N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 429, JULY 1, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On the night of June 29‑30, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked the airfield, the stores and camp areas at Vila, Kolombangara Island.

 

2. On June 30:

 

(a) A formation of Mitchell (North American) medium bombers, Dauntless dive bombers and Avenger torpedo bombers attacked Japanese defensive positions and camp area at Munda, New Georgia Island. A large fire was started.

(b) Commencing in the early forenoon and continuing until late afternoon, an estimated total of 110 Japanese planes comprising Zero fighters, Mitsubishi medium bombers, Aichi dive bombers and various other types attacked at intervals U. S. Naval forces during the landing at Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. U. S. surface units and air forces destroyed

 

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65 of the enemy planes according to an incomplete report. Seventeen U. S. planes are reported missing.

(c) The transport McCawley was attacked and disabled by Japanese torpedo planes after landing troops on Rendova. Subsequently the vessel was attacked and sunk by a Japanese submarine. Reports indicate that all personnel were removed before the vessel sank and that there was no loss of life.

 

3. On July 1, Viru Harbor on New Georgia Island, was taken by joint U. S. forces.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 430, JULY 2, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On July 1:

 

(a) Early in the afternoon, Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked Japanese defensive positions at Lambeti Plantation, Munda, New Georgia Island. Fires were started.

(b) During the same afternoon, a formation of Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers attacked Japanese defensive positions and camp sections at Vila, Kolombangara Island.

 

2. Seven pilots of the 17 U. S. planes previously reported as missing in Navy Department Communiqué No. 429 have been rescued.

 

Memorandum to the Press:

 

(a) Lambeti Plantation is located several miles east of the airfield at Munda, New Georgia Island.

(b) Late reports on the Japanese air attack on U. S. forces during the landing at Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, on June 30, indicate that the number of Japanese planes were substantially larger than the total of 110 planes initially reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 429. It is also reported that U. S. surface and air forces destroyed 101 Japanese planes in the action.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 431, JULY 3, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On July 2, in the afternoon Japanese bombers, escorted by Zero fighters, attacked U. S. positions on Rendova Island. Damage was negligible.

2. On July 3, during the night, a Japanese surface force consisting of three light cruisers and four destroyers attempted to shell U. S. positions on Rendova Island. U. S. surface craft replied to the bombardment and the enemy ships retired in short order. No further details have been received.

3. In Navy Department Communiqué No. 429 it was reported that no loss of life was sustained in the sinking of the transport McCawley. A later report now reveals that several of the crew were killed in the initial torpedo attack made by the Japanese planes. The next of kin have been notified.

 

Memorandum to the Press:

 

The following information has been announced in the South and Southwest Pacific

 

(a) On July 1, in an enemy air attack at Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, twenty‑two Japanese planes were shot down. Of the eight

 

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U. S. planes lost in the engagement, five of the pilots have been rescued No damage occurred on the island.

(b) On July 2: Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bomber escorted by Navy Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, bombed and strafed a Japanese vessel in Bairoko Anchorage, Kula Gulf, New Georgia Island. The vessel caught fire and sank.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 432, JULY 4, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On June 28, at dawn, Liberator (Consolidated) heavy bombers, at­tacked Japanese installations at Nauru Island. Fourteen defending Zero fighters were in the air but only four Zeros appeared willing to press home an attack. Two Zeros were damaged. Results of the attack were unobserved. All U. S. planes returned.

 

2. On July 3:

 

(a) Mitchell (North American) medium bombers, escorted by Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters, attacked Japanese antiaircraft positions at Munda, New Georgia Island.

(b) Later, in the afternoon, Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo bombers and Dauntless (Douglas) dive bombers attacked the Japanese camp sector at Munda, New Georgia Island.

 

North Pacific.

 

3. On July 2, Ventura (Vega) and Mitchell medium bombers and Liberator heavy bombers carried out eight attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. Hits were observed on antiaircraft positions in Gertrude Cove, the camp area and North Head sections. One direct hit as made on a house.

 

4. On July 3, Liberator heavy bombers attacked the central bivouac area it Kiska. Weather conditions prevented observation of the results.

 

Memorandum to the Press:

 

The following information has been announced in the South and Southwest Pacific:

 

(a) On July 2, in the early evening, just east of Rendova Island, New Georgia Group, seven U. S. Corsair fighters intercepted and engaged one formation of thirty Zeros and immediately following attacked another formation of 20 Zeros. Six Zeros were destroyed. Three Corsairs were lost, but one pilot was rescued.

(b) On July 3, shortly before 3 P. M., Lightning fighters attacked a formation of about fifty Japanese Zeros over Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. Five Zeros were destroyed. Three U. S. planes were lost.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 433, JULY 5, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On July 4‑5, during the night, a number of U. S. surface units bombarded Japanese installations at Vila, Kolombangara Island, and Bairoko in Kula Gulf, New Georgia Island. A number of fires were started.

2. On July 5, in the morning, a formation of Army Hudson (Lockheed A‑29) light bombers attacked Rekata Bay, Santa Isabel Island.

 

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Memorandum to the Press:

 

The following information has been announced in the South and South­west Pacific:

 

 (a) On July 3, it is reported that Vura Village on Vangunu Island in the Wickham Anchorage area was captured by U. S. forces.

(b) On July 4, in the early afternoon, U. S. planes intercepted and attacked an enemy formation of 18 bombers and 20 Zero fighters over Rendova Island, New Georgia Group. Five enemy bombers and four Zeros were shot down. No U. S. losses were sustained.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 434, JULY 5, 1943

South Pacific.

 

1. Brief reports from the South Pacific indicate that a naval battle is in progress in Kula Gulf, north of New Georgia Island.

 

2. No details of the action have been received.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 435, JULY 6, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On the night of July 4‑5, the U. S. destroyer Strong was torpedoed and sunk while engaged in the bombardment of Japanese positions on New Georgia Island. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Strong will be notified as soon as possible.

 

2. On the evening of July 5, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Japanese installations on Ballale Island, Shortland Island Area. Five fires were started. About 12 Zero fighters attempted to intercept but were driven off. No U. S. losses were sustained.

 

3. On July 6, in the early morning, a United States surface task force engaged Japanese surface units in Kula Gulf off New Georgia Island. (Pre­viously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 434). Sufficient details have not been received to give the results of this engagement, but it is believed that, while some damage was suffered by the U. S. force, considerable damage was inflicted on the enemy.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 436, JULY 7, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On July 4, a formation of Army Flying Fortresses (Boeing B‑17) heavy bombers bombed the Bairoko Harbor Area, west coast of New Georgia Island.

 

2. On the early afternoon of July 5, sixteen Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters intercepted about forty enemy Zero fighters over Rendova Island. Two Zeros were destroyed. One Warhawk was lost but the pilot was rescued.

 

3. During the early morning surface engagement of July 6, when six Japanese ships were probably sunk and several damaged, the light cruiser USS Helena was sunk. The next of kin of the casualties aboard the Helena will be notified as soon as possible.

 

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4. During the evening of July 6:

 

(a) A formation of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers attacked Kahili and started several fires.

(b) During the same evening, a formation of Army Liberators bombed Buka Island. A number of fires as a result of the bombing were observed.

 

North Pacific.

 

5. On the evening of July 6, a U. S. surface task force bombarded Kiska, Enemy shore batteries did not return the fire.

 

Memorandum to the Press:

 

The following information has been announced in the Southwest Pacific:

 

(a) On the morning of July 6, a Navy Liberator (Consolidated PB4Y) heavy bomber was attacked by five Zero fighters northeast of Kolom­bangara Island, New Georgia. Group. Two Zeros were shot down and another was probably destroyed.

(b) On the afternoon of July 6, Army Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers bombed a beached Japanese destroyer in Bambari Harbor (Southeast coast of Kolombangara Island). Three hits were scored and a number of fires accompanied by violent explosions were observed.

(c) During the evening of July 6, Army Flying Fortress heavy bombers attacked Ballale Island, New Georgia Group, and started large fires.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 437, JULY 8, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. Submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

 

(a) 1 large transport sunk.

(b) 1 medium‑sized transport sunk.

(c) 2 medium‑sized cargo vessels sunk.

(d) 1 large tanker sunk.

(e) 1 medium‑sized tanker sunk.

(f) 1 large cargo vessel sunk.

(g) 1 medium‑sized passenger‑cargo vessel sunk.

(h) 1 small cargo vessel sunk.

(i) 1 small schooner sunk.

(j) 4 medium‑sized cargo vessels damaged.

 

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Depart­ment Communiqués.

 

 

JULY 9, 1943

 

JOINT STATEMENT

 

The following statement of antisubmarine operations for the month of June is issued jointly by the British and United States governments:

 

1. In June the losses of Allied and neutral merchant ships from submarine attacks were the lowest since the U. S. A. entered the war. The losses from all forms of enemy action were the second lowest recorded since the war between Britain and Germany began.

 

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2. The number of targets offered to the antisubmarine vessels an aircraft of the United Nations was not as great in June as previously, but the sinkings of Axis submarines were substantial and satisfactory.

3. The heavy toll taken of the U‑boats in May showed its effect June in that the main trans‑Atlantic convoys were practically unmolested and the U‑boat attacks on our shipping were in widely separated area However, every opportunity was taken of attacking U‑boats leaving an returning to their bases on the west coast of France.

4. The merchant shipping tonnage of the United Nations has shown a large net increase every month this year. Antisubmarine vessels and aircraft are coming into service in considerable numbers.

 

 

 

JULY 11, 1943

 

GERMAN SUBMARINE SUNK IN AIR‑SURFACE ATTACK

 

In a coordinated air and surface attack which took place in the South Atlantic some time ago, two U. S. Navy patrol bombers crippled a German submarine with bombs and machine guns, and two U. S. destroyers then completed the attack by sinking the enemy underwater raider by gunfire. Many German prisoners were captured.

The airplanes were two Mariner patrol bombers (Martin PBM-3C's) commanded by Lieutenant Howland S. Davis, USNR., of 215 Wendover Road Baltimore, Md., and Lieutenant (junior grade) Harold C. Carey, USN, 220 East Randall Avenue, Ocean View, Norfolk, Va.

      The destroyers were the USS Jouett, commanded by Commander Jesse Sowell, USN, of Barr Street, Lancaster, S. C., and the USS Moffet, commanded by Commander Fondville L. Tedder, USN, of 503 North Washington Street, Shelby, N. C.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 438, JULY 10, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 9, during the early morning, a U. S. light surface unit boy barded the Gertrude Cove Area in Kiska for several hours. The Japanese shore batteries returned the fire but caused no damage.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 439, JULY 12, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 10, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers with Navy Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers attacked four Japanese cargo vessels 280 miles southwest of Holtz Bay, Attu Island. One vessel was sunk, another was left in a sinking condition and the remaining two were damaged.

2. On July 11, a U. S. light surface unit bombarded Japanese positions at Gertrude Cove, Kiska, and Little Kiska Island during the morning. The enemy did not return the fire.

3. On July 11, an additional four Japanese soldiers were captured Attu Island.

 

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 440, JULY 13, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 12, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers and Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, escorted by Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers, carried out three attacks on Japanese installations at North Head and the main camp areas at Kiska. Poor weather conditions precluded observation of the results of the bombing.

 

 

 

JULY 14, 1943

 

USS ALCHIBA, ONCE ANNOUNCED AS LOST, NOW SALVAGED AND BEING REPAIRED

 

The USS Alchiba, announced in Navy Department Communiqué No. 218 as lost as result of enemy action in the South Pacific, has been salvaged and has returned to a United States port for final repairs.

The USS Alchiba, of 8,858 deadweight tons, participated in the initial landing operations in the Solomons Island area from August 7 to 9, 1942, and despite attacks by high altitude bombers and torpedo planes in enemy infested waters, successfully landed supplies and equipment for the U. S. Marine forces of occupation.

On its fourth trip into the Solomons area, on November 28, 1942, just after dropping anchor off Guadalcanal, the USS Alchiba was torpedoed. Through the superior seamanship of Captain (then Commander) James S. Freeman, U. S. Navy, of 1905 Florida Avenue, Jasper, Ala., the vessel's commanding officer, and Commander Howard R. Shaw, U. S. Navy, of Sandown, N. H., the executive officer, the vessel was beached despite numerous gasoline and ammunition explosions.

On December 7, 1942, after most of the cargo had been removed and the fires had been put under control, the USS Alchiba was hit by another torpedo. Her loss was announced by the Navy Department on December 11, 1942.

Within a month, however, the vessel was able to be moved from Guadal­canal to a more sheltered harbor, and subsequently it returned to the con­tinent under its own power.

Captain Freeman has been awarded the Navy Cross and Commander Shaw the Silver Star Medal for their leadership in the saving of this vessel.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 441, JULY 15, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 14, during the early morning, a U. S. light surface unit bom­barded Japanese positions in Gertrude Cove on Kiska. Enemy guns did not reply.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 442, JULY 16, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 15, during the early morning, a U. S. light surface unit bom­barded Japanese positions in Gertrude Cove on Kiska. The enemy did not return the fire.

 

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Memorandum to the Press:

 

The following information has been announced in the Southwest Pacific:

 

(a) The USS Gwin, a 1630‑ton destroyer, which was damaged in the second battle of the Kula Gulf early in the morning of July 13th, sank later while being towed to an Allied base.

(b) During the afternoon of July 15, 27 Mitsubishi bombers, escorted by about 40 or 50 Zeros and other fighters, were intercepted over Rendova by 44 U. S. fighter planes. 15 Japanese bombers and 30 Zeros were shot down. 3 U. S. pilots did not return to their base.

 

 

 

JULY 16, 1943

 

U. S. ESCORT CARRIER "B" ATTACKS 11 SUBMARINES: 2 SURE KILLS; 4 VERY PROBABLES; 4 PROBABLES

 

A U. S. "baby flat‑top" escort carrier, designated Escort Carrier "B" for the purpose of this report, recently returned to port bringing with it a thrilling story of continuous and aggressive action against Nazi submarines.

Planes of "Carrier B," by the speed and teamwork of their attacks, work­ing in close harmony with U. S. destroyers and anti-subsurface craft, chalked up the remarkable record, according to preliminary estimates, of two "certain kills" (prisoners were taken), four "very probably kills," and four "probable kills" in attacks on a total of 11 submarines. All ships in the convoys pro­tected by Escort Carrier "B" reached their destinations undamaged. It is believed that this record of defense and attack over a similar period of time has not been equaled by any other vessel in the history of antisubmarine warfare.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 443, JULY 17, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 15, a force of Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers and Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) fighters carried out four attacks against Japanese installa­tions at Kiska. Several fires were observed in the vicinity of the enemy antiaircraft batteries.

 

Memorandum to the Press:

 

The following information has been announced in the Southwest Pacific

 

On July 15:

 

(a) During the morning a formation of Army Mitchell medium bombers, escorted by Navy Corsair (Vought F4U) fighters, bombed and sank a small Japanese cargo vessel off the west tip of Baga Island (West of Vella Lavella). Later on the same morning another small enemy cargo vessel was attacked by the same planes and left burning on a reef at the north tip of Baga Island. On their return flight the Mitchell bombers strafed enemy positions on Vori Point (Northwest point of Ganongga Island).

(b) During the afternoon, a strong formation of Navy Dauntless (Douglas SBD) dive bombers and Avenger (Grumman TBF) torpedo planes bombed Vila, Kolombangara Island. Fires were still burning one and one‑half hours after the attack.

 

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(c) During the same afternoon another formation of Navy Dauntless dive bombers bombed and strafed Bairoko, New Georgia Island.

(d) Later in the afternoon Army Mitchell medium bombers, escorted by Lightning and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, strafed and probably sank two Japanese barges on the northeast coast of Ganongga Island.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 444, JULY 18, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. During the night of July 16, Navy Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bombers bombed enemy positions on Nauru Island. Numerous fires were started. All U. S. planes returned from this mission undamaged.

2. During the night of July 16‑17, a number of enemy bombers dropped bombs on Guadalcanal Island, causing some casualties to personnel and light damage to installations. Bombs also were dropped on Savo Island with no damage.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 445, JULY 20, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 18, during the afternoon, a formation of Army Liberator (Con­solidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) and Ventura (Vega B‑34) medium bombers attacked the Japanese main camp area and Gertrude Cove on Kiska. Due to overcast, results were unobserved.

2. On July 19, during the morning, a formation of Army Liberator heavy bombers attacked Paramushiru, Kurile Islands. A number of fires were ob­served. In addition, Japanese ships in Paramushiru Straits were bombed, and a number of near hits observed.

 

South  Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

3. On July 18, several Japanese planes harmlessly bombed Canton Island. No personnel casualties or material damage was sustained.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 446, JULY 21, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On July 20, during the early morning, three Japanese bombers dropped several bombs on Funafuti, Ellice Islands. No damage was reported and no personnel injuries were sustained.

 

North Pacific.

 

2. On July 20, two U. S. light surface units bombarded the Japanese main camp and the Gertrude Cove Area on Kiska. The enemy did not return the fire.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 447, JULY 22, 1943

 

The U. S. Submarine Triton has failed to return from patrol operations and must be presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the Triton have been so informed.

 

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N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 448, JULY 23, 1943

South Pacific (all dates are east longitude).

 

1. On July 22, during the early morning, Japanese bombers attacked Funafuti, Ellice Islands. Two of the bombers were shot down. Material dam­age has not been reported, but some personnel casualties were sustained.

 

North Pacific.

2. On July 21, during the afternoon, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers bombed the Japanese runway and the main camp area on Kiska. Numerous hits were scored and several fires were started.

3. On July 22, during the afternoon, United States heavy and light surface units bombarded Japanese positions on Kiska. Although the enemy returned the fire, United States ships were not damaged.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 449, JULY 24, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 22, prior to and after the surface bombardment of Kiska (Previously reported in Navy Department Communiqué No. 449) Army Libera­tor (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers, Mitchell (North American B‑25) medium bombers, with Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, heavily bombed and strafed enemy coastal batteries, antiaircraft positions and building areas. Numerous fires were started and a large ex­plosion observed. A number of the Warhawks participating in the attacks were piloted by pilots of the Royal Canadian Air Force. One U. S. plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire, but the crew was rescued.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 450, JULY 26, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 24, formations of Army Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters car­ried out ten bombing and strafing attacks against Japanese positions on Kiska. Numerous hits were scored on the runway and among gun emplacements. One U. S. plane failed to return.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 451, JULY 27, 1943

Central Pacific.

 

1. On July 24, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers at­tacked Wake Island. Thirty Zero fighters intercepted, of which nine were destroyed, four were probably destroyed, and five others were damaged.

2. The U. S. planes on closer approach to the island were met by additional fighters and heavy antiaircraft fire. In spite of this opposition, the U. 8. bombers scored many hits and caused a large explosion on the runway. One U. S. plane is missing.

 

North Pacific.

 

3. On July 25, Army Warhawks (Curtiss P‑40) fighters carried out ten bombing attacks on Japanese installations at Kiska. At North Head hits were scored on the runway and antiaircraft positions. The main camp, North Head

 

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and Little Kiska were also strafed. Fires were started at Little Kiska and a large explosion was observed on North Head.

4. On July 26, shortly after midnight, a U. S. Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bomber attacked Gertrude Cove and the main camp section of Kiska. Fires were started in Gertrude Cove.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 452, JULY 28, 1943

Central Pacific.

 

1. On July 27, Army Liberator (Consolidated B‑24) heavy bombers again attacked Japanese positions on Wake Island. Approximately 25 Zero fighters intercepted the Liberators. Seven Zeros were destroyed, five were probably destroyed and three others were damaged. In spite of heavy antiaircraft fire, bombs were placed on designated targets. All U. S. planes returned safely There were no casualties to U. S. personnel.

 

North Pacific.

 

2. On July 26, fights of Army Liberators, Lightning (Lockheed P‑38) and Warhawk (Curtiss P‑40) fighters, carried out thirteen bombing attacks against Japanese installations on Kiska. As a result of these bombings, fires were started and explosions were observed on North and South Heads, the runway, the bivouac and submarine base sections, Gertrude Cove and Little Kiska. Individual targets in these areas were also subjected to strafing. One U. S. Warhawk fighter was forced into the sea but its pilot was rescued by a Navy Catalina (Consolidated PBY) patrol bomber.

3. On July 27, various formations of Army Liberators, Warhawks and Lightnings carried out six bombing attacks on Kiska. Hits were made in the bivouac area. Spotty weather conditions precluded full observation of the results of the attack.

 

 

JULY 28, 1943

 

MORE THAN 1,500 UNITED STATES NAVAL VESSELS CARRIED INVASION FORCE TO SICILY

 

More than 1,500 vessels of the United States Navy, ranging in size from cruisers to small landing craft and manned by well over 40,000 officers and men, effected the landing of United States invasion forces on Sicily.

In addition to larger combat units, the fleet included a number of anti­submarine patrol craft and a swarm of motor torpedo boats.

Under the immediate command of Vice Admiral H. K. Hewitt, U. S. Navy, Commander of U. S. Naval Forces in North African Waters, the vast invasion fleet successfully carried out, in conjunction with British Amphibious Forces, the largest amphibious operation in the history of warfare, landing and supply­ing U. S. Army troops on a hostile shore with minor loss of life and equipment. The U. S. forces were under the general operational control of Admiral Sir Andrew Browne Cunningham, Bart., G.C.B., D.S.O., who commands all Naval forces under General Eisenhower.

Naval units engaged in the landing operation were part of the United States Atlantic Fleet which, under the command of Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, U. S. Navy, has since the opening of the North African campaign eight months

 

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ago, transported several hundred thousand American troops and vast quantities of supplies across the Atlantic.

The actual landing on the Sicilian shore was only the culmination of long months of extensive preparation, of intensive training in the complex maneu­vers of amphibious warfare, of working out logistical problems, and of meticu­lous planning on a vast scale to insure that every vessel would be at the proper spot at the proper moment. The training of personnel was continued in North Africa until the last moment before shoving off.

Naval landing forces Included men specially trained in the unloading of supplies under conditions made hazardous by surf and enemy action. In beach landing operations, Naval forces are responsible not only for the transporta­tion of men and supplies across open water, but also for the safe disembarking of the troops and the unloading of supplies to points on shore.

Directing the operations under Vice Admiral Hewitt were Rear Admiral Alan G. Kirk, U. S. Navy, Rear Admiral John L. Hall, U. S. Navy, and Rear Admiral Richard L. Conolly, U. S. Navy.

The story of the invasion is, from the Naval standpoint, the story of the success of the many types of specialized landing craft, large and small, which have been developed to break down the coastal walls of the Axis' European fortress.

Operating in numbers which dotted the surface of the Mediterranean black, the vessels of every size and shape, each with a specialized job to do and making up the largest amphibious operation in history, constituted by far the greatest number of craft in the invasion fleet,

One of the initial waves of invading U. S. troops was transported across the Mediterranean entirely by landing vessels. One group of hundreds pro­ceeded to the first rendezvous accompanied only by small escorts. Against a 25‑knot wind the fleet of odd‑looking craft plunged and reared steadily and doggedly ahead. PC's and SC's escorting the group sometimes showed half their bottoms as they leaped, spray flying, over the seas. Experienced officers marveled at the seamanship of the crews‑many of whom had never seen the ocean a year before‑who drove their rearing, blunt‑nosed craft ahead at a steady pace.

As mechanical difficulties developed, special repair crews went into action until, once underway again, an additional knot or two was forced from pro­testing engines until the lost time was made up. The fleet arrived at the rendezvous on time and intact.

Part of the U. S. forces engaged in the landing had been transported across the Atlantic specifically for the job. Huge convoys took over the men and supplies, and so securely were they ringed by Naval escort vessels, includ­ing cruisers, that neither convoy was once attacked.

The actual landing of American forces on Sicily began in the early morn­ing. Since surprise was to be one of the elements of the attack, split‑second timing was demanded. Off every possible landing beach the enemy had sown mines. But due to the skillful work of Naval minesweepers, not a single con­tact with an enemy mine was reported during the entire landing operation.

Apart from the actual landing of troops and supplies, Naval combat units had three major duties: protection of landing forces from enemy surface and undersea forces; maintenance of antiaircraft barrages; and gunfire support of advancing troops on shore. Every landing group had offshore a supporting force of destroyers or cruisers or both.

Naval gunfire continued during the next few days to play an important

 

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role in the movement of troops inland, blasting enemy positions even in the hills.

With the lessons of the invasion of North Africa eight months before well learned, operational losses of landing craft were extremely low. Special salvage and repair units had been set up afloat and ashore in the opening stages of the invasion, and damaged craft were speedily repaired and returned to service.

Within 48 hours, the entire fleet of landing vessels had made another round trip to Africa and returned loaded to the gunwales with men and supplies.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 453, JULY 29, 1943

Pacific and Far East.

 

1. U. S. submarines have reported the following results of operations against the enemy in the waters of these areas:

 

(a) 2 large transports sunk.

(b) 2 large cargo vessels sunk.

(c) 3 medium‑sized cargo vessels sunk.

(d) 2 medium‑sized tankers sunk.

(e) 1 small cargo vessel sunk.

(f) 1 large cargo vessel damaged.

(g) 3 medium‑sized cargo vessels damaged.

 

2. These actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Depart­ment Communiqués.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 454, JULY 30, 1943

Atlantic.

 

1. The U. S. non‑rigid airship K‑74 was lost at sea recently as the result of a gunfire attack by a surfaced enemy submarine.

2. The K‑74 was fired on while attacking the submarine, and, as the result of a hit, was forced to make a landing on the sea.

3. All except one member of the crew of the K‑74 were rescued. Next of kin of the one casualty has been notified that he is missing in action.

 

 

N. D. COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 455, JULY 31, 1943

North Pacific.

 

1. On July 29, a U. S. Army Flying Fortress (Boeing B‑17) heavy bomber attacked Japanese positions on Kiska. Due to overcast weather, results were unobserved.

2. On July 30, during the morning, U. S. light surface units bombarded Gertrude Cove and the main camp areas on Kiska. Enemy batteries did not reply.

 

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