World Aviation in 1942 - Part 2

Part 1

3-4 June
The Battle of Midway is fought. The Japanese carriers Akagi, Hiryu, Kaga and Soryu are sunk by United States carrier-based aircraft and the United States Navy (USN) loses the carrier USS Yorktown. This is one of the decisive battles of the Second World War. as the Japanese Navy is deprived of much of its carrier force and, prevented from taking the initiative, it is forced back onto the defensive.

12 June
Twelve United States Air Force (USAF) Consolidated B24 Liberator bombers make an unsuccessful attack on the Romanian oil refineries at Ploesti.

18 June
Major General Carl Spaatz is appointed to command the 8th United States Army Air Force (USAAF) in the United Kingdom.

1 July
The first Boeing B17 Flying Fortress for the 8th United States Army Air Force (USAAF) lands at Prestwick in Scotland.

7-8 August
With considerable early air cover United States Marines begin landings on Guadalcanal.

17 August
The United States Army Air Force (USAAF) makes its first European heavy bomber raid of the Second World War. Boeing B17 Flying Fortresses of the 97th Bombardment Group attack Rouen-Scotteville marshalling yards in occupied France.

20 August
The 12th United States Army Air Force (USAAF) is activated at Bolling Field in Washington DC in preparation for the invasion of North Africa.

September
A Yokosuka E14Y1 (Glen) light submarine-borne reconnaissance floatplane is launched from the Japanese submarine I25. It makes two overflights of the wooded Oregon coast and drops four incendiary bombs. This is the only time Japanese fixed wing aircraft attack the USA during the Second World War.

1 September
Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Navy (USN) Consolidated Catalina flying boats disperse a German U-boat 'wolf pack' attacking a west bound North Atlantic convoy and one U-boat is sunk.

12 September
The 89th Bombardment Squadron of the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) makes the first use of para-fragmentation bombs, during sweeps over Buna airstrip in New Guinea.

23 September
Brigadier General J.H. Doolittle is appointed to command the 12th United States Army Air Force (USAAF) .

3 October
The first fully successful launch of a German A4 (V2) rocket takes place and reaches 56 miles from Peenemünde in 296 seconds.

7 October
German Air Force night harassment units are formed as a direct copy of the Soviet practice.

21 October
The United States Army Air Force (USAAF) 8th Bomber Command flies its first operation, attacking German submarine bases in occupied France.

8-11 November
United States and British aircraft provide air cover for the invasion of North Africa and during the early days, Vichy French units put up a spirited resistance. Large numbers of Luftwaffe aircraft are flown into Tunis and troops are flown in by both sea and air.

12 November
The 9th United States Army Air Force (USAAF) is formed in the Middle East.

19 November
A Soviet counter attack north of Stalingrad begins and in just three weeks, supported by four Air Armies, the German troops fighting in the city are cut off from their colleagues and their fate is sealed.

25 November
Luftwaffe supply flights into the Stalingrad pocket begin.

4 December
9th United States Army Air Force (USAAF) Consolidated B24 Liberators make the first American attack on Italy by bombing Naples.

20-21 December
Japanese bombers make the first night attack on Calcutta in India.

24 December
The Germans lose their last remaining landing ground in the Stalingrad pocket, when Tatsinskaya is over run by Soviet tanks.

24 December
Australian and United States forces recapture Buna airstrip in New Guinea.

24 December
The first launch of Germany's V1 surface-to-surface pilotless plane.

Part 1