Invader Timeline

1941

• Douglas Aircraft Corporation Constructs a full-sized wood mock-up on the Invader to pitch to the Air Force. Two Prototypes are ordered, 41-19504 and 41-19505. A third prototype, 41-19588 is ordered later.

1942

JULY

• 10 - The first test flight of an Invader is completed at Mines Field, El Segundo, CA.

1943

AUG

• UNK - The first Invader productions models are delivered to the Air Force.

1944

JUNE

• 23 - Invaders of the 5th Air Force stationed in Japan attack Japanese-held islands near Manokwari. 1st Combat Mission in Pacific.
• 24 - Invaders of the 5th Air Force attack enemy positions East of Mokmer Airfield. 2nd Combat Mission in Pacific.
• 26 - Invaders of the 5th Air Force attack airfields, shipping, villages, town areas, roads, and numerous other targets at Efman, Noemfoor Island, Japen, and Biak Islands, at Manokwari and Ransiki, and near Sarmi.
• 27 - Invaders of the 5th Air Force hit airfields, gun positions, and various other targets in or near Babo, Manokwari, Biak and Noemfoor Islands, Ransiki, Waren, and Moemi.

JULY

• 6 - Invaders of the 5th Air Force bomb the town and warehouse area of Yap Island and a few hit the airfield at Woleai Atoll.

Sources

Note: This source list is not exhaustive. Much of this list was compiled simply through cross-reference of existing records.

• Douglas A-26 Production List
• Individual Aircraft Record Cards
• Unit Diaries, Mission Briefings, and Service Member Records, including the 43rd Bomb Group, transcribed online here: http://www.kensmen.com/chronology.html