The British Royal Air Force (RAF) Lancaster bombers carried
out attacks on North Italian switching and transformer stations
at Milan and Bologna. The British Royal Air Force (RAF) Wellingtons
dropped leaflets over French towns without loss.
In Sicily. It was announced that 13 different locations had
been captured including Canicatti and Canicattini.
Russian Front. Soviet forces advanced 6 to 9 miles in Orel
sector against the Wehrmacht ground forces.
In Australasia. It was announced of the capture of the following
Mubo (New Guinea). The Japanese air force aircraft bombed
Guadalcanal.
Eighth Air Force. 14 United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
B-26 Marauder medium bombers attack marshalling yard at Abbeville.
With this mission, VIII A Support Command begins combat operations,
having acquired the 322d, 323d, 386th, and 387th Bomber Groups.
Northwest African Air Forces (NAAF). During
15-16
July 1943, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
bomb dock, marshalling yards, and airfields at Vibo Valentia,
Crotone, Reggio di Calabria, and Villa San Giovanni, while
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light bombers
and medium bombers carry out numerous missions against Randazzo
and roads in Sicily. During day Northwest African Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) fighters, light bombers, and medium bombers
bomb Valguarnera and targets in Northeast Sicily. British
troops establish bridgehead across the Simeto.
Ninth Air Force. United States Army Air Force (USAAF) B-24
Liberator heavy bombers attack Bari airfield. Enemy fighters
attack persistently, and 3 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers are
shot down. Heavy bombers claim 11 fighters destroyed in combat.
B-25 Mitchell medium bombers bomb Randazzo and Valguarnera.
The British Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers hit Reggio
di Calabria airfield.
Fifth Air Force. A single United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
B-24 Liberator heavy bombers bombs forces at MacDonald's Junction.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aeroplanes hit positions
to the South West.
Thirteenth Air Force. More than 30 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers
and B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers pound Kahili airfield.
In Buin-Faisi area, 7 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers join 70
plus Navy dive bombers and more than 100 Army Air Force, Royal
New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), Navy, and Marine fighters in
attack on shipping. Allied aeroplanes claim more than 40 aircraft
destroyed or damaged. 7 vessels, including a destroyer, are
sunk.
Go To: 17th
July
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
