This day in the war in the Pacific 65 years ago.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather cancels all missions and also the laying of mat at the Amchitka airstrip.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) The 2d Troop Carrier Squadron, Tenth Air Force with C-47s arrives at Yangkai, China from the U.S.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-39s join Navy fighters and dive bombers in a strike against Munda Airfield. Single B-24s bomb Nusave and the airfields on Ballale and at Kahili.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24s, operating individually, strike Gasmata Airfield and Pondo Harbor, Bobo and the sawmill at Ubili.

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RAN:
Bougainville:
The Brisbane-based USS GATO, (submarine), and aircraft sank the Japanese transport HIBARI MARU off Bougainville.

Australia:
Japanese Pilot, Susumi Ito, made two flights in Australia. The first was over Sydney Harbour before the midget submarine attack in May 1942. The second was on 19 February 1943 when he flew very low right down the NSW coast and then returned to his submarine off the coast.

Susumi Ito, said that he flew low between the mountain peaks, so as to remain undetected. He did not go undetected after all. Jo Lehmann plotted him while on duty at 18 Radar Station, Kiama. But Susumi was able to take his photographs and went home.

Four RAAF Airacobras were sent up from Bankstown airfield to locate the Japanese floatplane. One of these aircraft was P-39 Airacobra A53-7 piloted by Lex Dwyer of 24 Squadron RAAF. At the time that they were scrambled by the Fighter Sector these men had been celebrating the successful bailout by Pilot Officer A. F. Tutt at 9.30am that morning. Lex Dywer was directed by the Fighter Controller to fly at 12,000 feet to look for the Japanese Float Plane. The Fighter Controller that night was Jack Kingsford Smith. Lex Dwyer flew out to sea and eventually ran low on fuel and headed back towards Bankstown Airfield. He eventually ran out of fuel. He asked the Fighter Sector to turn on a searchlight to help him establish his bearings to enable a safe glide back to Bankstown. They refused to turn on a searchlight. He was eventually able to locate the flare path at Bankstown and make a safe landing

Canberra:

The Government passed the 'Defence (Citizen Military Forces) Act 1943. This act defined the so-called 'South West Pacific Zone' to which Australian militia (conscripted reservists) could be sent for active service. The area was north to the equator and between the meridians of 110°E and 159°E.

RAAF:

On 19 February 1943, Station Headquarters, Pearce was renamed RAAF Station, Pearce. In June 1943, No 77 Operational Base Unit was established at Guildford Airport to support RAAF operations including those of No 85 Squadron. Together with No 25 Squadron, No 85 Squadron added to the air defence capability for Perth, though aircraft were often deployed to the north of WA throughout 1943. On 5 August 1943, No 35 Squadron returned to Pearce and in December 1943 began to be re-equipped with Dakota aircraft. No 7 Communication Unit was established at Pearce on 2 November 1943 with the aircraft formerly operated by No 35 Squadron to be flown in the roles of target towing and aerial cooperation. Also in August 1943, No 25 Squadron was re-equipped with Vultee Vengeance aircraft. In September 1943, No 85 Squadron was re-equipped with Spitfire aircraft.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, a weather reconnaissance determines that 3 ships at Attu to be friendly. P-40s on local patrol over Amchitka encounter and shoot down 2 enemy fighters. The 21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group operating under control of the 28th Composite Group with B-24s from Umnak begins operating from Amchitka.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24s pound the airfield at Munda. B-17s attack the Kahili area and shipping nearby.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-24s unsuccessfully attack shipping off Cape Gloucester and Cape Orford. In New Guinea, B-25s bomb the Barar area. Individual B-24s bomb the Finschhafen landing ground and the Madang area. In Portugese Timor, B-25s unsuccessfully attack shipping off Dili. The 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s transfers from Archerfield Airdrome near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to Port Moresby, New Guinea.

NEIAF - six 18 Squadron B-25s taking part in an operational mission over Dili. Lost is B-25D N5-144.

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ALASKA: (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, weather cancels all missions except limited weather reconnaissance.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40s dive-bomb a Japanese HQ at Hpunkizup and afterwards strafe a rail defile south of Meza, burying about 100 feet of track. Five B-25s bomb the rail terminal at Sagaing.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Solomons, B-17s bomb shipping and a seaplane base between Buin and Faisi, Bougainville and at Ballale and hit the Kahili Airfield. A-20s bomb and strafe forces in the Butibum and Angari areas. B-24s carry out single-plane attacks agains shipping at Salamaua, off Cape Gloucester, and at Gasmata.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, reconnaissance over Kiska finds weather favorable and 5 B-24s, 7 B-25s and 8 P-38s take off to attack. The fighters hit the Main Camp area; the bombers bomb North Head, the Main Camp area and the runway. The 11th Fighter Squadron, 343d Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from Fort Glenn on Umnak to Adak.

CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Seventh Air Force) Three B-24s of the 307th Bombardment Group operating from Canton photograph Makin, Abaiang and Tarawa Atoll and attack shipping at Tarawa.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 17 P-40s bomb a factory, oil tanks, and railroad tracks at Sahmaw. Thirteen B-24s attack the Gokteik Viaduct but fail to damage the structure.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-17s and PB4Ys bomb Ballale and Kahili on Bougainville. B-24s pound Vila on Kolombangara. During the night of 19/20 Feb and day strikes, P-39s and Navy aircraft attack the Munda area, hitting the airfield and nearby Lambeti and Munda Point.
The USN's Carrier Air Group Five (CVG-5) is temporarily based on Guadalcanal to cover the upcoming invasion of the Russell Islands.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s bomb landing ground at Kahili and at Ballale, and Gasmata Airfield.

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Australia:

Darwin:

Japanese bombing raids continue.

RAAF:

77 Squadron relocate from Darwin to Milne Bay. Currently equipped with Kitthawks.


RAN:

On 21 February 1943 when escorting SS MAETSUYCKER from Onslow to Darwin the sloop was attacked by a single Japanese aircraft. Three bombs were dropped which were "distinctly heard passing over the ship" before falling into the sea 100 yards astern.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, weather prevents all flying from Adak . Fighters based on Amchitka patrol Kiska.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) USAAF, US Navy, US Marine Corps and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) fighters from Guadalcanal provide air support as the 103d Infantry Regiment and 152d Field Artillery Battalion (105 mm Howitzer Tractor-Drawn), 43d Infantry Division land on three beaches on Banika 30 miles northwest of Guadalcanal. The landings are unopposed; the 169th Infantry Regiment lands tomorrow. The 103d was a Maine National Guard unit activated in Feb 41; the 169th was a Connecticut NG unit activated at the same time. Airfields will be built. Fifth Air Force aircraft had aided this operation by bombing the airfields in the Buin and Kahili area on Bougainville and the airfield on Ballale on Friday and Saturday.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Celebes, B-24s bomb the harbor and shipping at Amboina, Ambon, Netherlands East Indies. In New Guinea, A-20s bomb and strafe several occupied villages and tracks throughout the Mubo-Komiatum-Salamaua region. Lost on a training flight is B-25C "Draft Dodger" 41-12968.

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Australia:
Queensland:

The 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-400s transfers from Milne Bay, New Guinea to Mareeba, Queensland, Australia. The 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s transfers from Garbutt, Australia to Archerfield Airdrome near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 16 bombers and 8 fighters abort a mission against Kiska due to weather.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, B-24s mine the Gulf of Martaban between Pagoda Point and the mouth of the Rangoon River during the night of 22/23 Feb. Twenty four B-24s and RAF Liberators fly a diversionary strike against the city of Rangoon and the Mingaladon Airfield.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) In the Solomons, P-38s, P-39s and Navy aircraft hit the Rekata Bay area and barges in Sambi Bay on Santa Isabel .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Admiralties, a B-24 hits Lorengau Airfield on Manus. In New Guinea, B-25s pound the Lae area while to the south A-20s hit forces at Buibuining, Waipali, Guadagasal and along trails in the surrounding areas. A single B-17 bombs Lae. The 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group with P-39s and P-400s transfers from Milne Bay to Mareeba. The 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group with C-47s transfers from Garbutt to Archerfield.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 17 bombers and 8 fighters bomb the Main Camp area on Kiska while an F-5A flies a photographic mission.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 8 P-40s knock out the railroad bridge west of Myitkyina. Several B-24s attack the bridge at Myitnge; the strike fails to damage the structure itself but batters the southern approach. In India, 46 Japanese bombers and fighters are intercepted over Chabua Airfield by P-40s. In a running battle, the P-40s claim at least 14 aircraft shot down.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s bomb the town and harbor area of Rabaul on New Britain. In New Guinea, A-20s continue to pound the occupied villages and trails in the Buibuining-Waipali and Guadagasal-Mubo areas. B-25s bomb and strafe Angari and Yangla.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, all except one mission of 4 P-40s, to Kiska are called off. The P-40s make no contacts, however.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40s knock out the southern span of the railroad bridge northeast of Pinbaw.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) B-24s bomb Kahili and Faisi.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In the Bismarck Archipelago, B-17s again hit shipping at Rabaul, New Britain . In New Guinea, A-20s continue to attack forces at the Guadagasal Saddle, Waipali, trails from Waipali to the Guadagasal Saddle and Mubo, and in the area of the Waria River mouth. B-25s pound Lae, Angari, Yangla, the Lahang landing strip, and smaller villages in the area. B-24s continue single-plane harassing strikes on shipping and airfields in coastal areas of Portugese and northeastern New Guinea and in the Solomon Sea off Cape Saint George. HQ 8th Fighter Group and its 35th Fighter Squadron P-39s and P-400s transfer from Milne Bay to Mareeba.

RAAF - After a reconnaissance mission, Hudson A16-245 ditches in Milne Bay due to bad weather.

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ALASKA: (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, 4 P-40s sweep Kiska . Six B-24s and 5 B-25s bomb the Main Camp and North Head areas of Kiska.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, fighters from Dinjan dive-bomb a bridge 10 miles (16 km) west of Myitkyina. A single span is knocked out and another damaged. B-24s again fail to damage the Myitnge Bridge.
In India, more than 40 Japanese aircraft attack Dinjan Airfield; 32 intercepting P-40s claim 14 destroyed and 15 probably destroyed. The 436th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group with B-24s transfers from Gaya, India to Bishnupur, India.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-38s, P-40s and F4Us sweep the Kahili area.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) Heavy bombers continue to attack shipping, airfields, and the town area at Rabaul. The airfield on Gasmata is also bombed. In New Guinea, A-20s again bomb and strafe forces at the Guadagasal Saddle and vicinity. In the Bismarck Archelago, B17s and B-24s attack shipping, airfields, and the town area at Rabaul, New Britain Island.

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CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, Dinjan, India based P-40s hit a bridge northeast of Pinbaw, destroying a span and damaging other parts of the bridge. The 492d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group with B-24s transfers from Gaya, India to Bishnupur, India.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-38s and Navy aircraft hit Vila on Kolombangara during the night of 25/26 Feb.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) B-17s and B-24s bomb the airfield on Gasmata. A-20s hit the Buibuining-Waipali area while a single B-17 bombs the airfields at Lae and Salamaua. Other B-17s attack shipping and the airfield at Wewak and a single B-17 attacks shipping in Hixon and Open Bays.

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ALASKA: In the Aleutians, 6 B-24s, 6 B-25s and 4 P-38s bomb and strafe the Main Camp area on Kiska . On the return trip, a weather aircraft flies reconnaissance and makes a bombing and strafing run on Attu and nearby barges with negative results.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, 24 P-40s bomb and strafe Waingmaw. Direct hits are scored on a warehouse and fuel and ammunition dump.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-40s and P-38s join Navy aircraft in an attack on small vessels off Vella Lavella; hits are claimed on 2 vessels.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, B-25s hit Japanese-occupied villages in the Labu area. B-17s, operating individually, strafe a schooner off Matiu Point and bomb Finschhafen Airfield. F-4 from the 6th PRG, 8th PRS makes a photographic run over Ballale Island at 32,500'

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ALASKA (Eleventh Air Force) In the Aleutians, reconnaissance is flown over Kiska, Buldir, Semichis, Attu, and Agattu, with negative results. Six B-24s and 6 B-25s bomb the Main Camp area on Kiska.

CBI (Tenth Air Force) In Burma, P-40s from Dinjan, India knock out a bridge near Kazu and bomb and strafe Nsopzup. Eight B-25s hit the Thazi railroad junction. In China, 6 B-25s from Kunming, with fighter escort, bomb a storage area at Mangshih.

SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Thirteenth Air Force) P-38s and Navy aircraft attack Vila Airfield on Kolombangara . B-24s bomb Kahili Airfield and also hit Ballale. Detachment B, 6th Night Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group with 5 P-70s begins operating from Guadalcanal. This squadron is based in Hawaii.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Fifth Air Force) In New Guinea, a lone B-17 bombs Lae Airfield.