In Italy… The US 5th Army launches new attacks against the German-held Gustav Line. The preparatory bombardment begins just before midnight. It is followed up by infantry advances. The US 2nd Corps, the Polish 2nd Corps, the British 13th Corps and the French Expeditionary Corps are engaged. Attacking Allied forces amount to 12 divisions plus reserves. The German defenders have 6 divisions, including reserves. The commanders of the German 10th Army (Vietinghoff) and the 76th Panzer Corps (Senger) are both absent from their headquarters at the start of the offensive. Meanwhile, Allied warships bombard German heavy artillery batteries around Gaeta.

Over Germany… German fighter ace Oberst Walter Oesau (123 victories) is shot down and killed over the Eifel Mountains.

Over Occupied France… The US 9th Air Force begins a series of raids on airfields around Caen.

In Britain… The Lancaster bomber “S for Sugar” (RAF No. 467 Squadron) completes its 100th mission.

In the Sulu Sea… The Japanese begin to assemble most of their remaining heavy warships at Tawitawi. Admiral Ozawa commands the forces. The build up is in anticipation of the American offensive against the Mariana Islands to the northeast.

In New Guinea… Japanese forces continue to skirmish with American forces on the beachheads around Hollandia.