Sunday, 28 December 1941

 US NAVY

PACIFIC—Destroyer Patterson (DD‑392) rescues second of two groups of survivors from sunken U.S. freighter Manini at21°06'N, 161°55'E.

           Destroyer Peary (DD‑226) is damaged when mistakenly bombed and strafed by RAAF Hudsons off Kina, Celebes, N.E.I.

           Japanese destroyer Akikaze and army cargo ships Kamogawa Maru and Komaki Maru are damaged by marine casualties east of Luzon.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

U.S.—First contingent of construction battalions ("Seabees") is authorized in Navy.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Japanese begin drive from the Agno toward Cabanatuan. In S Luzon, Japanese force 52d Infantry (PA) back to Tiaong. General Jones receives orders to withdraw speedily to Bataan. 53d Infantry (PA) moves to Bataan for rest and reorganization. Enemy seizes Luisiana, on Route 1, and 1st Infantry (PA) withdraws westward.

LIBYA—13 Corps, British Eighth Army, continues assault on Agedabia with 22d Armored Brigade of 7th Armored Division, whose tank strength by this time has been greatly reduced because of mechanical failure. After futile effort to get behind enemy position, 22d Armored Brigade falls back to El Haseiat. Both sides suffer heavy tank losses.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Saturday, 27 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Destroyer Allen (DD‑66) rescues first of two groups of survivors from U.S. freighter Manini (sunk by Japanese submarine I 175 on 17 December) at 21°29'N, 159°36'E. 

           Coast Guard cutter Tiger rescues 14 survivors of U.S. freighter Prusa, sunk by Japanese submarine I 172 on 19December. A second group of 11 survivors reaches safety after a 2,700‑mile voyage, rescued by a Fijian government vessel and taken to Boruin, Gilberts.

           Unarmed U.S. tanker Connecticut is shelled by Japanese submarine I 25 about 10 miles west of the mouth of the Columbia River.

           Submarine Perch (SS‑176) torpedoes Japanese supply ship Noshima in South China Sea, 22°14'N, 115°13'E.

           Six PBYs (VP 101) bomb Japanese shipping at Jolo, P.I. against heavy fighter opposition; four Catalinas are lost.

           Japanese bomb shipping in Manila Bay and Pasig River (Takao Kokutai and 1st Kokutai). Philippine customs cutters Arayat and Mindoro and motor vessel Ethel Edwards are set afire, while lighthouse tender Canlaon is destroyed by a direct hit. Steamship Taurus is scuttled in the Pasig River (see 29 December).

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

FAR EAST—Lieutenant General Sir Henry Pownall relieves Air Chief Marshal Brooke-Popham as British CinC Far East.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Luzon front is quiet as Japanese consolidate along the Agno. North Luzon Force withdraws toward next delaying line, Tarlac–Cabanatuan, where it is to make maximum delaying effort. On S Luzon, Japanese continue to pursue U.S. columns along Routes 23 and 1; on latter, Japanese break through main positions of 53d Infantry and seize Candelaria.

MALAYA—Indian 11th Division rear guards (12th and 28th Brigades) begin withdrawal to defense positions near Kampar. In E Malaya, Japanese threat to Kuantan is increasing. Enemy forces near Trengganu- Pahang border are placed under artillery fire.

BURMA—Lieutenant General T. J. Hutton replaces General MacLeod as commander of Burma Army.

LIBYA—7th Armored Division of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, attacks Rommel’s Agedabia position, which is well-suited by nature for defense, but makes no headway.

NORWAY—British Commandos again raid enemy bases on islands off Norway.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Friday, 26 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Manila, P.I., is declared an open city but Japanese bombing continues unabated. Japanese naval land attack planes (Takao Kokutai and 1st Kokutai) bomb shipping in Manila Bay; destroyer Peary (DD‑226) is damaged by near‑misses.

           Motor torpedo boat PT‑33, damaged by grounding on 24 December five miles northwest of Cape Santiago, Luzon,13°46'N, 120°40'E, is burned to prevent capture.

           Dutch Army planes bomb and sink Japanese minesweeper W.6 and collier No. 2 Unyo Maru off Kuching, Sarawak,01°34'N, 110°21'E.

           Japanese destroyer Murasame and minesweeper W.20 are damaged by marine casualties off Takao, Formosa.

           Seaplane tender Tangier (AV‑8), diverted from the attempt to relieve Wake Island, disembarks Battery "B," 4thDefense Battalion and ground echelon of VMF 221 at Midway to augment that garrison's defenses.

ATLANTIC—Submarine chaser PC 451 accidentally rams and sinks U.S. tug Nancy Moran off east coast of Florida.

  

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

MIDWAY—Garrison is increased by 4th Defense Battalion units and ground echelon of VMF‑211, who had made a futile attempt to relieve the Wake garrison.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Naval defense forces under Adm Rockwell move to Corregidor. Manila is declared an open city. North Luzon Force, except for 194th Tank Battalion, falls back from the Agno to line Santa Ignacia–Guimba–San Jose. South Luzon Force continues to withdraw in 2 columns and organizes first line of defense of Sariaya.

MALAYA—Ipoh is evacuated by Indian 11th Division troops, but Indian 12th Brigade Group fights rear-guard action at Chemor, to N.

CHINA—Tulsa Incident ends with conciliatory meeting between Chiang Kai-shek and General Magruder during which it is agreed to send an AMMISCA officer to Rangoon.

MIDDLE EAST—General Auchinleck is notified that 4 fighter squadrons are to be transferred from Middle East to Far East; accedes to request for tanks.

NORWAY—British Commandos (Cdos) raid German bases on islands off Norway.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Thursday, 25 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Admiral Thomas C. Hart turns over all remaining naval forces in the Philippines to Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell (Commandant Sixteenth Naval District). After Japanese bombers destroy PBYs (VPs 101 and 102) earmarked to transport him and his staff south, Hart sails in submarine Shark (SS‑174) (held in readiness for that eventuality) to establish new Asiatic Fleet headquarters in Java (see 1 January 1942). During Japanese bombing of shipping in Manila Bay, submarine Sturgeon (SS‑187) is straddled but is not damaged.

           British surrender Hong Kong. U.S. freighter Admiral Y.S. Williams, under repairs in that port for damage incurred in a grounding that had occurred on 24 September, is intentionally damaged to prevent use by the Japanese. The merchantman is salvaged, however, and is renamed Tatsutama Maru. U.S. steamship (ex‑yacht) Hirondelle (also under repairs in the Crown Colony when caught there by the outbreak of hostilities) and Philippine steamship Argusare captured. Hirondelle is renamed Gyonan Maru and will survive the war. Argus is refitted and commissioned in the Japanese Navy as the gunboat Hong Kong Maru; for her fate under her new owners, see 19‑21 June 1943. Philippine steamship Churruca is scuttled.

           Japanese land at Jolo, P.I. Submarine Sealion (SS‑195), damaged by bombs at Cavite, P.I., on 10 December, is scuttled by demolition crew.

           Carrier Saratoga (CV‑3) diverted from the attempt to relieve Wake Island, flies off USMC F2As (VMF 221) to Midway. These will be the first fighter aircraft based there.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FEAF—Lt Col Charles H Caldwell sets up HQ FEAF on RAAF airfield at Darwin.

 

US ARMY

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE—General George C. Marshall, U.S. Chief of Staff, proposes at the ARCADIA Conference in Washington that Far Eastern forces be placed under a unified command.

MIDWAY—Garrison is strengthened as Marine Fighter Squadron 221 flies in from USS Saratoga.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—USAFFE HQ opens on Corregidor. Rear Adm F. W. Rockwell is put in charge of all naval activities in the Philippines. North Luzon Force reaches Agno River and prepares to hold there until night 26–27. 71st Division (PA) withdraws from E flank of line to reorganize. Japanese troops from Urdaneta succeed in crossing the Agno near Tayug, night 25–26. South Luzon Force begins northward withdrawal toward Bataan. Japanese, in close pursuit, seize Sampoloc and Pagbilao.

SULU ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese complete conquest of Jolo Island, increasing threat to Netherlands East Indies.

BORNEO—After brisk fighting in vicinity of Kuching airdrome, Sarawak, small Indian garrison breaks contact with enemy and starts on foot toward Dutch Borneo.

CHINA—British garrison of Hong Kong surrenders to Japanese. Many Allied ships are captured or sunk off the island. At a Joint Military Council meeting to consider lend-lease transfers, Chinese representative announces that the Generalissimo has decided, because of the seizure of the Tulsa's cargo, that he will not co-operate with the British and will recall Chinese troops.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Wednesday, 24 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Absaroka is shelled by Japanese submarine I 17 about 26 miles off San Pedro, California,33°40'N, 118°25'W; although abandoned, she is later reboarded and towed to San Pedro. 

           Unarmed U.S. steamship Dorothy Philips is shelled by Japanese submarine I 23 off Monterey Bay, California.

           Seaplane tender Wright (AV‑1) disembarks Marine reinforcements (Batteries "A" and "C," 4th Defense Battalion) at Midway.

           Second Marine Brigade (Colonel Henry L. Larsen, USMC) is formed at Camp Elliott, California, to defend American Samoa (see 6 and 20 January 1942).

           Japanese land at Lamon Bay, Luzon.

           Motor torpedo boat PT‑33 is damaged by grounding on reef five miles northwest of Cape Santiago, Luzon, 13°46'N,120°40'E.

           During Japanese bombing of shipping in Manila Bay by naval land attack planes (Takao Kokutai and 1st Kokutai), seized French steamship Si‑Kiang is set afire off Mariveles; of the 8‑man USMC guard detachment on board (from 1stSeparate Marine Battalion), two marines are killed and three wounded. Tug Napa (AT‑32) assists in fire‑fighting efforts.

           Dutch submarine K XVI torpedoes and sinks Japanese destroyer Sagiri off Kuching, Sarawak, 01°34'N, 110°21'E.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FEAF—3 B‑17’s fly from Del Monte during 24/25 Dec, bomb airfield and shipping at Davao, and land at Batchelor Field. 2 airplanes leave Manila for Darwin with personnel of Hq FEAF. AAF units on Luzon, as well as ground forces, begin moving to Bataan Peninsula.

ZONE of the INTERIOR—95th Bomb Squadron, at Pendleton Field, claims sub sunk off mouth of Columbia R, but this claim is not confirmed by committees of USN and British Admiralty which later assesses damage to enemy subs during World War II.

 

US ARMY

ST PIERRE AND MIQUELON Islands.—These islands, off Newfoundland, are seized by Free French.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE—Anglo-American conference, called ARCADIA, opens in Washington to consider war strategy. Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and British and U.S. Chiefs of Staff attend.

U.S.—American engineers and military members of Iranian, USSR, and North African missions sail for the Middle East from New York on Army transport Siboney.

MIDWAY—Garrison is reinf with 2 batteries of 4th Defense Battalion, which arrive from HawaiIsland

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—On Luzon, Adm Hart releases 4th Marines, stationed at Olongapo, to defend beaches of Corregidor. Japanese Lamon Bay invasion force, which constitutes southern prong of pincers applied against Manila, goes ashore early in morning at 3 points—Mauban, near Atimonan, and Slain. Main assault force, in center, secures Atimonan, forcing defenders back toward Pagbilao. Mauban force takes that town and pushes 5 miles W. From Slain enemy advances in 2 columns, one SW toward Tayabas Bay and the other SE along Route 1 toward the Legaspi detachment. Japanese on N Luzon consolidate beachhead and debouch on central plain to thrust sharply toward Agno R line. San Fabian and Binalonan fall, 26th Cav (PS) retiring from Binalonan across the Agno to Tayug. Planned withdrawal toward Bataan is begun in evening. USAFFE HQ, except for rear echelon, and President and High Commissioner of the Philippines sail to Corregidor from Manila. Fort Stotsenburg is evacuated. Major General Jonathan M. Wainwright's North Luzon Force, disposed generally along line Tayug– Urdaneta–San Carlos–Aquilar, from E to W, begins withdrawing toward Agno R line. South Luzon Force, command of which passes from General Parker to Brigadier General Albert M. Jones, is to withdraw northward into Bataan. General Parker moves to Bataan to head Bataan Defense Force, organized to prepare defensive positions.

SULU ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese invade Jolo Island in evening against light resistance from the constabulary.

BORNEO—Japanese convoy, despite attacks by British and Dutch planes and Dutch submarines, succeeds in landing troops in Kuching area, Sarawak, early in morning. Garrison, having already destroyed Kuching airdrome, requests permission to withdraw to Dutch Borneo and is told to delay enemy as long as possible before retiring. Dutch aircraft withdraw from Singkawang, Borneo, to Palembang, Sumatra.

MALAYA—Indian 11th Division, controlling all Indian 3 Corps troops N of Slim and Bernam Rivers, is organizing defense in depth astride main road with MLR in Kampar area and rear positions near Slim River Commander AIF Malaya, Ma) General Gordon Bennett (Commanding General Australian 8th Div), assigns responsibility for N Johore to Australian 27th Brigade Group, Australian 8th Division.

AUSTRALIA—Brigadier General Henry B. Claggett takes temporary command of USFIA, pending arrival of General Brett from Chungking.

LIBYA—Detachment Of 7th Armored Division, 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, enters Benghazi and finds that enemy has withdrawn.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Tuesday, 23 December 1941

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—U.S.‑British War Council composed of President Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Churchill, and their chief naval, military, and civilian advisers meets for the first time in Washington, D.C. 

PACIFIC—Wake Island (Commander Winfield S. Cunningham) is captured by naval landing force (Rear Admiral Kajioka Sadamichi) that overcomes gallant resistance offered by the garrison that consists of marines, sailors, volunteer civilians (Contractors Pacific Naval Air Bases) and a USAAF radio detachment. Japanese Patrol Boat No. 32 and Patrol Boat No. 33 (old destroyers converted to high speed transports) intentionally run ashore to facilitate landing of troops, are destroyed by marine shore batteries (1st Defense Battalion). Planes from carriers Hiryu and Soryu, as well as seaplane carrier Kiyokawa Maru provide close air support for the invasion. Open cargo lighter YCK 1 is lost to Japanese occupation of the atoll, as are civilian tugs Pioneer and Justine Foss, and dredge Columbia.

           Uncertainty over the positions of and number of Japanese carriers and reports that indicate Japanese troops have landed on the atoll compel Vice Admiral William S. Pye, Acting Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet, to recall TF 14(Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher) while it is 425 miles from its objective.

           Palmyra Island is shelled by Japanese submarines I 71 and I 72.

           Unarmed U.S. tanker Montebello is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I 21 about four miles south of Piedras Blancas light, California, 35°30'N, 121°51'W. I 21 machine‑guns the lifeboats, but miraculously inflicts no casualties. I 21 later also shells unarmed U.S. tanker Idaho near the same location.

           Japanese submarine I 17 shells unarmed U.S. tanker Larry Doheny southwest of Cape Mendocino, California,40°00'N, 125°00'W, but the American ship escapes.

           USAAF B‑17s bomb Japanese ships in Lingayen Gulf and off Davao, damaging minesweeper W.17 and destroyer Kuroshio off the latter place. USAAF P‑40s and P‑35s strafe landing forces in San Miguel Bay, Luzon, damaging destroyer Nagatsuki.

           Submarine Seal (SS‑183) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Soryu Maru off Vigan, Luzon, 17°35'N, 120°12'E.

           Japanese troops land at Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo. Off the invasion beaches, Dutch submarine K XIV torpedoes and sinks transport Hokkai Maru, army transport Hiyoshi Maru, and damages army cargo ship Nichiran Maru and transport Katori Maru.

ATLANTIC—TU 4.1.4 (Commander Richard E. Webb) assumes escort duty for convoy HX 166; the ships reach their destination without being attacked by U‑boats.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FEAF—4 B‑17’s take off from Del Monte shortly after midnight during 22/23 Dec and bomb shipping in Lingayen Gulf. 12 P‑40’s and 6 P‑35’s strafe forces landing in San Miguel Bay. FEAF comes under control of newly-created USFIA. General Brereton, Commanding General, receives orders establishing HQ FEAF at Darwin.

 

US ARMY

WAKE—Japanese naval force arrives off Wake about 0200 and puts ashore about 1,500 personnel of Special Naval Landing Force. Garrison holds out for about ii hours before being overwhelmed. TF 14, the relief force, after reaching point a little more than 400 miles from Wake, is recalled shortly before surrender of the island and retires toward Midway, the last American base remaining between Hawaii and the Philippines.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—On Luzon, General Douglas MacArthur decides to evacuate Manila and withdraw to Bataan to make a delaying stand. During night 23–24, enemy invasion force of 7,000 men arrives in Lamon Bay from the Ryukyus. Enemy invasion force sails from Mindanao for Jolo Island, Sulu Archipelago.

MALAYA—Indian 3 Corps completes withdrawal of all W coast forces behind Perak R, night 23–24. Japanese planes, which so far have concentrated on airfields, begin intensive action against forward areas.

BORNEO—Japanese convoy is detected heading toward Kuching, Sarawak.

CHINA—Japanese begin drive on Changsha, Hunan Province.

BURMA—Japanese open series of strong air attacks on Rangoon, beginning battle for air supremacy that is to last until late February 1942. Exodus of civilian laborers hampers port operations in Rangoon.

LIBYA—Because of supply difficulties, which increase as pursuit progresses westward, elements of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, are forced to remain in place. However, Indian 4th Division seizes Barce, on coast, and forward elements Of 7th Armored Division force enemy to retire from Antelat to Agedabia.

 

US MARINE CORPS

WAKE—Wake Island surrenders to Japanese.

 

Monday, 22 December 1941

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill open discussions in Washington (Arcadia Conference) leading to establishment of Combined Chiefs of Staff. The Arcadia Conference, which lasts into January 1942, results in a formal American commitment to the "Germany First" strategy. In addition, the United States and Britain agree to form a Combined Chiefs of Staff as the supreme body for Allied war planning, to confer regularly in Washington. The Anglo‑American allies also agree that there should be one supreme commander directing operations in each theater.

PACIFIC—Japanese bombers and attack planes, covered by fighters, from carriers Soryu and Hiryu, bomb Wake Island for the second time; the last two flyable USMC F4Fs (VMF 211) intercept the raid. One F4F is shot down, the other is badly damaged.

           American troops (Task Force South Pacific) (Brigadier General Julian F. Barnes, USA) arrive at Brisbane in convoy escorted by heavy cruiser Pensacola (CA‑24). This is the first U.S. Army troop detachment to arrive in Australia. 

           Japanese submarine I 19 shell unarmed U.S. tanker H.M. Storey southwest of Cape Mendocino, California, 34°35'N,120°45'W, but fails to score any hits and the American ship escapes.

           Japanese commence invasion of Luzon, landing troops at Lingayen, P.I.; submarine S 38 (SS‑143) torpedoes and sinks Japanese army transport Hayo Maru in Lingayen Gulf, 16°00'N, 120°00'E.

           USAAF B‑17s bomb and damage Japanese army oiler No. 3 Tonan Maru off Davao, P.I.

ATLANTIC—TU 4.1.3 (Commander George W. Johnson), assumes escort duty at MOMP for convoy ON 47; the convoy is dispersed the following day.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

INTERNATIONAL—Anglo-American conference (ARCADIA) opens at Washington to deal with war strategy. Churchill, Roosevelt, Harry Hopkins, Lord Beaverbrook, and American and British CoSs participate.

FEAF—9 B‑17’s from Batchelor Field attack shipping in Davao Bay and land at Del Monte.

 

US ARMY

WAKE—Japanese carrier-based and land-based planes continue strong softening attacks. Of the 2 serviceable planes remaining on the island, 1 is lost in combat and the other is rendered useless when it crash-lands. Personnel of VMF‑211 offer their services as infantry. TF 14, the Wake relief force, is delayed for refueling.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Japanese begin main landings along coast of Lingayen Gulf on Luzon before dawn. One assault force goes ashore near Bauang, another at Aringay, and a third near Agoo. Forces move forward at once without serious opposition from 11th and 21st Divisions (PA). 71st Infantry of first Division (PA) and 26th Cav (PS) move out to help halt enemy. The Bauang assault force seizes that town, effects junction with Vigan force at San Fernando, La Union, and pushes inland toward Baguio, while the other forces overrun Rosario and face S toward Manila. U.S. submarines and a few aircraft attack enemy armada in Lingayen Gulf. 9 B–17's from Batchelor Field near Darwin attack enemy shipping off Davao, Mindanao, and then land on Del Monte Field; during night 22–23, 4 of the planes continue to Lingayen Gulf and attack transports. This is the first action in the Philippines by Australian-based planes.

MALAYA—As Indian 11th Division continues withdrawal across Perak R, RAF begins regular reconnaissance of W coast to prevent enemy landings. Indian 9th Division completes planned withdrawal in E Malaya to positions from which to defend Kuantan airdrome and protect Indian 11th Division from attack from E.

CHINA—At meeting of Allied leaders in Chungking, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek offers Chinese 5th and 6th Armies for defense of Burma. General Wavell accepts Chinese 6th Army's 93d Division, elements of which are approaching border of Burma from China; regt of 49th Division is to be held in reserve on N Burma frontieRiver

AUSTRALIA—Pensacola convoy reaches Brisbane, where General Barnes' TF South Pacific becomes U.S. Forces in Australia (USFIA). This is the first U.S. troop detachment to arrive in Australia.

 

US MARINE CORPS

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Japanese land at Lingayen Gulf

 

Sunday, 21 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—PBY (VP 23) departs Wake Island; Japanese concern over the potential presence of patrol planes at Wake, occasioned by the large amount of radio traffic that accompanies the sole PBY's arrival at the island, prompts advancing the date of the first carrier strikes. Consequently, planes from carriers Soryu and Hiryu bomb Wake Island for the first time. Later that day, land attack planes (Chitose Kokutai) bomb Wake.   

           Naval local defense forces in Philippine Islands (Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell) move headquarters to Corregidor.

           Destroyer Paul Jones (DD‑230) is damaged when her starboard propeller strikes a sunken object off Makassar, N.E.I.

           Coast Guard cutter Shawnee rescues 31 survivors of U.S. tanker Emidio, sunk the previous day by I 17 off Cape Mendocino, California, from Blunt's Reef Lightship.

ATLANTIC—Light cruiser Omaha (CL‑4) and destroyer Somers (DD‑381), operating out of Recife, Brazil, encounter darkened ship that acts suspicious and evasive when challenged. Omaha fires star shell and illuminates the stranger; Somers sends armed boarding party that learns that the merchantman nearly fired upon is Soviet freighter Nevastroi.

           Destroyer Edison (DD‑439), in TU 4.1.3 en route to MOMP to pick up convoy ON 47, depth‑charges sound contact without result.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

WAKE—Japanese carrier planes begin preinvasion bombardment of defenses, supplementing attacks by shore-based aircraft. The relief force (TF 14) is within 627 miles of the island.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—3 convoys from Formosa and the Pescadores, bearing main body of Japanese 14th Army assault force, arrive in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, night 21–22. Filipino 11th Division makes contact with Japanese Vigan force at Bacnotan.

MALAYA—Indian 11th Division takes command of all troops W of Perak R, including those on Grik road, who are still heavily engaged, and begins withdrawal behind Perak River

 

US MARINE CORPS

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Naval defense forces in Philippine Islands move headquarters to Corregidor.

 

 

Saturday, 20 December 1941 US NAVY

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—In the wake of the signing of Executive Order No. 8984, Admiral Ernest J. King is announced as the designated Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet (see 30 December).

PACIFIC—SBDs (VB 6 and VS 6) from carrier Enterprise accidentally bomb submarine Pompano (SS‑181) twice, at 20°10'N,165°28'W, and 20°15'N, 165°40'W.

           PBY (VP 23) arrives at Wake Island to deliver information to the garrison concerning the relief efforts then underway (see 21 December).

           Survivors of U.S. freighter Lahaina (sunk on 11 December by Japanese submarine I 9), aided by Coast Guard cutter Tiger, reach land at Sprecklesville Beach, near Kahului, Maui, having lost four of their number during their ordeal in their one lifeboat.

           Japanese troops land at Davao, Mindanao, P.I.

           Unarmed U.S. tankship Emidio is shelled, torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I 17 about 25 miles west of Cape Mendocino, California, 40°33'N, 125°00'W (see 21 December).

           Unarmed U.S. tanker Agwiworld is shelled by Japanese submarine I 23 off the coast of California, 37°00'N, 122°00'W.

   

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

U.S.—Adm Ernest J. King is appointed CinC, U.S. Fleet.

WAKE—Patrol bomber bringing news of relief force en route to Wake arrives in Wake Lagoon.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—In another preliminary landing, Japanese invade Mindanao early in morning. Landing force goes ashore at and near Davao; after overcoming light opposition of about 2,000 Filipino troops, seizes Davao and its airfield. On Luzon, Japanese detachment starts S from Vigan toward Lingayen Gulf.

MALAYA—Indecisive fighting continues on Krian R front and along Grik road.

CHINA—Col Claire L. Chennault's AVG, based at Kunming to protect SW China and patrol Burma Road, enters combat, successfully intercepting enemy planes over Kunming. AVG is under control of Chinese Air Force.

 

US MARINE CORPS

UNITED STATES—Adm E. J. King becomes Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet.

 

 

Friday, 19 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 8 (Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr.), formed around carrier Enterprise (CV‑6), heavy cruisers, and destroyers, sails from Pearl Harbor proceeding to waters west of Johnston Island and south of Midway to cover TF 11 and TF 14operations (see 14‑16 December). Destroyer Craven (DD‑382), in TF 8, is damaged by heavy sea soon after departure, however, and returns to Pearl for repairs.

           Japanese naval land attack planes (Chitose Kokutai) bomb Wake Island, targeting installations on Wake and Peale islets.  

           Unarmed U.S. freighter Prusa is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I 172 about 150 miles south of Hawaii,16°45'N, 156°00'W (see 27 December).

UNITED STATES—U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1942 is graduated early, due to the National Emergency.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ZONE of the INTERIOR—First AF is assigned to Eastern Theater of Operations (later Eastern Defense Command).

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—On Luzon, Japanese Legaspi detachment reaches Sipoco and is reported to be pushing toward Daet. On Mindanao, 2 enemy TF's from Palau, totaling about 5,000 men, arrive off Davao during night 19-20. Enemy planes discover and attack Del Monte airfield.

MALAYA—Enemy is active against right flank of Krian R line; on Grik road, frustrates efforts of Indian 3 Corps to recover lost ground. RAF fighters based at lpoh are forced to withdraw to Kuala Lumpu River Indian 9th Division continues withdrawal southward in E Malaya and abandons Kuala Krai railhead.

BURMA—Japanese overrun Bokpyin, village some 100 miles N of Victoria Pt. Controversy, known as the Tulsa Incident, arises as a U.S. officer asks Government of Burma to impound lend-lease material at Rangoon (a valuable part of which is loaded on the SS Tulsa in the harbor), pending a decision on its use. At the suggestion of the senior Chinese representative in Burma, a committee is subsequently formed to determine the division of stocks.

LIBYA—13 Corps, British Eighth Army, continues to follow withdrawing enemy, Indian 4th Division advancing along coast to Derna and 7th Armored Division across desert.

GERMANY—Hitler takes personal command of German Army, dismissing Field Marshal von Brauchitsch.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Thursday, 18 December 1941

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—President Roosevelt signs Executive Order No. 8984 that provides that Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet will take supreme command of the operating forces of all Navy fleets and coastal frontier commands, and be directly responsible to the President.

           In another executive order, President Roosevelt directs a commission, to be headed by retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Owen J. Roberts (Roberts Commission), to "ascertain and report the facts relating to the attack made by the Japanese armed forces upon the Territory of Hawaii on December 7, 1941...to provide bases for sound decisions whether any derelictions of duty or errors of judgment on the part of United States Army or Navy personnel contributed to such successes as were achieved by the enemy on the occasion mentioned; and if so, what these derelictions or errors were, and who were responsible therefor." In addition to Justice Roberts, the commission’s membership includes retired Admiral William H. Standley and Rear Admiral Joseph W. Reeves; Major General Frank R. McCoy, USA (Retired) and Brigadier General Joseph T. McNarney, USA (see 23 January 1942).

           Congress passes First War Powers Act. 

CARIBBEAN—State Department announces that Rear Admiral Frederick J. Horne and Admiral Georges Robert, French High Commissioner at Martinique, French West Indies, have reached an agreement neutralizing French Caribbean possessions.

PACIFIC—French motor mail vessel Marechal Joffre, manned by a scratch crew that includes aviation personnel from Patrol Wing Ten, departs Manila Bay for Borneo. Marechal Joffre will be formally acquired by the Navy on 20 April 1942, and will serve as the transport Rochambeau (AP‑63).

           Dutch Dornier 24 bombs and sinks Japanese destroyer Shinonome off Miri, Borneo.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

HAWAIIAN AF— General Tinker succeeds General Martinas Commanding General.

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Japanese Legaspi detachment reaches Naga (Luzon).

MALAYA—Indian 11th Division completes withdrawal behind Krian R and is held in reserve in Taiping area. Forces defending Grik road are further reinf. After visiting forward areas, General Percival draws up plans for withdrawal behind Perak R; decides to amalgamate certain units, among them Indian 6th and 15th Brigades (to be designated Indian 6/15 Brigade) and to incorporate Indian 12th Brigade Group in Indian 11th Division.

CHINA—Japanese invade Hong Kong Island, crossing straits from mainland.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Wednesday, 17 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Vice Admiral William S. Pye, Commander, Battle Force, becomes acting Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet, pending the arrival of Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who is ordered on this date to relieve Admiral Husband E. Kimmel. 

           Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I 7 reconnoiters Pearl Harbor.

           Unarmed U.S. freighter Manini is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I 175 180 miles south of Hawaii,17°45'N, 157°03'E (see 27 and 28 December).

           USMC SB2Us (VMSB 231), led by a plane‑guarding PBY (VP 21) (no ships are available to plane‑guard the flight), arrive at Midway, completing the longest over‑water massed flight (1,137 miles) by single‑engine aircraft. The squadron had been embarked in Lexington (CV‑2) when the outbreak of war cancelled the projected ferry mission on 7 December 1941.

           Japanese submarine RO 66 is sunk in collision with sistership RO 62 off Wake Island.

           Philippine steamship Corregidor, crowded with about 1,200 passengers fleeing Manila for Mindanao, hits an Army mine off Corregidor and sinks with heavy loss of life. Motor torpedo boats PT‑32, PT‑34, and PT‑35 pick up 282survivors (196 by PT‑32 alone) distributing them between Corregidor and the requisitioned French steamship Si‑Kiang; seven of those rescued die of injuries suffered in the tragedy. Dr. Jurgen Rohwer, in his volume on Axis submarine successes, attributes the sinking to a mine laid by Japanese submarine I 124 on 8 December 1941 off Corregidor, P.I. Interestingly, Corregidor was formerly the British seaplane carrier HMS Engadine, which took part in the Battle of Jutland in 1916.

           Navy takes over French motor mail vessel Marechal Joffre, Manila Bay (see 18 December).

           Japanese land at Miri, Sarawak, Borneo.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UK—General Chaney, Chief SPOBS, writes to Adjutant General, USA on ‘Construction Program of US Forces in UK, ‘which indicates shortage of accommodations for proposed US forces in Scotland, N Ireland, and England.

FEAF—B‑17’s, evacuating Luzon, begin arriving at Batchelor Field. Captain Floyd J Pell arrives in Australia to begin arrangements for use of Australian facilities by FEAF.

 

US ARMY

U.S.—In command shake up, Adm Husband E. Kimmel is replaced by Adm Chester W. Nimitz as CinC, Pacific Fleet; Lieutenant General Walter C. Short, Commanding General Hawaiian Department, is replaced by Lieutenant General Delos C. Emmons; Major General Frederick L. Martin, Commanding General Air Force, Hawaiian Department, is replaced by Brigadier General Clarence L. Tinker.

MIDWAY—Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 231 completes record flight from Hawaii to Midway, bolstering U.S. positions there.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Japanese Legaspi force, advancing NW on Luzon along Route 1 toward Naga, makes its first contact with Filipino forces near Ragay. B–17's begin withdrawal from Mindanao to Australia.

MALAYA—Hard fighting continues on Grik road. Weak defense detachment is reinf but falls back under pressure of superior enemy forces. Indian 12th Brigade Group is ordered to Kuala KangsaRiver General Percival gives Indian 3 Corps permission to withdraw to Perak R line if necessary. Perak Flotilla is formed to prevent enemy from landing on W coast between Krian and Bernam Rivers.

AUSTRALIA—Plan is drawn up for using Australia as an Allied supply base under command of Major General George H. Brett.

BORNEO—Dutch planes begin 3-day series of strikes against Japanese shipping off British North Borneo.

USSR—German Army Group South opens offensive against Sevastopol defenses, in the Crimea, and is stubbornly opposed.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Tuesday, 16 December 1941

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Carrier Yorktown (CV‑5) departs Norfolk, Virginia, the first carrier reinforcement dispatched to the Pacific.

           Convoy ON 45, escorted by TU 4.1.2 (Commander Fred D. Kirtland), is dispersed because of bad weather.

           Destroyer Benson (DD‑421) sights white distress rocket at 0241 and alters course in hopes of locating survivors of merchantman Nidardal; the intense darkness in which the search is being conducted renders it barely possible to see the surface of the ocean from the bridge, and the loudness of the wind makes it unlikely that a hail can be heard no more than 50 to 100 feet from the ship. Benson searches throughout the daylight hours but finds no trace of the missing ship or her crew. She abandons the search at nightfall and proceeds to Reykjavik.

PACIFIC—TF 14 (Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher), comprising carrier Saratoga (CV‑3) (with VMF 221 embarked), four destroyers; heavy cruisers Astoria (CA‑34) (flagship), Minneapolis (CA‑36), and San Francisco (CA‑38); and five destroyers, sails from Pearl Harbor. These ships will overtake the force formed around Tangier (AV‑8) and Neches (AO‑5) and their consorts that is to relieve Wake Island.

           Japanese Pearl Harbor Attack Force (Vice Admiral Nagumo Chuichi) detaches carriers Hiryu and Soryu, heavy cruisers Tone and Chikuma, and two destroyers (Rear Admiral Abe Hiroaki) to reinforce second planned attack on Wake Island.

           Japanese naval land attack planes (Chitose Kokutai) bomb Wake.

           Submarine Tambor (SS‑198), damaged by operational casualty, retires from the waters off Wake.

           Submarine Swordfish (SS‑193), attacking Japanese convoy south of Hainan Island, torpedoes army transport Atsutasan Maru, 18°06'N, 109°44'E.

           Gunboat Erie (PG‑50) boards Panamanian motor vessel Santa Margarita and orders her to proceed to Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Later the same day, the gunboat tows disabled motor boat Orion into Puntarenas.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FEAF—1st Lt Boyd D Wagner (17th Pursuit Squadron) leads dive-bombing raid on airfield at Vigan and shoots down his fifth aircraft, thereby becoming the first AAF ‘Ace’ in World War II.

 

US ARMY

HAWAII—All elements of U.S. TF 14, bearing supplies, reinforcements, and aircraft for relief of Wake, rendezvous SW of Oahu and sail for Wake.

MALAYA—Indian 11th Division completes withdrawal behind Muda R in Wellesley Province and defeats enemy efforts to secure foothold on S bank. Indian 3 Corps decides to withdraw Indian 11th Division behind Krian River however, since it is greatly weakened by sustained fighting without benefit of tank and adequate air support. Fighting develops on Grik road N of Grik, night 16–17, as small detachment guarding the road encounters main body of Japanese Patani force thrusting toward Kuala Kangsar in effort to isolate Indian 11th Division on W coast. On E coast, Kelantan troops begin withdrawal by rail as movement of supplies and equipment is completed. Penang Island fortress is evacuated as planned during night 16–17.

BORNEO—Japanese invade British Borneo, landing on N coast at Miri (Sarawak) and at Seria (Brunei).

CHINA—U.S. War Department gives Brigadier General John Magruder, head of American Military Mission to China (AMMISCA), permission to divert Chinese lend-lease to the British, provided Chinese agree.

LIBYA—Axis forces begin withdrawal from Gazala line toward next delaying position, Agedabia. Indian 4th Division of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, which has been particularly hard pressed by enemy, pauses briefly to reorganize before joining other elements of corps in pursuit.

USSR—Continuing firm pressure against enemy in Moscow area, Soviet forces seize Kalinin, NW of Klin.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Monday, 15 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Seaplane tender Tangier (AV‑8), oiler Neches (AO‑5), and four destroyers sail for Wake Island. 

           Japanese reconnaissance flying boats (Yokohama Kokutai) bomb Wake Island.

           Johnston Island is shelled by Japanese submarine I 22; although one shell lands astern and another passes over her forecastle, transport William Ward Burrows (AP‑6) is apparently unseen by the enemy submariners. She is not hit and escapes.

           Kahului, Maui, T.H., is shelled by Japanese submarine from the Second Submarine Squadron. Possible candidates for having carried out the shelling are I 2, I 3, I 4, I 5, I 6, or I 7.

           Philippine steamship Vizcaya is scuttled in Manila Bay.

ATLANTIC—TU 4.1.2 (Commander Fred D. Kirtland) clears Reykjavik for the MOMP, escorting convoy ON 45; destroyer Sturtevant (DD‑240), escorting cargo vessel Alchiba (AK‑23), depth‑charges sound contact at 62°05'N, 24°15'W (see16 December).

           Destroyer Benson (DD‑421), detached from TU 4.1.3 and convoy HX 163 at the MOMP, searches for survivors of steamer Nidardal, reported sinking at 56°07'N, 21°00'W (later amended to 56°07'N, 23°00'W) (see 16 December).

           Convoy ON 43, struggling through rough seas and high winds, being escorted by TU 4.1.6 (Commander John S. Roberts), is dispersed.

UNITED STATES—Admiral Ernest J. King is offered the post of Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet. He accepts (see 18, 20 and 30 December).

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General Brereton receives permission to withdraw the few remaining B–17's to Darwin (Australia). Air defense of the Philippines is left to a few fighters.

MALAYA—Indian 3 Corps remains under strong pressure on W coast. During night 15–16, Indian 11th Division begins withdrawal from Gurun positions to Muda River Garrison of Penang Island fortress, opposite Butterworth, prepares to withdraw as RAF abandons Butterworth airdrome.

USSR—On central front N of Moscow, Red Army takes Klin, on rail line to Leningrad.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Sunday, 14 December 1941

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), comprising carrier Lexington (CV‑2), three heavy cruisers, nine destroyers, and oiler Neosho (AO‑23), sails for the Marshall Islands, to create a diversion to cover TF 14's attempt to relieve Wake Island (see 15 and 16 December).

           Japanese reconnaissance flying boats (Yokohama Kokutai) bomb Wake Island. Later in the day, naval land attack planes (Chitose Kokutai) raid Wake, bombing airfield installations.

           Destroyer Craven (DD‑382) collides with heavy cruiser Northampton (CA‑26) during underway refueling and is damaged. The ships are part of TF 8 operating north of Oahu.

           Norwegian motorship Hoegh Merchant is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I 4 about 20 miles east‑northeast of Oahu. All hands (35‑man crew, 5 passengers) survive the loss of the ship.

           Coast Guard lighthouse tender Kukui reaches Niihau with squad of soldiers from Company M, 299th Infantry (Lieutenant Jack Mizuha); the detachment learns of the denouement of the events that have transpired on Niihau since7 December.

           Japanese gunboat Zuiko Maru, wrecked and driven aground by storm, sinks off Matsuwa Jima, Kuriles, 48°05'N,153°43'E.

           Gunboat Erie (PG‑50), off coast of Costa Rica, boards and takes charge of motor vessel Sea Boy, and takes off a Japanese POW; she orders Sea Boy into Balboa the following day.

           USAAF B‑17s bomb and damage Japanese cargo ship Ikushima Maru and oiler Hayatomo off Legaspi, Luzon.

           With its operating area rendered untenable by Japanese control of the air, Patrol Wing 10 (Captain Frank D. Wagner) departs Philippines for Netherlands East Indies. Seaplane tender (destroyer) Childs (AVD‑1), with Captain Wagner embarked, sails from Manila.

           Submarine Seawolf (SS‑197) torpedoes Japanese seaplane carrier San'yo Maru off Aparri, P.I.; one torpedo hits the ship but does not explode.

           Submarine Swordfish (SS‑193), attacking Japanese shipping off Hainan Island, torpedoes army transport Kashii Maru,18°08'N, 109°22'E.

           Navy boarding party (Lieutenant Edward N. Little) transported in commandeered yacht Gem, seizes French motor mail vessel Marechal Joffre, Manila Bay. Majority of the crewmen, pro‑Vichy or unwilling to serve under the U.S. flag, are transported ashore (see 17‑18 December).

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FEAF—B‑17’s are sent against beachhead at Legaspi. 1st Lt Hewitt T Wheless is later awarded DSC for bringing his bullet-riddled aircraft back from the mission to an emergency crash-landing at Cagayan.

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Japanese Vigan and Aparri detachments are placed under the same command and ordered, after the Aparri force joins the Vigan at Vigan, to march south to Lingayen Gulf. Adm Thomas C. Hart withdraws the few remaining patrol bombers of Patrol Wing 10 and 3 tenders from the Philippines, leaving very little of the Asiatic Fleet to support operations. Major General Lewis H. Brereton has already withdrawn the heavy bombers of FEAF from Luzon to Del Monte airfield, Mindanao.

MALAYA—On west coast, Indian 11th Division completes withdrawal to Gurun; Japanese, in close pursuit, penetrate the new positions, night 14–15. Krohcol force is dissolved and its components, which are put under command of Indian 12th Brigade, move to Baling area, about 9 miles west of Kroh. Indian 3 Corps sends small detachments to guard Grik road, which is now uncovered. On east coast, Kelantan force continues fighting withdrawal. Since airdromes on Singapore are becoming congested, preparations are being made to base air units in Netherlands East Indies.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

 

Saturday, 13 December 1941

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—Congress, to meet the demand for trained enlisted men, authorizes the retention of enlisted men in the Navy upon the expiration of their enlistments when not voluntarily extended.  

PACIFIC—Japanese planes attack Subic Bay area and airfields in Philippines. During bombing of shipping in Manila Bay by naval land attack planes (Takao Kokutai), unarmed U.S. tankship Manatawny is damaged (see 11 January 1942).

           Occupation of Niihau by Japanese Naval Aviation Pilot First Class Nishikaichi Shigenori ends: a party of Hawaiians sets out for Kauai to inform the outside world of events on Niihau; in the meantime, Nishikaichi burns his plane (it will not be until July 1942 that the U.S. Navy will be able to obtain an intact ZERO to study) and the house in which he believes his confiscated papers are hidden. Later, in confrontation with a local Hawaiian, Benny Kanahele, a scuffle to grab the pilot's pistol ensues. Although Kanahele is shot three times, he picks up Nishikaichi bodily and dashes the pilot's head into a stone wall, killing him; Harada Yoshio, the Japanese resident of Niihau who had allied himself with the pilot, commits suicide. Kanahele survives his injuries. On the basis of the report by the islanders who have arrived on Kauai after a 15‑hour trip, meanwhile, Commander, Kauai Military District (Colonel Edward W. FitzGerald, USA) dispatches expedition (squad of soldiers from Company M, 299th Infantry) in Coast Guard lighthouse tender Kukui to proceed from Kauai to Niihau (see 14 December).

           Japanese cargo ship Nikkoku Maru is stranded and wrecked off Hainan Island, 18°00'N, 110°00'E.

           Gunboat Erie (PG‑50) receives 50 Japanese POWs at Puntarenas, Costa Rica, from Costa Rican government, and sends prize crew to take charge of motor vessel Albert.

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Woolsey (DD‑437), sweeping astern of convoy ON 43, depth charges sound contact at 57°55'N, 32°05'W.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FEAF—1st Lt Boyd D Wagner (17 Pursuit Squadron) shoots down 4 airplanes near Aparri while on reconnaissance mission over N Luzon.

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—Enemy aircraft again attack Luzon, virtually completing destruction of U.S. Army and Navy planes in the Philippines. Del Carmen, Clark, and Nichols Fields are hit, as well as Baguio, Tarlac, Cabanatuan, and Batangas.

MALAYA—Krohcol force concentrates in positions 2–3 miles W of Kroh. Indian 11th Division begins withdrawing from Kedah R toward Gurun, a more favorable defense position in S Kedah some 30 miles S of Jitra. Fighter support is increased as squadron from Singapore joins the few fighters based at Ipoh. Reports of Japanese convoy moving SSW from Saigon result in period of sharply increased British air reconnaissance from Malaya.

BORNEO—Small Miri detachment (Indian co and engineers), having destroyed oil fields and installations in E Sarawak and W Brunei to deny them to enemy, sails for Kuching, capital of Sarawak, where rest of the Indian battalion, with local and administrative attachments, is disposed to defend airdrome. Dutch planes based on Singkawang assist RAF units on Malaya in searching for Japanese shipping heading southward from Indochina.

CHINA—British withdraw from Kowloon under pressure as Japanese continue drive on Hong Kong.

BURMA—Victoria Pt, at S tip of Tenasserim, is evacuated by British.

LIBYA—13 Corps, British Eighth Army, opens attack on Rommel's Gazala line and meets firm resistance. Both sides suffer heavy losses.

 

US MARINE CORPS