing its military might--Garrett Dempsey observation).

MARCH:   On March 25 of this year in America the 90th Infantry Division is reactivated at Camp Barkeley, near Abilene, Texas, under the command of Major General Henry Terrell, Jr. The division is organized on the new triangular concept; it is made up of the 357th, 358th and 359th Infantry Regiments, the 315th Engineer Regiment, 315th Medical Battalion, 415th Quartermaster Battalion, 90th Signal Company and 90th Reconnaissance Troops. Brigadier General John E. Lewis is divisional artillery commander, and he has under his command three 105mm howitzer battalions: the 343rd, 344th and the 9154th Battalions. In addition, one battalion of 155mm heavy guns, in the 345th Field Artillery Battalion, is attached to the new division.

    Upon reactivation, and when it is "fleshed out" with manpower, the 90th Infantry Division begins basic training, which lasts for most of the rest of this year. (SOURCE: A HISTORY OF THE 90TH DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II   6 JUNE 1944 TO 9 MAY 1945--THE BATTERY PRESS, Nashville, TN--Reprinted 1999, pp.1-2).

MARCH:    On March 28 of this year the initial elements of cadre for the recently-activated 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrive at their temporary training base at Fort Myers, Florida. But this is a time of rapid expansion for all military forces in theUnited States, so their stay here will be short-lived.   (SOURCE: THE DESERT RATS The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid-by Michael Hill PICTORIAL HISTORIES PUBLISHING CO. ((paperback))-July, 1990, pg. 1).

MARCH:    On March 30 opf this year ground is broken in Marietta, Georgia for a new Bell Aircraft Corp. factory which will build bombers for the Army Air Corps. (SOURCE: See World Wide Web site at: http://ourgeorgiahistory.com/date/March_30 ).

MARCH:    At some trime during this month in America H Company of the 66th Armored Regiment, U. S. 2nd Armored Division, is on a training exercise in their new medium tanks, and they practice eliminating an antitank gun position. During this exercise, one of the attacking tanks is hit by live machinegun fire from the tanks giving it support, but noone is injured. At this time, Major General Willis D. Crittenberger has assumed command of the 2nd Armored Division. Major General George S. Patton, Jr., the division's former commander, now commands the I Armored Corps.

MARCH:    At some time during this month Colonel Harry A. Halverson is called to Washington, D.C. to be assigned the command of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy). This is a B-24 Liberator-equipped unit that is located at this time at Barksdale Field in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is ordered to prepare for a secret campaign overseas that will emphasize long-range missions, and he is to use the 98th Group to carry out these missions. His operation is officially called Halverson Project 63, but it is more informally called simply Halpro. (SOURCE: Fortress Ploesti The Campaign to Destroy Hitler's Oil-by Jay A, Stout-Casemate Havertown, PA ((2003)), pp. 8-9).

APRIL:   On April 12 of this year, during another of his informal private conversations with his close personal associates, Adolf Hitler again complains about his elementary-school teachers. He calls them unkempt and unclean, and devoid of the capacity for independent thought.

   APRIL:     On April 15 of this year, the 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy) is activated at Key Field in Meridian, Mississippi. First Lieutenant Newman W. Enloe is the Activating Officer. The 90th has no aircraft, no pilots, and not much of any other equipment, either. The initial cadre of the Group consists of 90 enlisted men and 1st Lieutenant Enloe, and they spend most of their first month as a Group on the drill field.

APRIL:    All during this month, the new 90th Infantry Division continues its basic training activities at Camp Barkeley, Texas. (SOURCE: A HISTORY OF THE 90TH DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II   6 JUNE 1944 TO 9 MAY 1945--THE BATTERY PRESS, Nashville, TN--Reprinted 1999, pp.1-2).

APRIL:    All during this month also, the recently-activated 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) continues its organizational and physical build-up at its assigned base in Fort Myers, Florida. (SOURCE: THE DESERT RATS The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid-by Michael Hill PICTORIAL HISTORIES PUBLISHING CO. ((paperback))-July, 1990, pg. 1).

MAY:    On May 12 of this year the men of the U. S. 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) begin their movement from their initial training base at Sarasota, Florida to MacDill Field near Tampa, Florida for additional training and preparation for movement overseas. The B-17 aircraft of the Group's four squadrons first proceed to two separate bases for final modifications to battle-ready status. The planes of the 342nd and the 414th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) are sent to the Middletown Air Depot in Pennsylvania; the B-17s of the other two squadrons, the 340th and 341st, go to the San Antonio Air Depot. (SOURCE: The Hour Has Come The 97th Bomb Group In World War II-by Thomas F. Gulley, Edmund Hicks, Ph. D., William McClintock, Lt. Col. ((Ret.)), Jerry Blackmer, D.D.S., and Christopher J. Karas, Lt. Col. ((Ret.))-Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas TX ((1993)), pg. 11).

MAY:    At about this time (May 12, 1942) the men of the still-forming 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) move once again, leaving Fort Myers, Florida and arriving in Lakeland, Florida. As the Group gains personnel, it also starts to collect an assortment of well-used aircraft from other units, and the crews begin flying missions around the southern States of the U. S. (SOURCE: THE DESERT RATS The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid-by Michael Hill PICTORIAL HISTORIES PUBLISHING CO. ((paperback))-July, 1990, pg. 1).

MAY:    Also on May 12 of this year, at Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, salvage work continues on the USS West Virginia (BB-48), which is one of the battleships sunk by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. Today work is begun to "dewater" (pump out) the spaces that had been flooded due to enemy bomb and torpedo hits. This work is necessary in order to raise the ship off the harbor floor and to move it into a drydock for further repair. (Source: see salvage report here).

    On May 15 of this year the men of the U. S. 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy) receive orders to transfer from Mississippi to Barksdale Field, near Shreveport, Louisiana. Barksdale Field is a permanent station with full post facilities, as compared to the rougher conditions of Key Field. At Key Field the Group gets its first aircraft, B-24D heavy bombers. Personnel soon report from other stations: pilots from Randolph and Kelly Fields in Texas; mechanics from Chanute Field, Illinois, armorers from Lowry Field in Denver,Colorado; gunners come in from Las Vegas, New Mexico, and administrative staffs report in from Fort Logan, Colorado. Most are not professional soldiers, but rather draftees and volunteers. A somewhat high proportion of the men come from the South, and many have been transferred from the already-established 44th and 93rd Bombardment Groups, which have been earmarked for shipment to Europe to flesh out the then-forming 8th Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Eugene P. Mussett is Group Commander, and Captain Robert B. Savage is Executive Officer. The Group consists of Headquarters Squadron, and the 319th, 320th, 321st and 400th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy).

    On May 17 of this year the 90th Bombardmentr Group (Heavy) officially takes up station at Barksdale Field near Shreveport, Louisiana. (SOURCE: World Wide Web posting at: http://libraryautomation.com.westserver.net/nymas/usaaf4.html).

MAY:    All during this month there is a constant movement of military units around the United States, mainly by train, as the country continues to gear up for the war that it has just entered.

JUNE:    On June 18 of this year, Lieutenant General Brehon B. Somervell, the commander of the U. S. Army's Services of Supply, sends a memo to the Chief of Staff of the U. S. Army. In this memo he says, among other things, that "The losses by submarine sinkings threaten failure of our war effort." (SOURCE: quoted in UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II The Technical Services THE TRANSPORTATION CORPS: RESPONSIBILITIES, ORGANIZATION, AND OPERATIONS by Chester Wardlow OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF MILITARY HISTORY UNITED STATES ARMY WASHINGTON, D.C., 1951, pg. 1).

JUNE:    On June 29 of this year in England, U. S. Army Air Corps Captain Charles Kegelman and his American crew fly in one of a dozen British-owned Douglas Boston light bombers assigned to the RAF's 226 Squadron on a mission to the Hazebrouck Marshalling Yards in France. Captain Kegelman's crew is thus the first American bomber crew to attack a target in enemy-occupied Europe. (SOURCE: MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman with Alan Crouchman and Vic Maslen Jane's Publishing Incorporated London NewYork Sydney 1981, pg. 7)

    In the period from January 1 until June 30 of this year, and including the men sent to Great Britain in January as part of the MAGNET force, still there have been many more troops sent to bases in the Pacific areas than to Britain under the BOLERO plan which has been designed to establish a striking force in the British Isles. Although it has been impossible to send effective reinforcements to the Philippines, troops have been landed in Australia and on islands in the South Pacific that straddle the sea and air lanes of communication to the Southwest Pacific. Other areas that have received American forces are bases in the Caribbean and in South America, as well as Iceland and A laska.   (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II The Technical Services THE TRANSPORTATION CORPS: OPERATIONS OVERSEAS by Joseph Bykofsky and Harold Larson CENTER OF MILITARY HISTORY UNITED STATES ARMY WASHINGTON, D.C., 1990, pg. 4).

JUNE:    All during this month the recently-formed 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) continues training at Lakeland, Florida. By now they have received their permanent aircraft, the light-tan painted B-24D Liberator, and the color of the planes signals to the crews that their eventual "overseas" destination will be the deserts of North Africa.   (SOURCE: THE DESERT RATS The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid-by Michael Hill PICTORIAL HISTORIES PUBLISHING CO. ((paperback))-July, 1990, pg. 1).

    In the second half of June of this year (after June 15), the recently-reactivated 79th Infantry Division is forming up and beginning its basic training program at Camp Pickett near the town of Blackstone in southeastern Virginia. At about this time also, at least one new railroad spur is started to expedite the movement of troops into and out of the base. As yet, the base has no airfield for flight operations. (SOURCE: THE CROSS OF LORRAINE A COMBAT HISTORY OF THE 79TH INFANTRY DIVISION JUNE 1942-DECEMBER 1945 -no author listed-reprinted by THE BATTERY PRESS, INC. P.O. Box 3107, Uptown Station Nashville, Tennessee 37219 U.S.A. Twentry-Ninth in the Divisional Series 1986, pg. 9, and Ft. Pickett website at: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/fort-pickett.htm).

JULY:    On July 2 of this year the U. S. Joint Chiefs of staff in Washington, D. C. send orders to the Allied forces stationed in the Pacific theater to prepare a limited offensive designed to bring the Japanese attacks in the area to a halt. The Chiefs want to prevent a Japanese rupture of the long supply lines from the United States to Australia and to New Zealand. The United States at this same time is also bound to a program to increase the number of troops that are being sent to Great Britain in order to mount an offensive from there towards the Continent in either this year or next. But a limiting factor to these plans is the scarcity of warships, transports and cargo ships, suitably trained troops, proper weapons and supplies with which to carry out an offensive in the Pacific especially, where the United States would most likely have to play the leading role. For these reasons, any American attack in the Pacific at this time would have to be limited in nature and size. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II The War in the Pacific GUADALCANAL THE FIRST OFFENSIVE by John Miller, jr. Barnes & Noble Books reprint(1995), pg. 1).

JULY:    The directive issued on July 2 of this year by the U. S. Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D. C. also defines their policy regarding the threat posed by Japanese forces in the central and northern Pacific Ocean areas as a policy that calls for the execution of three tasks. The first assignment is to occupy Santa Cruz and Tulagi Islands in the Solomon Island chain. This operation is to be carried out by forces commanded by Admiral Ghormley, and they would be supported by such support from air and naval units of the Southwest Pacific (General Douglas MacArthur's) command as he could give to them. To remove jurisdictional problems which might arise to complicate this effort, the Joint Chiefs moved the boundary between the South Pacific command and the Southwest Pacific theater command to the west (effective on 1 August 1942) to the 159th meridian; this was a line that would place within the South Pacific theater all of the lower Solomon Islands chain. Then, Task 2, to be under the command of General MacArthur, would involve capture of the more northerly of the Solomon Islands and of Lae, Salamaua, and the northeast coast of New Guinea. Finally, Task 3 called for the seizure by General MacArthur's forces, of the large Japanese base at Rabaul and of adjacent parts of New Britain and New Ireland Islands. The Joint Chiefs reserve to themselves control over the makeup of the various forces, the timing of each task, and the "passage of command" under this directive would remain with the Joint Chiefs in Washington. (SOURCE: Entry in ComSoPac War Diary for July 4, 1942).

On July 4 of this year Captain Charles Kegelman and five other American pilots and their crews from the 15th Bombardment Squadron fly with six Royal Air Force 226 Squadron aircraft in Douglas Boston light bombers which have been borrowed from the 226th for the Americans' first 8th Air Force operation against enemy-occupied European territory. Two of the American crews bomb De Koog airfield in Holland (one aircraft fails to return); another American crew hits Bergen/Alkamaar field but fails to return to base; a fourth U.S. crew attacks Haamstede airfield, and the final two American crews bomb the airfield at Valkenburg. (SOURCE: MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman with Alan Crouchman and Vic Maslen Jane's Publishing Incorporated London NewYork Sydney 1981, pg. 7).

    On July 6 of this year in London, England the British war cabinet declares that the Munich Agreements regarding Czechoslovakia are now invalid, and England agrees in principle to the relocation of the German population living in central and in southeastern Europe to Germany proper whenever and wherever such population shifts might prove to be "necessary and desirable" after the war ends. At this time the United States has not agreed to such a plan. (SOURCE: AFTER THE REICH THE BRUTAL HISTORY OF THE ALLIED OCCUPATION by Giles MacDonogh Basic Books ((paperback)), 2009, pg. 14-Introduction).

    On July 12 of this year the U. S. 15th Bombardment Squadron, led by now-Major Charles Kegelman, flies in six Douglas Boston light bombers which have been borrowed from the Royal Air Force, to attack the German air base at Abbeville/Drucat in France. The Americans suffer no casualties, nor do they lose any planes, on this short-range mission. (SOURCE: MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman with Alan Crouchman and Vic Maslen Jane's Publishing Incorporated London NewYork Sydney 1981, pg. 7).

On July 13 of this year, the U. S. Army publishes Army Regulation 10-15, entitled "General Staff Organization and General Duties". Among other things, this regulation says that the Chief of Staff of the Army is responsible for the Army's actions, first in helping to work out common strategic plans and then in carrying them out as agreed. He is the principal Presidential executive agent of the Army's "strategy, tactics, and operations," as well as being the immediate adviser of the Secretary of War in developing and supervising the entire Military Establishment. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II--The War Departmernt--WASHINGTON COMMAND POST: THE OPERATIONS DIVISION---by Ray S. Cline   OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF MILITARY HISTORY DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY   WASHINGTON, D. C., 1951, pg. 2). This is another step in the Army's efforts to improve its organizational structure at the highest levels.

    On July 20 of this year Headquarters, 1st Air Force, Eastern Defense Command in the United States issues its General Orders Number 50 directive, which authorizes the activation of the 325th Fighter Group and the transfer of officers and enlisted men from the 79th Fighter Group to be the founding cadre of the new Group. Men from the 85th, 86th, and 87th Fighter Squadrons, led by Major Leonard C. Lydon form the new Group. Group Headquarters for the 325th, as well as headquarters for the Group's 317th Squadron, is set as Theodore Green Field, Hillsgrove, Rhode Island. The 318th Squadron of the 325th Group is assigned to Grenier Field, Manchester, New Hampshire; the 319th Squadron sets up its headquarters at Renschler Field at Hartford, Connecticut. Thus the 325th becomes an all-New England outfit, with a reporting structure that runs through the Boston Air Defense Wing and the I Fighter Command to the 1st Air Force. SOURCE: CHECKERTAIL CLAN The 325th Fighter Group in North Africa and Italy by Ernest R. McDowell and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrok, California 1969 (paperback), pp. 9-10).

    On July 26 of this year in Europe, the U. S. 31st Fighter Group, flying in six British Spitfire fighters, conducts the first American fighter operation of the European war when they accompany RAF Spitfires from Biggan Hill on a sweep over Gravelines, St. Omer and the Abbeville area of France. Lieutenant Colonel Clark's plane is hit on this mission and he bails out and is captured by the enemy, to become a Prisoner of War. (SOURCE: MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman with Alan Crouchman and Vic Maslen Jane's Publishing Incorporated London NewYork Sydney 1981, pg. 7).

AUGUST:    In the South Pacific area on August 1 of this year the B-17 Flying Fortresses of the U. S. Army's 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) strike suspected Japanese positions on both Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomon Islands; this is in preparation for the iminent American invasion of those islands. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59).

In the South Pacific area on August 2 of this year the B-17 Flying Fortresses of the U. S. Army's 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit suspected Japanese positions on both Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in a continuation of the preparations for the forthcoming American invasion of the Solomon Islands. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59).

In the South Pacific area on August 2 of this year also, the U. S. 1st Marine Division finally gets some recent aerial photographs of the area which it is to attack. These pictures are sent to the division by Admiral McCain; they have been taken by a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber and have been developed aboard the American aircraft carrier Enterprise. They are of Tulagi and Lunga Point on Guadalcanal, and they show that the airstrip on Guadalcanal is almost finished. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter II, pg. 45).

In the United States of America on Monday, August 3 of this year the 319th Fighter Squadron of the 325th Fighter Group is activated at Renschler Field near Hartford, Connecticut. The Squadron initially consists of 178 men under the command of Captain Lawrence E. Oldham; Captain Oldham is, at this time, the only officer assigned to the new Squadron. (SOURCE: CHECKERTAIL CLAN The 325th Fighter Group in North Africa and Italy By Ernest R. McDowell and William N. Hess Edited by Kenn C. Rust Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California 1969, pg. 10).

In the South Pacific area on Monday, August 3 of this year the B-17 Flying Fortresses of the U. S. Army's 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) bomb suspected Japanese positions on both Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomons in continuing preparation for the planned invasions of those islands. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59).

In the South Pacific area on Monday, August 3 of this year the convoy consisting of the Zeilin and the Betelgeuse, carrying the U. S. Marine 3d Defense Battalion, and escorted by two destroyers-having made a late departure from Pearl Harbor-now joins the naval forces that are preparing to invade Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomons. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 55).

In the South Pacific area on Tuesday, August 4 of this year the B-17 Flying Fortresses of the U. S. Army's 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) once again hit suspected Japanese positions on both Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomons as the pre-invasion "softening-up" process for those islands continues. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59).

Also in the South Pacific area on Tuesday, August 4 of this year the transports Betelgeuse and Zeilin and their escorts, which are carrying the U. S. Marine 3rd Defense Battalion, join Transport Groups X and Y respectively for the invasion of Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomons. The number of ships in the Expeditionary Force then becomes 82, and the number of men in the landing force then totals more than 19,000. The Expeditionary Force is sailing in three huge concentric circles, with the vulnerable transports in the center, the cruiser screening force in the next ring, and the destroyers in the outer circle. (SOURCE:   UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59).

In the South Pacific area on Wednesday, August 5 of this year B-17 Flying Fortress bombers from the U. S. Army's 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit suspected Japanese positions on both Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands as part of the preparations for the forthcoming American invasion of the Solomon Islands. The 11th Group is based in the New Hebrides Islands. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59). See also the 11th Group's website at: http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/USAAF/11th_Bombardment_Group.html )

    In the South Pacific area on August 5 of this year, as the Allied Amphibious Force is sailing northwards west of Guadalcanal Island in the Solomons, overcast skies and a heavy layer of haze reduce visibility to four miles and put a limit on air operations, except for the bombing mission flown by the 26th Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy). (SOURCE:   UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pp. 59-60).

    In the South Pacific area on August 5 of this year American Lieutenant Commander Alderman brings seaplane tender McFarland to Ndeni of the Santa Cruz island group and immediately begins to provide food, fuel and "all the comforts of home" to five PBY patrol planes whose searches can now be extended by about 300 miles closer to the Japanese naval base at Rabaul. (SOURCE:   HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg. 23).

    In the South Pacific area on August 6 of this year the B-17s of the U. S. Army's 26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) of the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) complete seven straight days of bombing suspected Japanese positions on both Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomons in preparation for the coming invasion of those islands. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 59).

In the South Pacific area on August 6 of this year there are five American PBY Catalina patrol planes flying search missions from their new seaplane base with the tender MCfarland at Ndeni in the Santa Cruz island group. They are searching towards the northwest from Ndeni to protect the southern approaches to Guadalcanal and Tulagi as the American invasion fleet nears those islands. Of the five PBYs available, four are used with one spare. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg. 23).

   In the South Pacific area on August 6 of this year, as the Allied Amphibious Force for the invasion of Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomons is sailing northwards west of Guadalcanal, the weather remains overcast and with a heavy haze that puts a limit on air operations. Intermittent rain squalls are helping to cover the approach of the ships, as is their maintainance of radio silence. No enemy ships are met on this approach to the target. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II-The war in the Pacific-GUADALCANAL-THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---by John Miller, Jr.: Barnes & Noble Books New York ((reprint of original edition published by The Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C.-1949)) Chapter III, pg. 60).

   In the South Pacific area before dawn on the morning of August 7, 1942, Admiral Richmond K. Turner's U. S. Expeditionary Force is rounding Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal preparatory to launching the forces that are to invade Guadalcanal and Tulagi Islands in the Solomon Island chain. At this same time, Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher's carrier group is maneuvering uneasily south of Guadalcanal and is ready to provide air cover for the landings. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter I, pg. 15).

    In the South Pacific area before 0700 on the morning of August 7 of this year the U. S. 1st Marine Division lands on the northern beaches east of the Tenaru River on Guadalcanal, following a heavy bombardment by a naval gunfire support force. (SOURCE: Brochure, THE U. S. ARMY CAMPAIGNS IN WORLD WAR II. GUADALCANAL by Charles R. Anderson U. S. Army Center of Military History Washington, D.C., pg. 2).

    In the Pacific Theater early on the morning of Friday, August 7 of this year-at about 0700- Japanese Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa receives word of the American landings at Guadalcanal and at Tulagi in the Solomon Islands. Vice Admiral Mikawa is the Commander of the Japanese Eighth Fleet and of the Outer South Seas Force, with headquarters at Rabaul. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg. 18).

    Also in the Pacific Theater at about 0700 on the morning of Friday, August 7 of this year, five Japanese heavy cruisers have just departed from Kavieng, northwest of the large Japanese at Rabaul; three of these cruisers are bound for the Admiralties Islands, and two for Rabaul itself. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg. 18).

    At about 0800 on the morning of August 7 of this year at the Rabaul headquarters of Japanese Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa, Commander of the Eighth Fleet and of the Outer South Seas Force, the Admiral sends an urgent message to the five Japanese heavy cruisers that have just departed from Kavieng. He orders them to head for Rabaul at top speed. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg. 18).

    Shortly after 0800 on the morning of August 7 of this year when the final message is received from the troops defending Tulagi Island in the Solomons, Japanese Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa, Commander of the Eighth Fleet and Outer South Seas Force at Rabaul, has already decided to launch a counterattack. Troops are quickly collected at Rabaul and embarked in six transports to reinforce the garrison at Guadalcanal. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg. 18).

    Early on the afternoon of August 7 of this year, in the Pacific Theater, in the Solomon Islands area, Japanese heavy cruiser Chokai and destroyer Yunagi split off from the force that is heading for Rabaul, to enter Simpson Harbor for further orders. Meanwhile, the remaining four heavy cruisers in the group, and their escorts, steam at reduced speed toward a rendezvous in St. George Channel, between New Britain and New Ireland Islands northwest of Guadalcanal. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pp.. 18-19).

    In the South Pacific area by nightfall of August 7 of this year landing craft from 15 transports have taken 11,000 U. S. Marines ashore on a beach at Guadalcanal, about four miles east of Lunga Point. (SOURCE: HISTORY OF UNITED STATES NAVAL OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II VOLUME V The Struggle for Guadalcanal August 1942-February 1943 BY SAMUEL ELIOT MORRISON LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY BOSTON 1962, Chapter II, pg.. 19).

    In the South Pacific area at some time on August 7 of this year 13 U. S. Army Air Force B-17 heavy bombers hit Vunakanau Airfield on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archepelago in coordination with Marine landings on Guadalcanal and several other islands in the Solomons. (SOURCE: See Website at: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington/1942/08/07.htm ).

    In the South Pacific area at 1400 hours on August 13 of this year COMSOPAC (Vice Admiral Robert Ghormley) reports to COMINCH [Commander in Chief, United States Fleet] (Admiral Ernest J. King) in Washington, D.C. that 10,000 troops were landed on Guadalcanal Island by 2000 hours on August 7, 1942. (SOURCE: Entry in COMSOPAC War Diary for 13AUG42).

   On Wednesday, August 19 of this year the U. S. Eighth Air Force carries out Mission 2 -its second combat mission in Europe. This is a raid by 24 B-17 heavy bombers (of which two abort the attack) on the Abbeville/Drucat airfield in France. It is intended as a diversionary raid to pin down Luftwaffe opposition while more than 5,000 Allied troops (the bulk of them Canadians) stage an attack at Dieppe, France. The Americans suffer damage to three of the raiding B-17s, and two combat crewmen are wounded in action. Meanwhile, six other B-17s fly a mission that is a diversion from this main diversionary attack. The time over target (Abbeville) for this raid is from 1032 to 1040 hours. (SOURCE: Electronic posting at: http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/PopTopics/chron/42aug.htm

On Friday, August 21 of this year in England, the U. S. Eighth Air Force sends a dozen B-17 heavy bombers out on combat mission 4 for the command. This is to be an attack on the shipyards at Rotterdam in the Netherlands, but an attack by 25 German Bf 109s and FW 190s causes the mission to be aborted; however, the bombers claim to have destroyed 2 enemy aircraft, damaged 5 more, and probably damaged an additional 6 Luftwaffe defenders. One of the attacking bombers is damaged, one crewman is killed in action and 5 airmen are wounded in action. There has been a lack of proper coordination with the British Spitfire fighter escorts, and this is a major cause of the failure of the mission.

    On this same day (August 21), the Headquarters of VIII Ground Air Support Command moves from its base at Bushy Park to Membury Airfield. (SOURCE: Both Aug. 21 notes: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Aug.42.html)

   On Monday, August 24 of this year in England, the U. S. Eighth Air Force launches its fifth combat mission, an attack by twelve B-17 heavy bombers against the shipyard of Ateliers et Chantiers Maritime de la Seine at Le Trait in France. Three of the attacking B-17s are damaged and five crewmen are wounded in this raid; no B-17s are shot down. (SOURCE: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Aug.42.html)

    On Thursday, August 27 of this year, the U. S. Eighth Air Force in England sends out its sixth combat mission; it is a strike at the shipyards at Rotterdam in the Netherlands, a repeat of the attack originally scheduled for August 21. That attack had been turned back because of the presence of over two dozen enemy fighters. Today's mission involves just 9 B-17 heavy bombers, of which 7 hit the assigned target at 1740 hours. Three of the attacking planes are damaged; one crewman is wounded in action.

    On this same day the 92nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) completes a nonstop flight of the remainder of its four squadrons from Newfoundland to the United Kingdom without losing any aircraft. Also today, a Combat Crew Replacement Center, which is the first of its kind in the Eighth Air Force, is set up at Bovingdon, England.

    Finally, also on this day, the 94th Fighter Squadron of the 1st Fighter Group, deploys from Kirton in Lindsey, England to Ibsley, England with their P-38 aircraft. (SOURCE: [3 items]:Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Aug.42.html)

    On Friday, August 28 of this year the Eighth Air Force in England sends 14 B-17 heavy bombers out on its Mission #7, an attack on the Avions Potez aircraft plant at Meaulte near Amiens in France. Eleven bombers actually make it to the target and drop their bombs between 1337 and 1344 hours. Three bombers are damaged, none totally lost. One crewman is killed on the mission. (SOURCE: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Aug.42.html)

On Saturday, August 29 of this year in England the Eighth Air Force sends out 13 B-17 heavy bombers on Mission #8. This is an attack on the Courtrai airfield in Belgium. Eleven bombers make it to the target and drop their bombs between 1131 and 1136 hours. One B-17 bombs Steene airfield at 1137 hours. The bombers claim no enemy aircraft destroyed, one damaged, and one probably damaged. Three B-17s from this mission are damaged. (SOURCE: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Aug.42.html)

On August 29 of this year, in still another of his informal private conversations with some of his inner circle of aides and associates, Adolf Hitler once more castigates his grade-school instructors. He says that "half of them were abnormal..." He admits that he and his fellow students were merciless towards the teachers. He says that he himself displayed absolutely no talent for foreign languages, and for this he blames his teacher, saying that he could not stand the sight of him.

SEPTEMBER:   On Saturday, September 5 of this year, the U. S. Eighth Air Force in England sends out two groups of bombers as part of its Mission #9. In the first phase, 11 out of 12 DB-7 medium bombers attack the port area at Le Havre, France at 0932 this morning. The bombers are escorted by two dozen Spitfires.

    In the second part of the mission, 37 B-17 heavy bombers are dispatched to the locomotive depot at the Rouen/Sotteville marshalling yard in France in a continuation of the Eighth's campaign against aircraft and transportation targets. Thirty-one of the heavies actually make it through, and this is the largest force of heavies assigned to one target so far in the war. Bombing results are fairly good: over 19% of the bombs hit within the limits of the rail yard. (SOURCE: [Both items]: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Sept.42.html)

On Sunday, September 6 of this year in England, the U. S. Eighth Air Force dispatches its tenth combat mission of the war. This is a three-part attack and the largest operation so far by the Eighth; in the first phase, all twelve DB-7 medium bombers that are sent out reach their target and attack the Abbeville/Drucat Airfield at 1702 hours. They are escorted by 37 Spitfires and suffer no losses.

   In Part 2 of the mission, 51 B-17 heavy bombers are dispatched to hit the Avions Potez aircraft plant at Meaulte, France; 30 B-17s actually make it to the target and drop their bombs between 1740 and 1748 hours. They claim 4 enemy fighters destroyed, 19 damaged, and 20 probably damaged, for the loss of 2 B-17s and damage to 7 others. One crewman is killed in this action, five are wounded and 18 go missing. This represents the first loss of aircraft in combat for the VIII Bomber Command.

Finally, in Part 3 of the day's mission, 11 out of 13 B-17s hit the St. Omer/Longuenesse Airfield, while two others attack the St. Omer/Ft. Rouge Airfield without sustaining any losses.

On this day also, HQ of the 67th Observation Group arrives at Membury, England from the U.S., and the 367th, 368th and 369th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) of the 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) reach Thurleigh, England with their B-17 bombers. (SOURCE: [Four items]: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Sept.42.html).



On Monday, September 7 of this year, Adolf Hitler launches into another round of denunciations of his elementary-school teachers. This comes during one of his informal conversations with some of his close associates; he calls the teachers tyrants who wanted only to stuff the children's heads with rote learning, not to turn them into original or creative thinkers.

   Also on Monday, September 7 of this year, in England, the U. S. Eighth Air Force sends out its Mission 11 since it has begun formal combat operations in the European Theater of Operations (ETO). This is another two-part mission, involving a total of 29 B-17 heavy bombers. In the first part of the mission, just 4 out of 15 bombers dispatched make an ineffective raid on the Wilton shipyards at Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The attack is thwarted by bad weather, but the attackers still claim to have destroyed 8 enemy aircraft, damaged 4, and probably damaged 7 others. Four B-17's are damaged, and one airman is killed, while three others are wounded in action.

    In the second phase of this action, 5 out of 14 attacking B-17's look for targets of opportunity near the Dutch city of Utrecht, probably because of poor visibility at their primary target. They claim to have destroyed 4 Luftwaffe aircraft, damaged 6, and to have probably damaged 5 others, while sustaining damage to one of their own bombers, and having one of their crewmen return wounded from the mission.

    Arriving in England from the U. S. today (September 7, 1942) are HQ of the 2d Bombardment Wing at Old Catton airfield; HQ of the 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) and the 328th, 329th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) at Alconbury with B-24 Liberator aircraft. Also, HQ of the 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) at Thurleigh; the 12th, 107th, 109th and 153rd Observation Squadrons, 67th Observation Group, at Membury-minus all of their aircraft; and the 15th Photographic Mapping Squadron of the 3rd Photographic Group, also to Membury with their B-17 aircraft. This is all part of the continuing buildup of the Eighth Air Force into an all-around, fully-equipped fighting force. (SOURCE: [3 items]: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Sept.42.html).

   On Tuesday, September 8 of this year, a special war plan called the "Joint British American Directive on Day Bomber Operations Involving fighter Cooperation" is issued. It has been worked out by Major General Carl Spaatz of the U.S. and the British Royal Air Force, and it gives the night-bombing role to the British and the day-bombing assignment to the U. S. Eighth Air Force. Its purpose is to achieve continuity in the overall bombing offensive, and to secure RAF fighter support for American bombers. General Spaatz orders that all tactical operations are now to yield to activities in support of Operation TORCH, which is the plan for Allied landings in North and Northwest Africa, set for commencement in November of this year. Processing of units of the newly-organized Twelfth Air Force will take priority over combat operations at this time, as the Twelfth is destined to go to North Africa.

    In England on September 8, 1942, HQ of the 3d Photographic Group reaches the bustling Membury Airfield from the U. S. The 342d and 414th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) of the 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) move from Grafton Underwood Airfield to Polebrook with their B-17's. (SOURCE: [2 items]: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/Sept.42.html).

    On September 12 of this year the U. S. 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), equipped with the B-17 heavy bomber, begins ground operations at Grafton Underwood Air Base in England. The commander of the 305th is Colonel Curtis E. LeMay. The unit is assigned to the 1 Bombardment Wing of the VIII Bomber Command, U. S. 8th Air Force. The unit begins "settling in" at its new base; its aircraft are still in the United States, with the flying crews undergoing advanced flight training at Syracuse, New York. (SOURCE: World Wide Web posting).

    On Monday, September 14 of this year in England, following the transfer of various U. S. Eighth Air Force combat units to the new Twelfth Air Force, the forces remaining under Eighth Air Force control are: HQ 3d Photographic Group and 5th, 12th, 13th and 14th Photographic Squadrons and 15th Photographic Mapping Squadron, equipped with F-4s, F-5s and B-17Fs; HQ 4th Fighter Group and the 3434th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons , based at Steeple Morden with Spi5tfire Vs; HQ 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 66th, 67th and 68th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), stationed at Cheddington Airfield with their B-24 Liberator bombers; HQ 67th Observation Group and the 12th, 107th, 109th and 153rd Observation Squadrons, based at Membury Airfield, but without their aircraft; also the HQ of the 91st Bombardment Group and its 322d, 3232rd, 324th and 401st Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy). The 91st and its squadrons are based Kimbolton Airfield with their B-17F bombers; the HQ of the 92nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 325th, 326th, 327th and 407th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) are based at Bovingdon Airfield with their B-17F aircraft. Headquarters of the 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 328th, 329th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) are stationed at Alconbury Airfield with their B-24D-model Liberators. The Headquarters of the 303d Bombardment Group (Heavy), and its 358th, 359th, 360th and 427th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) are stationed at Molesworth Airfield with their B-17F aircraft, and HQ of the 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), with its 364th, 365th, 366th and 422d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) are stationed at Grafton Underwood Airfield with their B-17F aircraft. Finally, Headquarters of the 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 367th, 368th, 369th and 423rd Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) with their B-17F planes are stationed at Thurleigh Airfield. (SOURCE: [all data]: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/htmlSept..42.html).

    As of Wednesday, September 16 of this year, certain administrative details regarding the ultimate composition and organization of the U. S. Eighth Air Force in England still remain unsettled. For example, it is still to be decided as to the site for the VIII Fighter Command headquarters, as well as to the exact mission that VIII Fighter Command will carry out in the Allies' overall air plans. However, today the VIII Air Force Services Command does decide upon Honington and Watton as sites for Bomber Command advance depots. (SOURCE: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/htmlSept..42.html).

    On Thursday, September 17 of this year the XII Ground Air Support Command of the U. S. Twelfth Air Force is activated at Birmingham, Alabama. This will be the only component of the U. S. Twelfth Air Force to be organized exclusively in the United States. At a future date it will move straight to North Africa with the Western Task Force invasion fleet for Operation TORCH.

   On Thursday, September 17 of this year also, in England, the HQ, XII Fighter Command is transferred from Wattisham to Bushey Hall, England. (SOURCE: [Both entries]: Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/htmlSept..42.html).

    On Friday, September 18 of this year the VIII Ground Air Support Command, based at Membury, England, is renamed VIII Air Support Command. The Twelfth Air Force assumes command of a dozen British units, consisting of signal, observer, radar and air warning types. Specifically, they are attached to the XII Fighter Command in the United Kingdom. Colonel Rosenham R. Beam takes command of the XII Ground Air Support Command. (SOURCE:   Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/htmlSept..42.html).

    On Wednesday, September 23 of this year in England, Major General James H. Doolittle takes over command of the Twelfth Air Force here. (SOURCE:   Electronic posting at:http://paul,rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/htmlSept..42.html).

    On September 29 of this year in the United States orders are issued officially constituting the 353rd Fighter Group at Mitchell Field on Long Island, New York. The first personnel who will staff this new unit will assemble at Richmond Army Air Base, Virginia next month. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 9).

    All during the month of September of this year, the United States is maintaining a small but growing force of Army and Air Corps personnel in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland. These forces include the first MAGNET Force, which arrived in England earlier this year.

OCTOBER:    On October 2 of this year the first personnel assigned to the newly-created 353rd Fighter Group report to Richmond Army Air Base in Virginia. The assembled men include a few pilots, some administrative officers and enlisted men; they check in and begin to serve under the Group's first commander, Major Joseph A. Morris, who hails from Deadwood, South Dakota. He is a generally easygoing type, but he is a perfectionist when it comes to shaping up his new command. Most of his subordinate officers are just out of flight school, but a few have had a little more experience in the air, and these men take on the responsibility of training for the three squadrons assigned to the 353rd. (SOURCE:   The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 9).

    Late in October of this year Group Headquarters of the 353rd Fighter Group is moved from Richmond Army Air Base, Virginia to the Municipal Airport in Baltimore, Maryland. The staff and men of the 350th Fighter Squadron, commanded by 1st Lieutenant Wallace E. Hopkins are also assigned to the Baltimore Airport, and the 352nd Fighter Squadron goes to Langley Field in Virginia, under the command of 1st Lieutenant William B. Bailey, while the 351st Fighter Squadron, led by 1st Lieutenant Shannon Christian, is sent to the Municipal Airport at Norfolk, Virginia. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 9).

NOVEMBER:    On Wednesday, November 4 of this year, the U. S. 90th Bombardment Group joins the 5th Air Force in the Southwest Pacific Theater when it reaches its new base at Iron Range, Queensland, Australia from Hawaii with its attached 319th, 320th, 321st and 400th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy). It will spend the next two weeks getting established and familiarized with its new base and operational area before going on actual combat missions.

    At about this time (November 4, 1942) the newly-formed 353rd Fighter Group, assigned to bases at Baltimore, Maryland: Norfolk, Virginia and Langley, Virginia receives its first aircraft for training purposes. They are P-40-Fs that have been extensively used by other units, and some are a bit worse for wear. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 9).

    At about this time also (early November, 1942) the 350th Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Fighter Group,stationed at Richmond, Virginia,is quartered in tar paper shacks and their runway is blocked at one end by a slag heap, with drag lines that are intended to mark the obstruction. However, those lines only make the hazard worse, and one aircraft and its pilot from the squadron will be lost in a crash caused by the drag lines, before the squadron leaves the base. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 9).

    In early November of this year the men of the 351st Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Fighter Group are living in barrns which have just recently been cleared of the cattle that had previously been living there. This is their introduction to life at the Norfolk Air Base, such as it was. The base had just a single runway, and that was very short-a mere 3,500 feet, and it was covered with potholes and washed-out gullies. The fledgling pilots of the squadron soon elected to fly from the grass alongside the "runway" rather than hazard a takeoff or a landing on the runway itself. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 9).

    On Sunday, November 8 of this year, before dawn in North Africa, American troops begin attacking through the surf to the shores of Northwest Africa in Operation TORCH. At this time, the colonies of French North Africa where the Americans are landing are within the limits of the European Theater of Operations of the U. S. Army. Operation TORCH is the first large-scale offensive in which the American-British allies engage as partners in a joint undertaking, and it marks the transformation of the Mediterranean from a British to an Allied theater of war. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II The Mediterranean Theater of Operations NORTHWEST AFRICA: SEIZING THE INITIATIVE IN THE WEST by George F. Howe OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF MILITARY HISTORY DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON, D. C., 1957, pg. 3).

    On Thursday, November 12 of this year, the United States Army Middle East Air Force is officially renamed the Ninth Air Force. Its commander is Major General Lewis H. Brereton, and it is based in Egypt. (SOURCE: NINTH AIR FORCE STORY...IN WORLD WAR II   Kenn C. Rust   Historical Aviation Album, publishers 1982 ((paper)), pg.9.)

    By approximately November 20 of this year the men of the 351st Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Fighter Group, stationed at the Municipal Airport, Norfolk, Virginia, "move up in the world" when they are permitted to vacate the old barns in which they have been living, and move into several tar paper shacks that are heated with pot-bellied stoves. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pp. 9-10).

    At this time (November 20 of this year) the 353rd Fighter Group is asigned to the Philadelphia Air Defense Wing, and Colonel Glenn O. Barcus is commander of the Wing. He has issued orders for all serviceable aircraft of the wing to be flying as much as possible, and to not be on the ground for more than 30 minutes at a time. Also, Lieutenant Walter C. Beckham is Operations Officer of the 351st Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Group. (SOURCE: The Slybird Group   The 353rd Fighter Group on Escort and Ground Attack Operations by Kenn C. Rust and William N. Hess Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California ((paperback)) 1968, pg. 10).

    In an entry for November 22 of this year, it is reported in the ComSoPac War Diary that Admiral Nimitz, in ordering 17 submarines back to [Japanese] Empire waters from SoPac emergency deployment, has informed Admiral Halsey that he considers Guadalcanal as "past the most critical period." (SOURCE: Entry in ComSoPac War Diary for November 22, 1942).

DECEMBER:    In Berlin, Germany on December 19 of this year, Chief Tax Secretary Dr. Bender, in a memorandum to the Reich Minister of Finance, says that "The surgeon general SS and police has requested 53 key positions for the new organizatrion of his office." Dr Bender says that the plans include not only "Research" in pharmaceutical chemistry, in dental and clinical services and a special section of scientific service, but also that the surgeon general is asking for creation of a series of special institutes for such things as Medical Scientific Exploitation, the History of Medicine, Pharmacy for Military Requirements, and a "Special Institute Sachenhausen " [the concentration camp]. Dr. Bender says that these requests can be granted only if such research activities "are not already undertaken by other independent institutes, resp. by the universities, or belong to their sphere." (SOURCE: NAZI CONSPIRACY AND AGGRESSION VOLUME III Office of United States Chief of Counsel For Prosecution of Axis Criminality United States Government Printing Office Washington 1946, pp. 9-10).

(NO SPECIFIC DATE):    At some time during this year in the United States, the Army decides that it is necessary for the Army Air Forces to have first priority and choice of the Army's quota of men who place in the top brackets of general military aptitude. (SOURCE: UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II The Army Ground Forces THE PROCUREMENT AND TRAINING OF GROUND COMBAT TROOPS by Robert R. Palmer, Bell I. Wiley and William R. Keast, of the Historical Section Army Ground Forces HISTORICAL DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON, D. C. 1948, pg.1).

EXIT: WELCOME SCREEN