The British Royal Air Force (RAF) Wellingtons dropped leaflets
over France without loss.
In Sicily. It was announced that Scordia, Lentini, Caltagirone
and Grammichele was taken by the British 8th Army, Agrigento
and Porto Empedocle by Americans. Catania in flames as result
of air and sea born bombardments General Harold Alexander
appointed Military Governor of Sicily Anglo-American Military
Government (AMGOT) set up, headed by Major-General Lord Rennell.
Russian Front. Soviet troops advanced eight miles in Orel-Kursk
sector.
Eighth Air Force. 21 United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
heavy bombers hit aircraft factory at Amsterdam in main attack.
Other planes bomb industrial targets in North West Germany.
Northwest African Air Forces (NAAF). During
16-17
July 1943, and following day Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) fighters, light bombers, and medium bombers,
hit Catania, Paterno, Riposto railroad station, and targets
(vehicles, tanks, trains, guns) throughout Sicily. During
day, over 200 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers, B-26 Marauder
medium bombers, and B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers bomb
Naples, concentrating on marshalling yard. United States 45th
and 1st Infantry Divisions cross Salso River South and East
of Caltanissetta. British 30 Corps expands Simeto River bridgehead
and drives toward Catania in coastal sector while 51st Division
crosses Simeto and reaches to within 10 miles of Paterno.
Ninth Air Force. About 80 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers bomb
Naples marshalling yard in face of fierce fighters opposition.
1 B-24 Liberator heavy bombers is shot down and several are
damaged. The heavy bombers claim 23 fighters destroyed in
combat. B-25 Mitchell medium bombers hit Catania and rail
yards and roads at Paterno. P-40 fighters fly escort to Gela
and Comiso. The British Royal Air Force (RAF) heavy bombers
hit Reggio di-Calabria.
Fifth Air Force.
During 17-
18
July 1943, B-25 Mitchell medium bombers bomb Lautem while
B-24 Liberator heavy bombers bomb Adaoet Island. During day,
B-25 Mitchell medium bombers pound airfield, Army Headquarters
and defensive positions, and general area in and around Salamaua
as Allied forces from Nassau Bay-Mubo area begin drive on
Salamaua. The drive is a secondary effort designed to divert
enemy attention from subsequent Allied campaign to secure
Markham River Valley and Huon Peninsula and thus gain control
of Vitiaz and Dampier Straits.
Thirteenth Air Force. 7 United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
B-24 Liberator heavy bombers and more than 70 Navy and Marine
aeroplanes, escorted by more than 100 Thirteenth Air Force
and Allied fighters, attack shipping off Buin. The heavy bombers
claim hits on 2 cargo vessels, and the dive bombers claim
serious damage of 3 destroyers, a patrol ship, an oiler, a
merchant ship, and the 2 cargo vessels. In the air battle,
Allied aircraft claim more than 40 Zeros and at least 4 float
planes shot down. 5 Allied aeroplanes are lost.
M346
Minesweeper
Sunk 17 July 1943
M370
Minesweeper
Launched 17 July 1943
T32
Torpedo boat
Launched 17 July 1943
R205
R-boat
Launched 17 July 1943
Go To: 18th
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
