The British Admiralty announced the loss of the trawler HMS
Stronsay which was mined and sunk in the Western Mediterranean
off Philippeville on
5
February 1943.
The British Royal Air Force (RAF) bombers bombed Lorient at
night, while intruder fighters patrolled over German territory.
North Africa. In South Tunisia heavy fighting continued between
Americans and Wehrmacht ground forces round Sbeitla.
Russian Front. Kharkov was captured from the Wehrmacht ground
forces by Red Army after fierce street fighting.
House of Commons began to discuss William Beveridge Report
on social security.
Eighth Air Force. 65 United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
heavy bombers hit locks and U-boat base at Saint-Nazaire.
Unsuccessful air-to-air bombing attempt is made by German
fighters. 8 aircraft are lost during mission.
Twelfth Air Force. United States Army Air Force (USAAF) B-25
Mitchell medium bombers on shipping strike abort due to weather.
Other XII Bomber Command operations are cancelled. A-20 Havoc
light bombers, in support of hard-pressed Allied ground forces,
bomb gun positions West of Sidi bou Zid. Fighters fly repeated
strafing missions against troops and vehicles in Gafsa area.
Ninth Air Force. During 16-
17
February 1943, The British Royal Air Force (RAF) Liberators,
under IX Bomber Command, bomb Heraklion airfield. British
Eighth Army's 7th Armoured Division drives into Ben Gardane,
outpost of Mareth Line.
Tenth Air Force. 18 United States Army Air Force (USAAF) P-40
fighters hit targets in Nsopzup and Hpunkizup areas.
Fifth Air Force. United States Army Air Force (USAAF) B-25
Mitchell medium bombers bomb Malahang airfield and strafe
targets on Salamaua peninsula. B-17 Flying Fortress heavy
bombers bomb warehouse at Ubili.
South Pacific (SOPAC). Admiral Mason becomes Commander Air
Solomons (COMAIRSOLS) with command of all aircraft in the
Solomons.
Eleventh Air Force. Weather reconnaissance aeroplane flies
over Kiska, Attu, Agattu, the Semichis, and Buldir. 5 heavy
bombers, 6 medium bombers, 6 P-38 Lightning fighters, and
1 medium bombers photo aeroplane take off for Kiska but do
not attack due to weather. 1 P-40, accompanying several P-38
Lightning fighters on Amchitka fighters patrol, lands on Amchitka
strip. An afternoon patrol of 7 P-40 fighters and 1 transport
aircraft also land at the strip which is now safe for limited
operations.
Go To: 17th
February
Articles:
The Second Great War.
Edited by Sir John Hamilton
The War Illustrated.
Edited by Sir John Hamilton
2194 Days Of War.
ISBN-10: 086136614X
For a complete list of
sources
