May 2, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 2 MAY 1942

Australia (5th Air Force): 8th Photographic Squadron transfers from Brisbane to Garbutt Field with F-4's. Lost is B-26 40-1426 (2 KIA, 5 survived).

RAAF: Lost is P-40E A29-48 (KIA) crashed near Port Moresby.

IJN: Lost is A6M2 Zero pilot Kawanishi (KIA) shot down in air combat over Port Moresby.

RAAF / Australian Army: In the early morning, RAAF personnel and commandos on Tulagi, Gavutu and Tanambogo were ordered to begin demolition of facilities. In the early morning hours of May 3, 1942 they evacuate aboard two small ships bound for Port Vila in New Hebrides. The ship with RAAF personnel aboard reach Aoloa on Guadalcanal with Martin Clemens then departs at night.