Tuesday, 10 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—USAAF LB-30s bomb and damage Japanese seaplane carrier Chitose in Makassar Strait south of Celebes.

           Japanese submarine I-69 shells Midway but is immediately bombed and damaged by USMC F2As (VMF 221).

ATLANTIC—Submarine R-5 (SS-82) fires three torpedoes at what she later reports as a German U-boat at 35°00'N, 65°45'W, but the attack is not successful. By the time R-5 has reloaded, the enemy is gone. While R-5's captain is criticized for erring in judgment for failing to follow up his contact during darkness and continuing the attack, his inexperience (R-5is his first command) is considered, as is the fact that it is that commanding officer's first war patrol. R-5's quarry may have been U-564, which sinks Canadian motor tanker Victolite at 36°12'N, 67°14'W the same day.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

—

US ARMY

CHRISTMAS ISLAND—U.S. detachment arrives.

MIDWAY—Shelled by enemy submarine.

LUZON—I Corps is rapidly reducing Big Pocket. South Sector forces are compressing Japanese in Anyasan–Silaiim area.

SINGAPORE—General Wavell visits Singapore and orders the island held and all remaining RAF personnel withdrawn to Netherlands East Indies. Japanese deepen penetration to supply depot area. AIF Malaya, which is further reinforced in W Area, falls back to line Kranji–Jurong, partially prepared switch line position; is later forced from this line.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese ,continue conquest of Borneo and Celebes; on Celebes, land force at Makassar.

BURMA—46th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, which has recently relieved Indian 16th Brigade along the Salween in Martaban area, begins fighting withdrawal from Martaban toward Thaton, since Japanese have bypassed Martaban.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Monday, 9 February 1942

US NAVY 

GENERAL—Rear Admiral Emory S. Land, Chief of the Maritime Commission, is appointed Director of the War Shipping Administration. As WSA director, he is responsible only to the President.

           Admiral William H. Standley, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations (1935-1937), is named Ambassador to the USSR.

PACIFIC—Twelve USAAF B-17s are released to Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet for operational control; they will cover the advance of TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.) into the South Pacific.

           Transport St. Mihiel (AP-32) is damaged by grounding off MacNamara Point, Alaska.

           Submarine Trout (SS-202) torpedoes and sinks Japanese gunboat Chuwa Maru 53 miles off Keelung, Formosa,25°30'N, 122°38'E.

           Japanese carrier Kaga is damaged when she runs aground on an uncharted reef, Palau, Palau Islands.

           Japanese transport Kurama Maru is torpedoed and sunk, agent unknown, 28°25'N, 122°03'N.

           Japanese destroyer Natsushio, torpedoed by submarine S-37 (SS-142) off Makassar the previous day, sinks.

           Japanese planes bomb Batavia, Surabaya, and Malang, Java.

           Japanese troops land on Singapore Island.

ATLANTIC—Transport Lafayette (AP-53) (ex-French liner Normandie) burns at New York pier and capsizes at her berth.

           Destroyer Roe (DD-418), at approximately 36°24'N, 74°34'W, rescues 14 survivors from British freighter Ocean Venture, sunk the previous day by German submarine U-108.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

SEVENTH AF—12 B‑17’s are detached and released to CINCPAC for assignment to TF 11 for operations in S Pacific.

FIFTH AF—Between this day and 18 Feb, Heavy Bombers fly at least 14 missions, but they result in claims of only 3 hits on shipping.

US ARMY

LUZON—In I Corps area, Japanese remnants from Little Pocket are destroyed while seeking to escape. 1st Division is now free to join in battle against Big Pocket, which is being compressed and from which Japanese are trying to escape. In South Sector, 2d Battalion of 57th (PS) replaces 3d Battalion in center of line in Anyasan–Silaiim region and makes limited progress against enemy.

SINGAPORE—Although reinforcements are sent to W Area from other sectors, Japanese reach Tengah airfield. In evening, additional enemy land in area just W of causeway. General Percival orders garrison to defend S part of the island, where Singapore town, Kalang airdrome, the reservoirs, and supply depots are located. Far East War Council meets for the last time.

UNITED KINGDOM—Pacific War Council, composed of representatives from Great Britain, Australia, Netherlands East Indies, and New Zealand, is formed in London.

US MARINE CORPS

Japanese land at Singapore

Sunday, 8 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese submarine I-69, which has been reconnoitering the atoll since 21 January, shells Midway.

           Japanese troops land at Gasmata, New Britain.

           Submarine S-37 (SS-142) attacks Japanese convoy in Makassar Strait, and torpedoes destroyer Natsushio south of Makassar City, Celebes, 05°10'S, 119°24'E. S-37 survives resultant depth-charging (see 9 February).

           Japanese infiltration force at Quinauan Point, Bataan, is mopped up, supported by armed motor launches from submarine tender Canopus (AS-9) (Lieutenant Commander H.H. Goodall). Japanese planes, however, attack the boats, bombing and strafing them, killing three and wounding 15 (including Goodall).

           British submarine HMS Trusty shells Japanese merchant coaster Se Go off Poulo Condore, French Indochina.

ATLANTIC—British freighter Ocean Venture is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-108 at 37°05'N, 74°45'W (see 9February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

MIDWAY—Bombarded by Japanese submarine.

LUZON—Lt General Masaharu Homma orders general withdrawal northward to more favorable positions where troops can be rested and reorganized while awaiting reinforcements for final assault on Bataan. I Corps continues battle to destroy Little and Big Pockets and completely encircles latter. Japanese escape from Little Pocket through small gap on E during night 8–9. In South Sector, resistance on Quinauan Pt ends after small naval craft from Mariveles neutralize beaches, then land party of 21st Pursuit Sq, which works inland and meets Scouts pushing toward beaches. Company of 57th Infantry and platoon of 37-mm. guns are released at Quinauan for action against enemy in Anyasan–Silaiim sector. Japanese make final attempt to withdraw forces from SW coast by water and succeed in rescuing 34.

SINGAPORE—Japanese intensify bombardment and about 2045 begin landing in force on NW coast; despite opposition at beaches, gain firm bridgehead and start toward Tengah airfield, driving wedge in Australian line in W Area.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese seize Gasmata.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Saturday, 7 February 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—President signs Executive Order 9054 establishing War Shipping Administration (WSA) to bring the control and operation of all U.S. merchant shipping under a single head. The WSA's most pressing task is to mobilize the shipping capacity of the country (the majority of which is still in private hands by the end of the year 1941) to bring it under single control so that vessels can be allocated more readily on the basis of overall shipping needs of the U.S. and the Allies (see 9 February).

PACIFIC—Commander Naval Forces Southwest Pacific Area (Vice Admiral William A. Glassford) establishes headquarters at the port of Tjilatjap, on Java's south coast.

           Yacht Isabel (PY-10) rescues all 187 survivors from Dutch freighter Van Cloon, which had been torpedoed and shelled earlier that day by Japanese submarine I-155 and beached in a sinking condition off Java, 06°25'S, 111°25'E.

           Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I-25 reconnoiters Sydney, Australia. 

           Japanese submarines RO-61 and RO-62 are damaged in collision, Kwajalein atoll.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter West Jaffrey is stranded off Halfbald Island, Nova Scotia, 43°36'N, 66°02'W, and wrecked. There are no casualties to either the merchant crew or the 14 man Armed Guard.

           Coast Guard cutter Nike (WPC-112) rescues all 37 survivors of U.S. tanker China Arrow, sunk by German submarineU-103 off Winter Quarter Lightship on 5 February.

           U.S. freighter Mary is damaged in collision with freighter Palimol at 24°50'N, 66°00'W, and proceeds to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for repairs.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

PACIFIC—ANZAC Force is placed under command of Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, USN.

LUZON—I Corps opens all-out attack, under command of CG, Left Sector, against enemy pockets and partially encircles both. 1st Division is employed against Little Pocket. 92d Infantry of 91st Division (PA) makes main attack against Big Pocket from W and is supported by elements of 11th, Philippine, and 51st Divisions. In South Sector, after Scouts on left flank come up against enemy positions in Anyasan–Silaiim area and are brought to a halt, Filipino air corps troops and Constabulary Battalion are committed to form continuous line from Silaiim Bay to Quinauan Pt. Methodical destruction of enemy remnants at Quinauan Pt continues. Japanese relief force attempting to evacuate troops from SW coast is attacked by P–40’s and shore guns and forced back to Olongapo.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Friday, 6 February 1942

US NAVY 

GENERAL—Naval Coastal Frontiers--Eastern, Gulf, Caribbean, Panama, Hawaiian, Northwest, Western, Philippine--are redesignated as Sea Frontiers.

           U.S. and Britain establish Combined Chiefs of Staff.

PACIFIC—Japanese land reinforcements at Lingayen Gulf.

           Japanese artillery on the Cavite coast, near Ternate, shell Corregidor, Fort Hughes, Fort Frank, Fort Drum and anchorage of Inshore Patrol off South Harbor, Corregidor; river gunboat Luzon (PR-7) is hit by a shell in her vacant admiral’s quarters; there are no casualties.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Major Wheeler, en route from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-107. There are no survivors from the 35 man crew.

           British freighter Hartlepool comes across lifeboat from torpedoed U.S. tanker W.L. Steed (sunk by German submarineU-103 on 2 February) and rescues the two survivors she finds; one of them will die in hospital on 10 February of exposure (see 12 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

COMBINED CHIEFS OF STAFF—WD announces creation of US-British CCS in Washington.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Naval Coastal Frontiers are redesignated Sea Frontiers.

LUZON—In I Corps area, Japanese receive reinforcements and attack late in day to relieve pockets. While some elements increase pressure against 1st and 11th Philippine Divisions, others drive toward Big Pocket until stopped by 11th Division 800 yards from objective. Small salient in corps MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE is thus formed and called Upper Pocket. In Manila Bay area, Japanese artillery, emplaced along S shore of Manila Bay in vicinity of Ternate, begins daily bombardment of fortified islands. Forts Drum and Frank receive main weight of shells.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese now hold Samarinda, on E coast of Dutch Borneo.

US MARINE CORPS

U. S. and Great Britain establish Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS).

 

Thursday, 5 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Submarine Seadragon (SS-194) evacuates a nucleus group of people from the naval communications/radio intelligence unit, and associated equipment, from Corregidor, to set up facilities on Java.

           Japanese planes bomb Allied shipping off Soembawa Island, N.E.I.; after destroyer Paul Jones (DD-230) is damaged by near-miss, she then rescues survivors of Dutch merchantman Tidore, which had run aground in an attempt to avoid Japanese bombs.

ATLANTIC—Naval Operating Base, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is established to serve as a turnaround point for transatlantic convoys.

           Unarmed U.S. tanker China Arrow is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-103 off Winter Quarter Lightship, 37°44'N, 73°18'W (see 7 February).

UNITED STATES— National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, is established in this Washington, D.C. suburb.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—Far East, Caribbean, Hawaiian, and Alaskan AFs are redesignated Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eleventh AFs, respectively.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Caribbean Air Force is redesignated Sixth Air Force; Pacific Air Command becomes Seventh Air Force; Alaskan Air Force is redesignated Eleventh Air Force.

LUZON—I Corps plans to attack with all available forces against enemy pockets. In South Sector, Japanese are driven to edge of cliff overlooking beaches at Quinauan Pt. Little progress is made against enemy in Anyasan–Silaiim sector.

SINGAPORE—Convoy bringing final elements of British 18th Division and some Indian reinforcements arrives. Slowest ship of the convoy, Empress of Asia, is sunk by enemy planes before reaching destination. Japanese air attacks on docks at Singapore prevent other ships of the convoy from unloading some of their cargo.

BURMA—General Wavell again visits Burma and inspects situation W of the Salween opposite Moulmein.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Wednesday, 4 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Australian-New Zealand naval command is established (Vice Admiral H. Fairfax Leary). 

           Japanese reconnaissance flying boats (Toko Kokutai) contact and shadow allied force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) of four cruisers and accompanying destroyers (sighted the previous day by 1st Kokutai aircraft) attempting transit of Madoera Strait to attack Japanese Borneo invasion fleet. On the strength of that intelligence, Japanese naval land attack planes (Takao, Kanoya, and 1st Kokutais) bomb Doorman's ships, damaging heavy cruiser Houston (CA-30) (1st Kokutai) and light cruiser Marblehead (CL-12) (Kanoya Kokutai), 07°23'S, 115°47'E. Dutchlight cruisers De Ruyter and Tromp are slightly damaged by near-misses (1st Kokutai). Marblehead's extensive damage (only by masterful seamanship and heroic effort does she reach Tjilatjap after the battle) results in her being sent back to the United States via Ceylon and South Africa; despite the loss of turret III (one-third of her main battery), Houston, however, remains.

           Asiatic Fleet (Admiral Thomas C. Hart) ceases to exist organizationally (not formally abolished). Units of Asiatic Fleet are organized into Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific Area (Vice Admiral William A. Glassford).

           Submarine Sculpin (SS-191) torpedoes Japanese destroyer Sukukaze as the latter patrols off Staring Bay, south of Kendari, Celebes, 04°00'S, 123°00'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker India Arrow is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-103 about 20 miles southeast of Cape May, New Jersey, 38°48'N, 73°40'W. Two of her men perish when the ship is shelled; 24 drown when two lifeboats are swamped. Fishing skiff Gitana rescues the 12 survivors 12 miles off Atlantic City, New Jersey.

           Canadian armed merchant cruiser HMCS Alcantara comes across lifeboat from torpedoed U.S. tanker W.L. Steed (sunk by German submarine U-103 on 2 February) and rescues the three survivors she finds (see 6 and 12 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—USAFFE takes direct control of Panay and Mindoro garrisons, which were previously part of Visayan–Mindoro Force, established early in January under command of Brigadier General William F. Sharp.

LUZON—II Corps front is relatively quiet. In I Corps area, Japanese in Big Pocket repel still another tank-infantry attack. In South Sector, Scouts and tanks continue attack against Quinauan Pt and this time succeed in compressing enemy into small area at tip. In Anyasan–Silaiim sector, tank-infantry attacks against enemy still make slow progress. MADOERA STRAIT—U.S.–Dutch naval force of 4 cruisers and. 7 DD’s, under command of ReaRear Admiral Karel W. Doorman of Royal Netherlands Navy, sets out to attack enemy shipping off Balikpapan but is detected and attacked by enemy planes in Madoera Strait and abandons mission. USS Houston and USS Marblehead are damaged in the action.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Small Australian garrison of Ambon Island. (largely 2/21 Battalion) surrenders to Japanese.

LIBYA—13 Corps, British Eighth Army, completes withdrawal to line Gazala–Bir Hacheim and is fortifying it. Axis forces hold line Tmimi–Mechili. Lull ensues until summer during which both sides conduct harassing operations and prepare to renew offensive. British gradually relieve battle-weary forces with fresh troops as they become available.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Tuesday, 3 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Trout (SS-202) delivers ammunition to Corregidor, P.I., and removes gold, silver, securities and mail. She uses the gold as ballast on the return voyage to Pearl Harbor. 

           Japanese naval land attack planes (Takao Kokutai) bomb ABDA operating base at Surabaya; other naval land attack planes (1st Kokutai) bomb Malang, Java. These raids indicate for the first time that substantial Japanese air forces have been moved south. En route home from Malang, 1st Kokutai aircraft report presence of Allied naval force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) off Madoera (see 4 February).

ATLANTIC—Panamanian freighter San Gil is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-103 approximately 15 miles south of Fenwick Island light, 38°05'N, 74°40'W. Two crewmen perish in the attack; Coast Guard cutter Nike (WPC-112) rescues the 38 survivors.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—Bad weather from now until 18 Feb, along with effective interception by fighters, thwarts attempts of Heavy Bombers in Java to deliver damaging blows on shipping and airfields in NEI. B‑17’s strikes from Singosari against shipping at Balikpapan (8 Feb) and an airfield at Kendari (9 Feb) are repulsed by fighter attacks. B‑17’s on a shipping strike claim hits on a carrier near Sinjai.

US ARMY

LUZON—II Corps, finding enemy bridgehead clear, advances OPL in that sector. I Corps continues to make little headway against enemy pockets in sectors of 1st and 11th Divisions. In South Sector, Scouts and tanks are still unable to make much progress against Quinauan Pt beachhead. Progress is also limited in Anyasan–Silaiim sector although tanks of 192d Tank Battalion and artillery assist Scouts there.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese begin preinvasion air attacks on Java. From Kendari, Celebes, enemy aircraft strike hard at Soerabaja, Madionen, and Malang.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin bombing Port Moresby, garrisoned by small Australian force.

BURMA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees to let Ch 5th Army take over Toungoo front. Balance of Ch 6th Army is ordered to move into Burma. Indian 48th Brigade is ordered to zone of Indian 17th Division, under which it is to fight.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Monday, 2 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Submarine Seadragon (SS-194) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Tamagawa Maru off Cape Bolinao, Luzon, P.I.,17°16'N, 119°48'E, but misses army cargo vessel Nisshu Maru in the same attack.

           Japanese minesweeper W.9 is sunk, and minesweepers W.11 and W.12 damaged, by Dutch mines off Ambon, N.E.I.,03°42'S, 128°10'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker W.L. Steed is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-103 about 90 miles east of the mouth of the Delaware River, 38°25'N, 72°43'W. Exposure to the frigid weather will eventually kill 34 of the 38 man crew who survive the loss of the ship at the outset (see 4, 6, and 12 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

HAWAIIAN AF—VII Interceptor Command is activated in Hawaii, with General Davidson as commander. General Hale commands VII Bomber Command.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—General Stilwell is designated Chief of Staff to Supreme Commander, China Theater, and is directed by War Department to “increase the effectiveness of United States assistance to the Chinese Government for the prosecution of the war and to assist in improving the combat efficiency of the Chinese Army.”

LUZON—II Corps attacks to clear bridgehead, at first employing 31st Engr Battalion (PA) and then reinforcing with elements of 41st Infantry after opposition proves stubborn. Enemy completes withdrawal from bridgehead during night 2–3. In I Corps area, Armored platoon of 192d Tank Battalion and platoon of 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry, attempt unsuccessfully to reduce Big Pocket. In South Sector, Company C of 192d Tank Battalion assists Scouts in another attack on Quinauan Pt beachhead, but results are no more satisfactory. Other Scout Battalions 2d Battalion of 45th Inf; 3d and 1st Battalions of 57th Infantry) attack abreast to clear Anyasan–Silaiim sector, making slow progress except on left, where no opposition is met.

ERITREA—Personnel of U.S. North African Mission embarked on Siboney reach Massawa.

LIBYA—General Auchinleck orders British Eighth Army to hold Tobruk as a supply base for future offensive.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Sunday, 1 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—TF 8 (Vice Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.), formed around carrier Enterprise (CV-6) and TF 17 (Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher), formed around carrier Yorktown (CV-5), raid the Marshall and Gilbert Islands; TF 8 concentrates on Kwajalein and Wotje, with heavy cruiser Chester (CA-27) bombarding Maleolap atoll; TF 17 targets enemy installations on Jaluit, Makin, and Mili. TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), formed around carrier Lexington (CV-2) supports the operations from the vicinity of Christmas Island.

           At Kwajalein, SBDs (VB 6 and VS 6) and TBDs (VT 6) from Enterprise sink transport Bordeaux Maru and damage light cruiser Katori, submarine I-23, minelayer Tokiwa, auxiliary netlayer Kashima Maru, auxiliary submarine chaserNo.2 Shonan Maru, submarine depot ship Yasukuni Maru, oiler Toa Maru, tanker Hoyo Maru, and army cargo ship Shinhei Maru; in the bombing of shore installations, Rear Admiral Yatsushiro Sukeyoshi (Commander Sixth Base Force) becomes the first Imperial Navy flag officer to die in combat when an SBD scores a direct hit on his headquarters. Off Wotje, gunfire from heavy cruisers Northampton (CA-26) and Salt Lake City (CA-25) sink gunboat Toyotsu Maru; destroyer Dunlap (DD-384) shells and sinks auxiliary submarine chaser No.10 Shonan Maru.

           Japanese retaliatory air attacks (Chitose Kokutai) on TF 8 result in damage to carrier Enterprise (near-miss of crash of land attack plane), 10°33'N, 171°53'E, and heavy cruiser Chester (by bomb dropped by carrier fighter), 08°45'N,171°33'E.

           Planes from Yorktown cause less damage, due to a paucity of targets at the objective; nevertheless, SBDs (VS 5) bomb and strafe gunboat Nagata Maru at Makin, while SBDs (VB 5) bomb and strafe cargo ship Kanto Maru at Jaluit. Rear Admiral Fletcher detaches three of his four destroyers to look for downed TBD (VT 5) reported in the water astern of TF 17. During the search, a Japanese reconnaissance flying boat (Yokohama Kokutai) attacks (but does not damage)destroyer Sims (DD-409). Soon thereafter, two F4Fs (VF 42) splash the flying boat. The TBD crew, however, is never found in the prevailing poor weather.

           Motor torpedo boats and USAAF P-40s repulse Japanese landing attempt on southwest Bataan. PT 32 damages Japanese minelayer Yaeyama off Subic Bay.

           Naval Base, Sydney, Australia, is established.

ATLANTIC—Seventh Naval District with headquarters at Key West, Florida, is reestablished.

CARIBBEAN—Naval Air Stations, St. Lucia, British West Indies, and British Guiana; and Naval Auxiliary Air Facility, Antigua, British West Indies, are established.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—VIII Bomber Command is activated at Langley Field and VIII Interceptor Command at Selfridge Field.

FAR EAST AF—P‑40’s from Bataan bomb and strafe landing barges off Quinauan Point during 1/2 Feb. These strikes, in conjunction with naval and field artillery fire, cause considerable damage and casualties but fail to prevent the landings which take place S of the point, although the attempt to reinforce troops already on the point is thwarted.

US ARMY

GILBERT AND MARSHALL ISLANDS—Units of U.S. Pacific Fleet make surprise air and naval attacks on Japanese air and naval bases at Roi, Kwajalein, Wotje, Taroa, and Jaluit Islands in the Marshall group and Makin in the Gilbert group, severely damaging enemy shipping and aircraft facilities.

LUZON—II Corps prepares to attack in Sector C to clear enemy bridgehead from which Japanese continue to withdraw. I Corps continues efforts to reduce pockets S of MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE with negligible success.

           In South Sector, Scouts renew battle against Quinauan Pt beachhead but progress is still limited. Scout casualties by this time are estimated at 50 percent. Japanese reinforcements for Quinauan Pt are spotted, night 1–2, and attacked by remaining 4 P–40’s of FEAF, motor torpedo boats, and artillery and infantry weapons from shore. Enemy is forced to land instead in Anyasan–Silaiim area.

ERITREA—Placed under command of GHQ MEF.

LIBYA—General Ritchie orders general withdrawal of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, to line Gazala–Bir Hacheim in order to avoid envelopment. Indian 4th Div; which reverts to 13 Corps command, completes withdrawal to Derna line during night 1–2.

USSR—Red Army continues powerful offensive throughout February but with diminishing success as German resistance stiffens with arrival of reinforcements. Further efforts to break through to Leningrad and Sevastopol are futile, but some success is achieved in other sectors. Soviet forces in the Crimea are reinforced.

NORWAY—Puppet government is established under Vidkun Quisling.

US MARINE CORPS

U. S. carrier task forces raid Japanese positions in Gilberts and Marshal Islands.

 

Saturday, 31 January 1942,

US NAVY 

GENERAL—Office of Procurement and Material is established in the office of the Under Secretary of the Navy; Vice Admiral Samuel M. Robinson, Chief of the Bureau of Ships, is named its director. He must build, from the ground up, inorganization that will assure the flow of vital materials essential to the production of ships, planes, and other munitions. He will instill in the production program the need for more production and greater speed, and will apply himself to breaking complex bottlenecks in production, settling conflicts in priorities, solving labor difficulties and curing the multitudinous ills besetting the Navy's production efforts.

PACIFIC—TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), formed around carrier Lexington (CV-2), departs Pearl Harbor to cover the retirement of TF 8 (Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr.) and TF 17 (Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher) from the Marshalls and Gilberts (see 1 February).

           Japanese troops land on Amboina Island, N.E.I.

           Destroyer Helm (DD-388) evacuates civilian radio operators and weather observers from Howland and Baker Islands; she is bombed by a Japanese reconnaissance flying boat (Yokohama Kokutai) off Baker, but is not damaged.

ATLANTIC—British tanker San Arcadio is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-107 at 38°10'N, 63°50'W (see 11February).

           British tanker Tacoma Star is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-109 at 37°33'N, 69°21'W; destroyer Roe (DD-418), on temporary duty with the Fifth Naval District defense forces due to the increase in ship sinkings off Cape Hatteras, is sent to rescue survivors.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—General Eaker is designated CG, Bomber Command, USAFBI and ordered to proceed to UK.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—General Stilwell, in memo to General Marshall, estimates his needs for China assignment and requests that his staff and any forces that may join it be called a task force. War Department subsequently approves designation of Stilwell’s forces as U.S. Task Force in China.

LUZON—After air and artillery preparation, Japanese begin attack on II Corps in evening but are halted by corps fire. Enemy regiment concealed in bridgehead across Pilar River begins withdrawing under cover of darkness. I Corps continues battle against enemy pockets in sectors of 1st and 11th Divisions. The pockets are now cut off from supply. In South Sector, operations against enemy beachhead at Quinauan Pt continue with little change in positions. Japanese reinforcements are ordered to the area. 192d Tank Battalion (less one co) is sent to W coast to help reduce Quinauan Pt beachhead.

MALAYA—Malaya defense force completes withdrawal to Singapore Island at 0815 and blows causeway. For defense purposes, Singapore is divided into 3 sectors. Indian 3 Corps, under command of General Heath, consisting of Indian 11th and British 8th Divisions and corps troops, is responsible for N area. S Area, which includes Singapore town, is the responsibility of Maj General F. Keith Simmons, commander of Singapore Fortress troops, who has under his command in addition to fixed defenses, 1st and 2d Malayan Brigs and Strait Settlements Volunteer Force. W Area, under command of General Bennett, Commander AIF, is manned by Australians and Ind

44th Brigade, with attachments. Activity from this time until Japanese invasion is confined to artillery exchanges, air attacks, and patrolling. Chief targets for enemy planes are docks and Kalang airdrome.

BURMA—Moulmein garrison withdraws across the Salween to Martaban. 48th Brigade of Indian 19th Division arrives in Rangoon and is held in reserve. Another brief lull ensues in ground action as Japanese prepare for further attacks, infiltrating across the Salween and bombing and shelling Martaban.

ETHIOPIA—Great Britain recognizes independence of Ethiopia.

IRAN—Maj General John N. Greely, head of U.S. Military Mission to USSR, which is to advise and assist Russians on lend-lease matters, arrives at Basra, Iraq; from there proceeds to Tehran, Iran, where he establishes his HQ.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Friday, 30 January 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Japanese naval land attack planes (Genzan Kokutai) bomb Allied shipping at Keppel Harbor, Singapore, Straits Settlements; transport Wakefield (AP-21), waiting to embark passengers, is damaged by a bomb, as are British transports (ex-passenger liners) Duchess of Bedford and Empress of Japan and freighter Madura. Transport West Point (AP-23) is straddled and showered with fragments, but suffers no damage. She provides medical assistance to Wakefield. Both U.S. transports subsequently embark passengers that include dockyard workers from Singapore and their families, in addition to Royal Navy officers and enlisted men and a small RAF contingent. The ships will then proceed to Batavia, Java, N.E.I., and thence on to Colombo, Ceylon. 

ATLANTIC—Coast Guard cutter Alexander Hamilton (WPG-34), torpedoed by German submarine U-132 the previous day, is scuttled by gunfire of destroyer Ericsson (DD-440) off Reykjavik, Iceland.

           Unarmed U.S. tanker Rochester is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-106 off the Chesapeake Lightship, 37°10'N, 73°58'W; three crewmen perish in the initial torpedo explosion. Destroyer Roe (DD-418) rescues the 29 survivors.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

HAWAIIAN AF—B‑17’s of TG 8.9 return to Hawaii, having completed a mission (began on 16 Jan 42) which afforded a pioneer look at the problem of air operations over vast Pacific areas, especially the problems of navigation and the servicing of aircraft.

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—General MacArthur takes control of all naval forces in the Philippines.

LUZON—In Sector C of II Corps, efforts to dislodge enemy from Pilar River bridgehead fail. Indecisive fighting continues along MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. I Corps makes slow progress against enemy pockets behind MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. While 1st Division attempts to reduce Little Pocket, elements of 11th and 45th Regiments attack Big Pocket from N and S, respectively. In South Sector, 3d Battalion of 45th Infantry, reinforced, continues to attack Quinauan Pt beachhead. 2d Battalion of same regiment, reinforced, supported by 88th FA battery, pushes slowly toward Silaiim River mouth.

MALAYA—British withdrawal to Singapore reaches its final stage. East Force is the first unit to cross causeway and is followed by Indian 11th Division and West Force. West Force delays withdrawal as long as possible in futile effort to recover 22d Brigade of Indian 9th Division. Remnants of this brigade are eventually ferried across Strait of Singapore. It is decided to withdraw Malaya Air Force to Netherlands East Indies except for a single squadron.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese invade Ambon (Amboina), second largest naval base in Netherlands East Indies, and are opposed by garrison of Dutch and Australians. Allied air and naval forces have already been withdrawn because of enemy air attacks.

BURMA—Japanese open strong attack on Moulmein and seize the airdrome.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Thursday, 29 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese land at Badoeng Island and Mampawan, Celebes.

           Minesweeper Quail (AM-15) bombards Japanese troop concentrations at Longoskawayan Point, Luzon. 

           Oiler Ramapo (AO-12) arrives at Bora Bora, Society Islands, to support survey operations being carried out by Sumner (AG 32), which had arrived at that place on 22 January (see 12 February).

INDIAN OCEAN—U.S. freighter Florence Luckenbach is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-64 about 15 miles east of Madras, India, 12°55'N, 80°33'E; there are no casualties among the 38 man crew and all hands reach Madras by lifeboat.

ATLANTIC—Coast Guard cutter Alexander Hamilton (WPG-34) is torpedoed by German submarine U-132 off Reykjavik, Iceland,64°10'N, 22°56'W (see 31 January).

           PBYs (VP 52) operating out of Natal, Brazil, are fired upon by British freighter Debrett owing to difficulty of mutual identification.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—B‑17’s, striking out of Palembang, hit Kuantan airfield scoring numerous hits on runways and hangars.

HAWAIIAN AF—VII Bomber Command is activated. B‑17’s of TG 8.9 fly from Canton Island to Palmyra.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Combined Chiefs of Staff establish ANZAC Area, covering ocean expanses between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. This area is to be under U.S. naval command.

FIJI ISLANDS—U.S. troops arrive in islands.

LUZON—II Corps withstands further efforts of Japanese to breach MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. In river Corps area, troops of 1st and 11th Divisions operate against Little and Big Pockets, respectively, in effort to determine their strength and disposition, and evoke sharp opposition. Scouts of 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry,, prepare to assist 11th Division in attack on Big Pocket. In South Sector, after half-hour artillery preparation augmented by fire of mine sweeper offshore, ad Battalion of 57th Infantry (PS) attacks and clears Longoskawayan Pt; enemy remnants are being mopped up. 3d Battalion of 45th Infantry (PS) continues to make slow and costly progress at Quinauan Pt. In Anyasan-Silaiim sector, Scouts of 2d Battalion, 45th Infantry, prepare for attack and are reinforced by 1st Battalion of Philippine Constabulary and 1st Battalion of 12th Infantry (PA), both of these having been relieved at Quinauan Pt. Company A of 57th Infantry is to guard West Road.

MALAYA—Withdrawal toward Singapore continues. Additional elements of British 18th Division arrive at Singapore; also, a sq of obsolete light tanks arrives from India, the only tanks to reach Malaya.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese occupy Pontianak, on W coast of Dutch Borneo.

IRAN—Great Britain and Soviet Union sign treaty of alliance with Iran, wherein Iran agrees to remain neutral; Britain and USSR promise to withdraw their troops from Iranian territory 6 months after hostilities with Axis cease. (Persian Corridor is to become principal route for movement of supplies to USSR.)

LIBYA—Axis main forces remain in Msus area, but elements pursue Indian 4th Division of British Eighth Army as it falls back slowly toward Derna line.

USSR—On central front, Red Army continues to deepen salient SW of Kaluga and reports capture of Sukhinichi.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Wednesday, 28 January 1942

US NAVY

INTERNATIONAL—Third Conference of Foreign Ministers of the American Republics at Rio de Janeiro is concluded. Despite the efforts of Argentina and Chile, Pan-American unity is preserved; within days, all Latin American nations that had not already done so (except Argentina and Chile) sever ties with Germany, Italy, and Japan.

PACIFIC—Japanese land on Rossel Island off New Guinea. 

ATLANTIC—PBO (VP 82) on an antisubmarine sweep astern of convoy HX 172 attacks a surfaced submarine in the North Atlantic off Newfoundland at 43°50'N, 53°50'E. Although pilot (Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Donald F. Mason) reports "sighted sub, sank same" no U-boat is lost on this date.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

EIGHTH AF—Activated at Savannah AB, Col Asa N Duncan commanding. Originally designated as the air element of GYMNAST.

FAR EAST AF—B‑17’s from Malang and Palembang attack airfields at Kendari and Kuala Lumpur.

HAWAIIAN AF—B‑17’s of TG 8.9 fly unsuccessful antisubmarine mission from Canton Island.

US ARMY

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Rio Conference of American republics ends.

UNITED STATES—Eighth Air Force is activated at Savannah, Georgia, under Brigadier General Asa N. Duncan.

LUZON—In II Corps area, 41st Infantry completes movement into Sector C line, taking up positions between 31st and 51st Division elements. Japanese renew attack against corps in evening: some cross Tiawir River in front of Sector D, where they are halted; others attempt to move forward in Sector C without success. From W coast, in I Corps area, Japanese move eastward along corps’ MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE to 1st Division sector, where defense preparations are not yet completed; during night 28–29, Japanese breach MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE there and pour southward through gap. As the enemy force becomes divided in dense jungle, two pockets, called Little Pocket and Big Pocket, are formed, Little Pocket about 400 yards below MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE and Big Pocket nearly a mile behind MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. In South Sector, Scouts of 2d Battalion, 57th Infantry, attack Longoskawayan Pt and advance two thirds of its length before artillery support is obstructed by Pucot Hill. 3d Battalion of 45th Infantry (PS) attacks enemy beachhead at Quinauan Pt, but jungle terrain and enemy make progress slow and costly. At night 3d Battalion is reinforced by Company B of

57th Infantry. In Anyasan-Silaiim sector, 17th Pursuit Sq and Philippine Constabulary elements push almost to coast of Anyasan Bay, but Constabulary, fearing counterattack, withdraws in confusion after dark.

MALAYA—East Force continues unopposed withdrawal toward Singapore. Japanese reach Benut and continue southward behind Indian 11th Division. Gap develops between the two brigs of Indian 9th Division withdrawing along Railroad; 22d Brigade becomes isolated from main body.

LIBYA—Indian 4th Division is authorized to withdraw from Benghazi since armored elements of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, are too busily engaged to assist it. Indian 7th Brigade, the last to withdraw, finds its line of retreat blocked but breaks out to S and eventually makes its way back to Eighth Army.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Tuesday, 27 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Gudgeon (SS-211) torpedoes and sinks Japanese submarine I-73 240 miles west of Midway, 28°24'N,178°35'E. 

           Submarine Seawolf (SS-197) delivers ammunition to Corregidor, P.I., and evacuates naval and army pilots.

           USAAF B-17s bomb and damage Japanese seaplane carrier Sanuki Maru off Balikpapan, Borneo.

           Naval Air Station, Puunene, Maui, T.H., is established.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker Francis E. Powell is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-130 about eight miles northeast of Winter Quarter Lightship, 37°45'N, 74°53'W; a Coast Guard boat from the Assateague Island station and U.S. tanker W. C. Fairbanks rescue the 28 survivors from the 32 man crew. U.S. tanker Halo is torpedoed and damaged by U-130 about 17 miles northeast of Diamond Shoals Lightship, 35°33'N, 75°20'W.

           U.S. steamship Coamo rescues 71 survivors of Canadian steamer Lady Hawkins that had been sunk by U-66 on 19 January.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

HAWAIIAN AF—B‑17’s of TG 8.9 return to Canton Island.

US ARMY

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese begin assault against MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE in afternoon. After feint down East Road, main attack is made against Sectors C and D. Sector C is thinly manned and in the process of being reinforced by 41st Infantry from Sector D. Japanese force the outposts back and get small advance group across Pilar River. In I Corps area, enemy renews efforts to break through MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE on W coast and is again brought to a halt by 91st Division (PA). In South Sector, General Wainwright sends 3d Battalion of 45th Infantry to Quinauan Pt and 2d Battalion of 57th Infantry to Longoskawayan Pt to dislodge or destroy enemy along SW coast. Meanwhile, after preparatory fire from all available guns is conducted against Longoskawayan Pt, infantry attacks but is unable to clear it. Scouts of 2d Battalion, 57th Infantry, relieve naval Battalion there during night 27–28. Japanese are contained but cannot be cleared from Quinauan Pt. Water-borne reinforcements for this position land short of objective, between Anyasan and Silaiim Rivers, before dawn and put beach defenders, 1st Battalion of 1st Philippine Constabulary, to flight. 17th Pursuit Sq, from reserve, and 2d Battalion of 2d Philippine Constabulary, from MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE to N, move against Japanese but are halted about 1,000 yards from shore. Japanese are ordered, upon reinforcing Quinauan beachhead, to drive to Mariveles.

MALAYA—General Percival, receiving permission from General Wavell to retire to Singapore at his discretion, decides to withdraw at once through Johore Bahru and across causeway to Singapore. Withdrawal is to be accomplished under cover of darkness and completed during night 30–31. East Force meets no opposition as it pulls back. While elements of Indian 11th Div’s Batu Pahat force fall back to Benut, the rest move to Ponggor River mouth, from which they are withdrawn by sea during the following nights. West Force fights local actions while retiring along main road and Railroad.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Singkawang II airfield, Borneo, under enemy attack, is ordered evacuated.

AUSTRALIA—General Barnes assumes command of base facilities in Australia.

LIBYA—As 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, prepares to counterattack in Msus area, enemy renews offensive, making main effort toward Benghazi while moving strong diversionary column toward Mechili.

USSR—On Donets front, Soviet forces seize important rail center of Lozovaya, W of Izyum.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Monday, 26 January 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—First U.S. Expeditionary Force to Europe in World War II arrives in Northern Ireland.

           U.S. freighter West Ivis is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-125 off the eastern seaboard. There are no survivors from either the 36 man civilian crew or the 9 man Armed Guard.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—General Arnold recommends to Army CoS that AAFIB be composed of a HQ and 3 cmds-bomber, interceptor, and base.

US ARMY FORCES BRITISH ISLES—First increment of US troops arrives in N Ireland.

FAR EAST AF—Fighters from Bataan bomb and strafe Nichols and Nielson Fields on Luzon during 26/27 Jan, inflicting considerable damage on aircraft and fuel storage.

US ARMY

LUZON—Philippine II and I Corps complete withdrawal to final defense line on Bataan in morning, closely followed by Japanese. The new line, which is to be continuous for the first time, extends from Orion on E to Bagac on W and is generally behind Pilar–Bagac road. Gaps develop in each corps sector when USAFFE withdraws Philippine Division as its reserve. Units are hastily shifted to replace 31st (U.S.) and 57th (PS) Regiments in II Corps line and 45th Infantry (PS) in I Corps line. II Corps, responsible for E Bataan from coast to Pantingan River, organizes its line into 4 sectors, from E to W: Sector A, 31st Infantry of 31st Division (PA); Sector B, Provisional Air Corps Regiment; Sector C, elements of 31st Division (PA) and remnants of 51st Division (PA); Sector D, 41st and 21st Divisions (PA) and 33d Infantry, less 1st Battalion, of 31st Division (PA). In addition, beach defense forces are organized as Sector E. 1st Battalion of 33d Infantry, 31st Division (PA), and regiment of PA combat engineers constitute corps reserve. Japanese patrol along E slopes of Mt Samat almost to MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE but do not discover gap in line, which exists for several hours. I Corps line, extending from Pantingan River to W coast, is divided into Right and Left Sectors: Right Sector is manned by 2d PC Regiment (less one Battalion) on E and 11th Division (PA) on W; disposed in Left Sector are elements of 1st Division (PA) on E and 91st (PA) on W. Beach defense forces make up South Sector. 26th Cavalry (PS) is held in corps reserve. Japanese open offensive, driving S along West Road toward Binuangan River. 91st Division (PA) contains these attacks. In South Sector, Japanese maintain beachheads at Quinauan and Longoskawayan Pts and move reinforcements toward former. USAFFE sends 88th FA (PS) to W coast from II Corps sector, one of its gun batteries to Quinauan Pt and another to Longoskawayan Pt.

MALAYA—Japanese amphibious force lands in E Malaya at Endau and moves rapidly inland. Some damage is done to the convoy by RAF planes as it approaches Endau and by naval vessels after it has anchored, but British lose HMS Thanet in the action. Indian 11th Division makes another unsuccessful attempt to relieve Batu Pahat force, which withdraws by infiltration, leaving wounded behind.

NORTHERN IRELAND—First convoy of U.S. troops arrives.

US MARINE CORPS

 

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

 

Saturday, 24 January 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Battle off Balikpapan (Battle of Makassar Strait) occurs when four U.S. destroyers (Commander Paul H. Talbot) (DesDiv 59) attack Japanese Borneo invasion convoy. Destroyer John D. Ford (DD-228) is damaged by gunfire(01°20'N, 117°01'E) but sinks transport Tsuruga Maru; destroyer Parrott (DD-218) sinks transport Sumanoura Maru; destroyers Paul Jones (DD-230) and Pope (DD-225) sink transport Tatsukami Maru; Paul Jones sinks cargo ship Kuretaki Maru; Parrott sinks Patrol Boat No.37, 00°10'N, 118°00'E. USAAF B-17s and Dutch Martin 139s and Brewster 339s bomb invasion shipping, sinking transports Nana Maru and Jukka Maru, 00°10'N, 118°00'E.

           Naval battalion (Commander Francis J. Bridget) drives Japanese troops back to Longoskawayan and Quinauan Points on Bataan Peninsula.

           Japanese land at Kendari, Celebes; Kavieng, New Ireland; and Subic Bay.

           Submarine tender Canopus (AS-9) is damaged by bombs, Lilimbom Cove, Mariveles.

           Submarine Swordfish (SS-193) sinks Japanese gunboat Myoken Maru north of Kema, Celebes, 01°26'N, 125°08'E.

CARIBBEAN—Submarine S-26 (SS-131) is accidentally rammed and sunk by submarine chaser PC-460 in Gulf of Panama, 08°13'N,79°21'E. PC-460 rescues three survivors. Despite a search by the patrol craft and the other three submarines in company, S-21 (SS-126), S-29 (SS-134) and S-44 (SS-155), no other survivors are found; 46 men lose their lives in the mishap.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—Special Court of Inquiry on Pearl Harbor, headed by Supreme Court Justice Owen J Roberts, places main responsibility for the 7 Dec 41 disaster on Adm Kimmel and General Short, accusing them of neglecting to heed attack warning, failing to confer with each other, and taking only minimum precautions.

US ARMY

LUZON—II Corps begins disengaging and withdrawing combat troops. Japanese maintain intense pressure on Philippine Division and attack covering force, but bulk of troops withdraw successfully. Situation in I Corps area deteriorates rapidly. 1st Division, exhausted by prolonged fighting along MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE and critically in need of supplies and ‘ammunition, remains under pressure. Additional strength is applied against Japanese roadblock on West Road without avail. In Service Command Area Japanese cannot be ousted from Quinauan and Longoskawayan Pts. Sailors and marines succeed, however, in regaining Pucot Hill and driving enemy back to Longoskawayan and Lapiay Pts.

MALAYA—Outline plan for withdrawal to Singapore is issued. Hard fighting continues at Batu Pahat. Japanese are approaching Kluang, in Indian 9th Division sector. Additional units (Australian MG Battalion and about 2,000 Australian reinforcements, many of whom are poorly trained) arrive at Singapore.

MAKASSAR STRAIT—Battle of Makassar Strait, first big naval battle of the war, occurs early in morning when 4 U.S. DD’s strike at enemy shipping off Balikpapan, Borneo, with good effect.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—The first of a small group of U.S. P–40’s reaches Java from Australia.

NEW GUINEA—Allied forces evacuate Lae and Salamaua, which are threatened by Japanese.

AUSTRALIA—Combined Chiefs of Staff order Darwin area incorporated into ABDA Command.

BURMA—Rear elements of Mergui garrison arrive at Rangoon. Moulmein is now threatened.

LIBYA—British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps prepares to counterattack or, if enemy cannot be contained, to fall back on line Derna–Mechili as Axis offensive halts briefly.

USSR—Soviet forces on Donets front in the Ukraine break through enemy positions in Izyum area and capture Barvenkova, about 40 miles E of Lozovaya; in Valdai Hills sector to N, deepen salient between Cholm and Rzhev to vicinity of Velikie Luki, where Germans are firmly established.

US MARINE CORPS

Japanese land at Kavieng, New Ireland.