Virginia Dare Irreparably Damaged

MON 6 MAR 1944
Pacific
TF 74 (Rear Admiral Victor A. C. Crutchley, RN), repeats shelling of Japanese shore batteries and positions on Hauwei and Norilo Islands. Despite the bombardment, the enemy guns at the mouth of Seeadler Bay damage destroyer Nicholson (DD-442), operating in TG 76.1, 02°00'S, 147°00'E (see 7 March).

Submarine Nautilus (SS-168), in attack on Japanese convoy about 420 miles north-northwest of Saipan, sinks transport (ex-hospital ship) America Maru, 22°19'N, 143°54'E, and survives counterattack by torpedo boat Otori.

Mediterranean
Convoy UGS 33, bound from New York to Alexandria, Egypt, strays into Allied minefield off Tunis. U.S. freighter Daniel Chester French is sunk by mines at 37°18'N, 10°22'E; four Armed Guard sailors (of the 28- man detachment), nine of the merchant crew (of 44 men) and 24 of the 86 Army passengers perish with the ship. British rescue tug Charon, steamer Thelma, and tug Rescue pick up the surviving crew and passengers. Freighter Virginia Dare is irreparably damaged at approximately 37°18'N, 10°22'E. There are no casualties (including among the 28-man Armed Guard) (see 8 March).