March 21, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 21 MARCH 1942

RAAF: The first four P-40E Kittyhawks from the No. 75 Squadron are flown from Garbutt Field at Townsville and arrive at 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby as the first Allied fighters to defend the area. Two hours later, P-40E Kittyhawk piloted by F/O Wilbur L. Wackett and P-40E Kittyhawk pilot F/L Barry M. Cox took off on the first interception mission and shoot down G4M1 Betty pilot Kawai that crashed into the sea one mile west of Basilisk Light (Basilisk Beacon) on Nateara Reef to the south of Port Moresby.