Sunday, 25 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese submarine I-73 shells Midway Island. 

           Japanese destroyer Hatsuharu is damaged by U.S. aircraft east of Kendari, Celebes.

ATLANTIC—German submarine U-125 attacks unarmed U.S. tanker Olney, forcing the latter aground off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, 37°55'N, 74°56'W. Olney is subsequently removed from her predicament, however, repaired, and returned to service.

           U.S. steamer Tennessee rescues one boatload of 21 survivors from U.S. collier Venore, torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-66 on 25 January; two survivors reach port in a second boat. U.S. motor tanker Australia rescues the only other surviving sailor the same day. Seventeen men of Venore's crew perish.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—The first AAF pursuit squadron (17th Pursuit Squadron), (Provisional) under Maj Charles A Sprague, arrives in Java with 13 P‑ 40’s flown from Australia.

HAWAIIAN AF—B‑17’s of TG 8.9 fly from Canton Island to Nandi.

US ARMY

MIDWAY—Shelled by Japanese submarine.

LUZON—Responsibility for defense of beach area of S Bataan passes from General McBride of Service Command Area to commanders of Island and II Corps. II Corps continues withdrawal under air attack and with Japanese in full pursuit. I Corps abandons Mauban MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. Withdrawal of 1st Division southward begins during morning and continues through night 25–26. Diverting enemy attention, other elements of I Corps press in on roadblock on West Road from the W. In South Sector, operations against Japanese at Quinauan and Longoskawayan Pts remain indecisive.

THAILAND—Declares war on U.S.

MALAYA—Since Batu Pahat must be abandoned at once, General Percival orders entire line in central Johore withdrawn. Indian 3 Corps is responsible for withdrawal operation, which begins after nightfall. Meanwhile, Batu Pahat defense force fights losing battle for that town throughout day. Indian 11th Division commander sends British 53d Brigade Group to relief of Batu Pahat defense force, but most of the column is unable to get through. To E, enemy attacks in Ayer Hitam-Kluang area are beaten off.

BURMA—General Wavell, visiting Rangoon, orders Moulmein held. 16th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, is disposed W of Salween River, opposite Moulmein. Indian 46th Brigade is ordered to Bilin area. Lull ensues as Japanese bring up reinforcements to vicinity of Paan and Moulmein, on Salween River.

LIBYA—Speeding eastward again, Rommell’s forces seize Msus. Weakened 1st Armored Division of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, is ordered to fall back on Mechili, leaving detachment to protect withdrawal of Indian 4th Division from Benghazi and Barce. General Auchinleck visits Eighth Army hq, where he remains until 1 February. General Ritchie revokes order for general withdrawal of 13 Corps and orders Indian 4th Division, over which he takes direct control, and 1st Armored Division to counterattack in Msus area.

US MARINE CORPS