The British Admiralty announced the loss of the destroyer
HMS Lightning which was torpedoed and sunk about 35 nautical
miles north of Bizerte, Tunisia, by the Kriegsmarine motor
torpedo boat (S-boat) S-55 on
12
March 1943.
North Africa In Mareth Line the British Eighth Army effected
bridgehead across Wadi Zigzau flanking force approached El
Hamma, north of Mareth Line. United States of America troops
occupied Maknassi.
In the Mediterranean. Docks at Palermo heavily bombed, also
intensive night raid carried out on Naples.
Russian Front. Soviet troops evacuated Byelgorod, North of
Kharkov, but gained ground on central front and in Kuban.
In India. Japanese air force aircraft raided area of Chittagong.
Northwest African Air Forces (NAAF). During
20-21
March 1943, Wellingtons bomb docks at Ferryville. On morning
of 21 March 1943, B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers, with
P-38 Lightning fighters escort, attack landing grounds at
Djebel Tebaga. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF)
fighters, Light bombers, and medium bombers hit Djebel Tebaga,
and Mezzouna. United States 1st Armoured Division elements
push toward Maknassy, placing it under artillery fire in preparation
for assault on the town.
Ninth Air Force. During
20-21
March 1943, B-24 Liberator heavy bombers attack harbour and
surrounding area at Naples, hitting a vessel, city area, and
vicinity of railroad yards. During day B-25 Mitchell medium
bombers bomb targets, including a highway, in Gabes area.
They are escorted by almost 100 P-40 fighters.
Tenth Air Force. 15 United States Army Air Force (USAAF) B-24
Liberator heavy bombers pound Gokteik Viaduct, causing considerable
damage to the structure. 6 other B-24 Liberator heavy bombers,
unable to bomb the viaduct due to haze and clouds, attack
the previously damaged bridge at Myitnge. P-40 fighters again
dive-bomb targets in Mogaung area, using 1,000 lb. bombs for
second time. 3 of the fighters bomb town area, causing heavy
destruction over 2 blocks. 3 others attack bridge South of
town, claiming damaging hits in the area. Others attack targets
in North Indochina.
Fourteenth Air Force. United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
P-40 fighters strafe Lao Kay phosphate mine area and targets
in the vicinity.
Fifth Air Force. 1 United States Army Air Force (USAAF) B-24
Liberator heavy bombers claims direct hit on cargo vessel
ESE of Cape Gloucester. Other isolated attacks on shipping
are unsuccessful.
Thirteenth Air Force. During
20-21
March 1943, 40 Navy and Marine aeroplanes lay mines in Buin-Tonolai
area while 19 B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers and B-24
Liberator heavy bombers bomb Kahili airfield in diversionary
attack.
Eleventh Air Force. 13 United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
B-24 Liberator heavy bombers, 9 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers,
50 P-38 Lightning fighters, 16 P-40 fighters, and 2 F-5A reconnaissance
aircraft fly 8 bombing and strafing missions to Kiska. Some
of the missions abort due to weather. The others hit Main
Camp area, while 2 P-40 fighters make no contact when trying
to intercept reported enemy aircraft.
Go To: 22nd
March
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
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