Grim Irony

FRI 15 JAN 1943
Pacific
SBDs from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, and USAAF B-17s, escorted by F4Fs and USAAF P-39s, attack nine Japanese destroyers northeast of New Georgia, Solomons, and damage four: Arashi, Tanikaze, Urakaze, and Hamakaze.

Japanese attempt to reinforce their troops in the Solomons begins as first group of ships--Section A-- three transports accompanied by destroyer Shigure, departs Truk for Bougainville. The soldiers are being transferred from China (see 17, 19, and 20 January).

USAAF B-24s bomb Japanese convoy, sinking army cargo ship Nichimei Maru and damaging army cargo ship Moji Maru, about 200 miles south-southwest of Rangoon, Burma, 13°30'N, 97°30'E. Unknown to the aviators, Nichimei Maru is transporting Allied POWs, 500 of whom are lost.