Tuesday, 31 March 1942

US NAVY

INDIAN OCEAN—Submarine Seawolf (SS-197) is damaged by depth charges off Christmas Island, 10°26'S, 105°41'E.

CARIBBEAN—Commander of Allied Forces Aruba and Curacao, Netherlands West Indies, is established (Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf).

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tug Menominee and the barges that she is towing--Allegheny, Barnegat, and Ontario--are shelled by German submarine U-754 about 50 miles off the mouth of Chesapeake Bay at 37°34'N, 75°25'W. U-754 sinks Menominee and barges Allegheny and Barnegat; Ontario, with its dunnage cargo, remains afloat and provides a life preserver for the three men who had been on board each barge. Of Menominee's crew of 18 men, however, only two survive the U-boat's gunfire. Coast Guard lifeboat from the Metomkin Inlet station rescues the men from the barges while tanker Northern Sun rescues the tug crew's survivors. Later the same day, U-754 torpedoes unarmed U.S. tanker Tiger as the American vessel, en route to Norfolk, waits to embark a pilot. One crewman dies in the initial explosion; the surviving 36 men of the ship's complement, in addition to a six man Navy gun crew riding the ship as passengers, abandon the ship (see 1 and 2 April).

            Unarmed U.S. tanker T.C. McCobb, en route to Caripito, Venezuela from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is shelled, torpedoed, and sunk by Italian submarine Pietro Calvi at 07°10'N, 45°20'W; one crewman drowns and one is killed by shellfire (see 8 and 10 April and 16 May).

            Destroyer Roper (DD-147) and tug Acushnet (AT-63) rescue 124 survivors (including a newborn infant) of U.S. steamship City of New York, sunk by U-160 off Cape Hatteras on 29 March (see 12 April).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—General Spaatz suggests that the now ‘task-less Eighth’ be made nucleus for AAFIB

US ARMY

BURMA—Chinese 200th Division makes contact with Chinese 22d Division N of Toungoo and withdraws N of Pyinmana as reserve. With loss of Toungoo, road to Mawchi is left undefended and Japanese, during next few days, overrun small Chinese garrison at Mawchi; continue E, forcing elements of Chinese T-55th Division back to Bawlake

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 30 March 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—Pacific War Council representing United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and China is established in Washington, D.C., to plan war policy.

PACIFIC—Joint Chiefs of Staff order Pacific Ocean divided into two commands: Pacific Ocean Areas (Admiral Chester W. Nimitz) and Southwest Pacific Area (Lieutenant General Douglas MacArthur).

            Submarine Tambor (SS-198) damages Japanese transport Tatsuho Maru off Brown Atoll, 13°00'N, 157°30'E.

            Destroyer Phelps (DD-360), undergoing repairs in drydock at Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, is damaged when a railroad crane falls into the drydock.

            Japanese forces occupy Christmas Island.

            Submarine Sturgeon (SS-187) sinks Japanese transport Choko Maru off Makassar City, Celebes, N.E.I., 05°39'S, 119°00'E.

ATLANTIC—Debris sighted by plane at 34°52'N, 69°58'W includes five empty life rafts; no survivors are sighted in the area of the last reported position of antisubmarine vessel Atik (AK-101), sunk on 26 March by German submarine U-123.

            PBY search of area in which U.S. steamship City of New York is torpedoed proves negative (see 31 March and 11April).

NORTH RUSSIA—U.S. freighter Effingham, straggling 90 miles astern of Murmansk-bound convoy PQ 13, is torpedoed and set afire by German submarine U-435 at 70°28'N, 35°44'E. The ship explodes and sinks; two men drown during the abandonment (see 2 and 4 April).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Directives are drafted for General Mac- Arthur as Supreme Commander, SWPA, and for Rear Admiral Nimitz as CINCPOA, for submission to Allied governments concerned. SWPA is to include Australia, Philippines, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomons, and most of Netherlands East Indies. As Supreme Commander of SWPA, General MacArthur is to maintain positions in Philippines and bases in Australia; guard approaches to SWPA; halt enemy’s advance on Australia; protect communications within theater; support POA forces; and be prepared to take the offensive. POA comprises N, Central, and S Pacific, all under over-all command of Admiral Nimitz, and the first two under his direct command. As CINCPOA, Admiral Nimitz is to maintain communications between U.S. and SWPA; support operations in SWPA; and be prepared to take offensive action. In addition to SWPA and POA, Pacific Theater is to include Southeast Pacific Area— ocean stretches W of Central and South America. Pacific War Council is established in Washington. Inter-American Defense Board holds its first meeting in Washington.

BURMA—Chinese 200th Division withdraws from Toungoo under pressure. On Irrawaddy front, Burma I Corps TF falls back to Prome from Paungde area, leaving vehicles behind at Shwedaung. During night 30–31, Japanese attack Indian 63d Brigade at Prome and soon breach defenses, exposing right flank of Indian 17th Division.

ASCENSION ISLAND—First detachment of U.S. forces arrives to build airstrip on this small island, which lies about midway between South America and Africa.

US MARINE CORPS

Pacific Ocean divided into Pacific Ocean Areas under Adm Nimitz, and Southwest Pacific Area under Gen MacArthur.

Sunday, 29 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Fourth Defense Battalion, USMC, and VMF 212 arrive at Efate, New Hebrides.

ATLANTIC—U.S. steamship City of New York is torpedoed by German submarine U-160 about 40 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 35°16'N, 74°25'W. Before the ship is torpedoed a second time, the Armed Guard, who man their gun stations promptly, manages to get 12 rounds off at the U-boat's periscope. A second torpedo sinks the ship, with the Armed Guard leaving only when the bridge is awash (see 30-31 March and 11 April).

            U.S. tanker Paulsboro is damaged in heavy seas off Overfalls Lightship; tug Allegheny (AT-19) is sent to her assistance.

            U.S. freighter Excelsior suffers engine breakdown off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina; tug Kewaydin (AT-24) is sent to tow the ship to Norfolk.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

BURMA—Going on the offensive to relieve pressure on Chinese at Toungoo and restore communications, TF of Burma I Corps attacks and clears Paungde, but its situation becomes precarious as Japanese establish themselves a few miles N at Padigon and on E bank of the Irrawaddy at Shwedaung.

US MARINE CORPS

Marines arrive at Efate, New Hebrides.

 

Saturday, 28 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Attack on St. Nazaire concludes with HMS Campbelltown successfully ramming the caisson in the drydock area.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ZONE OF THE INTERIOR—Units of I Bomber Command engaged in antisub operations are placed under operational control of Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier.

US ARMY

LUZON—Japanese, moving into position for all out offensive against Bataan, feint against I Corps and push in OPL of Sector D on II Corps front. Increasingly heavy air and artillery bombardment of Bataan is lowering efficiency of defense force as well as destroying badly needed materiel. Efforts to run the blockade and supply the garrison with necessary items have virtually failed, and supply situation is growing steadily worse.

BURMA—General Alexander, at request of General Stilwell, agrees to attack on Irrawaddy front. Reconnaissance elements of Burma I Corps clash with enemy at Paungde, SE of Prome.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 27 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Commander TF 39 (Rear Admiral John W. Wilcox), taking an unaccompanied walk on deck of his flagship, battleship Washington (BB 56), is washed overboard and disappears in a heavy sea. Rear Admiral Robert C. Giffen becomes taskforce commander upon Wilcox's death.

            Destroyer Greer (DD-145) proceeds to position indicated by Army plane and rescues five survivors from Panamanian freighter Equipoise, sunk the previous day by U-160; later, Greer picks up an additional eight survivors from the sunken Panamanian merchantman.

EUROPE—British raiding force begins attack on port facilities in German-held St. Nazaire, France; destroyer HMS Campbelltown (former U.S. destroyer Buchanan [DD 132]), reconfigured to resemble a German torpedo boat, is to ram the caisson of the only drydock on the French coast capable of handling the battleship Tirpitz.

PACIFIC—Submarine Gudgeon (SS-211) sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Nissho Maru southeast of Kumun Island, 33°50'N,127°33'E.

            Japanese collier Yubari Maru is sunk by Dutch planes off Koepang, Timor.

            Japanese transport/cargo ship Kitano Maru is sunk by Japanese mine off Mabilao, Lingayen Gulf, 16°10'N, 120°24'E.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

UNITED STATES—War Plans Division issues “Plan for Operations in Northwest Europe,” calling for small scale operation in autumn 1942 (SLEDGEHAMMER) as an emergency measure if Soviet forces show signs of collapsing or main Anglo-American invasion (ROUNDUP) in spring 1943 If SLEDGEHAMMER is not required. Build-up plan for the invasion is coded BOLERO.

BURMA—Chinese 200th Division continues to resist enemy onslaughts against Toungoo. On Irrawaddy front, Japanese are massing forces S of Prome. RAF planes withdraw from Akyab to India as result of heavy enemy bombing of Akyab.

FRANCE—British conduct combined operations against harbor installations at St. Nazaire, night 27–28. HMS Campbeltown (DD) rams main lock gate and lands troops who carry out demolitions.

US MARINE CORPS

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Thursday, 26 March 1942

US NAVY

UNITED STATES—Admiral Ernest J. King relieves Admiral Harold R. Stark as Chief of Naval Operations and thus becomes Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations; Vice Admiral Frederick J. Horne (Vice Chief of Naval Operations) and Vice Admiral Russell Willson (COMINCH Chief of Staff) are his principal assistants.

ATLANTIC—TF 39 (Rear Admiral John W. Wilcox), including battleship Washington (BB 56), carrier Wasp (CV-7), heavy cruisers Wichita (CA-45) and Tuscaloosa (CA-37), and eight destroyers, sails from Portland, Maine, for Scapa Flow, to reinforce the British Home Fleet (see 27 March).

            Commander Eastern Sea Frontier is given operational control of certain USAAF units for antisubmarine patrol duty in the Atlantic. Unity of command over Navy and USAAF units operating over water to protect shipping and conduct antisubmarine warfare is thus vested in the Navy.

            Antisubmarine vessel Atik (AK-101) is torpedoed and sunk with all hands by German submarine U-123 in the North Atlantic, 36°00'N, 70°00'W, after the "Q-ship's" gunfire damages the U-boat in a spirited encounter. Atik is the only U.S. Navy warship disguised as a merchantman that is lost to enemy action during World War II. Sistership Asterion (AK-100) will conduct a fruitless search for survivors (see 30 March).

            Unarmed U.S. tanker Dixie Arrow, bound for Paulsboro, New Jersey, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-71 about 12 miles off the Diamond Shoals Lighted Buoy, off the coast of North Carolina, 34°59'N, 75°33'W. The ship breaks in half and sinks. Destroyer Tarbell (DD-142), directed to the scene by a Coast Guard plane, rescues 22survivors; 11 merchant sailors either drown or burn to death, however, as the torpedo explosions set the ship's cargo of 86,136 barrels of crude oil afire.

            Panamanian freighter Equipoise is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-160 at 36°36'N, 74°45'W (see 27March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—3 B‑17’s of 435th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bomb Group, evacuate Philippine President Quezon and his family to Australia.

US ARMY

CELEBES—Japanese carrier force leaves Kendari for Indian Ocean.

BURMA—Continuing pressure against Chinese in Toungoo, Japanese seize the town as far as Railroad line. Chinese 22d Division, which has previously been ordered to Pyinmana-Yedashe area, N of Toungoo, to counterattack in support of Chinese 200th Division, arrives in position but fails to take the offensive.

US MARINE CORPS

Admiral King relieves Admiral Stark as Chief of Naval Operations.

Wednesday, 25 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Dutch tanker Ocana is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-552 at 42°36'N, 64°25'W; destroyer Mayo (DD-422) rescues four survivors.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Maj Cecil P Lessig becomes first Eighth AF pilot to fly a mission over France in World War II. Flying a Spitfire with RAF 64 Squadron, Lessig participates in a 36-aircraft fighter sweep that is recalled when 50 fighters challenge them.

US ARMY

SOCIETY ISLANDS—162d Infantry, U.S. 41st Division, arrives at Bora Bora.

BURMA—Chinese 200th Division is virtually besieged in Toungoo. Elements of T-55th Division arrive N of the town but do not attack. Burma I Corps is ordered to concentrate in Prome-Allanmyo area.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 24 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese naval planes (12th Kokutai) begin daily bombings of Corregidor.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Pacific Theater is established as an area of U.S. responsibility by Combined Chiefs of Staff.

LUZON—Japanese begin intense air and artillery bombardment of Bataan. Luzon-based Japanese Army and Navy planes begin thorough bombardment of Corregidor, continuing through end of March. During this period night air attacks are conducted for the first time.

BURMA—In surprise attack on Kyungon airfield, N of Toungoo, Japanese rout defenders (troops of Chinese 200th Division and rear elements of Burma 1st Division) and cut rail line and road, thus partially surrounding Toungoo. Chinese fall back on Toungoo, while Burmese succeed in withdrawing to Irrawaddy front.

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 23 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Gato (SS-212) is damaged when accidentally bombed by nonrigid airship (blimp) TC 13 off the entrance to San Francisco Bay, California.

INDIAN OCEAN—Japanese occupy Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

ANDAMAN ISLANDS—Japanese invade islands without opposition.

US MARINE CORPS

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Sunday, 22 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker Naeco is torpedoed by German submarine U-124 at 33°59'N, 76°40'W. Coast Guard cutter Dione (WPC-107) rescues 10 survivors from one lifeboat and two men from the sea; minesweeper Osprey (AM-56) rescues one survivor from a raft; tug Umpqua (AT-25) takes off one man who had returned to the ship after she had been abandoned. All told, 24 men perish with the ship, which later breaks in half (the stern section sinking). Destroyer Roper (DD-147) scuttles the bow section with gunfire.

            Unarmed U.S. tanker Muskogee is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-123 at 28°00'N, 58°00'W. U-123 draws near to the survivors on two rafts and questions them before clearing the area. None of the 34 man crew, however, are ever seen again.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

UNITED STATES—President Roosevelt sends message to General MacArthur in Australia expressing his desire that General Wainwright control all forces in the Philippines; General MacArthur concurs.

BURMA—Japanese planes make another destructive attack on Magwe airdrome, forcing AVG and RAF aircraft to withdraw to Loiwing (on Chinese frontier) and Akyab, respectively. Troops defending Burma are thus denied close air support. General Stilwell, upon arriving at front, begins planning for counterattack in support of Chinese 200th Division at Toungoo. Chinese continue to withstand pressure against Toungoo from the S.

US MARINE CORPS

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Saturday, 21 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker Esso Nashville is torpedoed by German submarine U-124 off Frying Pan Lightship Buoy,33°35'N, 77°22'W. High speed transport McKean (APD 5) rescues eight survivors from two lifeboats; Coast Guard cutters Tallapoosa (WPG-52) and Agassiz (WPC-126) recover the rest (21 men and 8 men, respectively). After Esso Nashville breaks in two, tug Umpqua (AT-25) tows the after end of the vessel to Morehead City, North Carolina. Later, U-124 torpedoes tanker Atlantic Sun off Beaufort (North Carolina) Lightship, but inflicts little damage; there are no casualties among the 40 man merchant complement or the 5 man Armed Guard and Atlantic Sun reaches Beaufort without further incident.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General Wainwright, as commander of U.S. Forces in the Philippines (USFIP), which supersedes USAFFE, establishes HQ on Corregidor and appoints General Beebe his chief of staff. Maj General Edward P. King, Jr., is to be commander of Luzon Force.

AUSTRALIA—Lt General George H. Brett, U.S. Army, becomes commander of combined air forces, retaining command of USAFIA.

CHINA BURMA INDIA—Assam-Burma-China Ferry Command is activated. It consists of 25 Pan-American transports, which are soon diverted from mission of taking supplies to China in order to supply forces withdrawing from Burma.

BURMA—Burma 1st Division, upon being relieved on Toungoo front by 200th Division, Chinese 5th Army, begins movement to Irrawaddy front, leaving large area S of Toungoo undefended. General Stilwell, now in Burma, issues orders for Chinese participation in defense of line Toungoo–Prome. Chinese 5th Army is charged with defense of Toungoo. Its 200th Division is reinforced by attachment of Temporary 55th Division (T-55th) of Chinese 6th Army, which is to move to Pyawbwe. In army reserve, Chinese 22d Division is directed to Taungdwingyi, where it is to be prepared to assist British in Prome area while Chinese 96th Division is to move to Mandalay. Crippling enemy air attack on Magwe airdrome reduces the already meager air force defending Burma.

LIBYA—British Eighth Army continues raids on forward landing grounds of Axis forces as diversion for convoy to Malta. Raids are partially successful, drawing off part of enemy’s aircraft, but convoy is unable to reach Malta intact and later suffers additional damage under air attack while unloading.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 20 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker Oakmar is shelled by German submarine U-71 at 36°21'N, 68°50'W, and abandoned; submarine R-6 (SS-83) is sent to her assistance. U-71 torpedoes Oakmar and shells her until she sinks. Six men perish in the abandonment; the remainder (30 men) are rescued by Greek steamship Panos Pladelis.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—Plan for Initiation of US Army Bombardment Operations in the British Isles’ further elaborates previous AAF plans outlining intention of launching strategic bombardment from UK against facilities supporting German national, economic, and industrial structure.

ARMY AIR FORCES IN BRITIAN—Report submitted by General Eaker in compliance with General Chaney’s instructions of 25 Feb indicates completion of studies of RAF Bomber Command operations and of airfields, training, tactical doctrine, equipment, and methods of conducting air offensive in cooperation with RAF. Report also indicates much dependence upon British for the present but emphasizes the apparent compatibility of the tactical doctrines of the US (daylight precision bombing) and RAF (night area bombing), and implies the principle of coordinating these attacks to complement each other.

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General Wainwright learns that he has been promoted to rank of Lt. General and that Washington has placed him in command of all U.S. forces in the Philippines.

LIBYA—Complying with request of 8 March for offensive action to divert enemy’s attention from Malta-bound convoy, British Eighth Army raids landing grounds in Derna and Benghazi areas after nightfall.

US MARINE CORPS

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Thursday, 19 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Philippine President Manuel Quezon and 13 members of his party are transported from Dumaguete, Negros, to Oroquito, Mindanao, after a 240 mile voyage in motor torpedo boat PT-41.

            Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I-25 reconnoiters Suva, Fiji Islands.

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Dickerson (DD-157) rescues 14 of the 40 man crew of tanker E.M. Clark, sunk by U-124 the previous day. Later, however, Dickerson is mistakenly fired upon and damaged by gunfire from U.S. freighter Liberator off Virginia capes; three men (including the ship's captain) are killed and six wounded. Later the same day, Liberator is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-332, three miles west of the Diamond Shoals Buoy, 35°05'N, 75°30'W; five crewmen perish. Tug Umpqua (AT-25) rescues 26 merchant sailors and the 4 man Armed Guard.

            Destroyer Hambleton (DD-455), at 35°39'N, 71°10'W; rescues six survivors of Honduran freighter Ceiba, sunk by U-124 on 17 March.

            British motor vessel Port Halifax rescues the 23 survivors of U.S. tanker W.E. Hutton, sunk by German submarine U-332 off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, the previous day.

            High speed transport Stringham (APD 6) rescues the 31 survivors of U.S. tanker Papoose, irreparably damaged the previous day by German submarine U-124. On report of the master, who believes his ship can be saved, tug Kewaydin (AT-24) is sent to investigate salvage possibilities. Papoose, however, is beyond saving, and sinks the next day; Kewaydin proceeds to assist Acushnet (see below).

            Damaged U.S. tanker Acme (torpedoed by German submarine U-124 on 17 March) is taken in tow by tug Acushnet (AT-63) and taken to Norfolk.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

BURMA—Lt General William J. Slim arrives in Burma to take command of Imperial troops, now formed into Burma I Corps. In Sittang Valley, Japanese begin drive on Toungoo and are opposed by Ch 200th Division.

USSR—German Army Group North is making determined efforts to break through to II Corps, Sixteenth Army, in Cholm-Staraya Russa area. Red Army maintains pressure on enemy on central and southern fronts.

US MARINE CORPS

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Wednesday, 18 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—River gunboat Tutuila (PR-4), decommissioned at Chungking, China, on 18 January, is leased to the Chinese government for the duration of the war.

            Japanese merchant cargo ship Jumpo Maru is sunk, agent unknown, off Tsushima Island.

ATLANTIC—U.S. tanker E.M. Clark is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-124 about 22 miles southwest of Diamond Shoals, North Carolina, 34°50'N, 75°35'W. Venezuelan tanker Catatumbo rescues 23 of the tanker's complement. Unarmed U.S. tanker Papoose is torpedoed by German submarine U-124 about 15 miles south of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, 34°17'N, 76°39'W (see 19 March 1942).

            Yacht Tourmaline (PY-20) and Coast Guard cutter Cuyahoga (WPC-157) rescue eight survivors of British tanker San Demetrio, sunk by U-404 on 16 March.

            Unarmed U.S. tanker W.E. Hutton is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-332 about 20 miles southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, 34°05'N, 76°40'W; 13 of the ship's complement of 36 merchant sailors perish in the attack (see 19 March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

NEW HEBRIDES—U.S. Army troops (2 companies of 182d Infantry and an engineer company of Americal Division) arrive at Efate to build airfield.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 17 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—United States, in agreement with Allied governments, assumes responsibility for the strategic defense of entire Pacific Ocean.

            Submarine Grayback (SS-208) sinks Japanese collier Ishikari Maru six miles west of Port Lloyd, Chichi Jima, Bonins, 27°05'N, 142°05'E.

            Submarine Permit (SS-178) is damaged by depth charges off Tayabas Bay, P.I. but remains on patrol.

EUROPE—Naval Forces Europe (Vice Admiral Robert L. Ghormley) is established.

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Stack (DD-406) and carrier Wasp (CV-7) are damaged in collision while en route from Casco Bay, Maine, to Norfolk, Virginia.

            Unarmed U.S. tanker Acme is torpedoed and damaged by German submarine U-124 west of Diamond Shoals,35°06'N, 75°23'W; U-124 later torpedoes and sinks Greek freighter Kassandra Louloudi four miles west-southwest of Diamond Shoals gas buoy. Coast Guard cutter Dione (WPC-107) rescues 20 survivors from Acme and 35 from Kassandra Louloudi; steamship Beta rescues 22 men from the latter ship.

            Honduran freighter Ceiba is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-124 at 35°43'N, 73°49'W (see 19 March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

SW PACIFIC AREA—General MacArthur arrives in Australia to assume command of United Nations forces in SWPA. He actually assumed command on 18 April.

US ARMY

AUSTRALIA—From Mindanao, General MacArthur flies to Darwin, where he will be in supreme command of forces in SW Pacific. Formal delineation of this area has not yet been agreed upon. Col Beebe, deputy chief of staff of USAFFE, is promoted to brigadier general.

CHINA BURMA INDIA—Air Vice Marshal Stevenson, commanding Allied air forces, moves HQ from Burma to Calcutta, India.

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 16 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Permit (SS-178) delivers ammunition to Corregidor, and evacuates second increment of naval radio and communications intelligence people.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker Australia is torpedoed, shelled, and irreparably damaged by German submarine U-332 off Diamond Shoals, 35°07'N, 75°22'W. U.S. freighter William J. Salman rescues survivors and transfers them to yacht Ruby (PY-21) for further transportation to Southport, North Carolina. Australia, sunk in shallow water, is written off as a total loss and her wreck demolished on 20 March.

            British tanker San Demetrio is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-404 at 37°03'N, 73°50'W (see 18 March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—3 B‑17’s of 435th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bomb Group begin evacuating General MacArthur, his family, and his staff from Del Monte to Australia.

US ARMY

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US MARINE CORPS

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Sunday, 15 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Coast Guard lighthouse tender Acacia (WAGL-200) is shelled and sunk by German submarine U-161 south of Haiti.

            Unarmed U.S. tanker Ario is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-158 11 miles southwest of Cape Lookout, 34°20'N, 76°39'W. Destroyer Dupont (DD-152) rescues the 29 survivors of the 36 man crew.

            U.S. tanker Olean is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-158 15 miles south of Cape Lookout, 34°24'N,76°29'W. Coast Guard motor lifeboats from Cape Lookout and Fort Mason stations rescue 33 survivors.

            While providing coverage for convoy ON 74, PBO (VP 82) bombs and sinks German submarine U-503, North Atlantic, 43°50'N, 48°45'W.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

SOUTH PACIFIC—67th Fighter Squadron, the first AAF tactical unit in the theater, arrives on New Caledonia.

ELEVENTH AF—XI Fighter Command is activated at Elmendorf Field commander is Col Norman D Sillin. Its operational components are the 11th and the 18th Pursuit Squadrons.

US ARMY

LUZON—In Manila Bay area the Japanese, having emplaced additional artillery along S shore of Manila Bay SW of Ternate, renew intensive bombardment of fortified islands. Shelling is conducted daily and in great force through 21 March, despite U.S. counterbattery fire. Forts Frank and Drum are particularly hard hit.

BURMA—General Stilwell is notified that General Wavell, as Supreme Commander, India, is responsible for operations in Burma.

US MARINE CORPS

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Saturday, 14 March 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet (Rear Admiral Roland M. Brainard) is established.

            Unarmed U.S. collier Lemuel Burrows is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-404 off Atlantic City, New Jersey, 39°18'N, 74°16'W. Freighter Sewalls Point rescues one group of survivors; a boat from James Elwood Jones the other.

            Panamanian motorship Annetta I rescues the last survivor of unarmed U.S. tanker J.N. Pew, sunk by German submarine U-67 on 21 February; 33 of the 36 man crew are lost.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Joint Chiefs of Staff decide to continue on the defensive in the Pacific with forces already there and to build up forces in United Kingdom for an offensive against Germany.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General MacArthur and his party reach Mindanao.

IRAN—U.S. Iranian Mission begins releasing civilian contractors in accordance with War Department directive of 18 February calling for militarization of contract activities throughout world.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 13 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I-25 reconnoiters Auckland, New Zealand.

            Lieutenant General Douglas MacArthur and Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell, with their respective staffs, reach Cagayan, Mindanao, after a 560 mile voyage in heavy to moderate seas, in motor torpedo boats PT-32, PT-34, PT-35, and PT-41. PT-32 becomes disabled during the operation, and is scuttled by gunfire of submarine Permit (SS-178) one mile southwest of Taguayan Island, P.I., 10°58'N, 121°12'E.

            Submarine Gar (SS-206) torpedoes and sinks Japanese victualling stores ship Chichibu Maru between six and ten miles southwest of Mikura Jima, south of Tokyo Bay, Japan, 33°53'N, 139°29.5'E.

            Japanese minesweeper No.2 Tama Maru sinks as the result of damage inflicted by U.S. Navy carrier-based planes on 10 March during the Lae-Salamaua Raid.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. schooner Albert F. Paul is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-332 off the east coast of the United States, 26°00'N, 72°00'W. There are no survivors.

            Chilean freighter Tolten is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-404 off Barnegat, New Jersey, 40°10'N,73°50'W; subsequently, plane en route from Langley Field to Mitchell Field sights one survivor on a life raft at 39°50'N, 73°40'W; Coast Guard cutter Antietam (WPC-128), coastal minesweeper AMc-200 are sent to the scene; NAS Lakehurst sends three L-type blimps, one of which, L 2, ultimately sights the raft seen earlier that day. Net tender Larch (YN-16) rescues the one survivor of what was a crew of between 16 and 21 men.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

NEW GUINEA—Japanese, having gained firm positions in Lae-Salamaua area, replace infantry with naval forces.

SOLOMON ISLANDS—Japanese force from 4th Fleet sails from Rabaul, New Britain, for Buka, which is eventually seized together with other positions in N Solomons.

INDIA—First detachment of U.S. troops (Air Forces personnel) to reach CBI arrive at Karachi, having been diverted from Java.

US MARINE CORPS

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Thursday, 12 March 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—By executive order President Roosevelt combines duties of Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations (see March 26).

PACIFIC—U.S. Army troops (Brigadier General Alexander M. Patch) arrive on New Caledonia to establish a base at Nouméa.

ATLANTIC—U.S. tanker John D. Gill is torpedoed and irreparably damaged by German submarine U-158 off Frying Pan Shoals, 33°55'N, 77°39'W. Four of the seven man Armed Guard are lost. Coast Guard cutter CG-186 and cutter Agassiz (WPC-126) rescue one group of survivors, tanker Robert H. Colley the remainder. John D. Gill sinks the next morning.

            German submarine U-126 torpedoes unarmed U.S. freighters off the coast of Cuba, sinking Olga off Camaguey,23°39'N, 77°00'W, and damaging Colabee about 10 miles off Cape Guajaba, 22°14'N, 77°35'W. Colabee drifts ashore and grounds on a shoal; Cuban ship Oriente rescues one group of survivors (and then tows the damaged ship off the shoal), tanker Cities Service Kansas the other. Cuban Navy vessels later salvage the ship.

            First British armed trawlers sent to augment U.S. Navy patrol force efforts off the German submarine-plagued Eastern Seaboard, HMS Wastwater and HMS Le Tigre, begin patrol operations in Third Naval District waters. They are assigned duties off Atlantic City and Barnegat, New Jersey.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TENTH AF—10 P‑40’s arrive in Karachi by ship from Australia.

ZONE OF THE INTERIOR—XII Bomber Command is activated at MacDill Field.

US ARMY

NEW CALEDONIA—U.S. TF (17,500 men) under General Patch reaches Noumea to assist in defense of that area.

ANDAMAN ISLANDS—Garrison of Andaman Islands. (Company of British and Battalion of Gurkhas) is withdrawn, since loss of Rangoon makes it unfeasible to maintain this seaplane base.

BURMA—Burma Army establishes hq at Maymyo.

US MARINE CORPS

U. S. forces arrive in New Caledonia.

Wednesday, 11 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Lieutenant General Douglas MacArthur and Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell depart Luzon, with their respective staffs, in motor torpedo boats PT-32, PT-34, PT-35, and PT-41, bound for Mindanao. For his role in the evacuation, as well as other operations in the Philippines since the start of hostilities, Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley, Commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, will receive the Medal of Honor (see 13 March).

            Submarine Pollack (SS-180), operating in the East China Sea about 270 miles east of Shanghai, sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Fukushu Maru, 30°53'N, 126°20'E and passenger-cargo ship Baikal Maru, 31°00'N, 126°32'E.

            U.S. passenger ship Mount McKinley is stranded off Unimak Island, Aleutians; wrecked subsequently by heavy seas, the ship will be written off as a total loss.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Texan is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-126 about 40 miles east of Nuevitas, Cuba, 21°32'N, 76°24'W; Cuban fishing boat Yoyo rescues survivors.

            Unarmed U.S. freighter Caribsea is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-158 about 14 miles east of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, 34°40'N, 76°10'W; U.S. freighter Norlindo rescues survivors.

            Coastal minesweeper AMc-202, at 40°32'N, 71°40'W, rescues seven survivors from Brazilian steamship Cairo, sunk by German submarine U-94 on 9 March, and transports them to New London, Connecticut.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General MacArthur and his family and staff embark from Corregidor in 4 PT boats for Mindanao.

BURMA—Burma Army regroups in preparation for defense of upper Burma. In Irrawaddy Valley, Indian 17th Division is disposed in Tharrawaddy area. In Sittang Valley, Burma 1st Division, after successful diversionary attacks against Shwegyin and Madauk, E of Nyaunglebin, withdraws, except for 13th Brigade, to positions N of Kanyutkwin. General Stilwell is placed in command of Chinese 5th and 6th Armies. Chinese 6th Army is holding Shan States. Chinese 5th Army, except for 200th Division disposed in Toungoo area, is to concentrate at Mandalay. 

MALTA—Military garrison is placed under command of CinC MEF. Naval and RAF garrisons are under command of CinC Mediterranean and Air Officer Commanding in Chief, respectively. Lt General Sir William Dobbie, Governor of Malta, remains commander in chief.

US MARINE CORPS

Gen MacArthur leaves Philippines for Australia.

Tuesday, 10 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), which includes ships of TF 17 (Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher), on the heels of initial nuisance raids by RAAF Hudsons, attacks Japanese invasion fleet (Rear Admiral Kajioka Sadamichi) off Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea. SBDs (VB 2, VS 2, VB 5, VS 5) and TBDs (VT 2, VT 5), supported by F4Fs (VF3 and VF 42) from carriers Lexington (CV-2) and Yorktown (CV-5) sink armed merchant cruiser Kongo Maru, auxiliary minelayer Ten'yo Maru, and transport Yokohama Maru; and damage light cruiser Yubari; destroyers Yunagi, Asanagi, Oite, Asakaze, and Yakaze; minelayer Tsugaru; seaplane carrier Kiyokawa Maru; transport Kokai Maru; and minesweeper No.2 Tama Maru. One SBD (VS 2) is lost to antiaircraft fire. USAAF B-17s and RAAF Hudson conduct follow up strikes but inflict no appreciable additional damage. In a message to Prime Minister Churchill, President Roosevelt hails the raid as "the best day's work we've had." The success of the U.S. carrier strike (the first time in which two carrier air groups attack a common objective) convinces Japanese war planners that continued operations in the New Guinea area will require carrier support, thus setting the stage for confrontation in the Coral Sea (see 4-8 May).

            Japanese invade Finschhafen, New Guinea.

            Japanese collier Kosei Maru is sunk by mine in Lingayen Gulf, P.I., 16°05'N, 120°20'E.

            USMC F2As (VMF 221) from Midway shoot down Japanese reconnaissance flying boat (Yokosuka Kokutai) attempting to reconnoiter the atoll.

ATLANTIC—U.S. tanker Gulftrade is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-588 about two miles east of Barnegat, New Jersey, 39°50'N, 73°52'W; net tender Larch (YN-16) and Coast Guard cutter Antietam (WPC-128), along with Eagle Boat PE-48 and Coast Guard motor lifeboats from the Barnegat station are sent to the scene. Larch rescues seven survivors; Antietam nine.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

MIDWAY—Enemy patrol plane is shot down SW of island.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General Wainwright visits General MacArthur on Corregidor and learns that he (Wainwright) will head Luzon Force and that his I Corps will be turned over to General Jones, 51st Division CG. General Mac- Arthur, after his withdrawal from the Philippines, plans to remain in control of Philippine operations from Australia through Col Lewis C. Beebe, who will be deputy chief of staff of USAFFE.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese make another landing on New Guinea, at Finschhafen. U.S. planes, 104 strong, from carriers Lexington and Yorktown make co-ordinated attacks on enemy shipping and installations at Lae and Salamaua, considerably damaging shipping and airfields. A few B–17’s from Townsville, Australia, follow up carrier strikes with attacks on same area. Japanese fly fighters from Rabaul, New Britain, to Huon Gulf area and continue neutralization of Port Moresby by air.

IRAN—Declared eligible for U.S. lend-lease.

US MARINE CORPS

Japanese invade Finschhafen, New Guinea.

Monday, 9 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Swordfish (SS-193) disembarks U.S. High Commissioner to the Philippine Islands Francis B. Sayre and his party (embarked since 24 February) at Fremantle, Australia. The collapse of the ABDA command has led to this change of destination.

            Java surrenders to the Japanese.

ATLANTIC—Naval Air Transport Service Squadron (VR 1) is established at Norfolk, Virginia, for operations in Atlantic area.

            U.S. freighter Alcoa Scout rescues survivors of U.S. freighter Mary, sunk by German submarine U-129 on 3 March.

            Brazilian steamship Cairo is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-94 at 39°10'N, 72°02'W (see 11 March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—Military reorganization, implementing Executive Order of 28 Feb, becomes effective. The Air Corps and the US Army Air Force Combat Command, which previously had made up the AAF under General Arnold as Chief, are discontinued, and the AAF is reorganized with Arnold as CG. Army Ground Forces under General McNair and Services of Supply (later Army Serv Forces) under General Sommervell are also organized. All are under control of General Marshall, CoS. In the Navy, Adm King, CinC US Fleet, assumes additional responsibilities as he succeeds Adm Stark as Chief of Naval Operations.

SE ASIA—Japanese forces complete capture of Rangoon, dealing China a great blow by cutting off supplies from Burma Road.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Major reorganization of U.S. Army is effective this date. GHQ is abolished and 3 autonomous commands—Army Ground Forces under Lt General Lesley J. McNair, Army Air Forces under Lt General Henry H. Arnold, and Services of Supply (later designated as Army Service Forces) under Maj General Brehon B. Somervell—are given responsibility for Zone of Interior functions under General Marshall as Chief of Staff. Field forces remain under control of War Department General Staff. Admiral King is appointed Chief of Naval Operations in addition to his post of CinC, U.S. Fleet. Admiral King succeeds Admiral Harold R. Stark, who will command U.S. naval forces operating in European waters.

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General MacArthur announces that General Yamashita has replaced General Homma as CinC of enemy forces in the Philippines.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese complete conquest of Java and thereby gain control of entire Netherlands East Indies. With Malaya Barrier thus penetrated, Australia is in greater danger.

NEW GUINEA—Land-based planes attack Japanese convoy in Huon Gulf with unobserved results. Japanese aircraft continue neutralization of points in New Guinea.

BURMA—Burma Army forces at Taukkyan continue northward withdrawal without serious difficulty.

US MARINE CORPS

Java surrenders to Japanese, ending conquest of Netherlands East Indies

Sunday, 8 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese naval force (Rear Admiral Kajioka Sadamichi) occupies Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea.

            Japanese occupy Rangoon, Burma.

            Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I-25 reconnoiters Wellington, New Zealand.

ATLANTIC—Net tender Mulberry (YN-22) rescues 14 survivors from U.S. freighter Cardonia, sunk by German submarine U-126the day before.

            Coast Guard cutter Calypso (WPC-104) rescues 54 survivors from Brazilian steamship Arabutan, sinks their lifeboats as a hazard to navigation, and transports the men to Little Creek, Virginia.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TENTH AF—HQ Tenth AF begins moving from Patterson Field to India. Between this date and 13 Mar, the 8 B‑17’s in India transport 474 troops and 29 tons of supplies from India to Magwe and on the return flights evacuate 423 civilians.

ELEVENTH AF—Col William O Butler assumes command of the Eleventh with HQ at Ft Richardson.

US ARMY

ALASKA—Brigadier General William O. Butler assumes command of U.S. Eleventh Air Force under Alaska Defense Command (Maj General Simon B. Buckner, Jr.). Alaska Defense Command is in turn under Western Defense Command (Lt General John L. De-Witt), which was designated a theater of operations early in the war.

BURMA—63d Brigade and elements of 16th, with tank and artillery support, clear Japanese block on Rangoon–Prome road at Taukkyan. During period 8–13 March, heavy bombers of U.S. Tenth Air Force transport troops and supplies from India to Magwe, Burma.

MIDDLE EAST—General Ritchie is ordered by General Auchinleck to provide diversion in Libya for passage of convoy to Malta. Supply situation on Malta is very serious.

US MARINE CORPS

Japanese land at Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea.

 

Saturday, 7 March 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Grenadier (SS-210) torpedoes Japanese transport Asahisan Maru south of Shioyasaki, 36°27'N, 141°06'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Barbara is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-126 approximately nine miles north-northwest of West Tortuga Island, Dominican Republic, 20°00'N, 73°56'W; a PBY rescues one group of survivors while the remainder reach shore. Later, U-126 shells and sinks unarmed U.S. freighter Cardonia about five miles west-northwest of San Nicholas Mole, Haiti, 19°53'N, 73°27'W; 22 survivors reach safety at San Nicholas Mole less than five hours after the ship sinks (see 8 March).

            U.S. freighter Independence Hall, straggling from convoy SC 73, founders and sinks off Sable Island, 43°55'N,59°55'W. Ten of the 38 man merchant crew perish; there are no casualties among the 9 man Armed Guard.

            Brazilian steamship Arabutan is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-155 off the Virginia capes, 35°15'N,73°55'W (see 8 March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese conquest of Java is virtually completed. Radio and cable communications with Bandoeng cease. Final reports indicate that enemy is still advancing on all fronts, that the defenders are completely exhausted, and that all Allied fighter planes have been destroyed.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese convoy arrives in Huon Gulf during night 7–8 and under cover of naval bombardment lands assault forces at Salamaua and Lae without opposition.

NEW CALEDONIA—Maj General Alexander M. Patch, commander-designate of New Caledonia Task Force, arrives.

BURMA—Burma Army evacuates Rangoon, moving along Prome road except for demolition forces, which are removed by sea. Loss of Rangoon seriously handicaps supply and reinforcement of Burma Army, which must now depend on air for this. Withdrawal from Rangoon is halted at Taukkyan by enemy roadblock. Bypassed force in Pegu is ordered to withdraw.

US MARINE CORPS

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