MR310 Sec. 11 "TORCH" (1) Army and Navy Miscellaneous "TORCH" messages - April 1-15, 1943

MR 310, Sec. 11 -- ARMY-NAVY TORCH MISCELLANEOUS MESSAGES DECLASSIFIED - Apr 1-15, 1943 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 that #170 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC44 WDCC Filed 16/18552 April 16, '43 ecn 2112Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War and all interested addressees. In reply cite: none April 16, 1943 15th Part 3. 170 signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. (AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18th Army Gp Hq Liaison Gp Mideast AFHQ Malta from NWAAF Adv 0985E 16/4 April) Northwest African Strategic AF. Night 14/15. Welling- tons attacked Decimomannu Elmas Villacidro A/D's. 41 tons bombs dropped. Large fire started on Decimomannu. Day 15th. B-25 Mitchells escorted by P-38 Lightnings carried out shipping sweep no targets found. NWA Tac- tical AF Hurribombers and Spitfires flew many sorties on TAC/R and fighter sweeps N/T and tanks attacked at Oum El Abouab causing large explosion. Two Spits dam- aged. Twenty Bostons attacked enemy positions at Djebel rear results unobserved. Western Desert Air Force. Night 14/15. Wellingtons attacked Korba L-G. Hurris fiew dawn and dusk patrols over Sfax and ship- ping searches. Day 15th. Kittyhawks and Warhawks flew armed recces and attacked M/T north of Enfidaville and on Tunis Bammamet road. Two ME-109's destroyed one damaged without losses. Warhawks flew convoy es- cort patrols. Spits patrolled forward areas throughout day. NWA Coastal AF night 14/15 Hudsons flew A/Sub patrols (Action USFOR information all above addressed) Beaufighters and Hudsons carried out defensive patrols one Beau on recce east coast Sardinia. Marauders flew armed recces approaches Naples dropping 4 X 500 1b bombs on M/V about 1500 tons near misses scored. Fight- ers carried out fighter escort patrols. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-0-72 BY Action: OPD SR DATE FEB 11 1974 no sig Information: G-2, CG AAF, Gen. Deane (CC/S), Adm. King, LOG 51 CM-IN-9761 (16 SECRET 23572 ce COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 COLOR WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQB B5 CCWD 15/2010A 4/16/43 mc 0301Z From: Algiers To: British War Office (action) USFOR (info ) 4365 April 15, 1943 In (othission) Reply Cite: Resistance and repeated counter attacks. Cas- ualties on both sides have been heavy. However on 14 April our forces occupied Djebel S1 Ang and the hills to the north and NW of Heidous. 5. Enemy. Since the initial attack on the Mereth positions, more than 30,000 enemy prisoners have been captured. Allowing for casualties, the enemy effect- ive strength is now estimated at 160,000 of which 2/3rds are German and the balance Italian. As a result of our fir and naval activity and necessity of building up supplies the enemy build up in personnel has been re - duced to an estimated 200 per day. There are no indi- cations of any immediate invention to evacuate the pres- ent bridge head which extends roughly along the line Enridaville Djebej Fkirine-Djebel Chenamila-Oulad Yahia. Anti tank ditches and other defensive works are being prepared along the recently occupied eastern part of this line. It is probable that the enemy armour will be centrally located in the general area of the Tunis plain. 6, Naval. On 12 April 1 of our submarines obs tained a possible hit on a 2000 ton supply ship in the Gulf of Genoa, during night 12-13 April a Commando DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-9640 (16 Apr 43) JCS LETTER. 7-0-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE 2 From: Algiers To: British War Office (action) USFOR (info) In Reply Cite: 4365 April 15, 1943 Party was landed on North Tunisian coast. Party reembarked on completion of task without loss. MTBS from Malta operated in Gulf of Hammanet During night 13-14 April destroyers carried out a sweep (sec- ond and last part 4365 15th) to Marittimom there is a gap of 120 feet at entrance to Sousse Harbour. Berths are available for LCTS and 2 larger ships but approaches have not yet been swept. 7. Air. Many heavy attacks have been made by bombers of both strategic and tactical air forces on enemy transport and troop concentrations in the vi- cinity of Enfidaville. Enemy landing grounds in Tu- nisia and Sicily have been successfully attacked. Trapani and Bizert harbours were bombed on 12 April. Hits have been observed on 3 merchant vessels and 1 large tanker. 8. Political. The political situation in North Africa is quiet. Awaiting some word from the negoti- ations which are taking place in London. No Sig * Omissions being serviced. Action: OPD DECLASSIFIED Information: G-2 JCS LETTER, 7-3-72 CG AAF BY BYSR DATE Gen. Deane (CC/S) FEB 11 1974 Adm. King CM-IN-9640 (16 Apr 43) 20462 ce 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 5 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 15/2010Z 4-16-43 alt 1858z SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: WAR USFOR (info) In reply cite: 4365, April 15, 1943 The following is the first portion of the message already sent to you: On 14 April Djebel Sefsouf, 7 miles north of Karachoum was occupied. Enemy resistance has been stubborn. 500 enemy dead were counted on Djebel Ousselat alone. Over 461 prisoners were captured during 14 April, Sub Para B: Corps the enemy apparently attaches considerable importance to the Heidous A Djebel El Aug A Sidi Nisik area where our forces have met strong. No Sig FOOTNOTE: Supplementary copy of CM-IN-9640 (16 Apr 43) OPD ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION: G-2 JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY CGAAF SR DATE FEB 11 1974 GEN DEANE CC/S ADM KING CM-IN-10296 (17 Apr 43) 2150Z 1b COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 42 CCWD filed 15/1202A Apr 15, 1943 VH 1405Z DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 URGENT BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite Number Unknown Apr 15, 1943 * Operations. Jefna. Sector. Nothing to report. Sidi Nsir sector Stiff enemy resisiance J 3759. Toukabeur-Heidous sector. Enemy counter- Q2 Dist. Action attack early morning recaptured Djebel Ang J 5445. Info. Enemy subsequently abandoned this position also MC Djebel Mtiour J 5545 and southern features Djebel STRONG Tanngouche J 5645. Resistance continues point KRONER 620 J 566454. Unconfirmed report enemy tanks J BRATTON 5050 150 prisoners this sector during day. Medjez- SIT. N Goubellat-Bou Arada sectors. No activity reported CURR. X slight indications reinforcements Pont Du Fahs area. DISS. Considerable MT road Tunis-Pont Du Fahs Grande AIR Dorsale sector. Stiffening enemy resistance Djebel R-A Menassir and Djebel Sefouf. 450 prisoners during FE day. Prisoners taken this sector during 13 April NA total 250. 500 dead counted Djebel Ousselat. LA 0 73 Djebel Fkirine-Enfidaville sector. Little OLL activity reported. Observation hampered by bad SPKC weather. Considerable MT movement road Enfidiville- GROG Tunis during afternoon. Enemy had abandoned much TRNG booty including all types ammunition also aviation petrol and rolling stock Spira station P 5552. Sourse) 80 AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group 1 IN Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta PKR Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps ce and 6, Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite PIN FHGBI. Identifications. German, 13 April 1 Bn POW 47 Gr J 4944. Italian. None. General. No essential change general picture. Probable grouping some mobile #1. elements In open country of Tunis plain. Parts 2 and 3 CIG will follow TC NI *1st portion missing being serviced. No Sig ACTION: G-2 JOURNAL NO. APR 1943 INFORMATION: OPD, SECRET 26 COPY No. OF THE IS FORBIDDEN 310 forch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB80 CCWD 1620z/15 1835z BMS April 15 URGENT DECLASSIFIED BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: War G2 Dist. Action Info. In Reply Cite: 4274 April 15, 1943 MC STRONG Part 3 Naval. Nothing to report (AGWAR for WDGBI KRONER Troopers pass USFOR information 18 Army Group 1st Army BRATTON 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta M'deast SIT Adv Ln Grp Afhq 5th Army pres 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps CURR from G-2 Freedom 4274 too nil 15 Apr signed Eisenhower DISS cite FHGBI) G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 14th April. AIR E-A Part 2 Air. Off Algerian coast 3 bomber recce FE of which first reported over Bone at 07002, second carried NA out weather flight as far west as Algiers and third LA flew at least as far west as Cape Gened returning COLL Sardinia soon after midday. Operated between Bizerta- SPEC. Bone during night 1 enemy recce aircraft later flying GEOG. west towards Algiers. During first half night 4 or 5 bombers TRNG active over Bejal-Mejez area. Landed Tunisia 13th JSC April between 60 and 80 German transports, largest EO formations arriving between 0600Z and 0700Z and between FS 1500Z and 1600Z and landing El Aouina. Landing grounds PER Menzel Temime, Hrinj and Rass Mustafa also used. Enemy CC activity over Tunisia slightly reduced. Few fighter FIN and tactical recce patrols flown over southern front POW of forward area. During morning 1 bombing raid by 9 REC. escorted JU87's south of Enfidaville. Principal offensive FL activity in Mediez El Bab sector. Airborne to intercept CIG ЛС > allied sweeps in Pont Du Fahs area were enemy fighters. ONI Over Beja and Souk El Khemis offensive sweep made by WH FW 190°s. Probably up to cover arrival transport aircraft were about 20 ME109's and FW190's encountered by allied aircraft over E1 Aiouna. JOURNAL NO.28 APR 15 Action: G-2 No Sig Information: OPD, CG AAF COPY No. CM-IN-8970 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF 2109Z THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN (15 Apr 43) ce 26 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 36 INCOMING MESSAG CC Filed 15/11402 wpril 15, 1943 nws 1418Z E.O. Dec. Do S(R) and ((D) or (K) OCD 1, 1072 OPERATIONAL By SLR Date FEB 1-1 1974 PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5602 April 15, 1943 Forward troops maintaining contact with enemy W Enfidaville position 14th but little activity reported. Fifth New Zealand Brig and 8th Armd Brig in contact 2 miles south Enfidaville and west to P 2181. Seventh Armd Div concentrated in area south Kairouan P 1222 with 4th Lt Armd Brig under command area Douebibina P 0478 in contact with enemy rearguards. Concentration 4th Ind Inf Div and 50th Inf Div In corps area continues (from Brereton night 13th 14th 70 RAF 4 medium bombers attacked St Marie Du Zit landing ground starting several fires. Fifty-five heavy bombers attacked Korba south landing grounds reporting 2 direct hits on dispersed air- craft. Two medium bombers crashed in own territory, 1 heavy bomber believed shot down over target. Fighter bombers despatched day 14th to attack shipping off Korda, failed to locate target owing to bad weather. Fighters covered forward areas without incident). Bomber Command 9th Air Forces reports no opera- tions April 14. Twelfth Group moving no report yet. Twelve fighters 57th Group carried out 5 missions as convoy escort. Sixty-four fighters 79th Group carried out 3 missions in fighter sweep. Fifty fighters 57th Group carried out 11 missions convoy escort mine sweep escort April 13 and on April 7th, 80 planes, 57th Group CM-IN-8823 (15 Apr 43) COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NI R 101 SECTION WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo (page two) To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5602 April 15, 1943 carried out 7 missions as fighter bomber dropping 27,400 lbs of bogbs. G2 Dist. Action Info. MC < No Sig STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. / DISS. AIR E-A < FE NA LA COLL REDUCTIONED SPEC. GEOG. E. O. 11612, Die 1(2) end 6(D) or (E) TRNG CED 1, 1072 ISC By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 90 VS ACTION: OPD PRR. DC INFORMATION: G-2 FIN CG AAF POW REC. FL CIG no J/ CM-IN-8823 (15 Apr 43) 1533Z cen ONI N.I.B.JOURNAL NO.160APR151943 WH COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB42 WDCC Filed 15/1202A April 15 '43 een 2145Z URGENT CORRECTED COPY G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON From: Algiers SIT. To: War, British War Office CURR. Info: All interested stations. In reply cite: Unnumbered April 15, 1943 DISS. AIR E-A X Land. G-2 report for 24 hours ending FE 2400Z 14th April. (Action AGWAR Troopers in- NA formation 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps LA (18th Army Group pass) 2nd Corps) ADV NAAF COLL EAC 12th Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv SPEC. Linison Grp AFQ 5th Army from G-2 Freedom GEOG. signed Eisenhower. Operations. Jefna. Sector. TRNG Nothing to report. Sidi Nair Sector. Stiff ISC enemy resistance J 3759. EO Side nsir Area PS PER CC FIN POW no sig REC. FL Note: Beginning of message =hould read as above CIG no X ONI S Corrected copy of CM-IN-8848 (15 Apr 43) G-2 WH X Action: G-2 Information: OPD DECLASSIFIED CG AAF JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-9149 (16 Apr 43) 0151Z ce W.1.8. JOURNAL NO.58 APR 16 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joich DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 123 CCWD filed 15/2115A April 15 dm 2301Z URGENT From: OG Algiers To: War British War Office Ouidja GHA DECLASSIFIED WFEK JCS LETTER, 7-8-72 Cairo BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 Algiers Malta In Reply Cite: A 0955 April 15, 1943 April 14th Part 3 673 (173) signed Eisenhower cite FHGT (AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18th Army Group Hq Lisison Group Mideast AFHQ Malta from Spaatz (Hq NWAAF Advanced) Ref No A0955 April 15th) North- west African Strategical Air Force. April 14th P+38's Lightnings attacked beached M/V SE Cape Zebibnn scoring near misses. B-17's Fortresses with P-38's Lightnings escorting attacked airdromes at Elmas and Montserrado with fragmentation bombs which fell among aircraft. Other B-17's with Spit- fires escort attacked E1 Aouina airdrome few air- craft seen on landing ground. In combat. 13 ME 109's 5 R 1001 1 FW 190 1 MC 202 destroyed 9 enemy air- craft probably destroyed 6 damaged no losses. Northwest African Tactical Air Force. Bisleys and Hurricanes attacked La Sabala landing ground and roads south of Tunis during night 13/14. P-40/s and Hurribombers attacked met in Ksar Tyr area. Large number of sorties flown by Spitfires on fighter sweep and TAC/R. 1 ME 109 destroyed 1 damaged 1 Spitfire missing 1 damaged. Western desert Air Force. Night 13/14. Bostons and Baltimores attacked St Marie Zit landing ground. Wellingtons aid Albacores attacked CM-IN-9133 April 43) 01202Y Mác 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Forch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECTION WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: OG Algiers page 2 To: War In Reply Cite: A0955 April 15, 1943 Korba Landing Ground 1 Boston force landed 1 Wellington shot down. Day 14 Spitfires patrolled forward areas N WA Coastal A F. Tupsons and Beaufighters maintained constant escort to convoy night 13/14 and day 14. During day 14 escort continued with Hudsons P 39 and Hurricanes. 1 Huddson and 1 Beaufighter missing. Action USFOR. Information rest of addressees. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFO:" G-2 CGAAF CGGN GEN,DEANE(CCS) ADM. KING LOG CM-IN-9133 (16 April 43) 0127Z mjc DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 54 I COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SEVRE WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC55 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD Filed 15/1636A April 15, 1943 jr 2143 Z PRIORITY From: Algiers To : War In Reply Cite: 21594 April 15, 1943 No trace Centauro. (Part 2 our AFHQ weekly review ref 4242) Possible operation part 31 tank regt Kairouan 11th April. Spezia and Triessw virtually captured entire. Young Fascists relitively untouches with few remnants Fisloia presumed behind Enfidaville position. Mannerini and remnants Saharan Group captured. XX and XXI Corps artillery believed withdrawn as far as transport has allowed. No indications strength of individual units. Personalities. Nil. Strength estimate. 115, 500 German, L2, 500 Italian, total 168, 000 of which estimated 2, 700 un- evacutated wounded, 3, 600 routine casualties. Actual effectives 161, 700. Total prisoners 20th March to 11th April 22,000 Italian, 6.000 German 6 troopers. AGWAR, Mideast from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower Cite FHCBI). Capabilities. Enemy forces to shorten his line in North and now holds positions approximating those before his offensive of 26th Feb energetic counter attacks in areas Sidi Nsir-Heidous reveals his determination to hold high ground here. Most units in North already de- pleted and reserves largely committed. Probable enemy (CM-IN-9292 16 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR - DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jock DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT 2 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To : War In Reply Cite: 21594 April 15, 1943 will reinforce Pontdu Fajs area since ground in this area vitally important to him. Expected part of enemys armour willregroup in this area South- west of Tunis where it will be centrally placed for counter attack role, Enfidaville position enemy likely to develop his defences rapidly in order to free Forces as a central reserve. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-9292 (16 Apr 43) 0848Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECL ASSIFIED #173 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 53 CCWD Filed 15/NFT April 15, 1943 eva 1455Z TRGENT DECL JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR a DATE FEB 11 1974 From: 18th Army Group To: War In Reply Cite: 0725, April 15, 1943 (Part one SITREP no 173 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 14 April.) (To Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta personal for F M Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army Rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for Sois Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force Con area for Adv NAAF (For. Col MacDonald A 2) 2 US Corps 1st Army 9 Corps Main 8th Army from 18 Army Group 0/681 April 15 TOO 0725) From AFHQ signed C in C. 1. Section one 8th Army. (A) 10 Corps. 5 N Z Bde and 8 Armd Bde now in contact with enemy 2 miles south of Enfidaville and west to (T) P 2181. 7 Armd Div now concentrated in area south of Kairouan (T) P 1222 with 4 Lt Armd Bde under command operating in area Djebibina (T) P 0478 where enemy rearguards encountered. Concentration of 4 Ind Inf Div and 50 Inf Div in corps area continues. (B) 30 Corps. No change. Section two. South East Algeria. NTR. Section three. 2 US Corps. NTR. Section 4. 9 Corps. ADBC Hq 9 Corps now AA (0) 2704. Remainder of Corps less 6 Armd Div also in this area. 6 Armd Div in La Kessera area with Bq at o 4638. Section five. 1st Army. (A). 19 Corps. 450 PW were taken in this area yesterday. 7 R T M captured DJ Sefsouf o 8778 and CM-IN-8865 (15 Apr 43) SECRET* COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 mas S WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page two: From: 18th Army Group To: War In Reply Cite: 0725, April 15, 1943 are pushing forward to cut road 8580. Tabors on right flank are in area 0 8880. (B). 5 Corps. 78 Div. DJ Ang and DJ Tiour were successfully captured during the day and by 1800 hrs the southern half of DJ Tannsouche was also occupied. 4 Div. Local attack launched by 10 Inf Bde in area J 3759 encountered very stiff resistance and was finally unsuccessful. 9 US Div assumed command of the northern sector.. Section six Air. The concerted night attacks by medium bombers on the enemy LGS was continued with success when 138 Bisleys Wellingtons Bostons Mitchells and Baltimores raided La Sebala Iorba south and Saint Marie Du Zit E and W LGS. During the day light bombers in three waves and fighter bombers attacked in support of the first Army. Low cloud interfered with other day operations and TAC/RS and offensive sweeps by 242 Group encountered few E/A but claimed 1 ME 109 destroyed for 1 Spitfire missing. Cite FHGCT. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN DECLASSIFIED GEN. DEANE (CC/S) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 ADM. KING BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 LOG CM-IN-8865 (15 Apr 43) 1754Z cen COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV C 41 CCWD Filed 151244A April 15, 1943 eva 1402Z URGENT BY JCS DECLASSIFIED SR LETTER. 7-5-72 DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To; War In Reply Cite: 4215, April 15, 1943 173. (To USFOR information AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18th Army Group Ad Liaison Group AFHQ Mideast Malta Adv NWAAF from G-3 Section AFHQ 4215 15 April too Nil. Part two SITREP). April 14. 1. Naval. 12th April 1 of our submarines obtained possible hit on a 2,000 ton supply ship in Gulp of Geboa. During night 12/13th April MTBS from Bone landed a Commando party on North Tunisian Coast. Party reembarked on completion of task without casualties. MTBS from Malta operated in Gulf of Hammamet, Night 13/14th April destroyers carried out sweep to Marittimo. Gap of 120 feet exists at entrance to Sousse Harbour. Berths avail- able for LCTS and 2 larger ships but approaches have not yet been swept. 2. Movements completed. 39th LAA Regt arrived Constantine from Algiers coming under command 18th Army Group. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. 3. L of C. All parachutists landed in area Laghount have now been captured. Total number was 11 and not 14 as originally stated. Action USFOR Rptd AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, 18th Army Group Hq, Liaison Group AFHQ, Mideast, Malta, Adv NWAAF for information. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CGGN ASF GEN. ADM. KING COPY. 61 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN CM-IN-8828 (15 Apr 43) 15442 cen DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356 See 34 73 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV8 86 CCWD filed 14/1800A April 14 dra 2024Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War British Mar Office GHA (info) 1st Army Advance at Constantine (info) FA (info) OG (info) EAC (info) Maison Blanche Algiors (info) Oran (info) Casablanca (info) DECLASSIFIED Malta (info) JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 Cairo (info) BY JR DATE Constantine (info) FEB 11 1974 WOUS (info) In Reply Cite: 4043 April 14, 1943 Part 3 Naval (AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group (reencipher for 2 Corps) 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom 4043 nil 14 April signed Eisenhower of ef- cite FHGBI) Photographic recce Maddalena 1000Z shows 8L8 8 inch cruiser Gorizia departed since 12 April. She was sighted 1200Z off Leghom on northeasterly course at 15 knots escorted by 2 destroyers and 4 escort vessuls. G-2 report for 24 hours ending 24002 13 April, Part 2. Bomber recce, Two aircraft reported, 1 flew west of Oran contacting at 09002 convoy northwest Oran, second aircraft reported early afternoon north Algiers. No reports recce activity from Sicily or south of France. From 2300 to 0300Z 14th April 2 aircraft active Algiers area probably search for ship- COPY No. CM-IN-8518 (15 Apr 43) 00312 ved THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED 5 SE WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiors page 2 To: War In Reply Cite: 4043 April 14, 1943 ping. Contacted by beaufighters Lere a torpodo- aircraft flying west from Sardinia 1800Z presumbly to attack shipping, Torpodoes jettisoned. One bomber claimed destroyed, no reports long range bomber activity received. Between 1500 and 1600 Z about 40 JU 52's arrived Tunis. General. Enemy fighters active in defense airfields southwest Tunis. Few interceptions of allied aircraft reported. Encountered in early afternoon over Oudna landing ground were 3 FW 190's and 3 ME 109's. Defensive patrols against Allied raids and sweeps flown in Mateu sector. Italian fighters more active lately. Dive bombers and fighter bombers made 60 serties to attack our forward troops (correction read part 2 Air (4-84)). No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-8-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-8518 (15 Apr 43) 0031Z ved SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECL ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 83 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 14/1750A 4-14-43 mej 2007Z URGENT From: OG Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/878, April 14, 1943 Part 3 173 (AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, 18th Army Group HQ Liaison Group, Mideast AFHQ Mata from NWAAF Adv Hq A 0/878, 14/4. April 13th) signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGT. NWA strategic AF. Night April 12/13. Wellingtons attacked Megrine Airdrom, bombs dropped in target area. 1 Wellington unable to find target so bombed docks at Tunis. P 38 carrying 1,000 pound bombs attacked cruiser Gorizia and Merchant Vessels. Direct hit and 2 near misses scored on Gorizia. 1 skip bomb passed through a Ireighter and exploded in a merchant vessel alongside. B 17 attacked Milo and Castlevetrano A/D's 50 to 80 A/C parked each A/D both targets well covered with frag bombs, 4 single engined A/C reported destroyed, 2 probables 2 damaged. 3 B 17 shot down by flak and fighters. B 25 attacked Oudna ASSD target well covered 2 FW 190 reported destroyed and 1 plus an unidentified A/C probably destroyed. Weather and recce photo missions flown by P 38 and F 4 and 5. NWA tactical AF. Night 12/13 Bisleys attacked Megrine A/D with incendiaries delayed fuse bombs and crowfeet. Explosions and fire followed bombing. Day 13. Spits flew fighter sweeps and recce patrols over Northern Tunisia (Part 1. Part 2 coming along) 1 ME 109 destroyed 3 probably destroyed and 3 damaged. Western Desert AF night 12/13 Baltimores and Bostons bombed Marie Du Zit A/D 1 fire and 1 large explosion observed. Mitchels bombed M/T. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 111974 No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING LOG CM-IN-8496 (14 Api SEC 2345Z COPY No. ved 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B115 CCWD 1435z/15th April 15, 1943 efg 2250Z PRIORITY From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 4242 April 14, 1943 AFHQ weekly review for period ending 1200 hours 11th April. (Troopers AGWAR Mideast from G- 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 4242 14 April nil) Part 1. A X D Position German units. Four seven G R which had reached Enfidaville enroute former location Fondouk area recalled to north. I Bn again in line. II Bn stated to be in support. IV Support Bn apparently continued journey south and identified in Pichon area. Reserves in north thus again reduced to II oblique 754 I R and II oblique 756 Mtn I R. Units Medjez area reinforced by 24 March Bn reduced to 2 company strength as result of casualties end February. Moved from rest area Pont Du Fahs. No changes eastern Dorsale. Mixed forces Pichon Fondouk area consist of IV oblique 47 G R, 190 recon, 90th Engineers Bo, I, possible also II oblique .96 Hone I R, March Battalions 24, 27, 28. Three three fourth mobile Abteilung and possibly 50th March Battalion believed in general area. Tenth Panzer withdrawing from E1 Guettar front 6th and 7th April through Meodd Oana, directed on 8th to Faid, switched eastwards on 9th to join 21st Panzer north La Fauconnerie. Both believed in Kairouan area 10th with 580th recce, 33rd recce, II oblique 25 flak. Two one Panzer not completely disengaged from Guettar (CM-IN-9273 16 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY & DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jock DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2. Fr To: WAR In Reply Cite: 4242 April 14, 1943 front Mueller group reported captured. Composition possibly 104 A P G R, part 5 Tank Regt, part 155 & R. One five Panzer and 90 Light withdrawn in coastal sector. All P G Regiments heavily engaged. Prisoners also identify 115 P G R in Kairouan area 11th. One five Panzer to receive tank reinforcements on 9th. Possibly from 501st Battalion whose loca- tions during week unknown, Kasta 0 B moved rear de- tails to Sousse 6th. Located on road northwest Kairouan 11th. One Battalion P G R Afrika with 10 M oblique c Bn and 580th Recce. Para 1 B. No indications strengths or tank state, Para 2 I. Disposition Italian units. No change Superga. Five zero Brigade and 132 Anti Tank Regiment presumed in dissolution. Part 2. Will follow. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-9273 (16 Apr 43) 0628Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY sr DATE FEB 111974 COPY No54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CYTHER NAVAL MESSAGE T.O.O. 142002 IN Received: 17th Apr.43 Time # 0525 Addressed: Admiralty Repeated 1 C. in C. Levant B.A.D. Weshington DECLASSIFIED JCS MEMO, 1-17-78 F.O.C. Gib.. BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 V.A. Malta F.O.S. COMNAVNAW H.Q.N.W.A.A.F. COMMORSEAFRON From 1 C. in C. l'ed. BASEGRAM Situation Report Number 79. During night 11/12 April destroyers of force Q carried out sweep to Marettimo and destroyers of force K operated in Gul of Hammamet. F.T.B.'s from Bone proceede to search in vicinity of Bizerta Roads. 2. During night 12/13 April M.T.B.'s from Bone len small Commando Party on North Tunisian Coast. Party re- emberked on completion of task without casualties. P.T.P from Kalta were operating in Gulf of Hammamet. 3. During night 13/14 April destroyers of force K carried out sweep to Merettimo, 4. H.F.S. TRIDENT obtained possible Hit on 2000 ton supply ship in Gulf of Genoa at 1415/12. F.K. 142002A Admirel Air Mershall Gen. Macready COMINÇH (2) C.O.P. Plans N.I. Lt. Col. Cook S.0.(0) Personal S.O. N.Y.C.S. Brigadier Bedman (8) VEM DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #172 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 21 14/0810A INCOMING MESSAGE 4-14-43 CCWD 1623Z mej URGENT From: GHA Algiers To: War London-USFOR British War Office Algiers DECLASSIFIED Cairo JC8 LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY Malta SR DATE Ouidja In Reply Cite: 0/654, April 14, 1943 SITREP Number 172 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours, 13th April. (From 18th Army Group number 0/654 dated 14 to Troopers pass USFOR, AGWAR, Freedom, Governor Malta - Personal for FM Viscount Gort, Mideast 5th Army Rptd Jacques, 242nd Group Bone Area for SOIS HQ L of C12 ASO NAYAF Tactical Bomber Force Advance NGAF, for Colonel McDonald A22 US Corps 1st Army Pine C rpt 8th Army. Part 1) From AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 begins. Section 1. 8 early. During the Aday our patrols moved forward and forward troops moved North and made contact with the enemy in the Enfidaville position X, (A) 10th Corps. Patrols moved forward making contact with the enemy along general line P 3582 P 2980 P 2378 P 1472(1474)P 0375 o 9474. 5 NZ BDE and 8th Armd Bde Area P 3475 (3075) with 4th Light Armd Bde covering left flank. 6 NZ Bde area Akeurda P 55. 50th Division 4 Indian Division and 7th Armd Division under command 10th Corps and moving forward. (Y). 30th Corps. Nothing to report. Section 2. South East Algeria. Nothing to report. Section 3, 2nd United States Corps. Nothing CM-IN-8454 (14 Ap SEC COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED .0.12256 See 0,4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: GHA Algiers Page #2 To: War London-USFOR British War Office Algiers Cairo Malta Ouidja In Reply Cite: 0/654, April 14, 1943 to report. Section 4. 9th Corps, concentration of 9th Corps in area Kesra 0 4540 is reported to be complete. This report so far unconfirmed by 9th Corps. Section 5. 1st Army. (A), 19th Corps. Eastern Dorsale now reported clear of enemy Southwards from Karachoum 0 8368. Advance continues and has reached DJ Sefsouf 0 8778 still in contact with the onemy. (B). 5th Corps. 78th Division. Night 12/13 April 2 platoons patrolled to DJ Bou Diss J 5244 withdrew after repeated counter attacks and having suffered some casualties. At 1030 hours Battalion of 4th Division reached high ground J 4156 and were then counter attacked. (2nd and last cipher part follows) they withdrew to J 3955 and were there reinforced by another Battalion and although casualties were suffered attack was held, Patrols of 46th Division report no contact J 2969. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CG AAF JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CGGN BY SR , DATE FEB 1974 GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING LOG COPY No. 54 CM-IN=84ASING OF OF THERESAGE IS FORMDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE QV B85 CCWD Filed 1855A/14 Apr. 14, 1943 ACM 2017 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR London (Action) War, British War Office, Oudjda French Morrocco GHA, NPY, Cairo, Malta and OG (Information) in Reply Cite: 4073, April 14, 1943. SITREP 172 Part 2 April 13 para 1. (USFOR information AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18 Army Group WaL Hq Liaison Group AFBQ Mideast Malta Adv NWAAF from Freedom 4073 TOO nil 14 Apr). Naval. No reports. Para 2. 5th Army CP 3rd Inf Div closes Port Lyautey and opens Port Aux Poules RU 89 1200 hours 14th April. Para 3. L of C.Railroad M 9697 demolished by paratroops night 12/13th April, repairs effected 1730 hrs. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. Three captured. Search continues. Fourteen paratroops dropped Area Laghouat XC 68 April 11th. One Ita- lian Captain captured 11th April and 8 Italians captured 13th April Area Ain Elibel SX 94. Search continues. Para 4. Movements completed. Seventy sixth HAA Regt arrived Constantine from Algiers. Move- ments commenced. Thirty ninth LAA Regt departed from Algiers for LeKef. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN DECLASSIFIED GEN DEANE (CC/S) JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 A IM KING BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 LOG COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN CM-IN-8473 (14 Apr 43) 2304Z ved DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SPORET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 18 INCOMING MESSAGE Filed 1410152 April 14, 1943 eva 1213Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMEME $583, April 14, 1943 Forward patrols contacted enemy positions April 13th along general line P 3582 P 2980 P 2378 P 1472 P 0375 o 9474. 5th New Zealand Brig and 8th Armd Brig area P 3075 with 4th LT Armd Brig covering left flank. 6th New Zealand Brig area Akouda P 5558. 50th Div 4th Ind Div and 7th Armd Div now under command 10th Corps and moving forward area, From Brereton. RAF fighter bombers and fighters carried out offensive patrols forward areas inter- mittently during day. Fighters covered Sfax bound convoy April 13th, During night 12th 13th 53 light bombers and 50 heavy bombers attacked Marie Du Zit west Korba south and Tename main landing grounds. 18 medium bombers attacked roads Enfidaville area at dusk. From above operations 1 heavy bomber missing. 9th Air Force 13th, Bomber Command carried out mission of 20 bombers on Caneania Harbor. Only 4500 lbs of bombs dropped target area account clouds. Report not yet received 12th Group. No report from 57th and 79th Groups, No Sig DECLASSIFIED / ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 E. O. 11652, See. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) CG AAF OSD loster, May, 3, 1972 GEN. DEANE (CC/S) By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-8219 (14 Apr 43) 1358Z cen GEORET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE rQVC13 WDCC Filed 14/1135A April 14, 43 sen 1357Z URGENT From: Algiers DECLASSIFIED To: War JCS LETTER, 7-8-72 BY SR . DATE FEB 11 1974 In reply cite: 3928 April 14, 1943 Land. Operations. Enemy counterattacked strongly in areas J 3758 (action AGWAR, Troopers information 18th Army Group (18th Army Group re-encipher for 2nd Corps), 1st Army, 2nd Corps, Adv NAAP, EAC 12th Air Force, MBS, ABS, Malta, Adv Liaison Grp AFHQ, 5th Army, Mideast from G+2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 3928 undated) and J 4156 during morning and regained positions on high ground dominating Sidi Nsir station, Enemy subsequently aban+ doned rentun J 3661. No activity reported other Northern Sectors, Enemy contacted 0 8778. Withdrawal from Eastern Dorsale therefore presumed complete. No reports enemy activity in Djobibina-Enfidaville sector. Now known 15 and 17 Bns 31 Italian Tank Regt (Centauro) engaged in Kairouan area 9 and 10 April operating with 334 Mo- bile Abteilung. Heavy casualties suffered. 0-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400z 13 April. Identification. One Bn 47 Gr J 4944, 6 Tp 2 Bn 22 AR J 4155. Confirmatory. Technical, 334 Mobile Abteilung reported using 75 MM PAK guns on Czech T 38 and French Lorraine chassis. Former mistaken for Mark 6 tank. AGWAR for WDGBI Troop- ers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. General, Enemy now on Jofna-Sidi Nair-Heidous line, determined main- tain this in face strong Allied pressure. In Enfida- ville position development of line continues. This likely to be enemy's usin preoccupation as rapid strengthening of position will enable some formation to be withdrawn for regrouping. no sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD SECRET DEANE (CC/S) COPY No. OF THIS 16352 MESSAGE IS cen FORBIDDEN 51 ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB10 INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC Filed 13/1648A April 14, 1943 oen 04362 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY. SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: War In reply cite: 3720 April 14, 1943 In the plains to the south of it PJ (message to Troopers rptd USFOR Mideast Britman Washington Armindia Delhi Paic Landforces Melbourne Dechiefs Pretoria Dechiefs Capetown Force Nairobi from G-3 Section AFHQ 3720 12 April 1943 nil) 6. Naval. Bad weather caused the postpone- ment of several projected operations by light craft. Our submarines on patrol have sunk two enemy mer- chant vessels of 4500 tons and 2000 tons respect- ively. A Naval party entered Sfax on 10th April and found the channel was blocked and quays blown up at intervals of 40 yards, but by PM 11th chan- nel had been partially cleared and three berths were available in harbor. Destroyers from Bone carried out sweep night 11th/12th April to Marittimo but sighted nothing. 7. Air. On 9th April all bombing missions of the strategic air force were cancelled owing to weather. On 10th April heavy bombers made three attacks on the harbor at La Maddalena, on the north coast of Sardinia, and several direct hits were scored on two Italian cruisers, one of which was sunk and one severely damaged. Fighters and bombers intercepted large formations of enemy transport air- craft and destroyed 40 of them. Airdromes in Sardinia were bombed night 10th/11th April. On 11th April 29 further enemy transport aircraft were destroyed and successful attacks were made on the harbors of Tunis, Marsala and Trapani. CM-IN-8214 (14 Apr 43) COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED SECRET 0 Page 2 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: Algiers To: MESSAGE In INCOMING The tactical air force concentrated on re- treating enemy transport and troop concentrations especially in the area of Enfidayille. Large num- bers of enemy vehicles were destroyed and on many occasions enemy transport columns apeeared to be completely disorganized, Successful fighter sweeps were carried out in northern Tunisia and many enemy aircraft were destroyed. 8. Political. Nothing to report, no sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF GEN. DEANE (CC/S) CM-IN-8214 (14 Apr 43) 1352Z cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT V COR of THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN COPY No. 51 DECLASSIFIED E.O 12356 See 3.4 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 59 CCWD filed 14/0820A April 14 dm 1516Z URGENT From: GHA Algiers To: British War Office USFOR War Algiers Malta Cairo Ouidja In Reply Cite: 0/654 April 14, 1943 3269-3676-3872. Night 12/13 April the relief of 138 Bde by 47 Combat Team was completed. Section 6. Air. Throughout the 24 hours (second and last cipher part of 0/654 from 18 Army Group. Addressees as in part 1) Attacks on enemy landing grounds and offensive fighter sweeps continued Night 12/13 light bombers of the Tactical Air Force combined with medium bombers of the Western Desert in a heavy attack on these enemy landing grounds mainly used as terminals for air transport aircraft. Many fires and explosions seen delay action bombs used in large numbers Hurricanes also straffed MT in Tunis area. One missing. Day 13th. Attack on landing groups continued by medium and light bombers. Fighters in offensive sweeps and escorts over forward area met some fighter opposition later in day destroying 1 ME 109 probably destroying 3 (*). DECLASSIFIED E. O. and 5(D) or (E) No Sig OSD leaser, May, 1, 1972 (*)Being serviced. By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CGGN ADM KING OCORENNEANE THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF, 21082 THIS MESSAGE IS FORRIDDEN ved 58 CM-IN-8402 (14 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 #171 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 90 CCWD filed 2027A/13 April 13, 1943 fb 2213 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR (action) WAR-British War Office-Oudjda French Morocco- Cairo-GHA-WFEK-Malta-OG (info) In Reply Cite: 3849 April 13, 1943 (Action USFOR rptd AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Gp HQ, Liaison Group AFHQ, Molta, Adv NWAAF for information from G-3 section AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 3849 13th April TOO nil) Part 2 SITREP number 171 dated 12th April. Part 1. Naval. Channel into Sfax cleared by afternoon 11th April for width of 60 feet, Depth of water 18 feet, Three berths available in harbour. Four destroyers from Bone carried out sweeps to Karittimo but did not sight anthing. Para 2. Movements nil. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF MXSR I DATE FEB 11 1974 CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/8) 54 ADM KING CM-IN- 7775 SECRET) 0002Z COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED #171 SECHET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 7 CCWD 13/2300A 4/13/43 mc 0318Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 171 April 13, 1943 Part 1 SITREP no 171 for 24 hours ending 1800 hours 12 April. ( from 18 Army Group 0/587 April 12 too 2300 -) to Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Nalta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for Sois Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAG Tactical Bomber Force con area for Adv NAAF ( for Col McDonald A 2 ) 2 US Corps First Army 9 Corps from AFHQ signed C in C. 1. Section 1. Eighth Army. (A) 30 Corps. No change in dispositions. (B) 10 Corps. Our forward troops entered Sousse at 0800 hours and no contact with the enemy was re- ported. Patrol line Sousse P 5953 Hamman P 5557 K 5352 P 2433. Section 2. South East Algeria. NTR Section 3. 2 US Corps. 9 US Inf Div Con- tinued movement to new location clearing of battle- fields continued in all areas. Section 4. 9 Corps. Prisoners taken by 26 armd bde still coming in increasing yesterdays total of 8 660 (643--1 76(262) armd bde moved to Sbikhj this morning and have reached a point 2000 yds north of the village where they are delayed by minefields. No resistance encountered. Contact was CM-IN-7515 (13 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE No. FEB 11 1974 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE™... 2 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 171 April 13, 1943 established with the French at 0 8843 and with 8th Army 4 miles north of Lai Rousn. 34 US Div. NTR. Section 5. First Army. (A). 19 Corps. Mopping up of Dj Ousselat completed yesterday. Movement forward continues. (B), 5 Corps. 10 Inf. bde continues to push NE and FWD troops have now reached J 3835. Section 6. Air. Follows later. Part 2 follows. Cite FHG * - Omissions Being Serviced. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG MAY CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING LOG CM-IN-7515 (13 Apr 43) 1312Z flv DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 111974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 171 WAR DEPARTMENT YQV CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD 152 INCOMING MESSAG 13, 1943, URGENT From: Algiers To: War IN Reply Cite: 0595 April 13, 1943, For 24 hours ending 2359 hours 12 Apr. (from 18 Army Group number 0 595 dated 13 Apr. TOO 0810A, To Troopers for USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Kalta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for BOIS Bq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force Adv NAAF for Col McDonald A 22 US Corps 1st Army 9 Corps. Part 1 SITREP number 171). From AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 continues. Section 1 8th Army, Patrole moved forward slightly during afternoon and made contact with small enemy rearguards, (A) 30 Corps. NTR (B). "L" force now under command 4 Light Armd Bde. (C) 10 Corps 2 NZ Div and 8 Armed Bde concentrating area Sousse. Patrols T 2 XZ Div Cavalry (T) P 5460 (T) P 4760 and (T) 4655. 12 Lancers Patrols to (T) P 3848 and (T) P 3248. Section 49 Corps, Follows later. Section 6. Air. Continued successful attacks made by medium hombers of Tactical Air Force against forward landing g ounda in Enfidaville-Bridgehead. Bisleys during night of 11/12 attacked St Marie Du Zit. Bostons and Mitchells attacked St Marif Du Zit and Oudnar during day 12th. Results were good. Fighters provided escort to bombers of Tactical Bomber Force as well as stratigical Air Force 3ombers on their attack against enemy ports and shipping. Little enemy air opposition vas on countered. 1 FW 190 was destroyed 7 ME 109s and 2 FW 190p damaged for the loss of 1 Spitfire and pilot during the days operations. Western Desert. During night 11/12 Baltimores Wellingtons Halifaxes and DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CM-IN-7638 (13 Apr 43) BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0 595 April 13, 1943. Albacores attacked St Marie Du Zit from last light. Many fires were seen and 1 building was blown up. 1 Wellington is missing, During day 12 fighters carri end of continuation part 1. Part 2 follows. Cits FHGCT. * Being Serviced. No Sig. FOOTNOTE: WD CMC invites attention to CM-IN-7515 and 7610 (4-13-43) CCS ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/8) ADM KING CM-IN-7638 (13 Apr 43) 1929Z ved DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 ... WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 9 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 13/0530A 4/13/43 mc 1727Z CORRECTED COPY URGENT DECLASSIFIED From: Algiers JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 ---- To: War BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 In Reply Cite: Y 5243 April 13, 1943 Part 1 sitrep no 171 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 12. ( From 18 Army Group 0/589 April 13 TOO 0515A. To Troopers Pass for USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for SOIS Bq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force KGN area for Adv NAAF ( for Col McDonald A (2) 2 US Corps 1st Army 9 Corps ) From AFHQ signed C in C. 1 Section 1. 8th Army. Follows later. Section 2. South East Algeria. Follows later. Section 3. 2 US Corps. 1 US Armd Div concentrated Sbeitla Area. 1 US Inf Div concen- trating Morsott. 9 Div moving to 5 Corps sector, Section 4. 9 Corps. Follows Later. Section 5 Clearing of the Western Dorsale by 19 Corps continues and French troops are pushing north from Karachoum 0 8468 to regain contact. In the advance NE from Beja contact has been made with enemy positions SW of SI Nsir J 4159. (A) 19 Corps. Dj Bou Dabouss o 8254 Dj Teuils o 8163 Dj Belloute 0 8467 Karachoum o 8468 all occu- pied with little opposition. Advance continues in all sectors, (B). 5 Corps. 1 Div patrols made no contact 54 CM-IN-7691 (13 SEOR COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: Y 5243 April 13, 1943 in the Goubellat area, 78 Div. Patrols north of Chaouach made no contact in area J 5443 J 5243 J 5245 but ob erved activity J 5445 4 Div. 12 Inf Bde posit- ions area J 4750 were under arty fire and MG fire from west and SE. 10 Inf Bde advance astride road towards Si Nsir came under MG and mortar fire from north and NE. Enemy positions area J 3960 being attacked. 46 Div patrol attacked enemy MG posts J 3470 some casualties believed inflicted. Section 6. Air. Follows later. End of continuation part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-7691 (13 Apr 43) 2128Z ce JCS DECLASSIFIED LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY SR , DATE 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 49 INCOMING MESSAGE.com Filed 1443A/13 Apr 13, 1943 amr 1633Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In reply cite: A 0819, April 13, 1943 Signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT. (AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18th Army Group Liaison Gp Mideast AFHQ Malta from NWAAF Adv. Hq A 0819, 13/4, April 12 Part 3 171) NWA Strategic Air Force. Night April 11/12, Wellingtons attacked troops M/T and A/C in Enfidaville zaghouan and Bou Ficha areas. 20 tons bombs dropped. Hits on L/G and X-roads fires started at Enfidaville. I Wellington missing. Day 12. B17 Fortresses attacked shipping Sicilian Straits Bizerte and Trapani. Hits and near misses on M/V and large tanker. fires started on quay Bizerte. One ME 109 destroyed 6 probables 5 damaged. B25 Mitchells escorted by fighters attacked L/G at St Marie Duzit and Oudna. Targets well covered several fires started. NWA Tactical AF. Night 11/12. Bisleys attacked L/G St Marie Duzit, Target well straddled. Day 12. Numerous fighter sweeps and escort Sorties flown. One FW 190 destroyed and 6 ME 109 and 1 FW 190 damaged. Western Desert AF. Night 11/12. Wellingtons Halifazes Baltimores and Albacores attacked St Marie Duzit L/G causing 19 fires. One building blew up one Wellington is missing. Spits flew few offensive patrols but saw no E/A. NWA Coastal AF. Night 11/12. Usual C/V escort and anti U/B missions flown. Defensive patrols carried out by fighters. 1 JU 88 destroyed. Beaufighters DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-7624 (13 Apr 43) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BYSR DATE 51 9 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356. Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: War In reply cite: A 0819, April 13, 1943 patrolled Algiers and Bone area and intruded over Sardinia 1 Beaufighter crashed into sea crew safe. Day 12. C/V escort patrols and U/B hunts flown. 1 JU 88 destroyed. Marauders flew armed recce Sicilian Channel and approaches Naples 1 Marauder missing (action USFOR information all addresses). No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF GEN DEANE (CC/S) LOG CM-IN-7624 (13 Apr 43) 1839Z ved DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-78 MYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 GEORST 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 7 Filed 12/2300Z CCWD AR April 13 1450Z URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: WAR No. 0/587 In reply cite: SITREP No. 171, April 12, 1943 (The following are corrected sentences previously sent to you containing garbles.) Prisoners taken by 26 Armd Bde still coming in in- creasing yesterdays total of 669. 76 (262) Armd Bde moved to Sbikhj this morning and have reached a point 2000 yds North of the village where they are delayed by minefields. No resistance encountered. Contact was established with the French at 0 8843 and with 8th Army 4 miles North of Lairouan. 34 US Div. NTR. Section 5, First Army. (A) 19 Corps. Mopping up of D,1 Ousselat completed yesterday. Move- ment forward continues. (B) 5 Corps. 10 Inf Bde continues to push NE and twd troops have now reached J 3835. Section 6. Air. Follows later. End of Part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig FOOTNOTE: Supplementary Copy of CM-IN-7515 (4-13-43)OPD ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION: G-2 JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CG AAF BY SR. DATE FEB 11 1974 CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADV. SE COPY No. 54 P5 COPY MESSAGE FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YOV B67 Filed 1311A/13 INCOMING MESSAGE April 14, 1943 rlw 1831 Z CORRECTION PRIORITY From: Algiers To: British War Office War - USFOR London (Information) In Reply Cite: 3684, April 13, 1943 Read as omission at beginning of message: And by the end of the week the hill had been captured. Para 2. (To Troopers info. To AGWAR USFOR From G-3 Section AFHQ 3684 12th Apr TOO nil). Location statement. Eighth Army with Tactical Hq at U 5907 consists of 30th Corps U 5505 and 10th. Corps U 2851. No Sig FOOTNOTE: Supplementary copy to CM-IN-7905 (14 Apr 43) OPD. ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION: G-2 BY SR DATE 7-5-7 FEB 11 1974 JCS LETTER, CG AAF CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING CM-IN-8506 (14 Apr 43) 2355Z ved COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 33 CCWD Filed 14402/13 Apr 13, 1943 amr 17592 OPERATIONAL PRIORITY DECLASSIVED E. O. 11680, See S(E) end 5(D) or (E) OSD loctor, May, 3, 1972 From: Cairo By SLR Date, FEB 11 1974 To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5567, April 13, 1943 Patrols moved forward slightly during after- noon 12th and made contact with small enemy rearguard. Patrols 2nd New Zealand Cav P 5460 P 4760 P 4655 with 8th Armd Brig and New Zealand Div concentrated Sousse. 12th Lancers P 3848 P 3248. L force, under command 4th Light Armd Brig, on left flank with patrols west of Sebkra Kelbia P 25 in contact with 6th Armd Div. Forward troops entered Sousse 800 hrs GCT 12th (from Brereton). Night 11/12th, 19 light and 60 medium RAF bombers attacked Mariesu Zit landing ground K 2314. Over 40 aircraft reported on ground. Several fires caused on landing ground. 1 heavy bomber missing. Day 12th fighters carried out few interception patrols forward areas but no contact made. 9th Air Force April 12th. 2 squadrons 376th Group of Bomber Command dropped 63 bombs 500 lbs each on Cosenza and 9 bombs 500 lbs each on Crotone by 6 and 1 bombers respectively. Bombs fell in rail- way yard and adjacent building. 2 squadrons 376th Group Bomber Command dropped 15,500 ibs of bombs on Naples primary target and 6,000 lbs of bombs on Pizzo secondary target. Results Naples unobserved due weather. Results Pizzo hit harbor installations next to wharfs. One MC 202 damaged. 6 bombers 178th Squadron RAF dropped 24,000 lbs of bombs on Palermo and 12,000 lbs of bombs on Messina, results unobserved account clouds. 12th Group report not yet received. CM-IN-7661 (13 Apr 43) 26 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Cairo Page 2 To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5567. April 13, 1943 57th and 79th Groups report no operations. Delayed report April 11th 18 bombers 98th Group dropped 108,000 lbs of bombs and incendiaries on Naples. Bombs seen to hit in target area. Incendiaries G2 Dist. Action dropped over town. 3 enemy aircraft destroyed Info 5 probable. 1B 24 destroyed over target pilot MC and 4 non seen to bail out. 18 bombers 12th Group STRONG dropped 31,500 lbs of bombs on concentration of KRONER motor transport target area. 2 B 25's lost 1 crew. BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR No Sig E-A FE NA LA COLL ACTION: OPD SPEC. GEOG. INFORMATION: G-2 TRNG CG AAP JSC EO FS PER DECLASSIRED CC E. O. 11602, 100 and MD) or (E) FIN OED busing May, L 1972 POW By SLR Date FEB 111974 REC. FL CIG no CM-IN-7661 (13 Apr 43) 2014Z MCS ONI WH M.I.8. JOURNAL NO.29 8APR13 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB43 CCWD 0815/13 1915z BMS April 13 URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/595 April 13, 1943 During day 12 fighters carried out patrols but saw no enemy. End of continuation part 1, Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT Note: Read portion being serviced at end of message as, above. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAP CGGN DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 GEN. DEANE (CC/S) BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 ADM KING CM-IN-7876 (14 Apr 43) 0306Z CW 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC42 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 1723/13 1934z BMS April 13 URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 3773 April 13, 1943 Off Algerian Coast 5 enemy bomber recce of which 1 destroyed by our fighters (AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF ABS ABS Malta Madeast Adv Liaison Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI 3773 North Djidjelli 0900Z and 2 operated West to Oran with the westbound convoy encountered off Cape Tenez morning by our fighters later damaged 4th enemy aircraft detected north of Algiers 1500Zifrom Sicily as far AS Algiers usual weather flight morning. Between 2330z and about 0300z 13 Apr recce aircraft operated Algiers- Oran, Over northwest Mediterranean a number enemy aircraft reported morning. Nothing received on bombing activity over west Mediterranean for period covered. Arriving Tunisia during daylight 11th April about 60 N 52 transports and 9,6 engines planes. Claiming to have destroyed 29 JU 52's ours encountered 3 formations of which 2 heading northeast and 1 towards Tunis during morning. General, Continuing on high level was enemy air activity Tunisia with main effort diverted to southern front where our advance elements during morning and afternoon were attacked by enemy dive bombers and fighter bombers. Above air fields (if Oudna and St Marie Du Zit were continuous enemy protective patrols which performed many interception sorties against our sweeps and raids. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CM-IN-7754 (13 Apr 43) BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ACCIFIED SECHET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 from Algiers No 3773 Preceeding part two air of G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 12 April. Part 3 Naval. Nothing to report. G2 Dist. Action Info MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS AIR B-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC EO PER. IDC ACTION: G-2 VIN POW INFORMATION: OPD REC. CG AAF VL CIG no CM-IN-7754 (13 Apr 43) 2324Z C ONI WH DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR. DATE FEB 11 1974 APR14 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV UC 2 Filed 13/2359 NCOMING MESSAGE1943 esf 0740Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY BECLASSIFIED of E. O. 11652, Sec. S(B) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 1972 From: Hq 12th Air Force, Algiers By SLR FEB I1 1974 Date To : AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0866, April 13, 1943 26 B-17's escorted by 26 P-38's attacked convoy in Sicilian Straits and 296-500 pound bombs were dropp- ed from 15,500 feet. (From Spaatz Hq NAAF Adv to Arnold) One merchant vessel possibly hit. One near miss on small merchant vessel. The formation was engaged by enemy air- craft of which 1 destroyed, 6 probably destroyed and 5 damaged. 18 B-25's escorted by 24 Spitfires dropped 204- 100 pound bombs from 9,000 feet on St Marie Du Zit Air- drome. Fighters damaged 3 ME 109's when engaged. Eigh- teen B-25's escorted by 36 Spitfires dropped 180-100 pound bombs from 9/10,000 feet same Airdrome. 18 B-25's escorted by 36 Spitfires dropped 216-100 pound bombs from 9/10,400 feet on Oudna Airdrome. 27 B-17's escorted by 33 P-38's and 24 Spitfires dropped 324-500 pound bombs from 25,000 feet on Bizerte. 1 medium vessel hit, Numerous hits on quay and in town. 18 B-17's bombed Trapani with 239-300 pound bombs from 23,000 feet. Hits observed on large tank and among 25 barges. Fire and smoke rose to 1,500 feet. Coastal carried out usual patrols. 1 JU 88 destroyed. Fighters carried out several sweeps. Operations at reduced scale due moving to forward Airdrome. Night 11/12 fifteen Welling- tons dropped an assortment from 3/7,000 feet on motor trans- port and troop concentration near Enfidaville and on St Marie Du Zit Airdrome.1 Wellington missing. 14 Bisleys bombed St Marie Du Zit from 6,000 feet, well covering the Airdrome. Statistics: Sorties: 76 B-17's, 72 B-25's, 12 A-20's, 49 P-39's, 111 P-38's, 25 American Spitfires, 7 Recce P-38's, 15 Wellingtons, 15 Bisleys, 23 Beaufighters, 12 Hudsons, 3 Marauders, 2 Swordfish, 206 Spitfires, 21 Hurricanes. CM-IN-8257 (14 Apr GRORET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER OPERATIONAL INCOMING MESSAGE From: Hq 12th Air Force, Algiers Page 2. To 5. AGWAR In Reply Cite; 0866, April 13, 1943 Losses: 1 Beaufighter, 1 Bisley, destroyed; 1 Marauder, damaged. 1 Mitchell, 1 Hurricane, 1 Wellington missing; 1 B-25 Victories: 1 ME 109, 2 JU 88's, FW 190, destroyed; 4 ME 109's, 2 unidentified aircraft probably destroyed; 3 ME 109's, 2 FW 190's, 5 unidentified aircraft damaged. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF GEN. DEANE (CC/S) CM-IN-8257 (14 Apr 43) 15452 cen BECLASSIFIED E O. 11652, Sec. 1(R) and 6(D) of (R) OSD luter, May, 1, 1972 FEB 11 1974 By SLR Date 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ACCIEIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B63 CCWD Filed 1610A/13 Apr. 13, 1943 ACM 1908 Z URGENT WAZ G2 Dist. Action Info. From: Algiers MC \ To: War and British War Office STRONG (Info: To all interested stations) KRONER In Reply Cite: 3725, April 13, 1943. BRATTON < SIT. At P 1643. (Second and last cipher part 3725 CURR. 13th). Yesterdays identification 115 Pgr in Kairouan DISS. Area 11th April confirmed by PW from 1st and 2nd Bns AIR indicating operations 15th Panzer Division this area E-A in addition 10 and T 1. Now believed small rein- FE forcements tanks provided to 15th Panzer by 2nd Bn NA 5th Tank Regiment. Italian. Grodo Marine Bn 0 74. LA Two fourth Bersaglieri Bn o 82. General. Prisoners COLL. evidence indicates reduced strength many front line SPEC. units in North. Also enemy inability create reserve GEOG. this area or divert units to other sectors. Evidence TRNG rearguards North Djebibina suggests withdrawa1 all ISC units from Eastern Dorsale probably complete. Enemy E0 engaged in defensive preparations on new line. With- FS drawal has resulted in considerable losses and dis- PER. organization. Total prisoners 20th March to 10th CC April all fronts approximately 22,000 Italians 6,000 FIN. Germans. POW REC. FL No Sig CIG Action: G-2 ПС DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 JNI Information: OPD WH CG AAF BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-7702 (13 Apr 43) 2153Z ce NO.31 6APR13 1943 SECHET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 25 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 88 CCWD filed 1549A/13 Apr 13, 1943 LB 2225Z See page From: Algiers To: WAR British War Office (info) USFOR (action) In Reply Cite: 3720, April 13, 1943. 9th to 11th April. « To Troopers information rptd USFOR Mideast Britman Washington Armindia Delhi Paic Land Forces Melbourne Dechiefs Pretoria Dechiefs Capetown Force Nairobi from G-3 Section AFHQ 3720, 12th Apr TOO nil. Summary of operations)). LINREP 37. 18th Army. The pursuit northwards continued with the 30 Corps advancing on the axis of the Gabes-Sfax road and the 10 Corps directed on Bou Thadi U 36. Mahares was occupied after some enemy resistance on 9th April while to the west the enemy was driven north of the Sfax-Sbeitla road. Our forces continued to advance and the same even- ing contacted a strong and stubborn enemy rearguard which was guarding the approaches to Sfax. Further inland a confused armored engagement took place about 40 miles west of Sfax on the road to Faid. Sfax was occupied early on the 10th April. Little opposition was encountered throughout the day and by even- ing forward patrols had reached a general line running east and west through E1 Djem. The pursuit continued on 11th April and by nightfall our patrols were 8 miles from Sousse. No contact was reported during the day. Sousse was occupied at 0830 A 12th April. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT action Troopers pass to HM Ambassa- dor Madrid for US Ambassador Madrid, Resident Minister Achimota, Britmilat Ankara for Marshall Chakmak, defender Wellington for Puttick. DECLASSIFIED (CM-IN-8139 14 Apr 43) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR Page 2 In Reply Cite: 3720, April 13, 1943 2.2 Corps after armored patrols made contact with 8th Army 7th April 2 Corps was ordered to stay west of Y 90 grid line. 2 Corps then turned north to clear enemy from Djebel Chemsi and Djebel Ben Kreir. Clearance of the battlefield was continued including removing mines from Faid Pass which is now open to traffic. Armd patrols moving north from Faid and to the east of the ridge have made contact with 9 Corps in the Fondouk area. 3. 9th Corps. The Combined British and American Forces under command 9 (Br) Corps consisting of British 6th Armd Div, US 34th Inf Div, Wn Inf Brigade and some Churchill tanks continued their attack on the Fondouk Gap with the mission of permitting the 6th Armd Div to pass through to the Kairouan area continued- ) No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-78 BYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-8139 (14 Apr 43) 1103Z ems SECRETA COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MI 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE 87 WDCC led 13/1409A April 14 143 en 03302 From: Algiers To: war In reply cite: 3720 April 13, 1943 Where it could threaten the enemy L of C (second part of message to Troopers rptd USFOR Mideast Britman Washington Armindia Delhi Paie Landforces Melbourne Dechiefs Pretoria Dechiefs Cupetown Force Nairobi from G-3 Section AFHQ 3720 12 Apr) and inflict losses on any retreat from the south. The hills to the north of Fondouk were occupied during the afternoon of 9th April. In the face of strong opposition Engineers and Inf cleared a gap in the minefield enabling our armored forces to pass through the gap to the east during the night 7th-10th April. Good progress vas made during 10th April and in the evening an armored battle was in progress to the south of Kairouan. The enemy with- drow in the north during the night 10th/11th April. On 11th April Kairouan was occupied and con- tact vas made with advanced patrols of 8th Army to the town, Our armored forces quickly followed up the retreating enemy. Twenty five enemy tanks were engaged 12 miles north west of Kairouan and 10 were des- troyed. 4. First Army. French troops protected the north flank of 9th Corps by advancing and capturing Djobel Ousselat to the northeast of Pichon. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and several hundred prisoners have been captured. The limited attack in the area north of Cued Zarga was success= fully completed on 9th April our forces having ad- vanced 5 miles over a 10 mile front to the line Cha- DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-0-72 CM-IN-8194 (14 Apr 43) BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 12356 See Page 2 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: Algiers To: INCOMING MESSAGE In reply cite! 3720 April 13, 1943 ounch J 5240-J 4650-S1 Achour J 3848. Operations continued to improve our new positions. A further attack was launched 11th April northeast of Beja towards Mateur; No opposition was encountered but progress was slow due to enemy nines and by even- ing our troops had reached three miles southwest of Sidi Nsir. 5. Summary. In spite of the rapidity of the 8th Army's advance and the Allied attack through Fondouk, it appears that the enemy has succeeded in withdrawing the greater part of the German mo- bile forces to his next defensive positions along the line of hills from Djebel Fkirine to Enfida- ville, but by the loss of a large proportion of their Infantry Italian effectives are seriously reduced. This, combined with the fact that our attacks in the n rth forced the enemy to commit his reserves in that area BO that troops could not be spared for the preparation of his new defensive positions, suggests that the eneny's main preoccu- pation must now be the manning and elaboration of this line. A mobile screen 18 therefore likely to continue to operate. no sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF GEN. DEANE (CC/S) LOG CM-IN-8194 (14 Apr 43) 1311Z con DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 111974 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB91 CCWD 1311/13 2213z BMS April 13 Priority From: Algiers To: British War Office Info-USFOR War In Reply Cite: 3684 April 13, 1943 After the successful break through by 8th Army 6th 7th April the enemy forces withdrew leaving much equipment behind and our armd forces were able to pass through to link up with 8th Army (to Troopers info to AGWAR USFOR from G-3 Section AFHQ 3684 12th Apr nil) the 2nd US Corps was ordered not to move East of the Y90 grid line and moved North to clear enemy from Dj Ben Kreir and DJ Chemni. Ninth Corps. On 8th April the 9th Corps consisting of 6th Armd Div, 128th Inf Bde, and 34th US Inf Div, attacked Fondouj Gap with the purpose of forming a bridgehead through which to pass the 6th Armd Div to the area of Ehqrouan in order to threaten the enemy L of C and inflict losses on any withdrawal from the South, The 128th Inf Bde supported by Churchill tanks crossed the Lued Marguellil and after hard fighting captured DJ Houfis 082. Later the 3rd Bn Welsh, Guards captured the high ground just North of the Fondouk Gap on 9th April. The 34th US Inf Div failed to capture the village of Fondouk and the high ground to the South. Late 9th April 26th Armd Bde attacked the Gap. Engineers and the 10th Rifle Bde cleared. a gap in the minefield in the face of strong opposition and by evening the 17/21 and 16/5th Lancers passed through and moved on Kaifouan. First Army. Seving statilized the positions in the area of Sedjenane brigades were rapidly regrouped. On 7th April the 78th Div with 11th, 36th, and 38th Inf Bdes attacked North and NE between Medjez El Bab and Munchar. Good progress (CM-IN-7894 14 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 from Algiers No 3684 was made against strong opposition. Supply by mules was necessary due to the difficult mountainous terrain. By the end of the period of this report the division had advanced about 5 miles along a 10 mile front to the line Chaiusch J5240-J4650-81 Achour J3845. One thousand German prisoners were captured and severe casualties inflicted on the enemy. In the meantime the 19th Corps had the mission of capturing DJ Ousselat in order to protect the North Flank of the 9th Corps. Good progress vas made in the face of opposition. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Denne (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-7894 (14 Apr 43) 0349Z one DECLASSIFIED ≈ DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRETS COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O 12356 See 3.3.or 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV C 49 CCWD filed 13/1311A April 13 dm 2225Z PRIORITY From: Algiers DECLASSIFIED To: British War Office JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 War (info) USFOR (info) In Reply Cite: 3684 April 13, 1943 Fifth weekly summary. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. 1. Summary of operations 2 to 9 April. To Troopers info to AGWAR USFOR from G-3 section AFHQ 3684 12 Apr TOO nil) 8th Army carried out active patrolling 2nd to 6th April preparatory for attack on Akarit position. The enemy defensive position was occupied by the Pistola Div between DJ Haidoudi and Dj Beida in the West with Spezia Div. Trieste Div and the Young Fascists on the Coast. 90th Div and 164th Lt Div in reserve with 10th Pzr and 21st Pzr protecting the west flank from the threat of the 2 US Corps in the Be Guet Yr Sector. On 6th April 0415 A 30th Corps made a frontal attack with 51st Div in the east, 50th Div in the center and 4th Indian Div in the west. Attack made in dark with no moon and with complete surprise. All Divs penetrated enemys positions. Several enemy counter attacks were made gaining some ground on the 50th Div front but the Armd Regts of 8th Armd Bde were able to pass through during the afternoon. More than 5,000 prisoners were taken during the day. On the night 6-7 April the enemy withdrawal became evident. The enemy withdrew to the North with the 30th Corps pursuing on the Axis of the Gabes-Sfax Road and the 10th Corps moving on Bou Thadd U 36. Contact was made by the 8th Army and the 81st Ren COPY No. 54 (CM-IN-7905 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 14 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356 Sec. 33 or Sec 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers page 2 To: British War Office War (info) USFOR (info) In Reply Cite: 3684 April 13, 1943 Bn of the 2nd Corps for the first time the afternnon 7th April in the area 6 miles east of Sebkret S1 Mannsour Y 76, The 4th Indian Div, the 50th Div and a Brigade of the 51st Div were left to clear up the battlefield and to consolidate the Akarit position. Although rear guards fought strong actions during the retreat by 9th April the enemy had been driven north of Mahares and to the north of the Sfax-Sbeitla Road, More than 20,000 prisoners have been captured since the 1st attack on the Mareth position. Two US Corps. The 1st and 9th US Inf Divs continued attacks on the enemy positions on DJ Chemsi and DJ E1 Kreroua astride the E1 Guettar-Gabe Road but were unable to secure a bridgehead through which the armor could pass to threaten the west flank of the enemy forces in the Akarit position. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-7905 (14 Apr 43) 0406Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 34 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1558A/13 April 13, 1943 fb 1837 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR - UKW Info: To all interested stations. In Reply Cite: 3725 April 13, 1943 All activity in Northern sector on small scale, (To AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR information 18th Army Gp 1st Army II Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Gp AFHQ 1st Army pass I Armd Corps and VI Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI 3725 13th. Enemy ope- rations.) Enemy holding DJ Bou Touil J 3762 Dj El Hara J 3961 and high ground to southeast. Machine gun and mortar fire from these positions. Enemy forward positions contacted astride Sidi Nsir Oada J 3960 and J 4159. No enemy contacted north of Chouach in general area J 5443 but activity reported on DJ E1 Ang J 5546. Part 1 land of G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400 Z 12 April. Medjez Gogbellat and Bou Arada areas nothing to report. In eastern Dorsale DJ Bou Dabo SS o 8254 DJ Touila o 8063 DJ Belloute o 8467 Karachoum o 8468 cleared of enemy who offered only slight opposition. Forces on whole eastern Dorsale now probably withdrawn. No opposi- tion Sbikha area. Minefields located 1 mile north of town. Enemy rearguard now believed north Djebibina P 0478. Full results tank engagement northwest Ka Rouan 11 April indicate total prisoners 660 tanks 12 guns 15, Enemy continued withdrawal coastal sector. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-0-72 BY DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-7701 d.3SECRB COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 3725 April 13, 1943 Main force at present concentrated Enfidaville Bou Ficha. Much movement MT this area. Fdls U Del construction 0 9584-P 0083-P 0686, No further de- tails new defense line, Identifications and locations. German, Two Bn 756th Mtn IR area J 38 formerly in reserve, Three Bn 756th Mtn IR east Chaouach J 54, Both by prisoners WAR. 69th PGR located P 0190, 86th PGR P 1186, probably elements 90th AR P 0886. Prisoners war of 43rd Marsch Bn at 0 8468 PW from 961st IR. G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG No Sig KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR B-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC EO FS PER Action: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CC JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FIN. Information: OPD BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 POW CG AAF REC. 25 CIG no S CM-IN-7701 (13 Apr 43) 2153Z ce ONI ./ JOURNAL NO.31 7APR13 1948 25 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 67 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1311A/13 April 13, 1943 fb 1950 Z PRIORITY CORRECTED COPY DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-0-72 MLGR DATE FEB 11 1974 old From: Algiers To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 3684 April 12, 1943 And by the end of the week the hill had been captured. Para 2. (To Troopers info. To AGWAR USFOR G-3 section AFHQ 3684 12 Apr TOO nil). Location statement. Eighth Army with Tactical Bq at U 5907 consists of 30th Corps U 5503 and 10th Corps U 2851. Thirty Corps consists of 7th Armd Div in square U 74. Fifty Div z 1644. Fifty first Div U 8333. Fourth Indian Div Z 1147. Tenth Corps consists of 1 British Armd Div U 2 ZEUB 35. Two New Zealand Div unknown. Eighth Armd Brig. L force and Fighting French Flying Column. Adv Hq SE Algerian French forces Y 0462. Two Corps Y 0781 consists of 1st US Armd Div T 5266. First US Inf Div Y 1878. Ninth Inf Div S 6761. Ninth Corps o 8013 consists of 6th Armd Div o 6919. Thirty Fourth US Div 0 7405 and 128th Inf Brig. First Army N 8498 consists of 19th Corps o 3043 and 5th Corps J 0818. Nineteenth Corps consists of Welwert Div o 3143. Mathinet Div o 4370 and 3rd British Inf Brig. Fifth Corps consists of 1 British Div J 4122. Seventy Eighth Div J 5229 and 46th Div J 1157. Fifth Army. No change. Para 3. Comparison of strength. Read Allied Axis. Inf Bns. Eighth Army sector 40. 29. 2nd Corps 22. 0. 9th Corps 13. 11. 19th Corps 38. 10. 5th Corps 40. 23. Artillery pieces 8th Army sector 604. 200. 2nd Corps 240. 0 9th Corps 99. 40. 19th Corps 223. 74. 5th Corps 306. 142. Serviceable Allied tanks. Total Axis tanks. 8th Army 460. 70. 2nd CM-IN-9826 (17 Apr SE COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: Algiers INCOMING MESSAGE To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 3684 April 12, 1943 Corps 271. 0 9th Corps 246. 60. 19th Corps 83. 25. 5th Corps 177. 25. Para 4. Casualties. Read Officers and others 8th Army week ending 8th Apr killed 8. 98 wounded 39. No Sig Corrected copy of CM-IN-7964 (14 Apr 43) OPD Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAP Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King CM-IN-9826 (17 Apr 43) 0207Z ce DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECTIET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B71 CCWD Filed 1851A/12 Apr. 12, 1943 ACM 2112 z DECLASSIFIED URGENT BY SR ,DATE FEB 11 1974 JCB LETTER, 7-8-72 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 3556, April 12, 1943. Information following received subsequent to our G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400 z 11 April. (AGWAR Troopers information 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Liaison Grp AFHQ 5 Army from G 2 Free- dom signed Eisenhower 3556 12 April: Nil.) AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Pc Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Posi- tions. Northern Sector, Enemy withdrawal continues to approximate line from which offensive first launched on 26 Feb. Eastern Dorsale Sector. Rapid withdrawal during 11 April from southern features eastern Dorsale. High ground Lou Dabobs o 85 and Dj Halfa o 84 and while Dj Oussepat o 73 cleared. Small infantry forces still resisting east DJ Cha- keur o 84 withdrew north by evening. Prisoners this area include 200 Bersaglieri. Kairouam Sector. Enemy cleared Kairouan 1015 hours. City burning. Enemy armour engaged to northwest. Series skirmishes *culminated in sharp encounter P 0146. Ten of 23 enemy tanks involved reported destroyed. Ten Panzer and possibly elements 21 Panzer operating this area in series battle groups. By evening enemy north of line o 95 E 54-0 9954. Patrols later reported Sebkra clear. Stragglers still in plains. Four hundred prisoners of war taken during day all German. Coastal CM-IN-7285 (13 Apr 43) M. 34 APR 13 BAS COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 3556, April 12, 1943. Page 2, Sector. Main body 90 light astride coastal road north of Sousse with 15 Panzer on right flank to Sebkra Kelbia P 25. Elements both divisions south of Sousse during day. Nineteen tanks reported area P 63 during afternoon. Probably joined by further small armoured elements seen moving east from Kairouan. All forces south of Sousse withdrawn by evening. Dockyards burning. Identifications. Kairouan area thru 34th Mobile Abteilung, 999th Recce Group, 962nd Artillery Battalion, 27th March Bn, G2 Dist. Action 104th PGR, 115 PGR, also Italian 504 Anti Tank Bat- Info. tery. Two by prisoners of war. MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT CURR No Sig DISS AIR R-A FE NA LA COLL Action: G-2 SPEC GPOG Information: OPD TRNG CG AAF ISC EO ES PER CC FIN CM-IN-7285 (13 Apr 43) 0142Z ce POW REC. FL DECLASSIFIED CIG BY SR DATE FEB 1 1974 LETTER, 7-5-72 ле ONI WH NO. 34 APR 13 INW COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 25 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 61 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1657A/12 April 12, 1943 fb-dm 1950 Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 3512 April 12, 1943 (AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI 3512 date nil). Part 3 Naval. Attacks of enemy units. With depth charges position 35 degs 53 mins north 02 degs 49 mins west 1010 Z our aircraft attacked enemy submarine. In position 38 degs 18 mins north 13 degs 15 mins east 2155 Z our aircraft attacked enemy MV. Attacks on own ships. Successfully reaching port our MV 15002 torpedoed near Casablanca by enemy submarine probably. Sightings of enemy shipping. Southbound at 8 knots position 38 degs 30 mins north 13 degs 40 mins east 1117z 5 enemy MVS with 2 escort vessels. Westbound at 8 knots position 39 degs 43 mins north 13 degs 18 mins east 1304Z 2 enemy MVS, 1 destroyer and 1 escort vessel with 2 aircraft. Northbound 5 knots position 38 degs 31 mins north 13 degs 23 mins east 1330Z 1 enemy MV with 1 E boat. South bound 5 knots position 38 degs 32 mins north 13 degs 03 mins east 1335Z 1 enemy MV with 1 aircraft. In position 37 degs 08 mins north 01 degs 38 mins east 2120Z enemy submarine. General. With adjacent berths being cleared Sfax Channel reported open 60 feet wide with 18 foot depth. 3 berths usable in herbor. G-2 CM-IN-7239 (12 Apr 43) 4002/13th. COPY No. 4 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED Sea. n 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers page 2 To: War In Reply Cite: 3512 April 12, 1943 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z/llth. Part 2 Air. Four enemy bomber recce operated off Algerian coast daytime with westbound convoy contacted morning between Philippeville-Bougie and afternoon same between Bougie-Cape Corbelin. Shot down 90 miles north of Djidjelli about 17452. (First cipher part second part follows) 1 JU 88 shadówing. With several enemy aircraft operating from Southern France 1 additional reported 1st half. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-7239 (12 Apr 43) 2349Z ce DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER QMU 13 filed 12/0930 Z INCOMING MESSAGE.11 12, CCWD 1943 ad 2232 Z URGENT WA From: 13th Army Group To: British War Office-USFOR London-War- Algiers Malta-Cairo-French Morocco In reply cite: 0/579, April 12th, 1943 Area J 6445 and J 6447. (Second and last part 0/579 18 Army Groups) 78 Div. 36 Bde relieved by 12 Bde now concentrated in area J 4741. 38 Bde concentrated area D 1840. DJ Mahdi drive bombed 4 times during day by FW 190's. 4 Div. 10 Bde continued to make progress against little opposition by 1800 hrs had reached general line J 3753-J 3757. 12 Bde with 5 Hamps and 16 D11 under command now in area J 4245- J 4750- J 4943. 46 Div no change. Section 6. Air. From the night of 9/10 Rommels retreating forces have attempted to avoid air attack by disengaging Ttob the 8th Army and Western Desert Air Force but for the 2nd successive day and night the northwest African Tactical Air Force has con- tinuously attacked his retreating mt with their flanking forces from the Central Tunisian Area. Night 10/11. 4 light bombers attacked throughout night enemy mt in Enfidaville Area. The results were most successful. Day 11. Fighters bombers and light bombers made continuous attacks on me in the Sousse- Enfidaville Areas. Fighter bombers also successfully attacked enemy L/GS in the north. The entire German Air Force in Africa now concentrated in the Tunis- Bizerte Area was heavily engaged by our forces in the northern sector. Results for day in this area 4 ME 109's 1 JU 87 and 4 JU 52's destroyed and 1 JU 87 probable. Our losses 3 fighter bombers and 5 Spit- fires. Western Desert. Night 10/11 bombers attacked DECLASSIFIED (CM-IN-7462 13 Apr 43) E 0, 11652, PM n(T) and 5(D) or (E) OSD lower, biny, 5, 1972 By SLR FEB 11 1974 Date COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356. Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 SECTICT WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: 18th Army Group Page 2 To: British War Office-USFOR London-War-Algiers Malta-Cairo-French Morocco In reply cite: 0/579, April 12th, 1943 at and L/GS in Enfidaville Area. Day 11. Little activity owing to targets being out of range. On occupation La Fauconnerie aerodromes Western Desert report over 30 enemy aircraft found destroyed or damaged. These L/Gs were under constant bomb- ing attack by our air forces in (end of continuation part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT) Central Tunisia during Akarit battle. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF COGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King REPLASSIRED E. O. 11659, From too and t(D) or (E) By SLR OSD law, Date May, 1, 197FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-7462 (13 Apr 43) 0913Z ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 20 INCOMING MESSAGE.COM Filod 1130Z/12 Apr 12, 1943 amr 1449Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY DEPASITED E.O. 11662, Bee I(E) end 6(D) or of OSD lotter, May, 1, 1072 Gl Dist. Action 1 From: Cairo By SLR To: AGWAR Date FEB 1974 MC STRONG In reply cite: AMSME 5544, April 12, 1943 KRONER BRATTON Patrol lines 2nd New Zealand Div Ksour Essar SIT. P 9710 west to road P 6706. 4th Lt Armd Brig con- CURR. tinued advance north delayed in places by demolitions DISS. mines and difficult country. Little opposition until AIR dusk April 11th upon contact with 19 enemy tanks E-A FE Touza P 7834, S1 Baraba P 5725, Skret El Aioun P 4310, Area square P 63, Patrol last night S1 Naija P 8524, NA at E1 Melah P 2119 made contact with patrols from 9th LA Corps (from Brereton) April 11th RAF fighter bombers COLL carried out armed ren during day Eorward area found SPEC. no targets. Heavy bomance attacked Enfidaville GROG. landing ground P 3385 and motor transport in Krea TRNG area (query P 3892) at dusk, later attacked Menzel JSC Temine south landing ground. Both attacks caused EO several fires among motor transport and aircraft. FS Fighters patroled dusk and dawn with loss 2 planes PER. per 9th Air Force April 11th reports 21 bombers of CC 376th Group carried out 1 mission. 1 shot down, 1 FIN. landed Malta, 3 unaccounted for. No further details, POW No operations reported 12th, 57th, and 79th Groups. REC. Delayed report 57th Group carried out 5 missions 83 FL Sorties April 6th dropping 6,280 lbs of bombs during CIG A ?ighter bomber, escort, and armed rcn. 6 bombers of no is 178th Squadron RAF April 10th dropped 36,000 lbs of ONI bombs on Palermo. Bombs landed in dock and warehouse WH area. 13 bombers 376th Group dropped 58,500 lbs of bombs on Naples April 10th claim 2 ME 109's probable. Near hits on sloop. Intercepted by enemy aircraft, no further observations, no losses. No Sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD APR 1943 CG AAF CM-IN-7041 (12 Apr 400 16412 bja COPY No.26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED or WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 15 INCOMING MESSAGE Filed 0138z/12 April 12, 1943 ah 0539Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: o 568, April 12, 1943 Were fired on by mgs Patrol Tolongstop J J 6243 heard much movement area WOKDS J 6242. 78 Division. (cipher part 2 of o 568 from 18 Army Group. Addresses as in part 1) no change. 4 Division. TNN Infantry Brigade attacked from Hunts Gap area at A in 0500 hours 11 April by 0645 hours 1 battalion had 02 Did. Info. reached J 3251 and 1 battalion J 3055 attack continues progress slow due to mines, FRING AUNER > No Sig. MATTON TPR ( 1.9 S -+ VI ACTION: OPD 6A THE INFORMATION: G-2 -PM CG AAF THM NC +1+ 1 CM-IN-6862 (12 Apr 43) 0714Z med FKR DECLASSIFIED DC JCS LETTER. 7-8-72 *IN POW BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 REC 9, M.I.8.JOURNAL NO. 58 APR 18 1943 CIG IC COPY No. 25 JNI WH THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA. Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER QMU 14 12/0100Z INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 4-15-43 alt 2104Z CORRECTED COPY URGENT From: Casablanca To: WAR In reply cite: 170 , April 12, 1943 Number 170 for period ending 1800 hours 11 April (From 18 Army Group number 0 568 dated 11 to 2345 to Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for Sois Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF tactical Bomber Force 9 Corps 2 US Corps 1st Army Adv NAAF for Col MacDonald A 2. Part 1 SITREP) From AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1. Section 1. 8th Army (A) 30 Corps. No change in dispositions. No contact. (B) 10 Corps. patrols 2 NZ Div To Chedad Kshur Essal P 91 Cross- roads P 6706. 4 Lignt Armu BDE patrols reached Sidi Naija P 8524 Siji Bebaba R 5725 Sebkret El Aioon P 41 Ae Eldmelah P 2119. 167 U 2296. London Force Chebka Tsaacha T 9979. No change other dispositions. No contact reported. Section 2. Southeast Algeria. Follows later. Section 3. 2 US Corps. 9 US Inf Div- ision started move to 5 Corps Area 1 US Infantry Div Arty from Yafsa to Morsott area N 21. Clearing of E1 Guettar battlefield and minefields continues. Section 4. 9 Corps. 6 Armd Division advanced to outskirts of Kairouan which was in flames. 26 Armd Bde met many small groups of tanks on the way and engaged them successfully: It is now concen- trating area P 0123. 1 Guards Bde moved to objective area 0 0027. Welsh guards still in Fondouk area 34 US DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-9469 (16 Apr SE COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Juck DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE® 2. From: Casablanca To: WAR In reply cite: 170 # April 12, 1943 Infantry Division reached objective area o 8413 and took over Rhorab from guards bde and dispatching force to hold high ground southeast of Pichon. Corps headquarters now at P 0828. Approx 500 PW take 10th April. Section 5. 1st Army. A 19 Corps. Patrols to o 7342 and o 7049 without contact. Move- ment forward continues. Part 2. MS from Mathenet division took some Italians prisoners area 0 7753 before withdrawing. B 5 Corps One British Infantry division patrols reached J 7128 and J 7022 during night 10/11. No Sig Corrected copy of CM-IN-7498 (13 Apr 43) OFD ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF DECLASSIFIED CGGN JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 GEN. DEANE (CC/8) BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 ADM. KING CM-IN-9469 (16 Apr 43) 1421Z COD COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 Pur MUnA /2e 170 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE QMU 3 CCWD Filed 0751A/12 Apr 12, 1943 amr 1545Z URGENT CORRECTED COPY From: Algiers To: War In reply cite: 0568 April 12, 1943 Number 170 for period ending 1800 hours 11 April (from 18th Army Group number 0568. Dated 11 TOO 2345 Troopers pass USFOR AFRAD Freedom Governor Malta per- sonal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242nd Group Bone Area for SOIS Hq L of c 12th AF NASAF Tactical Bomber Force 9th Corps 2nd US Corps lst Army Adv AAF for Col McDonald A-2. Part 1 SITREP). From AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1. Section 1. 8th Army. (A). 30th Corps. No change in dispositions. No contacts. (B). 10th Corps, Patrols 2nd NZ Div reached Ksqur Esyal P 91-crossroads P 6706. Fourth Light Armd Bde patrols reached Sidi Maija P 8524-Sidi Bebaba P 5725- Sebkret E1 Aioun 0 3534 41-Ae Eldmelsh P 2119-point 1678 U 2296. London Force Chebka Tsaacha T 9979. No change other dispositions. No contact reported. Section 2. Southeast Algéria. Follows later. Section 3, 2nd US Corps. Ninth US Infantry Division started move to 5th Corps Area. First US Infantry Div Arty from Gafsa to Morsott area nutf 21. Clearing of E1 Guettar battlefield and minefields con- tinues, CM-IN-8866 (15 Apr 43) 1759Z cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: War In reply cite: 0568 April 15, 1943 Section 4. 9th Corps. Sixth Armd Division advanced to outskirts Kairouan which was in flames. 26th Armd Bde met many small groups of tanks on the way and engaged them successfully. It is now con- centrating area P 0123. One guards bde moved to objective area 0 0027(0047). Welsh Guards reached objective area 0 8413 and took over Rhorab from guards bde and despatching G rpt E to hold high ground southeast of Pichon. Corps headquarters now at P 0828. Approx 500 Pw taken 10th April. Section 5. 1st Army. (A). 19th Corps. Patrols to 0 7342 and 0 7049 without contact. Movement forward continues. Goums from Mathenet Division took some Italians prisoners area 0 7753 before withdrawing. (B). 5th Corps. One British Infantry Division patrols reached J 7128 and J 7022 during night 10/11. No Sig Corrected copy of CM-IN-7193 (12 Apr 43) OPD ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) DECLASSIFIED ADM. KING JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR a DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-8866 (15 Apr 43. 1292 cen COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE QMU 13 CCWD Filed 1303Z/12 April 13, ah 1943 02362 URGENT From: Casablanca To: FAR In Reply Cite: 3444, April 12, 1943 Part 1 land. (AGWAR Troopers rptd 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Liaison Grp AFHQ 5 Army from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 3444 undated nil) Qued Zargay Sector. Enemy opposition slight, Numerous mines and booby traps. Further withdrawal areas Sidi Nsir and Heidous: Kairouan Sector. Enemy armour enountered west and northwest Kairouan during day. Presumed 10 and 21 Panzer Divisions. G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 11th April. Coastal sector. 90 Light north of Fougse with 15 Panzer on right. 19 tanks reported P 6239 during afternoon. No trace Italians. Identifications. German 25 March Bn o 7082. 2 Bn 755 IR J 34 Italian. None. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 13 AF NBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln GRP AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps rpt 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI General. North enemy continues slow general withdrawal. Withdrawal of forces at present on northern sector of Eastern Birshoi into Enfidaville Fkirine line likely to become necessary. 10 and 21 Panzer Divisions will probably continue to engage our forces in Sbikha Plain to cover this. Enemys general intention on southern front must be to gain time for consolidation Enficaville position. Anti tank ditches cover all approaches Enfidaville from south and southwest. Further ditches between Enfidaville and Takrouns, blocking valley at P 2387, and at P 1786. CM-IN-7565 (13 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: Tol) CARD MESSAGE In Reply Cite: 3444, April 12, 1943 URGENT Wiring, minefields and anti tank obstacles reported on general line northeast from Takrouns P KDRM to point on main coastal road approximately P 3616. Fuller reports will be shortly available. Parts 2 and 3 will follow. No Sig. G2 Die Action Info MC \ ACTION: G-2 TRONG KRONER INFORMATION: OPD BRATTON CG AAP SIT. CURR. \ DISS. AIR \ E-A \ FE NA LA DELL GRING TRNG ISC ED FS PRR. DC FIN CM-IN-7565 (13 Apr 43) 1508Z flw POW REC. FL DECLASSIFIED CIG JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 no s MY.SR - DATE FEB 11 1974 ONI WH is M.I.8.JOURNAL NO.17 APR 13 1943 26 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 33 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1814A/12 April 12, 1943 fb 1944 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR London WAR (info) In Reply Cite: 3532 April 12, 1943 One hundred and seventy Part 2 April 11. Para 1. (Action USFOR information AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18 Army Group HQ Liaison Group AFRQ Mideast Malta Adv NWAAF from Freedom 3532 TOO nil 12 Apr SITREP) Naval. No reports. Signed Eisenhower, cite FRGCT. Para 2. Movements completed. First Bn 67th AA Regt, less 2 Btrys, and 433rd CA Bn AA Sep arrived Algiers from Oran. Destination of First 3n 67th AA Regt was changed from Bougie to Algiers. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF DECLASSINED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CGGN GEN DEANE (CCS) WYSR se . DATE FEB 11 1974 ADM KING LOG 54 CM-IN-7172 (12 Apr M-s COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 70 WAR DEPARTMENT C20 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD fled 0855A/12 April 12, 1943 rlw INCOMING MESSAGE URGENT BY JCS DECLASSIFIED SR LETTER. 7-5-72 DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 569, April 12, 1943 (Part 1 Sitrep no 170 for 24 hrs ending 2359 11 April). (From 18th Army Group 569 April 12 TOO 0830A to Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jaques 242 Group Bone Area for SOIS Hq L of c 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force 9th Corps 2nd US Corps 1st Army Adv NAAF (for Col McDonald A 2) from AFHQ signed c in c. Part 1 continued. Section 1. Eighth Army. During afternoon Armd Car Patrols continued to advance in coastal area. (A). 30th Corps. No change. (B). 10th Corps. 4 Lt Armd Bde continued to advance northwards delayed by demolitions mines and difficult terrain. Very little opposition reported until last night when 29 enemy tanks were contacted in area P 63, Patrol line at last night Touza P 7834 - Bebababk Bourdjine (smith of found P 5825 - P 4314 - P 2020. At P 2020 contact made with 9th Corps patrols. Section 2. Southeast Algeria. NTR. Section 3. 2nd US Corps 1st US Armd Div remained concentrated in Sbeitla - Faid Area. CCA at nr 8688. 9th US Inf continued movement to new location. Section 4. 9th Corps. 6th Armd Div report CM-IN-7228 (12 Apr COPY Not 4 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. Q. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 S WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: To: INCOMING MESSAGE® 2 In Reply Cite: 569, April 12, 1943 Kairowan clear of enemy and mines and Div advanced north to Shikha El 0358. 26th Armd Bde engaged 25 enemy tanks at o 0246 at 1700 hrs. Some destroyed remainder withdrew. 128th Bde cut road to 8844 Welvert Div. Forward troops reported at o 8032 at 1130 hours with Goums patrols (8844) o 8943). Enemy opposition believed rearguard only. ** Rulm road A 1642 held by 1 88 MM gun and some Inf at 1400 hrs. Section 5. First Arty. Advance continued steadily on Eastern Dorsals and NE of Beja. Little opposition encountered progress in north hampered by mines and booby traps. 15th Tabor took 1 Coy Italian prisoner at Arne Djeloula RM 8542. (A), 19th Corps advance continued but exact posn for- ward troops not yet reported. (BS). 5th Corps. 1 Br Inf Div. Considerable movement reported (BS). 5. No Sig ** Omission being serviced. WDCC Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane CC/S Adm. King LOG CM-IN-7228 (12 Apr 43) 2325Z ce DECLAS JCS LETTER. 7-0-72 BY DATE FEB- 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 24 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER C 34 INCOMING MESSAGE led 1818A/12 Apr 12, 1943 -- URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0787, April 12, 1943. NWA strategic AF (AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 8818 Army Gp Hq Lisison Gp Mideast AFHQ Malta from NWAAF Adv. Hq 0787.15/4 12/4 April 11, part 3, 170 signed Eisenhower cite FHGTK) night 10/4 11 Wellingtons attacked Fecimosknu and Moneerrato A/D scoring hits on A/D and near misses on munition dump. Day 11/4, P 38 Lightnings flew numerous sorties to intercept enemy transport A/C between Sicily and Tunisia. 75 JU 52, one unidentified transport, and 5 other enemy A/C destroyed 7 probables 1 damaged. Four P. 38 Lightnings lost. B 17 Fortresses attacked harbour at Tunis, Marsala, Trapani. Several hits and many near misses on large M/V at Tunis 1 small freighter sunk Jarsala direct hits. on 3 merchant vessels at Trapani, Dock areas of all 3 hit. One ME 110 destroyed and 3 ME 109 damaged. B 26 Marauders attacked A/D at Oudra scoring hits on enemy A/C on ground. B 25 Mitchells bombed A/D at St Marie Du Ziyes. Tactical AF. Day 10/4, A 20 Bobtons escorted by Spitfires attacked enemy concentrations and transports in battle area scoring hits and near misses. Hurribombers with Spitfire escort attacked crossroads. P 40 Warhawks bombed enemy transports and flew fighter sweeps, Spits flew offensive sweeps over battle area. Night 10/11 April. Bisleys attacked enemy transports on roads near Enfidaville, Day 11/4. P 40 Warhawks carry- ing bombs and others escorting attacked roads and M/T. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, DECLASSIFIED General Deane (CCS), Admiral King, Log. BY SR I DATE JCS LETTER. 7-5-78 FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-7366 (13 Apr 43) 04417 ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC 29 filed 1126A/11 April 11, 1943 fb 1316 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 3199 April 11, 1943 Jefna Sector. Nothing to report. Sidi Nsir Sector. Enemy (to AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers Pass USFOR 18 Army Op First Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Gp APHQ 5th Army Pass 1 Armd Corps and*13 Corps from Freedom 3199 nil signed Eisen- hower cite FHGBI) withdrew from positions J 4650 and J 4350 after slight opposition. Medjez Sector. No activity reported, Prisoners in this area now exceed 1000, Goubellat-Bou Arada Sector. No contact with enemy between J 7030 and J 7037 and in general area J 6620, Ousseltia Sector. Oppostion continues on o 7838, Pichon-Foudouk Sector. Enemy armour opposing our advance in Kairouan area. Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hrs ending 2400 Z 10 April, Central Tunisia. Enemy withdrawal continued with rearguards covering Kairouan and Sousse. Dis- positions. 10 and 21 Panzer Divisions Kairouan Area, 15 Panzer on main road El Djem-Sousse with flanking elements area Sidi El Hami P 3333, 90 light on coastal road area Moknine P 8434, 164 still south of Sousse in morning but believed withdrawing NW during afternoon, No further trace Italians. Identifications. German. Five Coy 755 IR J 3152 by rsw. One coy 755 IR J 3646 by deserters who complained war weariness. Italian. None. General, Further withdrawal rearguards in Kai- DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 197457 CM-IN-6488 (11 Apr COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E 12355 See 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 3199 April 11, 1943 rouan and Sousse areas anticipated, Remaining Italians presumed in Enfidaville position. No indications future disposition troops now holding eastern Dorsale. Parts 2 and 3 will follow. No Sig Being serviced. WDCC ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF CM-IN-6488 (11 Apr 43) 1628Z cen 57 g COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE T.O.O. 111210A IN Received: 11.Apr.43 Time : 2307 Addressed: ADMIRALTY Repeated : C. in C. Levant B.A.D. Washington F.O.C. Gib. V Malta COMMORSEAFRON DECLASSIFIED COMNAVNAW JCS MEMO, 1-17-73 H.Q.N.W.A.A.F. BY SR ,DATE FEB 11 1974 From : C. in C,Med. Situation Report Number 28 1. Bad weather has prevented projected eperations by light craft, both from Bone and Malta. Sailing of convoy M.K.S. 11 from Bone also delayed 24 hours by weather. 2, H.M.S. TORBAY reports sank 2,000 tons Southbound merchant vessel off Cape Scalea (39 degs. 50 North 15 degs. 46 East) at 1038/28 and sank Motor Fishing vessel by gunfire at 1006/1 off Licosa point (40 15 N. 14 54 East). 3. DS DOLFYN reports at 0912/29 sank 4,500 tons Southeast bound merchant vessel in approaches to Cagliari. 111210A F.M. Admiral Air Marshall Gen. Macready COMINCH (2) C.O.S. Plans Plans M (2) Brigadier Redman (8) N.I. Lt. Col. Cook S.0.(0) Personal S.O. N.M.C.S. AR. DECLASSIFIED E. 0.12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC 51 CCWD Filed 11/08152 April 11 AR 1515Z URGENT From: Algiers DECLASSIFIED To: WAR JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 USFOR BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 In reply cite: 0547, April 11, 1943 While remainder bde moved forward to high ground P0025 in support 26 Armd Bde. 128 Inf Bde occupied Dj Ech Cherichers P82 and Welvert Div 19 Corps secured Southern half (part my 0547 dated Apr 11) DJ Ousselst 073 thereby arresting operation. Several hundreds of G2 Dist. Action Info. prisoners taken this front during last 48 hrs. Section 5. First Army (A) 19 Corps. See section 4 for operation MC by Wlevert Div. (B) 5 Corps. One Div. 81 Naceur J5437 STRONG occupied. Patrols found no enemy West of road J6620 KRONER Goubellst J6423 or between J7030 K7037. 78 Div. J4650 BRATTON occupied with little opposition. Some prisoners taken. SIT. 4 Div. 2 Bns 12 Inf Bde relieved 2 Bas 38 Inf Bde after CURR. latter had reached J3748 and J 3946. 10 Inf Bde occupied DISS J 3157. 46 Div. Active patrolling. Section 6. Air. AIR (A) Continuing the pressure exerted by the Western R-A Desert Air Force the Tactical Air Force made intensive FE attacks on retreating enemy concentrations. Escorted NA light and fighter bombers continuously attacked MET in the LA Sousse Kairousn Enfidaville areas with excellent results COLL fires explosions and much disorganization caused and con- SPFC servatively estimated more than 50 NT destroyed or damaged. GROG. Escorting fighters claimed 5 ME 109 destroyed. Strong FRNG fighter sweep Medjez district where enemy aircraft had INC been operating resulted in 5 ME 109's destroyed and probably (1) destroyed and 8 damaged for loss of 1 Spitfire. End of FS part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. PER CC No Sig FIN. 20W REC ACTION: G-2 FL CIG INFORMATION: OPD M.I.8.JOURNAL NO.183 APR 11 1943 IC CG AAF 26 S COPY No. )NI WH CM-IN 6516 sbt MESSAGNIS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 1 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT NR 22 11/1045Z INCOMING MESSAGE 11, 1943. HH 1504Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo. G2 Dist. Action Info. To: War 5 MC In Reply Cite: AMSME 5536 April 11, 1943. STRONG KRONER Enemy broke contact along whole front and BRATTON withdrew north during night 9th, 10th. Sinx SIT reported clear of enemy by 815 hrs got. 10th, CURR. 51st Div concentrated Sfax area by midnight. DISS 7th Armd Div concentrated area U 74. 30th AIR corps forward patrols reached Mt Louleche Q-0384. E-A Patrols 4th Light Armd Brig Elbdjem U-7295, La FE Smale U-5798, Chuorbane U 4390, West to road and NA track junction U-1281. Patrols L force left flank LA area high ground Chekka Meascha I-9978. let Armd COLL Div concentrated area Bou Thadi U-3371 (from SPEC. Brereton) day 10th low cloude prevented. RAF GROG. locating target closely packed motor transport TRNG reported moving North on road. JSC FO K PER cc FIN No Sig. POW REC. FL DECLASSIRED CIG ne ACTION: 0-2 E. O. 11625, Bre, 100 and 6(D) or (B) ONI OSD lister, May, 1, 1972 By SLR FEB 11 1974 WH INFORMATION: OPD Date CG AAF CM-IN-6490 (11 Apr 43) 1629Z bjm 0.172 APR 1943 COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER QVB29 INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC 'iled 11/1830A April 11,1943 cn 2203z URGENT CORRECTED COPY DECLASSIFIED From: Algiers JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 To: War BY SR , DATE FEB 11 1974 In reply cite: 3351 April 11, 1943 Of which one between Bone-Algiers with other on recce of coast from Algiers to 3 degrees West, (to AGWAR Troopers rptd 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Li- aison Grp AFHQ 5th Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisen- hower 3351 undated nil) also contacting west of Oran about 1000Z our westbound convoy, two enemy bomber recce off Algerian coast. Toward Bone and thence toward Tripoli morning usual meteoro flight. With one reported between Bone and Philippeville midnight and two addi- tional recco operated during night. While no bombers detected wontern Mediterranean, over Tunisia evening about 10 JU 88's on mission. Landing at both Tunis and Menzel Temine 9th April, of which preponderance after- noon, over one hundred flights by JU 52's plus perhaps 10 ME 323's enemy transport. General. With some height- ening of activity German Italian fighters daytime inter- cepted our attacks on air transport north of Cape Bon. Our MT vicinity Cued Zarga strafed by enemy figher bomb- ers and ground attack ships morning and late afternoon while allied low level operations Medjez and Pont Du Fahs areas encountered defensive patrols. In Enfida- ville area little resistance to our attacks enemy MT. Foregoing Part 2 Air G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 10th April. 3. Naval. Attacks on enemy MV proceeding south- east off Caroli Island enemy MV 4500 tons attacked sunk by Royal Notherlands submarine 29 March. With both ships reported badly damaged bombers NWASAF attacked 10th April two, 8 inch cruisers Gorizie and Trieste. La Maddalena, CM-IN-7558 (13 Apr 43) S COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date SECTION Page 2 From: Algiers. WAR DEPARTMENT To: War CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER In reply cite: 3351 April 11 1943 Attacks hour Alboran Island 11632 enemy INCOMING MESSAGE submarine discharged torpedo missing our cruiser. By destroyer escort prompt counter attack made. Sightings on enemy shipping. Proceeding northeast at 15 knots 1600z four enemy destroyers off Gulf of Tunis north- bound at 6 knots 2135Z three enemy NVS with four small vessels north of Kerkenah Islands. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF KAC 12th AP MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp APHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. General. With demolitions, progress and efforts to block harbour en- trance reported by our air recce at * Sousse morning 10 April. Partially blocked by Siebel Ferry morning 10th April dredged channel at Sfax. Believed to be removable is blocking giving access for landing craft and barges. no sig *This is the portion that was missing from original message. FOOTNOTE: Corrected copy of CM-IN-6691 (4-12-43) G-2 ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-7558 (13 Apr 43) 1454Z flw 51 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV A 28 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 1126Z/11th April 11, 1943 efg 1316Z URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 3199 April 11, 1943 Supplement to first portion of the above message, Jefna Section. Nothing to report. Sidi Nsir Sector. Enemy (To AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass G2 Dist. Action Info USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF MC EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th STRONG Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Freedom KRONER signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Originators number BRATTON 3199 nil). SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR E-A WDCC. FE NA Supplementary copy of CM-IN-6488 (4-11-43) G-2 LA COLL SPEC. ACTION: G-2 GEOG. TRNG INFORMATION: OPD ISC CG AAF DECLASSIFIED EO JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 FS BY SR . DATEFEB 11 1974 PER CC FIN POW CN-IN-6602 (11 Apr 43) 2143Z MCS REC. FL NO.23.1APR 111943 CIG COPY NIC ONI 8 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WH DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #170 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVA 49 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD filed 1120A/11 April 11, 1943 fb 1614 = URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: A 0743 April 11, 1943 April 10 part 3 170. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGT. (AGWAR Troopers 5th Army 18 Army Group HQ Liaison Group Mideast AFHQ AFHQ Malta from NWAAF Adv Hq A 0743 E 11/4.) NWA Strategic A F. Night April 9/10. Wellingtons attacked troop and transport concentration in vicinity of Enfidaville, Results unobserved. One Wellington missing day April 10. B 17's attacked 2 cruisers sub base and harbour install- ation at Madellena. Direct hits scored on 2 cruisers, Explosion seen on 1. Munitions depot, hangar and sub base well covered, Three small N/V left burning. B 25's on shipping sweep reported destroyed 10 JU 52 and Two JU 88, P 38's on sweep and escort of Sicilian Straits report destroyed 30 JU 52 two MA 200 one FV 190 one ME 109 one ME 110 and one JU 88. Damaged 10 E/A. B 26's attacked roads and concentrations near Enfidaville. Barracks area, supply dumps and gun on- placements well covered. P 38's flow weather ron and photo missions. Losses. Destroyed one P 38 missing 1 Wellington damaged 1 Wellington NWA Tactical A F. Day April 9. Spitfires and Burribombers flew sweeps in Northern Tunisia and attacked road near Enfidaville. Reported destroyed one ME 109 and damaged one ME 109 day 10. Spitfires and Hurribombers flew sweeps over aorthern Tunisia and attacked concentration of troops DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 CM-IN-6539 (11 Apr 43) BY SR . DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 1 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER SP INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: WAR In Reply Cite: A 0743 April 11, 1943 and M/T. Many lorries and N/T hit. Reported destroy- ed five ME 109 probably destroyed one FV 190 das aged 6 (end part 1 part 2 and last part follows) enemy aircraft. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/B) ADM. KING LOG CM-IN-6539 (11 Apr 43) 19252 cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ACCIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 68 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1133Z/TT April 11, 1943 fb 1718 2 URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: A 0743 April 11, 1943 One Spitfire destroyed. Western Desert. Day 10. Weather interfered with operations early in the day. Later targets found were out of range, (Part 2 and last part of my A 0743 E from NWAAF Adv Bq 11/4) NW coastal AF. Night April 9/10. Hudsons flew 000 boat missions. Beaufighters Airocobras and Spitfires flow local defense patrols day April 10. Hudsons Swordfish and Fighters flew local defense and escort patrols. Marrauders flew armed ren missions of Sicilian channels and approaches to Naples. (End Message) Action USFOR. Information rest of addresses. No Sig DECLASSIFIED ACTION: OPD JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) 51 ADM. KING COPY No. OADM 482T COP18743115 MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 29 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1126A/11 April 11, 1943 fb 1316 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Roply Cite: 3199 April 11, 1943 Jefna Sector. Nothing to report. Sidi Mair Sector. Enemy (to AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers Pass USFOR 18 Army Gp First Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv La Op AFHQ 5th Army Pass 1 Armd Corps and*13 Corps from Freedom 3199 nil signed Eisen- hower cite FHGBI) withdrew from positions J 4650 and J 4350 after slight opposition. Medjez Sector. No activity reported. Prisoners in this area now exceed 1000. Goubellat-Bou Arada Sector. No contact with enemy between J 7030 and J 7037 and in general area J 6620, Ousseltin Sector. Oppostion continues on o 7838, Pichon-Foudouk Sector. Enemy armour opposing our advance in Kairouan area. Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hrs ending 2400 Z 10 April, Central Tunisia. Enemy withdrawal continued with rearguards covering Kairouan and Sousse. Dis- positions. 10 and 21 Panzer Divisions Kairouan Area. 15 Panzer on main road E1 Djem-Sousse with flanking elements area 8143 El Hami P 3333. 90 light on coastal road area Moknine P 8434, 164 still south of Sousse in morning but believed withdrawing NW during afternoon, No further trace Italians, Identifications, German, Five Coy 755 IR J 3152 by PSW. One coy 755 IR J 3646 by deserters who complained war weariness. Italian. None. General. Further withdrawal rearguards in Kai- DECLASSIFIED JCS BY SR DATE LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-6488 (11 Apr 43) COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 3199 April 11, 1943 rouan and Sousse areas anticipated, Remaining Italians presumed in Enfidaville position. No indications future disposition troops now holding eastern Dorsale. Parts 2 and 3 will follow, No Sig G2 Diet. Action ** Info. Being serviced. MC s STRONG WDCC KRONER BRA TTON SFT. $ CURR. DISS. AIR R-A FE NA LA COLL SPFC GROG. TRNG JSC FO PM PPR CC FIN POW ACTION: G-2 REC FL INFORMATION: OPD CIG CG AAF nc ONI S WH 1 CM-IN-6488 (11 Apr 43) 1628Z cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY IR DATE FEB 11 1974 ML8JOURNAL NO.166 APR 11 SECRETA COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONSIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV C 33 CCWD filed 0100A/11 April 11 SCM 1828Z CORRECTED COPY URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR - London - WAR In Reply Cite: X 2826, April 11, 1943 roads North and East Faid now open for traffic. Section 4, No Sig Supplementary correction to CM-IN-6523 (4-11-43) OPD ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN DEANE (ccs) ADM KING CM-IN-6671 (12 Apr 43) 0103Z acs DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C33 Filed 0100A/11 INCOMING MESSA 11, 1943 rlw 1400 Z 1000 EWT URGENT From: Algiers To: War Number: 0547 In Reply Cite: 169, April 11, 1943 Number 169 for 24 hrs ending 2359 hrs 10th Apr. (Part 1 Sitrep. From 18 Army Group 0547 Apr 11 TOO 0315A. To (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta Personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone Area OKO for SOIS (11) Hq L of C (12) ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) 9 Corps (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army (18) Adv NAAF (for Col MacDonald A2 from AFHq signed C in C. Part 1 begins. Section 1. Eighth Army. (A). 30 Corps. During afternoon advance was continued along all front by armored car patrols. On Rbast road patrols have reached Melloulerhe U Q 0384. 7 Armd Div concentrated area square (1) U 74 and 51 Div Sfax. (B). TN Corps. NZ Div area La Hancha. 4 patrols 4 Lt Armd Bde El Djem (I) V 79 La Smala (T) U 59 Chourbane( H) U 49 Kel El Khelifia (T) U 37 thence west to road and tracks Junction( U 1281. Patrol L for E left flank area ground Chebka Tsiacha (T) T97. First Armd Div concentrated area Bou Thadi. Section 2. South east Algeria. Follows. Section 3. Two Corps. One US Inf Div clearing up battlefield area Gafsa. 60 CT same DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-6523 (11 Apr 43) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 55 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT From: Alg1e@bASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2 To: Number NOOMING MESSAGE In Reply Cite: 169, April 11, 1943 task area Maknassy shortly to join 9 Inf Div which is refitting area Bou Chebka s 6661. One US Armd Div Area T 5266 with CCA moving towards Fondouk last reported having made contact with 34 US Div 08609. No opposition encountered other than Mites area Faid S 7959 and to south. Road = and east Faid now open for traffic. Section 4. Nine Corps. Six Armd Div continued advance towards Kairouan P 1332 during morning forcing enemy to withdraw from high ground south east Fondouk which was later occupied by 34 Div. Offensive recce BJ Derby Yeo on wide front closely followed by 26 Armd Bde made good progress and last night reports indicated tank battle in progress south Kairouan. No details yet, On the north 1 Bn 1 Guards Bde held Fondouk Gap. No Sig Omission being serviced. WDCC ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN SEC. GEN. STAFF GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING DECLASSIFIED LOG JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-6523 (11 Apr 43) 1843Z cen COPY No. 55 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR. 101 #169 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 24 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 11/1833Z 4-11-43 mej 2035Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite:* 3352, April 11, 1943 Part 2 SITREP Number 169, 10th April. Naval. Naval party has arrived Sfax. Channel partially blocked, access possible to Tcts. Quays blown up at Fort yards intervals. Commercial Quay will be ready for lighters by morning 12th. Coast Defense Guns mounted by us OR South Quay. Submarine on patrol sank a 4500 ton laden enemy merchant vessel in approaches to Cagliari. Movements completed. 91st Ren Squadron has arrived Tebessa from Robat coming under command 2nd Corps. Movements commenced 433rd Ca Bn AA Sep departed Oran for Algiers (action USFOR added AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Midenst, 18th Army Group Hq, Lisison Group AFHQ, Malta, Adv, NWAAF, for information from G-3 section AFHQ, signed Eisenhower, cite FHGCT). No Sig. Action: OPD DECLASSIFIED Information: 0-2 JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CG AAF BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-6600 (11 SEOR 2140Z ce COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 12 CCWD Filed 10/09552 April 10 AR 1323Z Received 4/10 6P. we OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5525, April 10, 1943 Mahares entered by forward troops 30th Corps 1250 hrs GCT April 9th after some enemy resistance few G2 Dist. Action Info. miles Southwest of town. Contacted Axis rearguards 2 miles beyond town last night. 11th Russars approx MC \ 6 miles East Mahares 1200 hrs GCT 9th. 51st Div moving STRONG North along coast road in rear 70 Armd Div. Forward KRONER troops 8th Armd Brig with 2nd New Zealand Div con- BRATTON w tacted enemy rearguards area U 25 1200 hrs GCT 9th, moved SIT. North of main road Sfax Sbeitla approx 5 miles South AGD CURR. Southwest Bou Thadi. First Armd Div moved Northeast from DISS Mezzouna area with 12th Lancers and L Force covering AIR left flank 1200 hrs GCT 9th. Enemy tanks area Trabeisis R-A dv U 16 avoided being brought to action by First Armd Div FE and indications are future withdrawal Northward reported. NA LA From Brereton. RAF day 9th fighters made 5 missions COLL. but found no good targèts. Air Hawks dispatched to SPEC. attack ship reported entrance Sfax harbor could not find GEOG. target. Heavy bombers attacked road targets Sousse Sfax TRNG and Sousse Town. Fighters strafed road Mahares Sfax. JSC Traffic on road dispersed off road and held up. EO FS 9th Air Force Bomber Comd, 12th and 79th Groups PER. report no operations April 9th. 22 P-40's dropped 8,000 CC lbs bombs on Sfax. As yet no available details. FIN. POW BECLASSIFIED REC. No SigE O. 11652, See. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) FL OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 CIG ло ACTION: G-2 By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 ONI 8.JODRNAL NO. 154 APR10 1943 WE INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF COPY No. 2 LOG CM-IN-5850NG °(ro EXACT 43) COPY 94172 MESSAGE cen IS FORBIDDEN Apr DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 seemer WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER MESSAGE CCWD April 10, 1943 efg 19342 URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: war In Reply Cite: 3043 April 10, 1943 Part 3. Naval. Nothing to report. G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 9 April. G2 Dist. Action Info. Part 2. Air. Of which 2 near Oran (with 1 re- MC ported over harbor at 1715Z later flying towards south STRONG of France) 5 enemy bomber recce off Algerisn coast. KRONER Two patrolled between Bone-Algiers. Normal weather BRATTON mission flown from Sicily over Sicilian Straits to SIT Tripoli. With no indication of bomber activity over CURR. Tunisia night 9-10 April about 03002 10th April 3 enemy DISS bombers went near Algiere but returned east without AIR unloading. With some 6 engined planes between 60 and E-A 70 German transport landed Tunis and Aerodrome Menzel FE Terime during day (AGWAR Troopers information 18 Army NA Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th Air Force LA MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Lisison Grp AFHQ 5th Army COLL from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 3043 10th April nil). SPEC. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group GEOG 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta TRNG Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps JSC and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom Signed Eisenhower cite EO FHGBI General. Continuing on reduced tempo were FS enemy air operations over Tunisis with 1 offensive sweep PER south of La Favconnerie morning plus several small CC patrols over Bombline southern front. Against our sweeps FIN POW fighter defense wesk, Over Beja, Medjez and Pont Du REC. Fans areas patrolling by German fighters with, afternoon, FL protective patrols over Tunis and Bizerts. CIG ACTION: G-2 ne INFORMATION: OPD, CG AAE No Sig. ONI CM-IN-6065 (10 Apr 43) 2233Z mcs WH 14 APR 11 1983 26 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV c 22 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 1500Z/10th April 10, 1943 efg 1843Z URGENT whl From: Algiers DECLASSIFIED To: WAR JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 In Reply Cite: 2982 April 10, 1943 (21 Panzer Div) Latter probably engaged during day north La Fauconnerie U 26. Fifteen Panzer withdrew on peak to coastal road via Nakta U 61 and last reported south of Sfax. Location 90 light unknown. One six four presumed completely withdrawn with remnants Spezia and Pistois. No trace Trieste. Signboards indicate young Fascists withdrew by coastal route. No fresh estimates prisoners or guns. Italians captured in south now known to include Mannerini and 500 survivors Saharan group. Moeller group of 21st Panzer reported among prisioners taken E1 Guettar front. Identifications. German. One and 3 coys 47 Gr J 4944, 1 Bn 755 IR and 1 Bn 756 MTN IR area J 34. (No: 2982.date nil. too nil, S from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower) in Fondouk area 1 and 2 Bns 961, 27 March Bn, 190 Recce Unit. All by PW. Italian. None. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps Adv NAAP EAC 12th AP MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. General. Enemy has been compelled to commit part of small remaining infantry reserves in north. No evidence yet of reinforcement in Fondouk area but employment 10th PZ Div to meet lateral threat to Asirousn still considered propable. Renvy casualties and disorgan- ization Italian Inf render any major stand on broad Tunision waistline improbable. Delaying action by rear- guards 118017 to continue where possible. Heavy movement traffic into main bridgehead indicates most probable new defence line Enfidaville-Djebel Chirich. Parts 2 & 3 will follow. No Sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD, CG AAF 2 APR 10 CM-IN-6046 (10 Apr 43) 2217Z mcs COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B63 CCWD Filed 1500A/10 INCOMING MESSA 10, 1943 rlw 1731 Z URGENT From: Algiers DECLASSIFIED To: War JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 In Reply Cite: 2982, April 10, 1943 Jefna and Sidi Nsir sectors. Nothing to report. Oued Zarga-Toukabeur sector. Enemy abandoned Sidi Naceur J 5437 April 8 and during night 8/9 April was cleared from ridge J 4836 and Toukabeur village J 5039. On 9 April after light resistance enemy evacuated Chouach J 5241. Unsuccessful enemy counterattack 2 company strength .667 J 4944. Prisoners identify 1 Bn 47 Gr. Two Bn stated now in reserve this area. No enemy opposition high ground J 3846, J 3945. (To AGWAR Troopers 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Liaison Grp AFHQ 5th Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 2982. Date nil. TOO nil.) Unconfirmed report enemy withdrawing northeast from Chassart Teffaha J 5842. Prisoners captured this sector since offensive opened totalled 500 all German by 1100 Z 9 April. One one zero further prisoners during afternoon. Three antitank and 4 infantry guns included in material taken. Enemy Stukas attacked our Armor 5 times area J 4444. Medjez sector. Enemy mortars again active night 8/9 April. Goubellat, Bou Arada, Ousseltia Valley sectors. No activity reported. Pichon-Fondouk sector. Enemy resistance favored by difficulties of terrain. Opposition continues western slopes. Djebel Ousselat 0 73. During morning 9 April enemy resisted strongly Djebel Rhorab 0 8117 and on high ground south of Fondouk. These positions abandoned M.I.8.J0 L NO.299 APR 1943 CM-IN-6007 (10 Apr 43) COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE2 To: War In Reply Cite: 2982, April 10, 1943 by enemy 1500 z. Enemy tanks engaged 3 miles east Fondoux. Three claimed destroyed. Nationality not stated. So far no indication fresh units at present engaged this sector. All identifications normal. Rear guards. Continued very heavy traffic through Kairouani and north and south Enfidaville. Foregoing northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400 z 9 April. Central Tunisia, General withdrawal continued during day. - Gan Panzer Division believed moved north east from Faid to general area U 19 where probably renewed contact with remnants 21 Panzer, 02 Dist. Action Info. No Sig MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR B-A FE NA LA Action: G 2 COLL SPEC Information: OPD GROG. CG AAF TRNG JSC 80 M. PER DC FIN. POW CM-IN-6007 (10 Apr 43) 2112Z REC. ce FL CIG DECLASSIFIED no JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY FEB 11 1974 ONI SR DATE WH 9 APR 10 1943 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV WDCC Filed 10/0710A April 10, 1943 ecn 19422 URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: War In reply cite: 0/53 April 10, 1943 5. First day. (A). 19th Corps. Our troops oc- cupied Argoub El Negrila 08028 and Pt 422-08029. Junc- tion effected with 128th Bde area Pt 362 P 7925. (B) 5th Corps. 78th Bde. 11th Bde occupied Chaough J 54 and ground to north west and DJ Mahdi J 4244. Two Bas 38th Bde etc, no sig NOTE: Supplementary copy of CM-IN-5885 (10 Apr 43) OPD. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CG AAF JCS BY SR LETTER. DATE 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-6271 (11 Apr 43) 0438Z ems GEORETA COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 167 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC 4 WDCC 100148Z April 10 spl 0259 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR (action) WAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group, Lisison Group AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF In Reply Cite: 2897 April 10,1943 (Action USFOR added AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast; 18th Army Group Hq, Liaison Group AFHQ, Malts, Adv NWAAF for information from G 3 section AFHQ 2897 9th Apr 43) SITREP number 167 party 2 April 8th. Para One. Naval. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. Bad weather has caused the postponement of oeveral projected operations by light craft. One of our submarines sank a 2000 ton merchant vessel by torpedo and a motor fishing boat by gunfire during a recent patrol. Movements nil. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG MF COGN General Deane (CCS) DECLASSIFIED Admiral King JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-5566 (10 Apr 43) 0345Z ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 18" WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV C16 CCWD 10/0835Z 4/10/43 mc 1445Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 537 April 10, 1943 ( Part 1 Sitrep no 168 for period ending 2359 hours 9 April. From (to troopers (pass USFOR ) USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta ( personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 4th Army rptd Jacques 242 group Bone Area BE BOIG H₁ L of C 12 ASC NA OE Tactical Bomber Force Con Area for Adv NAAF (for Col McDonard A 2 2 US corps First Army 19 Corps from 18 Army Gp. 537 April 10 TOO 0800 most secret .) AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 continue. Section 6. Air. Enemy met retreating northwards was again successfully attack- ed by fighter bombers. Targets moderate and much damage done. 1 fighter bomber attack Oudna L/G. Fighter sweeps over forward areas intercepted the few E/A on offensive missions during day, 8 JU 88's 1 MA 109 destroyed 1 JU 88 probable 3 JU 88 1 MA 108 damaged for loss of 1 Spitfire. West- ern desert force. No good targets found by fighter bombers during day. Spitfires patrolling forward areas encountered no enemy aircraft. During night 8/9 heavy and medium bombers attacked front targets Sousse-Sfax and Sousse town. Hurricans straffed road Mahares-Skatg dispersing and holding up traf- fic. End of continuation part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGOT. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING LOG CM-IN-5894 (10 APSECRET 6Z cen COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/04 168 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 40 CCWD Filed 10/0710A April 10 AR 1331Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In reply cite: No. 0 53, April 10, 1943 For period ending 2359 hours 9th Apr. (from 18 Army Group number o 53 dated 10 Apr. TOO 0635A. To Troopers (pass UFSOFR) (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for PM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone ares for SOIS (11) HQ L of C (12) 12 ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) ADV NAAF for Col McDonald & 2 (17) 2 US Corps (18) 1st Army (19) 9 Corps. Part one SITREP number 168 from AFHQ signed c in C. Part one begins. Section 1. 8th Army. (A). 30 Corps. After some enemy resistance a few Miles South- best or Mahares leading troops entered the town at 1350 hours and by last night had reached a point approx 2 miles beyond the town. There they were in contact with enemy rear-guards. North of Mahares in area square (T) U 52 Seven Armoured Div were , contact enemy forces withdrawing Best of Sfax. (H). 10 Corps. Forward troops NZ Div moved North on main road Sfax-Speitls approx 5 als South and Southwest Bou Thadi. Enemy tanks in area Trabelsis (f) U 16 avoided being brought to action by First Armoured Div and indication is future withdrawsl Northward there reported. Section 5. First Army. (A). 19 Corps. Our troops occupied Argoub E1 Negrila 0 8028 and UD 1422 - o 8029 (*) carrying out recce in force to J 3837 (3847) - J 3947. Reached J 3846. 78 Div now captured all objectives allotted for the attack 7/9 Apl. 975 prisoners taken. End of part one. Part two follows. Cite FHGCT. *Portion of message being svcd. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm King COPY No. 54 CM-IN-0885G OF THEREOSAGE IDJURBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 60 Filed 10/1926 INCOMING MESSAGE CGMD 1943 esf 2247Z From: Algiers To : USFOR London-War No. : 3103 In Reply Cite: B0C344, April 10, 1943 Interrogation prisoners of war regarding per- tinent chemicals already started North Africa and Egypt. Action USFOR information AGWAR signed Eisen- hower cite FHAOB BOC 344 In reference to POTEAT letter March 17. Sanger also tapping other sources. No Sig. ACTION: CCS INFORMATION: OPD G-2 (Col Sands) ASF CAD DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAY 23 1974 CM-IN-6371 (11 Apr 43) 11152 ems 18 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #168 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE RC 2 WDCC Filed 10/2345Z April 11 '43 ecn 08442 URGENT From: Algiers To: AGWAR In reply cite: 168 April 10, 1943 (Part 1 Sitrep no 168 for 21.00 hours 10 Apr (to Troopers pass USFOR USFOR AGWAR Freedom Gov- ernor Malta (personal for Viscount Gort) Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone area for 3015 Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force Adv NAAF for Col McDonald A-2) 2nd US Corps 1st Army 9th Corps 0546 fm 18th Army Group 10 Apr TOO nil) from AFHQ signed C in C, 1 1, 8th Army. (A), 30th Corps. Advance continued at first light and by 0825A hrs Stax was reported clear of the enemy, At 1130A hrs for- ward troops of 7th Armd Div had reached (T) U7545 and 51 Div moving up coastal road were five miles south of Stax. (B) 10th Corps, Leading troops 2nd Nz Div reached Ln Bencha (T) U77. 1st Armd further bust concentrated area Sq (T) U15 and (T) 035 with patrols at (T) U1280 and U0576 moving north towards Kairouan 4th Lt Armd Bde with under command 12th Lancers less one squadron Kdg and Royale have been ordered to operate up to line El Djel (T) L79 Kai- FOURD 4. 9th Corps. 6th Armd Div and Derby Yeo continue to follow up enemy towards Kairousn, Some casualties to our tks owing to heavy mining in Fondouk Gap. 6th Arnd Bde now in area P0025 with recce forward on approx line P1313 P 0333, 123th Bdi and 34th US Div following up and clearing up areas north and south of Fondouk Gap 2. South east Algeria. NTR. (CM-IN-6369 11 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETIER. 7-5-72 BY. SR DATE FEB 11 1974 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 Page 2 WAR DEPARTMENT From: A1 QLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER To: In INCOMING MESSAGE 3. 2nd Corps. NTR. 5. First Army. NTR, 6. Air. NTR. (Cite FHGCT) no sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-6369 (11 Apr 43) 1103Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS BY, SR LETTER. . DATE 7-3-72 FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE VB 91 CCWD iled 1925Z/9 April 9, 1943 ah 2201Z DECLASSIFIED Momo 29-71 By SR Date FEB IT 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR & USFOR In Reply Cite: 2860 April 9, 1943 Today's press publishes the text of Giraud's message to the committee of Legislative Revision set up in pursuance of the policies (information AGWAR State Dept and Combined Chiefs of Staff USFOR British Chiefs of Staff signed Eisenhower cite FHCM NAF 205 2860 9th ) outlined in his speech of March 14 and decrees relating to it. The Committee met for the 1st time yesterday and will proceed to the examination of all Vichy Legislation with a view to its adaption to the principles and laws of the French Republic. Giraud reviewed the progress already made in the reestablishment of the elected assemblies in Algeria Morocco and French West Africa and reported that 213 of the 308 municipal councils of Algeria have been reinstated and that the Conseils Generaux have been convoked for April 19. He stated that the Jewish children have regained complete freedom to attend schools, Jewish property will be restored 10 days after inventory is made. Instructions have been sent to the Courts to permit the reinstatement of Lawyers, Jewish doctors are re- opening their offices and that measures by which the Jews will reacquire their citizenship will shortly be put into effect. Full text by airmail. ACTION: CCS No Sig. INFORMATION: OPD SGS ADM KING GEN ARNOLD LOG SEO COPY No. GEN STRONG 12 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN CM-IN-5741 (10 Apr 43) 11092 flw DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV c 46 CCWD filed 2022Z/10 SCM April 10 2123z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR - London WAR (info) In Reply Cite: 3128, April 10, 1943 168 April 9 Part 1. Naval (Action USFOR information AGWAR Troopers 5th Army Mideast 18th Army Group Bq Liaison Group AFHQ Malta Adv NWAAF from G-3) Section AFHQ 3128 10th April 43 Part 2 Sitrep number no reports. Signed Eisenhower (Cite FHGCT). Movements commenced * No Sig * Being serviced. CCWD Action: OPD Information: G 2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-0-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-6111 (11 Apr 43) 0028Z ce COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 05\ssses BACO basis FOR WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE OCWD 1145A/10 Apr 10, 1943 1902Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0513, April 10, -1943. AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 continues. ((From 18th Army Group number 0513 dated Apr 10 TOO nil. To Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers pass) (3) AGWAR (4) Free- dom (5) Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army (8) Jacques (9) 242nd Group (10) Bone Area for Sois (11) Hq L of C (12) ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) 9th Corps (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army (18) Adv NAAF for Col MacDonald A 2. Part 1 SITREP No 168 for period ending 2400 hrs 9th Apr. FROM)) Section 3. 2nd Corps. Quiet day no contact. 1st Armd Div clearing mines from Faid Pass. Section 4. 9th Corps. Attack in Pichon Area resumed on broad front. Good progress made up south vast slopes DJ Ousselit against enemy resistance. Enemy re- sistance strong Fondoux Gap on DJ Rhorab 08117 and on high ground north and south OF Fondouk, By 1800 bre enemy driven off DJ Rhorab and ride south Fondouk enabl- ing our armour pass through to east. Air recce 1430 hrs revealed enemy AFVS and MT advancing west from 09220 1630 hrs our engagement CO renced 1168 east Fondouk. Reported 3 enemy tanks knocked out remainder withdrew east. South. Enemy withdrawal north and north east continued DECLASS)FIED CM-IN-6101 (11 Apr 43) JCS LETTER.----5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiere To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0513, April 10/43 Page 2. traffic north towards Kairouan reported heavy. Similar on coast road. 1400 hrs columns MT moving north through Enfidavilum. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-6101 (11 Apr 43) 0007Z ce DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC 10/2022A April 10, '43 21232 URGENT CORRECTED COPY From: Algiors To: War USFOR In reply cite: 3128 April 10, 1943 (Action USFOR added AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group Eq, Liaison Group AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF for information from G-3 Section AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 3128 10th April '43) Part 2 Sit- rep number 168. April 9th, 1. Naval. No reports, 2. Movements commenced. First Br 67 AA Regt, less two Btrys, departed Oran for Bougie. 76th HAA Regt (Br) departed Algiors for Constantine, no sig NOTE: Corrected copy of CM-IN-6111 (11 Apr 43) OPD. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN DECLASSIFIED General Deane (CCS) JCS LETTER. 7-8-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 Admiral King CM-IN-6320 (11 Apr 43 ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 05 See WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B7 CCTD Filed 2227A/9 rlw INCOMING MESSAG Tril 10, 1943 0510 Z From: Aligers To: War In Reply Cite: 2882, April 9, 1943 On 7th April contact was made with elements of 8th Army along the Gafaa-Gebes Road. (AFHQ 2882 9th Apr) There was no change in the Maknassy Sector, 3. In Central Tunisia an attack was launched 8th April by combined British and American Infantry and Armored Forces Fondouk and Pichon were occupied and fighting is now going on in the bills to the east of these towns. 4. First Army. In the French Sector our progress continued towards the eastern dorsale and Djebel Oueselat, north of Pichon, has been occupied. In Northern Tunisia our troops have attacked north of Oued Zarga with a view to occupying the high ground overlooking the Alad Beja to Medjez El Bab. Preliminary objectives were captured and fighting continues. 5. Naval. Mines were laid in the Sicilian channel. One of our submarines successfully attacked 2 large merchant vessels and probably sunk 1 of them. Motor torpedo boats have operated off Bizert end in the Sicilian channel without incident. 6. Air. On 5th April our Strategic Air Force attacked enemy airfields in Sicily and Northern Tunisia. During sweeps in the Sicilian straits an Room CM-IN-5920 (10 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-8-72 BYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT From: Algier€LASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2 To: In Reply INCOMING MESSAGE enemy destroyer was blown up and other vessels were left burning. Eighteen enemy transport aircraft were shot down. Night 5/6 April Wellingtons attacked docks and shipping at Tunis. Enemy shipping was again successfully attacked on 6th April both in convoy and in the harbor at Trapani: 3 ships were sunk, 3 ships were lost in flames and many others were reported hit. Bomber missions were restricted on 7th April by weather but Marshalling Yards at Tunis were heavily bombed. Following 8th Armys successful break through Akarit position all available light and fighter bombers of the western desert and Central Tunisian Air Forces attacked on the heaviest scale that has ever been put against Rommels retreating forces. 7. Political. General Degaulles statement broadcast from London that General Eisenhower had directed the postponement of his visit to North Africa has dominated the political situation here. The problem raised by Degaulles misinterpretation was treated locally by General Eisenhower's state- ment that he had read the communication with surprise and that inasmuch as the communique had been made public in London, he had no doubt complete disclosure of the circumstances would come from that source. This action by Degaulle is clearly a setback to negotiations which had been progressing well. General Catroux leaves afternoon 8th April for London. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF GEN. DEANE (CC/S) CM-IN-5920 (10 Apr 43) 17452 cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR, DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B62 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 09/15582 4/9/43 me 1712Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: Y 5681 April 9, 1943 Part 3 Naval. Nothing to report. ( AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers PASS USFOR 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps ADV NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADV Ln Grp AFHQ 5 Army Pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps G2 Dist. Action Info. from G-2 Freedom 2769 TOO nil 9 Apr secret signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI ) G-2 report for 24 hours MC ending 2400Z 8 April. STRONG KRONER Part 2 Air. Of which 1 between Bone-Algiers BRATTON ( and other west of latter point to Cape Tenez, 2 enemy SIT. bomber recce Western Mediterranean morning with no CURR. operations detected afternoon or evening. Near DISS. Sicily both morning afternoon few active. Not de- AIR > termined whether on offendive mission were between E-A 3 15 and 20 enemy bombers from Sicily evening. Using FE Menzel Temime, Tunis and El Aouina about 50 JU NA 52's plus few 6 engined aircraft arrived Tunisia LA as transport 7 April. General. Largely defensive COLL in nature, enemy operations on smaller scale with SPEC. protective flights made in El Djem-La Fauconnerie GEOG. Areas against our offensive recce and sweeps. Evading TRNG fight ME 109's and RE 2001's were encountered. In ISC Pichon-Kairouan Area and above Sfax- Mahares Road EO German flyers operated while small fighter patrols FS active Medjez E1 Bab Area. PER. DECLASSIFIED CC JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FIN. BY, se DATE FEB 11 1974 No Sig POW Action: G-2 REC. FL Information: OPD, CG AAF CIG M.I.B.SOURNAL NO.267 APR9 1943 no CM-IN-5321 (9 1931Z ONI ce COPY No. WH 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #167 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER QMU 10 INCOMING MESSAGE Filed 231/09 April 9, 1943 eva 2125Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 From: 18th Army Gp To: War "se PATEB 111974 In Reply Cite: 167, April 9, 1943 To (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers Pass) (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta Personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacquei (9) 242 Group (10) Byne ARAA for Sois (11) Bq L of c (12) 12 ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) 9 Corps (16) 2 US Corps (17) 1st Army (18) ADV NATAF (For Col Mac Donald A2 from 18 Army Group number 0 501. Too 0325Z dated 9th Apr) SITREP No. 167 for. period ending 2359 hrs 9th April. From AFHQ signed C in c. 1. Section 1. 8th Army. To follow. Section 2. South East Algeria. To follow. Section 3. 2 US Corps. During day 8th April Benson's Force reconnoitered Djebem Ben Kreir and passed at Y6375 now reported in Harbour Area 66065 ready to move to Sbeitla 9th April. 9 US Inf Daujw in area Y 2475 (Y 2474) ready to move North 1 US Inf. Div position unchanged. 1 1 US Armd Div intend join CCA near T 46648 9th April leaving CCB with 60 CT under como to defend areas T 71 T 72 T 813 At 2045 hrs 60 cT patrols reported to have reached hill at U 0104 without opposition. Moves completed. 2/6 Armd Inf from El Guettar to Sbeitla 894 TD Bn to Bou Mhebka 26 Inf plus 33 FA Bn to vicinity Sbeitla under comd CCA.) Section 4. 9 Corps. 34 US Inf Div. 34 Div Troops now reported holding ground 08216 08213. Hampshires have reached 08121 and 0805245. 19 Corps Troops have reached 07825, 07528, 07532. 07334 and 07336. 6th Armd Div intends capture high ground area 8127 tonight. 17/21 Lancers now at (CM-IN-5517 10 Apr 43) COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page two: From: 18th Army Gp To: War In Reply Cite: 167, April 9, 1943 7728. 6. th Armd Corps Eq now at 6889. Resistance encountered during the day in the immodiate vicinity of the pass and mines encountered northwest of Pichon but our tanks now in the town. Section 5. 1st Army (A). 19 Corps. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King Log CM-IN-5517 (10 Apr 43) 0231Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 111974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356. Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 8 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD Filed 2227A/9 Apr 10, 1943 0212 0505Z From: Algiers To: British Army Staff In reply cite: 2882, April 9, 1943 36 (SITREP). Summary of operations (action Troopers pass to HM Ambassador Madrid for US Ambassador Madrid, Resident Minister Achimota, BRITMILAT Ankara for Marshal Chakmak, Defender Wellington for Puttick rptd USFOR Mideast BRITMAN Washington ARMINDIA Delhi PAIC Land Forces Melbourne DECHIEFS Pretoria DECHIEFS Capetown Force Nairobi from G-3 Section AFHQ 2882, 9th Apr 43 signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT). 5th to 8th April. Para 1. 8th Army. Early on 6th April our forces attacked the enemys positions on the Wadi Akarit. The attack was made with the 20th Corps advancing on the Axis of the coastal road and the 10th Corps on the left. It was preceded by a very heavy artillery barrage. The enemy resistance quickly collapsed and our forces occupied the first objectives αf Djebel Tabaga and Djebel Roumana. New Zealand forces followed by an armoured division then proceeded to pass through the gap between these two hills. During the afternoon 8th April German troops counter attacked and very heavy fighting ensued. These attacks were held and during the night 6/7 April the enemy withdrew to the north closely followed by our troops. A short armored engagement was fought on the 7th but by evening our CM-IN-5963 (10 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY. SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 28 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356. Sec 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: British Army Staff In reply cite: 2882, April 9, 1943 forces-had reached La Skhirra. Part of our Infantry was left to clear the battle field and consolidate the Akarit position. On the morning 8th April the Gnemy withdrawal to the north and northeast continued. A tank action took place in the vicinity of Mezzouna, and in view of our pressure in this vicinity indic- ations are that the enemy will not attempt to retain the line from the Maknassy Gap to the sea. He has already withdrawn the majority of his forces and only a rearguard is left. Over 9500 prisoners have now been captured by 8th Army since 6th April. Para 2. 2nd Corps. In the El Guettar Area our troops continued their attacks on 5th April but the terrain was difficult and progress slow. However these actions succeeded in containing the bulk of the enemy armor thus greatly assisting the attack of the 8th Army. The following day the enemy commenced to withdraw to the east and north- west closely followed by our forces. No Sig Action: Gen. Deane (CC/S) Information: OPD G-2 CG AAF CGGN Adm. King CM-IN-5963 (10 Apr 43) 1953Z ce DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 28 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B84 CCWD Filed 1850A/9 rlw INCOMING MESSA 10, 1943 1032 Z SUPPLEMENTAL CORRECTION URGENT From: Algiers To: War In'Reply Cite: 0691, April 9, 1943 Insert following at omission: Eight fighter bomber pilots and 1 Spitfire pilot missing. No Sig Supplemental correction of CM-IN-5425 (9 Apr 43) OPD Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/8) Adm. King CM-IN-6008 (10 Apr 43) 21142 ce DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 ASCIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 29 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD filed 1222A/9 April 9, 1943 fb 1437 Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY SR DATE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2727 April 9, 1943 Jefna Sector. Nothing to report. (AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 AP MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv La Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Freedom 2727 TOO nil 9 Apr signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI.) Oued Zarga-Toukabeur sector. Extensive onemy minefields encountered. Enemy abandoned point 512, 2 miles west Touksbeur J 4939 and point 667 4943 by 1500 Z. Small number tanks employed area J 4646. Two destroyed, at least 2 damaged by own artillery and enemys own bombing. Four three eight prisoners taken all German including OC 3 Bn 755 IR. Four infantry guns captured. Medjez sector. Enemy mortar fire active. Goubellat and Bou Arada sectors. Nothing to report. Ousseltis Valley, All quiet. Pichon sector. Enemy abandoned Maison Des Eaux, Djebel El Halfa and Pichon o 72. Strong resistance Kef Gitoun 0 73. Considerable shelling area o 8025 from batteries at 0 8626. Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400 & 8 April. Central Tunisia. Faid sector. Reliable indications 2 Panzer Division forming up in area Faid Pass and to north east after withdrawal during day on enemys western flank. No indication what German units, if any, still remain Guestar area. Southern front. Enemy withdrawal from line Mezzouna U 00-La Skirra Z 27 continued during night 7-8 April and all day 8 April. Fifteen Panzer Division believed with- CM-IN-5256 (9 Apr 43) 26 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2727 April 9, 1943 drawing in direction Agareb U 63 with 164 Division on right. Ninety Light Division moving in axis of coastal road and forming rearguard. One one five PGR still in action Chebet En Nouiges U 2000 early in afternoon but main German forces to north of railway Mezzouna-Waharesx. Two one Panzer Division unlocated during-day. No Sig G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR B-A FE NA LA COLL Action: G-2 SPEC. GROG. Information: OPD TRNG CG AAF IBC BO PS PER. CC CH-IN-5256 (9 Apr 43) 1646Z ce FIN. POW REC. FL CIG no DECLASSIFIED ONI JCS LETTER 7-5-78 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 WH 1943 26 JOURNAL NO.23 APR9 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 50 CCWD filed 1233A/9 April 9, 1943 fb 1447 z of Did. Action Info. URGENT MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON 9 BIT. CURR. DECLASSIFIED DISS. JCS LETTER. 7-8-72 ( AIR BY, SR DATE FEB 1974 B-A FE NA From: Algiers LA To: WAR COLL SPEC. In Reply Cite: 2727 April 9, 1943 GROG. TRNG Part 501 possibly now in support 15 Panzer. JSC (2727 from Freedom) No indications location BO Italians. Eight Army estimate primoners up to IFS midnight 7 April total 8,000. 6,230 counted. PER Identifications, German, Three COY March Bn CC 24 J 4943, 1 and 3 Bns 755 IR Area J 44, 1 Bn FIN 961 IR, 1 COY 90 Engineer Bn Foundouk Area. All POW by PW, Italian. None. General, Enemy unlikely MRC. attempt retain line Mezzouna-coast, Indication N of 10 Panzer Division Area Faid suggests possible Cie ) intention employment his force against Fondouk IIC s threat whilst remaining forces withdraw northwards. ONI s Rearguard apparently reduced to 90 Light and WR remains 21 Panzer though latter unlocated yesterday. Eight Army report of large numbers Italians surrender- ing suggests that remnants Italian Divisions will be too severely reduced to enable any decisive stand at present. Enomy will, however, make every effort to stage local (parts 2 and 3 will follow) counter- attacks object of delaying Allied advance. No Sig Action: G-2 110.208APR9 Information: OPD 3 CG AAF 26 CM-IN-5255 (9 Apr 43) 16452 ce COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 40 COWD Filed 09/1325Z April 9 AR 1453Z DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, See. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May, FEB 11 1974 OPERATIONAL PRIORITYBy SLR Date DECLASSIFIED Action From: Cairo G2 Dist. Info. To: AGWAR MC STRONG In reply cite: AMSME 5516, April 9, 1943 KRONER BRATTON Northward enemy withdrawal hotly pursued SIT. afternoon 17th, Throughout area 8th Army advanced CURR. much equipment and more prisoners captured. Con- DISS. siderable congestion enemy vehicles on roads reported. AIR Forward troops 30th Corps reached Skhirda area. E-A Forward troops 10th. Corps moved North of Sfax Gafsa FE road morning 8th following enemy Northerly and North- NA easterly. Enemy anti-tank screen is holding Napur LA (query) Northeast Mezzouna and small tank actions COLL reported South thereof. SPEC. GEOG. (From Brereton.) Afternoon 7th RAF reports TRNG heavier movement Eastward along El Guettar Achichina JSC track provided better targets and good results observed E0 from bombing and strafing. Few enemy aircraft en- FS countered, RAF fighters claim 4 ME 109's. Western PER. Desert and Central Tunisian air forces attacked on CC heaviest scale ever employed against Rommel's retreating FIN. forces. Much damage and confusion caused his columns POW moving North, REC. FL No operational report from Bomber Command of 9th CIG Air Force April 8th. No report 12th or 57th Groups. ЛС 178 fighters of 79th Group carried out 15 sorties ONI strafing and as bomber escort. 19 motor transport damaged, WH 1 armored car, several fires, One flamer 3 medium tank damaged tent house and trailer and much personnel hit. No Sig Action: OPD 26 Information: G-2, CG s NO.21 8APR9 1943 COPY No. CM-IN-525-MAKING OKAN Anx COPY OF MESSAGE STORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 41 CCWD filed 1005A/9 April 9, 1943 fb 1335 Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS BY LETTER. SR DATE 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0502 April 9, 1943 Medium and fighter bombers continued all out effort on retreating enemy MT in Mahares-Mezzouna area. Northern Troopers USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta-personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army (R) Jacques 242 Group Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force 9 Corps 2 US Corps 1st Army Adv NAA for Col MacDonald A 2 from 18 Army Group number 0502 April 9 TOO 0940 A. From AFBQ signed C in C. Part 1 continues. Section 6. Air and central air effort was on a reduced scale due to bad weather. Fighters provided the only activity flying recces sweeps and tac rs. One ME 109 was destroyed and 1 damaged for no losses Western Deserts Wellingtons and Albacores attacked Sfax rail- way yards and MET converging on the town. The medium and fighter bombers succeeded in destroying at least 130 vehicles and some 200 damaged. Spitfires patrol- ling forward areas met with negligible opposition. The days bag 1 ME 109 probably destroyed 3 damaged and 3 JU 88's damaged. 8 fighter bomber pilots and 1 Spitfire pilot have not yet returned. End of continuation Part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig WDCMC believes this to be part of Sitrep 167 though not 60 identified. Action: OPD Information: G-2, CS ANE COCH, Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. SECRET COPY No. 53 CH-IN-5219 OF AN EXACT CORY OF THIS 15402 MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN (9 Apr 43) ce 310 Jock DECLASSIFIED See 3.4. #167 WAR DEPARTMENT YQY B19 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD Filed 0405A/9 rlw INCOMING MESSAGE 9, 1943 URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: o 501, April 9, 1943 (To (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers pass) (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta - personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) Bq L of C (12) 12 ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) 9th Corps (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army (18) Adv NATAF (for Col MacDonald A2 from 18th Army Group number 0 501. TOO 0325A dated 9 Apr.) Part 1 SITREP no 167 for period ending 2359 hrs 8th April. From APHQ signed c in C. Part 1 begins. Section 1. Eighth Army. To follow. Section 2. South east Algeria. To follow. Section 3. Two US Corps. During day 8th April Bensons force reconnoitered Djebel Ben Kreir and passed at Y 6375 now reported in harbor area Y 6065 ready to move to Sbeitle 9th April. Inf Div in area Y 2474 ready to move north, One US Inf Div position unchanged. One 08 Armd Div intend join CCA area T 4664 9th April leaving CCB with 60 CT under comd to defend areas T 71 T 72 T 81. At 2045 hrs 60 cT patrol reported to have reached hill at U 0104 without opposition. Noves completed. 2/6 Armd Inf from El Guettar to Sbeitla 894 TD Bn to Bou Chebka 26 Inf plus 33 FA Bn to vicinity Sbeitla under command CCA, DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-8-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-5145 (9 Apr 43) COPY No. 54 310 Jack THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SHOULD WAR DEPARTMENT From: MESSAGE CENTER Page 2 In To: INCOMING MESSAGE Section 4. Nine Corps. 34 US Inf Div. 34 Div Troops nov reported holding ground 08216 08213. Hampshires have reached 08421 and 0805245. 19 Corps troops have reached 07825 07528 07532 07334 and 07336. Six Armd Div intends capture high ground area 8127 tonight. 17/21 Lancers now at 7728. Six Armd Div Eq now at 6829. Resistance encountered during the day in the immediate vicinity of the Pass and Mines encountered northwest of Pichon but our tanks now in the town. Section 5. First Army. (A). 19 Corps. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-5145 (9 Apr 43) 12312 ce DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECI ASSIFIED #167 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV CCWD filed 1125A/9 April 9, 1943 fb 1410 Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0508 April 9, 1943 Amendment to Part 1 SITREP No. 167 for period ending 2359 hrs 8th April. (18 Army Group No. 0508 9th Apr TOO 1100A to Troopers Pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF TAC Bomber Force 9 Corps 2 US Corps 1st Army Constantine Area for Adv NAAF (for Col Mac- Donald A 12) My No. 0 501. Section 4. Six Armd Div intends capture high ground 8117 not 8127. 17/21 lancers now at 7718 not 7728. Six Armd Div Hq now at 6819 not J 6829. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CG AAF JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CGGN BY SR . DATE FEB 11 1974 Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-5218 (9 Apr 43) 1539Z ce SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 June 53 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 # 167 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CD 7 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 9/0517 z April 9th, 1943 nd INCOMING MESSAGE z URGENT From: Algiers To: AGWAR In reply cite: 167, April 9th, 1943 (Second and last part of part 1 SITREP no 167 V% 4%. 18 Army Graup. Already reported under Section 4. (B). 5 Corps, Attack by 78 Div con- tinued and all todays objectives taken. 11 Inf Bde reached J 4848 J 4838 J 4840. Advance slow owing to minefields. 36 Bde captured point 667 J 492438 and point 642 J 501432. 2 enemy tanks destroyed area J 4646 by field artilldery. Total PW taken since early 7th April now over 400 all of these Germans. Section 6. Air. To follow. End of part 1 part 2 follows.. Cite FHGCT. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) DECLASSIFIED Adm. King JCS LETTER, 7-8-72 BY se . DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-5135 (9 Apr 43) 1038Z ve SHORET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Just DECLASSIFIED SEGRET L91# WAR DEPARTMENT YQVB 12 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 8/2320 z md INCOMING MESSAG z 9, 1943 PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 From: Algiers MXSR a DATE FEB 11 1974 To: War No. 2250 In reply cite: BOX 167, April 8th, 1943 Part one SITREP BOK 167 for period ending 1800 hours 8 Apr. (from 18 Army Group to Troopers USFOR (Troopers Pass) AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army (R) Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for SOIS BQ L of C 12 ABC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force 9 Corps 2 08 Corps 1st Army ADV NAAF (for Col MacDonald & 2) 0/500 8 Apr too 2250 A. P from AFHQ signed CINC) Section 1. 8th Army. Enemy withdrawal from line Skhirra and Sebkret En Noual continued to north and northeast during morning 8 Apr with our forces in pursuit. Considerable congestion of enemy vehicles on roads leading northwards. (A) 30 Corps. Forward troops have reached Skirra Area. Advance continues on Axis of coast road. (B) 10 Corps. Forward troops moved north of the Sfax-Gafes road this morning and are following up enemy in north and NE direction. An enemy anti tank screen is holding spur of Mezzouna and small tank actions are taking place to the south of this position. Section 5. Air. Follows later... end of con- tinuation part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, ASF, Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm King, LOG CM-IN-5032 (9 Apr 13) 0514Z vc. COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED 1 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT TQV B68 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTEROCWD Filed 1202A/8 rlw INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS DATE FEB 11 1974 BY SR From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 2422, April 8, 1943 Sedjenane Sector. Enemy evidently preparing for resumption (To AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAF 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv La Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass lst Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGSI 2422 nil) our offensive. Considerable activity in preparation new defense line Jefna Hills J 3576. Oued Zarga Sector. Enemy withdrew from Djebel En Nahel after unsuccessful counterattack area J 4243. Pockets of resistance holding out east of this feature. One hundred fifty prisoners taken. Identifications reported normal. Medjez, Goubellat, Bou Arada Sectors. Nothing to report. Grande Dorsale Sector. No activity Ouseeltis Valley, Enemy reported in some strength Djebel El Halfa o 7231. Pichon Sector, nothing to report. Air recce indicates heavy road traffic towards Kairouan from all directions except north. Foregoing northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400 Z 7 April. Central Tunisia. Fondouk Sector nothing to report. Faz Sector. Enemy artillery opened fire from high ground vicinity Fams. Explosions heard this area possibly indicate demolitions in pass. Maknassy Sector. Small groups tanks moving southwards during day. Indications some mobile elements may be with- drawing. Guettar Sector. Enemy withdrawal continued Djebel Chemsi Area and road Gafsa-Gabes. Isolated pockets resistance remaining. General direction enemy (CM-IN-4680 8 Apr 43) COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT From: A1g:CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2 To: INCOMING MESSAGE In movement northeast. Considerable traffic con- gestion tracks and passes north and south Djebel Ben Kreir. 2,000 prisoners counted by 2300 Z. Eighth Army Front, Fierce counterattacks continued till last light 6 April, Fifteen Panzer and whole 90 Light involved. Decision to abandon whole Akarit position taken night 6/7 April. Retirement continued during morning 7 April. By afternoon enemy on general east west line immediately north Sebkret En Noual Z 09. Part enemy armour withdrawn from Guettar front then believed on enemy right flank between Rebaia z 09 and Mezzouna U 00. Prisoners taken 6 April total 5311 including 98 German. No estimates 7 April. Much equipment claimed. Identifications. Ten deserters Algerian Volunteer Bn 0 7230, General. Enemy surprised by frontal attack Akarit position having 2 Armd Divs G2 Dist. committed on Guettar Front. Strong local German Action Info. counterattacks 6 April indicate first intention MC endeavor hold position. General withdrawal at STRONG present in progress from Guettar and Akarit fronts. KRONER Rearguard position manned from Mezzouna to sea. BRATTON 1 Enemy likely to attempt delaying action on this SIT. line to cover withdrawal Administrative Echelons CURR. further north. Indications latter reaching DISS. Kairouan area by last night. Any further threat AIR < to enemys north south communications will make E-A speedy retirement essential to prevent severance FE northern and southern armies. Parts 2 and 3 will NA follow. LA COLL No Sig SPEC. GEOG. TRNG ACTION: G-2 #SC EO INFORMATION: OPD FS CG AAF DECLASSIFIED PER JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 CC BY SR DATE FIN POW REC. FL CM-IN-4680 (8 Apr 43) 1943Z ems CIG JIC ONJ WH 19.1.8. JOURNAL NO.27 APR8 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET YQV c b WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 08/2150Z INCOMING MESSAGE 9, 1943 gmc URGENT DECLARATIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 From: Algiers MYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/498 April 8, 1943 Section 1. 8th Army. Follows later. Section 2. South East Algeria. Follows later Section 3. 2nd US Corps. 1st US Inf Div consolidating positions. Benson Force clearing enemy from Chemsi Pass at 6375. 9th US Div Artillery (Less 60th and 34th FA Bns) 15th Engr Bn 47th Inf (Less 2ne Bn) and Div Service Troops moving from El Guettar Y2373 area to assembly area vicinity Bon Chebka S6662. 1st US Armd Div. No change in position. Artillery engaged in counter battery fire, Williams Force no change in position now known as CCA under command 1st US Armd Div. 3rd Bn 1st Armd Regt from 1st US Armd Div area Maknassy to CCA Sbeitla T 3074. Section 4. 1st Army. (A) 19th Corps. Maisia Des Baux 07427 and Henchir E1 Louz H 7326 occupied. Advance con- tinues, (B) 9th Corps. 198 (128) Inf Bde crossed Ouel Marguellil in Pichon Area and were making good progress at last report. 23 PE cap- tured from 961 IR. 34th US Inf Div. Crossed East- ing grid 81 southwest of Fondouk but were held up by heavy fire from area 08017. (c) 5th Corps. 1st Br Inf Div NTR. 78 (77) Br Inf Div 11th Inf Bde captured Poput 512 at J 4839 (4836) this morning. Attack con- tinues with squadron of recconsissance regt oper- ating on left flank northeast from J 4444. 4th CM-IN-5021 (9 Apr "BERET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jonk DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 spare a SEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INÇOMING MESSAGE Page 2 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/498 April 8, 1943 LOCAL Br Inf Div. Patrols located enemy positions at RESISTANCE J 3150 and J 3149, Patrols to J 3348 and J 3248 no contact. 46th Br Inf Div. NTR. Section 5. Follows later. Part 1 SITREP no 167 for period ending 1800 hrs 8 Apr. (To Troopers USFOR (Troopers pass) AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army (R) Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for SOIS Hq L of c 12 ASC NARAF Tactical Bomber Force 9th Corps 2nd US Corps 1st Army ADV NAAF for COP MacDonald A 2) From 18th Army Group 0/498 8 Apr TOO 2050Z) From AFHQ signed CINC. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG DECLASSIFIED BY JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-5021 (9 Apr 43) 0457Z VC COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 58 filed 17462/8 INCOMING MESSAGE, 1943 LB 2015Z DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2537, April 8, 1943, Part 3. Naval (To AGWAR Troopers information 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance LN Group AFHQ 5th not Action Info. Army from Freedom 2537 TOO Mil 8 Apr) Nothing to report. G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 7th April. Part 2. Air. First part of morning 4. enemy bomber recce off Algerian coast daytime of which 1 as far west as Oran, remaining 3 contacted shipping east of Algiers of Djidejelli also between Bone Phillppeville morning. Weather flight performed, with no record operations Western Mediterranean there were indications night bomber attacks in Tunisia, Believed no German transports arrived 6 April Tunisis. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group, 1st Army, 2nd Corps, Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv LN Grp APHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower, cite FHGBI. General. Both German Italian defensive fighter patrols flown over coast road from Chekira-Sfax while to inter cept our raids same area and on La Fauconnerie landing ground German fighters rose. Recce over battle area executed by ME 109's. Opposing our sweeps and raids against Bizerta and Tunis many enemy fighters. In Mateur and Medjez E1 Bab Sectors afterward considerable operations JU 87's and attack aircraft. No Sig Action: G-2 Information: OPD CG AAF CM-IN-4982 (9 App 0351Z vc 26 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Josh DECLASSIFIED 12256 Can 34 WAR DEPARTMENT WVNT 27 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD Filed 1040Z/8 INCOMING MESSAGE 8, 1943 rlw OPERATIONAL PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11612, Bee. S(E) and 5(D) or (B) OSD loter, May, 1, 1972 By SLR Date, FEB 11 1974 From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: ANSME 5499, April 8, 1943 During night 6/7th enemy withdrew from Akarit position pursued by 30th Corps on main Gabes Sfax road and 10th Corps inland farther to vest. Forward patrols 8th Army and 2nd US Corps made contact area Y 9056 afternoon 7th. Fifty First Div less 153rd Brig plus 23rd Armd Brig and 201 Guards Brig under command with left flank protection by 7th Armd Div less 4th Lt Armd Brig and 131st Brig advanced along coast road. Seventh Armd Div reached area approx 5 miles southwest La Skhirra 1800 hrs GCT after forcing enemy withdrawal following short armd engagement area Z 1777. Fiftieth Div 4th Ind Div and 153rd Ind Brig clearing battlefield and forming firm base area Akarit bridgehead position. Second New Zealand Div with 8th Armd Brig under command and 1st Armd Div on left flank continued pursuit. Afternoon 8th Armd Brig was cutting enemy screen in center, northwest line from landing ground Skhirra-Sebkret Em Noual. Enemy tanks engaged. L Force operating against small parties enemy remaining area north- west Akarit position. From Brereton April 7th RAF bombers and fighter bombers attacked dispersed motor transport withdrawing on coast road Skhirra Sfax following early reconnaissance, CM-IN-4618 (8 Apr 43) COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jank DECI ASSIFIED = WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE" 2 To: In Reply Cite: AMSME 5499, April 8, 1943 Ninth Air Force reports 21 bombers 98th Group of Bomber Command carried out mission on Palermo report not yet received. No report yet from 12th or 57th Groups 98 Fighters of 79th Group accomplished 9 missions as ren and bomber escort destroyed 1 enemy plane damaged 1. Seventeen planes of 12th Group April 6 dropped fifty five thousand and four hundred lbs of bombs on motor transport on roads causing fires and explosions, crews wounded. No Sig GI Die. Action tais MC STRONG KRONER ACTION: OPD BRATTON INFORMATION: G-2 BIT. CURR. CG AAF DUE LOG AIR / III-A FE NA LA COLL SPIC. GBOG TRNG ISC BO as PKH CC PIN POW CM-IN-4618 (8 Apr 43) 16542 mcs REC. FL DECLASSITIED CIO E. O. 11662, See. S(E) and 6(D) or (E) no ONI OED letter, May, 5, 1972 WH By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 one BURMAL MISS 1 APR8 1043 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET #166 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 49 CCWD filed 8/0925A Apr 8, 1943 VH 1317Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED From: Algiers JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 To: War BY, SR DATE FEB 1974 In Reply Cite 0484 Apr 8, 1943 7 April from 18 Army Group number 0884- dated Number 166 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 8th to Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta- Personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army Jacques 242 Group SOIS Bone Bq L of c 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force 9th Corps to US Corps 1st Army Advance NAAF for Colonel McDonald A 2 part 1 SITREP) from AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 continues. Section 1 8th Army continuation (A) 30 Corps. by 1800 A hours the area approx 5 miles south west of La Skhirra has been reached after a short armoured engagement in area (T) 2 1777) in which 7 Armd Division forced the enemy to withdraw. 50 Division 4 Indian Div and 1 Brigade 51 Div are clearing the battlefield and forming a firm base in the Akarit bridgehead position. (B) 10 Corps. Two NZ Division with 8 Armd Bde under command continued pursuit moving north from centre Akarit position with 1 British Arud Division covering left flank. In late afternoon 8th Armd Bde VII in contact with an enemy screen in centre and north west of line Skhirra and north east end Sebkret EI Noual. Enemy tanks were engaged and fighting continues. (C) L Force. Are operating against small parties of enemy remaining in area to north west of Akarit position. Section 5 Air. following 8th Army's successful break though Akarit position all svailable light and fighter bomber of the Western Desert and Central Tunisian Air Forces attacked on the heaviest scale that has ever been put against Rommel's retreating forces. Much damage and confusion caused among his columns moving northwards. No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, Gen. Deane (cc/s), Adm. King, LOG COPY No. CM-IN-4616 (8 Apr 43) mvs 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Toul DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #166 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 67 CCWD 08/1345A 4/8/43 INC 1500z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In reply cite: 0484, April 8, 1943 Number 166 Part 2 7th April. Para 1. Naval. (To USFOR rptd AGWAR Troopers 5th Army Mideast 18th Army Group Bq Liaison Grp AFHQ Malta Adv NWAAF from G-3 AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 2474 8th April nil. Sitrep) No reports. Para 2. Movements completed. 431st CA Bn AW SEP less Btry B has arrived Tebessa from Casablanca coming under command 2nd Corps. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAP CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING LOG DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR , DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-4617 (8 Apr 43) 1650Z mcs COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Juck DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 / #166 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER 3C 14 INCOMING MESSAGE Filed 8/0955Z April 9, 1943 1WS 1505Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: &GWAR In reply cite: 0/483 April 8, 1943 For 24 hours ending 2359 hours 7th Apr. (from, 18 (18) Army group number o 483 dated 8th April. TOO 0540A. (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers Pass) (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rpted (8) Jauques (9)242 group (10) Bone area pass SOIS (11) HQ L of c (12) 12 ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) Nine Corps (16) Two US Corps (17) First Army (18) Adv NAAF for Col McDonald A 2. Part one Sitrep number 166 from AFHQ signed .C in C. Section One. 8th Army. The northward withdrawal by the enemy continued during afternoon hotly pursued by our troops. In late after- noon en gagement;took place between our own and enemy armd forces between Pa Skhirra (5) 227 and Sebkretael Noual. Throughout area covered by our advance mech equipment and more prisoners fell into our hands, (A) 30 Corps. 51 Div less one Bde and 23 Armd Bde and 207 (201) Gds Bde under Command advanced along axis of coast road 7 Armd Div protecting their left flanks. Section Two. South East Algeria. Owing to signs of enemy withdrawal our northern troops attacked enemy positions. Resistance from rear-guard encountered, Our elements reached Bir-ols B Ali making liaison 9th American Inf Div on Gafsa-Gabes road, (CM-IN-4684 8 'pr 43) SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN siotont DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRETA WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE URGENT From: Algiers (second page) To: AGWAR In reply cite: 0/483 April 8, 1943 About 50 prisoners and important material including 20 guns captured. Our casualties light. Advance vas. delayed by many minefielda... Section Three. Two US Corps. Ninth Inf Div reorganizing on high ground Y3758 to Y 4264 (4664.) Benson force 18 located at X7777 engaged in fire fight 2 miles north east kilometre post number 80 on El Guettar Gafsa Road, Benson force in contact with 8th Army at Y8868 as of 1610 hrs. (End of part one part two follows) 2000 PWS reported at kilometre post number 80, First 03 Armd AEC no change in position. Artillery No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King Log DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-4684 (8 Apr 43) 1953Z ems 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE April 8, 1943 From: G-3 Section A.F.H.Q. To: War Office Number 2133 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 SITREP 35 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 Summary of Operations 1st to 4th April. OKD 10th Army. Concentration of our forces has continued. Our patrols have been in contact throughout the period with the enemy (in?) his new defensive positions along the line WADI AKA? IT - DJE EL ZEMLET EL B?IDA. 2 Corps. No material change has occurred in the El Gueatar and Maknassy Areas. The enemy has been reinforced in these Areas and our attempts to break through towards Gabes and the Coast have been unsuccessful. In the Fondouk Area no material change. Signed EISENHOWER Cite FHGCT Action War Office pass to HM Ambassador Madrid for U. S. Ambassador Madrid, Resident Minister Achimota. Brit. Military Attache Ankara for Marshal Chakmak, N. z. Forces HQ Wellington for Puttick. 1st Army. In the French Sector our Forces have established themselves a few miles west of Pichon and east of Ousseltia. Our patrols have been active in the region of the Oued Kebir and positions have been occupied about 8 miles south of the Reservoir. CM-IN-4632 (8 Apr 43) SECRET COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joneh DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 Number 2133 April 8, 1943 Considerable progress in difficult country has been made in Northern Tunisia. Our forward troops have pushed east and north of Sed Enane causing the enemy to evacuate the ground between Enane and Cab Serrat. On the Coast Cab Serrat has been occupied by a combined Naval and Military Detachment, Naval motor torpedo boats operating from Bone attacked and enemy convoy off Bizerta night 31st March/1st April. 1 enemy merchant vessel was sunk and 1 probably sunk. Our submarines have successfully attacked many targets off the coast of Sicily and the toe of Italy. A heavy explosion was heard after an attack on an Italian cruiser but the results are unknown. G2 Did. Action Info. Air MC New known that attacks on Sardinian airdromes on 31st STRONG KHONER Warch succeeded in destroying about 70 enemy aircraft on ground. All strategic bombing missions were cancelled BRATTON SIT. on 2nd and 3rd April owing to weather. Heavy bombing CURR attacks were carried out on 4th April on Naples and in the DISS vicinity. Tactical Air Forces have continued to make AIR successful attacks on enemy landing grounds, troops and E-A motor transport. FE NA Politically nothing to report. LA COLL SPEC Action: OPD GROG PRNG Information: G-2 ISC CG AAF ED CGGN IN General Deane (CC/S) PKR Admiral King ce DECLASSIFIED FIN JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 POW BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 RFC. FL CHI no ONI WH APR8 1943 CM-1N-4632 (8 Apr 43) 173SECRET COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ACIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE RC 6 CCWD Filed 1005/8 Apr. 8, 1943 ACM 1138 Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-8-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0483, April 8, 1943. Active of enemy columns (part 2 of 0483) east G2 Dist. Action Info. of DJ Douau T 80 MR Williams Force in demonstration against Faid Pass drew enemy fire from high ground MC vicinity Faid. First US Inf Div most advance ele- STRONG ments vicinity Madoils Y57. Section 4. First Army. (A). KRONER 19 Corps. Thickening up of our troops opposite castern BRATTON s Dorsale continued without incident. Patrols re- SIT. port enemy in strength DJ E1 Halfa o 7231. (B) Five CURR. Corps. One Div. No Change. 78 Div. Our attack DISS. made further progress during the day. During morn- AIR ing attack 120 PW taken. 36 Bde captured Mergued E-A Chousch J 4642 during afternoon. 38 Bde completed FE occupation northern end DJ Si Maydi J 4246. 78 Div NA operations today were carried out against stiff LA enemy resistance on a front of 10 miles all objec- COLL. tives were captured and operations are continuing SPEC. tomorrow. Four Fiv. Some enemy shelling J 3442. GROG. 46 Div. Patrols report enemy activity area DJ TRNG Aiegouna J 3182 and Veheaasing track from there to JSC J 4479. Part 5. Air. To follow. End of continua- FO tion of part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. FS PER CC FIN. No Sig POW Action: OPD REC Information: G-2, CG AAF, LOG CIG 210 + CM-IN-4555 (8 Apr 43) 13352 ce ON) WH mea MOURNAL M0.159 APR8 1843 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B58 CCWD Filed 1031A/8 Apr. 8, 1943 ACM 1416 2 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 URGENT BYSR DATEFEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: War G2 Die. Action Info. MC In Reply Cite: 0484, April 8, 1943. STRONG KRONER Western Desert Force main effort against con- BRATION s centrations on the Cekhira-Sfax Roads. (0484 from SIT 18 Army Group.) targets improved during day and CURR: excellent results observed from bombing and straff-piss ing. Few enemy aircraft encountered. Of these 5 AIR destroyed 1 probable and 3 damaged. One Spitfire B-A missing. Hurricane 2 D's attacked tanks Cokhira FE Area setting 2 on fire despite intense flak oppo- NA sition. Six pilots not yet returned. Night 6/7 LA Wellingtons found good targets Maharos Area. One mu JU 88 destroyed of few enemy aircraft bombing in sire forward area. From the west light and fighter GEOG bombers made successful attacks on enemy concen- TRNG trations on 2 Corps front thus assisting that Forces in joining up with 8th Army. Good results observed. Two early attacks also made on La Fauconnerie landys ing grounds also many offensive sweeps, Four enemy ER aircraft destroyed. (TOO 0715 A THI 080925) 2 own CC aircraft missing. In north fighters intercepted 20TN JU 87 A and escort (end continuation part 1. Part POW 2 follows cite FHGCT) destroying 9 JU 87's probably destroying 5 and damaging 2 without loss. FL CIG no ACTION: OPD No Sig ONI INFORMATION: G-2 WE / CG AAF LOG #OURNAL NO.223 APR8 ISAS CM-IN-4623 (8 Apr 43) 17132 mcs SPORET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ACSIFIED SEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YOU C 27 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD Filed 1448A/7 Apr 7, 1943 amr 1717Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In reply cite: 2241, April 7. 1943 (Action AGWAR Troopers information 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 Air Force NBS ABS Walta Mideast Adv Liaison Group AFHQ 5th Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 2241 endsted). G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 6th April Part 1. Land. Northern Tunisia. Sedjenane Sector. Enemy continues cover slow withdrawal direction Jeina by considerable mining and road cratering. On enemys left flank patrols 200 report areas J 3171 and J 3075 clear of enemy. Sidi Nair Sector. Enemy mortar fire on road at J 3343. Heidous Sector. Enemy reported digging area J 5841. Madjez, Goubellat, Bou Arada Sectors. Nothing to report. Grande Dorsale Sector. Enemy shelled Ousseltia o 6546 and Ferme Joyeuse o 6848 during morning. Pichon Sector. No activity reported. DECLASSIFIED BY JCS SR LETTER, DATE 7-8-72 FEB 11 1974 CM-1N-4085 (7 Apr 4:35PMET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers PAGE 2 To: War In reply cite: 2241, April 7, 1943 Central Tunisia. Fondouk and Faid Sectors. Nothing to report. Maknassy Sector. Enemy patrols observed movements our troops. Guadtar Sector. Stubborn enemy resistance and concentrated MG fire high ground Y 3763 south Gafsa-Gabes road. Considerable west- ward movement of tanks and MT reported yesterday las not resulted in opposition by enemy armour. 15 tanks encountered Y 4064 believed operating in rear- guard role. Infantry and artillery active. 8th Army Sector. Enemys main organized position Djebil Fatnassa Z 05 and Diebel Roumana z 15 collapsed 0530Z. Enemy withdrew from point 1122 140583 after temporarily successful counter attack. 16 enemy tanks reported Z 0960. Enemy collect- ing up areas z 0706 but no indications major counter- attack. Eastward movement vehicles observed Sidi Mensour area Y 77 possible concerns withdrawal armoured forces from Guettar front. Considerable number PW presumed mostly Italian. 2 battalions 6 850th HR' Theste taken complete. Part 2 follows. No Sig Being serviced. ACTION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 INFORMATION: OPD BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CG AAF COGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING CM-IN-4085 (7 Apr STORETZ cen COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E 10256 See 2.4. SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE TQV V 31 CCWD 1448z/7th April 7, 1943 efg 1814Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2241 April 7, 1943 One one five PGR astride coastal road, Young Fascists on left (action AGWAR, Troopers information 18th Army Group, 1st Army 2nd Corps ADV NAAF EAC 12 Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADV Liaison Group AFHQ 5 Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhover 2241 undated), remonates Trieste on right, Two zero zero PGR counterattacked area Z, 1458. Three six one PGR not committed. Fifteen Panzer reliable reported moving south. Identification. None. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps ADV N&AF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADV LN Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Freedom Signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. General. .In north and centre no essential change. Enemy continues on defensive. Intimations strong rearguard action intended Guettar sector but main bodies 10 and 21 Panzer Divisions probably with- drawn eastwards. Enemy may rally small mobile elements to delay our forces north of lost key position in Akarit Rine, Parts 2: andd3: Will follow. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION: OPD JCS LETTER,7-5-72 CG AAF BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King CM-IN-4114 (7 Apr 43) 2159Z bjm 54 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 9ECREF WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 10 CCWD filed 7/11102 April 7, 1943 na 16552 OPERATIONAL PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Cairo BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5485 April 7, 1943 Attack launched 0415 hrs GCT April 6th by 30t). Corps. 201 Guards Brig holding area between coast and track. 51st Div to west of Guards area of Land with 153d Brig Roumana feature. 50th Div made good progress during afternoon completing 5 crossings over Wadi, 4th Ind Div captured D1 Tebarhrtvassa replused all counter attacks, Con- fused fighting Roumana area. Second Armd Regt Group of 8th Armd B:1g led the Brig and second New Zealand Div through oppning by 50th Div, First Armd Div still defensive nouthwest 50th Div. Many prisoners re- ported taken. From Brereton RAF 60 fighter bombers re- connoitered attacked and reported enemy's movements. Upon development enemy main plan 5 attacks each light bombers and fighter bombers made in immediate rear his counter attack par 20 bombers of 376th Group Bomber Command dropped 114,000 lbs of bombs from 20,000 to 23,500 feet on Messina Ferry. Direct hits on ferry building and slips. Hits seen at pin points. One MC 202 seen to crash In strait. One Staff Sgt killed 1 wounded 1 Lt wounded. Twelve planes of 12th Group dropped 48,000 lbs of bombs from 8,700 to 9,500 feet. Scored 1 direct hit on buildings, 1 tank on fire, 1 direct hit on bank. Twentyfive M/T bombed, Seven B-25's hit with ack ack mon wounded. No operational report yet from 57th Group. Seventytwo planes 79th Fighter Group carried out 5 missions strafing and bomber escort fighter sweep. Twentyseven damaged M/T, 1 water bowser, 1 jeep, 1 armored car, 2 staff cars, 3 inch gun emplace- ment hit addition to tentage and personnel. No Sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD GEN. DEANE (CC/S) COPY No. 51 THE MAKING (4) EXACT 497Y OF THIS W2322 IS FORBIDDEN bym DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C MESSAGE CCWD Filed April 7, 1943 amr 1231Z PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 To: War (Info) Q2 Dist. Action Info. In reply cite: 2161 April 7, 1943 MC 1. Captured orders Italian 1( Corps 5 and STRONG 20 Nov 1942 indicate 213 Coastal Division includes KRONER 120 Inf Regt Emilia and following coastal units: BRATTON X 101 Bn, 447 Bn, 369 Bn, 435 Bn, and 121 Regt. Artillery: SIT. 90 Bty Frontiel Guard, 230 Bty 100/22, 122 Bty 305/17. CURR. Also 103 antitank Bn, 153 MG Bn, 7 MG Coy. (Troopers DISS. information Mideast AGWAR from G-2 Freedom signed AIR Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Part 2 follows. E-A FE 2,206 Coastal Div includes 381, 374, 437 Bns. NA LA 3.134 Coastal Regt includes 429, 384 Bns and COLL. 106 Mortar Coy. SPEC. GEOG. 4.16 Corps controls 26 and 54 Inf Div. Also TRNG 10 Bersaglieri Regt, 131 Tank Regt, 6 Raggr Arty, 44 JSC Raggr Arty (Coastal Defence), 74 Troop of 25 Bty, EO 226 Troop of 22 Raggr, 12 MG Bn, 104 MG Bn, 615 MG FS Coy, 8 Engr Bn, 434 Coastal BD, 94 L/T Coy. PER CC 5.Deductions, 16 Corps boundary northeast- FIN. southwest line inclusive Messina, Caltbnisetta, POW Agrigento, Inclusion of Infantry and Antitank Bns REC. in organization of Coastal Divisions indicates FL existence of intermediate support units between CIG static coastal defence and field divisions in ПС interior. Photostats of documents to follow at ONI parliest opportunity. WH No Sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF NO 29 5APR7 1943 CM-IN-4078 (7 Apr 20007 cen COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 DECLASSIFIED #165 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 92 INCOMING MESSAGE filed NFT/7 Apr8, 1943 LB 0050z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2311, April 7, 1943. Your message Halma M 2685 repeated herewith. ((AGWAR 5th Army ADV NWAAF from Freedom 7th 2215 A. SITREP 6 April number 165. 1. Naval. (Action USFOR added AGWAR, Troopers 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group, Hq, Liaison Group AFHQ, Malta, ADV NWAAF for information from G-3 Section AFHQ 2311) )signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. MTBS operated from Bone off Bizerta night 4-5 April and also from Malta in Sicilian Channel night 5-6 April. No incidents. Mines were laid in Sicilian Channel night 6-7 April. One of our submarines attacked a 6,100 ton enemy tanker which later disappeared believed sunk, Same submarine also hit 6,000 ton merchant vessel. 2. Movements. Nil. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) DECLASSIFIED ADM. KING JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY SR . DATE LOG CM-IN-4261 (8 Apr 43) 0322Z cen 54 9 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN #166 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB16 INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC Filed 07/2355A April 8, 1943 ecn 0320Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR a DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: War In reply cite: 166 April 7, 1943 Number 166 for period ending 2000 hrs 7th April. (From 18th Army Group number 0 980 7th 2330A. To (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers pass (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for FM Vis- count Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone area pass Sois (11) Bq L of C (12) 12th ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) Adv NAAF for Col MacDonald A-2 (16) 2 US Corps (17) 1st Army (18) 9th Corps. Part 1 Sitrep.) From AFHQ signed C in C. 1. 1. Eighth Army. During night 6/7 April the enemy withdrew from the Akarit position Withdrawal followed by 30th Corps on the Axis of Gabes-Sfax road and by 10th Corps further inland. During afternoon 7th April forward patrols made contact with patrols 2nd US Corps area Y 9056. Much equipment and many prisoners taken in Dattle area. 2. South east Algeria, N TR. 3. Second US Corps. Enemy withdrew to east See and north east. 1st US Inf Div Benson Force and 9th US Inf Div advanced contact gade with patrols Map 8th Army area Y 9056 4. (A) 19th Corps. Patrol activity. (B) 5th Corps. 78th Div. First objective taken with approx 60 prisoners. Forward elements 1530 hrs J 4736 CM-IN-4327 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jock DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By DT NARA. Date who 3101/ SECRET Page 2 From: Algiers WAR DEPARTMENT To: War CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER In "INCOMING" MESSAGE J 4537 J 4240 J 4243 J 3944. 5. Air. Follows next Sitrep. Cite FHGCT. no sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-4327 (8 Apr 43) 05182 ve DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR * DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB C26 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 07/1608A 4-7-43 mej 1652Z From: Algiers mal To: War In Reply Cite: 2262, April 7, 1943 Please observe our 45065 March was appreciation enemy position and intentions that date and estimate possible build up. Your 5380 of 6 April. Figures for strength on 15 March calculated on 5 March natur- ally conjecture only. Actually Axis strength never G2 Dist. Action reached this total. G - 2 weekly summaries give Info periodic estimates total strength with allowance for MC casualties sustained. Maximum estimated here 200,000 quoted in summary 29 of 15 March. For AGWAR from G-2 STRONG KRONER Freedom, signed Eisenhower, cite FHGBI, Estimate for BRATTON S 3 April 186,400 including some unevacuated casualties, SIT. composed 121,400 Germans, 65,000 Italians exclusive CURR Air Forces. No evidence evacuation any troops apart DISS from casualties except possibly small numbers surplus L of C personnel. AIR R-A FE 2 5380 is CM-OUT-2309 (6 Apr 43) G-2 No Sig. LA 4506 is CM-IN-2637 (6 Mar 43) G-2 COLL SPFC GROG TRN DECLASSIFIED Jul JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 Fo ACTION: G-2 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 11 PHI INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF CM-IN-4254 (8 Apr 43) 0302Z cen M.I.S. JOURNAL NO.41 APR 8 1943 S ONT COPY No. 25 11 310 Joseh THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #16, CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV XC INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 07/0745A 4/7/43 mc 1215Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0463 April 7, 1943 Part 1. SITREP no. 165 for 24 hours ( FM 18 Army Group to Troopers 2 USFOR 3 AGWAR 4 Freedom 5 Governor Malta ( personal for Viscount Gort) 6 Mideast 7 5th Army 8 Jacques 9 243 Group. 10 Bone area for SOIS 11 Hq. L of C 12 ASC 13 NASAF 14 Tact- toal Bomber Force 15 Constantine area for ADV NAAF (for Col. McDonald A2) 16 (2) US Corps 17 First Army 18 (9) Corps 0463 April 7 TOO 0645A) ending 2359 hours 6 Apr. from AFHQ signed C in C. 1. 8th Army. Nothing further to report. 2. South East Algeria. Quiet day. Usual arty. activity. Many lorries and M/CS round Henchir em- barek. New 105 MM gun bty. near Henchir Bouarada. Camel Platoon maintaining liason with 8th, Army El Hamma area. Kebili area nothing to report. 3. 2 US Corps 9 US Inf. Div. failed to take hill 369 136. Heavy losses sustained this area Benson's Force most advance elements at Y 4367. 1 US Inf. Div. patrols reached Y 4569, 1 US Armd. Div. 200 yds. short of objective pass at T7230, Williams' Force demonstration against Faid pass occupied Djebel Lassouda T 6567. 65th Armd. F A Bn less 1 bty. from Benson's Force to Williams' Force. 34 Inf. Div. area quiet no change in position. (Fondouk) CM-IN-4005 (7 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY, SR DATE 54 CONFIDENTIAL COPY No. 3/0 Jorch THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE 2 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: XO 337 April 7, 1943 4. 1st. Army. (A). 19 Corps. Patrols active some prisoners reported taken. No details yet a- vailable. Adv Hq. 19 Corps moved to Maktar 3144. (B). 5 Corps. Reconnaissance in force occupied point 556 at J 2360. Some arty. activity during day. 5. Air. Continuing offensive against enemy air in northern and central Tunisia fighter 08- corted light and medium bombers made 8 attacks on enemy landing grounds. Fighter sweeps were flown over forward area. Western Desert. Fighter bomb- ers and bombers attacked enemy preparations for counter attack on 8th Army later enemy retreating north along coast successfully attacked by fighter bombers. Part 2. Follows cite FHGCT. ( corretn. for 03044 (3144) insert 03044 (3044) No Sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CC/S) Admiral King LOG DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY se DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-4005 (7 Apr 43) 1618 Z EVS 54 CONFIDENTIAL COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date 11/13/2016 #165 j SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER B 47 YQV 07/1030A INCOMING MESSAGE, 1943. HPH 1442Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/464 April 7, 1943. Part 1. SITREP no 165 for 24 ending 2359 hrs. 6 Apr. from (1) Troopers pass USFOR (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Maltá (personal for Viscount Gort) (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone area for SOIS (11) Hq L of C (12) ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force Con Area for (15) ADV NAAF (for Col McDonald A2) (16) 2 US Corps (17) First Army (18) (9) Corps from 18 Army Group o 464 April 7 TOO 0935A) AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 continues. Section 1. 8th Army. Operations this 1 afternoon were continued with object of first estab- lishing the bridgehead gained during morning. Despite several enemy counter attacks these operations pro- ceeded satisfactorily. 5000 prisoners were taken (A). 30th Corps. At approx 1600A hrs enemy counter attacks were mounted against the Roumana features on 153 Bde front and SW end of DJ Tebaga on 4 Indian Div front. Some penetration was effected in Roumana area and confused fighting followed resulting slight gain enemy. The counter attacks on 4 Indian Div were repulsed. 50th Div made good progress in centre during afternoon completing 5 crossings over the Wadi through which 2 Armoured Regiment Groups of 8th Armd Bde were passed. DECLARATIED CM-IN-4013 (7 Apr 43) JCS BY SR LETTER, DATE 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 54 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 310 Joneh DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 Tot War In reply cite: 0/464 April 7, 1943 (B) 10th Corps. Assumed command of NZ Div. End of continuation Part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAY CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING LOG CM-IN-4013 (7 Apr 43) 1654Z ace DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-8-72 BY SR. DATE FEB 111974 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MI 101 / SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 30 WDCC Filed 6/22302 April 7, 1943 nws 11012 PRIORITY From: Algiers To: AGWAR In reply cite: 0589 April 6, 1943 Sixteen B-25's escorted by 26 P-38's dropped from 6100 feet 70 - 500 pound bombs on convoy 48 dagrees 15 minutes North of Cape Bon, ( To Arnold from Spaatz HQ NAAF Adv ) Direct bits and several near misses on all 3 large merchant vessels in con- voy; also 1 destroyer blown up and 2 barges hit. Intense flak over target. A formation of about 50 JU 52's escorted by ME 109s and 110's were encounter- ed just before target was reached, Seven JU 52's, 1 ME 110, 1 ME 210, 3 ME 109's and 3 JU 87's were destroyed, 3 probably destroyed and 6 damaged. One B-25 lost, 4 P-38's missing. Thirty-four B-25's escorted by 15 P-38's attacked Bo Rizzo Airdrome well covering it with 2442 - 20 pound fragmentation bombs where 80 90 planes were poorly dispersed. The formation was attacked immediately after leaving target. Six enemy aircraft were destroyed, 1 damaged. Two B-25's shot down but made good landings in water near Agadi Islands, Eighteen B-17's attacked Sidi Ahmed airdrome. Twenty-three B-17's attacked El Aouina airdrome. Two planes on ground definitely set on fire, other fires started. Two caused by explosions took place. Eighteen B-17's attacked Boca di Falco sirdrome well covering field where 50 to 100 planes were parked. Twenty B-17's escorted by 11 P-38's attacked Milo airdrome. Thirty of about 80 planes and DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11622, Bon RE) end 5(D) or (E) OSD leiter, May, & 1972 By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-4142 (7 Apr 43) COPY No.54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ACCIEIED SECRET- WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, See. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD lotter, May, 3, 1972 PRIORITY By SLR FEB 11 1974 Date From: Algiers (second page) To: WAR In reply cite: 0589 April 6, 1943 1 hangar was destroyed. The first 3 B-17's flights were attacked near targets. Three enemy aircraft destroyed, 2 probably destroyed and 1 damaged. Twenty- three P-38's pm sweep over Sicilian Straits intercepted D large flight of escorted JU 52's of which 16 were destroyed and 4 damaged. Two P-38's are missing. & similar sweep was made in the afternoon without results. Thirty-four Spitfires attacked 2 enemy boats off coast Tunis leaving 1 smoking. Three ME 109's encountered. One destroyed, 2 damaged. One Spitfire shot down, 2 damaged. Numerous fighter sweeps made in Tunis area, Eighteen A-20's escorted by.50 P-40's attacked EI Djem airdrome. Five engagements with enemy aircraft took place. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed, 2 damaged. Eighteen A-20's escorted by 60 Spitfires attacked Le Fauconperie airdrome and were engaged by 3 enemy formations of which 1 pro- bably destroyed and 4 damaged. Many flights were made over the E1 Guettar - Gafsa area fighters flew 738 sorties. In addition reports above, 5 enemy aircraft were destroyed and 2 damaged. Coastal flew usual convoy and recce patrols, Night 4/5 April 15 Wellingtons bombed Trapani docks and shipping. Statistics: 91 B-17's, 54 B-25's, 54 A-20's, 11 Welli P-38 F 4's, 146 P-38's, 107 P-40's, 129 American Spitfires; 15 Wellingtons, 17 Hurribombers, 356 Hurricanes and Spitfires, 26 Beaufighters, 5 Albacores, 15 Hudsons, 2 Marauders. Losses: 1 Spitfire. 2 A-20's. 3 B-25's destroyed: 6 P-38's, 1 A-20 missing; 2 Spitfires, 7 A-20's, 12 B-17's damaged. Victories: 18 JU 52's, 6 JU 87's, 1 JU 88, 18 ME 109's, 1 ME 110, 1 ME 200, 1 ME 210, 1 MA 202, 1 FW 187 destroyed; 1 JU 87, 1 ME 109, 1 MA 202, 1 FW 190, 4 unnamed enemy aircraft 1 ME 201's probably destroyed; 1 JU 52, 11 ME 109's, 1 ME 200, 2 MA 202, 1 FW 190, 8 unnamed enemy aircraft damaged. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING LOG COPY No. CM-IN-4142 (7 Apr cen THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 21 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1400Z/6 April 6, 1943 fb 1513 Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 1966 April 6, 1943 All sectors coast to Bou Arada nothing to report. Point 470 o 7792 (to AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USPOR 18 Army Gp 1st Army 2 Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1 A-md Corps and 6 Corps from Freedom 1966 nil nil secret signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI) reported strongly held and protected by mines and wire. 100 MT seen 1530 hrs moving NW on track o 9365 to o 8568. Preceeding Northern Tunisia. Part 1 Land G-2 report for 24 hrs ending 2400Z 5th April. Parts 2 and 3 will follow. Central Tunisia. Enemy patrolling SE of Pichon with Infantry and Armoured cars. Maknassy area increase in enemy mining and defensive preparations. Guettar front during afternoon considerable movement MT and tanks general area y 4060 last reported moving west on road south of Dj Berda. Tanks may include some Mark 6. Infantry Debussing Y 4354. Akarit line no activity reported. Young Fascists and Trieste coastal sector supported by regiment 90 light. Remainder 90 light probably in support Spezia and Pistoia. Part Spezia now reported forward edge Roumana Feature Z 15. Identifications. German. Three Coy 3 Bn Sonderverband 287 known as Deutch Arabisches Leh Bataillon Y 4569. Italian. 1/91 IR Grado Marines Bn o 7152. General. 21 Panzer Division now clearly on left flank Hen Panzer. CM-IN-3393 (6 Apr 43) GEORGE COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 3/0 Josh DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE To: WAR In Reply Cite: 1966 April 6, 1943 May indicate possibility spoiling attack Guettar sector but other dispositions generally defensive. Some indications enemy interest in organization de fensive line Enfidaville area. No Sig Ge Dist. Action: G-2 Action Info. MC < Information: OPD STRONG CG AAF KRONER BRATTON SIT \ CURR. DISR AIR K-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC GROG TRNG INC EO FS PER cc DECLASSIFIED FIN JCS LETTER. 7-0-72 BY SR . DATE Posi FEB 11 1974 REC FL CIG CM-IN-3393 (6 Apr 43) 1643 2 mvs ne > ONI WH M.L.8. JOURNAL NO 2 18 APR6 1943 COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ACCIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER W c 45 INCOMING MESSAGE lled 6, 1943 Apr 6, 1943 - 1629Z PRIORITY From: Algiers To: WAR USFOR (info) - British War Office (action) In Reply Cite: 1981, April 6, 1943. 27 March to 2 April. 8 Army. On 26 March (To Troopers rptd AGWAR USFOR from G-3 AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 1981 5 April Nil. Fourth Weekly summary. Para 1 summary of operations). Ten Corps Hq with 1 British Armd Div took over from 2 New Zealand Corps as reported in last weekly review and the same day attacked enemy positions SW of El Hamma. Assisted by excellent air support the 2 N Zealand Div broke through the enemy main position. The 1 British Armd Div went through the gap and re- formed for attack on the next day. By noon on the 27 they had reached a point 2 miles from El Hamma having pushed the 15 TF and 21st Panzer Divisions to one side. At the same time the 4th Indian Div cleared. the Matmata Toujane feature capturing many prisoners. 30 Corps observing that the Mareth Line was being evacuated ad- vanced towards Gabes leaving the 50 Div to clear up the battlefield. At end of period covered by this report the enemy had been pushed back to a defensive position along the line Wadi Akarit - Djebel Zemlet El Beida. By this time it was estimated that the 15 Panzer Div no longer was an effective unit as a result of battle Lojaes Ud heavy casualties also were inflicted on the 21 Panzer Div and the 164th Light Div. As a result of this operation many prisoners were captured in addition to the 2000 reported in the pre- vious summary.2 IS Corps Gafsa having been captured for use as supply depot for 8th Army an attack was planned (CM-IN-3628 7 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BYSR BY DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Terch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 1981, April 6, 1943. Page 2 along the Gafsa Gabes road for the purpose of cutting off enemy retreat from Mareth. The 1st and 9th US Inf Divs with a part of the 1 US Armd Div attacked 28th to obtain high ground Djebel Berda - Djebel Chemsi. Balance of 1 US Armd Div was left to hold Maknassy. Progress was made in the attack over difficult country and both German and Italian prisoners were captured. Some tanks broke through an enemy minefield but the enemy reached positions covering the road. 34th Div advanced 27th Mar towards Fondouk Gap but have been held up by the enemy in positions along high ground between Continue No Sig ACTION:, OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-3628 (7 Apr 43) 0146Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY SR . DATE SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED #165 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 5 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 2250Z/6th April 7, 1943 efg 0240Z Sent 6:50pm. Washington Time URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/461 April 6, 1943 Part 1 Sitrep No. 165 for period ending 2000 hours 6 April. (Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta Personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone area for SOIS Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force Constantine area for Adv 5 (for Chl McDonald A 2) 2 US Corps 1st Army 9 Corps April 6 too 2230A from 18th Army Group) From AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1. Section 1. Eighth Army, Attack by 30 Corps launched 0415 hrs 6 April. Enemy resistance on organized position appears to have collapsed 0630 hrs. At 1100 hrs move 10 Corps started. with 2 N z Div leading. Reports indicate large number of PWS taken. Section 2. South East Algeria. NTR. Section 3. 2 US Corps. 9 Inf Div attacked today south of Gafsa Gabes road but failed to take high ground about Y 3763 owing to MG fire. Benson Force moved forward about 1600 nrs by held up by enemy tanks about Y 4064, 15 German tanks seen, believed to be enemy rear guard and unlikely many more tanks this area. 1 Inf Div report no change in position and still in contact with 2 German Inf Bns. Believed 2 Corps only in contact today with rear guard. CM-IN-3693 (7 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11'1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN signature 310 DECLASSIFIED E 12356 Sec 34 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2. From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 461 April 6, 1943 Section 4. First Army. NTR. Section 5. Air. Follows next Sitrep. Part 2. Follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig. ACTION: OPD IMFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) LOG ADM KING CM-IN-3693 (7 Apr 43) 04052 flw DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 I COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE (QVC 68 WDCC 061928Z April 6 pl - efg 2140Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2047 April 6, 1943 Four four seven tons stores. Discharged in 4 and 1/2 hours (part 2 of Msg 2047 6 to AGWAR Troopers from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower) each were 2 of landing craft. Part 2. Air. Increased enemy bomber recce during day with 1 JU 88 Gibralter 0900Z and another over Oran Harbor 0815Z. Additional 4 detected off Algerian coast between Bone and Oran with convoy preceeding west off Bougie contacted late Afternoon. Also operating over Malta and Central Tunisia morning were further enemy recce, Off Cape Corbelin 4 Italian torpedo. bombers claimed destroyed by Allied Fighters after being over Algiers area at dusk, On escort activity Sicilian area were a large number ME 110's and JU 88's. " About 150 German transports arrived daily Tunis on 2nd, 3rd, 4th April, seen frequently between 0700 and 0800Z and between midday and 1400Z. Our fighters claim 18 JU 52's destroyed in addition to number of escort aircraft during 2 encounters 5 April between Sicily and Tunis, General. Comparitively small scale operations by enemy aircraft over Southern Front comprising early morning attack on Gabes by bombers and ground attack aircraft with similar operation against E1 Hamma late afternoon as well as number recce battle area Medenine and Djerba. In Maknassy and E1 Guettar sectors German fighters and fighter bombers made several offensive sweeps with Thelepte attacked morning by escorted (CM-IN-3569 6 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joneh DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2. From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2047 April 6, 1943 bomber. Fauconnerie Sfax Cekhira Sector, many defensive flights operated with interception fighters against ours attacking El Aquina and La Fauconnerie. In Tunis area about 15 ME 109's and FW 190's were encountered with about 50 ME 109's and FW 190's plus 3 ME 202's during attacks on La Fauconnerie. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-3569 (6 Apr 43) 23352 ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR , DATE FEB 11 1974 51 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE TQV B 58 WDCC 061845A April 6 spl 2054Z PRIORITY From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2085 April 6,1943 No mention to be made operations of any divisions 8th Army. (Troopers information AGWAR from Censor- ship Branch (INC) AFHQ 2085 6th April nil) for IP 3 r repeated AGWAR from McClure signed CINC cite FHINC. Including regimental names since fall Gabes, No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF General Deane (CCS) BPR DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-3657 (7 Apr 43) 0242Z ems BY SR . CONFIDENTIAL COPY No. 310 Jorch THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQVC52 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD Filed 06/1428A jr INCOMING MESSAGE April 6, 1943 1934 Z PRIORITY 11 1974 From: Algiers To : War In Reply Cite: 1981 April 6, 1943 Djebel Touil and Fondouk. As result of these postiions the enemy has observation over all western approaches to (To Troopers rptd AGWAR USFOR from G-3 AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 1981 5 April 2nd cipher part 3rd and last part follows) Fondouk. The 34 Div has withdrawn for reorganization and rest to positions south of Djebel Trozza, 1st army. 46 Div we attacked on a 3 Brigade front from positions in Djejul Abiod area 28 March. Inere was confused fighting in difficult country but the attack was successful and on 30 March Sedjenane was captured. Our forces pushed east and north of the town causing the enemy to evacuate the ground between Sedjenane and Cap Serrat. Almost 1000 prisoners have been captured. At present fighting has subsided. Location statement.8 Army with HQ at & 1169 consisted of 30 Corps Z 3428 and 10 Corps Z 1531. 30 Corps consists of 7 Armd Div z 3322, 50 Div Z 5614 51 Div 2 2546, 4 Indian Div z 1642 and 23 Armd Brig. 10 Corps consists of 1 British Armd Div z 0834. 8 Armd Brig z 1344. 2 New Zealand Div Z 2235. L Force and Fighting French Flying Column. Adv HQ SE Algerian French forces Y 0467, 2 US Corps Y 0781 consists of 1 US Armd Div T 7805. 1 US Inf Div Y 2372. 9 Inf Div Y 2663 and 34 Inf Div 0 7405. 1st Army N 8*98 consists of 19 Corps N 7939 and 5 Corps J 0818. 19 Corps consists of Welwort Div o 3143. Mathenet Div o 4370 and 3 Br Inf Brig. 5 Corps consists of 1 British Div J 4122. 78 Div (CM-IN-3664 7 Apr 43) SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Juch DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER 2 From: INCOMING MESSAGE To : War In Reply Cite: 1981. April 6, 1943 J 1424. 46 Div J 2039 and Para Brig. Army Group Reserve consists of 9 Corps N 6868 and Armd Div N 5078 5 Army. 15 Inf Rgt. Port Aux Poules RU 89. No other changes. Comparison of strength. Read Allied Axis. Inf Bns. 8 Army sector 43. 66, 2 Corps. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-3664 (7 Apr 43) 0300Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 55 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 1723z/6th April 6, 1943 efg 2035Z DECLASSIFIED URGENT JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 DATE FEB 11 1974 BY, SR From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2047 April 6, 1943 Attacks by HM submarines. Apparently sunk off Policastro enemy 6600 ton tanker (to AGWAR for WDGBI, Troopers, pass USFOR, 18th Army Group, 1st Army, 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC, 12th AF, MBS, ABS, Malta, Mideast, Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisen- hower cite FHGBI 2047 nil nil) proceeding south 22 March, Near northeast coast Sicily 24 March enemy 2500 ton tanker proceeding east escorted by E boat sunk. Two seven March in Millazzo Harbor 2 merchant vessels of 800 and 5700 tons each of which the bigger observed be settling by stern, further observation stopped by shore battery. Perhaps sunk 30th March merchant vessel proceeding south laden of 6,000 tons escorted by destroyer 2 trawlers and 2 aircraft off northwest coast Sicily. Also 30th March with about 600 total tonnage 4 schooners off northeast coast Sicily hit by gunfire of which 3 sunk 1 left Derilict. This part 3 Naval of G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 5 April. AGWAR for WDGBI, Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group, 1st Army, 2nd Corps, Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADV Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass lst Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom Signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Following enemy shipping observed. Proceeding south 8 knots 39 degs 10 mins. north 13 degs 56 mine east 13042 5 April 3 merchant vessels 2 E boats 7 aircraft. Proceeding south 7 knots 39 degs 10 mins north 14 degs 08 mins (east) 1351Z 5th April 5 merchant vessels 2 destroyers 2 air- craft. Proceeding north 6 knots 39 degs 40 mins north 14 degs 00 mins east 1434Z 5th April 2 merchant (CM-IN-3548 (6 Apr 43)) COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Juch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2. From: To: WAR In Reply Cite: 2047 April 6, 1943 vessels 1 destroyer 1 aircraft. General, At Gabes discharged 4th/5th April from landing craft with work- ing time 26 hours (not including time for repairs air raids and shifting berths. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF General Deane (CCS) Admiral King DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 CM-IN-3548 (6 Apr 43) 2222Z ems SECRETA COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 #16f SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV C 79 CCWD 22362/6th April 6, 1943 efg 2352Z URGENT From: Algiers To: London USFOR ( Info to WAR ) In Reply Cite: 2146 April 6, 1943 Sitrep part 2 5th April number 164. Part 1. Naval. (Action USFOR added AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group Hq Liaison Group AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF for informa- tion from G-3 Section AFHQ 2146) No Reports, Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. Part 2. Novements completed. Twelfth Infantry Pasted Brigade 4th Infantry Division, has arrived area Souk El Arba, Movements commenced. Nine one RCN squadron departed Rabat for Tebessa. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CGGN General Deane (CCS) BY, SR DATE FEB 11 1974 Admiral King Log CM-IN-3622 (7 Apr 43) 0130Z ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By DT NARA Date 11/13/21 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C17 CCWD filed NFT/6 BM INCOMING MESSAGE! 6, 1943 URGENT From Algiers To: War In reply cite: 0/445, April 6th, 1943. (Part 1 SITREP No 164 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 5 April. From 18 Army Group 0/445 April 6 TOO 0750A most secret to Troopers Pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 242 group Bone Area for SOIS HQ L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force Adv NAAF (for Col McDonald A2) 2 US Corps 1st Army 9 Corps) from AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 begins. Section 1. 8th Army. Nothing to report. Section 2. South East Algeria. Follows. Section 3. 2 US Corps. At 1530 hours 3 columns of enemy vehicles including 50 tanks were reported moving north west area Y 3761, At 1830 hours same concentration now reported to include total of 75 tanks with infantry was seen noving west on road south of Di Berda Y 25 2 US Corps prepared to reinforce General Boisseau's force should 14 become necessary. Situation quiet and no change to report in areas Maknassy T 80 Faid T 75 Fondouk 0 81. 3/26 Infantry with 1 battery 65 FA Bn moves to area Sbeitla T 27 178 FA regt less 1 BN from El Guettar Y 27 to Area Fondouk. 133 Rat from Sbeitla to Fondouk under command 34 Inf Div. Hq and 2 Squadrons Derby Yeomanry moved from area T 2737 to under command 9 Corps. Section 4. 1st Army. (A). 19 Corps. Patrols North East Ousseltia 0 64 captured 3 Italians. No identification yet mak pass Squadron 48 R tanks and Bn REI to Bou Arnda J 60. Sukesul rtm to 0 6461. 51 R tanks less Squadron now under Command 9 Corps. (B). 5 Corps. Our patrols made contact with enemy north of road Oued Zarga J 4235-Medjez El Bab J 53. No details. Patrol towards Jefna J 4276 met enemy area J 3275 Hq 4 Div Assumed command sector North East of Beja J 2038. Section 5. Air. Full scale offen- DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-3386 (6 Apr 43) JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 FEB 111974 SR DATE SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 310 Joch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By: un SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From Algiers To: WAR In reply cite: 0/445, April 6th, 1943. Page 2 sive opened against enemy air with most successful attacks by our aircraft on all fronts. Northern Tunisia. Fight- ers. Maintained intensive offensive sweeps in Tunis- Bizerta area in support of co-ordinated operations by bombers and long range fighters against enemy air trans- port. Fighter bombers attacked aircraft on ground at Enfidaville. (0/445 SITREP) Central Tunisia. Fighter escort to light and medium bombers engaged substantial enemy air opposition with success. Fighter bombers attacked enemy Mt and fighters flew offensive sweeps and recces in forward areas. Results of fighter combats in both sectors were 8 E/A destroyed 5 probables and 17 damaged. Our losses were 6 Spitfires and 1 B 25. Western Desert. Sfax town was attacked during night of 4/5. Fire reported in railway depot. Fighters and fighter bombers continued to harass the enemy Mt throughout the area. Addendum. 9 Corps including 6 Armd Div 128 Inf Bd T51 R tanks led Squadron Completed Concentration Foret Defenses area o 44 with 34 Inf Div in Fondouk area under command. (Cite FHGCT.) No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CG AAF JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CGGN BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 GEN, DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING LOG CM-IN-3386 (6 Apr 43) 1612Z cen SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NI D. 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 51 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1428A/6 Apr 6, 1943 BB 1916Z CH-IM-2033 PRIORITY From: Algiers To: British WAR Office (action) WAR - USFOR (info) In Reply Cite: 1981, April 5, 1943, 31 14, 19th Corps 38 14, 5th Corps 42 24. Artillery pieces. 8th Army (to Troopers rptd AGWAR USFOR from G-3 AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 1981 5th April nil.) Sector 614 390. 2 Corps 371 112. 19 Corps 267 74. 5th Corps 334 154. Serviceable allied tks. Total Axis tanks. 8th Army Sector 467 120. 2 Corps 341 130. 19th Corps 104 25. 5th Corps 363 30. Para 4. Casualties. Read officers and others. 8th Army week ending 30th March killed 29 205. Wounded 80 875. Missing 3 168. Total 112 1248. First Army less 19th Corps week ending 2 April killed 4 46. Wounded 12 225. Missing 6 129. Total 22 400. 2 Corps no reports. Para 5. Prisoners, Read German Italian. 8th Army week ending 30th March 55 3768, 2 Corps 5 days ending 30th March 130 275. First Army excluding 19th Corps week ending 2nd April 222 652, Para 6 Administrative summary. General adminis- trative situation satisfactory. Situation 8th Army not known but assumed satisfactory. 18th Army Group estah lishing fwd dump to assist in meeting 8th Army needs (CM-IN-3632 7 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-3-72 FEB 11 1974 BY SR DATE SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Josh DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR - USFOR (info) < British War Office (action) Page 2 In Reply Cite: 1981, April 6, 1943. if calls are made. Situation 2nd Corps, Consumption por and ammunition constitute heaviest demands. UNA No Sig ACTION: G-3 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF ASF Statistics CM-IN-2632 (7 Apr 43) 0150Z bes DECLASIBIPIED JCS LETTER. 7-0-72 BY SR . DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 51 DECLASSIFIED : SEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT SECURITY CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER control INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC 42 WDCC 051822A April 5 spl 2243 Z PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED By Authority of From: Algiers To: WAR (action) sm 522-71 USFOR (information) By SR FEB 11 1974 In Reply Cite: 1798 April 5,1943 The first phase of General Alexanders projected all tactical plan will be completed when the 8th Army, assisted on the left by the 2nd United States Corps, breaks through the enemy present position in the Wadi Akarit. Review number 34 to AGWAR for Combined Chiefs of Staff and to USFOR for British Chiefs of Staff from the Commander in Chief. NAF number 202 Immediately upon the completion of this phase an attack will be launched eastward through Fonduk by the British 9th Corps in which will be incorporated for that particular operation the United States 34th Division already in that area. Simultaniously, the 9th United Stated Division will move northward to take over a coastal sector, in order to permit the greatest possible concentration for the 5th Corps attack eastward through Mejes El Bab. The 2nd United States Corps, temporarily less these two divisions, will , upon the completion of the 1st phase, avail- able for offensive action by moving further to the north. The 34th Division will undoubtedly revert to control of the Corps as quickly as Alexanders special operations in the Fonduk region permit. As the whole operation progresses, airfields will be rapidly seized and developed, so as to keep up the continous pounding on the hostile communications and to facilitate rapid and decisive advance by the ground (CM-IN-3187 (6 Apr SECRET COPY No. 12 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jank 310 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers page 2 To: WAR USFOR (info) In Reply Cite: 1798 April 5,1943 forces. Another will be to render difficult any escape of hostile forces from this region. Throughout the region our forces are situated at the ends of extremely long and difficult lines of communication. However, the work that has been done through past weeks in the building up of supplies is, I believe, about to bear fruit and I foresee no great difficulty in keeping the forces maintained throughout the period necessary for the complete development of the tactical plan. It is obvious that when the enemy is forced into his final defensive lines, we will encounter a tremendous concentration of flak, both heavy and light. However, this is a difficulty to which we are fully alive and I have no fear that we will overcome it successfully. I am not prepared as yet to make firm promises as to the date for the completion of this operation. All ranks are alive to the necessity for speed and everything possible is being done to secure a complete victory here at the earliest possible moment. No Sig. ACTION: CCS DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION: OPD By Authority of General Strong Admiral King Sm 522-71 General Arnold Log By SR FEB 11-1974 CM-IN-3187 (6 Apr 43) 02182 ems OFFRET COPY No. 12 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQVB 64 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 05/1700Z gmc INCOMING MESSAGI 0102Z April 6, 1943 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11632, See S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 By SLR Date FEB 11.1974 PRIORITY From: Algiers WAL To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0532 April 5, 1943 91 of 106 B-17's, having returned (to AGWAR from BQ NAAF ADV) early, bombed shipping facilities airdromes and marshalling yards at Naples. (For Arnold from Spaatz) Direct hits made on tanker and large merchant vessel and another ship set on fire. Estimated 25 planes destroyed on ground, Docks and railroad yards were hit, also 2 small merchant vessels 1 of which exploded. 18 B-25's escorted by 72 fighters attacked El Djem airdrome. Estimated 8 planes des- troyed on ground. Bursts observed on truck convoy on road east of target. One B-25 hit by Flak and missing. 16 B-25's escorted by 22 P-38's bombed from 8000 feet a convoy of 1 medium merchant vessel 2 small merchant vessels and naval escorts. The medium and 1 small merchant vessel were set on fire. Enemy heavily attacked over target of which 4 were destroyed. 1 ME 109 after being hit crashed into a B-25. Several parachutes were seen to open before B-25 went into sea. 15 B-25's escorted by 24 P-38's bombed from 6000 feet a concentration small boats at Carloforte Sardinia. 9 small boats and a coaster were hit. Numerous bursts were observed in dock area. GPK P-38's escorted by 8 P-38's bombed from 500 feet M beached freighter southeast of Cape Zebit. A direct hit and 2 near misses observed. 18 B-25's escorted by 36 P-40's and 24 Spitfires attacked El Djem airdrome. 1 B-25 hit by Flak went down near target. 3 formations of 18 A-20's each escorted. by P-40's and Spitfires attacked LAXFA*Connerie airdrome. Another similar formation attacked vehicle concentra- tion at T 7564. Coastal fiew COH TREMXKKOLS and recce of Sicillian Straits. One Hudson crashed in flames Northeastern Area. Fighters made 649 sorties, destroyed CM-IN-3279 (6 Apr SECRET 0951Z ved COPY Nob THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 3/0 Touh DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NI D 101 SECRED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2 INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0532 April 5, 1943 10 enemy aircraft and damaged 13. One P-40 and 1 Spit- fire lost and 1 Spitfire damaged weather cast, Statictics: CONTESE 186 American Spitfires, 144 P-40's, 20 P-39's, 71 P-38's, 106 B-17's, 72 B-25's, 72 A-20's; 228 British Spitfires and Hurricanes, 12 Beaufighters, 4 Albacores, 2 Swordfish, 9 Hudsons, 3 Marauders. G2 Dist. Action Info. Losses: MC \ STRONG 1 P-40, 2 B-2f's, 1 Hudson, 1 Spitfire destrosed 1 B-25 missing; RU Spitfires damaged. BRATTON SIT. Victories: CURR. DISS. 6 ME 109's, 4 FW 190's and 2 aircraft destrown: 1 FW 190 probqbly destroyed; 9 ME 109's. 1 RE 2001's 3 Krog 90's and 1 unidentified aircraft damaged FE NA LA No Sig. COLL SPEC. * Being serviced. GROG. TRNG JSC BO ACTION: OPD FS PER INFORMATION: G-2 CC CG AAF FIN. LOG POW BECLASSIFIED RBC. FL E. O. 11652, Ben. son and 5(D) or (E) CIG OSD lotter, May, 5, 1972 nc By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 ONI WH CM-IN-3279 (6 Apr 43) 09512 ved NO133APR6 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 36 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1834A/5 Apr 5, 1943 LB 19542 URGENT From: Algiers To: War (info) USFOR (action) In Reply Cite: 1807, April 5, 1943. Part 2 SITREP number 163. April 4th. Para 1. Naval. (Action USFOR information AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group, Liaison Group AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF. From G 3 Section AFHQ. 5 1807.) Mines were laid in Sicillian Channel during night 4/5 April. Our submarines on patrol off north coast of Sicily have carried out following operations. Sunk 2500 ton eastbound tanker. Sunk 3000 ton merchant vessel and believed sunk 6000 ton merchant vessel both at anchor off Palermo. Attacked ships in Milazzo Harbor, 1 of which appeared to settle by stern. Sunk 3 schooners and damaged a 4th by gunfire and sunk schooner by torpedo. Another submarine attacked large southbound tanker off Toe of Italy, estimated 1 hit. Para 2. Movements completed 10th Infantry Brigade arrived forward area. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CG AAF JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 CGGN BY se . DATE FEB 11 1974 General Deane (CCS) Admiral King Log CM-IN-3041 (5 Apr 43) 21222 ems SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Josh DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV Nr B4 Filed 06/0440Z INCOMING MESSAGE esf 1553Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BYSR DATE EB 11 1974 From: Algiers To : War In roply cite: 1716 April 5, 1943 Very little enemy ground activity. (to AGWAR troopers information 18th Army Group 1 army 2 corps advance NAAF BOC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast adv liaison group AFHO 5 Army from Freedom 1716 too nil 5th Apr) Intermittent shelling Toukabeur area J 5039 and south of Medjez road J 5137. Enemy divebombed and later shelled our positions Sloughia area J 52 first light. Small enemy force ongaged by artillery south of Goubelliat J 6918. Ousseltia Valley nothing to re- port, Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 re- port for 24 hours ending 2400Z 4th April. Central Tunisia, Pichon Area: Enemy patrols 07033. Small enemy force 07022. Patrol of 9 armoured cars operated southwest Pichon later withdrawing AC enemy shelled areas 06825 and 0€524. Fondouk Area: Nothing to report. Maknassy Area: Quiet. At 1600Z TAC recce reported column MT NOV- ing Northeast on road from T 8726 to junction road Faid- Sfax. Guettar Front: Enemy counterattacked night 3-4 April and regained CM-IN-3268 (6 Apr vc COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jach SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE® 2. To : In reply cite. 1716 April 5, 1943 ridge of Djebel Berda Y 3363, Little activity dur- ing day, Column tanks and artillery moving south- west Y 5865 at 1630Z, Sixteen tanks appear immob- ilisee general area Y 4364. Possibly damaged tanks of force observed same area previous day and engaged by our artillery. 8 Army Front: No activity reported. General disposition enemy forces unchanged. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group 1 Army 2 Corps adv NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADIC La Crp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Identifications, German 28th March Battalion G2 Dist. Action Info 07140 by PW, Italian, none, general, North and centre no change. Possible slight movement reinforcements MC Maknassy to Faid or Fondouk areas. Main weight enemy's STRONG RRONER armour still Guettar front where readily available to switch to (parts two and 3 will follow) position. BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISR No Sig. MIR E-A FE NA CA Action: G-2 COLL SPEC. Information: OPD GROG. CG AAF TRNG WSC EO 3 DECLARATION PER JCS LETTER. FEB 11 1974 BY SR DATE CC FIN. POW REC. FL CM-IN-3268 (6 Apr 43) 07342 vc CIG no ONT WH 11.1.8. JOURNAL NO 119APR6 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER QMU 9 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 17242/5th April 5, 1943 efg 2217Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 177 Y April 5, 1943 Observed during day by 3 JU 88's enemy bomber WAY recce, Algerian (to AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Gp lst Army 2nd Corps Adv NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABSYR MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from Freedom 177 Y nil nil signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI part 2 air) Coast of which 2 between Algiers Bone 1 as far west as Oran and another operating at 1940 near convoy contacted between Phillippsville and Bone. Reconnoitred by several afternoon was sea area near Sicily. Off eastern Tunisian coast and along Algerian coast to Algiers weather flight. GWK G-2 report for 24 hrs ending 2400Z 4 April. Attacked by 3 torpedo bombers early morning (see report 3rd April) and again by another same evening was eastbound convoy between Algiers and Bone. Ships not reported damaged. Of which 1 claimed destroyed 25 miles north of coast 5 JU 88's at 2005Z reported over Bone. On convoy escort duty Sicilian area number of enemy aircraft. General. Battle Arek north of Gabes night 3-4 April about 18 JU 88's with daylight activity continuing high tempo. Also over southern battle area and near Maknassy early morning recce with attacks by Ju 88's escorted by ME 210's morning followed by ground strafing by FW 190°s and MS 109's, Also southern area morning afternoon fighter bombers operated. Above landing grounds west of Stax and over Stax Chekira area enemy fighters put up defensive and interception patrols. After lapse of 3 days Italian fighters again seen per- forming frequent offensive sweeps southwest of Maknassy and afternoon sweeps in Sbeitla area were German fighters. (CM-IN-3117 6 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY se FEB 1.1 1974 SECRET DATE COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Josh DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGEPORE 2. From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 177 Y April 5, 1943 During day west and SW of Medjez E1 Rab Axis fighters carried out offensive sweeps, Part 3. Naval, Nothing to report. No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF General Deane (CCS) CM-IN-3117 (6 Apr 43) 0009Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-3-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRET COPY No, 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 14 CCWD 07552/5th INCOMING MESSAGE 5, 1943 efg 1400Z URGENT CORRECTED COPY wh From: Algiers To: WAR DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 In Reply Cite: 0/432 April 5, 1943 BY SR DATE 1974 Part 1. Sitrep No. 163 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 4 April. (To Troopers USFOR (Troopers pass) AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army (R) Jacques 242, Group Bone area for Sois H L of C 12 AASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Force Adv NAAF (for Col McDonald A 2) (Ton Arta pass) 2 US Corps 1st Army 9 Corps. From 18 Army Group 0/432 5th April too 0740 from AFHQ signed c in C. Part 1 continues. Section 5. Air, Most successful attacks on enemy landing grounds and Mt were carried out by aircraft from western desert and by our aircraft based in central and N Tunisia western desert fighter bombers attacked Met west of Cekhura and a landing ground at Zitouna fighters intercepted JU 88's near Gabes and enemy fighters heading for 2 US corps front 5 ME 109's destroyed 1 FW 190 and 1 ME 109 damaged for loss of 1 Kittyhawk pilot believed safe. In the center and morth light and medium bombers of the tactical air forces made 4 attacks on enemy landing forces at La Faucounerie and St Marie Du Zit. One attack on water target by Hurri- bomber good results and some fires observed despite intense flak. Enemy fighters attempted interception and 5 E/A destroyed 1 probable and 6 damaged for loss of 2 our aircraft pilots safe. Offensive fighter sweeps over central and south. front uneventful. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGOT. NOTE: Corrected copy of CM-IN-3002 (5 Apr 43) OPD. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF Gen Deane (CCS), Adm King. COPY No. EAROR C 01032 THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 310 Juch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 7 CCWD 1100/5 4-5-43 EW 1231 Operational Priority From: Cadro To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5453 April 5 1943 Mechanical enemy transport indicated South Skret Siki Manlsour Area Y 7064 by air rcn. Fourth Ind Div patrols in contact with enemy. From Brereton escorted Ge Diet Action Info. fighter bombers attacked landing grounds Zitounx Area U 2236 twice dropping bombs among dispersed aircraft on MIC ground. Also attacked motor transport west of Cakeura STRONG with loss 1 fighter believed force landed enemy territory KRONER Without loss fighters claim 5 ME 109's destroyed 1 ME BRATTON \ 109 and 1 FW 190 damaged on interception of 9th Air Force SIT. April 4th. Twenty five B 24's of 376th Group took off, CURR target Naples. Some returned early. Others bombed dock DISS area hits observed. Complete report not received. Six AIR B 17's of 178th Squadron took off, target Palermo. No E-A report yet. No tactical missions 12th and 79th Groups. FE No report yet from 57th Group. NA LA COLL SPFC. Nosig GROG. ACTION: OPD TRNG ISC INFORMATION: G-2 EO CG AAF PS LOG E. O. Due = sad 6(D) or (E) PER OSD louse, May, 1, 1972 CC FIN By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 POW REC 2 CTG CM-IN-2847 (5 Apr 43) 13262 flw 110° ONT / WH GEORET M. JOURNAL NO 141APR5 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT RC 5 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTERCCWD Filed 09352/5 rlw INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 URGENT DECLASSIFIED BY JCS LETTER, SR DATE 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 From: Algiers To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0/431, April 5, 1943 For 24 hours ending 2359 hours 4th April. (From 18th Army Group number 0/431 dated 5th to (1) Troopers for USFOR (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for F M Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242nd Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) Hq L of C (12) 12th ASCE (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Force (15) Adv NAAF (for Col McDonald A 2) (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army (18) C 9 Corps. Part 1 SITREP No 163. TOO 0605A). From AFHQ signed C in C9 part 1 begins. Section 1. 8th Army. 4th Ind Div in forward area with patrols in contact with enemy. 50th Div now in area z 1745 with 69th BDE in same area and 151sth BDE in Gabes. Section 2. South east Algeria. Contact still maintained in DJ Berda area. Owing to suspected enemy withdrawal small operation carried out to verify contact. Strong onemy artyand inf antry en- countered. Section 3. 2nd US Corps, Enemy counter attack on D1 E1 Kreroua II 3763 during night 3/4 Apr drove 47 CT off this hill, During day 4th Apr however Bensonm Force attacked SSE towards Kebili Road. This advance reached Y 4264 but owing to heavy arty fire and enemy tanks force vas com- pelled to withdraw to original positions, Attack on our position at Y 4271 was driven off some MPW being taken. No other material change on this front. Section 4. let Army. Patrols active on 19th Corps front. Some arty activity on both sides on 5th Corps front. No casualties to own troops. Successful shoot reported on enemy infantry CM-IN-2887 (5 Apr 43) COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356 Sec 3.3.or Sec 34 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: To: INCOMING MESSAGE® 2 In Reply Cite: 07431, April 5, 1943 and Mt in area J 6918. Rq 10th Inf Bde took over from Hq 128th Inf Bde in sector NE OJ Beja. 128 Bde now concentrated in area of Beja. Section 5. Air. To follow. End of part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN,DEANE (CC/S) ADM.KING LOG CM-IN-2887 (5 Apr 43) 1449Z flw DECLASSIFIED BY JCS SR LETTER, DATE 7-5-72 FED 11 1014 STOREY COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 79 WDCC 041756% INCOMING MESSAGE 4, 2049Z 1943 CE URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 1577, April 4, 1943 No enemy opposition at Cap Serrat (to AGWAR Troopers information 18th Army Group Advance NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS 1st Army ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ 5th Army 2nd Corps from Freedom 1577 too nil 4th Apr). Activity in whole Sedjenane Sector negligible. Some shelling our positions southwest of Medjez. Goubellat Area 60 MT moving east. Five stationary tanks south of Sebkret Kourzia. No activity Ousseltia Valley. Foregoing Northern Tunisia. Part 1. Land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 3rd April. Central Tunisia. Two small enemy attacks with respectively 9 and 4 tanks west of Pichon during morning. Fifteen tanks seen 3 KMS southwest of Fondouk during afternoon These subse- quently withdrew northeastwards. Twenty five MT some towing guns seen by TAC recce moving into Pon- douk. No activity reported Maknassy Area. Guettar quettar area Sector. Thirty tanks including some Mark 6 reported in area Y 4467 during afternoon. Four tanks claimed destroyed by our artillery. Some regrouping enemy artillery this sector, Eighth Army Pront. Wadi Akarit position considered stronger than originally believed. Enemy lay out believed similar to that at Mareth, frieste and roung Fascists not yet ident- ified but possibly 27th Corps again in coastal area (CM-IN-2604 (5 Apr 43)) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY, BYSR So mide DATE FEB 11 1974 SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT Algiers WAR CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page II #1577 INCOMING MESSAGE with 90th Light Division in reserve. Pistoia holding pass at Y 9846 with Spezia holding high ground on its left 164th Division in support of 21st Corps. Move- ment, believed reliefs noted area Z 15 night 2-3 April, AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps ADV NAAF EAC 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADV Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Identifications. Three Coy 961st IR Pichon Area by PW Italian. None. General. No change in north. Increase defensive preparations Fondouk Area. No indications any present intention to abandon Akarit Line or positions on E1 Guettar Front. Enemy ability to hold Akarit position depends largely on blocking our advance in E1 Guettar Area. Possible therefore ne May be reinforcing this sector. Parts 2 and 3 will follow. No Sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF General Deane (CCS) CM-IN-2604 (5 Apr 43) 0210Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BYSR DATE FEB 11 1974 SECTIFY COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By DT NARA Date 4/13/21/ SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 73 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 19282/4th April 4, 1943 efg 2201Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 1625 April 4, 1943 Off Algerian coast (part 2 air) 3 enemy bomber recce between Bougie-Algiers (to AGWAR Troopers infor- mation 18 Army Group Advance NAAF EAC 1st Army 2nd Corps 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ 5th Army from Freedom 1625 too nil 4th April) with no evidence convoy contacted 2nd April again picked up during day. While no indications of recce from Sicily, Balearics were covered early morning. Over battle area Tunisia indications bomber operations let 2nd halves night 3rd- 4th April perhaps more activity than customary. Vicinity eastbound convoy between Algiers ACM Bougie few torpedo bombers reported 2nd half night 3rd-4th April with no reports damage received. Other than usual escort by ME 110's of JU 52nd formations no indications such operations. G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 3rd April. General. with about 55 sorties performed during day by German fighters fighter bombers and ground attack aircraft in vicinity Sedjenane Medjez El Bab enemy air operations generally over Tunisia higher tempo. Also in Sedjenane-Medjez El Bab areas Gengan bombore Lactive early afternoon. To counteract Allied raids between Sfax and Chekira enemy opposed at different times. Over enemy landing grounds and in Tunis sector defensive patrols operated. Against our positions Kl Guettar came fighters and fighter bombers driven off by ours were about 15 JU 87's, 8 FW 190's, 6 ME 109's bombing northern slopes Djebel Berda. AGWAR for WDGBT Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group 1st Army 2nd Corps ADV NAAF EAC 12 AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. DECLASSIFIED (CM-IN-2609 5 Apr 43) JCS 3R LETTER, 7-8-72 DATE FEB 111974 BY SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2. From: To: INCOMING MESSAGE In Reply Cite: 1625 April 4, 1943 Part 3. Naval. Proceeding North Sicilyan Channel 0911Z 24th March enemy convoy 2 merchant vessels with 2 destroyers attacked by HM Submarine with believed hit 1 merchant vessel of 3500 tons. South of Messina HM Submarine attacked light cruiser. No known outcome but large explosion near. Indicated by photo recce of ports where such light cruisers are based taken same day suggests attacked vessel from Ancona. Presence 2 light cruisers in Ancona revealed by photo recce taken 23rd December 1942., No Sig. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAY General Deane (CS) CM-1N-2609 (5 Apr 43) 02162 ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 11 1974 BY DATE SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV WDCC Filed 04/1814A April 4, 1943 ecn 1955Z SUPPLEMENTARY COPY URGENT Fromt Algiers To: USYOR-War In reply cite: 1588 April 4, 1943 Insert at beginning of message: Number 162 April 3rd. 1. Naval. Two MTBS from Bone attacked an enemy convoy (to USFOR rptd AGWAR Troopers 5th Army Mideast 18 Army Group Hq Liaison Gp AFHQ Malta Adv NWAAF from G-3 Section AFHQ 1588 4 April Sitrep part 2) off B1- zerta night 31st March 1st April. no sig *Original message was unnumbered. WDCC NOTE: Supplementary copy of CM-IN-2517 (4 Apr 43) OPD. ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 General Deane (CCS), Admiral King. CM-IN-2633 (5 Apr 43) 0324Z ems COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQVB 76 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 04/18142 gmc INCOMING MESSAGE 4. 1943 URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR (Action) WAR (Info) In Reply Cite: Unnumbered April 4, 1943 * One enemy ship was sunk by torpedo and another probably sunk, Enemy escorting vessels then engaged each other. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. Cape Serrat was evacuated by enemy 2nd April and occupied by combined naval and military detachment on 3rd April. A 3500 ton enemy mer- chant vessel was torpedoed by a submarine east of Marittimo. Other submarines Habuet attacked an enemy convoy and an Italian cruiser off the toe of Italy. A 2000 ton merchant vessel was torpedoed and is believed sunk. Heavy explosion resulted from attack on cruiser but results unknown. Para 2. Movements commenced. 431st CA Bn AW Sep, less Btry B, departed Casablanca for Tebessa. Action USFOR added AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group EQ, Liaison Gp AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF for information. No Sig "First portion undecipherable, being serviced. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, JCS DECLASSIFIED LETTER. 7-5-72 General Deane (CCS), BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 Admiral King. CM-IN-2517 (4 Apr 43) 22237 ems SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 #162 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE RC 6 CCWD filed 4/12202 Apr 4 da 1410 z URGENT From: Algiers To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0415 April 4, 1943 162 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours third April (from 18 Army Group number 0415 TOO 040825A. To Troopers pass USFOR (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) Fifth Army (8) Jacques (9) 24 Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) Bq L of C (12) 12th ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Group (15) ADC NAAF for Col McDonald A 2 (16) 2 US Corps (17) First Army (18) Nine Corps. Part 1 SITREP number) from AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 continues. Section 4. First Army. Five Corps. Section 5. Air. Spitfires on offensive sweeps intercepted Stukas and fighter bombers attacking our landing grounds at Souk E1 Khemis and forward area E1 Guettar sector. A total of 19 were shot down and 7. damaged for the 1085 of 3 of our Aircraft and 2 damaged 2 pilots missing, Escorted light bombers successfully attacked St Marie Du Zit L G. Dust interfered with operations by the Western Desert Air Forces only 1 Kittybomber attack and a few interception patrols carried out without incident. End of part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING, LOG CM-IN-2356 (4 Apr 13.SEORET© COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED #162 SECRIT WAR DEPARTMENT RC 1 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 040650A Apr 4. Las INCOMING MESSAGE 1301Z URGENT WhS From: Algiers To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0/414 April 4, 1943.' (Part 1 Sitrep No 162 for 24 hrs ending 2359 hrs 3 April (from 18 Army Group 0/414 4 April TOO 0650A to Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast Fifth Army rptd Jacques 242 group Bone Area for SOIS Rq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Gp Con area for Adv NAAF (for Col McDonald AAWL 2 US Corps First Army 9 Corps) from AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 begins, Section 1. Eighth Army. Signs of enemy met movement in area (T) z 1957 was reported last night. Own tps no change. Section 2. Southern Algieria. Contact main- tained with enemy. Heavy arty activity. Small raid by camel troops area Foumkel Asker Y 1545 resulted capture 12 Italian prisoners. Section 3. 2 Corps. Southern sector. 9 US Inf Div carried out attack on limited objective vicinity Y 3564 with partial success. 1 US Inf Div made slight advance area Y 4470, Other sectors quiet. Section 4. First Army. (A) 19 Corps Welvert Division. Enemy infantry attacked West from Pichon 072 at 1030 hrs with 9 tanks and again at 1040 hrs with 4 tanks. Hoth attacks repulsed by our arty, Mathenet Division following new positions have been consolidated. 2/7 Rtm o 7468 1/7 Rtm o 7672 2/29 Rta 07279. Moves. 3/7 Rtm to Col Du Sidga o 6660. 2/2 Rta from Maktar 03043 to Ebba Ksour N 9650 K.B.5 Corps. 1 British Inf Div slight shelling area J 5132 and Rtm to Col Du Sidga o 6660 2/2 Rta from Maktar 03043 to Ebba Ksour N 9650. (B) 5 Corps. 1 British Inf Div slight shelling area J 5132 and area CM-IN-2376 (4 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BYSR DATE SECRET FECOPY No. 1974 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECLASSIFIED See 24 Steem WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER FrodNGOMING MESSAGE To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0/414 April 4, 1943 Page 2. bridge J 5731 during afternoon. 46 Inf Div Bags Al Party with Goums and detachment corps Franc D'Afrique occupied Cap Serrat J 1796 without opposition moves. 36 Inf Bde now at Testour 5/522 Section 5, Air to follow, end of part 1 part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM.KING LOG CM-IN-2376 (4 Apr 43) 15352 flw DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 ) CYPHER NAVAL MESSAGE T.O.O. 041102 IN Received: 4th April 43 Time: 2023 Addressed: Admiralty beclassified JCS MeHo, 1-17-73 Repeated : C. in C. Levant BY SR DATE FEB 11 1974 COMMORSEAFRON B.A.D. Washington COMNAVNAW FOC Gib HQNWAAF VAM FOH From : C. in C. Med. wh Situation Report Number 26. 1. MTB 266 and 315 on sweep from Bone carried out unseen attack on convoy of 3 MV heavily escorted south of Cani Rocks at 2345/31. MTB 266 fired torpedoes at one target which sank. MTB 315 proceeded through surviv- ors to fire at her target which received 2 hits and is also sunk. Escorts then engaged each other. istained damage from heavy sea on return journey, 2, Cape Serrat evacuated by enemy 2nd April and occupied by Naval and small Commands Party 3rd April 3. H.M.S. UNISON reports attacked 2000 MV probably tanker at 1409/23 in position 37 57 yes 16 10 E. One torpodo hit vessel believed sunk. 4. H.M.S. UNSEEN reports in position 37 52 N 11 27 E at 1011/24 estimated one torpedo hit on 3500 ton MV in Northbound Convoy Five, H.M.S. UNBROKEN attacked one presumed Regolo Class Cruiser in position 37 48 N 15 38 E at 1501/3. One heavy explosion but results unknown. 041102 F.M. Plans M (2) Admiral N.I. Air Marshall Lt. Col. Cook Gen. Macready S.0.(0) - Personal Cominch (2) S.O. C.O.S. N.M.C.S. Plans Brigadier Redman (8) MEM DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTM DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE FROM CINC MED ADMIRALTY PRIORITY RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE ROUT INE DEFERRED DATE 5 APRIL 1943 1219 CINC LEVANT TOR CODEROOM PRIORITY INFORMATION COMMORSEAFRON DECODED BY BAD/ UPTON BAD WASHINGTON ROUTINE COMNAVNAW FOC GIB COMINCH DEFERRED PARAPHRASED BY HQNWAAF VAM FOH INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY. 041102 NCR 10802 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL BE TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE E. O. 11662, TIME See S(2) and 5(D) or (E) GCT OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 TEXT By SLR Date FEB 11 1974 ACTION SITUATION REPORT NO. 76. F-00 F-01 1. MTB 266 AND 315 ON SWEEP FROM BONE CARRIED OUT F-015 F-0015 UNSEEN ATTACK ON CONVOY OF 3 MV HEAVILY ESCORTED SOUTH F-05 OF CANI ROCKS AT 2345/31. MTB 266 FIRED TORPEDOES AT F-07 ONE TARGET WHICH SANK. MTB 315 PROCEEDED THROUGH SUR- F-1 F-11 VIVORS TO FIRE AT HER TARGET WHICH RECEIVED 2 HITS AND F-2 is ESTIMATED ALSO SUNK, ESCORTS THEN ENGAGED EACH OTHER. F-3 MTB 266 SUSTAINED DAMAGE FROM HEAVY SEA ON RETURN JOURNEY. F-30 F-31 2. CAPE SERRAT EVACUATED BY ENEMY 2ND APRIL AND OCCUPIED F-32 BY NAVAL AND SMALL COMMANDS PARTY 3RD APRIL, F-33 F-34 3. HMS UNISON REPORTS ATTACKED 2000 MV PROBABLY TANKER F-35 AT 1409/23 IN POSITION 37-57 NORTH 16-10 EAST. ONE F-37 TORPEDO HIT VESSEL BELIEVED SUNK. IG-00 VCNO 4. HMS UNSEEN REPORTS IN POSITION 37-52 NORTH 11-27 EAST AT 1011/24 ESTIMATED ONE TORPEDO HIT ON 35 TON MV SECRET Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) NCR-15 04110 310 Jorch 10-23814-2 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTN FER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE FROM PRIORITY RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE DEFERRED DATE TOR CODEROOM PRIORITY DECODED BY INFORMATION ROUTINE DEFERRED PARAPHRASED BY INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY. PAGE TWO OF 141102 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL If TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE. ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCT TEXT ACTION F-00 IN NORTHBOUND CONVOY FIVE. HMS UNBROKEN ATTACKED ONE F-01 PRESUMED REGOLO CLASS CRUISER IN POSITION 37-48 NORTH F-015 15-38 EAST AT 1501/3 ONE HEAVY EXPLOSION BUT RESULTS F-0015 UNKNOWN. F-05 F-07 F-1 F-11 F-2 F-3 F-30 RECEIVED BY HAND FROM BAD. F-31 THREE COPIES TO 20-G. F-32 F-33 F-34 DECLASSING F-35 E. O, 11002, One to and I(D) or (5) F-37 000 be No. 1022 IC-do By BUS FEB 1.1.1974 VCNO SECRET Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS) NCB-12 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94