1943

January 1943

Chinese Air Force

The 3rd PG (7th, 8th, 28th and 32nd PS) based at Peishiyi (near Chungking) had 15 P-66s and 94 pilots. Two squadrons were operational and two were in a training status due to lack of aircraft.

At the beginning of 1943, the 4th PG began to re-equip with new aircraft. It received 41 P-43As and 27 P-40Es.

The 5th PG (17th, 26th, 27th, and 29th PS) had headquarters at Shangliu and an operational base at Lanchow. It had nine P-66s and 69 qualified pilots. Two squadrons were rated operationally ready.

The 11th PG (41st to 44th PS) was equipped with 15 P-66s and had 73 qualified pilots. It was based at Chunglai and two squadrons were operational. The only Chinese squadron still flying Soviet fighters was the 41st PS. Pilots were non-commissioned officers (because of their lesser status some American observers thought selection of NCO pilots was less affected by graft and political influence than officer pilots and that they were less arrogant and more likely to accept constructive criticism during training).

By the beginning of 1943, the only truly combat capable unit with the SB was the 1st BG, which still had 19 aircraft.

During the year, the 10th BS became combat ready with the Lockheed A-29.

In January, the squadrons flying the DB-3 were disbanded.

US Army Air Force

On 20 January, the 75th FS, 23rd FG transferred from Chanyi to Yunnani, China.

IJAAF

In mid-January, as it was the season for bad weather in south-west China, the 3rd Hikoshidan decided that it could conduct air operations more conveniently from the Wu-Han area and moved it’s main bases there.

Operations

A single P-43 of the 76th FS flew a routine weather reconnaissance flight to Schwebo in Burma.

2 January 1943
In Burma, CATF fighters continued to hit transportation targets, strafing a truck convoy on the Burma Road. The strikes began near Loiwing and covered 30 miles of highway. At least five trucks were destroyed and others damaged.
Six B-25s bombed Monywa Airfield.

A single P-43 of the 76th FS piloted by Captain Jeffrey O. Wellborn flew a routine weather reconnaissance flight to Bhamo. He encountered an “I-45”. The Japanese aircraft was above the P-43 but Wellborn climbed on to its tail without being detected. Wellborn's first burst took the Japanese by surprise. The Japanese aircraft then attempted to escape by diving but Wellborn followed and shot the aircraft down in flames. Wellborn probably encountered a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft rather than an I-45 (i.e. Ki-45).
This was to be Wellborn's only aerial victory.

7 January 1943
At 11:03, Japanese units attacked Kweilin. The 90th Sentai (16 light bombers) and the 33rd Sentai (18 Ki-43s) attacked the runway of Kweilin airfield and other installations on the south-west side of the base. Fires broke out at two points.
A second attack was launched at 16:00. The 90th Sentai (9 light bombers) and the 33rd Sentai (9 Ki-43s) attacked the airfield and railway station at Hengyang. Due to a heavy mist, the result of this attack could not be reported.
At 16:25, eight light bombers and seven fighters attacked the runway of Kweilin airfield as well as military installations in the city, causing many fires to break out.

At 12:20, the 16th Sentai (16 light bombers) and the 25th Sentai (11 Ki-43s) attacked and damaged the runway of Nancheng airfield and its attached installations.

The Japanese reported that not a single enemy aircraft was sighted during the day’s attacks.

CATF P-40s blasted fuel storage facilities at Mangshih.

9 January 1943
Two P-43s of the 23rd FG strafed Japanese trucks at Wanling and left two destroyed.

10 January 1943
The P-40E (of the 4th PG) began its combat career in China with an attack on Kingmen airdrome and targets of opportunity in Hubei Province by five P-40s and ten P-43s from Liangshan. Two P-40s flown by Mo T’ung-Che of the 23rd PS and Huang K’ung-Jun were lost to ground fire and the pilots were KIA. Two other P-40s suffered mechanical failures, which forced them to land at the Enshi airfield.
The Chinese pilots reported destroying five aircraft on the ground. Several trucks were destroyed on highways. However, it seems that the raid was a failure, since the Japanese had dispersed their aircraft one day before the attack.

11 January 1943
Fighters from the CATF strafed fuel drums along the road between Chefang and Mangshih and hit a truck full of soldiers near Ho-Lu.

12 January 1943
Two P-43As of the 21st PS, 4th PG (CAF) flew a reconnaissance mission along the west bank of the Han River. Near Itu (south-east of Ichang), the P-43As met two “Zeroes” (Ki-43s). Kao Yau-Hsin (CO of the 21st PS) claimed one shot down in flames while the second was claimed as badly damaged.

16 January 1943
At 09:00, P-40s from 16th FS, 51st FG, and 75th FS, 23rd FG (USAAF), intercepted Japanese aircraft that attempt a strike on Yunnani and claimed eleven “Zeroes” and one bomber shot down in the air battle. Eight “Zeroes” were claimed north-west of Yunnani by 1/Lt George R. Barnes (two “Zeroes”), 2/Lt. Aaron Liepe, Cap. Robert Lee Liles (two “Zeroes”), Cap. John D. Lombard and 1/Lt. James W. Little from 75th FS (two “Zeroes”). Two “Zeroes” and one bomber were claimed over Yunnani by 2/Lt. Melvin B. Kimball and Cap. Robert E. Smith (one “Zero” and one bomber). The last “Zero” was claimed 30m west of Yunnani by 1/Lt. Robert A. O’Neill. No P-40s seems to have been lost.
Anticipating that the Japanese aircraft would land at Lashio Airfield, six B-25s and eleven fighters were sent to that field in the hope of catching the enemy on the ground; finding no aircraft there, the B-25s and fighters attacked the town of Lashio.

The 50th Sentai took part in an attack on Kunming Station south airfield (possibly the same attack as mentioned above). They claimed three P-40s (one by Sgt. Satoshi Anabuki from the 3rd Chutai, who claimed it over Yunnan Station) for one K-43 lost when 1/Lt. Takeshi Ohtsuki (Class 54) was killed.

February 1943

Chinese Air Force

In February, preparing for transition to the new American air equipment, the Chinese transferred the primary training groups from their flight schools to India. In China remained only the courses for reconnaissance and photography.

On 12 February 4th PG returned from Taipingsi to Baishi Aerodrome (Chungking) to provide air defence of Baidu.

US Army Air Force

On 6 February, the 9th PRS was redesignated to the 9th PS (Light).
The unit’s detachment at Kunming, sends a detachment of the detachment to Kweilin, which begun operating sometime in February.

IJAAF

After the spring of 1943, the China Expeditionary Army will make every effort to strengthen its air operations. It will destroy the enemy’s air strength and frustrate the plan to raid the Homeland from bases in China.

The aerial defence system will be equipped and strengthened in China. At the same time, every available means will be taken to carry out reconnaissance missions in order to report the exact situation on the enemy air force.

Necessary air reinforcements will be carried out after the spring of 1943. In the meantime, the Air Force will cooperate with the Southern Army in destroying the enemy air forces, particularly the United States Air Force, in the interior and south-western sector of China.

Although it will depend on the situation at the time, it is presently planned to reinforce the Air Force in China with two fighter regiments and two heavy bomber regiments.

Air bases and navigational aids will be strengthened and completed in order to facilitate the operations of the Air Force and reduce the loss of planes.

Between the latter part of January and mid-February, the 1st Hikodan and other units were transferred from south China to the Wu-Han sector, while parts of the 33rd Sentai (12 Ki-43s), part of the 55th I F Chutai (Headquarters reconnaissance aircraft) and one Direct Cooperation unit of the 44th Sentai remained in south China to support ground operations.

By the latter part of February, the 3rd Hikoshidan had established its headquarters at Nanching, and the 55th and 85th I F Chutais stationed there were placed under the direct control of the Hikoshidan.
The main force of the 1st Hikodan (composed of the main forces of the 23rd, and 25th Sentais and elements of the 16th and 90th Sentais, together with the 18th I F Chutai was stationed at Hankou where it prepared for the operations to destroy the CAF, which had advanced to Liangshan and the USAF, which had advanced to south-west China.

At the same time, the Sato Unit (commanded by the commander of the 90th Sentai and composed of the main force of the 90th Sentai, one chutai of the 33rd Sentai and one Direct Cooperation Unit) cooperated from Haikoushih with the Luichow Peninsula Operation of the 23rd Army.

The 44th Sentai, using Nanchang and Puchi as its bases, cooperated with the 11th Army’s operation north of the Yangtze River.

The 206th I F Shireibu, based at Changtien in Shantung Province, cooperated with the operations of the North China Area Army.

The 8th Tokushu Kogekatai at Taihsien cooperated with the 13th Army’s operations.

Operations

At about 11:00, the 90th Sentai (9 light bombers) and the 33rd Sentai (6 Ki-43s) attacked and damaged the runways and attached installations at Kweilin airfield.

At 11:37, the 16th Sentai (6 light bombers) and the main strength of the 25th Sentai, using Ani as a base attacked the runways of Lushih airfield.

At 12:25, six light bombers of the 16th Sentai attacked and severely damaged Laohokou air base.

At 15:30, the 90th Sentai (9 light bombers) and the 33rd Sentai (3 Ki-43s) attacked hangars and the railway station at Liuchowhsien.

At 16:03, the 90th Sentai (2 light bombers) and the 33rd Sentai (6 Ki-43s) attacked the Lingling airfield but were unable to contact any aircraft.
The two Sentais also attacked military installations in the city.

The Japanese reported that no enemy aircraft was sighted during the day.

11 February 1943
The 90th Sentai (17 light bombers) and a chutai from the 33rd Sentai (8 Ki-43s) attacked the air base at Kweilin at 11:13 and again at 16:10.
15 light bombers and three Ki-43s raided Luichowhsien the same day.
No enemy aircraft were sighted during the day.

24 February 1943
The Japanese had received information that enemy aircraft were using Liangshan airfield. The 25th Sentai (15 Ki-43s) and the 16th Sentai (12 light bombers) attacked this base and the surrounding area as well as Wanhsien pier. They managed to engage three enemy P-43s, one of which was shot down.
It seems that they were in combat with 22nd PS, 4th PG (CAF), which reported that 18 Japanese aircraft attacked Qiangjin, where the 22nd PS, 4th PG (CAF), had re-deployed at the end of 1942. Four P-43 Lancers led by the squadron commander Wang Tejian rose to intercept but three (nos. 2104, 2105 and 2113) of the four aircraft were quickly shot down and Xu Xiaomin in no. 2104 was mortally wounded. The fourth made a forced landing. The Japanese returned without losses.

28 February 1943
Six B-25s from Kunming, with fighter escort, bombed a storage area at Mangshih.

March 1943

Chinese Air Force

US Army Air Force

On 12 March, the 74th FS, 23rd FG transferred from Kunming, China, to Yunnani, China.

HQ 308th BG (Heavy) and it's 373rd, 374th, 375th and 425th BS (Heavy) with B-24s arrived in China from the U.S. on 20 March. The 308th BG and 425th BS were based at Kunming, the 373rd BS at Yangkai and the 374th BS and 375th BS at Chengkung. The four squadrons flew their first combat mission on 4 May.

On 31 March, the 16th FS, 51st FG transferred from Chenyi to Kweilin, China.
On the same day, the 75th FS, 23rd FG transferred from Yunnani to Lingling, China.

Operations

10 March 1943
P-40s from Kunming flew armoured reconnaissance into Burma, crossing the Salween River and covering areas south-west of Lashio.

15 March 1943
Captain Shizuo Irisawa (NCO35) of the 25th Sentai was killed in an accident over the East China Sea.

26 March 1943
Two P-43s of the 76th FS, 23rd FG, flew a reconnaissance missions from Kunming to Hanoi.

30 March 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed eight locomotives south-west of Lashio, exploding three of them.

31 March 1943
According to Japanese Intelligence, it was known that since the middle of February, the USAAF in China had been steadily preparing for its next operation. Intelligence reports stated that on the afternoon of 31 March, they had advanced about 40 fighters and seven B-25s to Kweilin and Lingling and that they were demanding weather reports for 1 April for the coast of Fukien Province with Fuchou as the centre showing clearly that they were planning not only attacks on the China front but also against the Homeland.
During the day, the 3rd Hikoshidan ordered a chutai from the 33rd Sentai, using six Ki-43s, to attack Kweilin. A few aircraft were sighted but the retreated before they could be engaged.
During the day, the 23rd FG sent part of its strength eastward to forward bases. The 16th FS, reinforced by flights of the 76th FS and 75th FS, went to Kweilin and Lingling. Later in the day, three P-40s and two P-43s of the 16th FS scrambled against the intruders from the 33rd Sentai. The two formations sighted one another but no contact was made.

April 1943

Chinese Air Force

IJAAF

Operations

At 13:00, the 44th Sentai (nine reconnaissance aircraft) under the protection of six Ki-43s from the 25th Sentai, bombed and damaged the runway at Chienou air base.

In order to report any enemy attempt to bomb Japan, the 55th I F Chutai (four Ki-46s) formed a patrol line extending over 350km down the coast of Fukien Province from Lishui to Putien. Further, having received information that the USAAF was constructing facilities at Lishui in preparation for air raids against Japan, the 85th I F Chutai using approximately 80 reconnaissance aircraft continuously bombed Lishui and the surrounding area for three days from 30 March.

8 April 1943
The 74th FS (USAAF) sent one P-40 and one P-43 on a reconnaissance from Yunnani to Schwebo, Burma.

The 16th FS (USAAF) scrambled one P-40 and one P-43 in an attempted interception over Kweilin.

14 April 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed pack horses south of Tengchung, barracks and warehouses in Lungling, and cattle and trucks north of Lungling.

15 April 1943
A P-43 was lost when two were sent on a reconnaissance mission in marginal weather. For unknown reasons Captain William Miller bailed out of his aircraft about 50 miles south of Kunming.

16 April 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed a group of buildings east of Tenchung.

18 April 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed an enemy-held supply village south-east of Tengchung.

23 April 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed a 15-truck convoy south-west of Lungling.

24 April 1943
At 11:44, 44 fighters from the 1st Hikodan (Ki-43s from the 25th and 33rd Sentais) engaged 11 P-40s in combat over Lingling air base. Three enemy aircraft were claimed shot down and one was destroyed on the ground. The Japanese lost one fighter shot down and one lost while returning to base.
13 P-40s from the 14th AF reported intercepting 25 fighters near Lingling and 75th FS claimed five of them shot down. These were claimed by 1st Lieutenant Mathew Gordon Jr. (”Zero”), Major Edmund Goss (”Zero”), Captain John Hampshire Jr. (”Zero” and ”I-45”) and 1st Lieutenant James Lee (”Fighter”).

26 April 1943
The 50th and 64th Sentais escorted two light bomber sentais to Yunnan Station South airfield, where 64th Sentai claimed 11 aircraft destroyed on the ground by strafing.
The 25th and 33rd Sentais also took part in this attack.

During a mission between 10:00-14:00, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Keener from 23rd FG (P-40K) claimed an ”Army 97 bomber” over Shinshiku, Formosa.

28 April 1943
At 11:20, about 20 Japanese medium bombers and a similar number of fighters attacked airfields at Kunming. High winds prevent bombing accuracy and little damage was done to the airfield. Several Chinese villagers near the field were killed. They were intercepted by P-40s from 75th FS, 23rd FG (USAAF), which claimed eleven victories and eight probables. Between 11:15-14:00 1/Lt. Charles H. Dubois claimed one “Zero” 100m 240^o from Kunming. Lt/Col. John Richardson Alison claimed a probable “Zero” between 11:30-12:15 70m south-west of Kunming. At 12:15 and 100m south-west of Kunming they claimed eight “Zeroes”, five probables, one bomber and two probable bombers. These were claimed by Lt/Col. John Richardson Alison (1 “Zero”), Cap. Hollis M. Blackstone (2 “Zeroes” and 1 probable), Maj. Edmund Robert Goss (1 “Zero” and 1 probable), 1/Lt. Joseph Henry Griffin (1 “Zero”), Cap. John F. Hampshire (2 “Zeroes”, 2 probables, 2 bombers probables – one of the latter later upgraded to confirmed), 1/Lt. Mack Ashton Mitchell (1 “Zero” and 1 probable bomber), 1/Lt. Roger Carothers Pryor (1 “Zero”) and 1/Lt. Charles Tucker (1 probable “Zero”). No P-40s seems to have been lost.
The two Japanese heavy bomber sentais had been escorted by Ki-43s from 50th and 64th Sentais. Maj. Tadashi Ishikawa and Sgt. Satoshi Anabuki of the 50th Sentai each claimed one victory. However, during the withdrawal the 64th Sentai lost two Ki-43s during a persistent chase by P-40s.
The 25th and 33rd Sentais also took part in this attack.
Lieutenant George Robertson, pilot in 11th BS (Medium), was ki1led by bomb fragments while taxing a B-25 in a vain attempt to take-off. Staff Sergeant McGlaughlin, engineer-gunner, and Staff Sergeant James Clarkin, instrument specialist, were also seriously wounded. Though damage to the airfield was negligible, many Chinese were killed and injured when the majority of the Japanese bombs fell in the village at the northeast corner of the field. Intelligence reports stated that 21 enemy bombers and 20 fighters participated in the attack upon Kunming airport.

29 April 1943
23 fighters and nine light bombers of the 1st Hikodan flew over Lingling air base. No enemy aircraft were encountered in the air, but two small aircraft were damaged on the ground and military installations in the city were bombed.

May 1943

Chinese Air Force

During the battle in the Hubei Province, the Chinese attempted to seize the initiative in the air war for the first time during the long war. According to one Chinese historian: “...our air force began to transition from the strategic defence to counterattack... They displayed a high level of activity in air attacks. They determined the direction of the main blows of the Japanese air forces and actively opposed them. They conducted large scale bombing of enemy aerodromes and the positions of the enemy ground forces. They accomplished long distance attacks and interdicted the rear transport and communications lines of he enemy.”

In May the 1st BG completed their last flights on the Hubei front.

From May the 2nd BG bombed targets in the Hubei Province.

During the month the 4th PG was sent to Liangshan (Sichaun) to support the ground forces in the Hubei Province.

In July 1942, General Chennault urged CNAC to adopt an insignia for their aircraft to help the pilots from the 14th AF to identify them. After considerable discussion an insignia consisting of a black circle with the Chinese character ”Chung” (middle, a symbol for The Middle Kingdom, or China) superimposed in white was adopted and painted on all CNAC aircraft from May 1943.
By May, CNAC operated 20 C-47s and C-53s between Dinjan and Kunming under contract with the US Army and two aircraft on the route Calcutta – Chungking.

US Army Air Force

The 23rd FG operated against the Japanese during the enemy's drive toward Changsha and Chungking in May 1943

On 13 May, the 76th FS, 23rd FG, transferred from Kunming to Lingling.

HQ 402nd Bombardment Group (Medium) was activated at Kunming on 19 May, China. No squadrons were assigned and headquarters was never fully manned.

IJAAF

Lingling	P-40	13
Kweilin	P-38	1
	P-40	11
	P-43	1
	B-25	3
	B-24	8

Operations

4 May 1943
From 14:10, six B-24s under the protection of eleven fighters, made repeated attacks for about 40 minutes on Sanya and Yuling on Hainan Island. It was believed that they used Mengtzu and Nanning air bases.
This was the first time B-24s had been used since they had attacked the Kuiluan coalmine in north China the previous winter.

8 May 1943
At 13:30, 16 B-24s and 11 B-25s from the 14th AF bombed Tien Ho Airfield, the shop and factory area, and White Cloud Airfield at Canton. The 24 escorting P-40s from 23rd and 51st FGs strafed the target areas following the bombing strikes. Considerable damage was done, including the destruction of 13 enemy fighters and five more as probable in air combat:
1st Lieutenant Lauren Barnebey (16th FS) – two fighters
1st Lieutenant Melvin Kimball (16th FS) – one fighter and one more probable
Captain Robert Smith (16th FS) – one fighter and one more probable
1st Lieutenant Robert Turner (16th FS) – one fighter
1st Lieutenant Roger Pryor (75th FS) – one I-97 and one more fighter probable
Captain Elmer Richardson (75th FS) – one fighter
Colonel Clinton Vincent (23rd FG) – one fighter and one more probable
Lieutenant Colonel John Alison (75th FS) – one ”Zero”
Captain Lien (16th FS) – one fighter probable
1st Lieutenant James Little (75th FS) – one ”Zero”
1st Lieutenant Robert Tempest (75th FS) – one I-97 and one ”Zero”
1st Lieutenant Charles Tucker (75th FS) – one ”Zero”
The Japanese reported that approximately ten B-25s with strong fighter protection bombed Canton city and airfield, inflicting slight damage in both areas. The 33rd Sentai intercepted this raid over Canton claiming four victories for the loss of two aircraft when Captain Yuto Sakashita (Class 51) and 1st Lieutenant Ichiro Sakai (Class 54) were killed.

15 May 1943
As it was considered absolutely essential that the US air bases in Yunnan Province be destroyed, the Imperial General Headquarters directed the IJAAF in Burma to cooperate with the forces in China. In mid-morning, the 5th Hikodan of the Southern Army attacked Yunnan airbase with 30 Ki-48s. They reported that they destroyed eight large aircraft and severely damaged five others. Two Japanese heavy bomber sentais were escorted by the 50th and 64th Sentais. The 64th Sentai had sent 23 Ki-43s. Totally the Japanese fighters claimed nine P-40s (four P-40s were claimed by Sgt. Satoshi Anabuki of the 3rd Chutai, 50th Sentai) for the loss of four Ki-43s and one bomber. The 64th Sentai lost 1/Lt. Takeshi Endo (Class 53) while the 50th Sentai lost 1/Lt. Shozaburo Kondo (Class 53), 1/Lt. Keiji Yamamoto (Class 54) and 1/Lt. Hideshiro Muraki (Class 55).
The US reported that 25-35 Japanese bombers and 30-40 fighters attacked Kunming. Nearly all of the bombs fell west and south-west of the airfield, causing little damage. 28 P-40s from 23rd FG intercepted, claiming 15 enemy aircraft and eight probables: 1st Lieutenant Charles Crysler (23rd FG) claimed three ”Zeros” and one more probable in an running fight from Kunming airbase and 100m to the south-west at 09:10-10:50
Colonel Bruce Holloway (23rd FG) claimed one ”Zero”, one bomber and one more ”Zero” as a probable over Kunming airbase at 09:10-10:50
Major Roland Wilcox (23rd FG) claimed two ”Zeros” north-west of Kunming airbase, two probables over Kunming airbase and a third destroyed 10-12m west of Kunming airbase; all claims reported at 09:10 (take-off time)
Colonel John Alison (23rd FG) claimed one ”Zero” over Kunming airbase at 09:10-10:50
1st Lieutenant Edward Calvert (75th FS) claimed one ”Zero” over Kunming airbase at 10:00
1st Lieutenant Mathew Gordon (75th FS) claimed one ”Zero” over Kunming airbase at 10:00
Major Edmund Goss (75th FS) claimed one ”Zero” over Kunming at 10:00
1st Lieutenant James Little (75th FS) claimed one ”Zero” and one bomber over Kunming at 10:00
1st Lieutenant Vern Brewer (75th FS) claimed one probable bomber at 10:00-10:30 and one probable ”Zero” at 10:00 over Kunming airbase
1st Lieutenant Lyndon Lewis (75th FS) claimed one probable ”Zero” over Kunming airbase at 10:00
Captain Wang K-C (75th FS) claimed one probable bomber over Kunming at 10:00

Captain Dallas Clinger (74th FS) claimed a ”Zero” and a second as a probable south of Kunming and south-west of Mengtze at 11:40

19 May 1943
During an attack on Yangxizhen (Hubei Province) on 19 May, Xu Baoyun, the vice-commander of the 4th PG was killed. During day he led a group of eight P-40Es and four P-43As covering A-29 bombers. An antiaircraft round hit the fuel tank in the right wing of his aircraft. The machine was immediately engulfed in flames and the pilot was unable to escape from the cabin.

20 May 1943
Early in the morning, the Japanese bombed Liangshan. The surprise attack encountered no aerial opposition.
According to the Chinese, 25 aircraft were involved in the attack and they took off from Itu.

The four squadrons of the 308th BG (Heavy) flew their first combat mission during the day.

21 May 1943
The 33rd Sentai claimed a P-40 over Yichang.

25 May 1943
On 25 May fifteen P-40s of the 23rd PS, 4th PG, flew a mission to provide cover for the ground forces on the border of the Hubei Province. Over the front lines the Squadron’s vice-commander, Du Zhaohua left the formation and on his own began to strafe the Japanese positions. His aircraft suddenly exploded in the air, evidently from a direct hit by an antiaircraft round and he was instantly killed.

27 May 1943
On 27 May four P-40Es of the 22nd PS, 4th PG, attacked the Japanese positions in the Shanyu region. Two P-40s were shot down by antiaircraft.

28 May 1943
16 P-40s from the 14th AF, operating in two forces, dive-bombed railroad yards at Yoyang damaging tracks, warehouses, and the roundhouse.

29 May 1943
Nine B-24s from the 14th AF bombed Ichang while four P-40s from the same AF hit targets of opportunity in Tengchung and Lungling areas.

The 4th PS (CAF) missed a chance to confront the Japanese when it flew from Liangshan to cover Chungking due to a false alarm. While they were absent ten Japanese fighters strafed the field followed an hour later by an attack by nine bombers with fighter escort.

30 May 1943
Seven B-24s from the 14th AF bombed artillery positions south of Ichang.

Four P-40s from the 14th AF bombed and strafed Tengchung and targets of opportunity along the Burma Road and at Lamaing, Burma; eight others on offensive sweep strafed several targets of opportunity in the Ichang area; 11 others hit riverboats at Shasi and trains north-east of Yoyang.

31 May 1943
Nine P-43s escorted five A-29s from the CAF to attack the ferry crossing between Ichang and Itu.

Nine B-24s from the 14th AF bombed Ichang Airfield in the afternoon. Lieutenant Colonel John Alison and two USAAF wingmen led seven 4th PG (CAF) P-40s, which acted as escort to the bombers. This was Alison’s last mission in China and the ace hoped to add to his record of kills. Instead, his P-40 was badly shot up by Captain Yasuto Ohtsubo, leader of the 1st chutai of the 33rd Sentai. Alison's life was saved by 1st Lieutenant Tsang Hsi-Lan of the 75th FS (4th PG) who shot down Ohtsubo. Alison was able to identify ”Bulldog” Tsang by the number "2304" on his P-40. Tsang was awarded the American Silver Star as well as China's highest decoration. Totally, the heavy bombers and fighters claimed five enemy fighters shot down of an intercepting group of about 20. One ”Zero” was claimed in the Hupeh Province by 1st Lieutenant Clyde Vaughn (76th FS) between 14:00-18:30 while another ”Zero” was claimed damaged over Linsiang, near Luchow, by an unknown pilot from 74th FS between 14:15-15:00. One Chinese P-40 was lost.
33rd Sentai claimed two victories while losing one pilot when Captain Ohtsubo (Class 52) was killed over Ichang.

Upriver from Hankow, Yangtze River, the IJN’s river gunboat Hira was attacked by several P-40s from the 14th AF and hit in the engine room, boiler room, compass bridge, upper part of bridge, midships upper deck and crew spaces. The ship became unnavigable and eight 8 crewmen were KIA including her CO Commander Sakamoto Tsuneo. Two other crewmen were seriously wounded.

Six P-40s from the 14th AF on armed reconnaissance over the Siaokan area blasted a train and strafed a troop concentration.

June 1943

Chinese Air Force

On 5 June, the CAF’s effective strength was:

Unit	Aircraft type	Numbers	Base
1st BG	Tupolev SB	3	Wenchiang
2nd BG	Lockheed A-29	4	Baishiyi
3rd PG	Vultee P-66	15	Taipingshi
4th PG	Curtiss P-40E Curtiss P-40M Republic P-43M	9 5 6	Liangshan
5th PG	Vultee P-66	7	Shuanliu/Lanchou
8th BG	Tupolev SB	1	Lanchou
11th PG	Vultee P-66	16	Baishiyi/Liangshan/Enshi
12th BG	Tupolev SB	1	Wenchiang

Totally 67 (58 fighters and 9 bombers).

In June, when the combat activity moved on to the Chuanhu Province, the 41st PS, 11th PG, flew together with the 42nd PS.

In mid-1943 the Chinese government sent the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Air Groups to the Indian training centre to master American aviation equipment and air combat tactics.

At about this same time the P-40N, which was equipped with a more powerful engine, began to appear in China. Ultimately, it became the most numerous of Chinese aircraft during the Second World War. The 14th Air Force was first to reequip with the new Hawks, and then followed in turn the “pure Chinese” units.

US Army Air Force

Aircraft type	Numbers
Curtiss P-40	1
Curtiss P-40E	64
Republic P-43	3
Lockheed P-38	1
North American B-25	13
Consolidated B-24	27

Totally 109 (69 fighters and 40 bombers).

On 21 June, the 11th BS (Medium), 341st BG (Medium) transferred with B-25s from Kunming to Kweilin.
The squadron has detachments operating from Hengyang, Suichan, Nanning and Lingling between Jun 1943 and Jun 1944.

IJAAF

In June, the 33rd Sentai completed its conversion to the Ki-44, which had begun in the spring.
During the month, Captain Kiyoshi Namai was promoted to lead the 1st chutai.

During June, the 25th and 33rd Sentais together claimed 49 victories.

On 15 June, the 25th Sentai departed for Japan to convert to the Ki-43-II.
They however remained stationed in China.

Operations

2 June 1943
Five B-25s from the 14th AF, escorted by ten P-40s, bombed Pailochi Airfield.

18 P-40s from the 14th AF strafed troop barges and launches at Itu and six long columns of troops east of Changyang.
During the mission, at 10:45, the P-40s from 76th FS intercepted ”Zeroes” over the Changyang-Itu road and 1st Lieutenant Calvin Moody claimed one destroyed while 1st Lieutenant Clyde Vaughn and Captain Robert Costello each claimed a probable.

Captain Arthur Cruikshank (74th FS) claimed two ”Zeroes” as probables over Yochow between 14:30-15:30.

5 June 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed troop columns near Peiyang and hit a barge and boat north-west of Yoyang.

Four A-29s and three SB-3s escorted by five P-43s and eleven P-40s from the CAF bombed Itu.

6 June 1943
Five P-40s from the 14th AF strafed trucks, barracks, and personnel at Tangyang. At least 15 trucks were burned and considerable damage was done to the barracks area.

Eleven P-40s from the 14th AF hit the approaches to a bridge at Puchi. Two locomotives in the area were destroyed.

Ten P-40s from the 14th AF attacked Shasi Airfield and hit river shipping; in the general area.
Near Shasi, Yangtze River, the IJN’s river gunboat Seta was attacked by seven P-40s from the 14th AF. Her No. 2 gun, 12 mm MG mount, search-light and wireless transmitter were hit. 14 crewmen including her CO, Commander Matsumoto Hisashi were KIA. 14 other crewmen were WIA.

Seven B-25s from the 14th AF bombed the airfield at Pailochi.

The CAF flew a mission against Niehkiako by three A-29s escorted by 13 P-40s and eight P-66s. Ground targets were bombed and strafed. One P-40 went down to ground fire. After the mission, the P-40s led by Colonel Li Hsiang-Yang, CO of the 4th PG returned to their base at Liangshan while the P-66s from the 11th PG returned to Peishiyi by way of Enshih.

At 15:00, the 1st Hikodan, using the main strength of the 33rd Sentai (14 Ki-43s) and one chutai of the 90th Sentai (8 Ki-48s), made a successful surprise attack on Liangshan. They burned about 20 small aircraft on the ground as well as a number of gasoline supply cars.
The twelve CAF P-40s led by Colonel Li Hsiang-Yang returned to Liangshan from their mission as the Japanese force approached. The P-40s had just landed when the alert sounded. Also on the field were at least two American P-40s as well as a stray P-66 that had apparently landed with a wounded pilot. When aircraft were reported, approaching there was no immediate concern as these were taken to be the formation of P-66s. At Liangshan the last Chinese pilot to land was Captain Chow Che-Kai (known as "Fatty") CO of the 23rd PS who landed with his fuel tanks almost empty. Chow taxied his P-40 off the rain soaked runway. As he did, he heard a radio warning of eight unidentified airplanes headed for the field. Chow had seen his first group commander killed trying to take off in the middle of a Japanese air raid in 1937 but he was determined to take to the air. He directed ground crews to take care of his P-40 and then ran to a stray fighter, apparently a P-66, parked nearby. Without time to adjust his parachute, buckle the safety belt or check the fuel supply he gunned the engine. Chow was still in his take off run when bombs exploded on the runway just behind him and machine gun bullets hit nearby. Before he was two hundred feet in the air, he pulled for a 270-degree sharp, climbing turn, forgetting that such a manoeuvre might finish him in a stall. He followed the attacking Japanese bomber without even retracting his landing wheels and started to attack the leading flight, which was coming back for another bombing run as soon as they came into range. He aimed at the flight leader and gave him a long burst. He turned away for another short attack on the starboard plane. This flight of bombers broke off the attack and headed eastward low over the Szechuan Mountains.
Five other bombers were strafing the field along with more than a dozen "Zeros”. Chow debated briefly whether to take on these new opponents or follow the fleeing bombers. With his seat belt still unfastened and cockpit open, Chow decided a dogfight with fighters and bombers over the airfield made no sense. He decided to continue his attack on the first flight of bombers.
"Fatty" Chow attacked the port bomber, which was lagging slightly behind the other two. With his landing gear still extended he fired a long burst. The bomber burst into flames.
Chow observed the rear gun of starboard bomber pointing idly in an upward direction. Suspecting the gunner might be killed he closed to thirty yards. The pilot immediately swung to the left to come under the protection of his leader's rear gun. Chow fired a burst into the leader's right engine. The engine poured heavy black smoke and the bomber headed downward.
The third bomber headed north. Chow followed, finally taking time to adjust his parachute and safety belt and retract his landing gear. When he was ready, Chow opened fire at the bomber's right engine. However, this bomber didn't catch fire. Instead, it gyrated terrifically and became an erratic target for the Chinese pilot. Chow fired a burst into the left engine. The Ki-48 refused to catch fire. Chow pulled close to the bomber, flew parallel to it thirty yards off its wingtip, and waggled his wings. The Japanese pilot had no intention of surrendering and turned sharply toward Chow. He evaded and on his next pass aimed for the cockpit and fired a long burst. The bomber spun into the ground.
Back at Liangshan ten Chinese P-40s and a Fleet trainer had been destroyed, as had two U.S. P-40s. Three trucks and gas supplies also went up in flames. The wreckage of Chow's three victims was later found, and his claims were verified.
Twenty-eight-year-old Captain Chow Che-Kai received the Blue Sky-White Sun award from Chiang Kai-Shek as only the fourth recipient of China's highest award. He was soon promoted Major and appointed acting Group commander.
Japanese sources admit the three losses over Liangshan.

In a separate raid on Enshih by eight unescorted Ki-48s, the Japanese reported encountering seven P-43 fighters and shot down one of them. One bomber piloted by Lieutenant Iwamura was shot down.
Their actual opponents were the eight the P-66s from the 11th PG returning from the mission against Niehkiako, which encountered the Ki-48s east of Enshih. Chen Zhaoji, CO of the 41st PS, claimed one bomber shot down.

8 June 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF bombed and strafed a Japanese HQ at Tatung, China, barracks east of Lamaing, Burma, on the Salween River, and a camp north of Lungling, China.

9 June 1943
Six P-40s from the 14th AF damaged a railroad bridge at Puchi and strafed nearby railroad yards.

The P-40s from 74th FS was in combat with Japanese fighters at 16:20-17:20 when 1st Lieutenant Lynn Jones claimed an I-97 (Ki-27?) near Kienli and 1st Lieutenant Harly Vidovich claimed a probable ”Zero” over Hengyang.

10 June 1943
Nine P-40s from the 14th AF on armed reconnaissance strafed ten barges and a gunboat at Chienli. One barge was set aflame.

At 15:25, 16 Ki-48 light bombers from the 90th Sentai, eight Ki-43s from the 25th Sentai and 19 Ki-43s from the 33rd Sentai attacked the airbase at Hengyang and bombed five aircraft on the ground. This force also engaged about ten P-40s in the air, claiming five of them shot down. The 25th and 33rd Sentai claimed four of these.
Ten P-40s from the 23rd FG (US) intercepted about 25 aircraft over Hengyang between 13:15-13:45. The 74th FS claimed one enemy bomber shot down by Captain William Crooks. Two more bombers were claimed as probables (Captain Teddy Shapou and 1st Lieutenant William Morin, one each) while a fourth bomber was claimed as a damaged (2nd Lieutenant George Lee). Two fighters (reported as ”Zeroes”) were also claimed as probables individually by two pilots (Captain Thomas Smith and 1st Lieutenant Glen Lundy).
Around one hour later (14:15-15:00) a third ”Zero” was claimed as a probable over the same area by 1st Lieutenant Harlyn Vidovich

The IJN river gunboat Atami was damaged by Chinese aircraft that bombed and strafed her near Tung Ting Lake.
Later, she underwent repairs at Shanghai.

11 June 1943
Eight P-40s from the 14th AF hit a camp on the Salween River, trucks at Mangshih, and warehouses at Tungling.

12 June 1943
15:30-16:15 and over Canton, the P-40s from 23rd FG was in combat with Japanese fighters (as usually reported as ”Zeroes”) and 1st Lieutenant Davis Anderson (74th FS) claimed one shot down and two more as probables while Colonel Clinton Vincent (23rd FG) claimed two as probables and a third damaged.

13 June 1943
Eleven B-25s from the 14th AF supported by 14 P-40s, bombed hangars and the depot area at Nanchang Airfield.

14 June 1943
At 12:55, eight P-40s from 74th FS intercepted about eight bombers and 20 fighters 40 km south-west of Nanchang. The P-40s claimed seven fighters (reported as ”Zeroes”) shot down, three probables and one damaged:
1st Lieutenant Davis Andersson – two
2nd Lieutenant Fennard Herring – one
2nd Lieutenant Lee Hung-Lin – one and one probable
Major John Lombard – one
1st Lieutenant Teddy Shapou – two
2nd Lieutenant Thomas Bennett – one probable
2nd Lieutenant Samuel Kinsey – one probable
Lieutenant Jess Garrett – one damaged
It is possible that they had been in combat with Ki-43s from 33rd Sentai, which lost three fighters over Yangzi Jiang during the day. Sergeant Major Hideyasu Furutani (Sho-3) was taken POW while Sergeant Major Kunimitsu Taguchi (Sho-4) was killed.

15 June 1943
Ten B-25s from the 14th AF, escorted by 12 P-40s, supported Chinese ground forces by bombing positions at Owchihkow.

A lone P-43 from the 14th AF (USAAF) inventoried vessels at Hong Kong, Swatow and Amoy and verified the absence of aircraft on airfields at Amoy, Swatow, Namtu, and Saited. Altitude over the target was 32,000 feet.

17 June 1943
P-40s from the 14th AF strafed a warehouse and train south of Chiuchiang and a train north of Nanchang.

18 June 1943
Six Chinese P-40s attacked the Nanchang area, including two separate trains in the vicinity.

21 June 1943
Seven B-25s from the 14th AF, with escort of eight P-40s, bombed the village of Shihshow.
Eight other B-25s, supported by nine P-40s, were dispatched to attack the Japanese-held village of Hwajung but mistakenly bombed the friendly village of Nanhsien, killing over 50 Chinese.

30 June 1943
On 30 June Major John Lombard, CO of the 74th FS, set out from Hengyang with a P-40M-5 to check weather conditions north of Tungting Lake. He was however caught under a dropping overcast and crashed into a mountainside near Yiyang and was killed.

July 1943

Chinese Air Force

As of 28 July, the CAF had recovered its strength and numbered nearly 100 fighters with 52 serviceable and others soon to be in commission. This included 19 P-43s of which seven were serviceable

On 31 July, the first elements of what would become the Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW) arrived at Karachi Air Base fro the U.S.
On the same day, the 1st BG (Provisional) and the 3rd FG (Provisional) of the CAF were formed at Malir. These both units were to be included into the CACW.

US Army Air Force

On 31 July, the HQ 402nd BG (Medium) was disbanded at Kunming. This group, which had been activated in China on 19 May 1943, never had any squadrons assigned nor was it fully manned.

IJAAF

Policy of Operation:
While fierce and incessant air raids will be made against United States air forces in south-west China from the Wu-Han sector, lightning attacks will be made on Chungking whenever possible. Later, the main force of the Hikoshidan will advance toward Canton, and French Indo-China to attack the enemy air forces in Yunnan Province. At all times, strict attention will be given to preventing the enemy from attacking Japan from the air.

Outline of Plan:

First Phase (end of July to mid-August):

During the first phase, the enemy air force north of Kweilin will be continually attacked.

Second Phase (mid to end August):

The 3rd Hikoshidan will advance and attack Chungking. It will destroy the military establishments there and also attack and destroy vessels on the Yangtze River.

Third Phase (beginning to end September):

The main force of the Hikoshidan will be dispatched to south China and French Indo-China and will attack Kweilin and bases in Yunnan Province.

During this operation, there will be close liaison between the air forces in central and south China and French Indo-China. Chienou and Chian aerodromes, which are the enemy front line bases against the Homeland, will be kept under strict surveillance and the enemy will be prevented from using them.

An element of the Hikoshidan will be assigned for air defence in important areas, such as, along the Yangtze River.

Operations

7 July 1943
Seven B-25s and 22 P-40s the 14th AF attacked shipping at Canton. P-40s from 23rd FG provided escort and intercepted Japanese fighters (reported as ”Zeroes”) at 12:20 over Canton. Colonel Clinton Dermott (23rd FG) claimed two shot down while four more were claimed as probables by 74th FS; 1st Lieutenant John Morrison (two), 1st Lieutenant William Hawkins and 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Bennett.
It seems that they were intercepted by fighters from 33rd Sentai, which lost Sergeant Tamotsu Watanabe (NCO86) over Canton.

11 July 1943
Eight B-24s from the 14th AF pounded positions and barracks area at Kunlong.

One of two Chinese P-40s from Kunming on a reconnaissance mission near Haiphong was damaged by ground fire and the pilot had to bail out.

20 July 1943
Four P-40s of 14th AF bombed a warehouse area at Tengchung; 6 others strafed river-traffic and railroad targets of opportunity at Sinti, Changanyi, Tingszekiao, Kaiyu, and near Puchi.

23 July 1943
The 43rd PS suffered their first losses during a Japanese attack on their base when a Chinese pilot taking off on the alarm flew into a dam.

25th Sentai escorted heavy bombers to Hengyang, claiming two victories.
During a second operation, the unit claimed five additional victories. They lost two pilots when 1st Lieutenant Shozo Endo (Class 55) and Sergeant Masaharu Furugoe (NCO87) were killed over Lingling.

33rd Sentai escorted bombers to Lingling where three claims were made. Sergeant Teruo Yajima (NCO86) was lost over Hengyang.

The Japanese fighters (reported as ”Zeroes”) and bombers had been in combat with the P-40s from 23rd FG, which reported a number of claimed during missions both in the morning and afternoon. In total they reported 18 destroyed, 14 probables and four damaged (!).
74th FS flew a mission 06:30-08:30 over Lingling with 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Bennett claiming one fighter (over Lingling-Kweilin), 1st Lieutenant Truman Jeffreys one bomber and 2nd Lieutenant Samuel Kinsey a damaged fighter.
At 06:45, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Bonner (76th FS) claimed a fighter over Hengyang.
76th FS intercepted enemy aircraft 50km south-east of Lingling at 07:10. Claiming pilots were Captain Lee Manbeck (two fighters, one bomber and one probable bomber), 1st Lieutenant Morton Sher (one fighter destroyed and one probable bomber) and 1st Lieutenant Eugene McGuire (one probable bomber and two damaged bombers).
More Japanese aircraft were intercepted over Hengyang at 09:45. Claiming pilots from 23rd FG were Colonel Bruce Holloway (one fighter), Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Knowles (one bomber) and Colonel Clinton Vincent (one bomber). Claiming pilots from 76th FS were 1st Lieutenant John Stewart (two bombers and one probable fighter), 2nd Lieutenant Richard Templeton (one fighter), 1st Lieutenant James Williams (one and one probable fighter) and 1st Lieutenant Henry Farris (one probable fighter). Claiming pilots from 74th FS were 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Bennett (one damaged fighter), 2nd Lieutenant Cheng Tun-Yung (one bomber), 1st Lieutenant George Lee (one probable fighter) and Major Norval Bonawitz (one damaged fighter).
The days last combat for the P-40s occurred south-east of Lingling at 15:00 when 76th FS intercepted Japanese fighters. Claiming pilots were 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Bonner (two probables), Captain Marvin Lubner (one and two probables), 1st Lieutenant Morton Sher (one and one probable) and 1st Lieutenant John Stewart (one).

24 July 1943
Eight Ki-44s from the 2nd chutai of the 85th Sentai attacked Kweilin from Canton. They took on a dozen US fighters near Hengyang including P-40s of the 74th FS and a couple P-38s. Captain Yukiyoshi Wakamatsu, CO of the 2nd chutai, claimed two P-40s shot down for the unit’s first successes. Two pilots were killed when Sergeant Fumio Yonezu (Sho-6) and Corporal Fukuichi Okada (Sho-8) were shot down.
The P-40s of 74th reported combat over Kweilin 08:45-10:00 when Major Norval Bonawitz claimed two bombers, 1st Lieutenant Robert Cage claimed one damaged fighter and 1st Lieutenant John Morrison claimed a third bomber.
One hour later (09:50-11:05), a new group of P-40s from 74th FS were again in combat over Kweilin when 1st Lieutenant William Hawkins claimed one fighter, 2nd Lieutenant Samuel Kinsey claimed a second, 1st Lieutenant William Morin a third and 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Bennett a fourth. 1st Lieutenant Lewden Enslen (449th FS P-38) claimed a fighter (over Kweilin airfield) while Colonel Bruce Holloway (23rd FG) claimed a fighter.
One US P-38 was lost (pilot unharmed).

16 P-40s from 76th FS intercepted over 40 Japanese aircraft over Lingling at 10:15, claiming three fighters and four bombers shot down for the loss of a single P-40 and its pilot.
Claiming pilots were 1st Lieutenant Bruce Boylan (one fighter over Hengyang), Lieutenant Judson Bullard (one fighter), 1st Lieutenant William DiStefano (two fighters, one bomber and one probable fighter), Captain William Miller (two bombers and one damaged), 1st Lieutenant James Williams (one bomber and one damaged fighter) and 2nd Lieutenant Richard Tepleton (one damaged bomber).
It seems that they had been in combat with the 25th Sentai, which lost Sergeant Major Tadao Shibuya (NCO81) over Lingling.

25 July 1943
Nine B-25s of 14th AF, escorted by 17 P-40s and P-38s, bombed Hankow Airfield.

74th FS was in combat with ”Zeroes" over Kweilin at 15:00 when 2nd Lieutenant James Spurgin claimed one destroyed and 2nd Lieutenant Fennard Herring claimed a second as a probable.
75th FS also made claims over Kweilin but at an unreported time during the day when 1st Lieutenant Mathew Gordon and Captain William Grosvenor claimed one fighter destroyed each.

25th Sentai claimed four victories over Hengyang.
They had probable been in combat with the P-40s from 76th FS, which reported combat with ”Zeroes near Hengyang at 15:45. Captain Marvin Lubner claimed one of the Japanese fighters while 1st Lieutenants John Stewart and Glen Beneda claimed one probable each.

26 July 1943
Between 05:00-08:15, five B-25s of 14th AF, escorted by 12 fighters, bombed Hankow Airfield. An estimated 30-50 fighters intercepted the force. The B-25s and fighters claimed 14 airplanes shot down and 17 probably destroyed. One P-40 was lost when 2nd Lieutenant Lee Hung-Ling (P-40K-5 42-9914) from 74th FS was last seen over the target at around 07:00, diving out of the formation with several ”Zero” fighters chasing him. Lee was on attachment to 74th FS from the Chinese Air Force (MACR 461).
23rd FG’s P-40s were in combat with ”Zeroes” over Hankow and claiming pilots were Captain Elmer Richardson (two), 1st Lieutenant Frank Jones (one and two probables), 1st Lieutenant Christopher Barrett (one and one probable), 1st Lieutenant Donald Glover (one) and Captain William Grosvenor (two probables).
1st Lieutenant Lewden Enslen (449th FS) claimed one fighter and one more probable over Hengyang in his P-38.
The 33rd Sentai claimed two victories during interception but lost three Ki-43s when Sergeant Major Shigeru Tanaka (Sho-5), Sergeant Yoshiaki Terayama (Sho-6) and Sergeant Shigenobu Hoshi (NCO87) were shot down and killed.
The 25th Sentai lost Sergeant Minoru Hirota (Sho-6) and Sergeant Hideo Hirose (NCO87) when both were killed by bombs on the ground.

27 July 1943
Ten B-24s of 14th AF attacked shipping in the Samah Bay area of Hainan Island, claiming severe damage to two vessels. 25-30 enemy fighters intercepted the B-24s. 13 fighters were claimed shot down but no B-24s were lost.

Six B-25s of 14th AF, supported by 14 fighters, attacked targets of opportunity on Stonecutter's Island, in the Hong Kong area after failing to locate a reported freighter in the area.
The IJN river gunboat Suma’s (ex HMS Moth (T69)) repair area was attacked.

1st Lieutenant Lewden Enslen from 449th FS (P-38) claimed a ”Zero” as a probable over Hengyang.

28 July 1943
Six B-25s of the 14th AF, with an escort of nine P-40s, bombed Taikoo Docks at Hong Kong.
One dud bomb landed near the IJN river gunboat Suma (ex HMS Moth (T69)).

29 July 1943
18 B-24s of the 14th AF, with fighter escort, bombed shipping and dockyard installations at Hong Kong. Kowloon and Taikoo Docks and the old Royal Navy yards were hit.
They were escorted by P-40s and P-38s which reported combat with fighters over Hong Kong at 10:45-15:00. 2nd Lieutenant James Spurgin from 74th FS claimed a probable ”Zero” while 2nd Lieutenant Earl Helms from 449th FS claimed one destroyed.
The IJN river gunboat Suma (ex HMS Moth (T69)) was again under attack and during the attacks on 27-29 July, the gunboat fired 78 40-mm and 210 7.7-mm rounds.

Four P-40s of the 14th AF attacked a Japanese force of 23 bombers and 30 fighters attacking Hengyang, China. Captain Aaron Liepe claimed one ”Zero” destroyed and one more as a probable.
The Japanese fighters taking part in the raid were from the 25th and 33rd Sentais. They claimed five victories for one loss when Sergeant Major Nobuharu Shibuya (NCO86) of the 25th Sentai was shot down and killed.

30 July 1943
15 P-40s of the 14th AF, intercepted 39 Japanese fighters and 24 bombers over Hengyang at 09:45. In the ensuing battle, four bombers were claimed destroyed and two probables together with three fighters (reported as ”Zeroes”) destroyed and four probables while two P-40s were lost.
From 16th FS, 1st Lieutenant Roderick MacKinnon claimed a probable bomber and 2nd Lieutenant Carter Sorensen claimed a fighter.
From 75th FS, 1st Lieutenant Christopher Barrett claimed a fighter, 1st Lieutenant Edward Calvert claimed a bomber destroyed and a fighter as a probable, 1st Lieutenant Mathew Gordon claimed a bomber destroyed and a fighter as a probable and Captain William Grosvenor claimed a probable fighter and a bomber destroyed.
From 76th FS, 1st Lieutenant Donald Hedrick claimed a probable fighter and a probable bomber, 1st Lieutenant Vernon Kramer claimed a destroyed bomber and 1st Lieutenant Thomas McMillan claimed a destroyed fighter.
Captain Nakahara of the 85th Sentai led nine Ki-44s to escort Ki-21s with the 25th and 33rd Sentais. The newly arrived 85th Sentai bounced seven P-40s to claim four and two probables.

August 1943

Chinese Air Force

The combined group of the most experienced aviators of the 1st BG was assembled in August 1943 and sent in two contingents to India for retraining on the B-25 Mitchell. Training flights began on 9 August. The crews had mastered the new aircraft by the end of the year and were assigned to the American-Chinese unit taking part in the battles in Changde.

US Army Air Force

Army Air Forces, India-Burma Sector, China-Burma-India Theatre was activated at New Delhi, India on 20 August. Lieutenant General George E. Stratemeyer assumes command. Components include the 10th AF, China-Burma-India Air Service Command (Provisional), China-Burma-India Training Unit (Provisional) and several lesser units.

On 22 August, the 21st PS (Light), 14th AF, transferred from Bishnupur, India to Kunming, China with F-5s. The flight which had been operating from Kweilin since July remained there until September 1944.

On 26 August, the 449th FS was activated at Kunming and assigned to the 51st FG. The squadron formed at Lingling and begun training with P-38s.

IJAAF

P-40	49 (seven unconfirmed) shot down
P-38	1 shot down
B-24	1 shot down

During this time, the enemy air force frequently attacked Hong Kong and Canton. It was estimated that eleven P-38s, 19 to 23 P-40s and one P-43, as well as 35 pilots were transferred from the Yunnan area to Kweilin and Lingling. Enemy fighters at Kweilin, Lingling, Hengyang and vicinity were estimated between 60 and 70 in the middle of August. Headquarters’ reconnaissance aircraft reported that there were 17 B-24s, ten B-25s, six twin-engined aircraft and 34 small type aircraft on Yunnan airfields and 13 large aircraft and three small aircraft on Chanyi field.

Operations

13 August 1943
Four P-40s from the 14th AF bombed and strafed enemy installations at Lungling.

16 August 1943
Four P-40s of the 14th AF bombed Tengchung.

17 August 1943
Four P-40s of the 14th AF bombed Mangshih.

20 August 1943
15 P-40s of the 14th AF intercepted 21 fighters over Kweilin between 10:15-10:50. Two P-40s and two ”Zeroes” were shot down.
One of the lost P-40s (P-40K-5 42-9752) was flown by 2nd Lieutenant Mao Yu-Kwei. He crashed approximately 12 miles north of Kweilin and was found dead in the wreckage. Mao was on attachment to 74th FS from the Chinese Air Force (MACR 460).
74th FS reported combat with Japanese fighters 09:15-10:50 and Captain Arthur Cruikshank claimed two while 1st Lieutenant Jess Garrett claimed one damaged.
They probably had been in combat with 33rd and 85th Sentais, which reported an attack on Kweilin. The 33rd Sentai claimed three enemy aircraft and the 85th Sentai two, these being claimed by Captain Yukiyoshi Wakamatsu, CO of the 2nd chutai. One of the 33rd Sentai’s was made by Mitsuo Yamato (his first claim of a total of eight).
Akiyoshi Nomura of the 85th Sentai reported that the engine of his Ki-44 abruptly stopped. He dived towards the ground, intending to kill himself, when the engine started again, and he was able to return to base.

Six B-25s of 14th AF, with fighter escort, bombed Tien Ho Airfield at Canton in a mission between 13:15-16:00. They claimed five interceptors shot down.
Escorting P-40s from 74th FS claimed four fighters (reported as ”Zeroes”), two probables and one damaged over the airfield. These were claimed by Colonel Bruce Holloway (23rd FG – he claimed one and one probable), Captain Arthur Cruikshank (one destroyed), 1st Lieutenant Fennard Herring (one destroyed), 1st Lieutenant Samuel Kinsey (one destroyed), 1st Lieutenant Reuben Hendrickson (one probable) and 1st Lieutenant Lawrence Smith (one damaged).

23rd FG lost a P-40 (serial no. 42-9752) (MACR 460) during the day.

21 August 1943
14 B-24s, 7 B-25s, and 11 P-40s from the 14th AF attacked docks and the airfield at Hankou. A large force of enemy fighters, estimated at 50+, attacked the B-24 formation, shooting down two of the B-24s. Gunners on the B-24s claimed 40+ fighters shot down!
374th and 375th BS, 308th BG, received a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for this raid on Hankou.
Major Toshio Sakagawa, commander of the 25th Sentai, claimed to have shot down the lead aircraft from a formation of B-24s, his unit also claiming a second of these bombers. Sakagawa’s claim was reportedly the first B-24 brought down in China and the pilot a Major Beat, became a POW.

In the Hengyang area, 19 P-40s of the 14th AF battled 33 airplanes, claiming five Zeroes shot down.
They had probably been in combat with 33rd Sentai, which reported four lost Ki-43s. Mitsuo Yamato claimed one victory during this mission. The killed pilots were 2nd Lieutenant Kiyotake Takahashi (NCO73), Sergeant Teruo Tsuji (NCO86), Sergeant Major Hiroshi Yamashita (Sho-4) and Corporal Shiro Fukuda (Sho-8).

South of Changsha, nine P-38s of the 14th AF clashed with twelve Zeroes, claiming three of them shot down.

22 August 1943
Four P-40s of the 14th AF bombed a Japanese HQ and a supply dump at Tengchung, and strafed trucks and troops in the area. Two other P-40s strafed road traffic between Tengchung and Lungling.

Mitsuo Yamato of the 33rd Sentai, claimed one victory over Chungking.

23 August 1943
In preparations for operations from French Indo-China and south China, the 25th Sentai (17 Ki-43s) and the 58th Sentai (21 Ki-21s) under the 8th Hikodan’s commander took off from Hankou at dawn to attacked military establishments at Chungking. En route, the 33rd Sentai (14 Ki-43s) joined them.
The air raid warning was flashed to Peishiyi airfield. 29 CAF fighters from the 4th and 11th PG scrambled. Ten P-40s, eight P-43s and eleven P-66s took to the air. At about 10:30 local time the Japanese bombers approached at a height of 7,000 meters (about 23,000 feet) but the Chinese had sufficient warning and some interceptors were able to exceed that altitude as the bombers neared their target. A flight of American fighters also scrambled from a distant base but was unable to intercept.
The Japanese formation flew past Chungking proper to attack their target, an arsenal, just west of the city. A reporter flying with squadron commander Captain Kiyoshi Kajikawa saw him observing the bombing through binoculars and spring up as the bombs hit the target. The bombers then belatedly received anti-aircraft fire. The reporter in Kajikawa's bomber "looked forward to the right and saw our fighters engaged in fierce air duels with the enemy fighters above us. White streaks of tracer bullets suddenly passed before my eyes indicating the enemy was tailing us. In an instant our Hayabusa fighters flashed by in hot pursuit of the enemy fighter which was attacking us. Suddenly the enemy fighter burst out in flames and went down at a furious speed trailing behind a long streak of black smoke. The enemy pilot bailed out and his parachute spread immediately." The aircraft shot down was almost certainly a P-43.
One Japanese bomber was shot down and others were damaged by Chinese fighter attacks. In Captain Kajikawa's bomber one of the crewmembers (Sergeant Ito) was wounded. The remaining bombers and their fighter escorts returned to base.
The Japanese reported encountering 10 plus P-43s, several P-40s and several unidentified aircraft. The 25th Sentai apparently was engaged in the bulk of the action. The Sentai claimed two P-43s (and three others uncertain), one P-40 and one unidentified aircraft. Sergeant Major Mitsuo Yamato of 33rd Sentai is credited with a victory over Chungking. It appears that the P-43s were able to climb swiftly enough to engage the Japanese but that some of the P-40s and P-66s that scrambled may have failed to make contact.
The Chinese lost four fighters. These appear to have been two P-66s, a P-40 and a P-43. The 4th PG lost Duan Kehui of the 21st PS. The 11th PS lost Su Rengui (41st PS) and Yen Guihua (42nd PS). The aircraft seen to be shot down with its pilot escaping by parachute may have been a P-43 claimed by Warrant Officer Seino Eiji of the 25th Sentai.
The Chinese communiqué reported three flights of their fighters intercepted the Japanese and claimed three fighters shot down and five bombers probably destroyed. They admitted little damage in the bombing and stated the CAF "sustained damage which was slight."
The Japanese knew their opponents were Chinese rather than American by virtue of their blue sky-white sun markings. They reported that the majority of the enemy planes were P-43s and that their fuel tanks were easily punctured making them much easier to shoot down in comparison to P-40s.
These Japanese units also attacked Wanhsien and Chienou until 8 September.

24 August 1943
Seven B-24s and six B-25s of the 14th AF, escorted by 22 P-40s and P-38s, bombed airfields at Hankou and Wuchang. Four B-24s were lost. They claimed 24 enemy interceptors shot down.
25th and 33rd Sentais intercepted the enemy over Wuchang. The 25th Sentai claimed four victories and the 33rd Sentai claimed three but lost two Ki-43s, when the unit commander, Major Akira Watanabe (Class 44) and Sergeant Yukiji Nogawa (NCO87) were killed. The 25th Sentai lost Warrant Officer Hasumi Kono (NCO73).

25 August 1943
Eight B-25s of the 14th AF, with fighter escort, bombed the Kowloon Docks at Hong Kong.

26 August 1943
15 B-24s of the 14th AF, with an escort of 17 fighters, bombed the Kowloon Docks at Hong Kong. Five Japanese interceptors were shot down.

Five B-25s of the 14th AF, supported by eleven P-40s, bombed Tien Ho Airfield at Canton, China. In a battle with enemy interceptors, one P-40 was lost. The B-25s and P-40s claimed 5 Zeroes shot down.

27 August 1943
Five P-40s of the 14th AF strafed a large truck convoy between Sintsiang and Yoyang, destroying five trucks and damaging 15 others. One P-40 was downed by ground fire.
Six other P-40s hit communication lines between Yoyang and Hankou. Targets included two small steamboats, a gunboat, several railroad cars, and a water tower.

29 August 1943
Nine B-25s from the 14th AF, with fighter escort, bombed the airfield at Chingmen.

30 August 1943
13 B-25s from the 14th AF, some with P-40 support, attacked Owchihkow and Shihshow, blasting fuel stores and several buildings. The P-40s strafed gun positions outside Shihshow.

Ten P-38s and P-40s from the 14th AF on armoured reconnaissance from Sinti to Yoyang to Sienning, strafed and bombed several targets of opportunity. Three locomotives were exploded and another damaged, a water tank was knocked down, and several railroad stations were heavily damaged.
Four other P-40s attack a convoy east of Hong Kong. One freighter was hit amidships, causing heavy damage. Two other vessels were also effectively damaged.

31 August 1943
Six B-25s of the 14th AF, hit Ichang Airfield while three others attacked an oil storage area to the east. P-40s also hit the oil stores.

Three P-40s claimed heavy damage to a freighter off Stonecutter's Island near Hong Kong.

Four P-38s of the 14th AF dive-bombed Yoyang railroad yards and Sinti warehouses. One P-38 was shot down by ground fire.

September 1943

The ground war

Chinese Air Force

US Army Air Force

During September, detachments of the 449th FS, 51st FG, based at Lingling, operate from Hengyang and Kweilin with P-38s.

On 3 September, HQ 68th FW 69th BW were activated at Kunming. Neither unit were manned until December 1943.

On 14 September, the 25th FS, 51st FG, transferred from Dinjan, India to Yunnani, China with P-40s. The squadron's detachment at Jorhat, India also transferred.

The 16th FS, 51st FG, transferred from Kweilin to Hengyang with P-40s on 20 September.

IJAAF

The 25th Sentai moved to Canton.

Second phase of the 3rd Hikoshidan’s summer air operations (22 August to 8 September):
Despite the positive action taken by the 3rd Hikoshidan, the USAAF continued to increase its strength in south-west China.
As poor weather prevented the Hikoshidan from attacking the enemy territory, the Hikoshidan decided to first carry out blitzkrieg attacks on Szechwan Plain and then switch the main force toward French Indo-China and south China and direct operations toward Yunnan Province and Kweilin from this area.
The main objectives and number of attacks were:

Chungking (military establishments)	1
Wanhsien, Patung and Santouping (vessels)	3
Chienou (aerodrome)	3
Wuchou (aerodrome)	2
Nanhsiung	1

Aircraft shot down:

P-40	11 (three unconfirmed)
P-43	5 (three unconfirmed)
B-24	6
Unknown types	1

Vessels:

Sunk	1,000 ton class	3 ships
	500 ton class	1 ship
Damaged	1,000 ton class	1 ship
	500 ton class	5 ships
	Tanker	1 ship

On 7 September, the Imperial General Headquarters directed the China Expeditionary Army to take the following action in regard to the employment of air units in China:

Having regard to the over-all war situation, the 8th Hikodan (including the 33rd Sentai) will be transferred to the Southern Army in early October. The 85th Sentai will remain in China for the time being. During air operations in south China, the Japanese Army will be permitted to use Heito and Kagi air bases.

Third phase of the 3rd Hikoshidan’s summer air operations (9 September to 7 October):
The 3rd Hikoshidan successfully advanced its bases to south China and French Indo-China and by early September had completed its preparations for attacks on Yunnan and Kweilin areas.
The disposition of the 3rd Hikoshidan on 9 September was:

3rd Hikoshidan Command Post – Canton
8th Hikodan

8th Hikodan Headquarters – Hanoi
25th Sentai (main strength) (Ki-43s) – Hanoi
33rd Sentai (main strength) (Ki-43s) – Hanoi
58th Sentai (Ki-21s) – Saigon
60th Sentai (Ki-21s) – Tourane
18th I F Chutai (Ki-46s) – Tourane, Hanoi

1st Hikodan

1st Hikodan Headquarters – Canton
85th Sentai (Ki-44s) – Canton
90th Sentai (Ki-48s) – Kagi (Formosa)
55th I F Chutai (Ki-46s) – Canton

Air Defence Unit in key areas
Part of the 25th Sentai (Ki-43s) – Hankou and Nanching
Part of the 33rd Sentai (Ki-43s) – Wuchang
Others

16th Sentai (Ki- 48s) – being converted into Ki-48-IIs in Shanghai and in Japan.
44th Sentai (reconnaissance and direct-cooperation aircraft) - Cooperating with ground troops in Hankou and Shanghai.
The 206th I F Chutai (direct-cooperation aircraft) – Cooperating with ground troops in north China as well as reporting on the activities of enemy submarines.
Five training Air Units: Being trained in central and north China.

Operations

2 September 1943
Ten B-25s and five P-40s from the 14th AF bombed Hong Kong, hitting the Kowloon area and attacked shipping off Stonecutter’s Island and in the Lai Chi Kok area.

4 September 1943
Ten B-25s and eleven P-40s from the 14th AF pounded Tien Ho airfield at Canton. Three of the 15 intercepting Zeroes were claimed shot down.

6 September 1943
Six fighter-bombers from the 14th AF attacked wharves, vessels, and destroyed a small factory building in the Yoyang-Shihhweiyao area.
Five others hit trucks, trains, gun emplacements and railway facilities in areas around Sintsiang and Puchi.

Four P-40s from Hengyang strafed and burnt two Japanese vessels near Wuhsueh.
North of Tean, near Kiukiang, a Japanese transport plane was spotted and shot down between 06:45-10:30 by 1st Lieutenant John Smith Stewart of 76th FS, 23rd FG, and the two Japanese pilots were killed. One of the P-40 had to crash-land but the pilot was unscathed.

8 September 1943
Two P-40s from Hengyang strafed railway station near Yoyang and claimed to have hit a locomotive.

9 September 1943
Eight B-25s and eleven P-40s from the 14th AF hit the White Cloud Airfield at Canton.
They were intercepted by more than 20 Japanese fighters and the 25th Sentai were probably these. The unit claimed two victories, one of the by Major Toshio Sakagawa.
The American bombers were probably also intercepted by the 85th Sentai since they lost Captain Yoshiaki Nakahara (Class 51) over Canton during the day.
One machine gunner in a B-25 was wounded in the head.

Four P-38s from the 14th AF bombed the docks at Whampoa.
Eight P-40s and P-38s hit shipping on the Yangtze River shipping near Chiuchiang, Kichun, Wusueh, Ocheng, and Changanyi, and strafe targets of opportunity in the general area.

Lieutenant General Moritaka Nakazono, commander of the 3rd Hikoshidan, together with his staff officers in charge of operations and intelligence, flew from Kagi, Formosa, to the command post at Canton.
At 17:45, the aircraft in which Lieutenant General Nakazono was flying was shot down over Hsiaochou, 10km south-east of Canton and he was killed.
The commander in Chief of the China Expeditionary Army then ordered Major General Rokuro Imanishi, commander of the 1st Hikodan to assume command of the Hikoshidan until Lieutenant General Takuma Shimoyama arrived at Canton a few days later.
Nakazono’s aircraft was most probably shot down by 2nd Lieutenant Billie M. Beardsley of 449th FS, 51st FG (US), who claimed a TE transport south-east of Whampoa at 15:30.

10 September 1943
Ten B-25s and seven P-40s from the 14th AF hit a cotton warehouse north of Wuchang and docks at Hankou. Nine of the 20 intercepting Zeroes were claimed destroyed.

Nine P-38s from the 14th AF bombed docks at Whampoa.

Ki-43s from 25th Sentai claimed a P-38 over the Hankou-Wuchang area.

11 September 1943
Ten B-25s and eleven P-40s of the 14th AF attacked the Hankou docks and Wuchang cotton mills.
They were intercepted by Japanese fighters and 1st Lieutenant Charles F. Pruett of 16th FS, 51st FG, claimed a ‘Zero’ and a I-97 30 miles south-east of Hankow between 09:05-12:05.
One of the P-40s lost its way on returning from the battle and the pilot had to bail out when the plane ran out of fuel over Kwangsi.

Three P-38s bombed ammunition and fuel depots at Tayeh and strafed warehouses and barracks at Yangsin.

12 September 1943
Eight P-38s of the 14th AF bombed shipping in the Hong Kong area. Four hit Yangtze River traffic at Chiuchiang, and four P-40s strafed barracks and destroyed a locomotive west of Shihhweiyao.

14 September 1943
During a training flight in India, the commander of the 28th PS (P-40N), Captain Tseng Pei-Fu, was killed.

Four P-38s from the 14th AF severely damaged two vessels at Chiuchiang.

15 September 1943
Six B-25s and 14 P-40s from the 14th AF attacked a cotton mill in the Wuchang area.

16 September 1943
Eight B-25s and twelve P-40s of the 14th AF hit warehouses, barracks, ammunition dumps, and HQ at Liujenpa.

18 September 1943
Four B-25s and seven P-40s from the 14th AF attacked rail yards and blast furnaces at Shihhweiyao.

19 September 1943
Six P-40s attacked a railway bridge near Yunghsiu and strafed two Japanese ships near Shihhweiyao.

20 September 1943
The 25th and 33rd Sentais staged through Hanoi to escort heavy bombers to Kunming, claiming 10 victories and 8 probables for the loss of five of the bombers and one Ki-43 when Sergeant Hiroshi Tanaka (Sho-6) of the 33rd Sentai was killed over Kunming.
American sources reported that 27 Japanese bombers and 20 fighters attacked the airfield at Kunming. 24 P-40s and three P-38s from the 14th AF intercepted, claiming 17 airplanes shot down. One US fighter was lost and damage to the airfield was negligible.

21 September 1943
Eight B-25s and eight P-40s from the 14th AF attacked railroad yards and warehouses at Chiuchiang causing considerable destruction.

22 September 1943
Six P-40s escorting three B-25s attacked shipping near Shihhweiyao but none was hit.

30 September 1943
During a training flight in India was one of the flight commanders of the 28th PS (P-40N), Dai Dejin, killed.

Two B-25s and four P-40s of the 14th AF claimed heavy damage to a gunboat at Ft Bayard.

October 1943

Chinese Air Force

On 9 October, the 28th and 32nd FS (Provisional) and the 2nd BS (Provisional) were activated.
On 15 October, both the 28th and 32nd FS of the 3rd FG (CACW) returned to China with their new P-40Ns and were assigned to strengthen the defence of Kweilin (Guangxi).

US Army Air Force

A detachment of the 76th FS, 23d FG, based at Hengyang begun operating from Suichan with P-40s on 3 October.

On 7 October, the 26th FS, 51st FG, transferred from Dinjan, India to Kunming, China with P-40s

The 75th FS, 23rd FG, transferred from Kunming to Kweilin with P-40s on 11 October.

On 26 October, the 21st PS (Light), 14th AF, based at Kunming with F-4s and F-5s, sent a flight to operate from Suichan.

IJAAF

Main objectives and number of attacks:

Yunnan Air Depot	1 attack
Kweilin Air Depot	2 attacks (one attack was a combined fighter-bomber attack
Suichuan Air Depot	2 attacks
Nanhsiung Air Depot	1 attack
Kanshien Air Depots	1 attack
Nanning Air Depots	1 attack
Chian Air Depots	1 attack
Ships in the vicinity of Patung

The exact amount of damage is not recorded. However, the main objective was to damage runways so as to delay, if not prevent, attacks on the Homeland.

Planes shot down:

P-40	35 (9 unconfirmed)
P-38	2 (1 unconfirmed)
B-25	1 (unconfirmed)

It was reported that three B-24s were shot down and eight of a total of 24 larger type aircraft were destroyed on the ground during the raid on Yunnan Province, but these reports were not confirmed.

Ships:

Sunk	3 ships (each about 500 tons)
Damaged	2 ships (each about 1,000 tons) 2 ships (each about 500 tons) A large number of small ships

During the summer operations the 3rd Hikoshidan shot down or destroyed one the ground approximately 103 enemy fighters and 22 bombers. Japanese losses were 25 fighters and 15 bombers missing, seven fighters and one bomber destroyed, 19 officers and 94 soldiers killed, four officers and 13 soldiers missing and 15 men wounded.

From the beginning to the middle of September, those units to be returned to the Southern Army, were returned. On 8 October, the Hikoshidan commander withdrew his command post from Canton and returned to central China.

At the beginning of October, it was estimated that the enemy had about 100 light bombers stationed at Kweilin. They also had a unit on Suichuan airfield and were beginning to use Kanhsien and Nanhsiung as air bases. From these bases, they carried out repeated attacks against the Japanese forces in central and south China. As they were receiving reinforcements from India, it was felt that unless Japan could increase the strength of its air force in China, the Japanese Army in that theatre would have difficulty in continuing the war.

With the enemy’s rapid gains in the south Pacific and in Burma, it was recognized that the over-all strategy called for the strengthening of the air force in those areas. T the same time, in order to remove the threat from the Homeland, it was necessary that the air force suppress the growing USAAF in China. The China Expeditionary Army, therefore, continued to attempt to smash the USAAF in China. It also strengthened its air defence at strategic points and improved its facilities at air bases in order to check the advancing enemy air forces.

During July – October 1943, the 25th Sentai claimed 54 destroyed enemy aircraft (including 8 B-24s, 36 P-40s and 7 P-38s) while losing eight aircraft.

Operations

“Lt. Chen was flying on my wing when the formation left the target area. He remained in his position for approximately fifteen (15) minute. When my flight turned back to protect two straggling bombers, Lt. Chen was missing.”

“Lt. Wood was flying on my wing when the bombers went into their run. I last saw him when the escort made a turn following the bombers from the target. Major Brady (B-24, Flight Commander) states that he saw a P-40 and a zero make a head-on pass; the zero exploded and the P-40 went straight down smoking badly. This was probably Lt. Wood. Other bomber crews reported a pilot parachuting from a P-40 shortly after leaving the target.”

2nd Lieutenant Akihiko Nishidome (NCO79) of the 25th Sentai and Sergeant Major Yasuo Hasegawa (NCO86) of the 33rd Sentai were killed over Haiphong.

2 October 1943
Five P-40s from the 14th AF dive-bombed and strafed Yangtze River shipping in the Chiuchiang area. Strafing damaged several small craft.

3 October 1943
Aircraft from the 14th AF were active during the day when seven P-40s damaged a 250-ft (76.2 m) vessel on the Yangtze River near Chiuchiang.
Four P-38s bombed Chiuchiang docks.
Six B-24s damaged a 100-ft (30.5 m) coastal freighter off Tonkon Point on Hainan Island.

4 October 1943
17 Japanese bombers and 25 Zeroes attacked Kweilin Airfield. The bombs, dropped from 20,000 feet (6,096 m), failed to hit the target. Fighters from the 14th AF failed to make effective contact with the force.

5 October 1943
A few B-25s and P-40s from the 14th AF attacked a foundry at Shihhweiyao. Damaging hits were scored on a barrack, on AA positions, blast furnaces, hoppers, and a steam plant.
Ten USAAF fighters intercepted a force of about 50 Zeroes west of Kweilin, claiming one enemy fighter shot down before the enemy force turned back.
They were in fact intercepted by fighters from the 85th Sentai, which lost Sergeant Major Shigeharu Sasaki (NCO84) over Kweilin.

6 October 1943
Seven P-40s from the 14th AF from Suichan intercepted an attacking force of 27 bombers and 21 Zeroes. One bomber and one fighter were claimed shot down, and the attackers retired in the direction of Canton without dropping their bombs.
1st Lieutenant Isamu Hosono (NCOR) of the 2nd chutai, 25th Sentai, took part in an escort to the bombers raiding Suichan, but P-40s bounced the formation and his aircraft was hit, being seen to trail black smoke. Realizing that he could not return, he continued to fight, and radioed base at 08:59: ”I will go down.” And at 09:02: ”Now, I will dive!”. Hen then called: ”Army Fighter Unit, Banzai!” followed by: ”Tenno Heika, Banzai!”, waved to his wingman, Sergeant Komatsu, and from a height of 1,000 meters dived into a river. As at this time becoming a prisoner was forbidden to Japanese servicemen, his final act was reported with admiration in the newspapers, which identified it as the best example of correct courageous behaviour. At the time of his death, Hosono was credited with 26 victories.

7 October 1943
16 P-40s, two P-38s and nine B-24s attacked the Haiphong harbour and were intercepted by twelve Japanese fighters, claiming four Japanese fighters downed and eight damaged. One P-40 was shot up and had to crash-land near Liuchou.

Four B-25s from the 14th AF attacked a 2,500-ton freighter 100 miles (160 km) south of Amoy scoring three direct hits. The vessel was left burning and listing.

8 October 1943
While on ferry mission over the Hump, three B-24s from the 14th AF bombed Tengchung, scoring hits on warehouses, barracks, and a HQ area.

9 October 1943
Four B-25s from the 14th AF on a shipping sweep off the south-east China coast in the Amoy-Quemoy area sunk a 150-ft (45.7 m) tanker and damaged a patrol vessel, and a freighter. One B-25 crashed into a hill and exploded.
Ten P-40s bombed fuel storage and barracks at Mangshih. One P-40 was downed by ground fire.

10 October 1943
Eight P-40s from the 14th AF bombed a match factory and ammunition dump at Tengchung while eight others hit a supply dump and targets of opportunity in the Lungling area.

Eight P-40s carrying six 30lb bombs each hit Lungling but lost one plane.

11 October 1943
Eight B-24s from the 14th AF bombed the town areas of Tengchung.

13 October 1943
Three B-25s from the 14th AF on a sea sweep off south-east China hit shipping in Amoy harbour, claiming one freighter sunk and another damaged.

14 October 1943
Four B-25s from the 14th AF attacked shipping in the Amoy area, damaging two freighters, and bombed Amoy Airfield.

17 October 1943
Four P-40s from Kunming each with a 500lb and six 300lb bombs attacked Liuku. Two were hit by AA fire and had to crash-land.

21 October 1943
Six P-40s from the 14th AF pound the barracks area at Kunlong.

23 October 1943
Six B-24 from Kunming each carrying four 100lb bombs attacked Tuchiao on their way to India but was attacked by five Japanese fighters. However, the bombers escaped unscathed.

24 October 1943
Six B-25s, led by the newly promoted Major Tom Foley, CO of the 2nd BS, 1st BG (CACW), left Malir and became the first CACW aircraft to reach China.

26 October 1943
Two B-25s from the 14th AF attacked several vessels at Kiungshan, claiming four sunk or badly damaged.
Later six more B-25s hit shipping nearby, claiming one freighter sunk. One of the B-25s strafed the airfield at Kiungshan.

Japanese IJNAF fighters scrambling to intercept raiders over Haikou claimed to have shot down two for the loss of two fighters.

27 October 1943
Six B-24s of the 14th AF bombed the city of Tungling and claimed eight intercepting Zeroes shot down.

28 October 1943
Seven B-24s from the 14th AF bombed Mangshih.
Six P-40s strafed a warehouse and revetments at Yoyang Airfield.
Three B-25s and seven P-38s hit a barracks at Ft Bayard.
Two B-25s on a shipping sweep over the South China Sea damaged two freighters near Saint John Island and sunk a junk west of Kwangchow Wan.

The CACW suffered their first operational losses when a transport carrying 16 U.S. and Chinese ground crewmen, mostly from 28th FS, crashed over the Himalayas, killing everyone on board.
The wreckage was never found.

29 October 1943
Two B-25s from the 14th AF bombed the administration building and runway at Ft Bayard airfield.
Nine P-40s on offensive reconnaissance in the Chiuchiang area strafed a 200-ft (320 m) steamer and attacked a train, destroying the locomotive.

30 October 1943
Seven B-25s and twelve P-40s from the 14th AF pound the motor pool and barracks at Shayang while nine P-38s hit the Chiuchiang dock area. Two enemy interceptors were shot down.

Eight P-38s from Hengyang, four carrying a 500lb bomb apiece, attacked Jiujiang docks and were greeted by eleven interceptors. One Japanese ship was claimed destroyed and three Japanese planes shot down, for the loss of one P-38 shot down and another set on fire causing the pilot to bail out. Two others did not return.
1st Lieutenant Mamoru Inomata (Class 55) of the 25th Sentai was killed in this combat.

November 1943

Chinese Air Force

US Army Air Force

On 13 November, the 21st PS (Light) was redesignated to the 21st PRS.
At the same was the 9th PS (Light) redesignated to the 9th PRS.

The 23rd FG supported Chinese forces during the Japanese offensive in the Tungting Hu region in November 1943

The 75th FS, 23rd FG transferred from Kweilin to Hengyang with P-40s during November.

On 21 November, the 76th FS, 23rd FG, transferred from Hengyang to Kweilin with P-40s. A detachment of the squadron was operating from Suichan.

The 16th FS, 51st FG, transferred from Hengyang to Chengkung with P-40s on 25 November. A detachment began operating from Tsuyung.

Operations

2 November 1943
Five B-25s and twelve P-40s from the 14th AF pounded docks and warehouses at Shasi.

3 November 1943
21 B-24s from the 14th AF, supported by 30 fighters, pounded Kowloon Docks in Hong Kong. Four Japanese fighters were claimed shot down.
Nine B-25s and twelve P-40s pounded various targets in the Shihshow-Hwajung-Owchihkow area.

1st Lieutenant Yoshiji Shiki (Tokushi) of the 85th Sentai was killed over Canton.

4 November 1943
The Chinese-American Composite Wing entered combat when three B-25s from the 2nd BS accompanied other B-25s from the 11th BS (USAAF) on a sea sweep against Japanese shipping. The B-25s hit Amoy and Swatom successfully bombing and strafing ground troops, supply facilities, and shipping. The B-25s claimed four cargo ships badly damaged and possibly sunk.
The CACW aircraft were flown by Major Foley, Captain William Carson and Lieutenant Kao with an all-Chinese crew. The formation found cargo boats at Swatow Harbour and swept in for the attack. Guns and bomb releases malfunctioned on Foley’s and Kao’s aircraft, so they turned around and came back across the harbour to try again. In the repeat attack, Lieutenant Kao became separated from the others, but Major Foley’s bombs hit a cargo boat and sunk it. This was the first damage done by the CACW to the Japanese, but there was a price to pay. It is believed that Lieutenant Kao’s bomber was damaged by return fire during one of his attacks. Two hours later the B-25 crashed near Wuchow, Kao apparently having become lost while trying to find the way home. All aboard were killed.

The 11th BS (USAAF) flew a second mission later in the day. This mission included a B-25 from the 2nd BS (CACW) flown by Captain William Carson. The mission was another sea sweep along the Chinese coast. This time Carson suffered with his bomb release and was hit by anti-aircraft fire that severed the gas line in the bomb bay while he was attacking an enemy vessel. On the return flight to Kweilin, Carson and his 11th BS flight leader became separated in bad weather. When the B-25 lost its right engine at 12,000ft, Carson decided it was time to drop down out of the overcast and find out where he was.
He tried to contact his Chinese radioman, but found that the airman had already bailed out of the aircraft. Then the other engine began to lose power, so at 14:40, Carson crash-landed the aircraft near a railroad line at Ishan. No one was injured, and the aircraft was considered salvageable. The radioman rejoined his crew later on their way back to base.

7 November 1943
Major Thomas Foley of the 2nd BS (CACW) flew a sea sweep but no targets were found.

8 November 1943
Two B-25s from the 14th AF bombed the Kiungshan airfield on Hainan Island, scoring direct hits on two hangars.
Captain William Carson, 2nd BS (CACW), who was credited with probably destroying three or four parked Japanese aircraft, flew one of the B-25s.

Six P-40s from the 14th AF attacked Hsiangyangchiao Bridge, causing little damage.

10 November 1943
Fighters from the 14th AF on armed reconnaissance sunk three large motor boats in the Yoyang-Sinti area and damaged or sunk 15 sampans and a barge in the Hwajung-Shasi vicinity.

11 November 1943
Six B-24s from the 14th AF bombed the Burma Road about 375 miles (600 km) west of Tungling, producing a landslide and badly damaging the road.
South of Yoyang, six P-40s knocked out a gun emplacement and hit a radio station, barracks, and hostels in the area while eight more P-40s, on armed reconnaissance in the Li-Chou-Ching-Shih area, strafed a pontoon bridge and troops, and sunk a river steamer, a motorboat, and several small supply boats.

Major Thomas Foley and Captain William Carson of the 2nd BS (CACW) flew CACW’s first high-altitude mission, a strike against targets at Yochow, near Tungting Lake.

One P-40 of the 4th PG (CAF) lost its way on the way back after failing to find ground targets; the pilot bailed out safely when the fighter crashed.

12 November 1943
Ten B-25s and 24 P-40s of the 14th AF attacked Yoyang, hitting the warehouse area, railroad yards, and AA positions.
Five B-25s bombed the Yangchi Kang waterfront area and attacked waterfront targets at Puchi.
Six B-25s and twelve fighters hit targets at Yoyang. One of the B-25s didn’t return.
15 P-40s and a B-25 on armed reconnaissance hit several targets of opportunity in the Lungling area and between Yang-Chia-Kang and Sichai.

13 November 1943
Four sorties totalling nine P-40s of the 4th PG (CAF) against ground targets in the western Hubei.

15 November 1943
20 B-24s from the 14th AF were dispatched against the Hong Kong-Kowloon area. Bad weather prevented 15 bombers from bombing the targets. Five of the bombers attacked the docks at Kowloon.

Six P-40s from Kunming attacked sampans and cargo ships at Haiphong.

16 November 1943
Eleven B-24s, two B-25s, and four P-40s of the 14th AF attacked the docks at Kowloon.
Two B-25s damaged two freighters near Nampang and Saint John Island. Two more scored hits on a tanker off the China coast south of Swatow while two other bombed barracks and a warehouse on Nampang Island.
One B-25 and twelve P-40s hit a cavalry unit, barge, houses, and numerous sampans at Shihmen.
The Li-Chou area was also attacked.
B-25s from the 2nd BS (CACW) was part of these attacks. Lieutenant Colonel Irving Branch sunk a 200-foot freighter and probably sunk a 150-footer. Bombardier-navigator Lieutenant Louis Graves was wounded by flying Plexiglas when the nose of the bomber was hit by flak.
Later that day, Major Thomas Foley of the 2nd BS (CACW) sank a 300-foot tanker.

17 November 1943
Eight P-40s from the 14th AF strafed the airfield and barracks at Kengtung.
Eight other attacked Pingkai and targets of opportunity between Pingkai and Tahsai on the Salween River.

18 November 1943
Twelve P-40s from the 14th AF strafed troops and horses and sunk a troop barge at Shihmen. Four others, in support of Chinese forces, strafed the Tahsai ferry.

19 November 1943
B-25s from the 14th AF on shipping sweeps in the South China Sea strafed two vessels off Hong Kong, scored damaging hits on two vessels at Kiungshan, damaged a freighter off Tsao Tao Island, and left a gunboat and freighter sinking east of Swatow. Warehouses and wharves at Swatow were also hit.

Twelve P-40s hit Japanese troops near Shihmen.

20 November 1943
Two B-25s from the 14th AF hit warehouses and barracks on Nampang Island.
Weather prevented completion of several other scheduled missions.

Four B-25s (two each from the CAF and the USAF) and twelve P-40s from Hengyang attacked Tzuli.

The 25th Sentai claimed eight victories over Enshi.

21 November 1943
During a Japanese air attack on 21 November on the city of Changde, the squadron commander Ren Zao (11th or 4th PG) took off to intercept leading four P-66s. None of the Chinese pilots returned to the aerodrome. The commander managed to make a forced landing, while the others all perished.

29 P-40s from the 14th AF strafed 100+ sampans and small boats on Tungting Lake in the Li-Chou-Changde-Ansiang area.
Twelve P-40s attacked five vessels, 20 houses, and 100 men at Shihmen and between Shihmen and Li-Chou. Eight others hit troops and small riverboats near Tsowshih.
Twelve P-40s and four B-25s pounded the town of Tzeli.
Four other B-25s on shipping sweeps over the South China Sea damaged a freighter and blasted buildings at Taiping-hsu airfield.

Enshi airfield was attacked by two waves of Japanese aircraft. Three P-40s, one P-43 of the 4th PG (CAF) and four P-66 of the 11th PG (CAF) rose to meet the attackers. Two P-66s were shot down, both pilots Yen Tse-Kuang and Chou Fu-Hsin were KIA. Another P-66 was so heavily damaged that it crashed, killing the pilot Chuang Chuan-Wei. One Japanese fighter was claimed shot down when it was bounced by Liu Tsun. Three more Japanese aircraft were claimed as probables. The airfield itself was hit by some 36 bombs but damage was not serious.
Corporal Toshiaki Hirai (Sho-8) of the 85th Sentai was killed over Enshi (shot down by Liu Tsun).

22 November 1943
Twelve P-40s from the 14th AF strafed river traffic from Hofuh to Changde, and 16 attacked numerous small troop boats on Tungting Lake, west of Changdeh.

Nine A-29s from the 2nd BG (CAF) and nine escorting P-40s and P-43s from the 4th PG (CAF) bombed supply dumps at Chinshih.

Seven P-40s from Guilin attacked Canton; one fighter developed mechanical failure and the pilot had to bale out.

23 November 1943
13 B-25s, 24 P-40s and seven P-51s from the 14th AF pounded the Yoyang railroad yards and warehouse area. Eight other P-40s, on armed reconnaissance over the Hanshow area, strafed barges, boats, supplies, and cavalry forces.

Seven A-29s from the 2nd BG (CAF) and seven escorting P-40s and P-43s from the 4th PG (CAF) bombed targets near Kungan, including a pontoon bridge which was set ablaze.

24 November 1943
Five B-25s and 16 P-40s of the 14th AF bombed Hanshow and strafed 15-20 small boats north of the city.
Two other B-25s attacked the harbour and town of Amoy. Two direct hits were scored on a docked freighter.

25 November 1943
14 B-25s and 16 P-38s and P-51s from the 14th AF attacked the airfield at Shinchiku on Formosa, hitting a parking area, hangars, barracks, and other buildings. 32 enemy aircraft were claimed destroyed in the air and on the ground.
Six B-25s from 2nd BS (CACW) took part in the attack, leaving Kweilin at 06:00 and staged through Suichwan, where they picked up eight B-25s of the 11th BS and a fighter escort of P-38s and P-51s of the 23rd FG after they refuelled.
The formation crossed the Formosa Straits at minimum altitude and caught the Japanese completely unprepared. A few Japanese aircraft in the landing pattern were quickly shot down by the P-38s as the bombers climbed to 1,000ft to release their fragmentation bombs, which were armed with instant fuses. Seeing that there were no opposing interceptors and only minimum AA defence, Lieutenant Colonel Branch led his flight down for a strafing pass before they headed for home. Even the turret gunners got into the act, firing into a barrack area as the bombers swept low over the field. For this action, Lieutenant Colonel Branch was awarded a Distinguish Flying Cross.
The Shinchiku raid was the most successful thus far in the history of the 14th AF, and the 2nd BS received commendations from Colonel Vincent and Lord Mountbatten for its part in the attack.

16 P-40s on armed reconnaissance over the Hanshow-Chanpte area sunk 2 60-ft (18.3 m) boats and 15 sampans and strafed many small supply and troop-carrying boats.

14 P-38s and six B-25s in a low level bombing raid on Hsinchu destroyed and damaged some 27 aircraft, and inflicted some 45 casualties. The Japanese IJNAF claimed three aircraft shot down.

26 November 1943
Five B-25s and 16 fighters from the 14th AF attacked Kiangling airfield. Two other B-25s damaged a freighter in Honghai Bay while twelve P-40s attacked numerous boats in the Changde-Tehshan area.

Eight P-40s from Kunming attacked the Namlongyang train station.

27 November 1943
Four B-25s of the 14th AF on sea sweeps attacked docks and warehouses at the port of Swatow and hit a convoy of nine vessels heading south toward Amoy. The B-25s claimed one destroyer sunk and a destroyer and freighter damaged by direct hits.

28 November 1943
Eight P-40s from the 14th AF bombed and strafed the barracks area and village on the west bank of the Salween River near Litsaoho.
Eight P-40s dropped ammunition to besieged Chinese troops at Changde.

29 November 1943
Two B-25s from the 14th AF hit the airfield, town area, and warehouse section at Swatow, two from the 1st BG (CACW) bombed the power station and nearby targets of opportunity at Amoy, and two attacked barges in nearby coastal areas.
The two bombers from 1st BG (CACW) were lost when Major Foley and 1st Lieutenant William Daniels attacked shipping at Amoy Harbour. They encountered heavy AA fire over the harbour installations. A radio station and a power station were hit by bombs, but both B-25s also sustained damage. Foley's B-25 was hit in an oil line of the left engine, while Daniels' bomber was hit in the hydraulic system, causing the wheels to partially extend. As the B-25s left the target area, the drag from Daniel's wheels hanging out in the wind caused him to fall behind Foley. Finally, Foley circled back, even though his left engine was now running very rough. Foley pulled behind Daniels, then radioed a message about the bad motor that Daniels only partially received.
Four minutes later Foley ordered his crew to bale out. The radioman, Lieutenant Yang C. C. and turret gunner Sergeant Lo K. C. baled out first. Then Foley and Lieutenant Wilbur Taxis, the navigator and Tsao K. K., the co-pilot, jumped out.
In the meantime, Daniels proceeded with his crew to the base at Namyung and circled there until his fuel supply had been used up. Finally, Daniels brought in the B-25 on its defective landing gear and made a crash landing. Three days later the damaged bomber was shot up by strafing Japanese fighter on the field at Namyung.
Foleys crew landed near Engteng and were contacted by Chinese army forces, who escorted them to Kukong. There on 8 December, they boarded a train for Hengyang, and on the next day, they flew out of Hengyang to their base at Kweilin.

24 P-40s dropped food and ammunition to Chinese troops at Changde, strafed a camp in the Hsutu Lake area, damaged a vessel in Tien-hsin Lake and attacked numerous small craft in channels between Hsutu and Tungting Lakes and between Tsowshih and Hofuh.

Four P-43s of the 21st PS (CAF) escorted a P-40M on a reconnaissance mission and ran into four groups of a total of 21 Japanese aircraft east of Changde. One bomber and one fighter were claimed and three bombers and two fighters listed as probable. One P-43 was damaged and had to crash-land.
Among the Japanese aircraft were four fighters from the 25th Sentai, which claimed one Chinese fighter during an escort to light bombers apparently without loss to themselves.

The operations officer of the 7th FS (CACW), Captain Thomas F. Hackleman (0-432192) was lost in a flying accident at Malir.

30 November 1943
Six P-40s from the 14th AF bombed a fuel and ammunition dump at Luchiangpa.

At 12:43, eight P-40s took off from Hengyang and dropped supplies (9000 rifle rounds and 1000 catty of meat) to the garrison of Changde.
Earlier, four P-40s dropped 10,000 rifle rounds and four more strafed boats on a lake south-east of Ansiang.

December 1943

Chinese Air Force

At the end of the year, the pilots of the 7th and 8th FS completed retraining.

The 26th and 29th PS were sent to India to take delivery of the P-40N at the end of 1943. The 44th PS also received the P-40.
At this time, the 29th PS came under the command of the CACW.

At the end of 1943, the 12th BS (SBs) was disbanded.

Between 24 December and the end of the year, the CACW lost a Chinese pilot when Lieutenant Wong K. C. was killed.

US Army Air Force

HQ 68th Composite Wing transferred from Kunming to Kweilin on 23 December.

On 26 December, the 76th FS, 23rd FG, transferred from Kweilin to Suichan with P-40s.

IJAAF

Continue aggressive operations to destroy the USAAF in China, especially around Kweilin. Attack and destroy the enemy forces whenever they advanced to the east of Kweilin (this does not include Kweilin).

If circumstances permit, attack Yunnan Province and cooperate with the Southern Army in its Burma Operation.

Depending upon the situation, make lightning attacks against the CAF.

Direct cooperation will be given the ground force by reconnaissance and direct cooperation units. An element of fighter and bomber units will cooperate with the 11th Army during the Chagte Operation.

In order to support the Navy, an element of the Army Air Force will guard against submarines off the coast of China and establish air defence along the Yangtze River. The establishment and completion of airfields will be accelerated, particularly the air defence installations on the main fields.

Japanese Intelligence estimated that the enemy air force in China in December was:

USAAF:

Fighters: Approximately 160 aircraft (approx. 100 aircraft in the Kweilin area)
Bombers: Approximately 70 aircraft (approx. 20 aircraft in the Kweilin area)

CAF:

Fighters: Approximately 150 aircraft
Bombers: Approximately 20 aircraft (about 20 fighters and some bombers advanced to Enshih and Lianshan)

From July until the end of 1943, the 85th Sentai had claimed 32 victories for the loss of 11 pilots.

Operations

Totally 19 B-25s, 24 P-40s and ten P-51s from the 14th AF pounded Kowloon shipyards.
Two B-25s hit nearby Taikoo Docks in Hong Kong.
16 P-40s sank about 30 boats in the area around Changde.

Six P-40s from Yunnani attacked Japanese positions in western Yunnan.

Two P-40s from Yunnai strafed four boats on the Irrawaddy.

23rd FG lost a P-51 (serial no. 43-6277) (MACR 12260) during the day.

2 December 1943
18 Japanese bombers and 30 Zeroes attacked Suichan airfield. Nine P-40s from the 14th AF intercepted, shooting down one Japanese aircraft. Two P-40s were lost.
It seems that the fighters came from the 85th Sentai, which lost Sergeant Tamotsu Nishikawa (Sho-7) over Suichan.

Six P-40s from the 14th AF on armed reconnaissance bombed villages between Sha Nyao and Chiao Tou Chieh.
16 others bombed Japanese positions north-east of Changde.

3 December 1943
Eight P-40s from the 14th AF attacked barracks and other buildings at Wanling.

4 December 1943
Eleven B-25s and twelve P-40s from the 14th AF bombed Changde, which was taken by the Japanese earlier in the day.
Eleven more B-25s and 24 P-40s followed with two more attacks on Changde.
Included in the aircraft that attacked Changde were aircraft from the CACW, which didn't report any opposition.
Captain Akira Horaguchi (Class 53), the 1st chutai leader of the 85th Sentai, was killed over Changde. It seems that he wasn't lost in combat against CACW but against other Allied units.

Other P-40s from the 14th AF bombed dropped ammunition to Chinese troops on Tehshan Mountain.

The 74th FS, 23rd FG flew a top cover escort for fighters. They headed north from Hengyang to Changteh (south-west of Tungting Lake). 1st Lieutenant Wallace Cousins was forced to land during the mission (according to MACR 10736). He reported:

Engaged Zeros about 13:00 and was forced to land when engine was shot out of commission. Landed in a small valley of rice paddies approximately 10 to 15 miles east of Changteh. Chinese civilians (probably guerrillas) aided me to successfully reach a small Chinese army outpost where I was promptly escorted to safe territory in a Southeasternly direction, finally arrivingat the Norwegian Missionary Society’s Hospital – Yiyang, Hunan, China. Mr. Ole Thime was the business manager in charge, and he, in conjunction with the Chinese Army and civil government, arranged my safe conduct back to Hengyang, China. I arrived at my station on or about the 11th of December, 1943.

Captain G. Lundy took command of the 74th FS after that Captain P. Bell had been wounded in action during the day.

5 December 1943
16 P-40s of the 14th AF over the Changde area damaged several large supply sampans near Ansiang and strafed various targets of opportunity in the Tehshan and Hsutu Lake areas.
20+ P-40s on patrols over the Changde area attacked numerous boats and other targets throughout the nearby lake region.

6 December 1943
Changde was pounded throughout the day by 30+ B-25s and numerous fighters from the 14th AF.
CACW reported that the fighters and bombers were to stage through Lingling, fly the mission to Changde, then land at Hengyang to refuel and rearm. Then they would return to Changde for another strike and continue home to Kweilin.
The first attack was made at 10,000ft, the four CACW B-25s carrying twelve 100-pound bombs each. As the formation reached the target a flight of six silver Ki-44s attacked individually from head-on. The bore in and fired, then pulled up over over the formation. The bomber of Lieutenant Lin C. Y. Took a hit in the leading edge of the left wing, and Lieutenant Seacreast's aircraft was hit in the top turret, but neither B-25 was seriously damaged.
The escorts, which were above and behind the bombers, jumped on the Ki-44s as they pulled off the bombers, and 1st Lieutenant Clifford D. Boyle of the 32nd PS (CACW) claimed one (the first "kill" of the CACW even if it wasn't confirmed until the following month) at 10:40 as did Captain James Tryon Bull of the 3rd PG (CACW). 1st Lieutenants Wu Yuen and John R. DeHaven, both of the 32nd PS (CACW), also scored probable kills at the same time during the combat.
All aircraft landed at Hengyang at 11:30, the B-25s were repaired as needed, and the second mission took off at 13:45.
Again the CACW bombers attacked Changde from 10,000ft, but this time the bombing was more accurate than during the morning mission. A formation of about ten Ki-44s and Ki-43s attacked over the target, wading head-on into the escort fighters.
Lieutenant Tan S. Y. of the 32nd PS (CACW) was shot down in P-40N no. 632. He was wounded and baled out but was captured near Changde and interned at Hankou. He escaped 14 months later and returned to his unit in April 1945.
1st Lieutenant Boyle was shot down and killed in P-40 no. 652 'Quincy Queen'. He was credited with a probable during the mission at 15:00.
Branch's gunner, Sergeant Wei was credited with a Ki-44 that he had spotted chasing a P-40 and saw it dive into the ground after that he had fired on it.
The P-40 of Lieutenant DeHaven was damaged by one of the attackers, and two bullets hit Lieutenant Seacrest's B-25 in the windshield during the attack, but they didn't pierce the glass.

Other 14th AF fighters strafed targets of opportunity in the railway yard at Hsipaw and damaged a train at Hopong.

7 December 1943
Changde was hit twice by a total of 13 B-25s and several escorting fighters from the 14th AF.

8 December 1943
Nine B-25s escorted by 16 P-40s of the 14th AF pounded Changde.
Nine other B-25s bombed Hofuh and the 16 escorting P-40s bombed two villages to the north.

9 December 1943
15 B-25s of the 14th AF bombed Wuchang and Hankou, and three other bombed Changde.
P-40s strafed sampans above Nanhsien and attacked targets of opportunity in the Salween River area, including road traffic south of Hsia Chai, barracks at Tachai, and the town of San Tsun.

10 December 1943
At dawn, 32 Ki-43s and nine Ki-44s escorted light bombers to Henyang, where the crews of the latter claimed 15 aircraft destroyed on the ground for the loss of two of their number. The escorting fighters claimed three interceptors shot down.
The Americans reported that Japanese aircraft bombed Hengyang Airfield. Eight P-40s from the 14th AF intercepted one wave of aircraft over the field, shooting down three of them. Two P-40s were lost in the combat.

At dusk, the 3rd Hikoshidan reported having destroyed eight P-40, one P-38 and two B-25s on Lingling airfield.

11 December 1943
14 B-25s and ten P-40s from the 14th AF attacked Shihshow and Ansiang.
Three B-24s bombed Hankou airfield.

Nine P-40s from the 14th AF intercepted about 30 Japanese airplanes over Nanchang shortly after the enemy force bombed Suichan. The P-40s claimed ten enemy aircraft shot down.
Sergeant Major Sakio Hade (NCO82) of the 85th Sentai was bounced by enemy fighters and was killed as was Sergeant Yoshio Sakagami (Sho-7)..

49 fighters and bombers of the 3rd Hikoshidan attacked and destroyed 11 of 15 enemy aircraft on the ground at Lingling airfield.

12 December 1943
41 Japanese bombers and fighters bombed the west side of Hengyang Airfield, causing considerable damage. 31 P-40s and six P-38s from the 14th AF intercepted the enemy force, claiming 20 airplanes shot down. Two P-40s were lost.
The Japanese claimed 12 victories and 8 probables for the loss of two fighters from the 11th Sentai when Sergeant Masao Iida (Sho-6) and Sergeant Masuo Shigenobu (Sho-6) were killed.

Nine B-24s bombed Hankou airfield.

13 December 1943
Twelve B-25s with fighter escort from 14th AF bombed Li-Chou and Kungan.
Eight B-25s pounded Wuchang Airfield.
16 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafed targets of opportunity from Changde to Linli to Li-Chou.

14 December 1943
The Chinese aces probably received the new P-40Ns “out of turn”, since the commander of the 23rd PS Chow Che-Kai flew a reconnaissance mission in the new type on 14 December. On the return flight he was killed in an air battle.

13 B-25s with fighter escort from the 14th AF bombed Shasi.
Two P-40s strafed supply trucks south of Tengchung.

15 December 1943
25 P-40s of the 14th AF strafed parked aircraft, trucks, and several buildings at Pailochi. At least three enemy airplanes were destroyed.
Two B-25s on a sea sweep over the Gulf of Tonkin claimed one ocean-going tug sunk.
16 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafed the towns of Owchihkow and Shihshow.
Six others attacked the town of Luchiangpa and villages in the area.

16 December 1943
Colonel T. Alan Bennett (recently promoted), CO of 3rd FG (CACW), piled up P-40 No. 655 after engine troubles on take-off for a mission but fortunately without any injuries to himself.

Nine B-25s and eleven P-40s of the 14th AF hit the north-west part of Owchihkow.

Four B-25s on sweeps over the South China Sea damaged a freighter south of Nampang Island, bombed Tunguan docks, and shoot down one enemy bomber.
The B-25s of the 1st BG (CACW) made several five-plane strikes, and then began a series of two-aircraft anti-shipping sweeps that netted considerable tonnage destroyed.
Lieutenant Colonel Branch, CO 1st BG (CACW) and Captain Harper, 2nd BS (CACW), flew single shipping sweeps along the China coast. Branch found no targets and returned but Harper found plenty of action.
About 30 miles north-east of Canton, four Ki-44s attacked Harper's aircraft, two head-on and two from astern. The gunners were able to fight of the Japanese fighters without Harper's aircraft being hit, the Harper proceeded to bomb river docks at Tung-Wan and headed for home.
Just then, a twin-engined Japanese aircraft identified as a Ki-46 Dinah was spotted, and a 25-minute combat ensued. Considering the capabilities of the Ki-46 (a fast and maneuverable recon aircraft) it is more likely that the Japanese aircraft was a bomber, perhaps a Ki-48 Lily or Ki-21 Sally, because the top speed reported for the enemy aircraft was 200mph.
Three passes were made at it from behind, and all members of the crew took shots at the Japanese aircraft. Finally one crewman baled out, though only his small drag parachute opened, and Harper's crew watched the enemy aircraft crash into the ground.
Credit for the victory was shared by the crew, since it was impossible to determine whose gunfire had caused the fatal damage. Later it was reported that Chinese troops recovered important documents from the wreckage, and Captain Harper was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for the action.

15 P-40s on armed reconnaissance strafed Pailochi Airfield.
Eleven others strafed boats in channels north of Nanhsien.
Six P-38s strafed a troop train near Changanyi and attacked 25 sampans (destroying most of them) on the Yangtze River just above Huangtang Lake.

17 December 1943
Six P-40s of the 14th AF bombed and strafed barracks near Kunlong.

18 December 1943
27 B-24s supported by 28 P-40s of the 14th AF pounded the airfield at Namsang. Some of the P-40s strafed Laihka Airfield.
Two B-25s on a sea sweep claimed damaging hits on a freighter and a tanker in the Hainan Straits.
Five B-25s bombed the south-western part of Nanhsien.

The 33rd and 64th Sentais escorted heavy bombers to Kunming, claiming five victories. The 64th Sentai lost two pilots when Sergeant Hiroshi Uchimura (Sho-7) and Corporal Noburo Fujiwara (Sho-10) were killed.

19 December 1943
About 35 Japanese bombers and fighters attacked Hengyang Airfield. 26 P-40s were sent up against the attacking force and shoot down nine. Two P-40s were lost.
Twelve B-25s and eight P-40s attacked Nanhsien and Ansiang.

50th Sentai took light bombers to Yunnan Station, claiming ten victories but lost two pilots when Captain Takashi Tomomune (Class 53) and Sergeant Major Matsuo Kimoto (NCO87) were killed.

20 December 1943
Eleven B-25s and six P-40s pf the 14th AF from Kweilin pounded the Yoyang railroad yards. P-40s from Hengyang also provided support for the B-25s.

21 December 1943
29 B-24s from the 14th AF pounded the railroad yards at Chiengmai. The warehouse area along the west side of the yards suffers very heavy damage.
14 B-25s, with fighter escort, attacked Hwajung.

The 25th Sentai lost Warrant Officer Shigenobu Ohsawa (NCO81) over Canton.

22 December 1943
Seven B-25s with fighter escort of the 14th AF bombed Hwajung.
Two others claimed three direct hits on a freighter 105 miles (168 km) south of Hong Kong.

65 Japanese bombers and fighters attacked Kunming Airfield. Ten P-40s and a P-38 from Kunming and several fighters from Yunnani engaged the enemy force in a 50-minute running battle, claiming twelve airplanes shot down. Two US aircraft were destroyed on the ground. The damage to airfield was not serious.
The Japanese Ki-21 bombers were escorted by the 33rd, 64th and 204th Sentias. The Japanese lost five Ki-43s and two Ki-21s but claimed 26 victories between them. The 204th Sentai lost two pilots when Captain Masami Nakajima (Class 52) and Sergeant Masuo Tamura (NCOR) were killed while the 33rd Sentai lost 1st Lieutenant Yoshibumi Suzuka (Class 55).

Seven P-40s of the 14th AF intercepted a force of 58 airplanes heading toward Chengkung, shooting down three of them and preventing an attack on the airfield.

23 December 1943
Five P-40Ns from the 7th and 8th PS flew from Giulin to attack the aerodrome at Tianhe. Somewhere near the target, there was an air battle and most of the P-40s were shot down.

29 B-24s escorted by seven P-51s and 23 P-40s of the 14th AF, pounded White Cloud Airfield at 14:00. The fighters claimed six destroyed and six probables interceptors downed.
1st Lieutenant Vernon J. Kramer (76th FS) claimed a A6M over Canton (take-off 12:40-) while Flying Officer Robert J. Wilson (16th FS) claimed a A6M over Tien Ho airfield between 12:45-15:50.
The 74th FS claimed one Ki-44 (1st Lieutenant Richard A. Mauritson) and two probables (1st Lieutenants Theodore R. Adams and Reuben W. Hendrickson) at 14:00 over Canton.
32nd FS (CACW) took part in this mission when they escorted B-24s from the 308th BG attacking Canton at 14:00 and making a number of claims at 14:00 over Tien Ho airfield. Captain William L. Turner claimed a Ki-44 (?) as the first victory of his tour, bringing his total to four. 1st Lieutenant Keith G. Lindell claimed a Ki-44 (?) and a second as a probable. 1st Lieutenant Chen P. C. claimed a Ki-44. Three more probables (possibly Ki-44s) were claimed by Captain Hung Chi-Wei, 1st Lieutenant Thomas M. Maloney and Captain James A. Dale. Two Chinese Lieutenants, Hwang S. Y. And Wang K. C. were shot down and listed as missing in action. Lieutenant had been something of an artist, having designed the 3rd FG (CACW) insignia only a few weeks before his death.

The 85th Sentai lost Sergeant Major Hidesue Ikubo (Sho-5) over Canton.

14 P-38s dive-bombed and strafed Huang Shan Kou.
Two B-25s claimed one gunboat sunk in the Formosa Straits.

24 December 1943
18 B-24s of the 14th AF (including bombers from 308th BG) bombed a Tien Ho satellite airfield. The B-24s and 18 escorting fighters claimed 20 interceptors shot down. B-24 42-73329 from 308th BG (MACR 1609) was lost over the target.
Included in the escort were fighters from 74th and 76th FS, 23rd FG and 28th FS, 3rd FG (CACW). The fighters claimed 4 destroyed, 2 probables and 5 damaged.
The 76th FS reported their mission taking place between 11:30 and 14:30. Captain Lee P. Manbeck claimed a probable 'Zero' over Canton.
1st Lieutenant James E. Spurgin Jr. of 74th FS claimed a damaged Ki-43 (Mk II) damaged over Canton at 12:30.
28th FS (CACW) was heavily involved in combat between12:45 and 13:00 over Tien Ho airfield with Ki-43s or Ki-44s. 1st Lieutenant Frank C. Smiley Jr. claimed one enemy fighter and two more damaged. 1st Lieutenant Arthur W. Skidmore claimed one damaged enemy fighter. 1st Lieutenant Meng Shao-Yi, 2nd Lieutenant Chao Yi-Hsin (who also claimed a damaged) and 1st Lieutenant Chow Shi-Lin (who also claimed one additional as a probably destroyed) claimed one enemy fighter each. Major Eugene L. Strickland led his fighters and reported:

"Eight B-24s were staging at Erh Tong and had to take off prior to our takeoff. As soon as their last ship cleared the field, my squadron started taking off. In approximately ten minutes we were all airborne and assembled in formation. By that time the B-24s had already set course for Canton and were out of sight. I headed for the course and increased my throttle setting to thirty-five inches of manifold pressure. We finally caught up with them about fifty miles from Canton.
A flight of about five Zeros hit the bombers from twelve o'clock. It is believed that in this initial pass they shot down a B-24. I saw one parachute open at the tail end of the bomber formation immediately after the first pass. Whether this was a Jap or an American I do not know.
As the Zeroes would come into the bombers from the front, they would do a half-roll through the bombers and break away down and to the side.
I was leading the first flight of fighters and I pulled them up slightly ahead of the bombers and did some long-range shooting at subsequent Zeroes coming in at twelve o'clock. This helped to some extent, for when they saw tracers coming across their noses they immediately flipped over on their backs and dived out. We did not try at any time to follow them down but maintained our position on the bombers.
In the meantime several Zeroes were stunting off to the side and out of range of our fighters. Captain Cheng, our Chinese squadron commander, was in command of the second flight and occasionally would turn into them and chase them off.
I got in several ninety-to sixty-degree deflection shots, but each time the Zero would flip on its back and do two or three turns and a spin and keep going down. Only once did I have a chance to follow a Zero in a climb. I was forced to break off because my airspeed was down to 150 mph. Following the Zero to my left, I broke sharply down and to the right. Looking back I did not at any time see the Zero again.
The bombers pulled off the target to the left and headed north again. The enemy continued to make attacks, which persisted until we were about eighty miles out from the target.
When we were about twenty miles on our way home I was on the right side even with the lead bomber and trying to reassemble the formation when I noticed a Zero on the tail of a lagging P-40. Immediately I pulled up and back. Lieutenant Smiley was on my wing all the time, a fact I was not aware of. I started firing slightly out of range to make the Zero quit firing as soon as possible. He immediately flipped over on his back and did about three turns of a spin. I continued firing while he was in the spin, with unobserved results. Pulling back up, I rejoined the formation.
The last Zero I saw was about five minutes later, about a thousand yards behind the last bomber and shooting at the formation. Shortly afterwards he broke off into diving turn. The bombers were left about ten minutes later and we came back to our base without further mishap."

25 December 1943
Two B-25s of the 14th AF claimed heavy damage to a passenger ship south of Hong Kong.

27 December 1943
Ten P-40s from the 14th AF strafed buildings on Pailochi Airfield and sunk a nearby riverboat. Two locomotives north of Yoyang were also destroyed.

36 Japanese aircraft attacked Suichan Airfield, destroying one B-25, the alert shack, and three fuel dumps. US interceptors from the 14th AF claimed four of the attackers shot down. One P-40 was lost.
The 25th Sentai lost three pilots when Captain Nakakazu Ozaki (Class 53), an ace and leader of the 2nd chutai, Sergeant Miyoji Maruyama (NCO87) and Corporal Hideaki Takeshita (Sho-10) were killed. It was reported that the newly promoted Captain Ozaki was engaged by at least 20 hostile fighters, his wingman Corporal Zukemura, being hard-pressed. Ozaki at once rammed one of his attackers, then crashing to his death some ten kilometres south-west of Suichan airfield. At the time of his death, Ozaki was credited with 19 victories and a further 12-14 damaged B-24s. He was awarded a posthumous individual citation and promoted two ranks to Lieutenant Colonel.

28 December 1943
Four B-25s and four P-51s of the 14th AF attacked Yangtze River shipping at Chihchow. One cargo ship was claimed sunk, two others damaged, and an armed motor vessel set aflame.
Seven P-40s bombed a building on the railroad siding at Yun-chi.

29 December 1943
Four P-40s from the 14th AF on armed reconnaissance strafed the railroad station, yards, and town area at Hsipaw, hit numerous freight cars between Hsipaw and Mansam Falls, and attacked railroad yards at Hopong.
Three B-25s on a shipping sweep along the Yangtze River claimed a cargo vessel and an armed passenger ship sunk south-west of Wuhu.

30 December 1943
Eight Japanese fighters strafed Suichan Airfield while twelve others provide cover. Two US aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Eight P-40s of the 14th AF intercepted the formation after the attack and shoot down three aircraft.
It seems that the 11th Sentai lost Sergeant Major Masa-aki Deguchi (NCO81) in this mission.

31 December 1943
25 B-24s from the 14th AF pounded the Lampang railroad yards, causing several big fires and many secondary explosions.
Six B-25s hit Yangtze River shipping in the Anking and Lu-Kuan areas, claiming three cargo vessels and a troop carrier sunk.
Two others on a sea sweep damaged a passenger vessel in the Hainan Straits.

Known units taking part in combat during 1943

Chinese Air Force

US Army Air Force

IJAAF