April 22, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

WEDNESDAY, 22 APRIL 1942

Burma: Gen Stilwell orders Ch 200th Div to move from Meiktila to Taunggyi to counter enemy moves in Loikaw-Loilem area. Ch 28th Div, 66th Army, concentrated in Mandalay area, is directed to move to Loilem via Hsipaw but does not do so. Ch 96th Div continues delaying action in Sittang Valley, while Ind 17th Div, 7th Armd Brig, and Ch 22d Div take up positions around Meiktila and Thazi.

(10th Air Force): Aircraft begin to evacuate military and civilian personnel and supplies from Burma to India. By June 15, 1942 the 10th Air Force (10th AF) evacuates a total of 4,499 personnel and 1,733,026 pounds (786,095 kg) of cargo.

(SOPOA, 7th Air Force): A joint US-New Zealand Naval Command is ordered established under Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley. It is to operate separately but in close liaison with General Douglas MacArthur and Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary.

(13th AF) Lost is P-39D 41-7104 pilot 1st Lt James W. Blose (MIA) crashed Viti Levu Island in Fiji.

(5th AF): The 40th Reconnaissance Squadron (40th RS) is redesignated 435th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) "Kangaroo Squadron". The 13th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) is redesignated 403rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy).