Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WASHINGTON
IN T U M BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From MacArthur:
2.
From Harmon:
3.
From Harmon:
4.
6.
From Maxwell:
7.
From Brereton (to CG, AAF): On September 4, our Air Force units dropped
104,000 pounds of bombs, medium bombers and fighters
attacking enemy motor transportation and landing fields,
while heavy bombers sank two of a convoy of three Axis
merchantmen in the Mediterranean, leaving the third afire.
From Brereton (to CG, AAF): Messages of appreciation were received by
the 12th Bomb Gp and 57th Fighter Gp from the British
Air Officer Commanding the Western Desert.
From Maxwell: An attack by the 4th New Zealand Division against the
north flank of the withdrawing Axis forces on the night
of September 3-4 held its ground against three counter attacks on September 4 and permitted other Allied units
to close in. American tank crews were in action during
this period. Damage to Axis motor transport is now
believed critical.
American heavy bombers have taken over the mission of
intercepting a convoy known to be forming at Taranto and
Brindisi, the Axis having found the sending of single
escorted vessels too costly. Malta is assisting with
fighter sweeps over Sicily and has torpedo planes ready
for attacks on shipping along the Greek coast.
3.
9.
10.
From Spaatz:
11. From Castner (to G-2): One B-24 and two P-38's made a reconnaissance
12.' From Stilwell: Requests authority to activate a Hq. and Hq. Squadron,
Bomber Command, to permit of the formation, with the
personnel of this unit, of three subordinate headquarters
needed for the Tenth Air Force.
- 2
SECTION II. 1.
2.
SECTION III. 1.
CCS reaffirmed their decision, with respect to CCS 91/1, 91/2 and 91/3,
"Strategic Policy and Deployment of United States and British Forces",
to equip and maintain the RAAF and the RNZAF at the figures of 30 and
10 squadrons, respectively; final decisions on the remaining questions'
in these papers were deferred pending receipt of (1) the result of
further studies and (2) the views of the Theater Commanders concerned.
CCS agreed on a method of presenting end amending the production re quirements of the U.S. and of the U.K. for 19/+3 (CCS 82/2, "Combined
Production Requirements").
CCS referred CCS 106, "Allied Chemical Warfare Program" to the Combined
Planners for report.
2.
3.
4.. CCS deferred consideration of CCS 107, "Plan for Syria" and of CCS 108
"Security Measures in Latin America".
5. CCS referred CCS 109> "Development of Persian Transportation facilities",
to the Combined Planners for study, in consultation with the Combined
Military Transportation Committee, and recommendations; requested views
of the Commander-in-Chief, Persia and Iraq, on the project.
THOS. T. <
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
From Bonesteel:
SECTION II. 1.
2.
3.
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HANDY, ^
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
3*7
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
1700, September 7,
To: Secretary of War
Chief of S t ^ A
Deputy Chief of Commanding General, Army Air Forces
Commanding General/
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of Staff>
G-2 (Return to OPD)
IN TURK BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From Jones (Iceland) (to G-2) A Gernan Focke-Wulf bomber dropped one
bomb at Seydisfjordur, September 5- No damage to
military installations resulted.
From Eisenhower; Three runways at Hofn can be extended in the spring
to 5400, 4800, and 2700 feet, respectively.
From Spaatz: (1) September 6: 30 B-17fs supported by 4 RAF
fighter squadrons successfully bombed an aircraft
factory at Meaulte. Our losses were 2 bombers
destroyed and 2 badly damaged, against 5 enemy
fighters destroyed, 13 probably destroyed, and 25
damaged*
13 B-17's supported by 3 RAF fighter squadrons
attacked the airdrome at Saint Omer.
12 U. S. light bombers supported by 3 AAF and 1 RAF
fighter squadrons attacked Ducrat airdrome, Abbeville.
All U. S. planes returned safely from the last two
missions.
(2) September 7: 24 B-17fs attacked the shipyards
at Rotterdam; the results are as yet undetermined.
All of our planes returned, though three bombers were
badly damaged.
2. 3.
-X
3ft
T. HAND}
Major Genert
Assistant Chief of Staff
J.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
From DeWitt:
From MacArthur:
- J.
SECTION II. 1.
Informed DeWitt that plans for the 11th Air Force contemplate no re duction in the effective air strength in Alaska. Recent constitutions
and activations of air units for ADC provide the basis for a permanent,
well-balanced, and modern force of a strength consistent with the avail ability of equipment and the urgent needs of other theaters. Under the
present program air force units, now temporarily assigned, will remain
until Alaskan commitments for modernized and winterized aircraft are
fulfilled.
Informed Maxwell that American Armored Force personnel assigned as
instructors to British Middle Eastern Forces are to be returned to the
U.S. by the most expeditious means available.
(CCS) notified Maxwell that the OSS representatives in Cairo are being
withdrawn, and that the new representative will report to him in the
near future and give all details of the project.
PLANS
2.
3.
SECTION III.
HOS. T. HANDY/^7
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
391
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASH, NG TON
To:
Secretary of War Chief of StaffUe^ Deputy Chief ofVSta Commanding General, Army Air Forces Commanding General, Services of Supply Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 (Return to OPD)
SECTION I.
From Weckerling
From Mosley;
3.
From Andrews:
From Eonesteel:
1
nr
,yiCTORY 1 BUY
>WSONDS
BAVINOS
/ 1 UNITED BL STATES
9R? A D M 1|\STAMPS
-1
F r o m
Fitzgerald;
F r o m
Fitzgerald;
From MacArthur;
JCS noted JCS 85/l, "Strategic Policy of the United Nations and the United
States on the Collapse of Russia", accepting the indicated changes, and
directed that the paper be filed for possible future reference to CPS.
JCS agreed to recommend to the President that he approve the troop basis as
requested by the Secretary of the Navy in JCS 99 and 99/l> "Authorized
Strength for the Marine Corps as of June 30, 1943% and directed that a
letter to the President be prepared for Adm. Leahy's signature.
4.
5. JCS directed the preparation of a letter to the Secretary of State indi cating our willingness to accept custody of prisoners as requested by the
British, provided that one month's notice be given prior to the delivery
of each consignment to U. S. custody, and that no shipping be diverted for
this specific purpose (JCS 64/2, "Acceptance of Custody of Prisoners of War
taken by the United Nations").
- 2
353
6.
THOS. T. HAKDYy
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff,
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
Chief of Staf&p
Deputy Chief of St
Commanding General,
Army Air Forces
Commanding General
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of St
G-2 (Return to OPD)
SECTION I.
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
1.
From Castner (Alaska)(to G-2):
- 1
5. From Navy;
SECTION II. 1.
Instructed AAF to direct the activation of the 492d and 493d Bombard ment Squadrons (H) in India by September 30, and to send twenty-six
B-24.-D airplanes to India, the movement to be completed by October 31
/
THOg". T. HANDY, ,. .<
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
2.
From Eisenhower:
5.
BUY
UNITED
STATES SAVINGS
SONDS
AND
STAMPS
- 1
397
2.
3.
SECTION III.
PLANS
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL. STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COi
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
SECTION II. 1. 2.
Requested Eisenhower to submit his present and future glider require ments.
Notified Harmon that the President hes directed that a fighter air craft assembly depot be established at the earliest possible date in
the South Pacific Area. Ghormley's concurrence is to be secured on
whatever site is selected.
Requested Wheeler to furnish promptly an itemized inventory of the
Chinese arsenal material in India and of that already shipped into
China.
Informed the AAF of the progress of the three aircraft warning stations
established in Lower California by the U.S. and now being operated by
the Mexican Army under U.S. supervision.
To permit of anticipatory planning, informed SOS of the JCS decision
to assume custody of 150,000 prisoners of war now in British hands,
provideo that one month1s notice is given of each consignment of
prisoners and that no shipping is diverted for this purpose.
3.
L,.
5.
- 1
6. 7.
SECTION III.
; T. HitfJDY./
Major General,'
Assistant Chief of Staff
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
i, )
)
SECTION I. 1.
From DeWitt:
2.
From Navy:
3.
From Bissell:
-1
tfai
4.
From MacArthur;
5.
From MacArthur;
SECTION II. 1.
2.^ Notified Andrews and Collins that the breakwaters at Roosevelt Roads
will not be constructed and advised revision of the anti-aircraft
project accordingly.
3Informed Eisenhower that a bill is being prepared for Congressional
action exempting members of the armed services in England from custom
duties on gifts to a value of $$0.00.
SECTION III.
PLANS
THOS. T. HANDl/ V
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL. STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From Mosley (to G-2): Four or five large Nazi planes were reported,
^ through Navy channels, as flying over Scoresby August
27.
Operations report for September 12. Allied forward
positions, 12 miles south-southwest of Efogi, were
subjected to continued enemy pressure, September 11,
The enemy airdrome at Buna was heavily bombed and
strafed, September 12, by four flights of Allied
airplanes, which secured hits along the runways and
dispersal areas. Fires started were visible for 30
miles. Seventeen enemy aircraft on the ground were
believed destroyed. One "flying fortress" was shot
down by antiaircraft fire.
Enemy dispositions, learned from aerial reconnaissances
of the eastern New Guinea, Solomon, Trobriand,
Goodneough, and Deboyne Islands areas, were also
reported.
3.
From Harmon:
s/
SECTION II. 1.
Notified all concerned that, when U. S. aircraft have fallen into enemy
hands under such conditions as to give the enemy full knowledge of details
of such aircraft and equipment, A-2, AAF, Washington, is to be informed,
including in the report the type of equipment and such details as may be
!CTORYdisseminated to the public.
BUY
-1
2.
Requested Andrews' recommendations on the advisability of terminating con struction work by civilian contractors on Caribbean bases by October 31,
/1942, and finishing the uncompleted portions of the projects with Army
v Engineer personnel. Asked that an estimate of the number and type of
Engineer regiments required, if such action were implemented, be submitted.
Informed Maxwell that the 33rd Fighter Group will not be sent to the Middle
East; the airplanes supposedly destined for the 33rd Fighter Group c^n now
be used as replacements for the 57th Group. Also informed him of additional
replacement airplanes for the 57th Group.
Requested Bradley to ascertain informally if permission can be obtained to
send a U. S. plane on an exploratory flight Ale ska-Chungking and return,
to ascertain the practicability of delivering planes and supplies to China.
Requested his ideas and recommendations.
PLANS
3.
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HAHDY
Major General
Assistant Chief of Staff
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURU BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
2.
From Harmon (to CG, AAF): Reports agreement between Ghcrmley and himself
on the location at Bora Bora of the fighter aircraft
assembly depot for the South Pacific Area.
During the period September 3 to September 11, inclusive,
reconnaissance was maintained to a distance of 850 miles
from Espiritu Santo and Efate, enemy dispositions being
reported. Unsuccessful attacks were made on enemy
warships, but effective support vras given the operations
of a Marine raider Battalion at Tasunboko, Guaaaicanal
Island. Five Japanese fighters were destroyed and three
enemy lending barges sunk, with no reported loss of
U. S. aircraft.
Operations report for September 13. There has been no
change in the situation in the Efogi area, although patrol
activity by both sides has been heavy. RAivF bombers
attacked t . small enemy cargo ships in the Tanimbar
;o Islands area, scoring a direct hit on one. Two enemy
bombers at Lae v;ere destroyed on the ground in a raid
by fourteen medium bombers, hits also being obtained on
the runways and dispersal areas. Our bombers attacked
enemy shipping off New Britain.
3. From Harmon:
4..
From 11 cArthur: .a
igyiCTORY
BUY
From Bigsell: (to CG, AAF): Two P-^O's from Dinjan made a successful
sortie against enemy ground targets, September 12.
-1
6.
From Fitzgerald; Reports that agreement -has been reached with the
Fighting French on the use of facilities at Pointe
Noire, except on the question of gasoline storage,
which is to be discussed at Leopoldville shortly.
SECTION II. 1.
Directed the Commanding Generals of the AAF, SOS, and continental defense
commands each to select a field officer for duty on a board which is
being created to study the possibilities of use of civilian personnel
on continental antiaircraft installations.
Asked Andrews if he could comply with a request of the Brazilian Army
that U.S. personnel be sent for 60 days to give instruction in the use
of the .30 and .50 caliber dual-purpose machine guns being shipped for
protection of Air Transport Command bases in Brazil. These>guns are to
be manned by Brazilian Army personnel.
Andrews replied stating that the requested instructors can be spared.
2.
SECTION III. 1. 2. 3.
PLANS
U. 5.
6.
HANDY,
Major General,
eral
, Assistant Chief of Staff,
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
From Eisenhower:
From Brereton (to A^F): Reports extensive operations during the night
of September 13-14 by heavy and medium bombers of the
U. S. Army Air Forces. Shipping and dock facilities
were attacked at Bengazi, and enemy installations at
Tobruk. Medium bombers attacked enemy landing grounds.
158,000 pounds of bombs were dropped, and many fires
and explosions resulted. Four medium bombers are
missing as a result of heavy antiaircraft fire.
From Bissell: One B-25 from Dinjan bombed the Rfyritkyina airdrome
September 12 scoring hits on the runway with 500-pound
bombs.
-1
6.
From Harmon:
7.
From Harmon:
Action;
SECTION II. 1. 2.
Replied to DeWitt that the survey of the Western Defense Command needs
should include air and antiaircraft artillery requirements.
Instructed Mosley to keep the War Department informed of any additional
Navy proposals for establishment of stations ashore, as these require Army
protection; and to impress upon the Navy the need for coordination with the
Army in these matters.
Asked Andrews if he has any objection to delegating to Collins authority to
deal directly with the military authorities of the Dominican Republic,
Haiti, and Cuba in order to effect close coordination in military matters.
The State Department concurs.
3.
4.. Notified Maxwell that the final decision on sending the 33d Fighter Group
to the Middle East is still pending, and that he will be informed further at
a later date.
5. Asked Harmon if he has assured himself of the feasibility of ferrying
fighter aircraft from Bora Bora to Australia.
- 2
fcif
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General, / /
Assistant Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
Chief of Stafffjp*\
Deputy Chief of iS Commanding General,
Army Air Forces Commanding General,
Services of Supply
Assistant Cnief of Starf,
G-2 (Return to OPD)
SECTION I. 1. IN TURN Bi COMMISSIONED MESSENGER
From Andrews:
2.
From Baldwin:
5. From Brereton:
From Llac Arthur: Operations report for September 15. Three fresh Australian
battalions have arrived in the Owen Stanley Mountains
battle area. Three RJU\F Hudsons scored one direct hit on
the stern of a ship at Saumlakki, Tanimbar Islands, one
bomber being shot down. Eleven B-25's attacked enemy
barges and supply installations in the Buna area; the
majority of the bombs hit in the target area although
the results were not observed. Four B-17's in an attempt
to attack shipping at Rabaul were intercepted by ten to
fifteen Zeros; one Zero was shot down. Air reconnaissances
were made of the Solomons, Ambon, Bismarck Archipelago,
and eastern New Guinea areas.
- 1
5.
From MacArthur:
Informs War Department of Nimitz' plan to place a tender and six submarines under Ghormley1s control and Nimitz1 request that MacArthur release for Pacific submarine operations a portion of the Southwest Pacific area (as shown on enclosed map). MacArthur does not concur and recommends that if additional submarines are available they be assigned to the naval forces in the Southwest Pacific area, (1) On September 1M seven B-17's dropDed 28 fivehundred pound bombs on an ememy convoy of two battle ships, seven cruisers, six destroyers and two transports or cargo vessels encountered east of the Solomon Islands. Possible hits on two battleships resulted. One bomber is missing. Two enemy fighters were shot down by a B-17 on reconnaissance. (2) On September 15 a B-17 bombed Rekata Bsy, Santa Isabel Island, with 10 one-hundred pound bombs, silencing two gun positions and hitting a hostile seaplane on the water. Reconnaissances were made from Espiritu Santo and
Guadalcanal Island during the period of these reports.
6.
From Harmon:
7.
From Enmons:
SECTION II. 1.
Asked the commanders of defense and base commands end task forces to
submit lists of general officer positions in their commands suitable for
line officers over 50 years of age, and of line officers of this age group
in their commands whose outstanding performance of duty merits their
promotion to fill such positions.
Instructed Maxwell to return the ground echelon of the heavy bomber detach ment of the 10th Air Force, now in theMlddle East, to India by October 15
The combat crev/s and airplanes of the 9th and 436th Sauadrons, 10th Air
r Force, T. . l continue in their present status. The staff officers who
il accompanied Br?reton to the Middle East are being relieved from assignment
to the 10th Air Force and assigned to the 9th Air Force.
- 2
2.
140
160
20
\ .
20 *
40
60
60
65"
160
3.
1+. Advised the Commander, Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet of plans for the
designation of an Army Command Echelon for troops undergoing amphibious
training with his command, upon the abolishment of the Amphibious Corps.
SECTION III. PLANS.
THOS. T. HANDY, / /
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TORN BI COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
2 From Andrews;
VICTORY BUY
SONDS
AND
SXAMPS
From StUwell:
From Wheeler (to Lend Lease); Replies, reporting on the arsenal mater ials in his theater which have been shipped, or are
awaiting shipment, to China.
9. From Bradley*
Replies that he is deferring the question of obtaining
permission to send a U. S. plane on an exploratory flight,
Alaska to Chungking and return, until an answer has been
received from the Soviets to the request that Mr. Willkie
be allowed to proceed to Chungking and Alaska via Russia.
From MacArthur;
Operations summary for September 16. Reports heavy enemy
pressure along the entire front in the Efogi area. Allied
air attacks were made on airdromes at Buka, Gasmata, and
Rabaul, on enemy barges near Buna, and on the Efogi area.
Air reconnaissances were continued over the Solomons, New Britain, and eastern New Guinea.
11. From MacArthur;
Replies, stating that he considers the movement of a
naval group for amphibious training from the U.S. to
Australia of the utmost importance. His amphibious
school, now operating, is seriously hampered due to
the lack of U. S. naval personnel and amphibious
equipment.
12. From Harmon:
Operations report for September 16. Extensive air recon naissances were carried out from Espiritu Santo. Gizo,
in the Solomon Islands, was bombed twice, a total of 13
three-hundred pound bombs being dropped on the docks and
housing area. Thirty Japanese bombers and fighters were
sighted five miles north of Gizo. Rekata Bay, Santa
Isabel Island, was successfully strafed, hits being re ported on oil drums, installations, and one enemy air plane on the beach.
Three Army fighter airplanes, and six pilots, are now
on Guadalcanal Island supporting the Marines.
13. From Harmon;
Requests deferment in shipment of two 1,000-bed general
hospitals for Auckland, New Zealand, recommending that
one of these units be shipped in November or December
and that the other not be shipped unless the situation
demands it. f.Hft^y concurs.
;
- 2
14.
From JJjym^is:
SECTION II. 1
Notified Harmon that the availability of shipping will not permit the
desired loading of the coast artillery battalion for direct routing to
Espiritu Santo; also that the regimental combat team and coast artillery
battalion will not be combat loaded, but will be unit loaded as far as
practicable, to permit direct routing or diversion while enroute, to
Noumea, New Caledonia.
PLANS
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TORN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1
2.
From Brereton:
From MacArthur;
j .
SECTION II. 1*
2.
8.
SECTION III.
1. CCS considered: The directive in CCS 103/2; CCS 104/2, "Plan for the
Retaking of Burma"j CCS 114, "Aviation Fuel for Malta"; and CCS 112 on
the allocation of the 33rd Pursuit Group.
2. CCS noted that the JCS had requested the State Department to withdraw
their aide-memoire to the Foreign Office on the subject of a U. S.
Mission to the Middle East, and deferred action on CCS 107, "Plan for
Syria."
3. CCS noted the reply of JCS contained in CCS 108A "Security Measures
in Latin America."
4. CCS noted statement of Admiral Leahy on CCS 113/1, "Reinforcements for
Southwest Pacific Area."
5. CCS agreed on circulation of CPS report on development of Persian
transportation facilities for informal approval by CCS as soon as it
has been completed. (CCS 109, "Development of Persian Transportation
Facilities")
6. CCS directed that the CPS make certain studies in connection with CCS
105/1, "Transportation of Tending Craft."
7. CCS directed CPS to prepare a digest of the current working agreements
mentioned in CCS 1/3, "Change in Western Atlantic Area as Defined in
ABC-1."
8. Sir John Dill expressed the gratitude of the British Chiefs of Staff
for action taken by JCS with regard to CCS lll/l, "Vichy Attacks on
British Aircraft."
THOS. T. HANDI,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff,
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BI COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. !
From Bissell;
2.
From Maxwell:
3-
From MacArthur: Operations summary for September 18. The general situa tion in the Efogi area is unchanged; Allied offensive
patrols were active. Successful Allied air attacks were
made on Rabaul, on Lae and Salamaua, and on the Buna-
Kokoda area.
From Andrews: Replies recommending transfer of 9th Bombardgment Group
(Heavy) (less personnel and equipment) and 53d Fighter
Group. Withdrawal may be made immediately.
SECTION II. 1.
2.
3.
Informed Harmon that one of the 1000-bed hospitals destined for Hew
Zealand would be shipped in November or December, and that the other
has been released for commitment elsewhere, as he recommended.
PLANS
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From DeWitt:
2.
From DeWitt:
3. From Fitzgerald: Reports that the agreement for the use of Pointe Noire
has been concluded with the Fighting French.
From Bissell: Two B-25's, operating from Dinjan, damaged the runway at
Tingka (20 miles southwest of Lungling on the Burma Road),
and also destroyed two of the largest buildings in the
village. One of these planes on its return trip to
Dinj an dropped fragmentation bombs on the enemy barracks
at Namkham, and the second plane strafed a large steamer
and two barges north of Shwebo, and three barges, one
large steamer, and a lumber barge twenty miles south of
Katha.
Operations report, September 19- The ground situation is
unchanged in the Owen Stanley Range; our patrols are active.
In a coordinated attack on Lae, Allied medium bombers
struck at the airdrome, while attack planes heavily strafed
the airfield installations in the vicinity. RAAF fighters
attacking up and down the Buna-Kokoda track set fire to an
enemy Zero fighter and supply dumps at the Buna airdrome
5. From MacArthur;
- 1
SECTION II. 1.
2.
3. Notified Baldwin that the B-24 at Ascension will comply with the orders
previously issued.
4.. Replied to Stilwell that the lack of personnel and equipment will preclude
the assignment of an additional heavy bombardment squadron and the fifty
advanced training aircraft as desired for transitional training.
- 2
*>. Requested Mac Arthur to furnish the numbers of air and ground personnel
in the Nineteenth Bombardment Group who are showing evidence of strain
and war weariness, to assist in assembling their replacements*
SECTION III. PLANS
THOS. T. HANDI, /
Major General, j
Assistant Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL. STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
From Andrews::
3.
From Bissell:
Froifl I>lacArthur;
FCfi&lCTOKY
UNITED L STATES SAVINOS
BUY
AND
Jj
g\SlAMPS
5. From Hairaon;
SECTION II. 1.
2.
THOS. t. H A N D Y / ^
Maj or General,
Assistant Chief of Staff,
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
To:
Secretary of War
Chief of S t a f ?
Deputy Chief Co!landing General> Arny Air Forces J
CoL2icandirig General,
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of Staff
G-2 (Return to OPD)
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I.
4. Frcni Harmon:
SECTION II
1. Notified G-3 that amphibious training will be so conducted that there will
be not to exceed five divisions in readiness for amphibi us operations at
any one time.
2. Directed CG, AAF to constitute and activate the 350th Fighter Group in
England, this group to take the place ot the 4th Fighter Group which cannot
be used in current plans due to arrangements with the British.
-1
3-
U* Informed Fitzgerald that the War Department agrees in principle that the
installations and improvements made by our forces at Pointe Noire are to
remain the property of France after the war, without any compensation
therefor.
5. Requested T r p r n ' recommendations on the advisability ot terminating con fin> struction work by civilian contractors on projects under his control, and
of using engineer troops to finish such uncompleted portions of these pro jects as are vital to the defense of his command.
SECTION III. 1. PLANS
2.
3. JCS agreed to inform the British Chiefs of Staff that no suitable ships
or aircraft are available for supplying "Aviation Fuel for Malta" (JCS 110)
4.. JCS approved the "Agreements between the Board of Economic Warfare and
the Economics Division, OSS" (JCS 111).
5. JCS agreed to recommend that the OCS approve the recommendations contained
in the report of the Munitions Assignment Board on CCS 130 aid 110/1,
"Motorized Vehicles".
6. JCS noted the approval by CCS of the allocation of the 33d Pursuit Group
as proposed by JCS, and that other P-4.0 type aircraft are en route to the
Saddle East (CCS 112, 112/1).
JCS approved the recommendations contained in the CPS report on CCS 109/1 >
"Development of Persian Transportation Facilities", noting that action on
this paper would be complete with the obtaining of informal approval of the
British Chiefs of Staff.
JCS agreed to a procedure to be followed before commercial or non-military
communications in the Pacific area are taken over (J.B. 319/1 (Serial 753)
"Radio circuits in the South Pacific")
7.
8.
inUo.
1.
niiJM/X f
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
SECTION I.
1. From Stilwell:
2.
From Stilwell:
3-
From Maxwell:
From Jones (Iceland) (to G-2): A hostile plane observed over Hafnames,
September 239 was damaged by machine-gun fire from the
ground.
Replies were received from MacArthur, Krueger, Andrews,
and Fitzgerald giving their requirements for 24~inch
searchlights.
6. From MacArthur Operations report, September 22. Land operations were
limited to patrol activity in the Efogi area. Bombing
attacks were made on the airdrome at Buka, shipping and
the airdrome at Rabaul, the Buna airdrome and barges
and boats nearby, and ground targets in the Kokoda area,
- 1
2. 3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HAND*,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
431
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
From Castner (Alaska): One of our fighter pilots attacked two tents on
Segula Island, September 22 # This is the first indica tion of the presence of the enemy on Segula Island and
has not yet been confirmed.
From DeWitt: Transmits a Navy estimate of Alaskan Air Force require ments and urges that it be given consideration in
connection with his repeated requests for additional
air strength for ADC.
Requests information regarding negotiations for the
Galapagos Base, as he has been informed that the
Ecuadorian Government is ready to proceed with the
agreement
The Willkie flight to Alaska, via China and Siberia, has
been approved by the Soviets.
Operations report September 23. Artillery fire has
checked the southward movement of the Japanese in the
Efogi area. Our B-17's bombed the airfield at Buna.
Allied fighters attacked barges along the Buna coast,
and the Buna airdrome, greatly reducing the volume of
antiaircraft fire in that area. Our fighter planes also
attacked the Buna-Kokoda trail. Air reconnaissances of
the Solomons, eastern New Guinea, and Timor areas were
continued.
The initial location of the Amphibious Training Group
will be Port Stephens (north of Newcastle), New South
Wales.
2.
3.
From Andrews:
From Bradley;
5. From MacArthur:
From MacArthur:
- 1
7.
SECTION II. 1.
Informed Baldwin (Ascension I.) of the departure from Dakar of the Vichy
French motor ship "Cephee", carrying rubber, and of Navy intentions to
assist the British in intercepting this ship, if it is unescorted.
Directed him to cooperate with the Navy in its search insofar as is com patible with his mission of defending his own airdrome, but not to attack
the ship.
Directed the AAF to organize from the First Bomber Command (to be inacti vated) the First Anti-Submarine Army Air Command, with a minimum strength
of 16 squadrons. This unit is to be charged with the destruction of
hostile submarines, and with the development of appropriate means to this
end.
to deal directly with
Republic, Haiti, and
of defense activities,
as well as the need for
2.
3. Directed Andrews to delegate to Collins authority appropriate military authorities in the Dominican Cuba, in order to effect more direct coordination and to keep to a minimum the demands for materiel permanent training missions to these countries.
4.
Informed Andrews that the War Department has no objection to the location
of the 8" battery at Point Mata Redonda, Puerto Rico, rather than Fortuna
Hill, St. Thomas, as he suggested, although there is an additional 8"
battery available for Mata Redonda if he desires it. Requested his views
6 S to this additional battery, and as to the retention of Fortuna Hill for
a 6" or 8" battery.
Sent Eisenhower for such action as he deems proper, a paraphrase of a
State Department message from Algiers describing the effect on French
civilians of indiscriminate British air raids.
Requested Eisenhower to submit recommendations for all units needed to
bring the total ground force in the U.K. to 150,000, plus SOS units
sufficient for this force and for the Army Air Forces there. Informed
him that the monthly shipping available for the balance of 1942 has a
certain definite limit.
5#
6.
- 2
SECTION I I I .
PLANS
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
To:
Secretary of War
Chief of Staff [
Deputy Chief of sWlff
Commanding General Ji,
I
Army Air Forces - Y K V < Commanding General,
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of Staff
G-2 (Return to OPD)
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I.
1. From Andrews;
2.
From Maxwell;
3.
From SSacArthur:
From Harmon;
-1
5. From Harmon;
6.
From Bissell;
SECTION II.
1. Replied to Stilwell that any action taken at this time to divert to his
Ferry Command the last seven transport planes scheduled for Lend-Lease
delivery to C.N.A.C. during the period from February through May, 1943
would be premature and undesirable.
SECTION III.
PLANS
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General, (r
Assistant Chief of Staff.
-2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
To:
Secretary of War
Chief of StaffCfI|JA
Deputy Chief of Staff
Commanding General Army Air Forces Commanding General,
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of S
G-2 (Return to OPD)
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
2.
3. From Maxwell:
4.
From Bissell:
5 From Bradley:
-1
131
6.
From MacArthur:
Operations summary for September 25 The Japanese 35th and 36th air raids on Darwin caused no damage. Allied bombers attacking Dilli shot down two Zero fighters; one Allied airplane was damaged. U.S. fighters attacked storage huts at Wairopi (Kokoda area) and also partly destroyed the bridge there. Our heavy bombers attacked the Buna airdrome. Air reconnaissances disclosed four possible heavy cruisers, three light cruisers, eleven destroyers, five gunboats and numerous auxiliary ships in the Buka-Faiei (Solomons area). Operations summary for September ^. A bombing attack was made on enemy shipping concentrated in the ShortlandTonolai area. One cargo ship was hit and another damaged by near misses. In air combats over Rekatafeay,B-17fs destroyed three and damaged one of twenty-four attacking planes. One of our bombers is missing. Recalls that Rose, commanding at Efate, has also been desig nated by Ghormley to command Espiritu Santo. Recommends
relief of Rose as commander at Efate and his designation
as commander at Espiritu Santo; Ghormley concurs.
Nimitz requests an increase in the garrison of Canton
Island because of enemy activity in the Gilberts. One
rifle company and two 155 mm guns will be sent from Hawaii.
Nimitz has been "asked to provide a submarine patrol west
of Canton and to establish observation groups on Howland
and Baker Islands. Emmons urges that units already author ized for Canton be expedited, and requests also a medium
bombardment squadron for its defense.
7.
From Harmon:
8. From Harmon:
9.
From Emmons:
10.
From Navy (to Nimitz); Anticipates establishing a limited number of amphi bious training groups in central and south Pacific areas
as equipment and personnel becones available. Suggests
that groups be located at : Samoa; Fiji or Noumea;
Auckland; and Hawaii. War Dept. concurs.
OTHER ACTION TAKEN
SECTION II. 1.
-2
2.
3.
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
JT
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
2.
3. From Arnold:
L.
From Arnold:
From Harmon:
- 1
6.
From Emmons;
Replies that immediate termination of civilian con tracts is not considered practicable or desirable. To
avoid delay in the completion of difficult and vital
works, he recommends substituting Engineer troops in
progressive stages as additional units are made avail able, and submits a four-month estimate of the Engineer
units required under this program.
SECTION II. 1.
Prepared for C/S signature a reply to Sir John Dill regretting that six
C-4.6 airplanes are not available for transporting gasoline to Malta, and
informing him that this type aircraft is not suitable for the purpose.
Approved for consideration of JCS a letter to War Shipping Administration,
drafted by Adm. King, proposing that the flov? of shipping " o Africa and
t the Middle East be decreased to an amount commensurate vvith port facili ties, thereby freeing shipping for other urgent projects.
2.
SECTION III.
PLANS
fit/)
PHOS. T. HANEpt, 7 Major General, Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL. STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
1. From Bissell:
2.
From Harmon:
From MacArthur;
SECTIOK II. 1.
Directed the Chief Signal Officer to notify all concerned of the phonetic
alphabet approved by the Combined Communications Board. This will be used
by all U. S. and British Services beginning 1 February 1943.
- 1
2.
Informed Andrews that the Trinidad Depot has been made temporarily responsi ble for the supply of the Air Transport Command in Brazil, but that authority
to expand Trinidad supply facilities is withheld pending decision on
establishment of facilities in Brazil. Two steamships are being assigned to
Trinidad, one for a regular run from there to Brazil. Notified Andrews of
plans for increase in Air Transport Command personnel in Brazil during the
next four months.
3. Notified Eisenhower of a change in Army Reguletions which permits the pay ment of witnesses at U. S. courts martial sitting in foreign countries at
the rates paid in that country for attendance at corresponding courts.
4.. Requested concurrence of Board of Economic Warfare in W D proposal to
authorize Stilwell to interrupt air shipments of strategic materials from
China ss mey be necessary to permit him to move Chinese troops to Reimgarh
for training.
5 Requestedflmtnons*recommendations on the reconditioning of the old airfield
at Howland Island for offensive operations in that area by heavy bombers
from Hawaii, Informed him of the departure of units authorized for Canton
Island, and of disapproval of his request for a medium bombardment squadron
for that station.
SECTION III. PLANS
THOS. T. HANDX4
Major General',
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I.
3. From MacArthur;
- 1
SECTION II. 1.
Informed Andrews of State Department approval of his draft of the Gala pagos agreement, as modified by the War and Navy Departments. Authorized
him to proceed with negotiations upon receipt of word from the State
Department.
Requested Andrews' comments on the War Dept. plan to invite a group of
Mexican officers to visit Panama in order to teach them the operational
requirements of the Panama defensive system, and thus to obtain for the
U.S. the necessary freedom of action with respect to the base at
Tehuantepee.
Informed Emmons of the War Dept. intention to train the 24th and 25th
Divisions now in Hawaii for offensive missions elsewhere; requested his
views on a progressive plan for amphibious training of his garrison.
Notified MacArthur that the War Office proposes to send a small British
Army and Air Force liaison mission to serve with the Australian military
authorities, with a view to reinforcing the link between the British and
Australian General Staffs. Requested his views on the British request
that the senior member of this mission be allowed access to SWPA head quarters .
2.
3.
4.
5. JCS agreed to recommend to the President approval of the troop bases pre sented by the Joint Planners, and directed the Joint Planners to establish
coordinated troop bases for the armed services for 19UU and beyond. (JCS
115, "Troop Bases for all Services, Calendar Year 1943")
- 2
6.
7.
THOS. T. HANDY, /
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
-3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURK BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
(Return to OPD)
SECTION I.
1. From DeWitt:
2.
From DeWitt:
5-
From Bissell;
6.
From MacArthur:
7.
From Harmon:
8.
From Emmons;
SECTION II.
Prepared memo to Adm. King for signature of C/S stating (a) the garrisons
upon which DeWitt and Adm. Theobald have agreed for the western Aleutians,
and (b) the composition of the 11th Air Force which is only slightly less
than that which Theobald recommended.
2.
3.
Directed Wimsatt to submit his views as to the defense of the proposed Navy
radio station at Frederiksdal (Greenland).
Prepared for C/S signature a memo to Adm. King stating that the Army does
not favorably consider the increased allocations of military materials re quested by the Fighting French.
PLANS '
SECTION III.
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
1700, October 2, 1942. To: Secretary of War Chief of StafftS>* Deputy Chief of Staff Commanding General, Army Air Forces Commanding General, Services of Supply( Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 (Return to OPD)
SECTION I.
1. From Andrews;
2.
From Eisenhower; Requests an amendment to the recent change in AR concern ing payment of witnesses at U. S. courts-martial abroad
so that he may exercise his discretion to meet local
conditions
From Fitzgerald; Reports receiving from the American Consul at Brazzaville
an addition to the agreement with the Fighting French pro viding that in emergency American troops defending Pointe
Noire are to be placed under orders of the French Commander,
Considers this inadvisable.
On September 29 harbor and dock facilities at Suda Bay
and Canea Bay, Crete, were attacked by heavy bombers of
the U. S. Army Air Forces. Enemy aircraft approached but
failed to close with our bombers. Our fighters coop erated with the RAF in operations over the battle area
in Egypt.
On October 1, one B-25 operating from Dinjan destroyed a
section of track along the railroad northwest of Katha.
Reports that a draft of an ordinance of the Central Gov ernment of India extending to U. S. troops the status
conferred by the USA Visiting Forces Act in the UK is
being submitted to the State Department. An added clause
3.
From Brereton;
- 1
S.
From Emmons:
9.
From Harmon:
SECTION II.
SECTION III.
PLANS.
I0S. T. HANDY,^7
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
4
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
1700, October 3,
To:
From Castner:
From Spaatz:
jc.
_d.
3.
From Brereton;
-1
'
From Bissell;
5.
From MacArthur
6.
From Emmons;
II.
III. 1.
PLANS
CCS approved procedure for assignment of equipment to the South Pacific Area
(CCS 115, "Requisition of Material for South Pacific Area")
2.
3.
U. 5.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
3.
From Jones (Iceland): A German Condor airplane was sighted and fired on
5.
From Emmons:
- 1
SECTION II. 1.
2*
3.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
1700, October 5,
To: Secretary of War
Chief of Staff
Deputy Chief of Commanding Genertl, Array Air Forces (
Coianianding General, h ,
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
Services of SurplyfinQ
From C&stner:
2.
From Bre.dley;
3.
From Andrews:
4..
From MacArthur:
- 1
SECTION II. 1.
Directed AGF a-nd SOS to move to Basrs the first contingent of service units
for the expanded Persian Gulf Service Command. About 11,000 troops will be
made available during October Notified AAF and SOS of the decision of the CCS approving the procedure
for the assignment of equipment for the South Pacific Ares as set out in
Par. 1 of CCS 115 This procedure will be placed in effect through Navy
channels inasmuch as unity of command in this area has been vested in
the Navy.
Directed Andrews to alert the 501st Parachute Bn. (less 1 Co.) for et-rly
movement overseas.
Notified Emmons and Harmon of the change in the directive of the C-in-C,
Pacific Ocean Area which transfers to the latter the primary responsibility
for the land defense of New Zealand formerly held by the NZ Chiefs cf
Staff. Command over New Zealand forces assigned for this purpose wil] be
exercised through the NZ Chiefs of Staff. All interested Array commanders
are to be informed by Emmons and Hermon.
Approved the ecquisition of two turrets (three 14"-guns each) for the
fixed seacoast batteries in the Hawaiian defense (Ulupau Head and Puu
Maillilii) project, and directed Emmons to submit the necess&r> techr.'icel
dett' for their installation end equipment.
Informed Emmons of War Dept. proposal to U&vy for establishment of one
Amphibious Training Center, capable of training one Regimental Combat
Team, in the Hawaiian Islands and requested that he report, after con sultation with Nimit?, on the desired initial location for this center.
F.ecommended that a maximum of commando and jungle training be given in
the mefentime v/ith the Higgins boats on hand.
2.
3.
A.
5.
6.
7. 8.
ACTION III.
fitf
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
From Castner:
2.
From
3.
From Bradley:
From Brereton:
5.
From Brereton:
From Stilwell:
-1
F r o m
MacArthur:
8.
From Harmon:
9.
From Patch;
SECTION II. 1.
2.
Advised Stilwell and Wheelejr that payment of troops in China with U.S.
currency is counter to the purposes of the U.S. - China stabilization
agreement and creates other practical difficulties. Troops should be
paid by other means unless use of U. S. currency is unavoidable.
Informed MacArthur that two parachute battalions are to be sent to his
area to arrive about the middle of November. (One Bn. from Panama, one
from Ft. Bragg).
3.
1+. Informed Bonesteel that until troop and shipping situation eases, air fields
in Iceland must be protected by troops now there and by such others as can
be sent on the periodic trips of the single available troopship.
SECTION III. PLANS
No action reported by JCS or CCS.
,y
^ if ,
THOS. T. HANDY,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From CIHCPAC (to COMINCH): There is no indication that weather con ditions will^be such as to ensure the ejection of the
Japanese from Kiska by aerial bombings conducted
from Adak. Recommends that the Army begin at once
the amphibious training of a suitable contingent of
troops now in the Alaskan area with a view to retaking
Kiska and Attu when suitable ships are available for
this operation.
From DeWitt: Submits request of CG, ADC for critically needed
transport planes in Alaska. At Elmendorf Field a
large backlog of passenger and urgent freight traffic
has E.eeuiEulE.ted. Only two transport planes are
working out of Elmendorf and the remaining seven are
on Air Corps supply missions and cannot be diverted.
Six B-24Ts escorted by 12 fighters, attecked the hanger ares e t Kiska, October 3 Our fighters shot . doTvn six enemy tv/in-floet planes, one of which ex ploded in mid-air. On October U a Navy pilot spotted an enemy freighter, 110 miles northwest of Kiska, carrying a deck load of landing barges. Three B-2^'s from Adak attacked, scoring tv/o close hits. The steering apparatus of the vessel may have been damaged but the ship con tinued on its way. (To G-2) Air reconnaissance of Semichi and Attu
Islands revealed no enemy forces, October 3*
2.
From DelVitt;
Fron Eutler:
From Weckerling:
- 1
6.
From Wimsatt:
7.
From Jones, Iceland (to G-2): A German Condor airplane was fired on
at Vattarnes, Iceland, on October 5.
From Bradley;
Recommends reopening the Alaskan ferry route with
deliveries pushed to the limit, following a sudden
meeting with Stalin who promptly agreed that Bradley
would deal directly with responsible officials,
by-passing intermediaries.
Replies that there are about three thousand Chinese
in the Infantry Center and about six thousand in the
Artillery Center at Ramgarh. Adds that considerably
more work will be thrown on the SOS with the arrival
of additional troops at the training project.
Operations report for October 5. The Allied main body
in New Guinea is moving north; patrols advancing from
Efogi and Myola neve not gained contact with hostile
f or'ces - Air operations included an attack in which
11 B-17's bombed airdromes near Rabaul at Ghormley' s
request. Our bombers also attacked enemy installations
in the vicinity of Sanananda Village, two convoys,
and the Buna airdrome. In these attacks, seven enemy
fighters intercepting our formations were probably
destroyed; two of our bombers are missing and seven
were damaged.
Requests authority to activate a field artillery
divisional Hq. and Hq. Btry. for proper administration,
training and employment of his six FA Bns. plus
artillery band.
8.
9.
From Stilwellx
10.
From MacArthur:
11.
From Harmon:
SECTION II.
2.
Asked Stilwell for comments on the proposal by CDS to ship topping and
dehydrogenation equipment and tools for producing and refining oil in
Ktnsu (China) oil field. The equipment would be transported by air from
India to China. This scheme would ease the fuel situation.
Notified Emmons that the scheduled delivery of A-20 airplanes is deferred
indefinitely in view of reduced production of this type, and foreign
commitments. Requested statement of his plan for air defense of Canton
and Christmas Is.
3.
4-. Prepared for signature of the Secretary of War a letter to the Secretary
of the Interior regretting that families of civilian residents of Hawaii
cannot be transported to the islands, reporting upon improvement in the
mail situation, and stating that the matter of recreation facilities for
war workers has been brought to the attention of Gen. Emiaons.
SECTION III. 1.
PLAHS
2.
3.
A.
5.
6.
- 3
7.
JCS directed the Secretaries to dispatch the directive contained i < CCS
r 103/7, "Release of U. P. Kr.vt.l Forcer", after obtaining infonnel approval
of the British Chicf'r of Staff.
THOS. T.
Major Genrrci,
Assistant Chief of Staff
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
IN TURK BY COI.IL1ISSIONFD
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From Butler;
2.
3.
From Brerfeton:
5.
From Bissell:
6. yiCTORY
From HacArthur:
BUY
- 1
8.
From Emmons;
SECTION II. 1.
2.
3.
/.
5.
6.
7-
8.
9.
SECTION III.
KOS. T. HANDY,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
1700, October 9,
To:
Secretary of V.'ar
Chief of St&ff$r$\
V
Deputy Chief otrPt
Commanding General Army Air Forces Commanding General, )
Services of S u p p l y [
Assistant Chief of Staff,
G-2 (Return to OPD) ') SECTION I. 1.
IK TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
'
From Maxwell;
2.
From Bissell:
3. From Stilwell: The divisions in the Thirty Division Plan have been des
ignated; the majority are good units. Stilwell is trying
to get authority from the Generalissimo for American in spector-instructors to supervise the training of these
units.
Wavell wants Stilwellf s Hq. to be moved to India; Stilwell
feels this would impair his relations with the Chinese
Army and would have a bad effect on the Generalissimo.
Stilwell is going to India about Oct. 15 to confer with
Wavell at the latter1s request.
From Emmons: Recommends the island of Hawaii as the initial location of
the amphibious training center; training v/ill start in the
near future, using the available Higgins boats until the
arrival of training units. Nimitz concurs.
SECTION II.
- 1
SECTION III.
PLAKS.
THOS. T. HANDY;
Major General7,
Assistant Chief of Staff
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
To:
Secretary of Var
Chief of Staff'
Deputy Chief of St ttj*\ Commanding General,
Army Air Forces '
Commanding General,1
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of Staff,
G-k; (return to OPD)
. . ,:. . , .
SECTION I. 1.
Fron De'.Mtt:
2.
FroL: Butler (to AAF): In two visits to Kiska, October 8, our bombers and
fighters from Adak attacked the enemy camp area, vessele
at Gertrude Cove and Kiska harbor, and antiaircraft
positions and other ground installations. Our aircraft
sustained minor damage.
Photographs of the Gertrude Cove area show a steady
growth of enemy installations including antiaircraft
positions.
From Spaatz; Reports a successful daylight offensive of the Eighth
Air Force, October V, in which 118 heavy bombers, with
a large covering force of Allied fighters, took part.
The main striking force dropped 142 tons of HE bombs and
more than eight tons of incendiaries on the steel,
locomotive and other industrial plants at Lille, France.
Other bombers attacked the airdromes at Courtrai and
St. Omer.
Our crews claim 56 enemy aircraft destroyed, 26 probably
destroyed, and 20 damaged. Heavy AA fire and fighter
opposition v/ounded 13 of our personnel and caused some
damage to our aircraft. Three of our bombers are miss ing; rj fourth crashed in the Channel, but the crew was
rescued.
-1
4.
From Bradley;
5-
SECTION II. 1.
2.
SECTI' I III. I 1.
k.. CCS noted that a copy of CCS 117, "Study of Ammunition" had been ser.t to
the Combined Production and Resources Bod.ra.
3. CCS noted that CCS 103/7, "Release of U. S. Kavui Forces" has beer, v.ithdrHvvn
by Adm.
THOS. T. HANDY
Major General, ' f\
Assistant Chief of Staff (J
-2
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
2.
3.
From Maxwell:
From Stilwell:
6.
From MacArthur
- 1
8.
SECTION II. 1.
2.
3.
I,. Informed MacArthur that October production may permit the shipment, "ithin
30 days, of 24. to 48 pack howitzers, 75 mm. The requirements of his
theater are based on one infantry division, one FA regiment, one FA
battalion, plus estimated amphibian losses, totalling 126 howitzers.
5. Notified Emmons that the Department of Justice has decided to postpone
indefinitely the proposed investigation of the Hawaiian pineapple
canners' industry.
PLANS
SECTION III.
T. HA1IDX,
Major General,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IN TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I.
From DeWitt:
From Andrews:
From Bonesteel:
From Stilwell:
6. From MacArthur:
Operations report, October 10. Kal>eul W L S again
bombed. Incendiaries created guiding fires, and
21 B-17's drovped more than 35 tons of hombe on the
tov/n and on Lukanai airdrome in the face of intense
AA fire. Our aircraft also harassed the enemy in
New Guinea, and attacked Dilli (Timor). Aerial
reconnaissances were maintained.
Requests 3,000 twelve-gauge shotguns, riot-type (with
ammunition) as an effective v.reai:on for his theater,
one for each squad in every organization. Harmon concurs
TVill assume full command of Army forces in the South
Pacific Area on October 15, when scuriinistrfitive end
supply control will be exercised from Auckland.
Concurs in assignment of Thompson, C.F. as CG, Fiji
and retention of Beightlcr as CG, 37th Division. As
CG of the South Pacific Service Command Breene will
control the service commands of the various bases.
Harmon recommends that Lincoln, who is senior to
Breene, be assigned as administrative commander et
Auckland, thus freeing Harmon for duties in the forward
area, and Breene for Service Command duties.
Concurs in Ghormley's reouest to Nimitz that an air
base group be transferred from Hawaii to the Espiritu
Santo-Efate area as support for five heavy' bombardment
squadrons.
Operations report for October 7, 8, 9 gives details of
reconnaissances from Espiritu Santo and Efate. A F-17
shot down one of two Zero fighters which atttcked it on
October 9
7.
From Patch:
8.
From Harmon:
9.
From Harmon:
10.
From Harmon:
11.
From Harmon:
SECTION II. 1.
2.
3.
- 2
SECTION i n .
PLANS
. THOS. T.
Major Genera1,
Assistant Chief of Staff.
- 3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
IK TURN BY COMMISSIONED
MESSENGER
SECTION I. 1.
From Butler:
2.
From Bonesteel: U.S. troops at Vattarnes engaged a Focke Wulf with un known results October 12.
From Eisenhower: Asks if the number of troops per month now scheduled
for shipment to the U.K. during November and December
can be increased in view of information he h&s received.
From Maxwell: Operations for October 11 included a successful attack
on an Axis convoy 30 miles southwest of Crete by our
heavy bombers. One large merchant vessel, hit twice by
1,000-lb. bombs, was left afire and sinking.
Three enemy aircraft, intercepting this mission, were
shot down. Our bombers sustained minor damage.
3-
4-
5.
From Stilwell:
8.
From Harmon:
9.
From Emmons:
SECTION II. 1.
Replied to Eisenhower that authority is being requested of the Comp troller Genera3. to permit payment of the maximum witness fees whether
U. S. or foreign.
Prepared for signature of C/S a letter to Sir John Dill informing him
that fighter units are being dispatched to the Middle East at the
maximum rate consistent with our other commitments, and that although
two fighter groups will leave the U.S. this month for the Middle East
it is not likely that their schedule can be accelerated. Pooling of
P-^O's is approved to the extent agreeable to Tedder and Brereton;
Brereton is being so instructed.
Directed Brereton to organize an additional heavy bombardment group
in his theater, Bissell to cooperate.
Directed Stilwell to arrange air transportation from India to China
for Dr. Soong and his party who will arrive at Karachi about October
21. Secrecy is to be maintained.
Recommended to G-l the assignments of Gens. Thompson, Beightler, and
Lincoln as proposed by Harmon.
Notified Emmons and MacArthur of Harmon's assumption of command for
administration and supply of Army forces in his area, and of Breene^
assignment at Auckland.
Instructed Emmons to release to Nimitz for movement to the South
Pacific without further delay one squadron of B-17-E's, and to advise
Harmon end the War Department of the estimated and actual dates of
depgrture.
2.
3.
4..
5.
6.
7.
477
SECTION III.
PLANS
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF OPERATIONS DIVISION WASHINGTON
1700,
To: Secretary of V.ar )
Chief of Staff. )
Deputy Chief of 5 ^
Commanding General, Army Air Forces Commending General,
Services of Supply
Assistant Chief of Staff,^
October
14., 1942
G-2
SECTION I. 1.
(Return to OPD)
From Eisenhower:
2.
I'rom Bradley:
From Maxwell:
/+.
From Stilwell:
5.
From Stilwell:
- 1
6.
From Stilwell:
7.
From MacArthur:
8.
From Emmons:
9.
From Eramons:
10.
From Emmons:
Action:
SECTION II. 1.
2.
SECTION III. 1. 2.
7. %.
9.
10.
THOS: T /
Major General, /
Assistant Chief of Staff
-3
WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF
OPERATIONS DIVISION
WASHINGTON
To:
G-2 ( R e t u r n t o OPD)
TUWi BY COLiMISSIONED
SECTION I.
1.
From Bonesteel:
From Bis5ell:
SECTION II.
1.
Prepared letter to Adm. King for signature of C/S urging again that beach
patrol by the Coast Guard be placed under the operational control of .Army
Defense Commanders 8S a measure of coordinated defense.
-1
yi
2.
Informed Vtimsatt that Navy regards Frederiksdal as the only suitable site for
its purposes and is anxious to complete housing construction before the freeze-
up even though Army cannot provide the defenses in time. The Chief of
Engineers has been directed to perform this construction.
Informed Stilwell that Col. Arms is being ordered temporarily to OPD to assist
in compiling the list of instructors needed. Asked details of the proposed
organization of these American instructor-groups for the 30-Division plan and
for the Ramgarh project, respectively.
Replied to Stilwell that the eight AT-7 airplanes allotted o the Chinese
cannot be reassigned without the consent of the Generalissimo. The matter
has been taken up with CDS in Washington without mentioning the origin of
the request. Two of these airplanes left the U. S. in September, the
remainder should leave by December. All are consigned to Stilvell but
earmarked for China.
3.
4.
5. Asked Harmon how many B-26's and crews, en route from mainland to Australia,
he has diverted; also their present status.
6. Sent Emmons a copy of COLIINCH order for the transfer of a standard landing
crr.ft unit to CINCPAC, for duty in connection with training the ^7th Div.
and other Army units. Priority will follow thvt of the unit ordered to the
SW Pacific.
THOS. T. HANI"! ~
Major General
Assistant Chief of Staff
-2