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.

Friday, 23 January 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Roberts Commission, whose work had begun on 18 December 1941, concludes its investigation to "ascertain and report the facts relating to the attack made by the Japanese armed forces upon the Territory of Hawaii on December 7,1941..." The exhibits gathered amount to 2,173 printed pages.

           Japanese land at Balikpapan, Borneo, N.E.I.

           Japanese occupy Rabaul, New Britain, and land at Kieta, Bougainville, Solomons.

           Japanese force lands on southwest coast of Bataan peninsula; local Army commander inserts naval battalion of sailors and marines (Commander Francis J. Bridget) into the battle as a stopgap. It blocks enemy progress. Motor torpedo boat PT-34 is damaged in action with Japanese armed launch while on patrol off Bataan Peninsula.

           Oiler Neches (AO-5) is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-72, off Hawaiian Islands, 21°01'N, 160°06'W. The loss of the oiler supporting TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.) forces cancellation of the projected raid on Wake.

           Destroyer Edsall (DD-219) is damaged by explosion of own depth charges during attack on submarine contact in Howard Channel, Clarence Strait, one of the approaches to Darwin, Australia.

           Submarine Seadragon (SS-194) damages Japanese merchant cargo ship Fukuyo Maru off the northern coast of French Indochina, 12°00'N, 109°00'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. collier Venore is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-66 about 20 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 35°50'N, 75°20'W (see 25 January).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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

ZONE OF THE INTERIOR—Flying Tiger Command is established and given jurisdiction over the Southeast Gulf Coast and West Coast Flying Tiger Centers which had been established on 8 Jul 40.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—General Stilwell, in Washington, accepts China assignment and takes over part of staff previously selected by General Drum.

LUZON—Philippine Division, on II Corps W flank, withstands increasingly heavy pressure. After nightfall, II Corps begins withdrawal to final defense line. In I Corps area, Japanese maintain heavy pressure against Mauban MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE and frustrate further attempts to reduce roadblock on West Road. In Service Command Area, enemy amphibious force heading for Caibobo Pt, having lost its way during night, arrives at 2 points on SW coast, both well S of objective. About a third land at Longoskawayan Pt; the rest land at Quinauan Pt. General McBride, responsible for defense of S tip of Bataan except for naval reservation near Mariveles, sends Philippine Constabulary elements to Quinauan Pt, but they make little headway. Comdr Francis J. Bridget, commanding naval reservation, dispatches sailors and marines to Longoskawayan Pt; these, reinforced by personnel of U.S. 301st Chemical Company and a howitzer from the Constabulary, clear Pucot Hill, but enemy returns after nightfall.

MALAYA—Rear guards from Segamat and Muar fronts complete withdrawal through Yong Peng at midnight, 23–24; West Force then comes under command of Indian 3 Corps, which is to defend central Johore and thereby protect Singapore naval base until reinforcements arrive. Japanese are to be kept N of line Batu Pahat–Ayer Hitam–Kluang–Jemaluang, if possible. Fighting continues in Batu Pahat area, and road from there to Ayer Hitam is closed. Japanese intensify air attacks.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese Fourth Fleet lands troops at Rabaul (New Britain) and Kavieng (New Ireland). Small Australian garrison of the important Rabaul base is soon overwhelmed. Kavieng is undefended. Japanese are now within easy striking distance of New Guinea.

SOLOMON ISLANDS—Elements of Japanese Fourth Fleet invade Kieta (Bougainville) without opposition.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese invasion forces move S in 2 convoys, one through Makassar Strait to Balikpapan (Borneo) and the other through Molucca Passage to Kendari (Celebes). Unopposed landings are made at both places, but convoy off Balikpapan is attacked by Dutch planes. On Sumatra, RAF reinforcements from Middle East begin arriving at Palembang, where one of the 2 airdromes is attacked for first time by enemy planes.

BURMA—Japanese planes begin period of intensified attacks on Rangoon area in effort to destroy Allied aircraft in Burma.

LIBYA—Axis troops take Antelat and Saunnu despite opposition of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army.

USSR—Thrusting strongly SW from Valdai Hills, NW of Moscow, Red Army seizes Cholm, German center of resistance near boundary of Center and Northern Army Groups. To SE, Rzhev, another enemy center of resistance, is being encircled.

US MARINE CORPS

Japanese occupy Rabaul, New Britain, and land at Kieta on Bougainvillea in the Solomon Islands.

Thursday, 22 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese reinforcements land in Subic Bay area.

           Japanese land on Mussau Island, north of New Ireland.

           Allied forces evacuate Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea.

           TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), formed around carrier Lexington (CV-2), departs Oahu to raid Wake Island (see 23 January).

           Destroyers Gridley (DD-380) and Fanning (DD-385) are damaged in collision 150 miles northwest of American Samoa as TF 8 proceeds toward the Marshalls and Gilberts.

           Survey vessel Sumner (AG 32) arrives at Bora Bora, Society Islands, and commences survey work at that place (see29 January and 12 February).

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Norvana is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-123 south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. There are no survivors, and pieces of wreckage from the ship when she explodes hit her attacker.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—From this date through 3 Feb, B‑17’s launch at least 15 missions out of Malang against shipping moving through Makassar Strait. 4 missions abort due to bad weather, 6 end with negative results, and the remaining 5 suffer heavy losses but sink 4 ships.

US ARMY

LUZON—General MacArthur orders withdrawal of entire Mauban–Abucay line southward to final defense position on Bataan, behind Pilar–Bagac road; withdrawal is to start after nightfall on 23d and be completed by daylight of 26th. In II Corps area, Japanese open offensive that forces Philippine Division back to positions E and S of Abucay Hacienda, approximately those held at beginning of counteroffensive on 16 January. In I Corps area, elements of 91st Division (PA), supported by Scouts of 26th Cavalry and tanks, attempt unsuccessfully to reduce roadblock on West Road and to reach 1st Division troops still fighting along MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE to N. Japanese begin series of amphibious operations, night 22–23, when Battalion embarks in barges at Moron and sails toward Caibobo Pt, below Bagac. U.S. PT boat encounters and sinks

2 vessels.

MALAYA—Six-day battle on Muar front ends in victory for Japanese. Indian 45th Brigade, despite close air and naval support during the operation, is destroyed as a fighting body. Muar force destroys its vehicles and weapons and pushes toward Yong Peng by infiltration, leaving wounded behind. Batu Pahat defense force (detachment of Indian 11th Div) skirmishes with enemy on Batu Pahat–Ayer Hitam road. Indian 8th Brigade Group, 9th Division, having withdrawn from Segamat sector to positions astride main road between Labis and Yong Peng, is attacked by enemy. East Force repels enemy attempt to cross river at Mersing. Partly trained Indian 44th Brigade, reinforced, and

7,000 Indian reinforcements arrive at Singapore.

MAKASSAR STRAIT—U.S. submarine attacks enemy convoy.

BURMA—Indian 16th Brigade breaks off action in Kawkareik area and falls back toward Moulmein.

LIBYA—Continuing swiftly eastward, Axis forces occupy Agedabia.

US MARINE CORPS

Allied forces evacuate Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea.

 

Wednesday, 21 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—In response to the movement of the Japanese convoy sighted the previous day in Makassar Strait, a U.S. task force (Rear Admiral William A. Glassford), consisting of light cruisers Boise (CL-47) (flagship) and Marblehead (CL-12) and four destroyers sails from Koepang, Timor, to engage it. En route, however, Boise steams across an uncharted pinnacle in Sape Strait, N.E.I., and suffers sufficient damage to eliminate her from the force. Turbine trouble limits Marblehead (the ship to which Glassford transfers his flag) to only 15 knots, so the admiral orders the destroyers (Commander Paul H. Talbot) ahead (see 24 January).

           Submarine S-36 (SS-141), damaged by grounding on 20 January, is scuttled by her crew in Makassar Strait.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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

US ARMY

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese continue preparations for offensive, massing assault forces on extreme W flank of corps; contain further attempts of Philippine Division to restore W flank positions. In I Corps area, small enemy force, having circled about E flank of corps, reaches West Road in area 4 miles E of Mauban and blocks it, cutting off 1st Division troops along MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE from forces to S. Forces that can be spared from other sectors attack the Japanese block from N and S but are unable to reduce it.

MALAYA—Withdrawal of defense forces from Muar and Segamat fronts continues. Commander of West Force is placed in charge of all troops on Yong Peng-Muar road. Muar force is supplied by air. East Force patrols ambush enemy force driving on Mersing.

CELEBES SEA—Enemy convoy is observed moving S in Celebes Sea.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese planes continue preinvasion bombardment of Rabaul (New Britain) and Kavieng (New Ireland). At Rabaul, the only coastal battery is destroyed.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin air offensive against New Guinea with 50-plane attack on Lae- Salamaua area.

CHINA—Chinese Government accepts proposal that General Stilwell act as chief of the Generalissimo’s Allied staff and agrees to give him executive authority over Allied units. Ch 49th Division (6th Army) is authorized to move into Burma.

LIBYA—Axis forces, with strong air support, go on the offensive in W Cyrenaica, pushing rapidly eastward in 3 columns astride main road. British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps commander orders withdrawal to line Agedabia–El Haseiat at once and a further retreat if necessary; orders Indian 4th Division to check coastal advance toward Benghazi.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Tuesday, 20 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Second Marine Brigade (Brigadier General Henry L. Larson, USMC) arrives at Pago Pago, Samoa, in transports Lurline, Matsonia, and Monterey, along with cargo ship Jupiter (AK-43) and ammunition ship Lassen (AE-3), to protect that portion of the important lifeline to Australia. Cover for the operation is provided by TF 8 formed around carrier Enterprise (CV-6) (Vice Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.) and TF 17 (Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher) formed around carrier Yorktown (CV-5). The two carrier task forces then set course for the Japanese-held Marshalls and Gilberts to carry out the initial raids on the enemy's defensive perimeter (see 1 February).

           Motor torpedo boat PT-31, damaged by grounding the day before, is burned by crew to prevent capture, 14°45'N,120°13'E.

           Submarine S-36 (SS-141) is damaged when she runs aground on Taka Bakang Reef, Makassar Strait, Celebes, N.E.I.,04°57'N, 118°31'E (see 21 January).

           Destroyer Edsall (DD-219) and Australian minesweeper HMAS Deloraine sink Japanese submarine I-124 off Darwin, Australia.

           Japanese gunboat Aso Maru and auxiliary minesweeper No.52 Banshu Maru are sunk by mines, Subic Bay, Luzon, P.I., 14°45'N, 120°17'E.

           Japanese merchant storeship Sendai Maru is damaged by unknown cause off mouth of Davao Gulf.

           Japanese convoy is reported in Makassar Strait, bound for Balikpapan, Borneo (see 21 January).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—General Brett, CG USAFIA, halts ferrying of aircraft from India to NEI. AAF has been sending Heavy Bombers to Java by way of Africa and India, but the Japanese are able to inflict prohibitive losses on AAF aircraft on the last stops of the route by interception from newly acquired airfields near Java.

US ARMY

LUZON—Japanese contain repeated attacks by Philippine Division (U.S- 31st and PS 45th Regiments) on W flank of II Corps while preparing for major assault to begin on 22d. After further fighting before Guitol, Japanese retire northward. In I Corps area, Japanese maintain pressure and continue infiltration into right flank from Mt. Silanganan.

MALAYA—British 53d Brigade counterattacks W of Yong Peng but is unable to recover lost ground. Muar force begins difficult withdrawal toward Yong Peng. Withdrawal of Segamat forces continues; during night 20–21, Australian 27th Brigade Group moves from Segamat River line to Yong Peng; Indian 9th Division pulls back to defensive position to E.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—More than 100 Japanese carrier-based planes attack Rabaul, New Britain, causing serious damage. Kavieng, New Ireland, is also attacked by air but in much less strength.

BURMA—Japanese cross into Burma in force and begin assault on N Tenasserim, attacking 16th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, on Myawadi–Kawkareik road, near Thai border E of Moulmein, in conjunction with air attacks.

USSR—Mozhaisk, about 60 miles W of Moscow, falls to Soviet forces.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Monday, 19 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Motor torpedo boat PT-31 is damaged when her engines fail because of what is believed to be sabotaged gasoline and she runs aground on reef north of Mayagao Point, Bataan, P.I.

ATLANTIC—In attacks against unescorted coastal shipping, unarmed U.S. steamship City of Atlanta is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-123 off the North Carolina coast at 35°42'N, 75°21'W; railroad ferry Seatrain Texas rescues the three survivors of the 46 man crew.

           German submarine U-66 torpedoes and sinks Canadian steamer Lady Hawkins at 35°00'N, 72°30'W (see 28 January).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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

US ARMY

LUZON—II Corps continues efforts to regain positions along Balantay River on W flank, 45th Infantry (—) (PS) reaching river in region between 31st Infantry (U.S.) and 41st Division (PA). 31st Infantry, however, is under increasingly strong pressure. Enemy column driving down Abo-Abo River valley reaches positions near Guitol and is engaged by 31st Division and elements of 21st Division (PA). I Corps restores OPL in counterattack but is forced to abandon it after nightfall. Elements of 92d Infantry (PA) are sent to block enemy infiltrators from Mt Silanganan, on corps E flank.

MALAYA—Bitter fighting continues in Muar- Yong Peng area. 53d Brigade of British 18th Division, under command of Indian 11th Division, takes responsibility for strategic positions W of Yong Peng—a defile and bridge—but loses them. Muar force (Indian 45th Brigade and 2 Australian Battalions), now isolated, is ordered to withdraw.

BORNEO—British North Borneo is surrendered to Japanese at Sandakan.

BURMA—Japanese seize Tavoy and its airfield. Because of this, it is decided to withdraw Mergui garrison by sea to Rangoon at once, although Mergui has not yet been attacked. Balance of Ch 93d Division (6th Army) is ordered to move into Burma.

MIDDLE EAST—General Auchinleck issues operations instructions to Commander, British Troops in Egypt (BTE), and Commander, Eighth Army, restating that objective in Libya is Tripoli and outlining plan for defensive stand in the event the Libyan offensive cannot be continued.

USSR—Heavy fighting continues on southern front; Germans in the Crimea recapture Feodosia.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Sunday, 18 January 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—Germany, Italy, and Japan sign new military pact in Berlin.

PACIFIC—River gunboat Tutuila (PR-4), stranded at Chungking by Sino-Japanese hostilities since 1937, is decommissioned and her crew flown out of China. 

            Submarine Plunger (SS-179) torpedoes and sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Eizan Maru (ex-Panamanian Aurora) off mouth of Kii Suido, Honshu, 33°30'N, 135°00'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Frances Salman is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-552 off St. John’s, Newfoundland. There are no survivors from the 28 man crew.

            Unarmed U.S. tanker Allan Jackson is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-66 about 50 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 35°57'N, 74°20'W; destroyer Roe (DD-418) rescues the 13 survivors from the 35 man crew.

            Unarmed U.S. tanker Malay is shelled and damaged by German submarine U-123 off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina,35°25'N, 75°23'W. Freighter Scania provides fire-fighting assistance while the tanker's assailant pursues other game (Latvian freighter Ciltvaria). Although Malay is torpedoed by U-123 upon the U-boat's return and damaged further, the holed tanker reaches Hampton Roads safely the next day. One man perishes in the shelling; four drown when the ship is abandoned after she is torpedoed.

 

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—First increment (1,400 men) of US forces to be sent to UK sails for N Ireland.

HAWAIIAN AF—Another unsuccessful attack on enemy submarines in Hawaiian area. B‑17’s of TG 8.9 conduct antisubmarine search from Canton Island.

 

US ARMY

LUZON—II Corps renews efforts to restore W flank positions. U.S. 31st Infantry is still unable to gain Balantay River line on right and is under strong pressure along the river on left. Battalion of 45th Infantry (PS) reaches the Balantay to W of 31st Infantry and is attached to 31st Infantry. 2 other Battalions of 45th Infantry advance toward the Balantay between 31st Infantry and 41st Division (PA), but are halted short of objective. In I Corps area, Japanese increase pressure and force outposts to withdraw. Small enemy force is moving eastward unopposed to outflank E portion of line.

MALAYA—Indian 45th Brigade, reinforced, repels further enemy attacks in Muar-Yong Peng area and destroys a number of tanks, but landing of strong Japanese force a few miles N of Batu Pahat increases danger in this sector. In evening, Commander West Force orders withdrawal. Entire Muar front is placed temporarily under Indian 3 Corps command. During night 18–19, Indian 9th Division falls back behind Muar River, as does AUSTRALIAN 27th Brigade Group behind Segamat River. RAF bomber group withdraws from Singapore Island. to Sumatra.

USSR—On southern front, Red Army makes deep penetration near Izyum, on Donets River in the Ukraine; gains ground E of Kursk.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

Saturday, 17 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese submarine I-60 is sunk by British destroyer HMS Jupiter 25 miles north-northwest of Krakatoa, Java,06°00'S, 105°00'E.

            Japanese transport Fukusei Maru is stranded and wrecked off Yangtze Estuary, 31°00'N, 122°00'E.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter San Jose is sunk in collision with freighter Santa Elisa off Atlantic City, New Jersey, 39°15'N, 74°09'W.

  

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—B‑17’s from Malang, staging through Kendari, hit Langoan airfield and ships in Menado Bay.

HAWAIIAN AF—Aircraft unsuccessfully attack submarines in Hawaiian area. B‑17’s of TG 8.9 proceed from Palmyra to Canton Island.

 

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—War Department appoints General Breton commander of tactical forces in ABDA area.

LUZON—II Corps counterattacks to restore W portion of line, formerly held by 51st Division (PA), and makes limited progress. U.S. 31st Infantry, moving N from Abucay Hacienda area, reaches Balantay River on left but is unable to make much headway on right. Reserves move forward to plug gap between the assault Battalions. Japanese encircling column begins unopposed march down Abo-Abo River toward Orion.

            In I Corps area, Moron defenders fall back under enemy pressure to ridge S and SE of Moron.

MALAYA—Additional reinforcements are moved into Muar-Yong Peng area as enemy continues attacks and build up. West Force withdraws Battalion from Segamat, and East Force releases one from Jemaluang for operations in this area.

BORNEO—Japanese force lands at Sandakan, British North Borneo.

LIBYA-EGYPT—30 Corps, British Eighth Army, receives surrender of Halfaya garrison and takes many prisoners. 1st Free French (FF) Brigade Group was to have participated in attack on Halfaya, had the garrison not surrendered. With destruction of enemy in E Cyrenaica and reopening of communication line from there into Egypt, first phase of Libyan campaign is successfully concluded. In W Cyrenaica, 13 Corps reconnoiters enemy’s El Agheila position.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

Friday, 16 January 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—War Production Board is established to supplant Office of Production Management.

PACIFIC—Japanese invade Burma from Thailand.

            Japanese submarines continue mining the approaches to Darwin, Northern Territory: I-122 mines Clarence Strait, I-123 Bunda Strait, and I-124 the waters off Darwin itself (see 20 January).

            Japanese cargo ship Taishu Maru is wrecked when she runs aground off Okushiri Island, Hokkaido, 42°00'N,139°00'E.

            During a routine search from carrier Enterprise (CV-6), TBD (VT 6) flown by Aviation Chief Machinist's Mate Harold F. Dixon (Naval Aviation Pilot) fails to return to the ship and force-lands at sea at about 04°20'S, 169°30'E due to fuel starvation. Dixon and his two man crew have no food and no water (see 19 February).

  

US ARMY AIR FORCE

HAWAIIAN AF—First significant deployment of aircraft from Hawaiian AF begins with movement of 6 B‑17’s, commanded by Lt Col Walter C Sweeney, to Palmyra for duty with TG 8.9.

 

US ARMY

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Representatives of 21 American Republics meet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to provide for hemispheric solidarity against attack.

LUZON—In II Corps area, 51st Division (PA) counterattacks to restore positions on corps W flank; after making limited progress on right, is subjected to severe pressure and falls back in confusion, W flank elements making futile attempt to gain contact with I Corps on rugged terrain of Mt. Natib. Entire line on Bataan is jeopardized by enemy breakthrough in this sector. Japanese encircling force, although in position to turn W flank of corps, prepares instead to advance down Abo-Abo River valley. To E, 41st Division (PA) refuses its left flank in effort to tie in with 51st Division and, with assistance of elements of 23d and 32d Regiments and quickly formed provisional Battalion, succeeds in halting enemy. U.S. 31st Infantry moves to vicinity of Abucay Hacienda, on left flank of 41st Division, and prepares to counterattack; reserve force, 45th Infantry (PS), also moves toward attack positions. I Corps engages enemy for first time. Japanese cross Batalan River and attack Moron but are forced back to river line by 1st Infantry and elements of 26th Cavalry. Cavalrymen are withdrawn after engagement because of heavy losses.

MALAYA—Japanese cross Muar River and force Indian 45th Brigade from Muar, on S bank; continue landings on W coast in Muar-Batu Pahat area, increasing threat to communications. 53d Brigade of British 18th Division is released to Indian 3 Corps, which places it under Indian 11th Division command; 2 Battalions are dispatched to positions W of Yong Peng and the third is held in reserve at Ayer Hitam. RAF, concentrated on Singapore Island, prepares to withdraw to Sumatra. Singapore airdromes are still targets of daily enemy air attacks.

BURMA—46th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, arrives. Japanese attack and eventually outflank Imperial forces at Myitta, threatening Tavoy.

 

US MARINE CORPS

 

Thursday, 15 January 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—Third Conference of Foreign Ministers of the American Republics convenes at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to secure a unanimous and binding resolution for the American republics to sever relations with the Axis powers (see 28 January).

PACIFIC—American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Supreme Command is established at the Grand Hotel, Lembang, Java. General Sir Archibald Wavell, British Army, assumes supreme command of all forces in area; Lieutenant General George H. Brett, USAAF, is deputy commander; Admiral Thomas C. Hart is to command naval forces.

ATLANTIC—Storm with wind velocity of more than 80 knots and gusts of over 100 knots hits Hvalfjordur, Iceland; heavy cruiser Wichita (CA-45) is damaged in collisions with U.S. freighter West Nohno and British trawler HMS Ebor Wyke, and in grounding near Hrafneyri light. Storm conditions last until 19 January and cause heavy damage among patrol planes based there and tended by seaplane tender Albemarle (AV-5).

   

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—B‑17’s, flying out of Palembang, attack Sungei Patani airfield.

ALASKA DEFENSE COMMAND—The Alaskan Air Force is activated at Elmendorf Field. Cmdr is Lt Col Everett S Davis.

 

US ARMY

ALASKA—Alaskan Air Force is activated at Elmendorf Field under command of Lt Col Everett S. Davis.

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese, attacking vigorously at junction of 41st and 51st Divisions (PA), gain foothold on S bank of the Balantay. 51st Division commits reserves and service troops to no avail. Further reinforcements, Philippine Division (less 57th Infantry) from USAFFE reserve and 31st Division (—) (PA) from I Corps, are sent forward. Japanese enveloping column in central Bataan arrives in position to turn corps’ W flank and pauses to reorganize. Regrouping is conducted to E as enemy threat there diminishes. In I Corps area, the 2 Japanese columns driving on Moron converge and push closer to objective.

MALAYA—Forward elements of Australian 27th Brigade Group inflict more casualties on enemy in Gemas area before pulling back to main position. On W coast, Japanese reach N bank of Muar River and land small party between Muar and Batu Pahat, threatening communications of West Force in Yong Peng area. Boundary between West Force and Indian 3 Corps is altered to give this region, which Indian 45th Brigade is defending, to 3 Corps.

ABDA COMMAND—Headed by General Wavell, ABDA opens officially at Batavia, Java, at noon GMT. General Wavell is replaced as CinC India by General Sir Alan Hartley.

MIDDLE EAST—U.S. War Department, learning of transfer of Iraq and Iran to Middle East Command from India Command, cables the information to chiefs of U.S. Military North African Mission and U.S. Military Iranian Mission.

 

US MARINE CORPS