April 17, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
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FRIDAY, 17 APRIL 1942

Washington: Admiral William D. Leahy, U.S. Ambassador to France, is recalled to Washington for consultation.

Burrna: British engineers blow up oil fields in Burma, destroying nearly 6,000 wells to deprive them to the occupying Japanese. On Irrawaddy front, Japanese block road N and S of Pin Chaung near Yenangyaung. Ch 38th Div leaves Kyaukpadaung at night to relieve isolated Burma 1st Div. To S, Ind 17th Div sends out strong columns from Natmauk and Taungdwingyi to ease pressure on Burma 1st Div, but Japanese are not diverted. On Sittang front, Ch 22d Div, ordered to delay for 2 weeks in preparation for trapping enemy at Pyinmana, is in Lewe area, but because of reverses suffered by Burma I Corps, Gen Stilwell is forced to abandon plans for stand at Pyinmana. Japanese continue pressure against Ch T-55th Div in Bawlake-Mawchi area.

5th Air Force: 8th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), transfers from Canberra to Batchelor with P-40s, their first mission is April 20, 1942.

IJN: A6M2 Zero pilot Sakai (MIA) crashed crossing the Owen Stanley Range likely due to an oxygen failure.

RAAF: P-40E Kittyhawk A29-12 pilot F/O Patrick Scandrett crashed on take off. P-40E Kittyhawk A29-7 pilot Squadron Leader Bernard "Barney" B. Cresswell and P-40E Kittyhawk pilot Woods took off on a reconnaissance mission over Lae. The pair were intercepted by A6M2 Zeros from Tainan Kōkūtai (Tainan Air Group). Lost is P-40E Kittyhawk A29-7 pilot Squadron Leader Bernard "Barney" B. Cresswell (KIA).

U.S. Navy: USS Searaven (SS-196) begins rescue of stranded Australian sailors, airmen, and soldiers from Japanese-occupied Timor.