April 7, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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TUESDAY, 7 APRIL 1942

U.S. Army: During the night of April 6, 1942 to April 7, 1942 the Japanese break the Philippine II Corps front on Bataan. Japanese, attacking again in II Corps area with air and artillery support, force entire corps MLR back to Mamala River line; this line, too, becomes untenable, and Americans and Filipinos withdraw under cover of darkness, 7-8, to Alangan R. 26th Cav (PS), released to II Corps from I Corps reserve, establishes holding position while line is formed along the Mamala. Meanwhile, attempts by Philippine Div units to form continuous line prove futile. Philippine Constabulary regts defending beaches are ordered into battle line. I Corps is directed to withdraw southward to Binuangan River line. On Bataan, due to the Japanese break thru, the immediate removal of all remaining U.S. aircraft to Mindanao, where for the next three days they will fly reconnaissance, cover heavy bombers (sent to Mindanao from Australia) operating against concentrations at Legaspi, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao and carry out a strafing attack aircraft at Davao. After the heavy bombers return to Australia on April 12, 1942. The fighters will continue to fly reconnaissance until Japanese forces envelop the troops on Mindanao on May 1, 1942.

RAAF: Six P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 75 Squadron escort A-24s Dive Bombers over Lae.

5th Air Force: Nine A-24 Dive Bombers from 8th Bombardment Squadron (8th BS) condcut a dive bombing mission against Lae. The bombers are escorted by six RAAF P-40E Kittyhawks from No. 75 Squadron. Inbound, two abort due to mechanical issues, over Lae they observe no shipping and instead dive bomb Lae Airfield. Lost is A-24 41-15798 pilot 2nd Lt. Henry G. Swartz (MIA).

22d Bombardment Group (Medium) and 2nd Bombardment Squadron transfers from Ipswich to Townsville with B-26's; first combat mission is April 8. The 8th Photographic Squadron, Fifth Air Force (attached to Allied Air Forces) arrives at Melbourne from the US with F-4's; two flights remain at March Field until 16 June. 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) and 2nd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 22nd Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Brisbane to Townsville with B-26s; first combat mission April 21, 1942. 33d Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 22nd Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers from Ipswich to Antil Plains with B-26s; first combat mission is was April 6, 1942.